DREAM THEATER’S JAMES LABRIE Voices The Role Of Evil Record Executive On New Version Of PINK FLOYD’s “HAVE A CIGAR” From The New STILL WISH YOU WERE HERE - A TRIBUTE TO PINK FLOYD Album!

Album features performances by Rick Wakeman, Ian Paice, Todd Rundgren, Geoff Tate, Joe Satriani, Rod Argent, Steve Stevens, Bootsy Collins, Geoff Downes, Rat Scabies, Jah Wobble and more!

Los Angeles, CA - One of the most iconic characters ever created in song - the smarmy, nefarious record executive dreamt up by Roger Waters for Pink Floyd’s 1975 single “Have A Cigar,” who infamously asked “Which one’s Pink?” - is being brought to life in a whole new way, courtesy of the legendary voice of prog metal superstars Dream Theater, James LaBrie, and a spectacular new concept video from award-winning director Vicente Cordero of Industrialism Films. LaBrie’s superb rendition of the song, taken from the just released album Still Wish You Were Here - A Tribute To Pink Floyd, gives the lyrics a far more sinister edge than the original recording, as does the razor-sharp guitar work from Steve Stevens, which contrasts nicely with the laid-back rhythm section composed of The Damned’s Rat Scabies and Public Image Ltd.’s Jah Wobble and some supremely tasteful keyboard work from The Moody Blues’ Patrick Moraz. This fantastic new version of the song inspired the first-ever dramatic portrayal of this character, performed by seasoned character actor Noel Jason Scott for Cordero’s video, as a stylish Mephistopheles who casually tempts a young, naive musician into a malevolent Faustian bargain that grants him all the riches and rewards of rock superstardom before exacting a treacherous toll.

Watch the video: 

LaBrie’s performance is a major highlight of Still Wish You Were Here but there is plenty more where that came from. The album also features awe-inspiring performances from a whole host of rock, metal & pop music legends such as keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman, Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice, recent Rock Hall of Fame inductee Todd Rundgren, ex-Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate, guitar god Joe Satriani, Zombies/Argent vocalist Rod Argent, spacebass super genius Bootsy Collins, and lots more! Still Wish You Were Here is available on both CD in a beautiful 6-panel deluxe digipak and a stunningly gorgeous gatefold vinyl in a variety of colors!

Order the album: https://orcd.co/still_wish_you_were

Track List:
1. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5) - Geoff Tate, Steve Hackett, Billy Sheehan, Mel Collins, Geoff Downes, Ian Paice
2. Welcome To The Machine - Todd Rundgren, Rick Wakeman, Tony Levin
3. Have A Cigar - James LaBrie, Steve Stevens, Patrick Moraz, Rat Scabies, Jah Wobble
4. Wish You Were Here - Rik Emmett, Joe Satriani, Edgar Froese, David Ellefson, Carmine Appice
5. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 6-9) - Rod Argent, Steve Hillage, Ian Paice, Bootsy Collins

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

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Recent Rock Hall Of Fame Inductee TODD RUNDGREN Announces First Release Of His 2005 Live Recording With JOE JACKSON & String Quartet ETHEL!

Los Angeles, CA - Two of the most masterful crafters of sophisticated art rock united on stage for a series of special live engagements in 2005, Joe Jackson and Todd Rundgren. Those who were able to attend in person quickly began to spread the word about the uniquely exquisite performances from these two musical geniuses, along with the incredible NY-based string quartet Ethel, and the shows promptly became one of the hottest tickets of the year. Well, if you missed your chance to see the concert in person, here's your opportunity to experience the magic on this extravagant multimedia concert album, recorded at New Jersey's State Theater!

The show features solo performances from both Jackson and Rundgren who turn in some of the most intimate and lush versions of their biggest hits including “Steppin' Out,” “Hello, It's Me,” “Is She Really Goin' Out With Him,” “Bang The Drum All Day,” “It's Different For Girls,” “I Don't Want To Tie You Down” and more! Then, for the ultimate finale, the two legends step on the stage together, backed by Ethel, for epic versions of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Black Maria.”

Joe Jackson & Todd Rundgren's State Theater New Jersey 2005 will be released everywhere June 18 on both digital and in a gorgeous 8-panel digipak that includes 2 audio discs and a DVD!

Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/joe_jackson_todd_rundgren

Pre-order the CD/DVD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/joe-jackson-todd-rundgren-state-theater-new-jersey-2005-2cd-dvd/

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com
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Bassist Mick Paul To Release New Album “Parallel Lives” Featuring David Cross (King Crimson) & David Jackson (Van Der Graaf Generator)

Bassist Mick Paul, best known for his work with the David Cross Band, is releasing his new album “Parallel Lives” on June 9th. The album features guest appearances by David Cross (King Crimson) and David Jackson (Van Der Graaf Generator).

Says Mick about the new album, “I’m interested in the way our lives tend to mirror each other without us realising it, hence the title ‘Parallel Lives’. Two of the songs relate to my children who are now grown up, I can see how their lives echo mine and of course how my life has parallels with my parents and the way they saw things and reacted to events- and how it goes on through the generations. It is not a concept album in the traditional sense of having a story as such but I think there is cohesiveness to the overall content of the lyrics that tell some of my story. I also feel that the moods and general feel of the album very much reflect how I felt when I was writing it.”

Initially Mick sent Craig Blundell the first couple of tracks for him to start working on. He was working a lot on tour with Steven Wilson at the time so recorded the tracks at his own studio and sent the audio files back and Mick worked closely around these to develop the rest of the parts. The next to get involved was Sheila Maloney, the original keyboard player from the David Cross Band, who has been instrumental in not just creating piano and synth parts but with overall production values and mixing decisions.

Most of Jim Wilde's vocals were done fairly early on in the recording process but he also contributed further ideas throughout as new songs were ready. “His harmonic work is very complex and I find that it complements what the bass and the keyboards are doing completely and works like another instrument within the mix,” says Mick.

With all the basic basses, keyboards and some of the drums completed Mick then worked with Steve Roberts to complete all the rest of the drum parts (and of course a fine selection of gongs). These were recorded at Mill Hill recording complex in London, with the help of the great engineer Fil Ross. Steve was able to put down all the tracks in two days which was truly amazing.

Mick then sent the files out to David Cross, David Jackson and Paul Clark for violin, flutes/whistles and guitars respectively. Says Mick, “Both Davids sent me at least three different versions of each solo and each part and allowed me to choose the ones that I liked the best. This worked really well and was such an interesting way to work editing the parts together so that their best ideas were retained. They have all added their own personal slant to the songs they play on to great effect and I really like the way that these tracks have turned out.”

The last person to be recorded was Dennis Mahon who lives in California. Mick met him at Cruise to the Edge and was so impressed with his singing on John Wetton covers that he wanted to work with him and see what he would do with an original song. His vocals were recorded by Fernando Perdomo at Reseda Ranch Studios CA USA.

The album was then mastered by 360 Mastering here in the UK.

During a career going back to the 1970’s Mick Paul has played with many established artists and done numerous tours and TV sessions

In the early eighties he was was produced by Mike Ratledge and Carl Jenkins from Soft Machine, then became an in house session bassist for a studio in London, around 1983 started writing his own material with mixed success, it wasn’t until 1995 when Mick joined the David Cross band that he found his feet as a writer, working with David Cross, Robert Fripp, John Wetton and Peter Hammill.

In 2015 whilst recording the album “Another Day” for Cherry Red records with David Cross, David Jackson and Craig Blundell that he found there was a lot of  material that was very personal to him that felt more cohesive as a solo project rather than as band ideas, Mick worked closely on these with Paul Clark and Craig Blundell on the initial tracks and later on as the album developed found that Sheila Maloney, the original keyboard player from the David Cross band was instrumental in setting the ambience for later tracks.

Mick has also toured Europe with Mr. Big vocalist ‘Eric Martin’ and is also part of the recently formed ‘Fae’.

In closing Mick has this to say, “I would be very happy if everyone who listens to the album finds it a positive experience. Although the album goes through many different moods and styles, I hope the overall experience is one of exploration and hope. What I also hope is that they find out that the bass itself is such a flexible and interesting instrument and not just there for the low notes. There are some very different ways of playing the bass heard on the album that include melodies, tapping, solos, and textural accompaniments as well as all the low stuff!”

To pre-order:
https://www.cd-services.com/product_info.aspx?id=17804&qry=2205344&key=&genre=0&pi=0&status=0
https://burningshed.com/mick-paul_parallel-lives_cd?filter_tag=Mick%20Paul

For more information:
https://www.mickpaulbassist.com

Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leslie Hunt, Lead-Singer With Prog Ensemble District 97 & American Idol Finalist, To Release New EP “Ascend” June 25, 2021

The captivating rise of LESLIE HUNT, ex. American Idol finalist & District 97 lead-singer, continues with “Ascend”, her brand new and exquisite solo 7-Track CD EP.

• “Ascend” offers seven superbly crafted songs each one displaying an honesty & grace mixed with an impassioned beauty.

• Seven gorgeous and affecting reflections on how we’ve all felt about life and love at one time or other.

• “Ascend” marks Part One of a 2-EP Set with a further 7-Track CD EP titled “Descend” to be released in September.

• Videos for the tracks “Right Here”, “Down The Road” and “There You Are” will be released to promote “Ascend”.

Leslie Hunt began her musical career at the tender age of four, playing piano and singing around her hometown of Chicago. Over the years, Leslie has performed on many stages in various roles, developing as a performer and gaining critical acclaim throughout the process. Many will remember Leslie from her appearance and relative success in the singing competition, American Idol, where she progressed into the Top Twenty Female Vocalists during Season 6 of the popular TV show in 2007. Since then, Leslie has continued not only as a solo artist with the release of three albums, “From The Strange To A Stranger” (2006), “Your Hair Is On Fire” (2009) & “Wait For It” (2012), but also as lead vocalist and songwriter for the exploratory Progressive Rock band, District 97.

The captivating rise of Leslie Hunt now continues with the release of “Ascend”, her latest solo EP. A collection of seven exquisite new songs, each one brilliantly written and performed, displaying an honesty and grace mixed with an impassioned beauty. Seven gorgeous and affecting reflections on how we’ve all no doubt felt about love and life at some point in our lives, captured and expertly shaped in the hands of this studied artist.

Whether it is a cheerful, hook-heavy pop tune about love or a dark and insightful ballad of self-discovery, Leslie Hunt’s music is a window into her soul for any listener willing to look.

“Ascend” will mark Part One of what is to be a 2-EP Set, with a further 7-Track EP titled, “Descend” being readied for release in September.

Videos for the tracks “Right Here”, “Down The Road” and “There You Are” will be available as part of the promotion for the “Ascend” EP.

Track Listing:

1. STARTING OVER
2. THERE YOU ARE
3. YOUR WIND
4. WOLF CRIED BOY
5. RIGHT HERE
6. DOWN THE ROAD
7. THE KEY

Released June 25, 2021 on Spirit Of Unicorn Music

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/leslie-hunt-ascend-cd-ep/

For more information:
www.lesliehuntmusic.com
www.facebook.com/lesliehuntlive
www.twitter.com/lesliehunt
www.instagram.com/lesliehunt

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Prog Ensemble Linda Cushma's OXYGENE8 To Release New RHINO EP

The RHINO collaboration was conceived at the height of the pandemic, during the first quarantine, with all of life-human & beast-scrambling for safety and security. The project took on the soundtrack of the times.

“Tracks with such vulnerability and heart - you can hear it and even more poignantly for me because these are my friends playing so generously and graciously. I was so touched by that every time a track came in. I am awake thinking tonight of international friends, family and wishing you and all our world's most vulnerable and endangered beasties safety and calm. This music is our gift to you.” – Linda Cushma

Oxygene8 features bassist and vocalist Linda Cushma (USA), best known for her work with this experimental ensemble. The project also features guitarist Federico Miranda (Costa Rica), co-founder of the Costa Rican rock band Gandhi & Baula Music, promoting environmental conservation & awareness through music; Tim Alexander, drummer for band PRIMUS, plays tom-toms on the RHINO soundtrack; guitarist Pablo Tato (Spain/UK) is a studio musician that has worked with producers such as Paul Epworth (Adele, Paul McCartney, U2) and now resides in London. The RHINO EP mix & magic by Steve Parrish (USA) @ Desert Coast Studio.

To purchase: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lindacushmaoxygene8/linda-cushma-oxygene8

For more information:
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/lindacushma
FACEBOOK Fan Page: www.facebook.com/LindaCushmaOxygene8-101821658005127

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Prog Trio Trifecta To Release New Album “Fragments” On Kscope on August 20, 2021!

First Track & Video Premiered “Pavlov’s Dog Killed Schrodinger’s Cat”

Trifecta, a new addition to the Kscope roster, features 3 of the contemporary music scene’s most lauded and revered musicians – bassist and songwriter Nick Beggs, keyboardist extraordinaire Adam Holzman and completing the line-up, Craig Blundell – one of the world’s most celebrated drummers.

Having performed together as part of Steven Wilson’s band, the three would jam together after soundchecks, forming what they referred to as “jazz club” and from these sessions the fledgling ideas for “Fragments” were born, Nick Beggs comments “after the last tour with Steven finished, we had a handful of tracks ready to work on and as we moved through our various separate projects we agreed to work on Trifecta.”

The record primarily leans toward a fusion of jazz rock, imaginatively described by Beggs as “Fission! It’s like Fusion but less efficient and more dangerous with fall out.” and being mainly instrumental with the exception of one track, the wonderfully titled and first single “Pavlov’s Dog Killed Schrodinger’s Cat”. The lyrics of which, Beggs states “are written from the perspective of a layman trying to understand quantum mechanics…and failing”. The track also features drum programming from Russell Holzman.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “PAVLOV’S DOG KILLED SCHRODINGER’S CAT” HERE

The brilliantly animated video was devised and created by Beggs himself – he comments “The film clip is a new take on the lyric video concept I guess? I made it one afternoon in my home studio using my i-phone and a writing pad!”

Each band member completed the recording and engineering of their own contributions in their various home studios which helped in bringing their individual production ideas to each track. Adam Holzman mixed the record at his New York home studio and the mastering was handled by Andy VanDette (Rush, David Bowie, Deep Purple, Porcupine Tree, Beastie Boys) in New York.

The title for the debut came about as Nick Beggs explains “We discussed early on, the idea of each piece having a Fragment number and track title, for example – ‘Fragment 10 - Pavlov’s Dog Killed Schrodinger’s Cat’.  As all the compositions were written as jams or in our home studios this idea seemed even more prescient. So, we titled the album ‘Fragments’”.

“Fragments” will be released on 20th August via Kscope on CD, black vinyl LP, ltd edition neon orange vinyl LP (exclusive to www.kscopemusic.com/store) and digitally.

Pre-orders are available now HERE (https://TrifectaKscope.lnk.to/Fragments)

Track List
1. Clean Up On Aisle Five [03:07]
2. Check Engine Light [02:55]
3. Proto Molecule [02:20]
4. Auntie [02:57]
5. Venn Diagram [02:42]
6. The Enigma Of Mr. Fripp [02:44]
7. Sally Doo-Dally [02:54]
8. Have You Seen What The Neighbours Are Doing? [02:58]
9. The Mute Gospel [03:16]
10. Pavlov`s Dog Killed Schrodinger`s Cat [04:12]
11. Voyage Of Discovery [03:02]
12. Nightmare In Shining Armor [02:00]
13. Dry Martini [03:13]
14. Lie 2 Me And Take My Money [03:13]
15. Hold It Like That[03:28]

Can’t wait until 20th August? Curious to know more now? Fans can check out an album teaser HERE

The band have new social media – for updates & news follow them here:
https://www.instagram.com/trifectahq/
https://www.facebook.com/Trifecta-Blundell-Holzman-Beggs-104063678455805
www.kscopemusic.com/artist/trifecta

Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Amazonian Rock Band Pentral Keep the Groove but Turn it up to 11 on New Single!

Pentral are to release their new single, Aiming for the Sun, from their forthcoming album, adding even more ferocity to their sound but retaining the groove and rhythms which made the likes of Prog and New Noise hail them as ones to watch. Their first single, Silent Trees, received glowing praise from both Prog and New Noise and All My Wounds raised the bar yet further, a colossal burst of energy and riffs, continuing the story of a young family lost in a world filled with anger and hate, set against the backdrop of the Amazon jungle. Aiming for the Sun picks up the story of the couple ousted from their rainforest home and battling against a tyrannical regime. 

“Aiming For The Sun” is a heavier song without leaving groove behind. It’s the second chapter of the couple's saga, when the Amazon land-grabbers show their real face and what they are up to. Through its dark vibe and pulsating lines, this song tries to express a feeling of urgency, a claim for help, showcasing the agony of the people in the woods.”

Passionate about environmental protection, equality and the fight against racism, their music and lyrics reflect their beliefs, with the band seeing music as a powerful and positive way of changing the world for the better and their album, What Lies Ahead of Us is a concept album exploring the fractious relationships between people from different backgrounds and cultures and ultimately Mankind’s war against nature itself.

Brazilian rock band Pentral release ferocious new single "All My Wounds"

Pentral are to release the second single, All My Wounds, from their forthcoming album, an incendiary mix of the rhythms and melodies of their homeland of Brazil and the power and aggression of classic rock bands of the 1960s, 70s and 80s with a contemporary flavour. Their first single, Silent Trees, received glowing praise from both Prog and New Noise and All My Wounds raises the bar yet further, a colossal burst of energy and riffs, continuing the story of a young family lost in a world filled with anger and hate, set against the backdrop of the Amazon jungle.  

"All My Wounds" is the second single from our debut album. This song tries to express an uplifting vibe with its lyrics, melody, harmonies, and groovy rhythm. It is about the quest for spiritual healing, dealing with the highs and lows of life, and toxic people. It touches upon how hard is to cope with grief and loss and how rewarding is to bounce back from rock bottom. It's a part of the journey described on the concept album called "What Lies Ahead Of Us" which is about a saga of a lowly couple fighting for their lives and sanity.”

Passionate about environmental protection, equality and the fight against racism, their music and lyrics reflect their beliefs, with the band seeing music as a powerful and positive way of changing the world for the better and their album, What Lies Ahead of Us is a concept album exploring the fractious relationships between people from different backgrounds and cultures and ultimately Mankind’s war against nature itself.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pentralmusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/pentral

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pentralmusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pentralmusic

Website: https://www.pentralmusic.com/

Canadian Prog-Metal Ensemble Derev To Release Debut EP “Leap of Faith” May 21, 2021

Derev is a progressive Rock/Metal band from Toronto, Canada, formed by the Italian/Armenian guitarist Armando Bablanian and the Syrian/Armenian drummer Michel Karakach. Derev’s sound combines the energy and intensity of metal music with the atmospheric sound of old-school progressive rock, while incorporating elements of their Arabic and Armenian heritage.

The plan for what eventually became Derev was in the works since Michel and Armando met in high school while living in Kuwait. At the time, they were unable to pursue the project due to circumstances of living in the Middle East.

After obtaining his dental degree during the war in Syria and seeking asylum in Canada, Michel joined Armando in Toronto to form the band after an eight-year hiatus, where they met the bassist Liam Horrigan who recently joined the project.

In anticipation of their debut EP “Leap of Faith”, Derev has already released two singles and an animated music video in early 2021. “Leap of Faith” features Adel Saflou (Ambrotype) on vocals and will be released on May 21st. The band will also be releasing a video for the track “Turab” on the same day.

Says Derev, “‘Leap of Faith’ is our debut EP. It’s meant to introduce the band’s diverse style and unique sound, merging the heaviness of metal music with the atmospheric feel and rhythms of old school progressive rock, while experimenting with middle-eastern scales derived from the band’s origins. Even though the EP is not a concept album and each song aims to discuss a different topic, the common theme is about seeing things from a different, unconventional perspective and taking the risk of action to make a change, rather than accepting the status quo, thus the EP’s name.”

The main themes, melodies, and riffs came out of prolonged jam sessions between Armando and Michel. From there, they were slowly developed into full songs through numerous iterations of rehearsing, adjusting, and recording demos. Once the structure of a song was ready, they wrote lyrics and worked on the general vocal melodies and harmonies. The entire EP was recorded at home. Guitars and bass were recorded in the band’s home studio in Toronto. Adel Saflou (guest vocals) took their demos, added his own character and sound to it and recorded the vocals in his home studio in Amsterdam. Michel tracked the drums on his electric kit, and then fine-tuned it to preserve his performance, while keeping everything sounding organic. Once everything was tracked the band sent the songs to James Zhan who mixed and mastered the EP.

Derev:

Armando (guitarist/songwriter), an engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, has been an active musician for over 10 years. His most notable work is with the Canadian metal band “Till I Conquer” with whom he has released an EP and 3 singles.

Michel (drummer/songwriter) has been an active drummer for the past 10 years. He was constantly organizing and playing shows while obtaining his dental degree in Syria. Fortunately for him, he had the opportunity to immigrate to Canada and pursue his musical career with Armando to bring Derev to life.

Liam (bassist) who’s also an engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, started his musical career with Ottawa-based act “Open Season”. He has diversified across instruments, genres, and locations (including performances throughout southern Ontario and the release of an alternative rock solo EP as @t_ii_f), Liam is excited to be returning to his bass playing roots with Derev.

Track listing:
1. Tunnel Vision (1:04)
2. Turab (5:15)
3. Futile (8:22)
4. Delayed (7:07)
5. Slipping Down Again (5:59)
6. Ghost of Guilt (8:35)

To purchase: https://www.derevmusic.com/store

For more information:
https://www.Derevmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/derevmusic
https://www.instagram.com/derevmusic
https://www.twitter.com/derevmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1lbmuZcISd67b_t7hLfuXw

Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Italian Composer, Multi-instrumentalist & Visual Artist Giancarlo Erra Returns With Spellbinding New Album “Departure Tapes”

First single & video for track “Departure Tape” premiered

UK based Italian composer, multi-instrumentalist and visual artist Giancarlo Erra will release his new album “Departure Tapes” on July 2, 2021 through Kscope.

“Departure Tapes” is an album consisting of 6 contemplative recordings, written while travelling between the UK and Italy. The majority of these 6 tracks were improvised in the studio by Erra, so for the most part, are totally unique and hold a sincerity which cannot be replicated. It is the follow up to 2019’s acclaimed album “Ends I-VII”, with the new recordings reflecting what has been an extremely difficult year for Giancarlo, with the loss of his father to cancer. Erra comments “In 2019 my first solo album was just being released, and I already had the view that I wanted to be more experimental with the second one, but no precise idea how at that point. Then my father suddenly got ill with cancer, and everything changed.”

Erra, having had a fractured and conflicted relationship with his father since his early teenage years found a way to turn this distressing time into a cathartic experience, “He left when I was 14 and since then he wasn't really part of my life. Then I received the news of his terminal illness and somehow, I found myself in a situation where I was taking care of this man, someone who I have been distanced from for so long.  During this period, I realized it had become a time for both of us to come to terms with many things. I wanted to get closure, but a positive one, for him and for me, and I think he was the same even though he maybe didn't know it; this was hard but at the same time 'healing' and in a painful twist, it was possibly the most close and positive few months I had with him since I was a small child.” He explains the influence this had on him creatively “It's the first album I have created without realizing I was actually writing it, as it is so intrinsically linked to one of the hardest and yet more healing parts of my life. The end result is the most experimental, and at times, the darkest material I have ever written, without compromise or set plan. It contains all the elements of my music in a very unconscious free flowing way.”

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE NEW SINGLE “DEPARTURE TAPE” HERE

The first single to be taken from the new album is the extremely poignant and personal “Departure Tape” with the video dedicated to Erra’s father, he explains “This track was written I think when I came back from my first visit to Italy to see my father after he had been diagnosed. It really just began as a live experiment - born and finished within one afternoon. I remember I didn't really want to do anything; I was exhausted and down, but then, when I started playing the track took shape. I discovered there was much more going on inside my head that needed to be faced. For me, music has always been the only way I can do that, and from this introspection ‘Departure Tape’ was born. It's almost like a free subconscious stream of thoughts and feelings while recording everything that was happening.”

Giancarlo Erra began his musical career in 2005 with one man studio project Nosound. 2008 saw him signing with Kscope and released a string of albums under the Nosound banner before recording his debut solo “Ends I-VII”. “Departure Tapes” sees Erra play and record every instrument himself along with taking on full production responsibilities at his own studio (https://widescreen.studio).
Max Richter, Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm and the more electronic / ambient recordings of Brian Eno may offer a reference point by which to enter Erra’s world, but the depth within his recordings is truly original.

“Departure Tapes” track list:

1. Dawn Tape [06:15]
2. Previous Tape [01:48]
3. 169th Tape [02:51]
4. Unwound Tape [08:24]
5. Departure Tape [16:51]
6. A Blues For My Father [07:31]

“Departure Tapes” will be released on the following formats and is available to pre-order HERE (https://GiancarloErra.lnk.to/DepartureTapes)
• A gatefold LP on oxblood coloured 180g vinyl
• 2-disc CD/DVD with the DVD-A/V including high resolution stereo & 5.1 mix:
DVD-V: stereo 24/48 LPCM lossless mixes, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, DTS 96/24 5.1 Surround and DVD-A: 5.1 Surround 24/48 LPCM lossless mixes
• Digitally (with digital pre-orders receiving the single “Departure Tape” as an instant download from 22nd April)

Follow Giancarlo Erra:
https://facebook.com/giancarloerramusic
https://twitter.com/giancarloerra
https://www.instagram.com/giancarloerra/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aXOIiw7HiVfCdZ6r66bKA
https://soundcloud.com/giancarloerra

All artist photography by Caroline Traitler www.carolinetraitler.net
Album artwork by Giancarlo Erra

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Slightly Stoopid’s Drummer RYMO Releases New Solo Album “Kinetic” Out Now!

WITH FEATURED GUESTS TONY LEVIN, MARTY SCHWARTZ, PAUL WOLSTENCROFT, TOM GRIESGRABER, AND FARZAM SALAMI

Slightly Stoopid drummer Rymo (Ryan Moran) has released his new solo album “Kinetic” out now on all digital platforms here via Controlled Substance Sound Labs. Featured guests include progressive rock legend Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, ABWH, Pink Floyd, King Crimson), YouTube guitar sensation Marty Schwartz, Tom Griesgraber, Paul Wolstencroft (Slightly Stoopid), and film composer Farzam Salami. The album “Kinetic” arrives on the heels of his two singles “Kinetic” and “Skooby Snax” previously released this Spring.

“‘Kinetic’ represents some of the many influences and musical genres that I enjoy. Most of the songs were written and refined in a studio setting over a period of time. I was fortunate to have a bunch of great guests join me and add their talent to this project.” - Rymo

Rymo’s bandmates from Slightly Stoopid, OG, Dela, Paulie and AG all contributed to the album, playing multiple parts on songs and solos. Farzam Salami contributed tasteful Middle Eastern percussion and stringed instruments on several tracks. Tom Griesgraber helped record, produce, perform and engineer the album. The entire album was recorded at his studio with the exception of a few guest artists that recorded remotely.

“This album is a sonic journey. The music touches down in various sounding regions around the globe and takes the listener on a ride.” - Rymo

KINETIC TRACK LISTING
1. Symmetry 7 (feat. Farzam Salami)
2. Kinetic (feat. Paul Wolstencroft, Tom Griesgraber)
3. Palindrome
4. Spy Theme (feat. Tony Levin)
5. Bembé Rumba
6. Skooby Snax (feat. Marty Schwartz)
7. Mr. Roboto Visits The Outback
8. Nebula
9. Influx (feat. Marty Schwartz)
10. Megalodon
11. Cubism
12. Changó
13. Symmetry 5
14. Hearin’ Everywhere (feat. Paul Wolstencroft)
15. Didg-y-tar (feat. Farzam Salami)
16. Dream Flight

“Kinetic” is available everywhere on all digital platforms here: (https://cssl.fanlink.to/rymo-kinetic)

For more information: https://rymodrums.com/.

photo by Sterling Munksgard

ABOUT RYMO:
Born in San Francisco and raised in San Rafael, Ryan was bitten by the music bug shortly after his 10th birthday. He had two older sisters that provided a wide range of listening opportunities. One sister was full on punk rock and the other, a Deadhead. Sprinkle in generous amounts of 80’s top 40 radio and you have Ryan’s musical recipe. As far as early influences go, Ryan chooses Led Zeppelin and their drummer, John Bonham and Rush’s Neil Peart as particularly influential.

Inspired by his High School music teacher, Mark Peabody, Ryan continued his pursuit of knowledge by earning a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in 1993 for their 5 week Summer program. There he met musicians from all over the U.S. His continuing education led him to apply to several different colleges, but San Diego State University had all the right factors. Ryan attended SDSU beginning in late 1994 until 2000, when he earned his BA in Music. Since his graduation, he has continued his pursuit of the groove, which has led to involvement in several projects.

Ryan Moran has been a full-time member of the stylistically diverse band, Slightly Stoopid since 2003 and has recorded 7 albums with the band. They have toured internationally, and shared the stage with many legendary artists. Described by themselves as “a fusion of funk, rock, reggae and ska with hip-hop, metal and punk,” Slightly Stoopid gives Ryan a wide palette to paint his percussive contributions. “It’s been an incredible ride…We have done things I could only have dreamed of as a kid.” The band has all types of content on every major social media channel, and has achieved many landmark goals, such as headlining a sold-out show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, 10 years in a row.

In the studio, Moran has contributed to over 40 albums playing drums primarily, but also vibraphone, piano, didgeridoo, and world percussion. He has worked with various producers in a wide range of styles and projects. This has led him to recording studios all across the U.S., from sessions in New York City to Circle House in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, to the legendary Sound City in Hollywood, CA.

In addition to his performing and recording credits Ryan is also an educator, being active in giving lessons as a private teacher both online and in person. His YouTube channel ‘rymostoopid’ has over 60 drum lessons posted and has over a million views. Ryan has also been involved in The Rios Music Project, a private music school in Carlsbad, CA. In the past, he has also taught at the A.R.T.S. music non-profit organization, also in San Diego. He has appeared several times at Notes for Notes music non-profit organization in Nashville, TN and Santa Barbara, CA.

In August of 2015 Moran was featured in DRUM! Magazine and was also included in the book, “Sticks ‘N’ Skins” by Jules Follett.

Some of Rymo’s personal influences include John Bonham, Danny Carey, Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Stewart Copeland, Peter Erskine, David Garibaldi, Neil Peart, Simon Phillips, Thomas Pridgen, Steve Smith, and many more.

Slightly Stoopid has performed live with many guest artists, ranging from Snoop Dogg and Chali 2na to Barrington Levy, Don Carlos and Stephen Marley, to Fishbone’s Angelo Moore and Dumpstaphunk’s Ian and Ivan Neville, to name just a few.

OFFICIAL WEBSITES:
Website: https://rymodrums.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rymodrums
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyMo76  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rymostoopid/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6NZVIVrjl7TLOQ2Ysshc36
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfrhEdAB9vBmkPOCEOqa71A

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

The Moody Blues' John Lodge New Single “The Sun Will Shine” OUT NOW!

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has released a new digital single entitled “The Sun Will Shine”. Out now!

In John’s own words:

“On March 8th 2020 we played a sold out show in Lexington, MA, and within a week my wife and I, like so many of us around the world, went into lockdown.  

Like all of us staring at our four walls, I realised that this would be a challenging time. And then I began to think about 1967… We went into the studio and were in a sort of lockdown then, where we spent 24 hours a day creating an album that changed my life. That album was ‘Days of Future Passed’. As I looked back I remembered the creativity that took place then, and as I watched the sun rise every morning, I realised that I just needed to see the world differently. I therefore took the opportunity to write and record some new music hoping to explore how I was feeling.

My first single ‘In These Crazy Times’, which came out last year, I wrote and recorded myself on Garageband, and I asked my wife, Kirsten, my son, Kristian, and my daughter Emily’s boyfriend Jon Davison (of YES), to join me. (Emily and I have been working together for many years now). It was an incredible experience to work with all my family on this, and gave us the connection we needed even though we were apart.

I then began to write ‘The Sun Will Shine’, and for this song I wanted to work with my 10,000 Light Years Band, Alan, Billy, Duffy and Jason. Jon also joined me again, and whilst we couldn’t all be in the same room, it was so fantastic to be able to still create music together despite the miles between us. Touring is still in the future, but I can’t wait to get back on the road with my band. I miss the road, the camaraderie with all the guys, performing, and, of course, all the fans, who have been such a support to me over the last 6 decades.

This song was therefore very important to me writing it, and it’s great to see it out there now, hopefully inspiring others and reflecting the start of the end of these troubled times. My hope is that the sun will shine for me, for you, for the world, just like the dawn of a new day and the promises it brings.” - John Lodge, May 2021.

“The Sun Will Shine” is available now as a digital download, on all streaming platforms, and on YouTube as a digital video. The song is reminiscent of many of John’s earlier compositions with its message, orchestration and harmonies, and will be part of the EP “On Reflection” due to be released later this year.  

The 10,000 Light Years Band are long term collaborators Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums) both from the Moody Blues touring band. Plus, Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello).  

Photo by Brian Aris

John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2018 inductees, The Moody Blues. Songwriter of such mega Moody Blues hits from “Ride My See-Saw,” to “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange?” and many more, Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums. Lodge has been voted one of the “10 most influential bass players on the planet,” and has been the recipient of many awards, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers), an Ivor Novello Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Prog Magazine, to name just a few. With the Moody Blues now no longer touring, John is passionate about “Keeping the Moody Blues Music Alive”, and John and his 10,000 Light Years Band provide a unique opportunity to continue to experience the magic of the Moody Blues. 2021 will see the release of his live album “The Royal Affair and After” and touring is being planned for 2022.

DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THE TRACK HERE (https://ffm.to/thesunwillshine)

For further information:
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
YouTube smarturl.it/JohnLodgeYouTube

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Robert Fripp and Electronic Duo The Grid (Dave Ball of Soft Cell & Richard Norris) Release New Album “Leviathan” June 25, 2021

• New collaborative album from electronic duo The Grid (aka Richard Norris & Dave Ball of Soft Cell) and Robert Fripp

• Combining Fripp Soundscapes with synth, drums, programming and effects by The Grid

• Available on Double disc CD/DVD-a, 2LP 200 gram super-heavyweight vinyl and Digital album

“Robert (Fripp) turned up with a truck load of amps and effects, two great big stacks including delay units with a 76 second delay and played and played and played.”

Though not intended as such, in some respects Leviathan and its creators represent between them one version of the history of British electronic music. In 1973, the curiosity of a significant chunk of the King Crimson and Roxy Music fan bases, along with an attractive price, propelled Fripp & Eno’s “No Pussyfooting” into many thousands of homes where no such recording had previously registered a single sleeve, much less a gatefold. By the early 80s Dave Ball & Marc Almond’s Soft Cell were at the forefront of a wave of synth based bands who dominated the singles and albums charts. In the 1990s, The Grid – Dave Ball (again) & Richard Norris formed a key act in what was sometimes referred to as Electronica, sometimes herded under the (almost meaningless) “Dance music” category, occasionally (equally inaccurately/narrowly) described as “ambient” music, the struggles of music industry name-taggers never quite catching either the breadth of the music involved, nor recognizing – until much later – the scope of its influence.

The Grid’s success - a number of hit singles and albums, including the million selling “Swamp Thing”, world tours, remixes for Eno, Pet Shop Boys, Yello, Sylvian/Fripp – could find a ready audience among those for whom, by now, electronic music was part of the everyday musical fabric and commonality of experience, even as it continued to evolve and develop as a form in itself.

The Grid were managed at the time (1992) by David Enthoven who had also managed King Crimson and Roxy Music from inception for many years and by now with a Sylvian/Fripp remix among their producing credits, it is no surprise that the duo and Fripp were keen to see if mutual recordings would produce interesting results – hence the arrival of the equipment described by Richard Norris above at Eastcote Studios in West London.

As Norris further notes: “Robert’s craft and musicianship was slightly daunting to us at first, being from a more DIY, post punk electronic background, but we soon worked out a language to communicate in. ‘Make it sound like a thunderstorm…’, ‘I’m going to make a sound like a bomb’, that kind of thing. After every track, Robert would say ‘Have you got any more?’ and seemed to be greatly enjoying himself. He was a very generous guest”.

The resulting Fripp recordings provided material for much of The Grid’s second album “456” and their Top 20 follow-up album “Evolver”.  

But there was more, much more….

A few years ago, The Grid rediscovered tapes from these sessions, including unreleased tracks they’d worked up but never completed or mixed. A set of long solo drone pieces from Fripp was discovered along with a lost track that was then remixed to become “A Cabala Sky” by The Grid / Fripp and released as part of Bill Brewster’s acclaimed “Late Night Tales” compilation series in 2014.

Further Fripp Soundscapes from the same period were added to the mix by DGM’s David Singleton, which inspired The Grid to add new synths, drums, programming and effects to create the album “Leviathan” a 2LP and CD/DVD-a set.

Inspired by the mythical whale ‘Leviathan’, the biggest prehistoric whale that ever lived, Norris adds “I like Philip Hoare’s book ‘Leviathan’, which is about his obsession with whales and whale watching and the awe of coming into contact with such massive creatures. They are quite mysterious. Their brains are enormous, and we don’t quite know what all the brain power is doing… A bit like Robert, really”.

Having completed the album’s stereo mixes, DGM suggested the music as ideal for a full 5.1 surround mix by The Vicar. Electronic music lends itself very well to Surround Sound mixing as the listener has no fixed notion as to where any sound should emerge from. This mix features on the CD/DVD-a edition (alongside the stereo mix) and while Surround Sound is sometimes regarded as “niche” in terms of audience, the same would have been said about any form of electronic music when Fripp turned up, guitar in hand, at Eno’s place in 1972.

But then inquisitive musicians, even (perhaps especially) when they approach music from very different perspectives, often arrive at places that are as intriguing to an audience as they were to the participants.

“Leviathan” Tracklist:

1. Empire
2. Milkwood
3. Pulse Detected
4. Loom
5. Leviathan
6. After The Rain
7. Fire Tower
8. Zhora
9. Sympatico

The Grid / Fripp “Leviathan” Released 25th June 2021 and Distributed by AMPED Distribution

To pre-order: https://shop.schizoidshop.com/cd---the-gridfripp---leviathan-p1882.aspx

For more information: www.dgmlive.com

The Grid Management - Chris Smith @ Renegade Music chris@renegademusic.co.uk

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com