Duo Mod10 are back with a powerful new anthem ‘Blank Canvas’. Exploring themes of self discovery, social situations and larger mysteries about humans and the universe, Mod10 are as real as it gets. Consisting of Matt Kohn on lyrics and vocals, and Sam Carlen on production, the sensational rap track flows freely with confidence and individuality. Receiving attention via the streaming world, the duo have over 90,000 streams on Spotify alone across three previous singles.
Speaking about their thoughts on the instant classic, Mod10 state, “It’s about making your inner vision come to life and the various paths that can lead you there. Prioritizing money, fame, health, happiness, friends, family, in one big balancing act… if I live what I’m dreaming, that means I sleep while I’m standing.” Constantly bringing something new to the table with each release, Mod10 are at their strongest in ‘Blank Canvas’. Short but definitely sweet, the under 2 and a half minute long track is a vital asset to the duo’s ever-growing discography. Rolling off the tongue perfectly, the track sounds like the lovechild of Kendrick Lamar and Marshmello.
Meeting through mutual friends, Matt and Sam’s musical journey didn’t start when they met. Matt Kohn grew up in Elkins Park, Philly, influenced by hip/hop and rap throughout his life, he has been part of local rap collectives, released numerous solo projects, free-styled at many cyphers, and opened for artists’ shows such as Token, RA the Rugged Man, and Hi-Rez. Sam Carlen grew up in Northeast PA (Scranton area) as a rock and roll kid, he has played guitar for the majority of his life and started producing/engineering in high school, doing various jobs with the local music and theater scene.
An artist whose musical career has always been written in the stars, Liam Cooper is back with brand new single ‘Another Lonely Night’. Based in Sydney, Australia, Cooper creates a distinctive soundscape that’s instantly recognisable as his own. Produced by Sean Carey (ex Thirsty Merc Guitarist, 20 Good Reasons, In the Summertime), the indie-pop infused number was engineered at Church Street Studios.
Speaking about the emotive new single, Liam Cooper shares, I went through a period of time where I was away from my wife for the longest time we had ever been apart. This is the story of the nights I spent sleeping on my own, the days I spent drinking trying to pass the time and all the things I did to try and be closer to her. It was written on one of my first cruise ship contracts as a guest entertainer where I was flying all over the world to different cruise ships performing my show, Kings of the Keys.”
Following in the footsteps of previous successful single ‘Out of the Blue’ (which has gained over 11,000 streams on Spotify alone since it’s release in May), ‘Another Lonely Night’ looks to be another hit for Liam. Taken from his forthcoming EP ‘Lonely Nights’, out September 2021, the new anthem sounds like the lovechild of Brandon Flowers (The Killers) and Coldplay. A timeless offering that comes across as the perfect introduction into the mind of Liam Cooper, ‘Another Lonely Night’ is comforting and a blessing in disguise.
Surrounded by music from a young age, Liam’s musical journey began with an early education in classical piano, before finding his feet as a songwriter and performer during his time at Wollongong High School for the Performing Arts. Liam relocated to Sydney to pursue music and it wasn’t long before he found himself touring the country, and also internationally too.
London based singer-songwriter Anita Luki is an artist that won’t be leaving your playlist anytime soon. Having performed across New York, India and UK (including Glastofest), the songstress is back with R&B offering “LYM ‘love version’”. Armed with a stripped back production and elegant vocals, the track is emotive and bathed in a powerful arrangement. On the release, Anita shares, ‘This is a conversation between my present and younger self”. Detailing the importance of growth and self discovery, the powerful version of Anita’s new anthem is entirely relatable and walks upon familiar ground.
Taken from her debut EP ‘Love Your Mind’, Anita’s songwriting stems from her love for playing the piano - a true love that’s stuck around since a young age. Playing a huge role in many of her songs, emotive piano melodies and passionate vocals are Anita’s forte. Consisting of tracks that use her running themes of captivating harmonies and emotional lyricism, Anita’s discography sits between Pop and R&B.
Receiving praise from 58 individual playlists that played a part in promoting previous single ‘Happiness Looks Good On You’, the previous single received the most love from the United States, United Kingdom and Italy.
A journey through pain, growth and healing - Anita Luki’s music will leave you weak at the knees.
Raw Terra released his new two-sided single on December 3, 2021! Raw Terra is the alter-ego of musician Richard d’Andrea. Primarily a bassist, he is also a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He was an early member of The Motels (in the historic Radio Free Hollywood lineup), The Know (with Gary Valentine and Joel Turrisi) and later forming Factor Four with Jeff Wolfe and joining The Roosters United with Jeff Jourard and Graham Daddy. He has also performed or recorded with many other musicians including Joan Jett, Michael Des Barres, The Halibuts, The Insect Surfers, The Furys, The Textones, The Roosters United, Bob Beland, Marc Platt, David Nigel Lloyd, Fur Dixon and Joao Erbetta.
After decades of playing in bands he decided to mix it up and embarked on solo recordings of his own compositions. 2018 marked the released of his first solo album “Mars 12, Earth 0” and soon after the same album's backing tracks: “Mars 12, Earth 0 - (Instrumentals)” (a nod to “Stack-o-Tracks”). The music ranges from Surf and Neo-60’s to driving Alt and Indie rock and ends with a hypnotic tone poem.
“Mystery Monkey Remix”, released August 2019, revisits and remixes two songs from that first album: “(Waitin’ for The) Mystery Train” is given a clearer, more punchier mix and “Monkey See, Monkey Do” is reworked with electric 12-string guitar and new vocals.
Original songs “Every Little Bit” and “I Don’t Need You” make up his first 2-sided single release (December 2021) and he is working on the other songs that will comprise his second, as yet unnamed, album. “Every Little Bit” has never been recorded or performed with a band while the song “I Don’t Need You” might have been heard being performed by the Factor Four band in the mid 80’s in Los Angeles. Both songs were recorded by Raw Terra this past spring and summer.
Says Richard, “My work on this CD or album has just begun and I’m releasing the songs as I finish them - on my first album I waited until all were finished (which took a long time) before releasing it. So, I thought I would try to do it incrementally this time. ‘Every Little Bit’ was written as a stream of consciousness but seems to have two main themes: one is about being fed up with certain aspects of life and the other a confession of attraction and desire for another. ‘I Don't Need You’ is a somewhat snotty break-up song - probably directed to the girl in the previous song! These are the first two songs finished and I also started on many others. Some are new while the older ones had been written with the band I was in at the time in mind. Too many songs go uncompleted... so this is proving to be a good opportunity and impetus to finally finish songs off and record them.”
In closing, Richard has this to say about the two new songs, “Stream it loud (and often)!”
Digitally released by DistroKid for streaming and download at all the usual places.
Digital downloads or purchase: Amazon, Apple Music and iTunes, Bandcamp streaming and full digital list: Amazon, Anghami, Apple Music, MediaNet, Boomplay, Deezer, Instagram/Facebook, iHeartRadio, ClaroMusica, iTunes, KKBox, NetEase, Qobuz, Pandora, Saavn, Spotify, Tencent, Tidal, TikTok/Resso, Triller (beta), Soundtrack by Twitch, and Yandex Music (beta)
• Brand new solo album from long-term Elton John guitarist Davey Johnstone
• Recorded during the pandemic hiatus that postponed Elton John’s Farewell Tour
• A personal triumph following his debut “Smiling Face” some 48 years after its 1973 release.
Davey Johnstone has been Elton John’s guitarist for 50 years. He has also played with Alice Cooper, John Lennon, Stevie Nicks, Lenny Kravitz and many, many more! In his role as Music Director he will resume the hugely successful Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour with Elton and the band in January 2022.
Davey is releasing the first single “Melting Snow” from his forthcoming solo album “Deeper Than My Roots”! Watch the video for “Melting Snow”:
During the COVID-19 recess, Davey has recorded an album utilizing the incredible talents of his children, plus a few close friends. The album has a wide range and crosses genres.
Elliot, the youngest Johnstone, is lead vocalist on the record, with Davey supplying one lead vocal himself. Charlie Johnstone recorded many of the basic tracks at their home in California. Charlie also supplied keyboard and background vocal parts. Jesse Johnstone played drums remotely from his home in L.A. Jesse also joined his father and eldest sibling Tam Johnstone, on writing, recording and producing the album’s two instrumentals, “Black Scotland” and “Walt Dizney”. The beautiful artwork for the sleeve was conceived and designed by Juliet Johnstone.
Denny Seiwell, the legendary drummer from Paul McCartney and Wings helped out on three tracks, and Nigel Olsson supplied drums on “Melting Snow”.
Much of the recording was done by Major Wynn at Marlon Hoffman’s Kenrose Studio in California.
Davey Johnstone’s forthcoming full-length album titled “Deeper Than My Roots” will be available on Spirit of Unicorn Records in January 2022.
Los Angeles, CA - Talk about the perfect stocking stuffer for guitar lovers! Check out this fantastic 7” vinyl from the celebrated guitarist and founding member of classic rock giants Mountain, Leslie West, who passed away just a few days before Christmas 2020. The vinyl’s A-side is a deeply moving instrumental version of the beloved holiday hymn “Silent Night,” originally released in 2015 on the Blues Christmas compilation, that opens with a gorgeous and moving acoustic guitar arpeggiation before West comes in with a massive electric slide guitar like a six-string slingin’ Santa coming down the chimney. The track is the perfect distillation of West’s unique combination of tough and tender playing, and a beautiful way to make this holiday season a little extra bright.
The B-side is no lump of coal either, it’s a killer cover of The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” with organist Brian Auger and blues master Rod Piazza! This 7” is available as a limited-edition BLUE vinyl release, so don’t delay and pick one up for the blues rock lover in your life today!
Hailing from Syracuse, Stove God Cooks uses his lyrical genius and distinct delivery patterns to separate himself from the surplus of talent in the game. He’s an artist who naturally stands out – the confidence and attitude he brings on the mic is intimidating and unrivaled by his peers. He put together a masterful performance on his debut project, "Reasonable Drought," which has earned him a fiercely loyal fan base.
With co-signs from mainstream media outlets like Billboard, Complex, DJ Booth, and many more, it’s no secret that he has the recipe to be hip-hop’s next breakthrough act. After his successful collaboration with French Montana on his first single of this year, “Dope,” the Babygrande Records artist has returned with his latest track and video, “That’s The Game.” Produced alongside Samba Beatz, the new single nudges yesteryear actsbut comes across as a refreshing and mature outlook at the new version. Straight off the mark from touring with Dubbo and Conway the Machine, Stove God Cooks is a leading voice in the world of hip-hop and comes across as a lyrical genius. Wanting to be mentioned in the same breath as today’s biggest stars, Stove God Cooks is certainly an artist destined for greatness.
Los Angeles, CA - Long-time bassist for multi-platinum rockers Quiet Riot, Chuck Wright, proudly presents the release of the first single from his new solo album. Wright has also worked alongside such rock music luminaries as Alice Cooper, Greg Allman, Ted Nugent, various members of Guns N’ Roses and Kiss to name a few, and now embarks on his first-ever solo excursion.
The first single is a hard-rocking, intense interpretation of Björk’s 1995 hit “Army of Me” and is accompanied by a video that represents Wright’s exploration into disorder and parallels with the recent chaotic state of world affairs. The visuals include a 3D animation of an “army” of Ruth Bader Ginsburgs, the late Supreme Court Justice, feminist icon, and steadfast advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. “I chose to recognize the late Justice Ginsburg in this video as she was such a formidable presence on and off the bench. She challenged the status quo knocking down legal obstacles to women’s equality and inspired an army of believers.”
The track “Army Of Me” features several of Wright’s musical peers including the late Pat Torpey (Mr. Big) on drums, guitarist Lanny Cordola (House of Lords), and Sven Martin (Jonathan Davis Band) on keyboards along with songstress Whitney Tai, the recent “Best Vocalist” winner at The Intercontinental Music Awards.
The full-length album from Chuck Wright's Sheltering Sky, coming in 2022, features over 30 guest performers including members of Mr. Big, Skid Row, Tesla, Dream Theater, Great White, Asia, Jefferson Starship, acclaimed solo artists Allen Hinds, Toshi Yanagi, and many others. Wright is finally stepping out on his own with a wide range of genres, from Jazz Fusion, Prog, Funk to in-your-face Hard Rock, which was in itself one of the things that led him to want to forge his own way and create this unique collection of songs within his “Sheltering Sky” project.
Photos: Top photo: Mari Kawaguchi Bottom photo: Tim Janssens
Los Angeles, CA - It has been awhile since one of Hollywood’s brightest lights and star of the film classics such as Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas, Ann-Margret, has gifted the world with new musical recordings. So what better time than Christmas for the woman once dubbed the “female Elvis Presley” to return to the medium that launched her epic career? Ann-Margret is happy to announce the release of her brilliant and vivacious new version of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” today on all digital platforms. With special guest, southern blues icon Sonny Landreth, joining in the fun, these two artists have crafted a vibrant rendition of a holiday favorite that seems tailor-made for Ann-Margret’s sultry voice.
The track presages a new full-length album that Ann-Margret has been hard at work on and will be released in 2022. The project will pair her with several stellar guest artists including Bobby Rydell (who co-starred in Bye Bye Birdie), Blondie’s Clem Burke, Wrecking Crew member Don Randi, rockabilly superstar Danny B. Harvey and more!
Also, for those in the Los Angeles area, Ann-Margret will be making an appearance at a special private engagement on January 13 at the Montalban Theater with special guest Rydell!
Armed with an inspiring story that lies within the upbringing and heartbreak of the man behind WHO SHOT SCOTT, the experimental hip-hop artist has certainly been through trials and turbulence. Fleeing Iraq in the arms of his mother when he was 2 years old, they were forced to journey to Moscow due to the dangers in his home country. After time in the Russian capital, they packed their belongings and travelled to New Zealand. Meeting and finding comfort in a friend at the age of 8, their shared love for hip-hop resulted in an internationally performing duo with big visions for the future. In 2019 however, his partner, citing new-found religious belief, abruptly announced he will no longer make music, moved overseas and left his closest friend with no goodbye. After some gruelling months, experimental hip-hop artist WHO SHOT SCOTT was born from the ashes of that personal and professional apocalypse.
Returning with the pivot sound of ‘Love We’ll Never Know’, the track is taken from WHO SHOT SCOTT’S forthcoming EP ‘Mercy II’. Staying true to his philosophy of writing lyrics from deeply personal experiences, WSS brings us into his world and tells the tale of a mental battle he fought while trying to see the potential in a toxic and abusive relationship, rather than seeing it for what it truly was. Speaking on what the song unveiled about himself WSS Shares with us: “Vulnerability has always been at the forefront of my creative philosophy, whether it be my lyrical content or within my music production, I always strive to be brave and express my inner emotions as accurately as possible through my music. At the time of writing this song, I was dealing with the remnants of post-traumatic stress caused by an abusive relationship from my past. I was in a seriously bad place mentally and finally came to the realisation that I wasn't ever truly in love with this person, but instead, infatuated by the potential of the relationship getting better. I'm very blessed to say that I eventually got out of that situation safely, but the manipulation definitely had some long-lasting effects on me than I would have liked it too. For me - this song is my closure, this is me telling myself that what happened was not my fault and doesn't define me or my future. I was just seeing a love that wasn't truly there.”
Alternative hip-hop at its finest, “Love We’ll Never Know” could give artists such as Tyler the Creator, MF-Doom and Kanye West a run for their money.
Brooklyn based writer, producer and vocalist tara-bridget is back with new offering ‘She’s so cool’. Receiving praise from the likes of V Magazine, who referred to her as ‘indie’s next rising star’, Women That Rock Press, Quadio, and UK FM Radio, it’ll come at no surprise that tara-bridget is certainly turning heads within the industry. With just under 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone and just under 1.5 million streams on the streaming platform, tara-bridget is known for her adventurous pop music.
Sharing her thoughts on the release, tara-bridget shares, “She's so cool was originally written for my best friend, who had a tough year. Over time, I think the song took on a broader narrative of working women I was raised around, and all around reconciling with growing into myself and finding my place as an artist, as a person.
I found the melody by accident, looking for something more upbeat at the time, but I felt the lead keys were self-discovering, and the lyrics had kind of just come to me. I was thinking about my best friend, and how I love her. A fun fact is that I kept the first lead vocal take I ever took. I just sat down, and it felt perfect. Those things are rare, and I prefer not to mess with them.”
Bewitched from the very first note, it’s tara-bridget’s distinctive vocals that steal the spotlight. Delicate but still coming across as fiercely powerful, the innovative songwriter’s voice could easily find her singing alongside the greats. Aiming to grow as an artist and truly cement her sound, ‘She’s so cool’ really details the importance of staying true to yourself and finding your ‘niche’. Starting her career back in 2017 by publishing her music on Soundcloud and recording with a USB mic, tara-bridget began writing lo-fi pop music. Gradually maturing with each release, tara-bridget is somewhere between indie-rock, alternative-pop and dream-pop. Accompanied with the voice of an angel and transcending songwriting, tara-bridget is destined for greatness.
Claiming the role as a producer, singer, songwriter and music engineer all at the age of just 21 years old, Kate Brunotts really ticks all the right boxes. Receiving support from Lefuturewave, who stated that her music ‘creates new universes, she’s a surefire creative and artistic force’, as well multiple Spotify editorial playlists including ‘Fresh Finds’, Kate is certainly turning heads within the industry. Back with indie infused contender ‘GEMINI’, the track is a self-produced single all about the experience that comes from the duality of both a physical and digital self.
Talking about the sensational new single, Kate explains, “GEMINI is about the facade of ourselves that we portray online and how that reputation unfortunately precedes our one in the physical world. I produced this track after being inspired by the eerie soundscapes of FKA Twigs and feeling a distinct separation between who I am personally and digitally.
I thought it was important for the bed of the sound to be made up of my own distorted vocal samples, with my true vocal singing on top of it. I started with the vocal samples and built up the beat from there.”
The first single off of Kate’s self-produced EP ‘all caps’, slated for arrival later this year, GEMINIcomes across as euphoric and the suitable song for the perfect backdrop to your favourite TV show. Entirely self produced with further mixing done by Devin Spear, the hypnotic track features vocal staples, drum samples, choir samples and even a flute as well. Showcasing that versatility is important to this songwriter, Kate likes to create innovative music without boundaries.
Iceberg Black – also known as "Ice” – has carved out a lane of his own in the industry, using self-produced beats, a prolific work rate, and a distinctively gritty sound, accentuated by production consisting of sparse melodies and booming 808s. He's received praise from outlets across the web, as the music videohas earned more than 275,000 views on YouTube since its release on October 13th.
With the hopes of broadening his audience even more, Ice has now signed with Babygrande Records and makes his label debut with the captivating music video for “Spaceships & Hoodbitches”-- his sensational self-produced track that has climbed to 2.5 million streams on Spotify alone off word of mouth. Ice and Babygrande have also announced that his upcoming album, “The Mothership,” will be released on October 22.
Conceived by renowned director Shomi Patwary, the video takes viewers on a futuristic journey through Iceberg Black’s hometown, as he flexes in dapper attire and fancy cars. The video feels otherworldly and perfectly complements the track, which feels and sounds well ahead of its time. Patwary pairs a captivating storyline with VFX and quick cuts to engage viewers throughout the video. It’s a mesmerizing on-screen performance from Iceberg Black and sets a high bar for his visuals going forward.
Santi Storm is a complete visionary in vibrant new single ‘Cyber Boy. Known for their candy coloured, cute aesthetic and highly energetic music, Santi plays the part of both Barbie and Ken. Building a strong fanbase of over 342,000 followers on TikTok alone, this social media creative has received praise from publications such as Paper Magazine.
Speaking about the iconic new single, Santi Storm shares, “The story of Cyber Boy is about falling in love with someone online and fantasising about meeting them. It's about wanting to jump through a computer screen into cyberspace and joining that person in a virtual reality fantasy world and flying off together in happiness. But it’s mainly about fantasising about this concept and that person who you only have an online relationship with. It's about dreaming of a fake world that you so wish to be in, with a person who you don't even know but you love.”
Having performed and travelled across the world as a Nightlife Drag Performer/lip sync artist for five years, Santi quickly realised that they wanted to be performing their own music as opposed than other people's songs. Inspired by virtual reality, video games and anime, you can hear Santi Storm’s vivid aesthetic throughout their ear-catching music. “Cyber Boy '' comes across as a song that refuses to be left on any shelf. Bathed in bubblegum, hyper pop sensibilities, the track may have Santi Storm thinking of their dream fantasy, but we think it could become a reality very soon. An artist that’s destined for greatness simply because they stand up for what they believe in, this LGBTQ+ icon uses music as a form of escapism. I wrote the song when at a time when I was unwell, I was fantasising about an idea of creating a story of being in a virtual reality world where I was the best version of myself. I wanted to write a song and a story that was about meeting perfect people in a perfect world online,” adds Santi Storm.
Los Angeles, CA - In early 2011, as Todd Rundgren was promoting an upcoming tour, he stopped by Late Night With Jimmy Fallon for live performances of two songs from his classic 1972 album Something/Anything, “I Saw The Light” and “Couldn’t I Just Tell You.” Backing Rundgren for both songs was Fallon’s long running house band, hip hop auteurs The Roots. The appearance marked the beginning of a furtive cross-cultural, cross-generational collaborative relationship born of mutual respect and admiration that would be repeated again in 2017 when Rundgren sat in with The Roots on a taping of the Fallon show. Now, these two musical giants reunite on a studio recording, a track that will appear on Rundgren’s upcoming Space Force album coming next year. The new single, “Godiva Girl,” is a delectable slice of neo-funk sweetness with a stellar, soulful groove, decorated with warm keyboards and smooth as silk background vocals. It’s the kind of rich musical confection that fans of both Rundgren and The Roots knew these two could cook up together, and it’s so been worth the wait.
Watch for the new Rundgren studio album Space Force, which features more collaborations from the likes of Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo, Sparks, hip hop artist Narcy and others, coming in 2022!
Sweet (Featuring Andy Scott, original guitarist/songwriter of “Fox On The Run”/ “Love Is Like Oxygen”) have released their new single “Everything (2021)”.
“Everything” originally appeared on Sweet’s 2002 album “Sweetlife”, however the band’s founding member and guitarist Andy Scott was inspired to re-record it after witnessing the new incarnation of his band rehearse the track live.
Andy explains, “During the rehearsals for Sweet’s forthcoming UK tour 2021, we were trying out various songs from our back catalogue that could be added to the set list. As soon as I heard Paul Manzi and Lee Small’s vocals on the song ‘Everything’, I knew that we needed to get it down and record it as our new single.”
Commenting on the brand new recording, “Everything 2021”, Andy Scott adds, “I think the new version is a far superior production. It’s much closer to how I envisaged it when I co-wrote the song back in the day.”
Watch the promotional video:
Sweet’s “Everything (2021)” was released as a single Friday 15th October and available on all the usual platforms iTunes/Amazon Music/Deezer/ Spotify etc
Andy Scott is the only surviving member of the ‘classic’ Sweet line-up following the death of former bassist and founding member Steve Priest in 2020 aged 72. Brian Connolly and Mick Tucker passed away in 1997 and 2002 respectively.
Prudential Music Group 20600 Eureka Rd Suite 900 Taylor, Mi 48180 Cell 248-707-0778 https://www.prudentialmusicgroup.com Prudential Music Group is headed up by young drummer Jason Hartless (Ted Nugent, Sponge, Joe Lynn Turner)
Featuring blues legend Eric Bibb, Robbie McIntosh (Talk Talk, Paul McCartney, John Mayer, The Pretenders), Martin Ditcham (Talk Talk, Chris Rea, The Waterboys), David Knopfler (Dire Straits), Laurence Pendrous (Mark Hollis, Anja Garbarek), Gary Alesbrook (Noel Gallagher, Kasabian, Super Furry Animals), Mike Smith (Blur)
New instrumental project, Held By Trees, will release their next single, “Mysterium” on 12th November, 2021. The record features an astounding cast of world-class musicians, including…
Eric Bibb (Guitar) Robbie McIntosh (Guitar – Talk Talk, Paul McCartney, John Mayer, The Pretenders) Martin Ditcham (Drums and Percussion – Talk Talk, Chris Rea, The Waterboys) David Knopfler (Guitar – Dire Straits) Laurence Pendrous (Piano – Mark Hollis, Anja Garbarek) Gary Alesbrook (Trumpet – Noel Gallagher, Kasabian, Super Furry Animals) Mike Smith (Keyboards – Blur)
Drawing together elements of post-rock and progressive rock, Held By Trees are also announcing their debut, self-titled album, due in Spring 2022. The full-length LP features more stellar musicians, such as Tim Renwick (Guitar – Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Eric Clapton), and Mike Smith (Keyboard and Sax – Blur, Gorillaz, Damon Albarn).
Described by project leader, composer/producer and multi-instrumentalist, David Joseph, as “somewhere between latter Talk Talk and Gilmour-era Pink Floyd”, Held By Trees has the unique claim of bringing together a total of seven Talk Talk/Mark Hollis veterans. These include engineers Phill Brown and Denis Blackham, bassist Simon Edwards, and flute/clarinet master, Andreas Panayi (as well as those mentioned above).
This project is a sleeve-note reader’s fantasy!
“Mysterium” evokes a vivid night-time pastoral atmosphere with ambient field recordings and undulating drones while a gentle rhythm guides delicate chord changes, graced with Robbie McIntosh’s melodic and emotional lead guitar. The piece spaciously breaks open into a swelling, aching crescendo before dying back away into silence.
Release Date: 12th November 2021 Label: Tweed Jacket Music Distributor: Nova
Following the announcement from Prog legends Caravan, of their new album It’s None Of Your Business the band have released their first single “If I was To Fly” accompanied by an animated video courtesy of Matt Entecott (https://www.matthewentecott.com )
WATCH / LISTEN TO “IF I WAS TO FLY” FROM CARAVAN HERE
Founding member Pye Hastings comments “Back in 1970 we played a 3 day festival in Rotterdam alongside bands including the Byrds, Santana, Jefferson Airplane, Soft Machine, Pink Floyd plus many more but stuck right in the middle on the 3rd day was Mungo Jerry who played ‘In the Summertime’ - the crowd erupted and they were without doubt the hit of the day!
When I played ‘If I was to Fly’ to the band I said ‘Think, Jug Band’ and because I was so impressed by the power of that simple song at the festival, I wanted to doff my cap to that style of music. The guys in the band are such good musicians that they knew exactly what I was after, and the track was recorded in the first take.”
It’s None Of Your Business, Caravan’s first album since Paradise Filter (2013) is due to be released on CD 15th October (digitally on 8th October) and as a vinyl LP, on 5th November, on Madfish Music. The release features 10 brand new songs including instrumental tracks influenced, to a degree, by the events and restrictions placed on society over the past 18 months and was recorded between 24th June and 4th July 2021 at Rimshot Studio, Bredgar near Sittingbourne.
It’s None Of Your Business overflows with Caravan’s trademark warmth and humour and, also, a sensitivity reflecting the times in which we are living. Sitting among Caravan’s typically whimsical tales “Down From London” and “If I Was To Fly” sit the heartfelt and poignant “Spare A Thought” and “Every Precious Little Thing” which looks forward to a return to normality.
(Photo credit: Carl Glover)
Caravan are Pye Hastings (guitar, vocals). Geoffrey Richardson (viola, mandolin, guitar), Jan Schelhaas (keyboards) and Mark Walker (drums). Lee Pomeroy (ELO, Rick Wakeman, ARW and Take That) has guested as bass player, following the departure of Jim Leverton, while Jimmy Hastings has also guested on flute.
It’s None Of Your Business cover and artwork has been created by renowned illustrator Bob Venables (https://www.bobvenables.co.uk/)
It's None Of Your Business Track Listing: 01. Down From London (4.03) 02. Wishing You Were Here (3.55) 03. It’s None Of Your Business (9.40) 04. Ready Or Not (4.45) 05. Spare A Thought (4.06) 06. Every Precious Little Thing (4.25) 07. If I Was To Fly (3.23) 08. I’ll Reach Out For You (8.07) 09. There Is You (4.26) 10. Luna’s Tuna (3.14)
Produced, engineered and mastered by Julian Hastings with assistant engineer Mike Thorne.
It’s None Of Your Business is released on October 15, 2021 on CD & digitally (October 8th) with the LP on black vinyl released on November 5, 2021 through Madfish Music. PRE ORDERS AVAILABLE NOW HERE (https://CaravanBand.lnk.to/ItsNoneOfYourBusiness)
CARAVAN LIVE
Caravan will also be on tour, supporting the release of their new album, in the UK in October:
Wednesday 6th October - Basingstoke - The Haymarket Thursday 7th October - Islington - The Union Chapel Friday 8th October - Gloucester - Gloucester Guildhall Saturday 9th October - Brighton/Hove - The Old Market Thursday 14th October - Chester - The Live Rooms Friday 15th October - Leeds - The Brudenell Social Club Saturday 16th October - Bury - The Met Sunday 17th October - Wolverhampton - The Robin 2 (Bilston) Thursday 21st October - Bury St Edmunds - The Apex Friday 22nd October - Newcastle - The Cluny Saturday 23rd October - Glasgow - Òran Mór Wednesday 27th October - Bristol - The Fleece Thursday 28th October - Exeter - The Phoenix Friday 29th October - Dover - The Booking Hall
About Caravan Caravan are one of the doyens of the progressive rock and the ‘Canterbury scene’, formed in 1968 and blending rock, jazz, folk and classical influences into a warm and distinctive sound.
Founder member Pye Hastings (guitar/vocals) remains as Caravan’s guiding light and primary songwriter. Geoffrey Richardson (viola, mandolin, guitar) first played with Caravan between 1972 and 1981 and returned to the fold in 1995. Their previous 14 studio albums and numerous live recordings have seen them attract a large and faithful following and Caravan toured regularly until the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have a UK tour scheduled for October 2021 and have interest, from abroad, for overseas tours to Japan, Canada and South America.
The legends of the Canterbury scene band are being celebrated in a lavish 37-disc box set, entitled Who Do You Think We Are, released on Madfish on 20th August.
