Category: New Releases

VIDEO: [ai] “The Subway Song”
Slide Guitar and a Catchy Chorus Make This Tune a Certain Smash Hit

Budding pop superstars [ai] have released the video for the single “The Subway Song” from their new offering No Cure for the Princess Disease, set to be unveiled later this year.

WATCH THE SUBWAY SONG ON YOUTUBE

Fans of the rock n roll classics or late 80’s/early 90’s rock will enjoy the Replacements and Pixies-esque guitars that begin this tasty pop kernel. With easy to remember and relatable lyrics, a fine vocal timbre and upbeat vibe, “The Subway Song” is sure to make this exciting artist conglomerate an underground secret no more.

[ai]—as in I, eye, aye, etc.—is an independent musical collective directed by Texas-born singer-songwriter Mark Will. Based on the island of Taiwan, the backdrop for the songs on Carmina Formosa (2016) and Carmina Formosa Deluxe (2020), the group creates its sonic alchemy in collaboration with producer Zen Chien (a.k.a. the George Martin of Asia) at the legendary 112F Recording Studio in Taipei (a.k.a. Abbey Road East).

Tracks from the Carmina Formosa project have received considerable notoriety. The funk-inspired tune “The Kinkster” was honored as “most bonobo song” of 2016 by sex therapist Dr. Susan Block, and since that time it has been the unofficial theme song of her podcast and radio show. In July of 2021, “Dystopian Theme Song” was featured as “song of the day” on the Media Monarchy morning program, which showcases “real-deal independent protest music.” The ballad “Love in the Time of Tuberculosis” has been praised by the publication A&R Factory as an “archaically infectious serenade” and a “uniquely captivating soundscape.” 

The band’s new album, No Cure for the Princess Disease, is scheduled for release in November of 2021. With innovative and surprising variations on the genres of hard rock, alternative rock, prog rock, rockabilly, pop, and punk, the Korea-themed record offers listeners a wide variety of auditory experiences. Mark Will’s songwriting is firmly rooted in the best of the classic rock tradition, his workmanlike basslines and emotive vocals are complemented by the virtuoso performances of guitarist C.J. Hsu and drummer Cody Byassee, and studio wizard Zen Chien’s production is, as always, state-of-the-art. It might safely be said that there is at least one song for every type of music fan on No Cure for the Princess Disease.

So if you like the bardic lyricism of Dylan, the exuberant craftsmanship of the Beatles, the raw power of the Stones, the conceptual experimentalism of Pink Floyd, the transgressive artistry of the Velvet Underground, and the DIY ethic of the Sex Pistols—well, dear listener, you may have found your new favorite band. Are you ready for the expat rock revolution? All in favor, say [ai]!

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VIDEO: jake from the timeline “5g”
the former Mashable comedian turns digital anxiety into pop catharsis

Comedian turned meta-pop artist jake from the timeline released a music video for the absurdly catchy synthetic single “5g” — directly to the timeline of Instagram, as one of his signature vertical music videos.

WATCH 5G ON IGTV

On ‘5g’, jake from the timeline gives voice to collective tech apprehension in our age of digital backlash, but this isn’t some cynical, above-it-all social commentary. Standing in for users everywhere, jake delivers pop songwriting, comic bon mots and manic, overdriven synth hooks to mark his spectacular ‘upgrade’ to the synthetic consciousness of 5g.

The music video for “5g”, which jake directed in his phone-vertical signature, is a shoutout to Verizon’s classic ‘can you hear me now?’ Test Man spots. Jake and his giant Airpod roam the post-industrial L.A. streetscape, just another piece of material dwarfed by opaque 5g towers cropping up everywhere.

The video feels like a piece of handmade digital art for the listener thrust into the forthcoming metaverse, turning fear and alienation into a sort of transcendent comic superpower. An absurd declaration of preparedness for our seemingly dystopic age, ‘5g’ assures us that it may be a brave new world, but we’ll get through it with our sense of humor intact.

“For better and for worse, our relationships are largely mediated by the internet,” jake said. “Some people are terrified by the way it’s influenced our world, some take on a kind of utopian attitude, and I can relate to both. To me, what’s important is to positivise that alienation and distortion, to make something constructive that expresses the value of playfulness and humor in a dangerously unsubtle environment.”

On an alternate timeline, jake from the timeline was Jake Fertig, a Mashable comedy director and performer who ‘saved drake’s life’ and started the ‘world’s youngest boy band’ until  social media platforms shuttered editorial online video and his role along with it. Blurring the lines of reality and it’s digital twin, jake responded by posting banal instagram stories as performance art.

“I got the urge to start posting instagram stories that were increasingly dumb,” he said. “I’d post a video of myself talking about sitting in a chair, or recommending pasta to people visiting Italy. I had this idea that people would be scanning through their stories, the place that’s supposed to be saved for your ‘authentic’ behind-the-scenes self, and see something strange, someone who almost seemed to be performing. And I’d call myself jake from the timeline.” 

Once a friend suggested he adopt the persona in his music, which was more private and confessional, he began to wonder: who better to make music about social media than someone who’s trajectory was altered by the course of digital progress?

“Ultimately, that’s what I make music for — real people like me who are trying to figure out how to live a good life in the age of the network.”

WATCH: 5g on IGTV and YouTube

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Classic Country Lyrics Meld with Americana Sounds for Satisfying Single

Emerging Americana singer-songwriter D. Boone Pittman has released the super fun video for the instantly satisfying single off of his latest album “Emerge”, entitled “She Likes the Beach” to his YouTube channel.

WATCH SHE LIKES THE BEACH ON YOUTUBE

With jangling guitars and a vocal delivery reminiscent of giants of the genre like Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks, Pittman first revels in the differences between rural and island life, then laments the possibility of the loss of love. He likes to be amidst the beauty and majesty of the mountain air, while she longs to be immersed in the water and sunning on the sand of the nearest beach. Despite the disparities, their romantic connection keeps the relationship going strong, and in the end compromise saves the day.

D. Boone Pittman makes Eastern Kentucky seem as mythical, alluring and inviting as any setting that’s ever been immortalized in song. We’ve all come to know and love places because songs have inspired us to daydream about them: Memphis, El Paso, New Orleans, San Francisco, L.A.—from “Sweet Home Alabama” to “the South South Bronx.” But the scenery we encounter in Pittman’s songs is distinct in that he’s not just a troubadour passing through and observing for a night before heading for the next show. In fact, any place would be lucky to have a D. Boone Pittman to reveal its charms, its limitations, its stories, its humanity—its truth—to the world. Having grown up in the Powell County town of Stanton, it’s as if the lay of the land has soaked into his bones. And even when he touches on travails—be they his own or the more collective challenges he addresses for all of our benefit—his love of home pours into every note of his rockin’ blend of country and bluegrass.

Please visit: https://www.dboonepittman.com/

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Industry Expert Continues His Tradition of Helping Musicians Create a Lasting Career

(New York) – Former Sony Music RED President Bob Morelli is celebrating the one year anniversary of his Long Island-based “Cool is Forever Consulting LLC”.

Cool is Forever Consulting specializes in big picture strategies, tactical marketing, sales initiatives, negotiating distribution and label deals with a full team providing service in digital marketing, online advertising, social media, creative, data analytics, A&R, and influencer marketing.

“This Summer 2021, I am celebrating the one year anniversary of Cool is Forever Consulting LLC. After a long run at running Indie and major Distribution companies as well as start up Labels, I now assist artists, labels and industry partners with strategies and how best to navigate the evolving music business. Looking very forward to year two!”

A music veteran of 30+ years, Morelli has strong relationships with industry leaders and power players. He was involved in the successes of The Bee Gees, KISS, Bon Jovi, Donna Summer, Sting and Eric Clapton while at Polygram Records. Later arriving at RCA Records then BMG, he assisted in the launches and growth of Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Dirty Dancing, Whitney Houston, The Notorious B.I.G., ATCQ, Rod Stewart, Yanni, Usher, Santana, Creed, Buddy Guy, Moby, The Strokes and Foo Fighters. 

“It’s really amazing the talent of artists and entrepreneurs out there. I’ve run Marketing and Sales departments, been a major company GM and the last 14 years was the President of 2 Sony companies. My experience along with the team, helps whomever I work with to move forward.”

When BMG merged with Sony, Morelli was tapped to run the company as EVP/GM. He combined two staffs, two work cultures and ran this 2 billion dollar company, while working with iconic artists like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel and Beyonce. After BMG/Sony, he began a 12 year run as President of RED Distribution at Sony Music Entertainment. Within 2 years, Bob started restructuring and adding “Label Services,” that revolutionized distribution companies. This approach attracted the best labels, artists in the music business including Jason Aldean, Mumford and Sons, Alabama Shakes, Kelsea Ballerini, Phoenix, Bayside, LoCash, Daya, Noah Cyrus, In This Moment, 21 Savage, Brandy Carlile, Bullet for My Valentine, Joey Badass, Jason Isbell, Gov’t Mule, Fredo Bang, G-Eazy, AWOLNATION, Childish Gambino + many more. Post running distribution, Morelli transitioned to President of start-up label, RED MUSIC LABEL GROUP, as part of Sony Music before leaving to create his own company, Cool is Forever Consulting LLC. 

He can be reached at: [email protected] 

Or Visit: www.coolisforever.net

Following the Debut and Second Installment, “The Synaesthetic Picture Show Now Playing, Pt. 1 and Pt. 2”,  the third highly anticipated Elektragaaz EP is out Sept 14th on AIS Records via The Orchard

(New York, NY) – The New EP from Elektragaaz, “The Synaesthetic Picture Show Now Playing Part 3,” hits all major musical platforms on September 14. The previous two EPs, also released by AIS Records and distributed by The Orchard, have been greeted with resounding critical praise with some reviewers going so far as to announce the EPs as contemporary musical landmarks. 

LISTEN NOW ON SOUNDCLOUD

The unique multi-fusion electronic music of Elektragaaz is created by a group of talented New York metropolitan area musicians and a reclusive and mysterious young Frisian composer who goes by the name of Poppo Redband. The cinematic instrumentals of Elektragaaz unreel personal films in the listener’s mind as the music presents a smorgasbord of old and new pop cultural references ranging from video games to film noir to tales of gods and heroes—both modern and ancient—to epic science fiction, to a myriad of other pop influences. 

While Elektrgaaz has now released three EPs in 2021, the group doesn’t simply churn out six new songs every few months. Indeed, Redband launched Elektragaaz in 2017 at the age of nineteen and the catalogue from which the band has crafted its ongoing series of faceted musical gems is deep, wide and brilliant and unbounded by notions of mere genre. One amusing side aspect of Elektragaaz is that, for Redband, the group exists on both a real world and on a virtual level. In the real world, Elektragaaz is composed of serious and enormously creative young musical professionals putting in long but rewarding hours in the studio, a group who hopefully will soon be performing spectacular live shows in the New York area. 

However, young Redband, in addition to being a composer, is a want-to-be video game developer and for those purposes he has imagined another Elektragaaz, a gang of superheroes, with musical weapons of mass destruction, a band of warriors that have gathered to take back the City of Music from hordes of musical villains including the Moforkians, the Krisghouls,  the Bangolice, the Rockerdead, the Lumpergens and the dreaded Puristas. One might describe it as Justice League meets Fortnite.  However, for now that virtual Elektragaaz is only a fun figment of Redband’s active imagination. But, in the realm of reality what present and potential fans of Elektragaaz can expect for sure is a steady stream of EPs spinning mind-grabbing pictures and vivid hues. It’s a magical mystery tour of a whole other kind and other time and “The Synaesthetic Picture Show Now Playing Part 3” is your ticket to ride.

The latest Elektrgaaz EP will be available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify and on every major music platform. 

Here’s a free preview of “The Synaesthetic Picture Show Now Playing, Pt. 3″ on Soundcloud.

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Legendary Guitarist Carlos Santana Announces His Star-Studded New Album, Blessings and Miracles, Due Out Oct. 15 on BMG

First single “Move,” with Rob Thomas (and American Authors), out Aug. 18. 
Other guests include Chris Stapleton, G-Eazy, Steve Winwood and more 

LOS ANGELES, CA (August 18, 2021) – Multi-Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Carlos Santana has announced today that his star-studded, masterful new album, Blessings and Miracles, will be released worldwide via BMG on October 15. The record’s dazzling first single, “Move,” which sees the music legend and guitar icon reteamed with Matchbox 20 singer Rob Thomas (along with American Authors), will be released on August 18.

Listen to “Move” HERE.
Pre-order Blessings and Miracles HERE.

In addition to “Move,” Santana’s collaboration “She’s Fire” with Diane Warren & G-Eazy is available now.  

Blessings and Miracles is one of the most ambitious, inspired and magical albums of Santana’s storied career, on which the legendary guitarist aims higher than ever. “The title of this album comes from my belief that we’re born with heavenly powers that allows us to create blessings and miracles,” Santana says. “The world programs you to be unworthy of those gifts, but we have to utilize light, spirit and soul – they’re indestructible and immutable. Those are the three main elements on this album.”

In addition to the above talents, Blessings and Miracles sees Santana collaborating with a diverse host of brilliant artists, writers and producers including Chris Stapleton, Steve Winwood, Chick Corea, Rick Rubin, Corey Glover, Kirk Hammett, Ally Brooke and Narada Michael Walden, among others, on genre-bending, hook-filled knockout musical celebrations.

The record also features bravura performances from members of Santana’s touring band (including drummer Cindy Blackman Santana and singer Tommy Anthony), as well as impeccable vocals and keyboards by the guitarist’s son, Salvador Santana, and stunning lead vocals by daughter, Stella Santana.

Expectations understandably run high with the pairing of Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas, whose 1999 multiple Grammy-winning smash “Smooth” became a worldwide staple – and the two performers have turned in a new classic. “Move” is a grinding, grooving and breathtaking mix of pop and Latin rock with sure-fire hooks for days. Thomas, backed by the vocal talents of Zac Barnett and American Authors, is dynamic and sensual, and Santana matches his supreme performance with solos that explode with tectonic force.

“‘Move’ came about very much like how ‘Smooth’ happened,” Santana recalls. “It was like divine intelligence behind the scenes, and I just knew I had to record it with Rob. The song is about awakening your molecules. Ignite and activate yourself – you know, move. When Rob and I work together, we have a sound that’s splendiferous.”

The album’s second single, “She’s Fire,” is a hypnotically soulful ballad that works its way into your body chemistry and stays there. It’s one of two cuts written by mega-award-winning, chart-topping composer Diane Warren, and it sees Santana wrapping his exquisite guitar melodies around an enticing narrative spun by the rapper G-Eazy. “I’m so honored that Diane reached out to me and sent me her songs,” says Santana. Regarding G-Eazy, the guitarist is no less effusive. “He’s so talented. I’m thrilled at how we both sound on this song,” he says. “It reminds me of when Bill Graham once told me: ‘Your music is spiritual and sensual. That’s who you are.’ And that’s the message of ‘She’s Fire.’”

Santana spent much of the past two years recording Blessings and Miracles, serving as producer and collaborating with other record makers. Recording during Covid created a challenge only in that some musicians were separated geographically, beamed into sessions via technology; inspiration, however, was never in short supply. “It’s amazing how we can record together these days without being in the same studio,” Santana notes. “I just close my eyes and I’m in the same room with whomever I’m playing with, even if they’re somewhere far away. We share frequencies together.”

As for the stellar talents that appear alongside him on Blessings and Miracles, Santana admits that he’s sometimes surprised at how they magically enter his life. “I don’t choose people – it’s like I’m chosen,” he says. “But, of course, I’m honored to work with such incredible artists. I’m a surfer riding those waves that become songs by different artists, creators and architects. I’m very fortunate that I have the opportunity to do that. It’s a gift I don’t take for granted.”

Ahead of the release of Blessings and Miracles, Santana and his band will mark their long-awaited return to the concert stage after 18 months off. On August 25, Santana will resume their multi-year residency at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas (shows run from August 25 thru September. 4, with additional dates from November 3 thru December 11).

Santana’s Blessings and Miracles tour begins on September 11 at the Borgata Spa & Resort in Atlantic City, NJ, and will make stops in Richmond, VA, Orlando, Augusta, Tulsa, and more before it concludes on October 2 at the Choctaw Grand Theater in Durant, OK.

Blessings and Miracles full tracklist:

1. Ghost of Future Pull/ New Light
2. Santana Celebration
3. Rumbalero (featuring Salvador Santana & Asdru Sierra)
4. Joy (Carlos Santana & Chris Stapleton)
5. Move (Carlos Santana, Rob Thomas, Zac Barnett & American Authors)
6. A Whiter Shade of Pale (featuring Steve Winwood)
7. Break (featuring Ally Brooke)
8. She’s Fire (Diane Warren, G-Eazy & Carlos Santana)
9. Peace Power (featuring Corey Glover)
10. America for Sale (featuring Kirk Hammett & Marc Osegueda)
11. Breathing Underwater (featuring Stella Santana, Avi Snow, MVCA)
12. Mother Yes
13. Song for Cindy
14. Angel Choir (featuring Gayle Moran Corea)/ All Together (featuring Chick Corea)
15. Ghost of Future Pull II

* Vinyl Edition of Blessings and Miracles includes Yo Estare (featuring Ally Brooke)

For more information and tickets, please visit:
Santana.com.

About Carlos Santana: 
For more than five decades – from Santana’s earliest days as a groundbreaking Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion outfit in San Francisco – Carlos Santana has been the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres and generational, cultural and geographical boundaries. To date, Santana has won ten Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammys, with a record-tying nine Grammys for a single project for 1999’s Supernatural(including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Smooth”). He has received the Billboard Century Award (1996), was ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1998), received the Billboard Latin Music Awards’ Lifetime Achievement honor (2009), and was the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors Award (2013). Among many other distinctions, Carlos Santana has been cited by Rolling Stone as #15 on their list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and has joined the Rolling Stones as one of only two bands to have an album reach the Top 10 in every decade since the 1960s. In 2018, he released his first MasterClass, and recently celebrated three epic milestones – the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking album Supernatural, the 50th anniversary of his legendary performance at Woodstock, and the 50th anniversary of his masterpiece Abraxas.

Singer/Songwriter Dom Cotton Releases “Get Me Outta Here” Single/Video

Multi-Talented Artist Bringing Soaring Melodies From Down Under 

July 2021 (Sydney, Australia)  “Get Me Outta Here”, the new single/video from Australia based Singer/Songwriter Dom Cotton, is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon and Apple Music. 

WATCH THE “GET ME OUTTA HERE” VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

LISTEN TO “GET ME OUTTA HERE” ON SPOTIFY

Straight from the shores of Sydney, Australia –  the intriguing upstart Singer/Songwriter and Instrumentalist is already making a deep impact with his thoughtful lyrics and feel good vibe. Dom recently re-entered the entertainment field and is already attracting attention and interest from around the globe. 

Cotton remarked “I started my career as a full time musician many years back, until “Adult Life” got in the way and I entered into the Property and Property Development Industries, which I was heavily involved in until May of last year, when the Pandemic first reared its ugly head”. He continued, “My business personally got decimated, and I know it has affected millions of people as well. Of all the negatives Covid has brought about, it has also brought about a few positives. It forced me to stop and revisit my old passion, music.”

By chance, Dom met a very talented lyricist and poet on Social Media (from the UK) and they’ve since collaborated and written close to 20 songs together, one of which became the debut single “GET ME OUTTA HERE”. 

About the song, Dom said “I suppose the title speaks for itself in the tumultuous times the world finds itself in. I first started writing this song about 11 years ago, for completely different reasons, but once the Pandemic forced us to stop and grounded me personally, I revisited it and with the help of my writing partner in the UK the inspiration came flowing back”.

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