San Francisco Psych Rockers, The General Maynard Band, are life-tested and seasoned veterans in the world of Rock and beyond and are in the midst of celebration as they just released their latest self-titled album. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Talkin’ To My Fish”, the guys stroll right into a unique touch of instrumentation that carries out and showcases the 1970’s flair that pours forward as Lead Vocalist, Dave Combs, soothes the sorrows of listeners with his soft vocals. The second track, “Sinner”, kicks off with a blast of instrumental soul that turns into the guys kicking it up a notch as lyrics that contemplate love felt for a sinner transforms into the guys holding them accountable for their own sins. “You’re My Type” is the third track that any woman would love to have dedicated to them as the guys of The General Maynard Band stand tall and firm in their interest to take things a bit further with the apple of their eye. The fourth track, “Catch A Pirogue”, feels like a walk in the desolate desert while the harmonica slowly eases listeners into the lyrical content that is full of loose fun and flirtation. “Trouble Is My Business” is the fifth track that slows it down into an acoustic ode to the guys carrying out their rebellious ways throughout their daily lives. The sixth track, “Can’t Stop Rockin'”, begins with a refreshingly elongated instrumental push of heavier Rock ‘N’ Roll which showcases the dynamic musicianship that consists through the band. “Glad To See You” is the seventh track that begins slow yet picks up the pace right up into a spirited and free lyrical dose of appreciation for the sheer presence of another. The eighth track, “General Suchmang”, feels like it came right out of the discography of The Eagles as lyrics that twist and turn through indecision showcase the humanness that the band approached the release with. “Alligator Freak Show” is the ninth track that is full of soul as lyrics that carry out the desire to further connect with a wicked lady click and leave listeners in a state of glee. Closing out with “No End”, the guys add in a touch of global instrumentation that is mastered with precision.
If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Living Colour and The Eagles, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The General Maynyrd Band on SoundCloud.
Alternative Trip-Hop Band, Saint Mars, have uncovered darkness down under that has morphed into a musical piece of release throughout their new single, “LOVEGHOST”. Mastered with precision and accompanied by a hypnotically dark music video, Saint Mars delves into their wicked realm of heartache that is palpable and felt by viewers. Touching base on the extremity of pain that comes through heartache, lyrics that question the heart of a lover who is dealing with separation are aligned to showcase the depth of passion that one approaches their love-life and beyond with.
Taking the drivers seat of their journey ahead, the members of Saint Mars are musically inclined to take their mission as far as they desire to go. Mimicking Massive Attack in an uncanny way, there are bound to be nothing but bright days ahead for Saint Mars. The band is currently in the studio focused on their first full-length release, ‘Boys Never Cry’, which carries out the concept of a young man experiencing the torture within that comes from being bullied. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Massive Attack, Portishead and Tricky, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Saint Mars on YouTube.
Though many have tackled the song “Take On Me,” Krigarè shares her unique perspective of the song with her A-Ha cover.
The electronic interpretation creates a more melodic flow to this classic song, and it goes to show that hard work pays off in the sense of Krigarè’s history in music.
Krigarè got her start in the music industry backing the piano for Kelly Clarkson at the Grammy Awards and has begun to conquer the unknown of the music industry.
The shocking note about Krigarè is that her album illustrates her battle of surviving two different cancers all by the age of 18.
She says “My life has been full of battles these last three years. It has been by far the most challenging years not only as a person, but also as an artist. I’ve had to nd my voice again, and decide on who I am coming out of trying times. I am a WARRIOR!”
Listen to her cover below, and hear the artistic liberties she has taken to make the cover of “Take On Me” her own:
Seattle-based musicians Sundogs have released a new album, both visually and audibly with ‘Legends In Their Own Minds,’ and create a relaxing, enjoyable, and easy listening world in the process.
Their press release says the following:
“Sundogs music is inspired by the days of Classic Rock and Jazz Fusion. It is written to satisfy the music fan within. If it sounds good to us, and we like listening to it over and over again, then that is the driving force behind whatever we decide to release. We are doing it for the pure joy of it, and because of that, the music and the videos are authentic.”
For fans of Steely Dan and Tom Petty, the band attributes its roots to grow up in the backwater neighborhoods of Freemont, California.
Stan Snow and Jed Moffitt, the founders of the band, feel that their primary goal in music is to satisfy the music fan within. “If it sounds good to us and it’s something that we like listening to over and over, that is the driving force in how we write, arrange, produce and record. We are doing it for the pure joy of it”.
Listen to the track “Johnny” below:
To keep up with the band, visit the following sites:
Fort Wayne Classic Pop Musician, Damon Mitchell, gathered his army of multi-talented musical gurus to cultivate a tale of the world in the eyes of the apple of Damon eye’s throughout his latest EP release, ‘Elise’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Heist”, Damon bounces in with a playful instrumental akin to a track by Michael Buble as his vocals are rich in depth and soul over a vulnerable lyrical spill about feelings being developed for another over time. The second track, “Just A Face”, takes it back to instrumentals akin to The Marshall Tucker Band as Damon lyrically spills the beans on how someone who he once held near and dear has now morphed into another face in the crowd through expansive life experience and curiosity. “License Plate” is the third track that is a genre-bending album highlight in which lyrics metaphorically tackle Damon’s simple yearning to be with someone he loves as the track universally mimics Death Cab For Cutie. The fourth track, “Salo”, showcases a level of maturity in instrumentals as haunting lyrics speaking of wolves crawling into the bed of a lover leave a deep mind pondering as Damon’s mesmerizing vocals carry listeners into a state of euphoria. “World In Her Eyes” is the sixth track that brings forward elements of Jazz as the songwriting style leads listeners to jump into pools of mystery when it comes to the elevating feelings for a soul that is a walking bundle of smoke and mirrors and Damon knows it. Closing out with “Elise”, seasoned instrumentals that sound akin to Santana light up the track and close out the EP with a bang as Damon lyrically explains the ever-changing feelings for another that he continues to encounter within.
Young and bright-eyed, Damon is stepping into his creative zone and proves that he is aligning with his ability to bring forward his sensitive inner world throughout ‘Elise’. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Dave Matthews Band, Death Cab For Cutie and John Mayer, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Damon Mitchell on Soundcloud.
LA Duo, LUC, are living on a planet entirely their own and have made their futuristic musical home throughout their latest EP release, ‘Glow’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first and title track, “Glow”, the duo crawls their way into the hearts of listeners with a glitchy industrial beat akin to How To Destroy Angels as lyrics that confront the slow descent of what once was a life of glory for another is sinfully pleasing to observe. The second track, “Over It”, brings us back to the days of Garbage as brash lyrics that showcase the end of an expired love uplift the moody and heartbroken listener. “Extraverdant” is the third track that slows it down into an experimental and vibrant array of technical elements that come together to make a haunting track that reeks of a hypnotic potion of discontent and yearning blended together into a glass of relational hell. The fourth track, “Ghost”, takes listeners into the future with experimental bliss over bold lyricism that is full of ego and pride that is attempting to be transformed into empowerment. “Running Down The Halls” is the fifth track that adds a little cheer into the mix as Lead Vocalist, Kari, sounds angelic, raw and in tune with her sensitivity. Closing out with “Lost In Love”, the duo lyrically confronts the living hell that tends to sprout when one loses themselves in another.
Let’s help LUC round to 3 million views on “Glow” as their global influence continues to spread far and wide with over 90 million streams total and TV placements that are serving to shed light on what’s to come for LUC. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as St. Vincent, PJ Harvey and Blondie, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for LUC on YouTube.
UK Musician, Stealth, has found the way to bring his passionate inner maze of art forward and is set to make a splash throughout 2019. I caught up with Stealth to discuss the recent release of “Black Heart”, having a conversation with himself as a senior citizen, being a part of a roller-coaster ride as an artist, fulfillment from making music you enjoy and more.
Tell us about what you learned about yourself along the way while creating “Black Heart”.
Make the music you enjoy making! I’ve been trying so hard to write a “banger” and really fell out of love with writing for a brief moment, therefore, I went in and just had fun and the song just kind of happened. Everyone seemed to like it when I stayed true to myself.
If you can have a conversation with either yourself as a child or yourself as a senior citizen, who would you choose and what would you say?
Senior Citizen for sure! I’d ask for the lyrics and melody of the biggest selling song. Then write it and let the Grammy’s roll in. [laughs] But in all in seriousness it would be an older me that I’d want to talk to. I have serious anxiety to the point where I don’t sleep and I’d like the older me to just give me a warning about what not to worry about.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I’ve had to cancel my performances at SXSW. I’ve had some delays obtaining my Visa so I can’t make it. I’ve not only let my band and the organisers down but also the people who wanted to see me play a show in the US. However it’s circumstances out of my control and the only way I can overcome it is to pick myself up and dust myself off… and especially plan for next year.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
It’s all a bit too much, isn’t it?! People over share and not in a good way. I’m all for chatting and being open but social media is often used as a platform to show only one side of you that you want others to see… which means the lives portrayed on social media are often false, in turn making your audience/followers/friends feel insecure about their own achievements and generally inadequate. It’s a marketing tool / gimmick.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
A bit of a job interview answer here but I’m a team player. I love being part of a team. Whether that’s as part of family unit, friends, or sports team (fun fact -I play rugby). Although I’m a solo act, I hate being alone and I feel I’m my best self as part of a crowd.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
I’ll be honest, I’d be a hypocrite to say anything that could be perceived as advice on this subject. It’s very tough doing a job that is such a rollercoaster and at times I don’t have time to think about how it’s affecting my mental state until it’s too late. I do talk to friends and family and try to keep physically fit which I find helps. But If there is anyone out there in the music industry that has a proven method of taking care of yourself, feel free to contact me.
Tell us three of your favorite thrift stores to go to in the UK.
They aren’t exactly thrift stores as the clothes don’t tend to be that cheap [laughs] but I frequent……
Rokit on Brick Lane in Shoreditch
Beyond Retro in Soho
Absolute Vintage – Near old Spitalfields Market
What do fans of Stealth have to look forward to for the remainder of 2019.
Lots of new music and I have a gig coming up on May 21st at Hoxton Bar and Grill in Shoreditch.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Just a huge thank you. You guys make the rollercoaster all the more worth getting on.
Boston Musicians, Miss Cactus & the Desert, instantly move listeners and viewers with a fun and spirited track, “Dating School”, which is accompanied by a music video that explores the roles of gender which is commonly portrayed in boxes amongst modern-day society. Showcasing to the world that she and her team are the embodiment of a multicultural world that travels deep beneath the skin, Lead Vocalist, Alondra Ramirez Ladd, travels through the depths of her spirit to portray stifling projections of pain and how the lack of equal opportunity due to race, color, religion, gender, sexuality, etc can serve to only destroy a human life. Making the conscious choice of leading out a life of equality is what deems Indie acts such as Miss Cactus & the Desert as independent thinkers that have come together to create works of musical art that are stirred from the heart.
Finding remnants of herself that once were previously undiscovered within, Alondra Ramirez Ladd is a soulful blast of Psychedelic Funk and vibrant awareness that is compelling to observe throughout a light visual narrative and massive inner story coming forward through the lyrical backstory behind “Dating School”. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Santigold, Betty Who and Janelle Monae, then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Miss Cactus & the Desert on Soundcloud.
Canadian Modern Pop Artist, David Browning, has traveled around the world and back into himself which is evident to hear throughout the delivery of his latest EP, ‘Now You See Me’. Confronting a once empty space from a place of hope for a brighter future with love, David sets himself free as he comes into a place of clarity throughout each track. Here’s our thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Stay Over”, David Browning knits together a string of yearning throughout the lyrical trajectory that speaks of surrender and joy stemming from simply being amongst an individual who has set his heart in bloom. “Call Me When You’re Single” is the second track that takes the EP for a spin into a more somber space as David begins with a reflective lyrical narrative highlighting the days of innocence that he once shared with a lover that is now sharing their life with another. Closing out with “Always Inside”, David ends from an emotive space as he reminds listeners that the true rubies of life are cultivated within.
David Browning teamed up with Grammy Award Winning Producer, Ian Prince, for ‘Now You See Me’. David is actively working toward living out his highest dreams by utilizing his life experiences in a highly stimulated space as means of a source of inspiration that is igniting the emotional delivery of his music. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Rob Thomas, Sam Smith and Shawn Mendes, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for David Browning on Spotify.
Finland Rockers, Daggerplay, have set out on an exploration of gore, love, pain and more throughout their latest full-length album release, ‘Subterranean Reality’; here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Red Sky”, Daggerplay begins with a Rockabilly instrumental that is both unexpected and welcoming as the track bends through genres to create a rich delivery of spite. “Cruel Wind Blowing” is the second track that begins with the instrumental feel of The Eagles which swiftly runs back into a dose of Punk as Lead Vocalist, Pekko Mantzin, unleashes the fury that he has been building within. The third track, “Don’t Give Up”, is a lyrical blast of acceptance that reminds listeners to no longer tolerate energizing feelings that have expired. “Black River” is the fourth track that instrumentally aligns with Billy Talent as Daggerplay lyrically floats down a blackened river of blood flowing through the veins of a poisoned soul. The fifth track, “Girl, it’s Gonna Get Better Or Just Worse”, slows it down into an intro acoustic which swiftly shifts into a lyrical reminds the apple of their eye that they must take mindful action or simply move on. “Days Like These” is the sixth track that throws listeners right into the pit as a high-strung blast of instrumentals keeps rebellious souls on their toes.
The seventh track, “Four Walls”, sets all wicked feelings free over a track in which Pekko shares that he has dove into substance for a temporary escape from a living hell that he knows he created. The ninth track, “Same Old, Same Old”, is a vent of lyrical frustration as the humans of Daggerplay attempt to overcome pieces of their current life experience that are hindering them from moving forward. The eleventh track, “One Mile Town”, is the musical culmination of a group of people that are on the edge of packing up their car and making it to the next place that they can to awaken a new creative inner land. The thirteenth track, “Ghosts”, begins with the instrumental feel of a 90’s Rock track by Third Eye Blind as the lyrics welcome ghosts that are creeping out from closets that the closet that all were under the impression they had closed. Closing out with “Sinister Blues”, Daggerplay attempts to take on a brighter hue as they find a place of closure with knowing that they are ready to move on to a new city and new life.
Daggerplay is the perfect band of punks that could light up your upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with ‘Subterranean Reality’. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys and Billy Talent, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Daggerplay on Soundcloud.
