World’s Largest Prog Rock Supergroup THE PROG COLLECTIVE Preview New Album With First Single “Two Trajectories” Featuring GEOFF TATE!

Album features performances by Todd Rundgren, Derek Sherinian, Jan Akkerman, Steve Hackett, Steve Hillage, Patrick Moraz, Sonja Kristina, Joe Lynn Turner, L. Shankar, Arjen Anthony Lucassen, Roine Stolt, Graham Bonnet, David Johansen and more!

Los Angeles, CA - The prog rock supergroup The Prog Collective, spearheaded by much heralded producer/musician and member of prog royalty Yes, Billy Sherwood, returns with a timely and magnificent new studio album, Worlds On Hold! This is the first release under the Prog Collective moniker since 2013’s Epilogue, which was the follow-up album to the massively popular self-titled debut album released in 2012. Just as with those previous efforts, Sherwood has gathered some of the most proficient and prolific artists from all over the globe including Rock Hall Of Fame nominee Todd Rundgren, Rock Hall member Steve Hackett (of Genesis), founding guitarist of Dutch legends Focus Jan Akkerman, former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, electric violinist L. Shankar, renowned keyboardist and former Dream Theater member Derek Sherinian, and so many more!

For Worlds On Hold, producer and band leader Billy Sherwood chose to split the album between new compositions on one side and spectacular versions of familiar classics on the other. The songs covered include Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill,” Alan Parson’s Project’s “Eye In The Sky,” Procol Harem’s “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” and The Moody Blues’ “Nights In White Satin.” In addition, the set includes 3 previously released bonus tracks of Billy Sherwood produced cover versions. It truly is the best of both worlds!

For a taste of what’s in store, check out the album’s first single “Two Trajectories” featuring founding vocalist for prog metal icons Queensrÿche, Geoff Tate, which has been released as a digital single. The song is a complex and moving composition that showcases not only Tate’s incredible range but also the sleek and stupefying guitar work of superstar shredder Ron Thal.

Sherwood declares, “It was an honor and a pleasure to work with Geoff Tate on the song. He brought so much emotion and character to the vocal. I’m looking forward to people hearing this track along with all the others on the new Prog Collective record!”

The feeling is mutual for Tate, who says “Yes was one of my earliest influences and working with Billy was very special to me. I loved singing the track ‘Two Trajectories.’”

Listen to the single: https://orcd.co/the_prog_collective_geoff_tate

Worlds On Hold will be available on digital as well as CD and in a deluxe 2LP gatefold set with colored vinyl starting February 5!

Pre-order the album: https://orcd.co/the_prog_collective_worlds_on_hold

Track List:
1. Worlds On Hold feat. Todd Rundgren & L. Shankar
2. Two Trajectories feat. Geoff Tate & Ron Bumblefoot Thal
3. Anything But Goodbye feat. Jon Davison & Patrick Moraz
4. Meant To Be feat. Jan Akkerman & Billy Sherwood
5. Brave New World feat. Sonja Kristina & Steve Hillage
6. Glory Days Ahead feat. Arjen Anthony Lucassen & Steve Hackett
7. Solsbury Hill feat. Roine Stolt & Billy Sherwood
8. A Whiter Shade Of Pale feat. Graham Bonnet & Derek Sherinian
9. Eye In The Sky feat. Joe Lynn Turner & Martin Barre
10. Nights In White Satin feat. David Clayton-Thomas & Geoff Downes
BONUS TRACKS
11. Penny Lane feat. John Wetton
12. More Than A Feeling feat. Alan White, Tony Kaye & Billy Sherwood
13. People Are Strange feat. David Johansen

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The Legendary “God Of Hellfire” ARTHUR BROWN Releases New Single With VANILLA FUDGE’s MARK STEIN!

Produced by HAWKESTREL’S ALAN DAVEY!

Los Angeles, CA - Arthur Brown is a truly groundbreaking rock music icon who pioneered a theatrical approach to musical performance that has been cited as an influence on Rock Hall of Famers Alice Cooper and KISS. Going under the memorable moniker The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, the British-born singer achieved breakthrough success with a blockbuster hit single in 1968, the colossal freakout “Fire,” which he used as a launching pad for an incredible career that continues to this day! And today he releases a superb new track, “Zombie Yelp,” just in time to get all the groovy ghoulies, young and old, in the mood for the Halloween season!

Written by Brown and Alan Davey, formerly of British space rock kings Hawkwind, who not only produced the track but performs on it as well, “Zombie Yelp” rides a distinctively spooky retro groove laid down by the vintage keyboards of Vanilla Fudge founder Mark Stein as well as Davey’s driving bass guitar, all of which set the stage for the Brown’s unearthly vocal delivery that ranges from piercing howls to demonic growls. It’s the perfect mix of psych rock ecstasy and campy fun!

Davey shares these thoughts about working on the track, “It was great fun writing this new song with Arthur, he’s always a hoot to work with and his lyrics on this are funny as feck! I’m proud to have mixed and produced it too. Take your Zombie Yelp this Halloween and see what happens!”

Stein reflects on his own history with Brown, saying “The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Vanilla Fudge shared the stage back in the late ‘60s. Arthur is still crazy after all these years and still killin’ it! ‘Zombie Yelp’ is a wild tune with great grooves and lyrics. I had a blast playing organ on it. Just wait till you hear this track…lovin' it!”

And Brown sums it up perfectly, in his typically enigmatic fashion, “Spirits lagging? Need some help? Dive right in to the ‘Zombie Yelp’!”

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/arthur_brown_mark_stein_zombie_yelp

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HAWKWIND Supergroup HAWKESTREL Release Second Album PIONEERS OF SPACE Plus Single Featuring ROBERT CALVERT!

Features Hawkwind Alumni Alan Davey, Ginger Baker, Robert Calvert, Nik Turner, Huw Lloyd-Langton, Simon House, Michael Moorcock, Paul Rudolph, Mick Slattery & Bridget Wishart PLUS Todd Rundgren, Mick Taylor, L. Shankar, David Cross, Arthur Brown, Wayne Kramer, Carmine Appice & more!

Los Angeles, CA - Hot on the tail feathers of last year’s debut album from Hawkestrel, the project spearheaded by former Hawkwind bass player Alan Davey, comes this brand-new album from the quintessential Hawkwind supergroup! Made up of more Hawkwind alumni than any previous project, Hawkestrel is truly the next evolution of this legendary British rock legacy. The new album, Pioneers Of Space, continues the sci-fi adventures with a mix of original compositions and bold covers including the wildly adventurous version of Post Malone's megahit “Circles” featuring some stellar guitar work from Hall Of Fame nominee Todd Rundgren. And Rundgren isn’t the only special guest here; also contributing their talents are former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor, prog legend David Cross, electric violinist L. Shankar, wild man Arthur Brown, MC5’s Wayne Kramer, and lots more!

For a taste of what’s in store, the first single from the album “Day Of The Quake” is currently available on all digital platforms. The track is a complete revamp of a rare early ‘80s recording from Hawkwind’s much loved poet laureate, Robert Calvert. Davey enthuses about the track saying, “From the lyrical genius that is Bob Calvert comes ‘Day of the Quake.’ This masterclass of English poetics gets married up to some up-tempo exciting music I wrote with the one and only Mick Taylor guesting on lead guitar and the legendary Nik Turner on sax. Get ready to rumble!”

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/hawkestrel_day_of_the_quake

Pioneers Of Space will be available starting October 16 in a digipak CD and two vinyl configurations: a special double vinyl set with a bonus EP or the single LP set in RED colored vinyl!

Order/Pre-save the album: https://orcd.co/hawkestrel_pioneers_of_space

Track List:
1. Biometrics
2. Cosmic Divide
3. Day Of The Quake
4. Glass Wolves
5. Atmospheric Window
6. Circles
7. No Doubt
8. Journey
9. Pioneers Of Space

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Classic Rock Legends BADFINGER Team Up With The King Of Keyboards RICK WAKEMAN For A Very Special Rendition Of The Paul McCartney-Penned Hit “COME & GET IT!”

Los Angeles, CA - Joey Molland’s Badfinger has been experiencing quite the career revival recently with artists ranging from indie rock icon Matthew Sweet to Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson participating in exciting new versions of Badfinger’s extensive catalog of hits. And now comes one of the biggest hits Molland & company ever recorded - the Paul McCartney-penned pop classic “Come & Get It” reinvented here with a superb contribution from famed piano/keyboard player Rick Wakeman! With Wakeman’s special touch, this tune takes on a whole new life with added melody and bounce, and although Badfinger guitarist/bassist Tom Evans originally sang lead on the 1969 version, Molland ably takes over vocal duties.

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/badfinger_rick_wakeman_come_and_get_it

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Prog Rock Visionaries SONTAAG Release New Single “BEYOND FOREVER!”

Los Angeles, CA - International rock collective Sontaag, whose eponymous debut album is a multi-generic collision of progressive space opera, cinematic ambience and sci-fi storytelling that arrived to significant critical acclaim in 2014, are set to return into 2020’s dystopian new normal.

On September 18th, the band will release their new single “Beyond Forever.” The cast of this particular mission finds original collaborators Richard Sontaag (guitars, keyboards) and Ian Fortnam (vocals) joined by Steve George (Swervedriver) on bass while Dave Barbarossa (Adam And The Ants/Bow Wow Wow) - whose trademark beats propelled Sontaag’s 2019 all-out sonic assault on Hawkwind’s “Silver Machine” (with Youth, Nik Turner and The Orb) - returns on drums.

“Beyond Forever” and its companion track “Back To My Soul (both produced by Richard Sontaag) are available through Cleopatra Records via all digital platforms with cover art by Julie Cunnah.

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/sontaag_beyond_forever

Ian Fortnam: “Between them, these compositions form the next chapter of the Sontaag story. The conclusion of the album saw our lead character drifting away from a scene of total annihilation into an uncertain future. These songs reflect our hero's innermost thoughts. ‘Beyond Forever’ finds him lost, alone, permanently social distanced, but ultimately optimistic, while ‘Back To My Soul’ has him searching for spiritual redemption while mourning for all that’s gone. If our first chapters were set in outer space, these next instalments play out in a terminally locked-down inner space.”

Richard Sontaag: “‘Beyond Forever’ has a kind of James Bond theme feel to it. Ages ago, I remember going to a film studio in Ealing and watching them cut together the opening credits of a Bond film, and that was a lot of fun. When we were writing ‘Beyond Forever,’ I was thinking of something that could play over a really spaced-out Bond opening. As for ‘Back To My Soul,’ I like riffs, but I’m also interested in the traditional craft of songwriting. ‘Back To My Soul’ is an attempt to combine the two.”

Steve George: “When my best buddy and I experienced the joy of playing an electric guitar for the first time, we didn’t have an amp, so we commandeered his brother Richard’s old Vox AC30. The amp kept cutting out, but that did not ruin the thrill of reproducing the riffs of ‘War Pigs,’ ‘Silver Machine’ and, sadly, ‘Smoke on the Water.’ So playing with Sontaag all this time later means that things have kind of come full circle for me.”

“Progressive restored to its original sense. By referencing the last five decades of music and film, Sontaag create a highly original sci-fi morality tale for the future, and one of the year’s most unusual listening experiences, itself crying out for movie status.” 8/10 - Classic Rock

“Progtastic!” 4/5 - Daily Mirror

“Just download it to your brain from the nearest orbiting space station.” - Huey Morgan, BBC Radio 2

“A schizophrenic head fuck of an album, switching between ambient electronica and crunchy hard rock.” - Detroit-Metro Times

“A spectacular collision of British eccentricity and dramatic storytelling.” - Line Of Best Fit

“Sontaag have created one of the year’s most unusual listening experiences with this 21st century take on a sci-fi morality tale.” - Shindig

PHOTO CREDIT: Julie Cunnah/Kevin Nixon

Press inquiries:
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Prog Ensemble DarWin to Release Second Album “Darwin 2: A Frozen War” on November 6, 2020

 

CD, Digital and Double Coloured Eco-Vinyl Gatefold LP with 30cm x 20cm poster

Following the release of critically acclaimed debut album “Origin Of Species” in early 2019, DarWin is set to release the follow up album “Darwin 2: A Frozen War” on the 6th November 2020.

Once more DarWin has assembled a stunning ensemble of musicians. “DarWin II: A Frozen War” continues the core collaboration with Simon Phillips (drums, Toto/The Who/Jeff Beck), Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr) and DarWin. Joining them are powerhouse players Billy Sheehan (bass, Mr Big/ Steve Vai/Winery Dogs), Guthrie Govan (guitar, Aristocrats/Asia/Hans Zimmer/Steven Wilson), Greg Howe (guitar, Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake), Derek Sherinian (keyboards, Dream Theater/Alice Cooper/Black Country Communion) and more…

The second album builds on the themes of “Origin Of Species” - first single “Nightmare Of My Dreams” featured a stunning video centered around the theme of the recent wildfires and filmed in areas of Australia directly affected. The other tracks build on DarWin’s sound - drawing the best elements of progressive rock with a depth of vocal sound scapes and  songwriting. There is a generous amount of guitar shred and heavy grooves on display for the rock faithful who demand athletic performances.

First single, “Nightmare Of My Dreams”, available now, also features a video directed by the legendary Nigel Dick (Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard) HERE

“At the end of it all, DarWin has saved the concept album as well as the planet.” – Classic Rock review of debut album “Origin Of Species”

The full album tracklisting of “Darwin 2: A Frozen War” is as follows:

1. Nightmare Of My Dreams

2. Future History

3. Eternal Life

4. A Frozen War

5. Another Year

The album is also be available in spectacular Double Coloured Eco-Vinyl Gatefold LP with 30cm x 20cm poster. LP1 will be the standard album tracklisting, as above. LP2 features new interpretations of various songs from the first two albums, highlighting  theorchestral or unplugged performances of the earlier tracks.  They were all mixed and rearranged by mastermind Simon Phillips, and show a more delicate and emotional side to the DarWin recordings.

The full tracklisting for LP2 is as follows

Side A:

1. Escape the Maze (Orchestral)

2. Nightmare of My Dreams (Orchestral)

3. Slowly Melting (Unplugged)

4. Forever (Orchestral)

Side B:

1. One Horizon (Unplugged)

2. Rise (Orchestral)

3. Last Chance (Orchestral)

4. Another Year (Acapella)

DarWin says. “We completed this album under extraordinary circumstances. The writing for the album continued as we wrapped Origin of Species in 2018, and our worlds were turned upside down by wildfires and viral pandemics. We’re grateful to the amazing group of musicians, artists and professionals who participated in this project. Almost no aspect of the creative process was “typical,” with team members spread out around the world, and often under lock down. We had our instruments, our technologies, and a passion for musical creativity. We hope that the emotion and resilience of this time period will come through these recordings.”

“Darwin 2: A Frozen War” was produced by DarWin and Simon Phillips and recorded primarily in Iceland and the USA.

DarWin’s critically acclaimed debut “Origin Of Species ” was the first installment in an epic saga that addresses the challenges of mankind in our coming era. It depicts the role of a changing planet, and the potential, as well as limitations, of technology to help solve mankind’s greatest challenges. A complex project that’s eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A story that demands attention and imagination. With music sweeping in scope, at times evoking hard rock virtuoso shredding, alongside grand orchestral compositions, warm harmonies and soaring choruses. A project that is even more relevant in the strange times we live in.

http://www.darwin.is/

For further Information

Duff Battye / Duff Press duff@duffpress.co.uk + 44 (0)7904 385308

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

Rock Legend Todd Rundgren Releases First Single "Espionage" From His Forthcoming Album 'Space Force'

Following his critically-acclaimed album of collaborations, White Knight, released in 2017 on Cleopatra Records, rock legend Todd Rundgren is releasing a new single “Espionage” from his forthcoming album Space Force. In contrast to its futuristic title, Rundgren returns to the days of yesteryear when artists would release several singles first before releasing an “album,” or collection of singles. Thus, Space Force will be released to digital platforms as individual singles, each with its own unique artwork, every 3 or 4 weeks with the entire album coming in early 2021.

First up is a song as adventurous as Space Force suggests, the ambitious collaboration “Espionage” with Muslim hip hop artist Narcy.

“The song is actually an orphan of White Knight. Narcy and I began the colab in the final days of that album and we couldn’t get it finished in time, so in a sense it’s the first song of Space Force.” - Todd Rundgren

Keep an eye out for more Space Force singles including collaborations with Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo and idiosyncratic pop stars Sparks as well as a video for “Espionage.”

Stream the track here: https://orcd.co/todd_rundgren_narcy_espionage

In other news, now that the convention has wrapped, Todd’s new re-record of his 1973 anthem “Just One Victory” has been provided to the Democratic National Committee for gratis use by all candidates running for public office this fall, from top of ballot down to dogcatcher .

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Rundgren began playing guitar as a teenager, going on to found and front Nazz, the quintessential 60's psychedelic group. In 1969, he left the band to pursue a solo career, recording his debut offering, Runt. But it was 1972's seminal Something/Anything?, on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts, and acted as his own producer, that catapulted Todd into the superstar limelight, prompting the press to unanimously dub him “Rock's New Wunderkind.” It was followed by such landmark LPs as The Hermit of Mink Hollow and A Wizard, A True Star;  evergreen hit singles include “I Saw The Light,” “Hello It's Me,” “Can We Still Be Friends,” and “Bang The Drum.”



photo credit: © Lynn Goldsmith

Todd Rundgren management: 
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Guitar Virtuoso Marcelo Paganini to Release Prog Rock-Jazz-Fusion Single “Circus Is Empty” From New Album feat. Billy Sherwood, Adam Holzman, Chad Wackerman & Others

French-Brazilian guitar virtuoso Marcelo Paganini is releasing his new prog rock-jazz-fusion single called “Circus Is Empty” on 28th August 2020. Written, arranged and performed by Marcelo on guitar and keyboards, the track features Billy Sherwood (Yes/Asia) on vocals, Adam Holzman (Steve Wilson Band/Miles Davis) on solo keyboards, Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa/Alan Holdsworth) on drums, and Adriano Campagnani (Beto Guedes Band) on bass. Daniel Boivin mixed and Maor Appelbaum did the mastering.

“I was daydreaming, thinking that after ARW (Anderson, Rabin, Wakeman) maybe it’s time for PSH (Paganini, Sherwood, Holzman)!” jokes Paganini from the studio of his old stone house in Catalunia, Spain. “It’s unbelievable that some of the best talents on the planet all agreed to participate – the whole Universe conspired to make it happen! All my steps led me to this old house in the woods.”

“Circus Is Empty” is the song people didn’t know they were waiting for. It blends the urgency of 2020 vibes and sounds with classic prog elements and furious jazz-fusion improvisation. The title is a tribute to Shakespeare’s The Tempest - “Hell is empty, and all the devils are here.” “Crazy times, the circus is empty and all the clowns are in power,” says Paganini. “There is a call to vote, if it wasn’t important they would not be trying so hard to discourage people.”

Marcelo faced an uphill task moving his studio from Normandy, France to Catalunia, Spain. Closed borders, an old laptop which struggled in the Spanish heat, a 300-year-old house which floods in the rain, and an album to finish. “It was 40 degrees outside, not that I could go outside while there was still work to do inside. Not to mention all gigs stopping overnight! It became so much that I had to ask my friends for help, but it taught me who my real friends are, and that I have the best friends around. Then I had to let some good old friends go too, I was too much trouble in too little time for them.”

His persistence has paid off though. “Identity Crisis”, which includes “Circus is Empty”, is due for release on all platforms, with an exclusive vinyl version on his Bandcamp page, on December 11th to mark his 56th birthday. “If the world is still spinning by then!” he laughs.



“I am trying to prove to myself that my last compositions are as good as the first ones... The prog scene is full of artists that wrote their best material many Dark Sides of the Keith Moon ago! Me too by the way, but seriously… Folks are you keeping your best songs for when they will offer a better deal? They won’t, so it is better to release your best material right now while we are all still around! Or else it may end in the trash can.”

“Why ‘Identity Crisis’? Who the Hell is this Marcelo Paganini guy anyway?” he asks. “I am trying to figure that out, for now I don’t even know what food to eat without getting sick... Let’s say for now that Marcelo Paganini is a French-Brazilian guy from New York City, with an Italian stage name, living secluded in the woods up the hill in Catalunia, Spain, that thinks he is a real Spitfire Dragon from Outer Space who crash landed on Earth some time ago...”

Billy Sherwood sings lead on the whole album, and on two tracks along with special guests Marcelo Paganini performed with on Cruise to the Edge 2015: Karla Downey and Jamison Smeltz. Jamison also provided a searing sax solo on the final track “Captain’s Face”, which was written for producer Larry Morand, who invited him to attend the 2015 Cruise To The Edge, about his life changing experience. “Of course I’d love to come back to Cruise To The Edge in 2022,” says Paganini. “It would be great to play live with this band at least once, Billy Sherwood and Adam Holzman are already on board, I bet Captain Prog Larry can make it happen!”

Among other surprise guests, legendary jazz Drummer Lenny White (Return To Forever/Miles Davis) recorded two songs for the album, including “Learn To Love To Wait” which also features Billy Sherwood on bass and Adam Holzman on keys. “I only played guitar on that one,” laughs Paganini. “With so many legends from other bands it’s the mother of all supergroups, but only if it happens without me, I was told. So, I had to let them play together without me for a few bars so it remains a supergroup at least there! I am trying hard to convince another legend to record a guitar solo in that spot!”

Marcelo lost his beloved rescue cat Don Juan in March 2019, and “it was then that things started to become weird fast. The French Cinema Archive CNC demanded a €15K 35mm print of my film ‘First time in Rio’ or I’d have to pay a €70k fine, an absurd situation as I couldn’t afford either. I couldn’t understand why, since they accepted a digital deposit of my film “The 8th Bullet” in 2007. I had to put everything I have on a truck and move to Spain last October. Here I will wait until French cinema people get me out of this. Meanwhile I am depressed, broke, in debt, away from home, family and remaining cats and did nothing wrong! Maybe the president of UNIFRANCE, the president of the CNC and the new Culture Minister of France Rosalyne Bachelot can get Kafka out of my reality? I feel like someone powerful did not want me to make any more films, but it backfired, since I am making a new film about all this.” The upcoming film is also called “Identity Crisis” and will use the album for its soundtrack.

“Then my credit card disappeared and I had no money to live for several weeks. All these events were eye opening experiences. They made me discover fundamental truths: only stupid people are afraid of dying, they are also afraid of living.

“I was bullied since I was little, most people in real life reject me, I am strange, different and proud of it, but harmless. The cat came to me, he chose me, that changed me forever, I learned a lot from him. My friends joke that Don Juan wrote most of the music and that I cannot really play it without him! Let’s just say that so many things happened ever since, that today no one can play that stuff  on the guitar, not even me, since I forgot everything. But don’t worry I am a fast learner”. Marcelo wrote most of the songs of the album with Don Juan around and “Identity Crisis” is dedicated to him and to Billy's brother Michael Sherwood that left us too soon last November.



Marcelo Paganini is now represented by Mr Bowler Music Agency in the Netherlands. Exciting news awaits for 2021…

Purchase link
https://marcelopaganini.bandcamp.com/

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Marcelo-Paganini-13255032254/

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/MarcelloPaganini

Mastered by Maor Appelbaum at Maor Appelbaum Mastering - California - U.S.A
http://www.maorappelbaum.com/

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

Prog Ensemble DarWin Release New Video “Nightmare Of My Dreams” from Forthcoming Album “DarWin 2: A Frozen War”

DarWin's new single, “Nightmare Of My Dreams” from forthcoming Album “DarWin 2: A Frozen War”features a video directed by the legendary Nigel Dick (Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard).

Watch the video HERE

“I started working on this (Nightmare Of My Dreams) shortly after we finished the first ‘Origin of Species’ album. Our drummer Simon Phillips, his home burnt down in a tragic wildfire, and we had been thinking a lot about all the themes of the first album dealing with climate change. Those events actually affected our own lives very directly. I’d been working on some ideas for this song and one night it all seemed to come together. The video was shot in Australia, where we wanted to shoot in an area that had been affected by wildfires and climate change. We really want this song to be a tribute to those dealing with the challenges of wildfires around the world. We hope that people can think about the dangers facing many parts of the world and the challenges of the families who have to get their lives back together after these events.” - DarWin

Following the release of debut album “Origin Of Species” in early 2019, DarWin has now released a new single, “Nightmare Of My Dreams”.

The epic 7 plus minute “Nightmare Of My Dreams” builds on the themes set out by DarWin on “Origin Of Species”. The video directed by Nigel Dick (Guns N Roses/Band Aid/Def Leppard/Britney Spears) showcases the talents playing on the track - Guthrie Govan (guitar, Aristocrats/Asia/Hans Zimmer/Steven Wilson), Simon Phillips (drums, Toto/The Who/Jeff Beck), Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr) and Billy Sheehan (bass, Mr Big/ Steve Vai/Winery Dogs).

Of the 400 plus videos Nigel Dick has directed this is the first video he has directed remotely. The shoots took place in LA, Nashville, Iceland and Australia - with Nigel himself being in Colorado. Nigel provided the Australian crew with a 27 page storyboard to follow for the shoot in the Blue Mountains, Australia, an area that had been ravaged by fire at the end of 2019. Ironically the fire blistered landscape had begun to grow back green shoots when they filmed, so they had to hide those. Nigel also had to use a real family as actors so that they could work around social distancing. And for the final shot the teddy bear had to be flown across the world to be filmed beforehand had to be quarantined before coming out of its box. A curious tale for these curious times…

Once more DarWin has assembled a stunning ensemble of musicians. “DarWin II: A Frozen War” continues the core collaboration with Simon Phillips, Matt Bissonette and DarWin. Joining them are powerhouse players Billy Sheehan, Guthrie Govan, Greg Howe (guitar, Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake), Derek Sherinian (keyboards, Dream Theater/Alice Cooper/Black Country Communion) and more…

“Darwin 2: A Frozen War” was produced by DarWin and Simon Phillips and recorded primarily in Iceland and the USA. The “DarWin 2: A Frozen War” album will be released later in 2020.

DarWin’s critically acclaimed debut “Origin Of Species ” was the first installment in an epic saga that addresses the challenges of mankind in our coming era.  It depicts the role of a changing planet, and the potential, as well as limitations, of technology to help solve mankind’s greatest challenges. A complex project that’s eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A story that demands attention and imagination. With music sweeping in scope, at times evoking hard rock virtuoso shredding, alongside grand orchestral compositions, warm harmonies and soaring choruses. A project that is even more relevant in the strange times we live in.

“At the end of it all, DarWin has saved the concept album as well as the planet.” – Classic Rock review of debut album “Origin Of Species”

“…a smorgasbord of styles, dripping in YES pomp, melodic pop and riffy modern day rock” – Prog Magazine review of debut album “Origin Of Species”

http://www.darwin.is/

For further Information
Duff Battye / Duff Press duff@duffpress.co.uk + 44 (0)7904 385308

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

JETHRO TULL’s IAN ANDERSON Joins TERRY REID And MANCHESTER STRING QUARTET On An Epic New Version Of BADFINGER’s “DAY AFTER DAY!”

Los Angeles, CA - What do you get when add the woodwind talents of rock flutist Ian Anderson and the six-string skills of British guitarist Terry Reid to Badfinger’s unforgettable smash hit “Day After Day”? You get one of the most compelling and riveting reinventions of a classic song you’re likely to hear all year! Throw in a modern string quartet out of Manchester for good measure and now you’ve got one beautifully rendered, symphonic rock masterpiece! All of these elements combine flawlessly, as if the passage of time was merely waiting for them to coalesce around Joey Molland and company’s superb version of the song that originally appeared on Badfinger’s 1971 album Straight Up. Reid, whose ultra-melodic, soulful guitar playing earned him acclaim for his solo albums as well as session work for the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Don Henley, adds depth to the emotive string arrangements of the Manchester String Quartet with his subtle playing while Anderson’s flute adds unexpected flourishes that will give listener’s the feeling of hearing this song for the very first time again and again, day after day!

Anderson shares this about the track, “Like many of my contemporaries, I remember ‘The New Beatles,' as Badfinger were unfortunately dubbed by the UK press. Great songwriting and production by George Harrison. [This version is] brought to life here by the Manchester String Quartet, alumnis of the Northern Royal College Of Music. I tried to find a few harmonies and simple counterpoints to interject into their splendid performance. For me, an elegant and nostalgic experience.” 

Meanwhile, Reid had this to say, “It was great to go back and listen to this song again and get to play guitar on it as I’ve always loved the band and this song. I got to hang out with Joey back in the day and he’s a really great guy and a fine musician. Playing on this song brought back some great memories of a musical era that will never be forgotten by me and many others.” 

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/badfinger_day_after_day

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


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Rick Wakeman Releases New Digital Single “ASCRAEUS MONS” From His New Album 'The Red Planet'

Ascraeus Mons /əˈskriːəs ˈmɒnz/ is a large shield volcano located in the Tharsis region of the planet Mars.

CHECK OUT “ASCRAEUS MONS” HERE 

With the release of Rick Wakeman’s new studio album, The Red Planet due on August 28th 2020, described by BBC Radio 2’s Steve Wright as “King of the Prog rock keyboard .. one of our most successful and prolific musicians”, has released the first single to be taken from the album entitled “Ascraeus Mons”.

Inspired by 2021 being the anniversary of mans’ first expeditions to mars plus the fifty since including many landings Wakeman states “the incredible information discovered and of course some astonishing images. You just have to look at the photos online or in books to be inspired, the landscapes are fascinating and the volcanoes are huge …..bigger than anything on earth. It was the perfect subject for me to be inspired musically.”

He explains further “The main themes and ideas were all written on the piano, with photographs of Ascraeus Mons scattered around. I wanted the start of the album to be a statement and I always felt the church organ as an initial solo instrument said it all. This is certainly a track that screams out to be played live.....so I’d better get practising !!”

The Red Planet features 8 newly composed pieces, especially for this project, and harks back to Wakeman's critically acclaimed debut album The Six Wives of Henry VIII where there were 6 heavy keyboard pieces based around a central subject matter. It is a serious return to “Wakeman Prog”...

“It’s all a grand musical gesture ... this record “sizzles” and “melts” with old-time vinyl prog passion” Somethingelsereviews.com

“Rick Wakeman himself is a true visionary, a maestro, and a storyteller that has brought The Red Planet to life.” Echoes And Dust

Rick has blown the dust off his favourite analogue keyboards and along with his with the latest keyboards, has used the same formula he devised when making his legendary albums The Six Wives of Henry VIII and Criminal Record.

Upon being asked about the expectations of his Prog Fans, that they are hoping he will have shoved the “Prog Fader” up to 11, he replied, “That could be a problem.... as it's already at 14!!!”

The album, produced by Rick Wakeman and Erik Jordan, has already garnered high praise and coverage in the worldwide media including Vanity Fair, Billboard, plus making the cover feature in the UK’s Prog Magazine and multiple interviews on BBC radio stations.



Madfish will be releasing worldwide to retail The Red Planet as a CD Digipack with 20 page booklet, a black vinyl 2LP in gatefold sleeve and digitally on 28th August 2020, these are available to pre-order HERE (https://rickwakemanmadfish.lnk.to/TheRedPlanet)

For a limited number of very lucky fans there is (covid-19 dependent) a special launch event to be held at the UK’s National Space Centre in Leicester on Saturday 22nd August – more details on tickets can be found HERE (https://www.musicglue.com/rick-wakeman-the-red-planet/products/star-vice-admiral-star-playback-event-at-the-national-space-centre-with-bag-of-goodies-signed-event-programme-and-signed-cd-slash-dvd)

The English Rock Ensemble (ERE) features:
Rick Wakeman - Keyboards
Dave Colquhoun- Guitars
Lee Pomeroy - Bass
Ash Soan - Drums

Rick Wakeman's official:
www.rwcc.com
@GrumpyOldRick
https://www.facebook.com/RickWakemanMusic

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

NYC Power Trio OGD To Release First Single From Forthcoming Debut Album "The Big Game" Produced By Drum Legend Jerry Marotta

“Young Love” is the first single from NYC based power trio OGD from their forthcoming debut album “The Big Game” produced by master drummer Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, John Mayer). The band features Derek Olivero (Guitar, Lead Vocals), Bobby Gavin (Drums, Vocals), and Dave De Ranieri (Bass, Vocals). The band recorded the album in upstate New York at Dreamland Recording Studios. Famed album cover designer Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Dream Theater) was recruited to create a package for the CD and vinyl harking back to the pre-digital days of rock-n-roll including a 20-page booklet of Hugh’s art.

The video was produced by Doug Hatley inspired by the album artwork from legendary artist Hugh Syme. Watch the video for “Young Love” here:

Hailing from the ashes of Outland, Olivero and DeRanieri joined forces with Gavin to form OGD creating modern day rock with shades of Rush, Kiss, and even Clutch. “The Big Game” features 10 original compositions co-written by Olivero, Gavin, DeRanieri. The album was mixed by Michael Cozzi who’s worked his sonic magic on releases from Phil Keaggy, Tony Levin, Deep Energy Orchestra, and Security Project, his band with Jerry, Trey Gunn and Happy Rhodes. The album was mastered by world-class mastering engineer Chris Athens with the vinyl cut by Chris Muth.

Get ready to join the game when the album drops on August 25 with a full vinyl package set to release later in the year.

“I was so impressed by the prog-level energy and complexity and how it coexists wonderfully with the accessible and ‘radio-friendly’ aspects of the song structure. ‘The Big Game’... some really big music ... great playing, arrangements, and lead vocal .... and a world class sound overall! And no wonder — with the masterful production by maestro Jerry Marotta and his team!” - Hugh Syme  

Says Derek, “Writing music for me is about a feeling or mood brought on by past or current life events. It could be from a memory, walking away from something or someone, a deserted highway, experiencing unknown, going into the wild, the universe and what is out there or a scene from a movie. Something that sticks out and strikes a chord in me. I'm always exploring and wondering where does the path lead. Most of the songs were written based on life experiences. The meaning is left up to the listeners interpretation. Always searching, The Journey continues with our first studio Album ‘The Big Game’ recorded at Dreamland studios NY. Produced by the legendary Jerry Marotta.”

Says Dave, “I’m thrilled with the OGD album. It was amazing to work with Jerry Marotta who I listened to and admired for so many years. We all did our best to do justice to these songs. I love albums you want to hear without skipping a song. I think we achieved that with ‘The Big Game.’ The album artwork is beautiful. The cover draws you in, and the images inside reflect each song. Hugh Syme did stellar work and that is yet another thrill, as I’ve been admiring his work on all my Rush album covers for years. Now he’s done our album!”

Says Bobby, “We all have added our mark on the music and it shows drive, passion, creativity and anything to anyone with an ear to listen too. There is something for everyone to enjoy and get down with the momentum and drive of OGD.”

The thing that always gets to me when I’m listening to music is sincerity. Neil Young has it. Bruce Springsteen has it. Otis Redding. Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin. Sinatra. The Band. The Beatles. You get it. As time goes by I find it harder and harder to buy into what music is selling these days. It’s fake, manufactured, constructed etc … When Derek Olivero, Bobby Gavin and Dave De Ranieri contacted me looking for a space upstate to set up and jam I sold them on Dreamland Studios which I’ve been running for about 12 years. Large Church built in the late 1800’s. Big sound. Big acoustics. I greet them at the Church entrance and say hi. Okay … he’s gotta be from Brooklyn. This ones gotta be from the Bronx and the 3rd guy sounds either Queens or Brooklyn. They set themselves up. Bobby Gavins drums sound like cannons! Derek’s guitar is screaming at me. Slapping me in the face. Daring me to utter a single sound. Dave Da Ranieri's Bass is enabling me to forego my next colonoscopy. Okay, these guys know how their instruments are supposed to sound. Check. I’m all ears now. They start rocking it. I hear lyrics like ‘Innocence Ran’ next up ‘The Word’ The freaking Word!!! How brazen is that! Does Derek Olivero actually think he knows what ‘The Word’ is? That’s badass if you ask me. Then ‘Setting Sun’ ‘Out In The West’ ‘Scary Night’ ‘Unknown’ and finally … ‘Young Love’ I get my engineer to start rolling tape. Let’s record some of this stuff and listen back later to see if I wasn’t imagining what I’d heard. In the end I told them they had to let me make the record for them and we had to record it at Dreamland with a few guitar overdubs done at Jersville Studios. My studio in my house.

 I love the record we made. I love these maniacs. We are now lifelong friends and the record is finally about to hit the airwaves. ‘The Big Game’  watch for the videos. Seek out the music. I mean what I say …

Sincerely,
Jerry Marotta



OGD:
Derek Olivero - Guitar, Lead Vocals
Bobby Gavin - Drums, Vocals
Dave De Ranieri - Bass, Vocals

“Young Love”
Written by Olivero, Gavin, DeRanieri
Audio Produced by Jerry Marotta
Video Production and Animation by Doug Hatley
Band Video by Jerry Marotta
Album Cover Artwork, Direction, and Illustrations by Hugh Syme
Audio Recorded at Dreamland Recording Studios in West Hurley, NY
Additional Recording at Jersville Studios in Woodstock, NY
Audio Engineer - Ken Helmlinger
Assistant Engineer - Ariel Shafir
Mixed by Michael Cozzi at Moscozzi Studio in Seattle, Washington
Mastered by Chris Athens for Chris Athens Masters in Austin, Texas
Band Photography - Natalie De Gennaro & Francis X DeGennaro
Strategic Liaison - A.J. Chippero

To purchase:
https://ogdband.bandcamp.com

For more information:
https://ogdband.com/home
https://www.facebook.com/ogdband
https://www.instagram.com/ogdmusic/
https://twitter.com/ogdmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmrYE5i3fcjNuIGtO5vra3Q

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

Prog Ensemble DarWin To Release New Single "Nightmare Of My Dreams" Featuring Simon Phillips, Billy Sheehan, Matt Bissonette, Guthrie Govan & Others August 14, 2020

First album track, “Future History”, to be released on Friday 10th July 2020. Video directed by Nigel Dick (Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard).

Forthcoming new album “DarWin 2: A Frozen War” featuring Simon Phillips (Toto/The Who/Jeff Beck), Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr), Billy Sheehan (Mr Big/ Steve Vai/Winery Dogs), Guthrie Govan (Aristocrats/Asia/Hans Zimmer/Steven Wilson), Greg Howe (Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Alice Cooper/Black Country Communion) 

Following the release of debut album “Origin Of Species” in early 2019, DarWin releases a new single, “Nightmare Of My Dreams”, on the 14th August 2020.

The epic 7 plus minute “Nightmare Of My Dreams” builds on the themes set out by DarWin on “Origin Of Species”.

The announcement of the first single will coincide with the release of the first album track, “Future History”.

Both songs are taken from the forthcoming album, “DarWin 2: A Frozen War”, which will be released later in 2020.

Once more DarWin has assembled a stunning ensemble of musicians. “DarWin 2: A Frozen War” continues the deep collaboration with Simon Phillips (drums, Toto/The Who/Jeff Beck) and Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr). Joining them are powerhouse players Billy Sheehan (bass, Mr Big/ Steve Vai/Winery Dogs), Guthrie Govan (guitar, Aristocrats/Asia/Hans Zimmer/Steven Wilson), Greg Howe (guitar, Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake), Derek Sherinian (keyboards, Dream Theater/Alice Cooper/Black Country Communion) and more…

“Darwin 2: A Frozen War” was produced by DarWin and Simon Phillips and recorded primarily in Iceland and the USA.

DarWin says, “We started working on DarWin 2: A Frozen War while still finishing Origin of Species.  This new album is therefore more like a final chapter to OoS.  The title song “A Frozen War” represents the final battle for the future of Earth.  It has a heavier feel than the first album, and I think represents our best stuff.

“We shifted live recording to Iceland and Billy Sheehan joined us on bass in the studio while Matt was often traveling with Elton John.  We’re also joined on the album by Guthrie Govan, Greg Howe and Derek Sherinian doing killer leads, and many more players that are super exciting.

“This first song we’re releasing, “Future History” is about traveling faster than lightspeed and therefore going back in time.  It’s a real chuggy jam song that should rock hard.  Matt’s thick harmonies soar over the heavy grooves to provide a sensation of flying next to a ray of light and watching your life pass before you.  It was great to jam with Billy and Simon on this and trade licks with Greg in the solo section.  Check it out!”

The first release “Future History” also features a video directed by the legendary Nigel Dick (Guns N Roses/Band Aid/Def Leppard/Britney Spears)

See video HERE

DarWin’s critically acclaimed debut “Origin Of Species” was the first installment in an epic saga that addresses the challenges of mankind in our coming era.  It depicts the role of a changing planet, and the potential, as well as limitations, of technology to help solve mankind’s greatest challenges. A complex project that’s eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A story that demands attention and imagination.  With music sweeping in scope, at times evoking hard rock virtuoso shredding, alongside grand orchestral compositions, warm harmonies and soaring choruses. A project that is even more relevant in the strange times we live in.

“At the end of it all, DarWin has saved the concept album as well as the planet.” – Classic Rock review of debut album “Origin Of Species”

“…a smorgasbord of styles, dripping in YES pomp, melodic pop and riffy modern day rock” – Prog Magazine review of debut album “Origin Of Species”

“DarWin 2: A Frozen War” is released later in 2020. “Nightmare Of My Dreams” will be released on the 14th of August 2020. It will feature an exciting narrative video, also directed by Nigel Dick

Darwin photo by Andy Earl

To pre-order “Future History”: https://darwin.fanlink.to/futurehistory

DarWin official website: http://www.darwin.is/

For further Information: Duff Battye / Duff Press duff@duffpress.co.uk + 44 (0)7904 385308

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

Nick D'Virgilio Releases New Video & Single "Money (That’s What I Want)" From Forthcoming Album "Invisible"

Album special guests include Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) / Paul Gilbert (Mr Big, Racer X) / Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) / Carl Verheyen (Supertramp) / Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) / Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings / Steve Hackett) / Jem Godfrey (Frost*) and more 

A distinctive cover version of “Money (That’s What I Want)” has been made available as the second single from Invisible, the forthcoming new solo album by the American drummer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Nick D'Virgilio (NDV). The first ever hit on the Tamla Motown label in 1959 has seen notable covers in the past by the likes of The Beatles and The Flying Lizards, with NDV stating: “I've always liked this song, with the original version by Barrett Strong being my favorite. I wanted my take on it to be dark and brooding with a cinematic sound, so I came up with a way to build an end with chords that kept climbing until a nice climax, while parts for orchestra were arranged that built a great sound on top. One of my favorite parts of the song is when I'm whispering a bunch of slang terms for money. I sang the whole song like a person that is going a little crazy and that section was a perfect fit.”

In regard to how the song fits into the narrative flow of Invisible, he explains: “Lyrically, the words fit perfectly. The song comes at the point in the story where the protagonist has decided to leave his dead end job and venture out into the world to try and discover the meaning of his life. He wanders into a shop and sees the person behind the counter looking dishevelled and depressed, prompting him to ask 'is everything OK? Why are you here? If it's that bad, why don’t you go home?' Those questions prompt the response that they need money. They are stuck in life’s trap just like him, and he swiftly realizes that he is not alone in feeling alone.”



Invisible is the second solo album by the California born but Indiana based NDV and comes almost two decades after his debut solo offering. He describes his new record as “a collection of songs that make up the story of a man who is unhappy with where his life has ended up. He finally decides to take the scary step of leaving everything behind so he can go and find the meaning of his life.” He continues: “Throughout my career I have been in many different places. Over time the word 'invisible' kept coming to mind and it got me thinking of people that truly have the hardest jobs in the world, or no job at all. The outliers. The ones we all take for granted. The ones we will never know but if they were not there then our lives would not be the nearly the same. Over time I amassed lyric and song ideas with the idea of writing a concept record on the subject.”

Keen to establish that “this is not your typical drummer record,” NDV states that “'Invisible’ is a rock album with various musical flavors thrown in because the songs were formed with the story in mind. A classical prelude that uses various themes from the whole piece sets the stage. From there comes a mellow ballad outlining the story and then it is on to the adventures of the central character. The main thing making this record did for me was to reaffirm my strong belief that we are all here for something. We all have a purpose.”

With the recording process split between the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London (including full string and brass sections) and the world class Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Invisible boasts star turns from luminaries such as guitarists Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) and Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), bassists Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) and Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings, Steve Hackett), plus keyboard players Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Jem Godfrey (Frost*).

NDV's debut solo album, Karma (2001), had appeared midway through his tenure with US progressive rock titans Spock's Beard, with whom he started out as drummer upon their inception in the early 1990's before taking on additional lead singer and live frontman duties in 2002 for four studio albums prior to his departure in 2011. At the time, this was partly in order to continue touring as drummer, singer and assistant bandleader with Cirque du Soleil, with whom he played over 1400 shows over a five year period until 2014. He has also been the drummer with the award winning UK band Big Big Train since 2007 and performed with world renowned acts such as Genesis (appearing on the Calling All Stations album) and Tears For Fears (with whom he toured for over a decade).

Upon ending his stint with Cirque du Soleil, NDV relocated to Fort Wayne to become the face of the drum division of world leading music technology and instrument retailer Sweetwater Sound, explaining that “it has exploded and I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people while building new lifelong relationships. I've also had the chance to play on so much great drum gear – it is Disneyland in that regard! Many of my old bands and music compatriots have been there to record or do workshops, which is icing on the cake.”

The release of Invisible now begins yet another fascinating chapter in NDV's multi-faceted career, which he concludes “has taken many twists and turns. I have been able to live out some major musical fantasies, seeing some of the highest highs as well as some of the lowest lows. It has been a wild ride that is not over yet!”

A full biography of Nick D’Virgilio can be downloaded here: bit.ly/3cJvX9N

NICK D’VIRGILIO (NDV) : photography by Erick Anderson (eafoto)

Nick D'Virgilio's Invisible will be released on June 26, 2020.



To purchase: 
www.nickdvirgilio.com/shop/
burningshed.com/store/english-electric-recordings/nick-dvirgilio_invisible_cd

For more information: nickdvirgilio.com

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

Legendary Electric Violinist & Vocalist L. SHANKAR Debuts New Single & Video From His Star-Studded New Album!

Album features guest appearances by Korn’s Jonathan Davis, world renowned vedic chanter P.N. Sivarama Krishnan, Tony Levin, Chester Thompson, Scott Page of Supertramp & Pink Floyd, Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins, Norwood Fisher of Fishbone, and others!

Los Angeles, CA - Lakshminarayana Shankar, professionally known as L. Shankar, is widely considered a living legend, a pioneer, and a musical genius who has collaborated with giants such as Frank Zappa, Peter Gabriel, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna and many, many more. His solo albums have always drawn not only enormous interest from fans and critics alike but also showcase the collaborative spirit that is integral to Shankar’s art. Musicians, singers, visionaries, both known and obscure, have all come to pay tribute to this uniquely talented musician and perhaps even find new inspiration for themselves by performing on his recordings. That tradition continues on Shankar’s new single “In My Heart,” which features the talents of groundbreaking artist Jonathan Davis, lead singer of alt-metal icons Korn, as well as Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins, Fishbone’s Norwood Fisher, Scott Page renowned saxophonist from Supertramp and Pink Floyd and others. The song’s meditative pace sets the perfect vibe for Shankar’s mantra-like lyrics and melody while an ethereal musical bed transports the listener on a spiritual journey.

A gorgeously animated music video captures the song’s essence perfectly and can be viewed here:

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/l-shankar-in-my-heart

This is the first single from Shankar's newest full-length album Chepleeri Dream that also features guest performances from King Crimson’s Tony Levin, Chester Thompson (Phil Collins / Genesis / Frank Zappa), Dileep Palakkad, and more! Shankar shares this about the album, “I was so inspired to work on this album and to have many great musicians involved with this project. The songs reflect upon my experience living at Chepleeri Temple in Kerala when there was a major disaster, floods which destroyed Kerala and I had to over come all the obstacles to get this project finished. It was truly a challenge and I love challenges. It gives me strength.” 



“My friend Shankar is an exceptional musician, and it’s been a pleasure to work with him both on his own music and Peter Gabriel’s.” - Tony Levin

“Working with L. Shankar on this project has been a great experience. His compositions are very enjoyable to play and his arrangements are always very interesting. I am very grateful and humbled to be part of this.” - Chester Thompson

The album is set for release on July 31 and will be available on both CD and limited edition red vinyl courtesy of Cleopatra Records, Inc.

Track List:
1. In My Heart
2. Faith
3. Spreading All Over
4. Can't Wait
5. Chepleeri Dream
6. Suppose
7. Knowing You
8. Ocean Waves
9. New World
10. Patience
11. Emotions

To purchase the album: https://orcd.co/l-shankar-chepleeri-dream

For more info: lshankar.com

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


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Jazz Rock Supergroup MANDOKI SOULMATES Say "THANK YOU" To The COVID-19 Helpers With Their New Single!

Los Angeles, CA - As the world continues to be consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mandoki Soulmates mastermind and leader Leslie Mandoki has found inspiration and a new spark of hope amidst the chaos. He has penned a powerful new song in appreciation for the heroes who have emerged in this global crisis, the nurses, doctors, and other health care providers as well as the grocery store clerks and food delivery personnel who have stepped up to serve their communities. The new song, entitled simply “Thank You,” expresses so clearly the feelings of gratitude many of us have felt in these troubled times. Mandoki explains, “As an artist, I feel it is my duty to contemplate ideas for a better world. Now, like so many of us, I suddenly have the time. Let us grab this uncommon moment of pause together and take a new approach to the problems of the world. And let’s take a hard look at who this crisis is casting in a heroic light, and who comes out the villain.”

The song is being released through the Purple Pyramid imprint of indie giant Cleopatra Records, Inc. and is Mandoki Soulmate’s first release in the recently inked partnership with the L.A.-based label. Additional releases are set to follow later this year.

Stream the song here: https://orcd.co/mandoki-soulmates-thank-you

Read the complete essay written by Leslie Mandoki to complement the single: http://cleorecs.com/home/mandoki-soulmates-thank-you/

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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