Showing posts with label Indie Rock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indie Rock. Show all posts

11/21/2023

Indie Rockers RED HOT SHAME Defy Convention with Their New Album YOU CAN’T MAKE ME

Eureka, CARED HOT SHAME is a Northern California-based indie rock group fronted by singer-songwriter Xeff Scolari and his fluctuating lineup of musical cohorts. For their sensational new album YOU CAN’T MAKE ME, Xeff Scolari recorded with frequent collaborators Steven Pitsenbarger (vocals, percussion), Ryan Wilson (guitar), Spencer Kennedy (bass, drums, keys, vocals), and Mark Bennet (harmonica), a lineup that brings an energy and excitement to RED HOT SHAME that Xeff could not accomplish alone. Adding to their ever expanding catalog of imaginative visual media, RED HOT SHAME also released music videos for their new tracks “Stone” and “Vampire Empire” ahead of the album’s December 1, 2023, release date.

Xeff Scolari recorded, mixed, and mastered YOU CAN’T MAKE ME at his own Shameful Studio collaboratively with the whole group. They tried some new things on this record to make it more representative of how the band sounds live; on some previous releases the material was developed largely in the studio, but on this new album they were able to begin recording with the songs already fleshed out and developed across months of performances. With less layering and more live in-the-room recording, YOU CAN’T MAKE ME better captures the wild ride feel of a RED HOT SHAME live show.

YOU CAN’T MAKE ME features striking album art by Jeff Jordan, known for his work with The Mars Volta. Reminiscent of Gulliver, the band’s signature giant chick is unsuccessfully tied down by likenesses of the band. Look closely and you’ll see many of the band’s friends and fans represented amongst the captivated onlookers. In fact, the album’s title YOU CAN’T MAKE ME comes from a playful joke between Xeff and his friend Linda (she’s the fairy godmother on the cover), who would taunt each other with the phrase.

Over the years, RED HOT SHAME has included a range of talented multi-instrumentalists who add layers of sonic textures to the group’s releases, at times including horns, vintage mellotron, or even accordion. The group began in 2017 when it was just Xeff Scolari with a few guest tracks by some close friends like Steven Pitsenbarger and James Terris on the debut release Curiosity. In 2021, RED HOT SHAME released the follow up album Sounds Like, which also featured Chad Johnson. Their last album My Satellite (2022) also included Rick Fugate (drums) and James Terris (keys), starting with a literal bang on the opening track “Liftoff” and from there soaring into musical outer space.

A resident of Eureka, CA, lead vocalist and songwriter Xeff Scolari has played in several other local bands including Colorblind, Acoustic Gypsies, Sugardaddy, and Chowderhead, the last of which was on the Magnetic Oblivion Records label. Throughout 2020 he created and launched Shelter N Play, an online virtual open mic with musicians signing up to perform 15-minute sets from all over the country, a hugely valuable resource to the musical community throughout the pandemic. These also helped Xeff to further hone his own vocal and songwriting chops, and it was actually through the Shelter N Play open mics that Xeff met bassist Spencer Kennedy and guitarist Ryan Wilson, a fortuitous meeting indeed.

Xeff Scolari has been singing together with Steven Pitsenbarger for so long that it feels like instinct, a vocal blending that is rich with decades of collaboration and friendship. Steven Pitsenbarger was a member of the San Francisco bands RhythmChaos, and Machine Shop, and has been making music together with Xeff since the late 80s. The only core member of the band that doesn’t live near the rest, Steven collaborated on many of the songs via email, sending tracks back and forth to Xeff. Together they also have another band known as Vanity Project.

Guitarist Ryan Wilson’s inventive stylings bring the RED HOT SHAME sound to life. They call his pedalboard “the spaceship” because of all the crazy sounds he wields with it. He also performs with bassist and multi-instrumentalist Spencer Kennedy in another group called Stable Vices, who were regulars at Xeff’s Shelter N Play open mics. Mark Bennet and Xeff are old friends who met on the open mic circuit. They’ve performed together for years, and Mark is featured on multiple RED HOT SHAME tracks.

Keep an eye out for a new music video for their song “Sophie” along with a four-song RED HOT SHAME EP in early 2024 tentatively titled “Scratched Tracks” and featuring one song from each of their four albums that was left off. The new RED HOT SHAME album YOU CAN’T MAKE ME is available December 1, 2023!

For more information about RED HOT SHAME please visit: www.redhotshame.com

To order or stream YOU CAN’T MAKE ME please visit: https://lnk.to/YouCantMakeMe

For Press and Interview inquiries please contact Billy James of Glass Onyon PR at (828) 350-8158 or glassonyonpr@gmail.com

For Digital Marketing please contact Jerome Forney of Independent Distribution Collective at jerome@independentdistro.com

5/12/2022

Dutch Music Artist Just Releases Debut Album “Deep Cycles” on Vinyl Featuring Stephen Smith of Dire Straits

Sometimes you have to wait half a lifetime to find the right words.

On May 13th Justin Kniest (JUST) releases his debut album “Deep Cycles.” A melancholic journey through the grooves of sadness, loss and hope.

Justin Kniest (1969) is no stranger in the Dutch music scene. As producer of the Dutch Battle of the Bands, booker at Paradiso Amsterdam and founder of Fabchannel - concerts online, he dedicated a large part of his career to promoting new music. The fact that he plays multiple instruments, sings and writes songs he kept to himself. Years of exposure to quality music in Paradiso Amsterdam had raised the bar to a paralysing level.

That all changed in 2019 when Justin wrote and performed two sad, melancholic and painfully personal songs during a songwriter bootcamp in Spain. The strong emotional reaction to his songs made him decide to take the step into the forefront. He recorded both songs in his home studio and released them under the name JUST. Both songs got airplay on Dutch national radio and amassed over 40.000 plays on Spotify.

In early 2020 Justin decided that his debut album should be produced by Minco Eggersman (UNIFONY, ME, At The Close of Every Day). Eggersman is a well-known producer and international soundtrack composer who has proved to know his way around the world of melancholic music and showing brokenness through beautiful and musical textures.

Together they started working on the first demos and after a short period of time both arranger René de Vries and engineer/mixer Theodoor Borger (UNIFONY) joined the team. JUST was beginning to find its final form. Great songs followed and the rest of 2020 and the first half of 2021 were filled with the production of JUST’s debut album “Deep Cycles.”

Transparent, heartfelt, melancholic: only a few terms that come to mind when listening to the music of JUST. One immediately recognizes the quality in songwriting as well as recording of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. The depth in both the recordings and mixes are second to none and sometimes remind you of bands like Talk Talk. Songwise it’s a mix of the song structures used by Mike Lindup and David Sylvian, yet these songs definitely deserve their place in between the works of more present-day songwriters like Thomas Dybdahl and Emmet Tinley.

In all, JUST’s music comes to life because of the excellent performances of the participating artists. Justin plays guitar, bass & piano. Minco plays the drums. Famous German session guitar-player Lothar Kosse (Nir Z., brothers Bissionette, Abraham Laborial) added his typical sounding ‘swell’ guitar sounds to the tracks to create some lovely and verby textures. Keyboard player Stephen Smith (ABC, Dire Straits) played Hammond on several tracks.

The artwork of the album has been created by James Marsh who also designed the iconic Talk Talk albums. Last but not least photographer Maarten Corbijn made some stunning black and white pictures that accompany the music of JUST.

Upon its initial digital release in October 2021 “Deep Cycles” gained critical acclaim by music industry heavyweights as well as the press. The first singles amassed over 100.000 plays on Spotify.

“‘Deep Cycles’ sounds great! Love the vocals, drum sound and textures” - Phill Brown (engineer/mixer Talk Talk, David Bowie, Pink Floyd)

It is perhaps the most immaculately produced and executed album I’ve ever heard. There is not a note or a nuance throughout it that isn't perfectly judged and exquisitely balanced. Its flawlessness is mesmerising.” - Simon Napier-Bell (manager Japan, Ultravox, Sinéad O’Connor, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page)

“‘Deep Cycles’ sounds fantastic. Beautiful vocal performance!” - Ronald Prent (producer/mixer The Police, Depeche Mode, Simple Minds)

JUST is master at looking back at life with new insights. On ‘Deep Cycles’ he sings straight from the heart with an exciting arrangement. Makes me curious for the rest of the album.” - Geert van Itallie (Paradiso Amsterdam)

Here’s what the press has said about “Deep Cycles”:

Comforting emotions wrapped in atmospheric 80’s sounds” – OOR

Vocal performances that just can’t leave you cold… Beautiful Record!” - Music Maker

“‘Deep Cycles’ is full of dynamic, rich textures” - HIFI Magazine

Justin also recently played on the album “Solace by Held By Trees, an album ‘in the spirit of’ Talk Talk featuring seven musicians who played on the last two Talk Talk albums. Given nothing but the sound of waves and the key of C# major, Justin created a melancholic guitar part that found its way to the track “Wave Upon Wave.” Next to blues legend Eric Bibb and ambient producer Peter Moon aka Unknown Replica. “Solace” entered the UK Indie chart at #12 on April 29th.

This is what Held By Trees producer David Joseph has to say about “Deep Cycles”: “‘Deep Cycles’ is a melancholic yet uplifting work of vulnerability and courage.”

On May 13th, 2022 “Deep Cycles” will be internationally released on vinyl in partnership with music distributor Coast To Coast and UK webstore Mellotone.net.

To purchase:
https://mellotone.net/collections/justjustin-kniest

For more information:
www.just-artist.com
www.facebook.com/justthesongs
www.instagram.com/music_by_just

Deep Cycles” EPK:
https://justaso.ng/Deep-Cycles-English-EPK

Contact:
Sharkin’ Around Music
info@sharkinaroundmusic.com
+31 650 615 955

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

3/02/2022

Irreverent Rockers Ex Norwegian To Release 13th Album “Spook Du Jour”

Thirty minutes. A dozen songs. Ex Norwegian's album No. 13 brings it. Faithful to its tuneful and irreverent brand, the aptly named “Spook Du Jour” features the moody art rock of “Thot Patrol,” alongside tracks like “Burn It” and “Vicious Cycles” that can trace their influence back to Bowie and The Velvet Underground.

For 15 years, Ex Norwegian, with band mainstay Roger Houdaille, has been delivering quirky lyrics combined with an eclectic approach, while successfully resisting the momentary trends to create a more perennial sound.

“Spook Du Jour” is indeed another win for their catalog with plenty of choice cuts - from the driving glam-meets-Krautrock of “For Your Conveniences” to the Bolan-esque charmer “Ciancia.” On an early 90’s alt-rock mixtape, “Teen Bakery” wouldn’t be out of place.

The albums’ straightforward instrumentation and organic arrangements create a vintage rock vibe with enough freshness and individuality to stand out.

At times, the melodies effortlessly stream out and chords go where they should. At other times, the album breaks out of the expected formulas with more adventurous compositions like “Paging Lisa” and the album's finale “Center Mario” reminding listeners that the band is not immune to oddity.

Released via Think Like A Key Music worldwide on CD, LP and streaming platforms.

TRACKLIST
Teen Bakery
Vicious Cycles
Ciancia
Burn It
Airlash
Thot Patrol
Paging Lisa
Crazy Paving
Fresh ATM
For Your Conveniences
Save For No Future
Center Mario

ABOUT EX NORWEGIAN

An arcane and adventurous indie rock band that mixes classic songwriting with popsike, garage prog and power-pop hailing from sunny Miami Beach are unlikely contenders to be named after a Monty Python sketch; yet the musical collective Ex Norwegian indeed are. The band is led by founder Roger Houdaille, who is responsible for their effortlessly catchy songs spanning across a constant stream of DIY releases. Drawing inspiration from the likes of the Kinks, Badfinger to Amon Düül 2, Family – the music and ethos of the 60s & 70s lives and breathes in their extensive catalog – from retro slacker garage jams, to quirky, deconstructive pop songs.

To purchase: https://exnor.band/spook-bl

For more information:
Website: https://www.exnorwegian.com
Socials: https://linktr.ee/exnorwegian
Radio: robb@shineonpromo.com
Label: roger@thinklikeakey.com

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

2/24/2022

So-Cal Indie Rockers The Grinns Release New Single “Conan O’Brien" From Forthcoming EP “Let’s Go Out”

Indie garage band The Grinns will be releasing their new single “Conan O'Brien” on February 24th from their forthcoming EP “Let’s Go Out” (March 18).

Known for their live performances, The Grinns are the best band you’re about to hear about. Emerging out of the bustling indie garage scene of sunny Orange County CA, The Grinns have carved out a unique path for themselves. Initially embracers of styles typical to the surf rock / indie garage scene, The Grinns have always been pop musicians at their very core. Even after diverting in several stylistic directions, their music mentality has remained integral to their function as a group.

Composed of singer Joey Sci-Fi, guitarist Francisco Jorquiera, drummer Frederico Hadyka, and producers/multi-instrumentalists Ramtin Khoee & Mike Perry, The Grinns have no limits when it comes to the music they’ll create…

Whether you’re jumping off a stage, running from the police or sipping tea, this is music handcrafted for your moment, wherever you may be.

Let’s Go Out” EP:

“OUR HOUSE OUR RULES”
A brash, slow-rolling groove of art-funk swagger. Letting go of your worries, surrendering to the music, letting the good times roll. Feeling on top of the world, feeling like a King/Queen. A party song.

“EEYORE”
An intense, driving statement-piece, bursting at the seams with jittery disco-pop. Caffeine, coca-cola, & anything else that is derived from the cocoa plant. About feeling so entranced, so enamored & in love with somebody, you don’t know what to do with yourself. If OUR HOUSE OUR RULES is the party, then EEYORE is the party-drug.

“CONAN O’BRIEN”
Fun, happy & confident. Like going outside & feeling like the coolest person to ever breathe. A road trip with your friends, wind in your hair, smiles-all-around type of way. Although the lyrics for this one are currently under construction, the overall theme involves the feeling of confidence & swagger when putting on new clothes & shopping. The thrift-shopper’s anthem. Feeling so awesome, you feel like Conan O’Brien.

“ROLL THE DICE”
A dark-ish & lowkey jam, pulsating with soft funk & drop-of-a-pin sensation. Sunglasses indoors. Rolled up cigarettes. You need to know the password to get in here, this club is the most exclusive in town. About feeling on-the-fence about a certain affair. Do we stay right here and keep it fun & casual, or do we take this to the next level, gamble it all for something even steamier. I don’t know the answer. That’s why I wrote this song.

In support of their new EP, The Grinns will be playing select tour dates in March.

TOUR DATES:
3/11 - The Roxy - Los Angeles, CA
3/21 - Cornerstone - Berkley, CA
3/23 - Catalyst - Santa Cruz, CA
3/25 - Valley Bar - Phoenix, AZ
3/26 - Let's Go Out EP Release Show - Soma - San Diego, CA

TICKETS: https://bit.ly/3Iak6Bz

SOCIAL LINKS:
● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrinns/?hl=en
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGrinnsBand/
● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXOz8frgvKVwH-2IYhc45jA
● Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/196MfFl5VIfyX1ZBmJeWHc?si=GiwLs1vlScu1rMob_MBdig&nd=1
● TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrinns?lang=en
● Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGrinns

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

6/08/2020

Indie Pop Review - Hinds - The Prettiest Curse

Release Date: June 5, 2020
Label: Lucky Number

Madrid-based indie rock band, Hinds has released their third studio album, The Prettiest Curse, a collection of textured, guitar-driven power pop sure to please a broad range of music fans. Originally named "Deers," they changed their name in 2014 due to legal threats from a band name "The Dears." "Hinds" actually means female deers.  

Don't be fooled by the cover art. This ain't no pajama party. The sound is hard, hooky, and infectious without being syrupy. The music will march into your brain and take up residency. And while it ain't no pajama party, soul-bearing confessions and heartfelt admonitions overtake the conversation. The blistering guitar screaming out in the most desperate moments underscores a unique sense of both yearning and resolve in the lyrics. 

Hinds are benefactors of their geography. The sonic sensibilities and perspectives gained by creating music in Madrid and outside the influence of the U.S. pop machine are evident. This infusion is a jolt of adrenaline into the dying beast. "The Prettiest Curse" strengthens the band's restless abandon while adding more prominent drums, fuzzier guitars, and more passionate choruses. 

"Riding Solo," "Take Me Back," and "Burn" are a few of the standout tracks rife with hooks, clapbacks, and singalong choruses. There's a powerful punk-pop undercurrent and an unrelenting attitude which only serves to strengthen the offering and accelerate the rush of adrenaline to your brain. That said, there are moments on the album which drift into the more formulaic and predictable garage-pop sound, yet they are few and far between.  

All tolled, The Prettiest Curse has a quick absorption rate. It gets into your blood instantly and is one of 2020's biggest surprises. 


- Tom Endyke | Guitar & Pen


4/06/2017

British Indie Rock Band The Loft Club is Breaking Out of the UK and Germany into the US!


Studio City, CA - Lightyear Entertainment, after initially releasing the debut EP, “Heart’s Desire” from England’s The Loft Club in October, 2016, and a Niklas Ibach remix of the title track in November, is pleased to report that the band has now exceeded 200,000 spins on Spotify, with over 70,000 monthly listeners, has been added to a number of significant playlists, and is gaining a growing number of listeners and followers in the United States.

British indie band The Loft Club are an Exeter-based quintet, consisting of Daniel Schamroth, Jamie Whyte, Kieran Chalmers, Amy O’Loughlin and Dan Wright. Purveyors of stomping, heartfelt, sixties tinged guitarpop, their sound has been compared to Buffalo Springfield, Fleetwood Mac, The Byrds, Ryan Adams and Noel Gallagher.

One British blogger, Listen With Monger, said early on “Essentially, this is the music that the Beatles would have produced if, instead of getting introspective in India, they’d gone to the Mid-West with a burnt out double decker and gone native for a few months. The remix, by producer Niklas Ibach, turns the spirit of the song on its head and…we are treated to a floaty, airy slice of Zero 7 meets Above & Beyond in chill out mode which is no bad thing. So, here we have a talented band with a great single.”

Lightyear CEO Arnie Holland said: “The Loft Club demo showed up with no introduction last summer, and by a stroke of luck, I decided to listen to it anyway. Within 30 seconds I was hooked by the melodies, harmonies, and infectious beat.”

Sky Spooner, Lightyear’s VP of A&R said “The initial plan was to let the band organically grow in its home territory of the UK. But now we’re seeing signs that their followers are spreading worldwide. We’re starting to see spins in the U.S. as well; Manhattan and Los Angeles are in the top ten worldwide markets now. ”

The Loft Club is available worldwide on the Lightyear label through Caroline/Universal Music Group.


The Loft Club - Heart’s Desire:
https://open.spotify.com/album/0bYShQ7L3iQtUEuMKqBnGx

Music Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkE3bicMPcA ;

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

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


Lightyear Entertainment, a distributor of independent films and music, was founded in 1987. www.lightyear.com

British Indie Rock Band The Loft Club is Breaking Out of the UK and Germany into the US!


Studio City, CA - Lightyear Entertainment, after initially releasing the debut EP, “Heart’s Desire” from England’s The Loft Club in October, 2016, and a Niklas Ibach remix of the title track in November, is pleased to report that the band has now exceeded 200,000 spins on Spotify, with over 70,000 monthly listeners, has been added to a number of significant playlists, and is gaining a growing number of listeners and followers in the United States.

British indie band The Loft Club are an Exeter-based quintet, consisting of Daniel Schamroth, Jamie Whyte, Kieran Chalmers, Amy O’Loughlin and Dan Wright. Purveyors of stomping, heartfelt, sixties tinged guitarpop, their sound has been compared to Buffalo Springfield, Fleetwood Mac, The Byrds, Ryan Adams and Noel Gallagher.

One British blogger, Listen With Monger, said early on “Essentially, this is the music that the Beatles would have produced if, instead of getting introspective in India, they’d gone to the Mid-West with a burnt out double decker and gone native for a few months. The remix, by producer Niklas Ibach, turns the spirit of the song on its head and…we are treated to a floaty, airy slice of Zero 7 meets Above & Beyond in chill out mode which is no bad thing. So, here we have a talented band with a great single.”

Lightyear CEO Arnie Holland said: “The Loft Club demo showed up with no introduction last summer, and by a stroke of luck, I decided to listen to it anyway. Within 30 seconds I was hooked by the melodies, harmonies, and infectious beat.”

Sky Spooner, Lightyear’s VP of A&R said “The initial plan was to let the band organically grow in its home territory of the UK. But now we’re seeing signs that their followers are spreading worldwide. We’re starting to see spins in the U.S. as well; Manhattan and Los Angeles are in the top ten worldwide markets now. ”

The Loft Club is available worldwide on the Lightyear label through Caroline/Universal Music Group.


The Loft Club - Heart’s Desire:
https://open.spotify.com/album/0bYShQ7L3iQtUEuMKqBnGx

Music Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkE3bicMPcA ;

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

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


Lightyear Entertainment, a distributor of independent films and music, was founded in 1987. www.lightyear.com

12/21/2016

Indie-Electro Quartet Kid Cupid Release New Track 'Broken Down'

Nostalgic and calming – this London-based act exudes infectious energy and charm in their fusion of upbeat electronica and indie pop to deliver a style full of visceral and intense liveliness” - Nakid Magazine

Female fronted electronic pop group Kid Cupid explore internal conflicts with their latest single ‘Broken Down’. The electro act fuses soul, electronic and indie rock to form an infectious style like no other.

Stream ‘Broken Down’ here:

The quartet captures the atmosphere and attitudes of society, focusing less on relationships but rather on the wider picture, acting as thought provoking social commentaries. Their unique outlook on life is represented in the feisty single ‘Broken Down’, about someone fighting back and making a change for the better. From the songs hauntingly slow build to its defiant crescendo, it takes us on a journey of self-betrayal to discovery full of driving beats and swelling cello.

Although drawing comparisons to London Grammar and Chvrches, Kid Cupid focus on backing vocals that compliment lead vocalist Laura Shaw’s strong voice. Gang vocals are also used in many of their tracks, whereby the band layer their vocals together, creating an enchanting sound. Geordie singer, Laura Shaw, is also a huge advocate for equality in the industry and feels very strongly about current attitudes worldwide towards gender divides.


Links:



7/21/2016

Bay Area Music Ensemble 'On Dolphin' To Release Debut Album “LAYERS” on Vinyl - July 22, 2016


Music to take you out of the grind and into the flow

San Francisco - Bay Area music ensemble On Dolphin will be releasing their debut album “LAYERS” on vinyl on July 22, 2016! Fronted by Melissa Lyn, the band's music has been described as “Indie rock for people that are hopeful and curious.” The band's new album explores the evolutions of ideas from curiosity and experience to beliefs and knowledge. And, finding comfort within the structures of family and community while making space to be.

After years of playing solo acoustic shows, Melissa dusted off her electric guitar and teamed up with her husband, engineer and producer Ryan Clark to create On Dolphin's debut full length album “LAYERS” to be released on vinyl July 22, 2016. The band's influences include Spoon, Aimee Mann, Cat Power, Billie Holiday, Jets to Brazil, Belle & Sebastian & Des Ark.

“The sounds range from straight forward rock on the opening track 'more good days', the thick drum beat and dreamy soundscape of 'dance in the kitchen', to the textured and orchestral dynamics of 'New York' and title track 'Layers'.” - FalafelRockNews 

“LAYERS” - This album was born in a barn - Melissa Lyn

“Fresh out of a relationship and laid off from my day job, I left the city on a series of travels and adventures, landing in a Barn in Northern California. I was settling into my new home, reflecting on poems and sounds from my trip to Africa, when I finished writing the title track 'Layers' and the following song 'Worth the Drive'. I was exploring the contrasting layers of traditions and comfort amidst new beliefs and landscapes.

“In The Barn, I was surrounded by 360 degrees of nature, with horses downstairs and chickens outside.  It was peaceful and inspiring and I was writing a lot. The songs 'Dance in the Kitchen' and 'Inventing Fences' are stories of my assimilation into the new space and the community that was quickly growing around me. I became very active in the local music scene attending weekly open mics. One night, at Bazaar Cafe I met Ryan Clark. It was a pleasant meeting, though neither of us predicted that we would marry exactly one year later.

“Ryan was building his recording business and helped me prepare and complete my first solo EP 'Roads'.  We set up a part-time recording studio in the bedroom at The Barn. Friends and band mates joined us for retreat-style recording. 'Together' and 'Laugh it Off 'are a tribute to a community of musicians working together to bring songs and ideas to life.

“We married and moved into a tiny room in the city of San Francisco, a huge transition from the country space that The Barn provided. Writing continued to be the best way to identify new feelings and reflect on joys and pains. 'Slowdown' and 'More Good Days' represent the challenges of a crowded city life. I made space for myself in Yogic chanting and joined the Vak Choir project. 'Let a Little Light' was born as I explored my breath and sound in a new way.

“We found more space in a larger apartment down the road and began building our life, and this album, together. Ryan is an amazing producer and multi-instrumentalist. His arrangements and vision really brought these songs to life.

“To say that our friends' vocal and instrumental talents added color and texture to these recordings is an understatement. These folks add color and texture to our lives. The support in the San Francisco songwriting community is like super food to a developing musician. The contrasting layers culminate in New York. A 'coming home' song about Love & Frustration, Wanderlust & Home.”

“Worthy of a Quentin Tarantino film, 'Worth The Drive,' by On Dolphin is worth the listen.” - Indie Shuffle

On Dolphin is:

Melissa Lyn - guitar & vocals: An active member of the SF songwriter scene since 2008, Melissa Lyn hosted and curated, Songwriter Saturdays at the Exit Theatre. She has booked and shared the stage with over 150 bay area songwriters and bands between 2011 and 2015. She released her debut solo EP Roads in 2012 and started On Dolphin in 2015.

Anderai Maldonado - bass: Anderai has performed in numerous musical projects from ska to jazz... From Puerto Rico to San Francisco. Crafting bass lines that move you.

​Nathan Dennen - keys: Born and raised in the small country town of Oakdale, California, Nathan started learning piano at the age of six. Though he took a couple years off to teach himself guitar he eventually fell back into his old piano playing ways and started writing songs. His music has been described as a mash-up of old saloon style, mixed with a little jazz and a touch of folk funk; if such a thing exists. www.nathandennen.com

Ryan Clark - drums: Ryan Clark is a Bay Area music producer and recording engineer.  He's a muti-instrumentalist currently playing drums in On Dolphin, Say Disaster, and Invisible End.  He is also the singer, songwriter and guitar player for Obstacle Course.
http://obstaclecourse.bandcamp.com

In closing On Dolphin has this to impart, “Peel away the layers, live truth!”

On Dolphin's release show:
Friday July 22nd - 9 PM
Neck of the Woods
406 Clement St., San Francisco
Tickets: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1244535?_ga=1.248226055.1685126366.1468606901

To purchase On Dolphin's "LAYERS": www.ondolphin.bandcamp.com

Official website: www.ondolphin.com
contact: ondolphinmusic@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/on_dolphin/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ondolphin
Tumblr: http://ondolphin.tumblr.com ;
Twitter: https://twitter.com/on_dolphin
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuiAwShb7O0X_AxtTbDV0KB6YQ_SXoxKx
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/on_dolphin
Bandcamp: ondolphin.bandcamp.com

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

5/27/2016

The Colossal Heads Release New EP ‘Mammoths’



Revelling in the heavier side of indie rock, The Colossal Heads are a group on the rise who have been compared to artists such as Queens of the Stone Age, Incubus, Modest Mouse and Nirvana. These are not bands whose names should be taken lightly in terms of comparison – thankfully The Colossal Heads do them justice.
Those bands rose in the 90’s and early 2000’s due to a rock genre that had gone from being anti-establishment to part of the norm. In recent years the cycle has started again, and The Colossal Heads are here to shake things up once more. To offer further proof, check out the album lead track ‘Mammoths’.
Engineered by Louis Cressy, the EP (and single) are a timely reminder of the power that rock music can have.
Another vital part of any musical success is a propensity for hard work, an area in which The Colossal Heads excel almost as much as their song writing. In a prime example, they toured from New Orleans to California from May-June 2015, living out of their Toyota and sleeping on floors along the way. This grass roots approach carries over to their methods of promotion as well. Relying on Facebook, local radio and word of mouth, the band has continued to develop and grow their fan base as their music has become increasingly assured.
‘Mammoths’ is the final result of this evolution, an EP which steps outside of the box and shows how complacent rock music has become in recent times.