Multi-instrumentalist Mike Ian Releases New Conceptual Prog Album “The Learning Tree”

Mike Ian announces his return to original vocal music, bringing a new, large-scale, progressive sound to fans with the release of his next album, “The Learning Tree.” Now available, the new record brings back vocal elements not heard since his 2010 release, “Puzzle Pieces.”

Multi-instrumentalist, Ian recorded all the instruments and vocals for “The Learning Tree” in his studio, Eyeball Studios, in Cinnaminson, NJ casually spanning as far back as 2004 onward. Upon deciding to finally complete this massive project this year, freshly recorded drums and vocals were added to complete the project and give it its final touches.

Lyrics always eluded Mike for completion of this project. The music has such a grand quality about it. And to put lyrics to match such a project was proving difficult. A few phrases were sporadically laid out amongst the tunes in the early infancy years. And a few phrases stuck. But the project lay dormant for years until lyrical inspiration would come to complete this massive music project. But for Mike, the lyrical inspiration never did come. Finally, collaborating with lyricist “Troy Raleigh,” Troy brought life to “The Learning Tree” with his poetic, and explorative lyrics. The words fit seamlessly and take the listener on a spiritual journey of reflection, inspiration, exploration, salvation, and love.

Watch the promotional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTBnQA7fnP4

“The Learning Tree” is composed of 9 tracks each of which is an epic adventure within themselves. The opening title, “A Pirate’s Dream,” conjures up the thrill of the pirate life in the deep seas, and the adventures and dangers of the nautical, seafaring life. While “Something More Nothing Less” questions why love must be earned and fought for to have its rightful presence. The CD was mastered by Tom Volpicelli at The Mastering House, PA. Artwork for the project was done by Mike’s daughter, Ivy.

“‘The Learning Tree’ by Mike Ian is with ease the best album produced by the artist, it is one that has made its way onto my playlist of timeless choice, and it is one of the finest works in the rock and progressive rock genres I have heard for at least the last 5 years, this album is that good, is it totally unforgettable, and my advice to all those thinking about purchasing this album is, don’t think, buy it now, your senses will love you forever.” - Steve Sheppard Music Reviews

“The Learning Tree” is now available on all digital streaming platforms and CD. Also in limited quantities, a 5.1 surround sound Blu-ray, mastered by Scott Hull from Masterdisk, NY will be available.

The learning tree of life has many branches. Come experience its growth from its roots to its apex. How a dream in sleep awakened one’s spirit on a journey of reflection, inspiration, exploration, salvation, and love. Embracing the ever changing winds in one’s life with great fortitude…

Dream away into reality.

And climb the learning tree of life.

Track listing:

1. A Pirate’s Dream
2. Happily Ever After
3. Cast In Stone
4. Hereafter
5. Next Stop Anywhere
6. Saved
7. Letter To Home
8. Something More Nothing Less
9. Shine On

Produced by Mike Ian
Recorded/Mixed at Eyeball Studios, Cinnaminson, NJ
Stereo mastering by Tom Volpicelli, The Mastering House, PA
Surround mastering by Scott Hull, Masterdisk, NY

To purchase: https://mikeian.hearnow.com/the-learning-tree

For more information visit: www.mikeian.com

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

Blues-Rock Band Until The Sun To Release New Live Album “A Night At The Rhythm Room”

Rocking Blues band Until The Sun’s new live album, “A Night at the Rhythm Room,” was recorded January 13, 2022 at the historic blues venue. The Rhythm Room, one of the last of the remaining old school blues clubs in the country, proved a fantastic stage to record the show.

Until the Sun recorded ten songs consisting mostly of new material. The album has two covers, the Etta James classic, “At Last,” and the Led Zeppelin tune, “Whole Lotta Love.” Until The Sun played the slow blues song, “Burning Home,” first released off their second album, “Drowning in Blue.” All the other songs are new originals.

The band gave a hard-hitting soulful performance that all the members were happy with. Larry Elyea at Minds Eye Studio recorded and engineered the show and the album was mixed and mastered at Minds Eye Studio. The show was filmed as well as recorded and the video will be released to YouTube when the album is out.

Until The Sun features Brandon Teskey on lead guitar, Bruce Jensen on bass guitar, Chris Tex on drums, and Alyssa Swartz on vocals.

Says Brandon, “The show that was filmed nearly didn’t happen. There were dozens of factors working against us. Up to just days prior we were unsure if the recording would actually take place, while the whole time we were practicing more intensely than ever before. I was almost in disbelief when it did happen. But the show that was captured went great. The album consists of mostly new material and I think it’s the best thing we’ve done. It’s a great snapshot of our live sound. We wanted a live album with mostly new material, like Hendrix did with the Band of Gypsys. Something that stood alone as a piece of work instead of a live version of previously released songs. Overall I think it’s the best material we’ve ever put out.”

Chris adds, “Playing the Rhythm Room during the COVID pandemic was a once in a lifetime event, as well as energizing since music has been therapy for so many people during these trying times. I was impressed by the sound quality and the energy we captured in our live show! I feel like the recording certainly captured our raw and powerful blues rock sound!”

Alyssa concludes, “My favorite thing in the world is to perform in front of a live audience. It was so exciting to be out playing our hearts out for everyone who came out!”

Until the Sun was formed in 2017. Their music includes and often fuses elements of Blues, Alternative Rock, Pink-Floyd-esque Psychedelia, and Jazz. Until the Sun quickly began playing national shows, has opened up for famous Blues and Rock artists, and has played world renowned venues.

Until the Sun released their first album, “Blackheart,” in 2019 and completed their second album “Drowning in Blue” in 2021. Brandon, Bruce, Chris, and Alyssa all poured their hearts and souls into striving for what was before unattained levels of musicianship, songwriting, tone, performance, and reaching new levels of professionalism that continues to develop.

“Until the Sun is a band that is as subversive as they come. While embracing the traditional Blues playstyles, the band adds aspects of alternative rock, psychedelia, and jazz to the mix.” – Buzz Music

“An honest take on that great southern trendkill that is delta deep and crossroads strong, Until the Sun twist that with modern flair into a style all their own with a raucous and gritty track that needs multiple listens just to take it all in.” - Ryan Martin, Jammerzine.

“Until the sun put out a stellar debut record” - Andrew Daly, Vinyl Writer

To pre-order:
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1620185036?ls=1&app=itunes
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1620185036

For more information:
https://untilthesun.com/home
https://www.facebook.com/UntilTheSunBand
http://www.instagram.com/untilthesunband

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

SINNAH creates a safe haven in new release 'Exist Loud'

Swedish singer-songwriter Sinnah is best described as a ‘bubbly fizzly ball of energy’. Back with an exceptional new release ‘Exist Loud’, the single is the title track of her new EP - out the same day. Her sound exudes the kind of spontaneous confidence we’ve seen in artists like Tove Styrke, with a bit of the Scandinavian simplicity and genuine approach to music we know from Maja Francis or Pauline Skott.

Her lyrics embrace a message that’s been taking all over pop music from queen Beyonce to Maja Francis: There is an undeniable power in the vulnerability behind writing about your feelings in such a genuine way. Sinnah gives you an emotional validation that is liberating, even if some songs make you wanna scratch your ex’s car, while others encourage you to let go of everything and just sing way too loud in the shower.

Speaking about the new release, Sinnah shares, “We have a short time on this earth. That´s the reason why we should exist loud while we´re still here. I think we need to be aware of our feelings and allow ourselves to feel ALL the feelings.”

Adding her thoughts on the EP, Sinnah explains, “Each song represents a certain emotion. I think we should become more aware of our feelings, accept them and allow ourselves to feel all different kinds of emotions. It’s almost like a norm to put a smile on your face and act like everything is fine. I think there are a lot of people out there struggling, who feel bad but don’t know how to manage their emotions. That’s why I think it’s important to teach children that it’s okay to feel sad sometimes and it’s okay to get angry – you have to be able to feel everything! And you’re never alone.”

About being yourself and not giving a beep about what other people think, ‘Exist Loud’ is an empowering offering that will push people to fight for what they believe in.

Singer Karen Ann Hunter To Release New Single “Sweet Love Of Mine” Dedicated To Her Husband Legendary Guitarist Steve Hunter

Produced By Steve Hunter - Released May 31st 2022

Karen Ann Hunter could have coined the phrase “Paying my Dues.”

For over 50 years and from the age of 17 her life has been filled with music and artistic endeavors.

Beginning with band work in the UK covering hotels, bars, jazz clubs and tv, moving on to a wide range of experience as a session singer. Her first label signing was with disco king Giorgio Moroder in Munich, Germany in 1976, this included a single release called “Dr Funk (with Smiley)” plus a session for Giorgio on one of his own disco hits “I Wanna Funk with you Tonight.”

Back in the UK Karen got signed to a producer and through Chas Chandler’s record label and under the name Yuka with her own song “Who Would Believe a Young Man” had ‘record of the week’ on BBC Radio 1, and she did a number of high profile TV advert sessions. In 1984/85 she sang background vocals on two tours with Gary Numan. Then came two children but the jazz gigs continued.

In 2004 under her maiden name Karen Taylor she released an album of her own songs called “Kickin’ Up Dust,” an eclectic mix of jazz and blues.

She performed live on the Paul Jones BBC Radio ‘Best of British Blues’ show and regards Paul as a longtime supporter of both her and her husband.

In 2007 Karen married renowned guitar player Steve Hunter (Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper) and moved to the USA. Regarding her singing career as over and now very happily married it was her husband that encouraged more writing and recording.

In 2010 Steve produced an album for her called “Empty Spaces” and since then his encouragement has brought forth many new recordings. Also in 2010 Karen recorded backing vocals for the 2 Cellos hit “Supermassive Black Hole.”

Now living in Spain, Steve and Karen continue to record both covers and new compositions. In April this year Karen released a cover of the Gary Numan song “Don’t Call My Name” for charity along with other ex Numan musicians and some loyal fans.

On May 31st Steve and Karen celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary, she has written this song “Sweet Love of Mine” as a declaration to the love of her life Steve Hunter.

Watch the video for Karen Hunter’s “Sweet Love of Mine”:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCRk90OK4TJ_uhPo3Z10fxFw

For more information:
HEARNOW - artist page: https://karenannhunter.hearnow.com/sweet-love-of-mine
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.a.hunter.3

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

Al Stewart “The Admiralty Lights” 50CD Box Set – The Definitive Collection From Legendary Singer-Songwriter Now Available For Pre-order

Released by Madfish on June 3, 2022

Al Stewart’s sixty-year career in music has made him one of the most successful folk-rock artists the British Isles have ever produced. “The Admiralty Lights” shines a light on how a Glasgow born Skiffle-mad kid conquered the world.

Lights is the new career spanning, definitive collection of Al Stewart’s work. Comprising 50 discs, this astounding set follows the legendary singer-songwriter from humble beginnings in 1964, to global stardom in the ‘70s, through to his most recent recordings in 2009.

The new deluxe box set features Al’s complete original run of 21 studio albums which have been remastered from the original tape transfers, housed in original sleeves and lovingly presented in deluxe LP style jackets. Also included are 18 discs featuring never-before-heard live concert recordings from 1970 to 2009, 3 discs of rare BBC Sessions from 1965 - 1972 and 8 discs of Demos, Outtakes and Rarities, offering a rare inside look into Mr Stewart’s world.

Check out the release trailer here: https://youtu.be/I6lvMrowV6I

Photo by Barry Plummer

Studio album pick-outs include the 1967 debut “Bedsitter Images” with its Dylan influences, the follow up “Love Chronicles” (1969) which saw Stewart backed by Fairport Convention alongside appearances from Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, and 1973’s “Present & Future” featuring guest slots from Rick Wakeman and Queen’s Roger Taylor. Then came the celebrated Alan Parsons years, commencing with “Modern Times” (1975) which in turn sowed the seeds for its magnificent follow up, the perennial classic “Year of the Cat” (1976) before concluding with 1978’s “Time Passages.” Another inclusion in the pantheon of distinguished Al Stewart studio albums is the highly acclaimed 2005 release “A Beach Full Of Shells,” a wonderful listening experience featuring 13 songs full of the dream-like, poetic lyrical wordplay that has become the singer-songwriter’s hallmark.

The collection also includes over 300 previously unheard tracks recorded from 1964, showcasing a young Al as he made his start, through to 2008.

A beautiful 160-page hardback coffee table book is at the center of this spectacular package, featuring comprehensive liner notes from author and Al Stewart expert Neville Judd and previously unseen photographs, flyers and ephemera from across his illustrious career. Vigilant fans will recognize the masterful touch of Colin Elgie, who has provided a visually striking original illustration for the outer box cover, having previously collaborated with Al on his “Year of the Cat” album.

Rounding off this smorgasbord of Al Stewart delights is a “Year of the Cat” print, individually signed by Colin Elgie, three posters and a 24 page Collectors’ Book, detailing all of the rare recordings in the set.

Contents:
• 21 Discs of Newly Remastered Studio Albums
• 18 Discs of Live Recordings
• 3 Discs of BBC Sessions from 1965 - 1972
• 8 Discs of Demos, Outtakes and Rarities from 1964 - 2008
• 160 Page Hardback Coffee Table Book featuring Comprehensive Liner Notes, and In Depth Interview with Al Stewart and Rare Photographs, Memorabilia and Ephemera
• 24 Page Collectors’ Book detailing all the Rare Recordings in the set
• “Year of the Cat” Print individually signed by Colin Elgie
• “Last Days of the Century” Poster

PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE NOW https://AlStewart.lnk.to/AdmiraltyLights

For artist images and other hi-res images please see: https://www.madfishmusic.com/media/alstewart/

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