L.A. Alt-Rock Band Make Believe Friends Release Cover of Blondie’s Classic “RAPTURE”

Final Mix and ATMOS Mix by Legendary Producer Ed Stasium

Make Believe Friends drops their latest video and single, a cover of Blondie’s iconic and timeless song “Rapture” on Friday, June 16, 2023.  “Rapture” is an American classic rock/rap/alt-rock song written by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie. The hit song was released in 1981 on Blondie’s fifth studio album “Autoamerican”.

Mindy Milburn and Laura Espinoza (the core members of Make Believe Friends) wanted to create a bit more haunting updated version, but without changing the structure, integrity or major elements of this classic song.

To make this happen, Mindy (lead vocals) and Laura (guitar, keyboards) enlisted the talents of some of the best musicians and producers in music today including: Bass: Phil Soussan (Ozzy, Last in Line); Synth: Michael Bluestein (Foreigner); Drums: Logan Miles Nix (John 5, Heart of Blonde); Michaela Metiver (Heart of Blonde); & Enrique Garcia (Heart of Blonde).

Bernie Godwin III (whose father Dito Godwin produced No Doubt), co-produced and co-mixed the single, then legendary Producer Ed Stasium (Ramones, Talking Heads, Smithereens) produced the final mix and the ATMOS mix.

“I just watched and listened to this great new version of ‘Rapture.’ Wow! There's a lot going on, and the slightly darker edge timed close to the recent release of "Haunt Me" makes sense. I love it! It is hard to believe that it has already been over 40 years since Blondie's No. 1 gold single. Congratulations to everyone, especially Mindy pulling off the singing and rapping.” - Warren Kurtz - Goldmine Music Magazine

Watch Rapture video here: https://youtu.be/KYqAGjAcyPY

About Mindy Milburn:
Mindy has a passion for all performing arts- starting out as a ballet dancer and actress, & eventually finding her voice and passion for songwriting and music. She is also the lead vocalist for the Blondie Tribute Band “Heart of Blonde”. Originally from Cleveland Ohio, she has performed in numerous musical theater productions & indie films and was also a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Dance Team.  Mindy made the move to southern California to follow her dream of becoming a recording artist and feels very blessed by the opportunities that have come her way.

About Laura Espinoza:
Laura is a songwriter/guitarist, playwright, and TV producer. She has performed on stage with Luis Maldonado (Train), Terri Nunn (Berlin), Dale Bozzio (Missing Persons) & Prescott Niles (The Knack) and started her career with Matt Sorum (Guns n' Roses). She has recorded at Capitol Records, Hollywood, Abbey Road, UK and is the host of “The Rock Radio Show” on KBU-FM, Malibu. Laura is also the recipient of 3 Emmy Awards.

Make Believe Friends headlines the legendary VIPER ROOM, Hollywood on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Tickets available at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/make-believe-friends-headlines-the-viper-room-tickets-645023321117

To purchase/listen to the music of Make Believe Friends:
https://makebelievefriendsband.com

For more information:
www.MakeBelieveFriendsBand.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makebelievefriendsband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MakeBelieveFriends
Instagram: @Makebelievefriendsband

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

Los Angeles Alt-Rock Band “Make Believe Friends” Release New Single and Video: “HAUNT ME”

Make Believe Friends drops their latest video and single called “Haunt Me” on Friday, June 9, 2023.  Mindy Milburn and Laura Espinoza are the primary songwriters of Make Believe Friends (aka Lunden Reign), an alt rock band in Los Angeles, California.

“Wow! The keyboards (in Haunt Me) are appropriately haunting. (Laura’s) guitar part before the chorus is outstanding and it is great to hear (Enrique’s) wah-wah later on. (Michaela’s) chorus harmonies are strong. With Mindy's voice and the band, I think it is up there with Evanescence! (Also) The video perfectly matches the song …. (Mindy’s) delivery is emotional and gave me chills.” - Warren Kurtz - Goldmine Music Magazine

Watch video here: https://youtu.be/Zs8iR-1KKlQ

About “Haunt Me” (Lyrics by Mindy Milburn)
“Haunt Me” is about the loss of a loved one too soon, and in the despair of missing that person, how one might ask to be haunted, to be given a sign or an omen that the person on the other side is somehow still with them.

Taken far too early, stolen from this life too soon
So suddenly left all alone, I’m nothing without you
Don’t leave me, Haunt me
Whisper to me through the trees
Don’t leave me, Haunt me
Whatever you do, don’t go quietly

The idea came to me when I heard of a tragic loss, a young mother dying during childbirth, and how the husband could go on after suffering such a tremendous loss like this. I couldn't stop thinking about it, what he would be feeling and how do you cope. It just seemed so impossible to me, but somehow, when tragedy strikes, the world does keep moving on. So this song is an expression of what someone in that situation might be wishing and praying for at all costs- a glimpse of a memory in a dream, a whisper through the trees, a phone that rings suspiciously or sudden static on a screen. Any potential sign to grasp onto to feel comforted that that loved one is still somehow present and nearby, and to never want to let them go.

About the production:
“Haunt Me” was written by Mindy Milburn (lyrics); music by Laura Espinoza & Enrique Garcia and produced by Bernie Godwin. They are joined by Michaela Metivier, Logan Miles Nix, Chris Eisenberg and Loris Eisaeian.

“Haunt Me” lyrics:
We had only just begun, you should be here with me
I stare at your photo for hours, will you set me free?

Taken far too early, stolen from this life too soon
So suddenly left all alone, I’m nothing without you

Don’t leave me, haunt me
Whisper to me through the trees
Don’t leave me, haunt me
Whatever you do, don’t go quietly
Show me that your still here
Be the static on the screen
Fill me with light when I’ve gone dark
The curious phone that rings

Don’t leave me, haunt me
Whisper to me, through the trees
Don’t leave me, haunt me
Whatever you do, don’t go quietly.

So stay with me always
Hold on forever lock and key
So stay with me always
Hold on forever, never let me be…

They tell me time will heal
That my shattered world will mend
Her towering tree grows strongest
Against a storm’s relentless wind

Don’t leave me, haunt me
Whisper to me, through the trees
Don’t leave me, haunt me
Whatever you do, don’t go quietly

Don’t leave me, haunt me
I believe you’re here with me
Don’t leave me, haunt me
Whatever you do, don’t go quietly

About Mindy Milburn:
Mindy has a passion for all performing arts- starting out as a ballet dancer and actress, & eventually finding her voice and passion for songwriting and music. She is also the lead vocalist for the Blondie Tribute Band “Heart of Blonde”. Originally from Cleveland Ohio, she has performed in numerous musical theater productions & indie films and was also a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Dance Team. Mindy made the move to southern California to follow her dream of becoming a recording artist and feels very blessed by the opportunities that have come her way.

About Laura Espinoza:
Laura is a songwriter/guitarist, playwright, and TV producer. She has performed on stage with Luis Maldonado (Train), Terri Nunn (Berlin), Dale Bozzio (Missing Persons) & Prescott Niles (The Knack) and started her career with Matt Sorum (Guns n' Roses). She has recorded at Capitol Records, Hollywood, Abbey Road, UK and is the host of “The Rock Radio Show” on KBU-FM, Malibu. Laura is also the recipient of 3 Emmy Awards.

Make Believe Friends headlines the legendary VIPER ROOM, Hollywood on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Tickets available at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/make-believe-friends-headlines-the-viper-room-tickets-645023321117

To purchase/listen to the music of Make Believe Friends:
https://makebelievefriendsband.com

For more information:
www.MakeBelieveFriendsBand.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makebelievefriendsband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MakeBelieveFriends
Instagram: @Makebelievefriendsband

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

Make Believe Friends To Release New Single "Act of Love"

Make Believe Friends will be releasing their new single “Act of Love” on May 22, 2020. Mindy Milburn (lead singer) & Laura Espinoza (guitarist/songwriter) are the core members of Make Believe Friends (and also Lunden Reign), an all original alt rock band based out of West Hills, California. Laura & Mindy have already released 4 singles with “Follow Me to the Sun” picked as the #1 song of 2019 by Warren Kurtz of Goldmine Music Magazine.

About “Act of Love”:

From Mindy: 
The lyrics are referring to any challenge one may face in life, and the resilience of the human spirit to overcome it, even when we may not believe it is possible. “It's the strength to rise above, all it takes is an act of love.” It's about trusting your instinct and staying focused on your path, knowing everything will work out in the end, exactly as it's supposed to be. It's also about how remaining undeterred, open to change and growth, and compassionate towards others during such an uncertain time helps us to get through it, and getting through it together makes us all stronger. “It's a whispered prayer, a selfless dare, it's everywhere.”

From Laura: 
We wanted to write an uplifting song and something that speaks about the human spirit in a time of crisis. How people rise to the occasion to help others, even at their own peril. This is an Act of Love.

About the production:
Act of Love by Make Believe Friends (featuring the members of Lunden Reign) was written by Laura Espinoza (music) & Mindy Milburn (lyrics).
Producer: Geoff Pearlman (Echo in the Canyon Band/Film)
Musicians: Lead Vocals: Mindy Milburn; Harmony: Miranda Miller (formerly with Hey Violet!); Guitars: Laura Espinoza & Geoff Pearlman; Piano: Michael Bluestein (Foreigner); Drums: Noel Jasso.  Mastered by: Grammy winning Evren Goknar

“Act of Love” 

If I didn't know better
I'd think this was a dream 
So hard to believe 
Everything we once knew has changed 
and it may never be the same 

One thing I know that's real
An iron will, a heart of steel 
It's the strength to rise above 
All it takes is an act of love
An act of love

It's a whispered prayer
A selfless dare
It's everywhere

Seems to be happening so fast 
Pulls like a current,
It's not meant to last 
Just a test of our hearts and minds 
To see what we’re really made of inside

Right before our eyes 
The seasons change
The clock unwinds
It’s the strength to rise above 
All it takes is an act of love

The darkest caves hide beauty & truth
Ride the waves that carry you
Know each day the sun breaks through 
To illuminate a new point of view

When pushed over the line 
Make the most of 
The space that confines 
We really don't need too much 
What will you do with all this time?

'Cause right, before our eyes 
The seasons change 
The clock unwinds
It's the strength to rise above 
All it takes is an act of love
It's the strength to rise above
All it takes is an act of love
An act of love
It's a whispered prayer
A selfless dare
It's everywhere
It’s everywhere



About Laura Espinoza:
Laura is a songwriter/guitarist, playwright, and TV producer. Laura recently won a NARAS songwriting contest, exclusive to Grammy voting members where she participated in a private songwriting workshop with Busby, Rodney Jerkins, and Sarah Hudson. She has performed on stage with Luis Maldonado (Train), Terri Nunn (Berlin), Dale Bozzio (Missing Persons) & Prescott Niles (The Knack) and started her career with Matt Sorum (Guns n' Roses). She has recorded at Capitol Records, Hollywood, Abbey Road, UK and is the host of “The Rock Radio Show” on KBU-FM, Malibu. Laura is also the recipient of 3 Emmy Awards.

About Mindy Milburn:
Mindy has a passion for singing and music. Originally from Cleveland Ohio, Mindy also sings for other bands when not performing with Make Believe Friends and Lunden Reign including both No Doubt and Madonna tribute bands. Mindy is now living in Los Angeles after moving from Ohio and is the proud parent of two wonderful children.

The band will resume live performances after the CoronaVirus pandemic restrictions are lifted.

To purchase: https://lundenreign.com/store-songs

For more information: 
www.MakeBelieveFriendsBand.com
www.lundenreign.com

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

Make Believe Friends Featuring Members of Lunden Reign Release New Single "Thank the Academy"

Los Angeles - Make Believe Friends is a new band name for Laura Espinoza and Mindy Milburn who are also the core members of the critically acclaimed band Lunden Reign. Laura and Mindy wanted a second group so they could explore creating other styles of music. Matt Denis (bass) and Noel Jasso (drums), also from Lunden Reign, and Miranda Miller (from Hey Violet!) will also be a part of the new lineup for Make Believe Friends. However, this new version will feature a more contemporary sound.

Their new single “Thank the Academy” is a driving, upbeat song with music by Laura Espinoza (primary songwriter for Lunden Reign) and lyrics by Mindy Milburn. Produced by Geoff Pearlman, the song reflects on someone driven by their own fame, ego and insecurity to the point of where social accolades are more important than anyone else in their life.

“Already a living legend, you think you have no flaws, when you look in the mirror, can you hear the applause?”

Mindy Milburn (lead singer) & Laura Espinoza (guitarist/songwriter) are the core members of Make Believe Friends (and also Lunden Reign), an all original alt rock band based out of West Hills, California. Laura & Mindy have already released 4 singles with “Follow Me to the Sun” picked as the #1 song of 2019 by Warren Kurtz of Goldmine Music Magazine.



About Laura Espinoza:

Laura is a songwriter/guitarist, playwright, and TV producer. Laura recently won a NARAS songwriting contest, exclusive to Grammy voting members where she participated in a private songwriting workshop with Busby, Rodney Jerkins, and Sarah Hudson. She has performed on stage with Luis Maldonado (Train), Terri Nunn (Berlin), Dale Bozzio (Missing Persons) & Prescott Niles (The Knack) and started her career with Matt Sorum (Guns n' Roses). She has recorded at Capitol Records, Hollywood, Abbey Road, UK and is the host of “The Rock Radio Show” on KBU-FM, Malibu. Laura is also the recipient of 3 Emmy Awards.

About Mindy Milburn:

Mindy has a passion for singing and music. Originally from Cleveland Ohio, Mindy also sings for other bands when not performing with Make Believe Friends and Lunden Reign including both No Doubt and Madonna tribute bands. Mindy is now living in Los Angeles after moving from Ohio and is the proud parent of two wonderful children.

The band is currently working on a video for “Thanks the Academy” and will resume live performances after the CoronaVirus pandemic restrictions are lifted.

To purchase: 
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/makebelievefriends/thank-the-academy-feat-lunden-reign

For more information: 
www.MakeBelieveFriendsBand.com
www.lundenreign.com

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