L.A. Alt-Rock Band Make Believe Friends Releases New Single “INTENTIONS” Along with Their New Album “MAKE BELIEVE FRIENDS”

L.A. based Make Believe Friends drops their latest single and new album on Friday, December 15, 2023.  The new single, “Intentions”, is an upbeat alt-rock style song featuring Mindy Milburn on lead vocals and music by guitarist/keyboardist Laura Espinoza and lyrics by Milburn & Espinoza. Legendary Producer Ed Stasium (Talking Heads, Ramones) provided the full mix and Bernie Godwin (whose father Dito Godwin produced No Doubt), was the recording engineer.

“Intentions” releases in tandem with Make Believe Friends’ first album to be called by the band’s name: “Make Believe Friends”.

“The catchy 'Intentions' opens Make Believe Friends' new self-titled debut album, with struggling relationship lyrics in parallel to current world issues. Mindy Milburn powerfully declares, 'I'm walking away' and Laura Espinoza echoes that strength with her fuzz guitar in the bridge. 'Intentions' is followed by seven equally great original compositions and an edgy cover of Blondie's 'Rapture' from this talented group who also perform as the Blondie tribute band, Heart of Blonde. Intentions is in my Top 5 Fabulous Albums of 2023”. - Warren Kurtz, Goldmine

The album contains the following songs:
1) Intentions
2) Haunt Me
3) Scream
4) Rapture (Blondie Cover)
5) Somewhere There Forever (ft. Dale Bozzio of Missing Persons)
6) The Truth
7) Thank the Academy
8) Follow Me to the Sun
9) An Act of Love

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 KBUU-FM, Malibu. Laura is also the recipient of 3 Emmy Awards.

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

Italian Prog Ensemble Ambigram To Release Eponymous Debut Album Inspired By Greg Lake on October 22, 2021

Featuring A Track Co-produced by ELP Legend Greg Lake

“Ambigram” an English term coined in 1986 by Douglas Hofstadter: “Calligraphic design that has two or more clear and distinct interpretations. The two readings are usually generated through the change of point of view that can be obtained through rotations and symmetries or other expedients.” (Wikipedia)

Never was a more appropriate definition to introduce to the world the release of their eponymous debut album. Ambigram, is a new super - band composed by Italian leading musicians who have very deep roots in progressive and underground music. Among them also appears, in the production phase, the giant of prog Greg Lake (Wherever he is now, for the help given in developing this project over the years). Embedded in the meaning of the name itself, Ambigram is also a record that lends itself to be read and enjoyed with different narratives and fruition levels; it is a complex but enjoyable album that is a pleasure to listen to and, above all, decidedly engaging at each subsequent listening ....

The definition, which lead vocalist Francesco Rapaccioli most loves to use to describe their music, is ‘pro aggressive’ rock ... do not be fooled by the pun: The basis on which their sound is nourished is a solid rock with haunting melodies inspired by the classic British school, with classy arrangements. Francesco’s lead vocals are supported by the “rhythm machine”, expertly conducted by Gigi Cavalli Cocchi (drums) who marks the times with power and elegance; Beppe Lombardo’s guitars, accompanied by Max Marchini’s bass, have the ability to make each piece unique. Throughout the work we perceive a very accurate research and study of detail, thank also to the precious cameos of brilliant guests who collaborated on the project: Area’s legendary guitarist Paolo Tofani (guitar solos on track 6-7), the super vocalist Paola Folli (vocals on track 4), Camillo Mozzoni, La Scala Orchestra’s former 1st Oboe (oboe on tracks 2,7), keyboard’s wizard Max Repetti and, last but not least, Marco Rancati and Avant/Prog rising Star Annie Barbazza on background vocals.

The voice of Francesco Rapaccioli brings the emotional side to a new level where lyrics span from suburban crimes to mythological journeys with a deep bound to the Sea exploring its haunting meanings from Odysseus lost in the Aegean Isles to Argonauts search symbolism.

Beware you don’t get lost at sea, too.
We are really cracked on Ambigram...

CREDITS

1. A Mediterranean Tale
2. Cerberus Reise
3. Pig Tree
4. Sailing Home
5. Imaginary Daughter
6. L’Absinthe
7. Patchwork
8. Pearls Before Swine
9. Cerberus Reise (Radio Edit)

Produced By Ambigram except “A Mediterranean Tale” co-produced by Greg Lake.

Personnel:
Francesco Rapaccioli - lead and background vocals
Beppe Lombardo - guitars
Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums and percussion
Max Marchini - bass guitar
with
Annie Barbazza (vocals); Max Repetti (piano, keyboards), Marco Rancati (bkg. vocals)
special guests:
Paola Folli (vocals on 4)
Camillo Mozzoni (oboe on 2,7)
Paolo Tofani (guitar solo in 6,7)

Recorded by Alberto Callegari @ Elfo Studios
Mixed by Alberto Callegari and Francesco Rapaccioli @ Elfo Studios
Mastered by Tommy Bianchi @ White Sound Mastering
All songs by Barbazza/Cavalli Cocchi/Lombardo/Marchini
published by Poggeidon Edizioni Musicali
photography: Franz Soprani

Special thanks to Greg Lake, wherever he is now, for the support and help in developing this project over the years. We deeply feel to dedicate this music to his memory.

Also Thanks to Bunker 54 Recording Studio and Max Cavalli Cocchi

Ambigram’s Historical Facts

The band was born early this millenium, when Beppe Lombardo got back from Finland to his hometown of Piacenza where he teamed up again with old mate Max Marchini. The two spent many sofa evenings sharing guitars and getting the basis to this project. Then the band underwent many changes of personnel trying to accomplish and perform what is now Ambigram. Deeply convinced that Progressive is more an attitude to the music than a genre, many friends joined and left: too bluesy, too jazzy, too rock, too pop… They don’t want to be nostalgic although 60s and 70s music is alive and well in their hearts. They needed a dramatic improvement from their collaborators in both musical skill and creative imagery.

Then famous drummer Gigi Cavalli Cocchi said yes to Max after inviting him and the band immediately changed. Old school days mate Francesco Rapaccioli, 360° musician, producer and talented vocalist, then turned professional, also accepted (after former vocalist Marco Rancati quit): the right recipe was eventually found and, as Greg Lake pointed, the good fairy appeared.

All the songs were re-arranged and produced as a collective effort with Greg Lake in person helping on the first track. The 4 Ambigram opened the door to some friends whose collaboration spiced the menu bringing it on an even higher level: from the impressive vocal talent of Paola Folli to Greg Lake’s discovered singer Annie Barbazza, who also took part in compositions. From the cubist visionary guitar solos of Area’s Paolo Tofani to keyboard wizard Max Repetti and La Scala Orchestra former 1st oboe Camillo Mozzoni.

This is Ambigram and you’ll hear about them pretty soon and loud.

To purchase:
http://store.maracash.com/product_info.php?products_id=594&osCsid=em0l6p8h3tjfb6ntnoco304aqp
https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ambigram

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/ambigramband

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

Talk Talk, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits Veterans Unite on New Instrumental Project, Held By Trees - New Single “Mysterium” Released November 12, 2021

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

To purchase: https://orcd.co/heldbytreesmysterium

Listen to the song here: https://promo.theorchard.com/FcifapTwxhYOL5iQ15Xg

For more information:
https://heldbytrees.com/
https://facebook.com/heldbytrees
https://www.instagram.com/heldbytrees/
https://twitter.com/heldbytrees
https://youtube.com/channel/UCMtTEAoLjKS79ZEeuzzzNkQ

Coming Spring 2022: Held By Trees, the album!

Listen to Held By Trees: https://songwhip.com/heldbytrees

Pre-order the album here: https://heldbytrees.co.uk

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