Tag: music

Children’s Theater: Lyric & the Keys Opens at the Magik Theatre

Catch the world premiere of Lyric & the Keys, a new musical about unlocking your full potential. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

San Antonio, TX –What better way to celebrate the unique vision the Magik Theatre brings to San Antonio’s performing arts community than by kicking off its latest season with a world premiere of an original musical? Lyric and the Keys will premiere on September 28 and will run until October 13. (Magik Theatre, 2024)

Lyric and the Keys tells the story of Lyric, a second-grader struggling to read and too intimidated to ask her new teacher for help. With the support of the school janitor, Mr. Hartley, and his homemade junk robot, Lyric finds the courage she needs to overcome her literacy challenges. With a childhood-centered production, catchy melodies, and a positive message celebrating diverse learning journeys, Lyric and the Keys is a perfect showcase for Magik’s mission to provide high-quality theatre for young audiences.

Lyric’s story is inspired by the play’s author, Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, now the associate dean of the University of Texas College of Fine Arts’ teacher preparation program. Growing up in a rural trailer park with a single mother whose formal education stopped at eighth grade, Schroeder-Arce struggled to find her place at school.

“My teacher was nothing like my mom, and while she was nice to me, I was deeply intimidated by what I perceived as her perfection and couldn’t learn from her. Lucky for me, the janitor at my school (who talked and dressed more like my family members) saw me struggling to read and stepped in to help. Lyric and the Keys is about how anyone can be a student and a teacher to anyone else.” – Roxanne Schroeder-Arce

Music is a big part of Lyric and the Keys—Lyric’s mom Melody expresses herself through singing and playing her guitar. Renowned singer/songwriter Jenn Hartmann Luck proved to be an ideal collaborator in developing the score and musical numbers. Like Melody, Luck writes her music on guitar and, along with arranger Ezri Killeen, decided that the best way to honor Lyric and Melody’s musical bond was through a single acoustic guitar played live on stage.

“What I really love about the evolution of this musical is that while it is inspired by Roxanne’s life, Lyric is her own little girl. She is so smart, and she comes from a difficult situation, and she finds a way to overcome it with the support of the adults in her life. Everyone who comes to see Lyric and the Keys will leave feeling inspired and challenged.” – Jenn Hartmann Luck

Hannah Rodriguez plays Lyric and Amy Bouquet plays Mr. Hartley’s junk robot, CC the Confidence Cat. Benjamin Bazán portrays Mr. Hartley, Clarissa Ramos is the teacher Miss Reed, and Tory Ross plays Lyric’s mom Melody. The crew includes Director Anthony Runfola, Playwright Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, Composer and Lyricist Jenn Hartmann Luck, Set Design by Christopher Boneta, Lighting Design by Sarah Elliot, Costume Design by David Arevalo, Zach Walsh as Sound Designer, Kristi Smith as Music Director, Tanesha Payne as Choreographer, Arrangements and Music Assistant, Ezri Killeen. Lyric & The Keys is presented by Show Sponsor H-E-B.

As with all Magik productions, the organization offers multiple ways for the community to engage with Lyric and the Keys, from a party in the park on opening day to performances geared towards special needs audiences.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND PERFORMANCES

Opening Party in the Park | Saturday, September 28, 4:30p.m., show at 6p.m.
Enjoy an evening of family fun in Hemisfair Park, celebrating the world premiere of Lyric and the Keys. Live music, treats, and a kid-friendly guitar-themed craft help kick off Magik’s new season.

Pay What You Wish Performance | Sunday, September 29, 3p.m.
As part of Magik Theatre’s mission to make theatre accessible to everyone, the organization holds one donation-based performance. Tickets are only available at the door on September 29.

Sensory-Friendly Performance | Saturday, October 5, 10a.m.
Audience members on the autism spectrum and those with sensory issues can take in a special performance of Lyric and the Keys designed just for them. Kids and adults are free to be themselves in this relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience.

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance | Saturday, October 5, 2p.m.
Patrons who communicate with ASL can attend this performance featuring Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary American Sign Language interpreter.

Educator Appreciation Performance | Sunday, October 6, 3p.m.
Educators and school faculty are eligible for one free ticket to this performance with proof of I.D. Additional tickets are available to purchase for these performances at a discount of 20% off the regular ticket prices.

Military Appreciation Day | Saturday, October 12, 2p.m.
Service members with a valid military ID can purchase discounted $18 tickets. All audience members can arrive early to catch pre-show entertainment from The HoneyBs, a trio whose three-part harmonies recall the Andrew Sisters’ WWII swing.

2024-2025 TICKET OPTIONS
Season subscriptions, Flex Passes, and single ticket sales are available now.

SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING
Four Show Subscription $70 per person (Savings of 30% off single ticket prices)
Three Show Subscription $55.50 per person (Savings of 26% off single ticket prices)
Season ticket holders will also have access to sneak peek performances, special VIP invitations and other surprises throughout the season. No fees to exchange unexpired tickets to another date. Expires June 1, 2025.

FLEX PASS PRICING – Ten Flex Passes $190
A Flex Pass is a package of 10 tickets that can be used for any production at Magik Theatre. Flex passes can be used any way patrons wish throughout the season. Use them one or two at a time, or all together. No fees to exchange unexpired tickets to another date. Expires June 1, 2025.

SINGLE TICKETS
• $25 for adults
• $20 for children (ages 3-17), Military, Seniors, Educators & Students
• Children under 2 years old are free.

Purchase season subscriptions, flex passes, and single tickets online, via phone (210) 227-2751, and in person at Magik Theatre’s Box Office (420 S Alamo, 78205). Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9a.m. – 5p.m.

If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries, contact the Magik Theatre.

Empire State Unveiled: What to Expect from Greg Copeland’s Latest EP

Empire State is available now. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Los Angeles – Singer-songwriter Greg Copeland is a Southern California native whose depth of feeling for music—and natural ability to conjure it up with spare, graceful melodies and lyrics that are plain spoken poetry—has been in inverse proportion to his body of work. His comfortable, yet candid, way with words make his new EP a welcome addition to his catalog of music. He has a natural ability to conjure up spare, graceful melodies and evocative lyrics that are plain spoken poetry. His genuine sentiments and strength of character, together with the intricate nuances of these musical compositions, create a vividly illustrative sound that allows him to shed light on difficult circumstances. His latest EP, Empire State was released on September 6, 2024. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2024)

The collection of songs exudes a sense of urgency and presence. Empire State takes place right this minute. Copeland’s characters and narratives “volunteer” themselves to be bared to the world through song and often recur throughout his catalog of music. Like a sentinel keeping watch, his songs are a report back to the listener, as inspiration for writing seems to bubble up from within. Copeland says, “When the odometer clicked over to 2000, I somehow started writing again. Don’t know why, just had to, and the three subsequent recordings are what matter to me most at this point.”

After a 26 year hiatus since his 1982 debut Revenge Will Come, Copeland went back into the studio and reemerged with his second release, Diana and James (Released 2008 on Browne’s label Inside Recordings). This triggered new writing towards a collection of songs that led to his third album, The Tango Bar, in 2020.

Empire State is out now on Copeland’s own independent label, Franklin & Highland Recordings, and internationally with Hemifrån/Paraply Records (Non-U.S. Territories).

Tyler Chester produced both Empire State and The Tango Bar and feature longtime comrade and producer of Copeland’s 2008 release Greg Leisz on pedal steel and mandocello, among other instruments. Chester, a multiple Grammy-nominated producer, session musician, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, also plays keys throughout Empire State as well as bass on the first track. Returning from previous albums to join them are longtime Jackson Browne sideman Val McCallum on electric and rubber bridge slide guitar; Jay Bellerose on drums and percussion; and Jennifer Condos on bass. Sara Watkins joins on fiddle for a track.

Empire State tracklist:
1. Boon Time
2. We the Gathered
3. 4:59:59
4. Coyotes
5. Empire State

Greg Copeland. Photo: Chris Schmitt, used with permission.

Rooted in Melody: Laurie Lewis’ New Album Trees

Laurie Lewis will receive a 2024 IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award and is on tour with new album. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

BERKELEY, Calif. — With five decades of music-making to her credit, multi-GRAMMY nominee Laurie Lewis has emerged as both a successor and contemporary of the many greats in bluegrass, old-time, and folk music. Unafraid to venture beyond established boundaries, she has carved out her place as a uniquely singular vocalist, songwriter, instrumentalist, and frontwoman in genres revered for their adherence to tradition, authenticity, and the canon of the forebearers. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2024)

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has announced that Lewis will receive a 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award at the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards taking place Thursday, September 26, at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, North Carolina.

A two-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, she also won the coveted Song of the Year award for her rendition of the now-standard ‘Who Will Watch the Home Place?’ She has sung and recorded with Linda Ronstadt (“Pretty Bird”), and set poems by Wendell Berry to music—at his request (“Burley Coulter’s Song for Kate Helen Branch”). She’s influenced and inspired folks like guitarist phenom Molly Tuttle—one example of an entire generation of pickers and singers who call her a mentor. Ultimately, Lewis occupies a unique, superlative niche in American roots music that is all her own.

Lewis released her 24th album, TREES, on May 31 on her own label, Spruce and Maple Music. With it, she presents a profound and multifaceted perspective with life, nature, loss, and grief. While deeply reflective, this set includes danceable music that drips with community and never feels burdened by its subject matter or apparent solitude. These songs—seven originals and a handful of covers—aren’t too concerned with genre, especially given that bluegrass and old-time tend to spout from Lewis like a bubbling mountain spring, in so many distinct manifestations. 

Her band includes Lewis on guitar and lead vocals throughout (along with fiddle on one track), Hasee Ciaccio on bass, Brandon Godman on fiddle, Patrick Sauber on banjo, and George Guthrie on guitar and banjo. Special guests on the album include Andrew Marlin on mandolin, Sam Reider on accordion, and Nina Gerber on guitar.

Trees tracklist:
1. Just a Little Ways Down the Road
2. Enough
3. Texas Wind
4. Why’d You Have To Break My Heart
5. Quaking Aspen
6. Trees
7. Long Gone
8. Hound Dog Blues
9. The Banks are Covered in Blue
10. Down on the Levee
11. The Day is Mine
12. Rock The Pain Away

Laurie Lewis Tour Dates:
9/17-20 – Bluegrass on Whitewater – Rogue River, OR
9/22 – FreshGrass Festival – North Adams, MA
9/25-26 – IBMA Conference – Raleigh, NC
9/27 – IBMA WOB Festival – Raleigh NC
10/5 – Hardly Strictly Bluegrass – San Francisco, CA
11/2 – McCloud River Mountain Music – McCloud, CA
11/8 – The Old Steeple – Ferndale, CA
11/9 – Soper Reese Theatre – Lakeville, CA
11/30 – Freight & Salvage – Berkeley, CA

Laurie Lewis. Photo: Irene Young, used with permission.

Attempted Lover: What’s New in Sueco’s Sophomore Album

Sueco releases sophomore album Attempted Lover. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Platinum-certified singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sueco has released his highly anticipated sophomore album, Attempted Lover. This is Sueco’s first independently released album showcasing his dynamic, experimental sound, which combines alternative rock, emo-rap, and punk elements. He channels the spirit of nineties punk through a 21st-century lens, tapping into the unpredictability of hyperpop, the catharsis of hardcore, and a whole lot of hip-hop finesse. (Big Picture Media, 2024)

The album highlights his raw vocals, meant to be played at full volume through listeners’ speakers. He had a few singles off of the album released leading up to this including the stripped-back song “Mulholland Drive,” fast-paced anthem “Drama Queen.” His most recent single is the heavy alt-rock banger “Outta My Head,” which hit #1 on trending audio for Instagram reels, further showcasing fans’ anticipation for the album release.

“I put this album together after coming home from a year and a half of non-stop touring. It was really nostalgic for me skating around the streets I grew up on, and I decided to set up a studio in the garage of my dad’s house where I started making music about 15 years ago. I looked through about 200 demos, piecing together some of the best songs I could find, and this album is what came out of it.” – Sueco

Earlier this summer, Sueco announced his North American tour supporting the album, kicking off September 13 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Supporting him on this tour will be the newly formed rock band GXTP, fronted by hit producer Poo Bear.

They will make stops throughout North America, visiting major cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas, Denver, Chicago, Toronto, Boston, New York, and more before wrapping on November 2 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets are available to purchase now. 

Upcoming Sueco North America Tour Dates:
September 13 – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
September 14 – Jacksonville, Florida
September 15 – Orlando, Florida
September 17 – Atlanta, Georgia
September 19 – Dallas, Texas
September 20 – Houston, Texas
September 21 – Austin, Texas
September 24 – Phoenix, Arizona
September 25 – San Diego, California
September 27 – Los Angeles, California
September 28 – Santa Ana, California
September 29 – Santa Cruz, California
October 1 – Sacramento, California
October 3 – Seattle, Washington
October 4 – Vancouver, British Columbia
October 5 – Portland, Oregon
October 9 – Denver, Colorado
October 11 – Kansas City, Missouri
October 12 – St. Louis, Missouri
October 15 – Minneapolis, Minnesota
October 16 – Madison, Wisconsin
October 18 – Chicago, Illinois
October 19 – Detroit, Michigan
October 20 – Toronto, Ontario
October 22 – Montreal, QC
October 23 – Boston, Massachusetts
October 26 – New York, New York
October 28 – Cleveland, OH
October 29 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
October 31 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 1 – Silver Spring, Maryland
November 2 – Charlotte, North Carolina

Sueco’s debut single, “Fast,” blew up in a big way during 2019. It captured #1 on TikTok, #1 on Spotify’s Viral 50 – Global, and #1 on the Viral 50 – US, reached gold status, and attracted Offset and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie for its high-powered Official Remix. On the heels of his first full-length project MISCREANT, he teamed up with Ty Dolla $ign, Wiz Khalifa, and Lil Yachty for “Speed Of Life,” Papa Roach on “Swerve” [feat. FEVER 333 & Sueco], and Illenium on “Story Of My Life” [feat. Sueco & Trippie Redd].

Embracing his earliest influences, he has also worked with producers and cowriters such as John Feldmann [Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Jxdn, 5SOS] and Colin “DOC” Brittain [5SOS, Papa Roach]. He served up “PRIMADONA,” “SOS” [feat. Travis Barker], “Sober/Hungover” [feat. Arizona Zervas], and “Paralyzed.” After generating over 1.2 billion streams throughout his career so far and receiving praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, NYLON, Alternative Press, Billboard, and more, this is just the beginning for Sueco.

Courtesy photo:

Attempted Lover tracklist:

Wreck

Outta My Head

Somebody Else

Bathroom Floor

Anastasia

Wanna Feel Something

452AM

Bad Idea

Never Even Left

Mouthful of Spiders

Drama Queen

Mulholland Drive

Exploring Jim Morrison’s Esoteric Legacy in Paul Wyld’s New Book

‘Jim Morrison, Secret Teacher of the Occult: A Journey to the Other Side’ by Paul Wyld. Photo: Amazon

Jim Morrison, the enigmatic frontman of The Doors, was a pioneering figure in rock music, known for his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence. Born on December 8, 1943, Morrison’s lyrics often explored the themes of existentialism, love, and rebellion, making him a symbol of counterculture in the 1960s. His poetic and provocative performances captivated audiences and influenced countless musicians. Despite his profound impact, Morrison’s life was tragically cut short when he died on July 3, 1971, in Paris at the age of 27. His legacy endures through his innovative contributions to rock music and his status as an iconic cultural figure.

In today’s book news, there’s a new book coming out next month that shines the spotlight on this charismatic rock legend.

Paul Wyld is a singer-songwriter, artist, poet, and author with a liberal arts degree in history. His new book “Jim Morrison, Secret Teacher of the Occult: A Journey to the Other Side” is a journey into the mystical and spiritual side of the famed Doors front man. It will be released on September 10, 2024 (Inner Traditions, 2024)

“Jim Morrison, Secret Teacher of the Occult” – The groundbreaking 1960s band The Doors, named for Aldous Huxley’s The Doors of Perception, achieved incredible acclaim and influence, ultimately serving as a key group in the development of psychedelic and progressive rock. At the center of it all was front man Jim Morrison, who died in 1971 at age 27. Yet, as author Paul Wyld reveals, despite Morrison’s reputation as a lewd, drunken performer, he was a full-fledged mystical, shamanic figure, a secret teacher of the occult who was not merely central to the development of rock music, but also to the growth of the Western esoteric tradition as a whole.

Wyld looks at the mystical works that inspired Morrison, including Kurt Seligmann’s The Mirror of Magic, Colin Wilson’s The Outsider, and the writings of Nietzsche and Jack Kerouac. Drawing on Morrison’s lyrics and poems, his intimate writings, and the recollections of friends like photographer Paul Ferrara and Doors keyboard player Ray Manzarek, the author makes the case that Morrison was not simply a superficial dabbler in the occult but an actual secret teacher transmitting knowledge through the golden thread stretching back to Egypt and Thoth-Hermes.

Explaining how Morrison sought to use his role as a rock singer to express the power of inner experience, Wyld shows how praxis was at the heart of Morrison’s approach, revealed in his journey through the arduous ordeals of shamanic initiation. He was a shaman, mystic, and sage—and an essential part of a great spiritual awakening to which he gave himself over fully.

This book:

• Reveals Jim Morrison as a shamanic initiate and esoteric teacher who used his role as a rock singer to promote the adventure of the spirit and express the power of inner experience

• Examines Morrison’s deep occult and artistic influences, including Kurt Seligmann’s The Mirror of Magic, Colin Wilson’s The Outsider, and the works of Jack Kerouac

• Draws on Morrison’s lyrics and poems, his intimate writings, and the recollections of friends like photographer Paul Ferrara and Doors keyboard player Ray Manzarek

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Two Trains Left’s ‘Probably For Nothing’: A Look into Their Latest LP

Two Trains Left announce new LP Probably For Nothing. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Two Trains Left is a pop-punk band hailing from Paris. Their debut EP Sorry & Pathetic, released in 2018, garnered significant attention and set the stage for the band’s future successes. This initial triumph led them to open for notable acts such as Anti-Flag, Story Untold, Between You & Me, and Hockey Dad in Paris, as well as Møme on the main stage of the “24h de l’INSA” festival in Lyon. (Two Trains Left, 2024)

The group recently released their new single and music video for “Sail Away” featuring long time supporters Chunk! No Captain Chunk! Blending both Parisian artist’s distinct styles together brings a powerful dynamic to the song, creating a unique sound that serves as a personal anthem of growth, self-discovery, and determination. Combining catchy guitar riffs, groovy bass lines and powerful vocals, “Sail Away” invites listeners on a journey through raw emotion and undeniable intensity.

They also announced that their latest LP, Probably For Nothing is scheduled for release on September 20. The 12 track album produced by easycore icons Chunk! No Captain Chunk! frontman Bertrand Poncet takes listeners on a thrilling ride through Two Trains Left’s evolving soundscapes, showcasing their unique blend of high-energy tracks and reflective ballads. Probably For Nothing seamlessly combines infectious melodies with heartfelt lyrics, reflecting the band’s coming of age while encapsulating their journey through the unknown.

Speaking to how one’s personal evolution can lead to resilience and liberation, even if the outcome is uncertain, the band shares:

“Probably For Nothing captures our evolution and experimentation in a way that feels cohesive and engaging. We wanted to create an album that resonates deeply with listeners, offering them a mix of powerful anthems and reflective ballads that they can connect with on a personal level. Our hope was to leave a lasting impact and provide a memorable and engaging listening experience from start to finish.”

Probably For Nothing tracklist

Never Again

Disappear

Lack of Sleep

Something New

Innocent Hearts

Need You Here

Broken Pieces

Alone

Comfort Zone

Feeling Fine

Sail Away

Probably for Nothing

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How Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden Redefines Valley’s Musical Landscape

Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden is Valley’s forthcoming new album. Photo: Becca Hamel, used with permission.

JUNO Award nominated band Valley returns this year with their most intimate and personal record yet. Water The Flowers, Pray For A Garden is an exploration of grief and resilience from one of today’s most exciting alternative-pop bands. (Big Hassle, 2024)

Since forming in 2016, Valley has accrued over 1 billion streams globally, having appeared on viral charts in the US, Philippines, Korea, Japan, and more. Along with their three JUNO Award nominations, the band has also garnered praise from Consequence, Wonderland, American Songwriter, and CBC. Helping prompt much of their global recognition was “Like 1999,” a gold certified hit that went viral on TikTok.

Valley has also become known for their high-energy live shows, which have been brought to renowned festivals like Life Is Beautiful, Governors Ball, Slow Life, and Wunderstruck as well as their debut US TV performance as part of Stephen Colbert’s #LiveAtHome session.

The three-piece alternative-pop band, comprised of Rob Laska (lead vocals, guitar), Alex Dimauro (bass), and Karah James (vocals, drums), recently released “Bass Player’s Brother.” This infectious, drum-driven track features dreamy synths and grooves, all the while telling the story of a toxic, ever-repeating relationship. The song drops on the heels of the singles “When You Know Someone” and the album’s title track “Water The Flowers, Pray For A Garden,” with the full album set to arrive on August 30 through Capitol Records/Universal Music Canada. 

“‘Bass Player’s Brother’ is a song about cyclical love and obsession. In life we often find ourselves in realities that don’t suit our truth, yet we continue to drag ourselves back to the feeling of staying for love’s sake. It’s cyclical in nature yet rooted in heartache and hurt. It’s the back-and-forth outcome of these habits that cause us to stay when we know we should leave. This is the only song on the album where we didn’t reference real names. Sometimes we like to play characters in songs even though we’re always thinking about someone in our lives. We wanted to paint a picture of a classic Americana heartbreak love story.”- Valley

Water the Flowers, Pray For A Garden is a brave exploration of the full spectrum of emotions with an invitation to also surrender control and trust the process. Recorded over the span of a month in the Smoky Mountains and produced by COIN’s Chase Lawrence, Valley captures a specific moment in time. Through embracing the transformative power of death and rebirth, the band finds themselves reinvented and the most inspired they have felt thus far in their careers.

In addition to the summer festival appearances and Canadian shows with friends The Beaches, Dizzy and Arkells, Valley have announced their Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden North American headlining tour spanning coast to coast in the US and Canada. The tour includes shows at iconic venues and some of the biggest rooms they’ve played to date, including Brooklyn Steel in New York, The Wiltern in Los Angeles, History in Toronto and more.

WATER THE FLOWERS, PRAY FOR A GARDEN US TOUR DATES
September 28 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer*
September 29 – Boston, MA – House of Blues*
October 1 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club*
October 2 -Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel*
October 4 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel*
October 5 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre*
October 6 – Nashville, TN – Cannery Hall*
October 8 – Chicago, IL – The Vic Theatre*
October 9 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue*
October 11 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theatre*
October 12 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre*
October 13 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Centre*
October 15 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren*
October 16 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park*
October 18 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern*
October 19 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre*
October 21 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall*
October 22- Seattle, WA – The Showbox*

*support from Mickey Darling and Charli Adams

Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden Tracklist: (Courtesy photo)

1. Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden
2. A Little More
3. Growing (Apart)
4. When You Know Someone
5. Let It Rain
6. Crawlspace
7. Mosquito
8. Bop Ba
9. I Didn’t Even Ask For This
10. Bass Player’s Brother
11. Life Goes On Without Me
12. Cocoon

A Journey Through Blues and Beyond: Devon Allman’s Latest ‘Miami Moon’

Devon Allman’s new album Miami Moon will be released August 16, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Fresh off setting a world record (50 shows in 50 states in 49 days) and a pair of wildly successful national and international tours with The Allman Betts Family Revival and 2024’s Allman Betts Band tour, Devon Allman is thrilled to announce Miami Moon, his first solo LP in 8 years dropping August 16 via his own, Create Records. “White Horse” is the first single from the new album. (Big Hassle, 2024)

For the album, Allman put together one of the finest studio bands in recent history featuring George Porter Jr. (The Meters) on bass, Ivan Neville (Keith Richards, Dumpstaphunk,) on keyboards, Adam Deitch (Lettuce,) on drums, Karl Denson (The Rolling Stones) on saxophone and Jackson Stokes on guitar. Fans can pre-save Miami Moon here.

Miami Moon was recorded on 2” analog tape at the historic Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida (the studio where Layla and Eat a Peach were born) and was produced by Grammy-winning producer Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, Chris “Kingfish” Ingram).

With Miami Moon, Allman has created what Tom Hambridge calls a masterpiece. The album sounds like the past and the future colliding under neon pink Miami skies…funky, fresh, and soulful. Allman will be touring worldwide all year in support of the new album with his high energy 6 piece band, the Devon Allman Project.

Miami Moon track listing:

White Horse

Incredible

You

Miami Moon

Sahara

Climb Aboard

Body Electric

Take Time to Taste It

You Gotta Make it Through the World

Catch Devon Allman on tour:
July 25 @ Hawaii Theatre | Honolulu, HI
July 28 @ Fuji Rock Festival | Minamiuonuma, Japan
^w/ JD Simo

Devon Allman Project
August 3 @ Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza | Mammoth Lakes, CA
August 9 @ Bayfront Blues Festival | Duluth, MN
August 17 @ Chenango Blues Festival | Norwich, NY

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Sweet Delusions: Eddy Lee Ryder’s Latest Musical Journey

Sweet Delusions is Eddy Lee Ryder’s forthcoming new album. Photo: Jeff Harris, used with permission.

With the release of her first full-length album on the horizon, Eddy Lee Ryder unveils her newest single, “Bad Decisions,” which is coincidentally the birthday of the heartbreaker who inspired the tune. Synthesizing timeless songcraft, dramatic introspection, and infinite pop smarts to create a breathtaking song cycle of apocalyptic romance and anxious regret, badly broken hearts, and wishful hope for the future, Sweet Delusions will be available everywhere soon. (One In A Million Media, 2024)

Quirky and charming while still precise and powerfully personal, Sweet Delusions reveals the self-described “demented pop” chanteuse as a one-of-a-kind new artist, her unabashed heartache and beguiling humor completely her own yet as identifiable and real as any of our own. Penned and performed with uncommon brio and invention, the album sees Ryder musing on lust, longing, and lost love across shimmering choruses and a vertiginous undercurrent of contemplative melancholy, turning her raw pain into expertly wrought anthems that simultaneously hearken back to both truck stop jukeboxes and glittering art deco cafés.

Having earned applause for her sadly beautiful portraits of love and life on the margins, with songs like “Smoke and Mirrors” featured in the cult hit horror film Terrifier 2, Ryder set to work on her long-brewing debut album in 2022, collaborating with producer Dave Cerminara between his studio in LA and the Outlier Inn in New York’s southern Catskill Mountains.

Once Ryder hit the studio, armed with a cache of songs inspired by “an extremely bad ending with someone who was my best friend,” her apocalyptic romanticism naturally led to the album’s “accidental country” sound, a rhinestone-flecked bed of twangy guitars, languid bass, and irresistible melodies created with accompaniment from longtime Father John Misty drummer/musical director Dan Bailey, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Chae, pedal steel player Rich Hinman, and keyboardists Todd Caldwell, and Dave Shephard, along with harmonies and other help from NYC friends like pianist Abby Payne and Rebecca Haviland.

Despite her love of guise and character, the clear through line that unifies Ryder’s still evolving body of work is her storyteller’s gift for cutting to the quick of her own complex, unconventional nature. Impossible to pigeonhole, with Sweet Delusions, Eddy Lee Ryder proudly avoids being fitted into any particular category or genre, her creative adventurousness and tongue-in-cheek humor distinctly and undeniably her own.

“I don’t how to not write from a personal perspective. How do you sit down and write something that’s only surface?” – Eddy Lee Ryder

Sweet Delusions tracklist:

1. Sweet Delusions
2. Highwaymen
3. Bad Decisions
4. Joke Is On Me
5. Antarctica
6. Pennyroyal Tea
7. Simple Touch
8. Shoop Shoop Shut Up
9. Smoke and Mirrors
10. Only Real Cowboy
11. County Fair

‘Hereditary:’ Unveiling Cassadee Pope’s Latest Musical Evolution

‘Hereditary’ will be released on July 12, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Cassadee Pope’s fourth LP, Hereditary, has been a long time coming for the Nashville-based singer/songwriter. Her first full-length since 2021’s Thrive marks her boldest, most resonant reimagining yet, a return to the upbeat, high-octane pop-punk sound she built her career on some 15 years ago. Pope is  back where she belongs – aided by the benefit of years of personal introspection and a desire to fully understand her true identity.

The album’s 12 tracks are, in many ways, the reclamation of the grief Pope has experienced throughout her life. The album is the result of a decade and a half as a professional songwriter, but also a relatively newfound willingness to unlock the why behind her feelings. After years spent inside the machine, everything’s come full circle for Cassadee Pope, though she’s now finally confident enough to sit back and enjoy what’s to come. (Big Picture Media, 2024)

The Grammy-nominated, Platinum-certified singer-songwriter recently shared the new music video for the single “I Died (ft Daisha Mcbride)” off of her upcoming album, Hereditary, due out July 12.  Pre-save Hereditary here. 

The album marks The Voice winner’s first full length following her shift from country back to her pop punk roots. With “I Died,” the former voice of rock band Hey Monday masterfully captures the raw emotions of love, loss, and longing following a one sided breakup. 

The pop punk / rap track explores the feelings of abandonment while channeling the strength it takes to move forward from heartache. The track serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find solace in shared experiences. The collaboration between Cassadee and Daisha has created a genre blending fusion of pop punk and rap, proving that even when we feel our most vulnerable, music will always be there to offer a sense of community.  

Cassadee’s powerful voice and storytelling brings heartache and healing to life on Hereditary, an emotional rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of life, love and self-discovery. Each track is a testament to the journey we embark on, shaped by our upbringing and the legacies passed down through generations. Whether that’s love, betrayal or the intricate web of family dynamics, the title Hereditary captures the essence of our roots, the echoes of our past and the quest to carve our own path. 

“Hereditary offers a soundtrack to navigate the complexities of life with authenticity and courage. I couldn’t think of a better backdrop for these lyrics than pop/punk and I hope this album gives people permission to feel everything!” -Cassadee Pope

Cassadee released another Hereditary single and music video, “Three Of Us” earlier this year, which invites listeners to confront the darkness of addiction and embrace the power of empathy, compassion and community. 

She will be hitting the road this summer on her headlining Hereditary Tour. The tour will be making stops throughout the country, kicking off July 11 in Anaheim, California and visiting Los Angeles, Knoxville, Albany, Charleston and more before wrapping on July 31 in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

This fall Cassadee will be joining multi-platinum-selling Canadian pop-rock band, Marianas Trench on The Force of Nature tour – produced by Live Nation, making stops across the US, including shows in Dallas, Orlando, Nashville, New York City, Chicago, Denver, and wrapping up in Salt Lake City. 

Upcoming Cassadee Pope U.S. Tour Dates
July 11 – Anaheim, California – Chain Reaction~
July 12 – Los Angeles, California – The Peppermint Club~
July 13 – Mesa, Arizona – Nile Underground~
July 14 – Flagstaff, AZ – Pop Punk Summer Camp Festival
July 19 – Knoxville, Tennessee- Open Chord*
July 21 – Indianapolis, Indiana – Turntable*
July 22 – Louisville Kentucky – Headliners Music Hall*
July 23 – Albany, New York – Empire Live*
July 24 – Syracuse, New York – Funk ‘N Waffles*
July 26 – Virginia Beach, Virginia – Elevation 27*
July 27 – Durham, North Carolina – Motorco Music Hall*
July 29 – Charleston, South Carolina – Music Farm*
July 30 – Jacksonville, Florida – Underbelly*
July 31 – West Palm Beach, Florida – Respectable Street*
October 19-20 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young Festival^
February 4-8 – Emo’s Not Dead Cruise^

~Foxies opening
*Natalia Taylar opening / Foxies direct support
^Billed as Hey Monday

Hereditary tracklist 

  1. People That I Love Leave 
  2. Eye Contact 
  3. Secret Master 
  4. More To Me
  5. Three Of Us 
  6. Rom Coms
  7. Almost There 
  8. Capacity 
  9. I Died (feat Daisha McBride) 
  10. Hereditary 
  11. Ever Since That World Ended (feat. Aaron Gillespie) 
  12. Wrong One