Category: featured
“We haven’t even gotten a chance to hang out, just us three, yet … We’re going through healing,” says Ben Shepherd of band’s future
A massive crowd gathered on a misty Sunday to honor the late grunge pioneer Chris Cornell . The Seattle Museum of Pop Culture unveiled a life-size bronze statue of the late Soundgarden singer, which was commissioned by his widow, Vicky Cornell. She was there with their children Lily, Toni and Christopher, as well as Cornell’s former bandmates Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd.
“It’s a reflection of his light, a light that shone through his music and touched millions,” Cornell said during the ceremony. “A light that he used to illuminate our lives, and a light that will continue to inspire those in the future. This statue represents that light — a beautiful, powerful, incomparable presence in a hometown worthy of someone as special as Chris.”
Thayil, Cameron, and Shepherd told Rolling Stone that it was “a lot to take in” seeing Soundgarden fans turn out nearly a year and a half after Cornell was found dead in a Detroit hotel room on May 18, 2017, hours after a Soundgarden concert.
“There were so many moments [with Chris] that impacted my development as a musician and later on, just as friends,” Cameron said. “I remember so much of when I first joined the band in ‘86. The band was still formulating a sound, but it didn’t take long to get to the sound that it eventually would become and to stay that path. As a guy who’s played in bands forever and ever, it’s really hard to get that so early on in the life of a band, so that’s still significant to me.”
Shepherd, who joined the band in 1990 following Jason Everman’s exit, added, “One thing about Chris, speaking specifically about him, [was] he had the spirit of ‘go for it’ all the time. Just go for it. Push, find out where we can go. And all three of those guys for me when I joined — I was thrown in the fire — they were already rollin’. And they’re all so adventurous and so strong that they made it a totally natural thing to just see where we can go. … It was all about moving forward. What’s next. Onward. Let’s go find out.”
Cornell’s lack of ego, they added, helped the group to stay together through numerous tours, which wasn’t always the case for their peers. (“You guys were one of the first bands out of this town that actually toured and then came back and stayed a band and then kept doing it,” Shepherd said to Cameron. “Soundgarden was focused from day one. You could just tell that they were stable and ready to go.”)
“I think Chris was always encouraging us to bring in material and contribute creatively,” Cameron said. “He didn’t have the type of fragile ego that required feeding it at all times. He wanted to be fed as an artist, not as a star.”
Two of the three band members — Cameron and Thayil — reunited in June for Denmark’s Northside Festival as part of a supergroup called MC50, joining the likes of original MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer, Zen Guerrilla’s Marcus Durant, Fugazi’s Brendan Canty and King’s X’s Dug Pinnick to pay tribute to the Detroit-based rock group, but plans for future reunions will have to wait as they continue to process Chris’s death.
“We’re just still taking our time and giving ourselves space to process everything,” Cameron said. “We would certainly love to try to continue to do something, figure out something to do together.”
“On a personal level,” Shepherd said, “We haven’t even gotten a chance to hang out, just us three, yet. … We’re going through natural healing, then thinking about the natural next step.”
On March 9, Experience Hendrix and Legacy Recordings proudly release Both Sides of the Sky, a dynamic new Jimi Hendrix album featuring 13 studio recordings made between 1968 and 1970—10 of which have never before been released. The album will be released on multiple formats including CD, digital, and as a 180 gram audiophile vinyl 2LP.
Both Sides of the Sky is the third volume in a trilogy of albums intended to present the best and most significant unissued studio recordings remaining in the music legend’s archive. This third release is anticipated to complete the spectacular recording event in epic fashion. “Since Experience Hendrix began its restoration of the Jimi Hendrix music catalog in 1997, our goal has been to present these important recordings to Jimi’s fans in the best possible quality. We are excited about achieving that. We’ve also been intent on generating album releases which present this amazing music in its proper context,” explains John McDermott, one of the album’s co-producers, together with Janie Hendrix and Eddie Kramer.
Pre-Order the New Album 'Both Sides of the Sky'
TRACK LIST:
1. Mannish Boy* – The first ever studio session by the group Hendrix would christen as his Band Of Gypsys. Hendrix, Cox & Miles shared a love for the blues as this driving, uptempo reworking of “Mannish Boy” by Muddy Waters makes clear.
2. Lover Man* – Just two weeks before their triumphant New Year’s concerts at the Fillmore East in NYC [yielding both 1970’s Band Of Gypsys and 2016’s sequel Machine Gun], Hendrix gathered with Cox and Miles to cut this dynamic rendition of what had become a favorite concert staple.
3. Hear My Train A Comin’* – this version hails from April 1969 and features the original Jimi Hendrix Experience (Hendrix, Redding, Mitchell) in their penultimate recording session. They recorded the song live in the studio and tore into it with savage fury.
4. Stepping Stone* – A totally unique take on this Hendrix favorite, with Jimi showcasing both blues and country styled licks atop a relentless, galloping beat.
5. $20 Fine* -Stephen Stills joined Jimi, Mitch Mitchell and Buddy Miles Express keyboardist Duane Hitchings at this September 1969 session. With Stephen handling lead vocals and organ, Jimi added multiple guitar parts to this rollicking Stills original.
6. Power Of Soul – This 1970 studio session came three weeks after the Band Of Gypsys concerts at the Fillmore East. While a live version remains one of the highpoints of Band Of Gypsys, Jimi never released a studio version during his lifetime. For this album, we present the mix that Hendrix and Kramer prepared of the complete song at Electric Lady on August 22, 1970.
7. Jungle* – The influence of Curtis Mayfield can be heard here as Jimi expands on the “Villanova Junction Blues” theme he made famous by its inclusion in the 1970 Woodstock documentary.
8. Things I Used To Do – Jimi is joined for this rendition of Guitar Slim’s blues classic by Johnny Winter. Jimi’s trademark guitar work and Winter’s deft slide playing weaves in and around the foundation set by bassist Billy Cox and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young drummer Dallas Taylor.
9. Georgia Blues – Jimi reunited with some old friends from his pre-Experience days. Lonnie Youngblood, with whom Hendrix played in R&B groups like Curtis Knight & The Squires, voiced this superb twelve bar blues neatly underpinned by Hendrix’s sublime rhythm and lead guitar work.
10. Sweet Angel* – With Axis: Bold As Love only just released, Jimi immediately turned his focus to recording what would become Electric Ladyland. This gorgeous, instrumental reading of “Angel,”, features Jimi on guitar, bass and vibraphone joined by Mitch Mitchell.
11. Woodstock* – Stephen Stills came to this session fresh from having visited Joni Mitchell, who had a new song that Stills was excited to try and record. Long before CSNY’s version, Stephen, Jimi and Buddy Miles recorded this amazing rendition.
12. Send My Love To Linda* – A superb new Hendrix original composition recorded with Cox and Miles in the aftermath of their successful Band Of Gypsys performances at the Fillmore East.
13. Cherokee Mist* – Together with drummer Mitch Mitchell, Jimi created this moody, evocative original complete with his playing of a sitar to complement his traditional electric guitar.
Pre-Order the New Album 'Both Sides of the Sky'
*previously unreleased
Since the spring of 2006, several improvised jam sessions would cultivate what has become one of Nashville’s most innovative and eclectic musical acts. Uberphonics is an improvisational collective based around an established Groove. From the beginning, Uberphonics set out to create an experience that would absorb the listener, and needed a name to exemplify this. The name "Uberphonics" is a combination of words that means "a superlative example of the science of sound, or vibrations." And so, Uberphonics was born. The current trio (Matt Jaggers - guitar/theremin; Griffin Criste - drums; Stephen Hopkins - bass) borrow elements from Jam, Jazz, Funk, and Rock, dubbing their sound "Psychedelic Junk-Jazz.” Priding themselves on the live performance, the trio believes in the idea that every performance be unique and the audience can feed off the energy created by “playing in the moment.”
The release of their debut album in 2008 garnered Uberphonics local and regional attention, being chosen as the Nashville Scene’s Critic's Pick, as well as being featured as a "Band On The Rise” in Relix magazine. The 10-track set is a concept album, but not by traditional standards. Instead the trio strive to absorb the listener into an exploration of complete musical thought.
After playing hundreds of club-dates and festivals (including Memphis in May, Murfreesboro Jazzfest, and Festively Local), Uberphonics returned to the studio in 2015 to follow up their acclaimed "Dirty Banquet" once again bringing in Grammy award nominee Johnny Neel to produce. Neel is recognized in the music world for his work with the Allman Brothers, Gov't Mule, and now with his own band. This album Uber used a lessor known recording technique capturing sound in a third dimension. Using a special microphone parts of the album swirl around the listeners head when listening through headphones, far exceeding what traditional panning can accomplish.
Currently, Uberphonics is saturating Nashville and beyond with their soulful, conversational blend of "Psychedelic Junk-Jazz". So grab yourself a towel, ‘cause its gonna be a filthy trip.
Tracks:
1. https://www.localbandz.com/uberphonics/soundcloud/30/whitelephantusk
3. https://www.localbandz.com/uberphonics/soundcloud/28/04-head-trip
KIRRA IS:
Jesse Williamson - Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
Daxton Page - Lead Guitar
Ryne McNeill - Bass/Backing Vocals
Zach Stafford - Drums
Kirra is a hard rock band based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with a strong emphasis on the word “Rock” meaning “Straight up and raw” as guitarist Daxton Page puts it when referring to their new upcoming debut album titled “Run Away.” Some of the bands influences range from Chevelle, Tool, Five Finger Death Punch, Seether, or simply stated, “Rock Music” in general.
The band was created when guitarist Daxton Page left a rock school program and was interested in starting a band. “Through friends of friends, I met Zach. We jammed a few times playing cover songs like "Chop Suey" by S.O.A.D, but we were looking for a full band. After a few weeks of searching on Craigslist, Ryne answered our ad and told us he could play bass and he also had a friend, Jesse, who could sing and play guitar. During our first practice together we went through a few covers. Then, Jesse throughout the idea of just improvising something. I had a chord progression that was in my head for about a week. By the end of our first rehearsal, we wrote the song "Drown" off our first EP.”
The EP “Sounds from an Empty Room” which was released digitally included the song called “Downfall” that immediately grabbed the attention of internet radio and social media fans worldwide. Shortly after, the band decided to continue writing for an album as lead singer Jesse Williamson recalls. “At the beginning we were just writing machines, we would write a song, practice it, throw some ideas for a new song, next practice we would work out the new song, practice, and this cycle happened about 2 weeks in a row. We wrote and write as often as we can, whether it's riffs, chorus idea, breakdown, etc. After the EP did so well, we had these extra songs for a while and we figured we should combine them for a full length record.”
Having music as the band’s release, “Run Away” has a little of everything in it lyrically, but more specific is the statement they wanted to make musically. “We wanted to make a statement about overproduction in the music today”, Daxton mentions. “We used 0 click-tracks, and wanted to make this as stripped down AND personal as we possibly could. I feel “Run Away” album is a direct reflection of where we were musically and personally and we are excited to get it out there.”
Kirra’s first live performance show was opening for a friends band, and after playing as many gigs as they could, they found themselves being invited to open for such acts as 3 Doors Down, Sons of Texas, Saving Able, Puddle of Mudd, & Smile Empty Soul. “The fans have always been great to us. Its great to know that there are still fans of rock music out there. We are just 4 guys who love making music together, there truly is no greater feeling than writing a piece of music that you put everything into, and seeing a crowd respond to that. It’s a gamble, you're putting a personal side of yourself out there. In the end, we are doing this for the love we have for rock music."
Tracks:
REVIEWED BY NEW HARD ROCK MAGAZINE
ALERT: NEW METAL CLASSIC!
Few artists come along and redefine a genre. Thirteen is one of the few bands I’ve heard in modern times that picks up where legendary bands Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Guns n’ Roses left off serving as the blueprint for modern heavy metal music.
Thirteen’s new single “Dark Star” leaves you in a state of awe from the ride Thirteen takes you down a “stairway to hell”. A beautiful mix of electric and acoustic guitars riffs and a guitar solo that echoes Randy Rhoads on “Crazy Train” hits you with a bag of “what the fuck” and vocals that command the power and sex appeal of Chris Cornell. I have been listening to Dark Star on repeat and it gets better with each listen. This is a reminder that metal is not dead but rather having a reckoning led by Thirteen.
LISTEN NOW
Maximum rock and roll for a new generation...we may never be rich but we will always be loud. 100% DIY music from the basements of New Brunswick, NJ.
Dinosaur Eyelids is alternative rock and roll for a new generation. Based in New Brunswick, NJ the 100% DIY band has earned a reputation for incendiary live performances. Their highly-anticipated fourth album "Bypass to Nowhere" was released to critical acclaim and debuted at #1 at WRSU Rutgers Radio. Their third album "Conflagration" was released in 2012 to airplay on 200 radio stations across North America.
They have played over 90 shows throughout the Northeast and are house favorites at The Court Tavern in New Brunswick and John & Peter's in New Hope, PA. Other frequent shows include The Stone Pony (Asbury Park, NJ), North Star (Philadelphia), Fontana's (NYC) and Arlene's Grocery (NYC).
" The LIDS " have opened for Parlor Mob and shared the stage with Dean Ween of Ween. Their debut album "Winter Solstice" was released in 2009. Their second album "Down a River" was released in 2011 to nationwide airplay and critical enthusiasm.
Musical influences range from Soundgarden to Wilco, Ween and The Replacements.
Evan Staats-vocals Scott Staats-bass Patrick McKnight-guitar Mark Leone-drums
Their music is available through Amazon, iTunes and CDBaby. They are on Pandora, Spotify, Bandcamp and Soundcloud.
FAQ: What does your name mean? A: If you close your eyes to reality you hasten your own extinction.
Tracks:
1. https://www.localbandz.com/dinosaur-eyelids/audio/322/world
2. https://www.localbandz.com/dinosaur-eyelids/audio/321/vernal
3. https://www.localbandz.com/dinosaur-eyelids/audio/320/nowhere
4. https://www.localbandz.com/dinosaur-eyelids/audio/319/talkin
Heavy AmericA is an all original alternative hard rock band based in Boston, Massachusetts and comprised of three members:
Mike Seguin- Guitars, Lead Vocals, Keys
Dan Fried- Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Budd Lapham- Bass, Vocals
Formed in 2013, Mike, Dan and Budd brought together their years of experience and influences to create a truly unique band with a sound as gritty as the Boston streets that inspire them. Fed up with the infinite repeat of bubble gum and corporate rock music that plagues the airways, they decided to be a band to bring forth the change so desperately needed in rock music today.
Their "keep it simple" formula has resulted music that is full of energy and raw emotion. A "rollercoaster ride with plateaus of happiness and cliffs of terror." So open your ears and your mind to the new sound you've been searching for.... Heavy AmericA !
Tracks:
1. https://www.localbandz.com/heavy-america/audio/306/up-for-air
2. https://www.localbandz.com/heavy-america/audio/305/sharp-corners
3. https://www.localbandz.com/heavy-america/audio/304/headlights
4. https://www.localbandz.com/heavy-america/audio/302/daddy
5. https://www.localbandz.com/heavy-america/audio/301/under-glass
After leaving my hometown of Detroit to chase the dream, I arrived in Covina California in 2000. Hooking up with former members of The Wicked and other well known LA musicians we formed Outraged. After making two CD's playing until 2005, I was approached by former members of Sanctuary to form Ironworks. Ironworks enjoyed a brief stent in the sunshine playing good venues in San Diego until 2010. After a four year hiatus I have chosen to put this project together..... Killing Tyranny is born. Excited I am pleased to announce Killing Tyranny’s debut CD Martyr is done. Influenced by the great heavy metal bands Priest, Maiden, Helloween, Fates Warning, Megadeth, and others this CD has proven to be a surprise to all! Recently reviewed in issue #178 Power Play Magazine, as well as many Heavy Metal/Rock Blogs!
Tracks:
1. https://www.localbandz.com/killing-tyranny/audio/311/03-god-bless-the-child
2. https://www.localbandz.com/killing-tyranny/audio/309/05-sleeper-cell
3. https://www.localbandz.com/killing-tyranny/audio/308/02-caged
4. https://www.localbandz.com/killing-tyranny/audio/307/01-who-i-am-radio-edit
Weesp was formed in 2008 in Minsk by Lex (vocals), Mi (bass) and Mike (guitar). Guys were playing covers, did tons of experiment with sound and were trying to form unique style of a band.
"We wanted to be recognized by our sound right from the start", says Mi.
In 2010 Gul joined the band as permanent drummer and Stak (Mi's twin brother) took place behind the electronics. The team was complete and ready to rock. By 2015, Weesp recorded three EPs and gave quite a number of conerts in Belarus and bunch of European countries.
In August 2015 the band released their first full album The Void. It features few tracks, done in collaboration with Cory Brandan from Norma Jean, and overall the album received positive feedback from fans and reviewers. It's interesting that band did not use any samples in album recording, but instead invited other musicians to record live music. This is why you can hear, for example, saxophone in "Livan" track.
"We do it oldschool-style", admits Lex, "because we want the music to be sincere. Maybe it's the hard way, but that's how we do it".
Tracks:
1. https://www.localbandz.com/weespband/audio/315/04-beware-the-blind-spots
2. https://www.localbandz.com/weespband/audio/314/03-unstable-matter
3. https://www.localbandz.com/weespband/audio/313/02-solar-empire-feat-cory-brandan-of-norma-jean
Dez Desormeaux Sax, Mike Milligan Vocals Drums Harmonica, Rick Del Castillo Guitar, Manny De Los Santos Vocals, Javier Soliz Vocals, Rick Fuentes Vocals, Mario Vigil Bass.
Track:
1. https://www.localbandz.com/mambo-zombies/audio/316/santas-too-phat-to-fly
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