A LIFE ONCE LOST Announces New Drummer JORDAN CROUSE

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Also New Endorsement Deal with Warwick/Framus International

A Life Once Lost

A LIFE ONCE LOST is pleased to announce their brand new endorsement with Warwick/Framus International. Framus and Warwick are known worldwide for their excellently crafted guitars and basses. Framus guitars and Warwick basses are used by several of today’s biggest artists in hard rock and heavy metal, as well as numerous other genres.

“Framus is a perfect match for our sound,” states guitarist Bobby Carpenter. “We have been playing live and recording with Framus guitars for years and are excited to be working with our friends over at Warwick/Framus.”

“We at Warwick and Framus are thrilled to have A LIFE ONCE LOST on our growing roster of US endorsers,” adds Warwick/Framus US Artist Relations Manager Christopher Kunitz. “ALOL is an extremely talented and hard working band, and we are so glad we are working together with them to bring the message of our sonic quality and European craftsmanship to the world at large.  They are a great group of guys and we couldn’t be happier they have chosen Framus and Warwick instruments and amplifiers as their weapons of choice.”

A LIFE ONCE LOST is also pleased to announce the addition of a new drummer to their ranks. After the departure of previous drummer Justin Graves earlier this year, the band auditioned several drummers and landed upon fellow Philadelphia resident Jordan Crouse.

“I’m stoked to be joining up with A LIFE ONCE LOST,” affirms Jordan. “Performing at New England Metal and Hardcore Festival two weeks ago was definitely a great experience and I’m looking forward to touring and working on the new record due out later this year.”

The band is currently finishing their follow up to 2007’s Iron Gag. Paul Romano (Mastodon, Trivium, The Red Chord), designer of the album art for previous A LIFE ONCE LOST records Hunter and Iron Gag, is confirmed to illustrate the album art. The band is looking forward to releasing the upcoming record during the fall of 2011 on their new label, Season of Mist. Season of Mist is home to many other impressive international acts such as Atheist, Cynic, Dillinger Escape Plan, Kylesa, Mayhem, Morbid Angel, and Watain.

For more information on A LIFE ONCE LOST please visit:


PLAN B SET FOR AMERICAN INVASION

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Award-winning british soul star to finally hit these shores with blockbuster new album. First-ever us live schedule slated for april, supporting bruno mars & janelle monáe, trek includes north american headline shows and appearance at Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. “Stay too long” and “she said” at multi-format radio now, while “the defamation of strickland banks” arrives in stores and at all dsps on april 19th


Atlantic Records has announced the US release of “THE DEFAMATION OF STRICKLAND BANKS,” the blockbuster new album from Plan B.  The album – which includes the singles, “Stay Too Long” and “She Said” – arrives in stores and at all US DSPs on April 19th.

“THE DEFAMATION OF STRICKLAND BANKS” proved a milestone upon its initial release last year in the United Kingdom, entering the charts at #1 and ultimately earning triple platinum certification.  The follow-up to Plan B’s 2006 debut, “WHO NEEDS ACTION WHEN YOU GOT WORDS,” found the gifted rapper adapting a more R&B-based vocal style on such singles as “Stay Too Long,” “She Said,” and “Prayin’.”

Here in the US, “Stay Too Long” and “She Said” are currently scoring at radio outlets nationwide, with “Stay Too Long” debuting at #39 on the Modern Rock charts this week and its companion video clip now in rotation at mtvU and Logo’s NewNowNext PopLab.

Having made his US live debut last month with sold-out shows in New York and Los Angeles, Plan B is currently set to embark on his first ever North American trek, joining Elektra recording artist Bruno Mars and Wondaland Arts Society/Bad Boy/Atlantic recording artist Janelle Monáe on their hugely anticipated “Hooligans In Wondaland Tour.”  The dates begin May 4th at New York’s Roseland Ballroom and then continue through a May 27th stop at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom (see attached itinerary).  In addition, Plan B will be among the stars performing at the upcoming Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, with his set slated for Sunday, April 17th. Following Coachella, Plan B will also play a string of west coast headlining dates, beginning on April 19th at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

Plan B also recently made his first ever US TV appearance, performing earlier this month on NBC’s Last Call with Carson Daly.  He is now slated to herald the release of “THE DEFAMATION OF STRICKLAND BANKS” with a visit to TBS’ Conan, scheduled for Tuesday, April 19th.

Told from the perspective of the fictional title character, “THE DEFAMATION OF STRICKLAND BANKS” drew widespread critical praise for its uncompromising lyricism and soulful musical approach. “(Plan B’s) reinvention suits him,” wrote The Guardian. “(His voice) comes into its own here: a high, aching croon that adds an appealing touch of self-doubt to the hardest-hitting lyrics…In a neat touch, the bleaker Strickland Banks’s story becomes, the lovelier the melodies.” “Accessible, polished and brimming with verve,” declared The Telegraph.  “The emphasis here is on (Plan B’s) sweet soul voice and a thumping Motown groove, an intriguing change of direction that’s both passionate and populist.”

“THE DEFAMATION OF STRICKLAND BANKS” proved a breakthrough release for Plan B (a.k.a. Ben Drew) in both his native UK and around the world, hitting the Top 10 in France, Germany, and Ireland while also currently ascending the charts in Australia.  In addition to the widespread critical and commercial success, he received a wide array of award nominations, including the BT Digital Music Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, the MOBO Awards, and most prestigiously, the 2011 Brit Awards, which honored him with the “Best British Male Solo Artist” trophy earlier this week.

Plan B has also become a certified online phenomenon, drawing nearly 11.5 million views for the “She Said” video alone at his official YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/planbuk.

For more information, please visit: www.planbmusic.com.

PLAN B

North American Tour 2011

  • April 17th Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
  • April 19 – 26 & May 5th –  Headline Tour
  • May 4-11 w/Bruno Mars & Janelle Monáe’s “Hooligans In Wondaland Tour”
  • May 21-26 w/ Adele

 

APRIL

  • 17            Indio, CA                        Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival*
  • 19        Los Angeles, CA            El Rey Theatre
  • 21        San Francisco, CA            Popscene at Rickshaw Stop
  • 23        Seattle, WA                        Chop Suey
  • 24       Portland, OR                        Crystal Ballroom
  • 26            Salt Lake City, UT            Urban Lounge

MAY

  • 4            New York, NY            Roseland Ballroom
  • 5            Brooklyn, NY                   Music Hall of Williamsburg
  • 7            Camden, NJ                        Susquehanna Bank Ctr.
  • 8            Boston, MA                        Agganis Arena
  • 10            Atlanta, GA                        Fox Theatre
  • 11            Miami Beach, FL            Fillmore
  • 14            Carlisle, UK                        Radio One Big Weekend
  • 21            New York, NY            United Palace
  • 23            Royal Oaks, MI            Royal Oak Music Theater
  • 24            Chicago, IL                        Riviera Theater
  • 26            Minneapolis, MN            First Avenue

 

Lawson Fusoa Inada and Emmett Wheatfall

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“A Celebration of Poetry in Jazz”
Lawson Fusoa Inada and Emmett Wheatfall


In honor of National Poetry Month, Poets Lawson Inada and Emmett Wheatfall are celebrating Poetry in Jazz.  Performances are in Portland on Friday, April 22nd and in Seattle on Saturday April 23rd.  Visit www.petersonentertainment.com for more information.
“A Celebration of Poetry in Jazz” has been created to share the works of these inspired and gifted writers.  Lawson & Emmett bring their diverse backgrounds, styles and experiences to life in thoughtful, expressive poetic story.  Combined with music these performances are inspiring and evocative.
Lawson Inada is considered a pioneer in Japanese-American literature and has received many honors and awards.  He was named Oregon State Poet in 1991 and served as Oregon’s Poet Laureate from 2006-2010. His collection of poems “Before the War” was the first book of poetry by an Asian American to be published by a major New York publishing house.  He won the American Book Award for his work “Legends from Camp” in 1992.  He won the Oregon Book Award for Poetry in 1997, the Pushcart Prize for Poetry in 1996 and was honored at the White House for a “Salute of Poetry and American Poets.”  He is a Professor Emeritus of English at Southern Oregon University, received two Poetry Fellowships from the NEA, was a Guggenheim Fellow in Poetry in 2004 and currently serves as the Steinbeck Chair for the National Steinbeck Center.
Emmett Wheatfall is a rising star in the world of poetry.  He burst onto the scene with his recorded work, “When I Was Young” a music and poetry collaboration with producer Noah Peterson.  Featured in Wine and Jazz Magazine, Emmett was called “…one of the most original and powerful debut jazz artists of the year.”  “When I Was Young” is currently on air at various stations throughout the country.  Emmett is a gifted orator and is sought out for his speaking ability.  He has done voice-over work and is an annual presenter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s “I Have A Dream Speech” for various organizations during Black History Month.
He has two published collections of poems, “He Sees Things” and “We Think We Know” and an audio CD of his poetry entitled, “I Speak.” Emmett has several poems published online for organizations celebrating and promoting African-American Poetry.
  • Saxophones: Larry Nobori, Noah Peterson
  • Piano: Gordon Lee
  • Bass: Andre St. James
  • Drums: Tim DuRoche
Please join Lawson Inada and Emmett Wheatfall for a rare and special evening of Poetry in Jazz.

The Troublemakers CD release show!

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troublemakers CD release posterStanding at the crossroads of twang and tremolo, Rich Layton and The Troublemakers play high-octane honky tonk music, harmonica fueled and swampified. It’s the sound of an East Texas roadhouse where the crowds are a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll – and out on the dance floor all night long!

Their second release, “Tough Town” is primed and ready for take-off, and the cd release party will be the place. Saturday April 16th 6pm. At the Secret Society Ballroom, 116 Northeast Russell St. portland OR 503-493-3600

Portland is VERY blessed to have landed this one-of-a-kind original band.

Here’s the title track attached to get the blood flowing…rough,tough, chewy and very tasty!

 

Tough Town [powerpress]

 

Troublemakers CD Review

Delain

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OK so my old guitar player Tim Kasey, from the band Crysys (early eighties metal from Portland) sent me this video of a new metal band from the Netherlands. Well they are new to me anyway. At first listen I have to admit this chick can sing. Very refreshing since we haven’t had a good female metal vocalist since Pat Benatar? The music has shades of the Scorpions, Queensrych, and Abba, don’t let my use of the name Abba scare you off, its more of a reference to how well Charlotte Wessels can sing. Delain is classified as symphonic metal and was founded by Martijn Westerholt and Charlotte Wessels in 2002.

I could go on about them but why when you can see their vids for yourself. They have a series of videos up on Youtube and their new label is Roadrunner. Below is a sampling.

Charlotte Wessels – on the Sonisphere Festival

Delain – Stay Forever

Delain – April Rain

Delain – Frozen

Delain – The Gathering

There is much more on youtube that you can watch. Now lets hope they will be bringing us their music into the Northwest very soon.

Chris Marshall’s CD release show – April 14th at Doug Fir Lounge w/ Richmond Fontaine

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Official website: http://www.chrismarshallmusic.com
Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/chrismarshallmusic

chris marshal August Light

August Light new CD by Chris Marshall

On April 14, 2011, Portland, Oregon roots-rock artist Chris Marshall will celebrate the release of his debut full-length, “August Light,” at Doug Fir Lounge.

Also on the bill is Richmond Fontaine (headlining) and The Low Bones (opening).  Doors are at 8pm, show starts at 9pm. Tickets are $10 advance, or $10 at the door.

We’ve all lost friends and loved ones along the way.  Some to natural causes, others to health-related problems, while some to unexpected events.  All are tragic, in their own way, and each leave a lasting effect on us.

It never gets easy, as Portland, Oregon-based roots-rock artist Chris Marshall sings about on his debut full-length, “August Light,” an exploration of life; tackling universal themes of love, travel, finding one’s self, friendship, betrayal, heartache, and redemption.

“If there’s any gift the winter brings, it’s the deathless scent that seeds the spring,” Marshall sings in “Every Time the Wind Blows,” summarizing the album (and thus Marshall’s) outlook on life and life’s tests.

“Every season lends itself to the next, both literally and metaphorically in terms of the seasons we experience in our own lives,” Marshall examines, discussing the line.  “The most desperately seeming situations often produce the most profound growth, just as the winter makes way for the spring.”

Discussing interpersonal/relational betrayal (“Thirty Pieces of Silver”), love (“Can’t Wait to Take You Home”), loneliness, incomplete, and feeling as if you have no home (“For Too Long Now”), and life having ultimate dominion over death (“Every Time the Wind Blows”), the album carries heavy subject matter while pondering life.  But, it isn’t without its good-times and uplifting moments.

“Killing Time,” for example, is a playful honky-tonk romp, which gives the album an upbeat, cheerful dance number to kick back and enjoy.

“I wrote the entire song in the car without a guitar and performed it that night,” recalls Marshall, admitting that more than a few times he’s written a complete song in his head before ever picking up the guitar.  “I wanted to try writing a song with that classic country cleverness.”

Marshall isn’t afraid to write pop or love songs, which is evident with “We’ll Carry On (My Love),” which uses lyrical interplay between scenes of disparity and moments of ascendance: night and day, peaks and valleys.

“When I sing it I’m drawing upon the experience of making it work with my wife in the difficult economic times we’ve faced the last couple years.”

“I Found You” is another love song on the album, winding through the process of finding contentedness in love, beauty, and joy.  It’s an ode to the simplicity of love, Marshall will tell you.

The son of a preacher that founded his own church, Marshall grew up with religion at home and even played and led the church’s music.  This influence is reflected on the gospel-inspired number, “A Hallelujah Song.”

“The song has an obvious gospel influence and feel, but it is far more than that for me,” says Marshall.  “It explores spiritual and existential frustration with the human condition of unknowing and mystery. I wrote itin desperation and want it to express an element of unsettledness. It has also taken on a depth of meaning during the recording process that was unexpected and tragic.”

The result is a country record that pays homage and tribute to the forefathers, such as Kristofferson, Nelson, and Cash, but also gets Marshall’s voice across, figuratively and metaphorically speaking.

Now, the only thing left for him to accomplish with “August Light” is to get as many people as he can to listen to it.

CD RELEASE SHOW: Crown Point – April 1st at Doug Fir Lounge

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Crown PointPortland, Oregon-based pop-rock outfit, Crown Point are celebrating the release of their debut EP, “Wolves,” April 1st at Doug Fir.  A six-song collection of tight, well-produced pop-rock songs, Crown Point delivers a hook-laden, radio-friendly sound that further penetrates your ears with lyrical depth on the EP.

Doors at 8pm, Show at 9pm.  Tickets are $8 advance, $10 day of show.

Consisting of Jon Davidson (vocals/guitar), Russell Stafford (vocals/guitar), and Kaycee Kay (drums), Crown Point focuses on hooks as much as they do lyrics, creating a polished, friendly sound that doesn’t grow old or tired after repeated listens.

Formed in late 2009, the band already has a national tour under their belts, as well as an appearance at 2010’s SxSW Music Conference.

The Boise Weekly calls Crown Point’s music “sweet alt/rock with a swirl of pop on top.”

Their debut, “Wolves,” produced by Jeff Johnson (Jet Black Stare, Faber Drive, Adelita’s Way) and engineered by Chris Holmes (The Veer Union, Katy Perry, Simon Collins), and featuring Nickelback’s Daniel Adair on drums, helped Crown Point flesh out their sound and bring to life the ear candy as much as the musical depth in each song.

With the completion and forthcoming release of “Wolves,” as well as constant touring planned by the band, Crown Point hopes to make a mark the old fashioned way.  They’ve already written a catchy collection of songs that will resonate with the listener.  And, now they plan to pound out the pavement to make sure listeners get a chance to hear them.

Shine on You Crazy Diamond “THE MADCAP’S LAST LAUGH”

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OK this is fucking cool!

A tribute to Syd Barrett.

On the 10th of May, 2007 at London’s Barbican Centre, a diverse group of great musicians got together to honor the memory of the late Roger “Syd” Barrett, the founding member of Pink Floyd.

here are the links:

http://www.dangerousminds.net/comments/syd_barrett_tribute_concert_the_madcaps_last_laugh/

this is a link to the recording

http://braindamage.libsyn.com/_madcap_s_last_laugh_/comments

If their are problems watching or getting the vid contact me.

KUFO GONE replaced by right wing idiots!

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Thats right, Portland’s only real rock station is gone replaced by right wing nut jobs Lars Larson and Glen Beck broadcasting on KEX FM. Well all you rockers who hated KUFO because they weren’t rock enough got your wish as they are no longer playing music.

this was posted on the front page at KUFO.com

This has happened before. Back in 1982, 83 ?? FM 101.1 then KRCK was replaced by a classical station. the owner owning 5 classical stations plus KRCK did not like KRCK’s rock/heavy metal format. so I remember going to sleep listening to Accept, Iron Maiden, and Led Zepplin, then waking up to some violin orchestra crap. Don’t get me wrong now, classical music has its place, just not no my favorite metal station.

Same goes for this change, talk radio has its place just not on KUFO, and to replace the music with Glen Beck and Lars Larson is shameful. These people are crackpots that want to destroy America.

This just makes me sad, so, no matter how bad you thought KUFO was, what we have now is infinitely worse.

Lazarus A.D. Become Victims of Van Robbery in UK

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Money and Personal Items Stolen, PayPal Donations Are Appreciated

Lazarus A.D.

LAZARUS A.D. is the most recent casualty in a slew of unfortunate band robberies to claim theft of their personal items and money from their touring van. The incident took place last night in Southampton, UK. After breaking a window to enter the band’s van, the burglars stole roughly $1,500 in cash, all of the bands personal items including Social Security cards, birth certificates, and clothing, and even their personal hygiene items. The band members luckily had their passports in their pockets and their gear inside the venue; otherwise they fear that those items would have been taken as well.

LAZARUS A.D. have many dates remaining on their tour with Bonded By Blood, so having no money or personal items will be a great strain on the band financially and personally. A PayPal donation link has been set up in order for fans to donate to the band in this time of need. Please head to this link to donate what you can spare:http://lazarusad.com/?p=280.

See below for all upcoming European tour dates and please consider donating to LAZARUS A.D. so they can finish spreading their message and metal to their fans in the UK. Any help is sincerely appreciated.

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EUROPEAN TOUR w/ BONDED BY BLOOD

  • Mar. 16 – Norwich, UK – Metal Lust @ The Brickmakers
  • Mar. 17 – Wiesbaden, Germany – Schlachthof
  • Mar. 18 – Zurich, Switzerland – Dynamo
  • Mar. 19 – Prague, Czech Republic – Modra Vopice
  • Mar. 20 – Ljubljana, Slovenia – Orto Bar
  • Mar. 21 – Vienna, Austria – 3Raum/Arena
  • Mar. 22 – Bologna, Italy – Blogs Club
  • Mar. 23 – Barcelona, Spain – Mephisto
  • Mar. 24 – Madrid, Spain – Hebe
  • Mar. 25 – Paris, France – Paris Extreme Festival
  • Mar. 26 – Bilbao, Spain – Santana 27 Black
  • Mar. 27 – Porto, Portugal – Porto Rio
  • Mar. 29 – Hamburg, Germany – Headcrash
  • Mar. 30 – Nijmegen, Netherlands – Merleyn
  • Mar. 31 – Copenhagen, Denmark – The Rock
  • Apr. 01 – Cologne, Germany – The Underground
  • Apr. 02 – Bruges, Belgium – JH Comma

For more information on LAZARUS A.D. visit the following locations:

http://lazarusad.com/
http://www.facebook.com/lazarusad
http://twitter.com/LAZARUSAD
http://www.myspace.com/lazarus1
http://www.metalblade.com/LazarusAD/
http://www.thirddegreemerch.com/lazarusad