Tag: Rock

Vlad Holiday’s My Favorite Drug: The Soundtrack for a Modern Love Story

Sonic shapeshifter Vlad Holiday announces debut record with release of new single Closer. Photo: Kate Lamendola, used with permission.

Romania-born, Nashville-based melancholy romantic Vlad Holiday recently announced that his debut record, My Favorite Drug, will be released on November 15 via ONErpm. Along with this news comes the second single Closer. Feeling like a covert mission, or a secret known only between two lovers, the deeply layered song seems to endlessly build before it is quickly punctuated. (Big Hassle, 2024)

The most recent release features guest vocals from Cage The Elephant’s Matt Shultz, who is also a co-writer on the track. For careful listeners, Shultz’s voice can be heard singing the “ah ah ah ah” hook and some repeated “closers” in the outro.

On the single, Holiday shares, “This is a love song. It introduces the romantic element of the album. It’s about going with the flow and letting the universe do its thing, rather than forcing things into existence.”

Kacey Musgraves joined Holiday for the bender-ender, genre-fusing track I Don’t Wanna Party Anymore. The sultry, mischievous track arrived right on time for his tour dates alongside Cage The Elephant, Young the Giant and Bakar. See all upcoming dates here and below.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES
November 6 – Grand Rapids, MI – Pyramid Scheme
November 7 – Indianapolis, IN – LO-FI Lounge

On his upcoming debut album Holiday said, “I’ve been releasing music for years, and a full-length album never really seemed like a thing I wanted to do. But as these songs were being written, I was noticing a pattern. Fragments of a story I had to tell. More for myself than for anyone else. It’s definitely one of those, ‘listen to it in order’ albums.”

Vlad Holiday has made a career of romanticizing the past, the human condition, and looking at love and relationships through dark-tinted lenses. With downtempo crooner tracks all tinged with melancholy, Holiday has built a sonic world of his own that tries to find comfort in accepting the darker moments in life. Having gained over 40 million streams as a completely independent artist, it seems as if he’s resonating with a subculture of people that are also trying to do the same. 

Born in Bucharest, Romania, later having to flee to New York, and now based in Nashville, Holiday’s sound is heavily shaped by the weight of feeling like an outsider always on the move. Building the foundation of his music career with a downtown NYC lo-fi sound, he’s deeply indebted to his love for vintage microphones, tape machines and other old recording equipment; key elements of his signature sound and production style. 

Now in Nashville, there’s an optimism to Holiday’s current chapter as he builds out his next body of work while collaborating with other artists in Music City. Most recently, he co-wrote Cage The Elephant’s “Neon Pill,” “Metaverse” and “Over Your Shoulder” before being joined by Kacey Musgraves on “I Don’t Wanna Party Anymore. However bright the current moment may be, flecks of Holiday’s past always steep his music in a darkness that shows that he is a human in the middle of his journey. 

Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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Transformative Sounds: The Impact of trauma ray’s Chameleon on Listeners

trauma ray’s Chameleon will be released on October 25, 2024. Photo: Will McCarthy, used with permission.

The powerful new single Bardo from the North Texas rock band trauma ray is eerie, deviating between noisy one string bends and surging headbang, mapping a middle ground between Unwound and nu-metal. (another/side, 2024)

“Bardo is the in-between. Whether that’s life or death, or a purgatory. It’s about being stuck in between one phase and the next. When you can feel the past fading and yet you can’t quite see the path to the future either.” – Jonathan Perez, trauma ray guitarist

The Texas five is set to release their highly anticipated debut album Chameleon on October 25 via Dais Records which has already seen early acclaim from The FADER, Stereogum, Consequence (Heavy Song of the Week), Brooklyn Vegan, New Noise and more. Since first making waves with a S/T EP in 2018, trauma ray has been honing their live set across increasingly adventurous American tours – stacking amps and turning heads show by show, justly earning them a massive following in no time. The band’s three guitar attack is a force to behold, alternately surging, savage and spectral, drenched in precision distortion. 

The core songwriting duo of Uriel Avila and Jonathan Perez has expanded and refined the project’s vision and craft, culminating throughout Chameleon. Rounded out by bassist Darren Baun, drummer Nicholas Bobotas, and guitarist Coleman Pruitt, the album both synthesizes and transcends its influences, a stormy fusion of downer hooks, apocalyptic beauty, and bulldozer riffs.

The name trauma ray was inspired by the German word for ‘daydream, or ‘dream state,’ in classic shoegaze fashion. Avila’s background in a devout Pentecostal community gives his lyrics about guilt, purgatory, and passing to the other side to an emotional authenticity that cuts through the music’s majestic volume.

Chameleon is a masterpiece of craft, balance, melody, lyricism, and gravity, flexing a fresh vision of loud-quiet-loud architectures and the vertigo depths of blasted harmonics. From Slowdive to Deftones to Hum and beyond, trauma ray absorb and expand on their influences into a rare and dedicated alchemy. trauma ray’s cinematic tempest is a gathering storm only just taking flight.

Just after a U.K. run, trauma ray will perform across their home state including dates at Levitation and with Panchiko. Other highlights include two release shows: one headlining The Roxy in LA and San Diego’s Voodoo Room. See all dates below and grab tickets here.

Trauma Ray Live Dates:
Oct 26: Birmingham, UK – XOYO *
Oct 27: Manchester, UK – B.E.C. Arena (Outbreak Autumn)
Oct 28: London, UK – New Cross
Oct 31: Rubber Gloves – Denton, TX
Nov 01: Levitation – Austin, TX
Nov 03: Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre ~
Nov 04: Little Rock, AR – EJ’s
Nov 06: Kansas City, MO – The Truman ~
Nov 07: Chicago, IL – Sleeping Village #
Nov 08: Indianapolis, IN – Deluxe ~
Nov 09: Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation ~
Nov 10: Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre ~
Nov 12: Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer ~
Nov 13: Boston, MA – 4th Wall
Nov 14: New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
Nov 15: New York, NY – TV Eye #
Nov 16: Washington, D.C. – Comet Ping Pong !
Nov 17: Richmond, VA – Cobra Cabana !
Nov 18: Raleigh, NC – Kings !
Nov 19: Atlanta, GA – Altar #
Nov 20: Birmingham, AL – Saturn #
Nov 21: New Orleans, LA – Siberia #
Nov 22: Houston, TX – TBD #
Nov 23: San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger #
Nov 29: Los Angeles – The Roxy (Record Release) ^
Nov 30: San Diego – Voodoo Room (Record Release) $

* w/ Citizen
~ w/ Panchiko
# w/ Leaving Time
! w/ Leaving Time and Full Body
^ w/ Toner, Lvster, Slumped
$ w/ Toner, Slumped, Sparkler

Chameleon tracklist:

1 – Ember
2 – Torn
3 – Chameleon
4 – Bardo
5 – Bishop
6 – Elegy
7 – Drift
8 – Breath
9 – Spectre
10 – Flare
11 – ISO
12 – U.S.D.D.O.S.

Behind the Lyrics: The Stories Within robbietheused’s New Album

robbietheused announces debut self titled pop LP. Photo: Ryan Muirhead, used with permission.

New York, New York – The Used’s frontman Bert McCracken has announced his debut full length album under his solo project, robbietheused, out October 25 via Big Noise Records. Following the success of his latest singles, Terrible and The Feels, the LP dips its toes into uncharted territory for Bert, as the famously known Alternative Rock star with a lifelong passion for pop music. (Big Picture Media, 2024)

In general, robbietheused always finds solace in writing and recording new music because this creativity has a positive impact on his mental health. Having these songs was particularly vital, as he started writing during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was unable to travel from his home in Australia. 

Producer John Feldmann came onboard to work on robbietheused material. Given that the two men have known and collaborated with each other for decades, it wasn’t a stretch for them to focus on pop-oriented songs. In fact, this camaraderie led to adventurous sound explorations, such as incorporating heavy bass undertones and effects and vocoders. 

“Any feeling is valid—and to be able to put it to song is incredible. And there’s so much room in this world for positivity. I want this music to show that there’s room for love. There’s room for growth. There’s room for redemption. There’s so many good people—and so many good things happening.” – robbietheused

Fans can listen to robbie’s latest single, Terrible and pre-save the robbietheused album.

robbietheused will be taking these new tracks on the road, on his highly anticipated, limited 5 stop fall tour kicking off on October 30 in Anaheim, CA,followed by shows in major cities: Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New York City. The tour will wrap up on November 5 in Asbury Park, NJ.

Tickets are now available online for all robbietheused fall tour dates.

2024 Fall Tour Dates
October 30 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues Anaheim – The Parish
October 31 – Los Angeles, CA – Echoplex
November 3 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl
November 4 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre
November 6 – Asbury, NJ – House of Independents

robbietheused tracklist:

Terrible

Always Gonna Be Like This

Gladiator

The Middle

Just A Little Bit

Wake Up Call

In My Dreams

Blame You

Push Me (ft. Sierra Deaton)

Gold In The Ashes

Something You Can Count On

The Feels

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311’s Full Bloom: A Look Into the Band’s Latest Masterpiece

311 announces their highly anticipated album Full Bloom. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New York, NY – The platinum certified rock band 311 is back with the announcement of their highly anticipated 14th studio album, Full Bloom, out October 25. In celebration, the band has released their new track and visualizer for “Need Somebody,” out now. The track speaks to avoiding isolation and staying connected with the people that love you. (Big Hassle Media, 2024)

With more than 10 million records sold in just the United States alone, 311 has never been hotter. Having just wrapped a successful headlining US run of their “Unity Tour,” one of the most successful tours of the their 34 year history, they are known to emphasize the importance of community through the lens of communication and connection. 

Full Bloom is 311’s first full length project in 5 years following their album Voyager in 2019. Their first single off the album, “You’re Gonna Get It” is the band’s highest charting song in 13 years, breaking into the top 15 at Alternative Radio. The introspective track reflecting upon the realization that all actions have consequences, even if they aren’t immediate, has over 1M streams since its release this summer. Fans can now pre-save Full Bloom. 

“We hope fans can take from this album 311’s message of positivity and unity. In today’s world it’s so easy to become alienated by the pressures of everyday life. Whether it’s social media, stress at work, an illness, the list goes on.” The band shares with us, “It’s so important to stay open with your loved ones and community so we can all thrive in full bloom” shares the band. 

Music has always been a unifying force, and through their lyrics and melodies, the band seeks to remind everyone that we are never truly alone. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, a family member, or even a stranger, the act of communication can bridge gaps and heal wounds. In their eyes, having someone to talk to is one of the most essential forms of support, and it’s the foundation upon which unity is built. It’s in those conversations where understanding, empathy, and connection grow.

311 was formed in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska, featuring Nick Hexum (vocals/guitar), Chad Sexton (drums), Tim Mahoney (guitar), SA Martinez (vocals/dj), and P-Nut (bass). They mix rock, rap, reggae and funk into their own unique, hybrid sound – and 33 years later, the band is still regarded as one of the most entertaining and dynamic live bands in the U.S. 

As veterans of over 2,000 shows across 27 countries, 311 is one of the longest running original lineups in rock, alongside iconic acts like U2 and Radiohead. 311’s celebrated live shows and touring schedule have earned them a vast and dedicated following nationwide. The band has released thirteen studio albums, two greatest hits albums, two live albums, three DVD’s and a boxed-set, and have sold over 9 million records in the U.S.

Ten albums have reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Sales Chart – and nine of their singles have reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Alternative Radio Chart – including three #1 singles: “Down,” “Love Song,” and “Don’t Tread On Me” – along with ”Amber,” “All Mixed Up,” “Come Original,” “Creatures For Awhile,” “Hey You,” and “Sunset in J.

Full Bloom tracklist:

You’re Gonna Get It

Need Somebody

Full Bloom

Friend

Mountain Top

New Heights

Days Go By

Persimmon

All You’ve Seen

Braver

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Teddy and the Rough Riders: A New Chapter with Down Home

Fast Livin’ is the latest single from Teddy and the Rough Riders’ forthcoming new album Down Home, due out October 11, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Nashville, TN – The speed and momentum Teddy and the Rough Riders are gathering throughout Nashville’s underground country music scene is embodied in their latest single, Fast Livin.’ Music City natives, Jack Quiggins and Ryan Jennings, have been going non-stop since the late 2010s, collaborating with everyone from Margo Price to Emily Nenni to Sean Thompson’s Weird Ears, quickly becoming your favorite country band’s favorite country band. With Fast Livin,’ Teddy and the Rough Riders paints a small picture of their upbringing, leaving town to hit the road, and all of the nefarious hijinks that come along with it. But it’s not completely autobiographical. (IV PR, 2024)

Brooklyn Vegan recently premiered the track. Fans can stream or purchase Fast Livin’ check out Teddy and The Rough Riders’ previously released singles, Catfish Summer and Hippies, and pre-order or pre-save Down Home ahead of its October 11 release via Appalachia Record Co. right here. 

On their new album Down Home, the songwriting duo of Jack Quiggins and Ryan Jennings double down on all the elements that garnered praise for their previous, eponymous album produced by Margo Price. Holler Country succinctly sums them up: “Teddy and the Rough Riders are pulling apart the lost threads of country rock and weaving them back together with their own alternative take on the form.” As native Nashvillians, the pair came up through Music City’s DIY rock scene explosion of the late 00s into 2010s, eventually embracing the traditional country roots of their home city. At just 33 minutes, Down Home moves at a fast clip, with a variety of blazing rippers, traditional sounds, and alt-country styles inviting repeat listens.

Down Home tracklist:
Bullet
Fast Livin’
Catfish Summer
Trouble Sleeping
Golden Light
Edna’s Song
Mountain Girl
Hippies
Love After Life
Bird Has Flown
Gettin’ High

The band has recently been named “Best Honky Tonk Group” by Austin TX’s Ameripolitan Awards for 2024. They toured North America, the EU, and the UK through the summer backing and opening for Emily Nenni and will embark on their own North American tour in October.

Catch Teddy and the Rough Riders on tour:
October 3 – Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar
October 4 – Reno, NV – Off Beat
October 5 – Folsom, CA – Folsom Hotel
October 6 – Los Angeles, CA – Permanent Records Roadhouse
October 7 – Costa Mesa, CA – The Wayfarer
October 8 – Tempe, AZ – Yucca Tap Room
October 10 – Abilene, TX – Lone Star Dry Goods
October 11 – San Antonio, TX – Lonesome Rose
October 12 – Austin, TX – White Horse
October 13 – Austin, TX – ACL Fest
October 17 – Birmingham, AL – Woodlawn Theatre
October 18 – Nashville, TN – Soft Junk
October 19 – Thomaston, GA – Mule Days

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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.

Musical Evolution: The Mysterines’ Bold New Sound in Afraid of Tomorrows

Afraid of Tomorrows is due out June 21 via Fiction Records. Photo: Steve Gullick, used with permission.

Starting over is never easy. It takes guts, determination and will power to move out of the shadows of yesterday. But this is precisely what British rock band The Mysterines has done. Their ferocious new album, Afraid of Tomorrows, out on June 7 via Fiction Records, burns the past to the ground and builds something brand new out of the rubble. (Big Hassle, 2024)

Formed in Liverpool, The Mysterines – frontwoman Lia Metcalfe, drummer Paul Crilly, bassist George Favager and guitarist Callum Thompson – has undergone a radical transformation over the past few years. Fresh with new purpose and reinvigorated from songwriting sessions while secluded away in the countryside, the band is about to release the best music of their career. “We can feel the difference with this album,” Metcalfe says. “These songs show how far we’ve come. We’ve grown up a lot.”

Afraid of Tomorrows is the perfect frame for Metcalfe’s extraordinary voice. Like no one else on the British rock scene, she can switch suddenly from a lascivious purr to a hair-raising yowl, the love-child of Courtney Love and Karen O. The most impressive part of the record is how much it demonstrates the band’s colossal ambition.

This week, the band released their whirring new single “The Last Dance,” the third track to be taken from the highly-anticipated new album Afraid of Tomorrows.  

Bolstered by a blistering guitar solo and thunderous drum beats, “The Last Dance” details finding solace in something that is not real. Frontwoman Lia’s imagination dances wildly through the track, as it tells the tale of a person who falls in love with a porcelain mannequin and longs to dance with them.

“I suppose it’s an analogy for what loneliness can do to you. Once you’ve exhausted all the dark alleyways of drugs and alcohol, you end up reaching for something to connect to that isn’t real.” – Lia Metcalfe

The Mysterines is set to embark on their biggest headline tour to date this fall across Europe and North America. The band will play a string of exciting shows this summer, including at Crystal Palace Park as special guests to Bloc Party for their huge 20th anniversary show on July 7, and numerous festivals including Riot Fest in Chicago. North American tour dates will go on sale this Friday at 12p.m.ET — complete tour info available online.

UPCOMING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
September 10 – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy
September 11- Phoenix, AZ – Last Exit
September 13 – Colorado Springs, CO – Vultures
September 15 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry
September 17 – Toronto, ON – The Cave
September 19 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
September 22 – Chicago, IL – Riot Fest

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Afraid of Tomorrows track list:

1. The Last Dance

2. Stray

3. Another Another Another

4. Tired Animal

5. Jesse You’re A Superstar

6. Hawkmoon

7. Sink Ya Teeth

8. Junkyard Angel

9. Goodbye Sunshine

10. Inside A Matchbox

11. So Long

12. Afraid of Tomorrows

Forthcoming new album release: I Want It All Right Now – Grouplove

Grouplove announces deluxe version of I Want It All Right Now – out on May 10, 2024. Photo: Brantley Gutierrez, used with permission.

On their new album I Want It All Right Now, Grouplove offers up a body of work built on a raw but incandescent sound that vocalist/keyboardist Hannah Hooper refers to as “resistance pop.” As Hooper reveals, the Atlanta-based band’s sixth full-length album emerged from a period of intense transformation for herself and her husband/bandmate, vocalist/guitarist Christian Zucconi. Over the course of 11 shapeshifting songs, Grouplove’s debut release for Glassnote Records documents that progression from external searching to radical self-discovery, infusing each track with the wildly unbridled spirit the band has always embodied. (Big Hassle, 2024)

I Want It All Right Now fully harnesses the ecstatic energy Grouplove has brought to the stage on multiple international headline tours and at leading festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza. In a major leap forward for the band—whose lineup also includes bassist Daniel Gleason, guitarist Andrew Wessen, and drummer Ben Homola—the album explores the deepest tensions of the human psyche with equal parts tenderness, curiosity, and exacting self-revelation. A bold evolution of the defiantly sincere songwriting they first delivered on their 2011 debut Never Trust a Happy Song, I Want It All Right Now ultimately leaves the listener newly awakened to the wisdom and power of their own intuition.

I Want It All Right Now Deluxe will be available everywhere on May 10, 2024.

The deluxe album will feature six new tracks, including the live version of the album’s title track “All” from Madison Square Garden. With Jake Clemons from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band lending his talents on the saxophone, the live rendition sheds any previous confines and swells into something altogether larger than life.

Multifaceted in her approach to artistry, Hannah Hooper has painted all of the band’s artwork. Grouplove’s artwork has become almost as recognizable as their sound over the years, seeing the band work out the tensions of life through all mediums at their disposal.

In February, Grouplove released the first deluxe track “Chances.” The rapturous, overstimulated, hallucinogenic singsong saw the band channeling their ecstatic energy into the deepest tensions of the human psyche, all while playing with the contradictions and complications of existing. I Want It All Right Now, the band’s sixth studio album, was originally released in 2023.

Over the last month, Grouplove has been joined by Bully for the North American Rock And Roll You Won’t Save Me Tour. Fans who missed the tour or simply want more need not despair as the band has upcoming festival performances this summer at Wildflower! Festival, Bonnaroo and Oceans Calling. By popular demand, Grouplove has been added to 9 new dates this fall supporting P!nk.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES
May 17 – Richardson, TX – Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival
June 14 – Bonnaroo – Manchester, TN
June 22 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage (with Arkells)
September 28 – Ocean City, MD – Oceans Calling Festival
November 3 – Austin, TX – Moody Center ^
November 6 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field ^
November 8 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center ^
November 11 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena^
November 12 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena^
November 14 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena^
November 16 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at The BJCC^
November 18 – Orlando, FL – Camping World Stadium^
November 20 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena^

^ supporting P!nk

I Want It All Right Now Deluxe track list:
“All”
“Cheese”
“Malachi”
“Hello”
“Eyes”
“Billie”
“Tryin’”
“Cream”
“Francine”
“Climb”
“Wall”
“Chances”
“Can You Feel My Love”
“Fire”
“House”
“Fishbowl”
“All (Live)”

Courtesy photo, used with permission

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New album release: When It All Goes Down – Sarah King

Sarah King’s new album When It All Goes Down is available now. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Award-winning singer-songwriter-guitarist Sarah King makes her long-awaited full-length solo debut with When It All Goes Down, exploring life’s seismic shifts via her own singular strain of Gothic Americana. Produced, engineered, and arranged by David Baron, the album sees King weaving classic rock ‘n’ roll, Southern soul, true country, and primal folk-blues into something inspiring and cathartic, deeply personal yet wholly universal. Fired by King’s spellbinding, seen-it-all vocals and rock solid rhythm guitar, songs like “The Longest Night” and the empowering, anthemic title track are haunting, oft-times harrowing, tales of impossible guilt and inconsolable grief, of raising hell (and the repercussions that follow), of how to stand face to face with the Devil himself yet somehow emerge bigger, better, and badder than before. (One In A Million Media, 2024)

Currently residing in the Green Mountains of Vermont, in a tiny log cabin without cell reception, Sarah King has walked many a hard road to reach When It All Goes Down. New England born and raised, King spent her early twenties down South, playing in a GA-based rock ‘n’ roll band and generally “growing up, a.k.a. becoming an adult.” She eventually moved back north but found herself at a crossroads, slightly burnt out but driven by an evolving passion for front porch folk and traditional blues, hard times music as real and true now as it was nearly a century ago.

A captivating and engaging live performer, King is keen to bring her cathartic blues to life on stage both as a solo artist and bandleader. Rich with rare integrity, earnest emotion, and a restless energy born of extraordinary experience, When It All Goes Down captures an acutely authentic artist exploring her spirit and songcraft in an effort to reach a place that’s both true and transcendent not only in herself, but in all those who also call upon the power of music in their time of need.

“My stories are folk stories,” says Sarah King. “Of the people, for the people, by the people (I’m a person). These are songs for folks who’ve lived through some shit and want some music that doesn’t shy away from that.”

When It All Goes Down track list:

1. Lord Take My Soul
2. Always an Almost
3. When It All Goes Down
4. The Longest Night
5. Blame it on the Booze
6. Stronger Than You Ever Knew
7. You Were Wrong About Me
8. Hey Hey What Can I Do
9. Whiskey Thinking
10. Pretty Things
11. The Moth
12. Devil’s Try

“A declaration of empowerment… with a wild, unbridled attitude”
– Americana UK

“A haunting tale with slow-burning Americana Noir sound”
– Glide Magazine

“Fiery, vulnerable songs informed by heartbreak and whiskey alike”
– Relix Magazine

“Merciless…she sings with a venomous tongue”
– American Songwriter

“Hard-hitting soul drenched Americana”
– Lonesome Highway 

“King’s powerful voice is uniquely suited for Americana and blues, a force of nature that conveys big emotions amidst rock-steady arrangements”
– Rainbow Rodeo

New album release: Portraits – Quarters of Change

Quarters of Change recently released their exposed-nerve second album Portraits. Photo: Anna Henderson, used with permission.

One of the fastest rising rock bands coming out of New York City, Quarters of Change, recently released their album Portraits via 300 Entertainment. After retreating to Woodstock, NY, for two weeks, the band left with their most collaborative, exposed-nerve writing to date; something with a piece of each of them etched into it. Where their last album Into The Rift was staring into the dark tunnel ahead, Portraits is close to the other side, with the band surfacing for some light. (Big Hassle, 2024)

“The album is made up of individualized fragments that provide different perspectives and create their own little vignettes. I think of each fragment as a portrait, reflecting a separate emotion or moment. Overall, it dives into themes of addiction, isolation and exploration.” – frontman Ben Roter.

Anchored by a mutual predisposition for unpredictability, Quarters of Change fuse together a signature hybrid of nineties-style alternative hooks, crunchy space rock soundscapes, and strutting seventies grooves. After piling up millions of streams, selling out shows, and inciting critical applause, the New York City quartet — Ben Acker (guitar, bass, synths), Attila Anrather (drums), Jasper Harris (guitars, bass, synths), and Ben Roter (vocals, guitar)— released Portraits. 

Leaning on an unspoken musical language of their own, forged by years of cutting their teeth together, sneaking into shows they were once too young to play, and practicing in the basement of their old high school, Quarters of Change very clearly have a lifelong bond that has created their own breed of alternative rock with stadium scope. 

Quarters of Change simultaneously emerged as a live force, supporting Bad Suns and selling out their first-ever US headline tour. Doubling down on amplifying the energy, and turning up the distortion, Quarters of Change have quietly emerged as a phenomenon, and maintain this momentum with the release of their new album, available everywhere now. In the coming months, the band will continue rolling out more content from Portraits. They’ll be joining the festival lineups of Governors Ball and Shaky Knees, with more to be announced soon.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Portraits track list:
“What I Wanted”
“Depression II”
“Heaven Bound”
“Turn It Away”
“Tightrope”
“Cherry Tree”
“Do or Die”
“Time Before Mourning”
“Hollywood Baby”
“Illogical Decisions”
“Keep My Blood”