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

Acoustic Instrumental Review: New Latitude-Nature of Things

Release Date: May 17, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

New Latitude’s most recent release Nature of Things, is an acoustic instrumental five-track EP.

The Musicians are Dave Erickson (acoustic guitar), Jim Carr (acoustic guitar), Bob Strickland, Kim Stone (upright bass), and Steven Schumann (cello). 

 

“Led to Believe” starts, and the sounds are like a warm summer breeze gently caressing your face. It is instrumental jazz, like the quiet storm of smooth jazz. 

 

“Invisible Frame” follows in the same manner. However, it is a more straight-ahead acoustic track with a soft rock touch. Some nice acoustic guitar and picking is the feature here. It ends with the sound of a cymbal closing it out elegantly as possible. 

 

“Tribute” continues to show the magnificent guitar duo of Dave Erickson and Jim Carr. The two gents form an irresistible groove like a breeze over the ocean as it cools the hot sun on the beach. I understand that the track’s title does not translate to my interpretation. However, that is what I felt and envisioned while listening. It’s my “Tribute” to their work.

 

“Circumstances Have Changed” reaches back to the jazz roots with a Latin flavor that is very pleasant to hear. These two men know how to create a beautiful and satisfying sound with their acoustic guitars. And I must say I enjoyed the diversity and changes within all the tracks. That is how you can showcase your talents appropriately and in good measure. They do it with such class and precision; this track exemplifies that.

 

“Softer Than Silence” closes out this gorgeous EP of instrumental mastery. It is simply acoustic guitars doing their dance with each other. I think that was a great choice; keep it straightforward to end it all with a gentleness you will remember. 

 

Their rhythm is exceptional and leaves you with a smile, knowing you can revisit it all and feel the same way. That is all any artist could ask for, an attentive and appreciative audience that knows their music will brighten and soothe their souls. 

 

Nature of Things delivers on all the most critical points, excellent musicianship, production, sound, and tastefulness for anyone to enjoy. It is diverse enough to catch the ear of any serious music listener, and it certainly has a crossover appeal that will serve them well.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

June 12, 2023

Track Listing:

1. Led to Believe (3:53)

2. Invisible Frame (3:38)

3. Tribute (4:19)

4. Circumstances Have Changed (3:45)

5. Softer Than Silence (3:11)

Rock Group “Midnight Daydream” Release Tribute To Late Guitarist Bruce Cameron

The writer, producer, engineer and main performer on the album is Riley Cameron, the son of the late guitarist Bruce Cameron, who tragically passed away in 1999 shortly after releasing his debut LP titled “Midnight Daydream”. An album that featured a plethora of rock legends. Inspired by his father’s work, the only viable option was to carry the musical legacy that his father left behind.

The self-titled album features a blend of hard rock, electronic, hip-hop and various other musical styles that create a modern sound that captures a spectrum of influences.

Says Riley, “Midnight Daydream - Fusing multiple genres, bringing awareness to mental health while maintaining a consistent sound”

The “Midnight Daydream” LP is set to release on July 5th, 2023 and will be available on all mainstream platforms, including Itunes, Spotify and Youtube. Physical Copies and merchandise will also be available through their merchandise store via BandCamp.

To purchase:
AMAZON: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B086WL967P/midnight-daydream
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/cd/artist/midnight-daydream/1507519492
PHYSICAL COPIES:
https://midnightdaydream.company.site/
https://midnightdaydreamus.bandcamp.com/

For more information:
Midnight Daydream BandCamp : midnightdaydreamus.bandcamp.com
Midnight Daydream Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr-GPnIG_beRdyIGPl9Byrw
Midnight Daydream Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/MidnightDaydreamOfficial

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

Metal Heroes CHRIS POLAND & DAVE LOMBARDO Team Up With Vocal God GRAHAM BONNET & Prog Giants RICK WAKEMAN & JOE BOUCHARD On A New Recording Of PINK FLOYD’s “SAN TROPEZ!”

Los Angeles, CA - You’d be hard pressed to find a group that can unite musicians from across the whole range of genres and generations better than Pink Floyd. From metal heads to stoners to jazz fans and music nerds, all around the globe fans have found in Pink Floyd’s catalog a rich and abounding treasure trove that continually unearths new pleasures.

Recently, rumors have been circulating about a new gathering of diversely talented artists who participated in an as yet unannounced project to revamp and reimagine Pink Floyd’s hugely experimental sixth studio album, Meddle. Much like last year’s enormously impressive Animals Reimagined and 2021’s Still Wish You Were Here, Meddle Reimagined will bring together masterful musicians, prodigious vocalist and visionary artists to recreate every note from the original 1971 masterpiece.

As a preview of what’s in store, a single of Meddle‘s folksy, breezy ode to a beach resort town in southern France, the great “San Tropez,” is hitting digital stores today. The track builds from a dream team of Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo and Blue Öyster Cult’s Joe Bouchard on bass. Rainbow vocalist Graham Bonnet adds a notably darker edge to Roger Waters’ wistful lyrics, with superb piano work from keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman and, of course, gorgeous slide guitar from Megadeth’s Chris Poland.

Bonnet declares, “When first invited to participate on Pink Floyd’s ‘San Tropez,’ I was flattered, yet a little nervous. I had sung on ‘Dogs’ [from Animals Reimagined] a year earlier and was initially concerned whether I could do justice to such an iconic song and thankfully, it turned out better than expected. ‘San Tropez’ would prove to be trickier for me but ultimately I was happy that I was able to honor yet another gem from the cherished and enigmatic Pink Floyd.”

Poland adds,“To me the English are not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve. Especially Pink Floyd. Even though this song seems upbeat there is an underlying sadness. A longing if you will. Their use of major to minor chords during my solo spot really points to this. I love this band. I have always thought of Pink Floyd as the thinking man's Beatles.”

Check it out at the link below and keep an ear out for more heavy Meddle coming soon!

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/santropez

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

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11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Composer Steve McAllister To Release New Album “I hope you are okay.” Featuring Members of XTC, Zappa, Leonard Cohen and Robert Plant July 1, 2023

Composer Steve McAllister is releasing his new album “I hope you are okay.” featuring members of XTC, Zappa, Leonard Cohen and Robert Plant on July 1, 2023. Ten songs, recorded primarily during COVID with everyone working from home, featuring amazing, stellar players.

Says Steve, “It was a fun process: I’d write a song and form, send it to the drummer. It’d come back to me, I’d make a few additions then send it to Mike or Dave. Back it’d come, more tweaks, then on to the next person. Finally, off to the mixer. Then we’d go ‘round with the next one. Despite it being recorded in California, Arizona, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Texas, and England, it sounds like a band in a room.”

Featuring:
Rafael Bernardo Gayol (Leonard Cohen, A-ha, Robbie Robertson) - Drums
Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa, Steve Vai) - Guitars
Dave Gregory (XTC, Peter Gabriel) - Guitars
Dana Colley (Morphine) - Saxes
Dony Wynn (Robert Palmer, Robert Plant) - Additional Drums

“Wonderfully intelligent melodicism is Steve McAllister’s stock in trade. The world will always need songwriting as good as Steve’s, and his unerring instincts for finding the right players to embellish his instantly catchy, sardonically witty tunes makes his music an utter pleasure.” – Mike Keneally

Says Steve, “I’ve been a musician my whole life. I’ve composed film scores, written jingles, dabbled with game music, performed with an orchestra, toured in a van, and composed a few hundred works for an enormous variety of clients.”

In-between drawing maps of places that don’t exist and trying to learn Portuguese, Steve McAllister has had a bizarre and entirely unique relationship with songwriting. He wrote the conference music for the World Economic Forum for some years. Those globalist’s ears were feasting on his music and didn’t even know it. At least two members of the RnR HOF have played on his records, and at least one sitting President has listened (in addition to a Texas Governor). Music for commercials and film work. A ballet.

Slipping through the cracks were day-jobs, tangents, asides, and about 15 albums worth of songs, as either leader or co-leader. Plus assorted singles, EPs, and such. Slippery things, songs. Along the way he’s hidden behind a variety of alibis, aliases, band names, pseudonyms, and nom de plumes. So many, it’s hard to keep track.

This is his first album under his own name.

To purchase:
https://stevemcallister.bandcamp.com/album/i-hope-you-are-okay
Also Apple Music, Spotify, etc.

For more information:
www.stevemcallistermusic.com
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008702520228

Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/SteveMcAllisterMusic

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