McDougall’s CD release show – March 24th 2012 at Secret Society Ballroom

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With Water Tower (formerly Water Tower  Bucket Boys) and Henry Hill Kammerer (of Hillstomp).

AMERICANA/FOLK-ROCK ONE MAN BAND, MCDOUGALL CELEBRATES RELEASE OF A FEW TOWNS MORE.

On March 24, 2012, Portland, Oregon-based Americana/folk-rock one man band McDougall will celebrate the release of his sixth full-length, A Few Towns More, at Secret Society Ballroom.

Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm.  Tickets are $8.00 advance and at the door.  Also on the bill are Water Tower (formerly Water Tower Bucket Boys) and Henry Hill Kammerer (of Hillstomp).

On the title track to A Few Towns More, McDougall sings, “The road you chose might take you back to your front door, but it looks like mine’s gonna take me on a few towns more.”  Telling the story of touring, human interaction, and sharing in life’s adventures, McDougall sums up his album on the final track, discussing the isolation and loneliness of touring alone, while also singing it’s praises, meeting new friends and new adventures in cities he plays.

“It’s the title track and the final track on the album,” McDougall says of A Few Towns More.  “It’s a song that portrays how lonely and yet totally amazing it can be touring alone.  The loneliness you face sometimes is all worth it as you spend each night sharing songs with people and making friends out of strangers.”

Equal parts folk, Americana, and old-time country, McDougall’s music conjures up images of sitting by a coffee-can fire in the middle of a dry California river-bed that then pulls you up on a freight train that travels through the lush spring-time of the Pacific Northwest, with you ending up rambling around the country with all your possessions on your back.

McDougall wishes to keep to the unwritten rule of using what was left by those before while leaving something of your own for those who come after, as you exemplifies on A Few Towns More, an album that prevails with a message of hope throughout every journey.

“As with all of my albums, there is an underlying message of hope.  This one also deals with the responsibility each one of us has to take what we learn in life and share it with others, to find that place where we know we belong and can do the most good,” McDougall says, summarizing the album’s lyrical themes.

A ten-track collection of dusty-trail Americana, it is hard to imagine that A Few Towns More is pulled off as a one-man-band live, McDougall handling either the guitar and banjo, while also playing percussion with his feet.

“I dig that when listening to [the album] you sometimes forget that most of it is one guy,” McDougall beams.  “I try hard to find a balance between getting creative in the production realm and trying to produce something that can be repeated live with the same intensity.  I think we found a good balance on this record.”

Whether it’s the opener, “Coleraine,” a banjo-driven clap-and-stomp chant piece that wears its hymn-like vibe on its sleeve.  Or the rambling rock of “Ready, Begin,” in which McDougall sings, “time for living, you know, moving and thinking.  I felt the bitter cold air make me high.  On your mark, get set, and back to the task.  Before all your chances change their colors and die,” McDougall creates mood-elevating, hopeful songs that remind you that you’re alive.

McDougall turns it down a few notches on the moonlit folk of “Evening Tide,” a ragged, yet mellow acoustic number that finds McDougall in a contemplative state.  The high-impact banjo dance number “Cuttin’ the Grass/Tom and Willy Go To Town” is an instrumental that will make you get up and move, while creating the perfect soundtrack for the should-have-been theme song for the Oregon Trail.  Abound with promise and adventure, even without words, McDougall can elicit feelings of a new life and excitement.

On the gospel-folk of “When God Dips His Love In My Heart” McDougall challenges himself on this traditional number that his mother used to sing with his grandparents when she was a kid.

“Gates of Victory,” with group vocals from various Portland-area musician friends, will have you singing along to the chorus, which rings with the words, “Looking to those who have humbly walked before us.  They taught us how to live and they taught us how to die.”

“[The song] is about following solid examples of those who walked before us,” exclaims McDougall.

Recorded in a barn during a Washington winter, at times McDougall found it too cold to even play his banjo.  But he persevered and made it through, proud of what he’s accomplished with A Few Towns More.  Now all McDougall has to do is hit the road and play these songs for fans, new and old alike, while hoping they find the songs encouraging, engaging, and fun.  With artwork from Modesto-based folk-singer/tattoo artist Roy Dean, A Few Towns More is rooted in traditional, better meant for your stereo, with artwork in your hands, than your MP3 player.  However, McDougall will take listeners any way we can get them.

And, as he sings on “A Few Towns More,” “As we sing together each night in each town, old friends and new in the same room all let their problems down.  And with our hands, feet, and voices proclaim, that every day doesn’t have to be the same,” McDougall hopes that his album will help you break up the monotony of every day life, helping you relax and enjoy yourself.

Jack Wilson to release debut, self-titled full-length CD March 6th on Fluff & Gravy Records.

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On March 6, 2012, Portland, Oregon-based Fluff & Gravy Records will release the debut, self-titled full-length from Austin, Texas-based folk-pop songwriter Jack Wilson.  His debut bridges the gap between the folk-rock of Seattle (where he began his career as a full-time musician) and the acoustic music prevalent in Austin.
“Somewhere, in the blending, is the sound of the record,” says Wilson, a little ambiguous when he talks about his music, but focused on describing it as best he can.  “Whatever you might call it; my sound, well, it’s that blend.”

Jack Wilson; photo Courtesy of Fluff & Gravy Records

Wilson, a songsmith able to pull off his live performances solo, or with a full-on rock band, says that is what he set out to do with this release.

The result is the eleven tracks that comprise the album.  Jumping from the nineteen electric guitars found on “The Cure,” a full-on rock number complete with a horn section, or the subdued, late-night folk of “The Truth,” the album travels the spectrum without sounding out-of-place, sloppy, or without direction.
From album opener “Valhalla,” a love song about dreaming and keeping watch over a sleeping loved one, through “I’ll Do the Same,” about meeting an old flame many years down the line, Wilson weavers tales and melodies into earnest indie-Americana.  There is the chilling indie-folk of “Red Feather,” haunting you with a slow melody, about a winter night in Seattle, seeing the good-luck bringing Red-feathered Cardinals, and the country-rock of “Black Hills Fiction,” a three part narrative about the huge humanitarian disaster that was the Black Hills Gold Rush, told by a native, a prospector, and a soldier.  Wilson is able to tell stories, sing about his love and life lessons, all while giving the listener a musical journey that is anything but predictable.
One of the album’s strongest songs is the alt. country kicker “Paying for Misery (Thanks to You)”, a song Wilson wrote as a homage to a train hopper and two folk singers that helped show him that working a menial job and squandering his musical career was never going to satisfy him.  Suffice it to say, Wilson quit his job, wrote this song, and hit the road; putting everything on the line.
Thankfully Wilson did this, putting his faith in his own music, and what would become the self-titled full-length.
“I decided to go with a self-titled record for my debut,” Wilson admits.  “During the process of making the record, which consisted of months of pre-recording talks and planning, I opted to steer away from a concept record.  I didn’t want to make a rock record, or a folk record, or a low-fi record, or what have you.  I just wanted to sit down and record the songs the way that they sounded best.”
He continues, “I didn’t want to be constrained to limits of alt. country, or rock, or folk.  It was the greatest hurdle facing the record; just that idea of, ‘Do we make a rock record? Does every song need to have drums on it? How do we make an album that settles together and tells one story?’  Through multiple takes and versions, re-cuts and overdubs, some tracks kept all the complexity of the rock that they were recorded with, while some tracks, like the album’s only cover, ‘Clean,’ were stripped of everything.  That’s what the song needed to come out and be heard.”
One of Wilson’s favorite songs on the record is “Valhalla,” a song he doesn’t even remember writing.
“It’s the song I play the most,” he remarks.  “The funny thing is that I don’t remember writing it, at all. I don’t remember any point during the writing process. I do remember my ex, reading ‘The Mists of Avalon,’ and loving it and reading bits of it to me every night. I suppose that’s why it’s my favorite, it’s like someone gave it to me to play. As a gift.”
Proud of his debut full-length, Wilson doesn’t take the sole credit.  He is quickly eager to thank, and show appreciation, for all the players that made the record a reality.
“So many friends helped this record come together,” he says.  “The horn sections are something that I felt we used sparingly and with great impact. In the last chorus of ‘Valhalla,’ Alex Kostelnik and I spent hours finding ways to mix in the vocal lines, the pedal steel swells, the ecstatic drumming, and those four horns. Through that cacophony, came such a sweet feeling, like a tipsy stumble sidewalk, following a marching band through the streets of the French Quarter at 9 o’clock in the morning.”
Now the only thing left for Wilson to do is continue touring in support of the album he put his heart and soul into.
TOUR DATES:
  • 1/27/12 – Cafe Medici – Austin, TX
  • 1/28/12 – Skinny’s Ballroom – Austin, TX
  • 1/30/12 – Saxon Residency (after Bob Schneider) – Austin, TX
  • 2/03/12 – Club Deville – Austin, TX
  • 2/08/12 – Marathon Live Music – Los Angeles, CA
  • 2/09/12 – Silverlake Lounge – Los Angeles, CA
  • 2/18/12 – Hole in the Wall – Austin, TX
  • 2/22/12 – Folk Alliance Int’l – Memphis, TN
  • 3/08/12 – 35 Denton – Denton, TX
  • 3/16/12 – Eastside Lounge (Ninkasi Brewing party) – Austin, TX
  • 5/13/12 – Al’s Den @ Crystal Hotel – Portland, OR
  • 5/14/12 – Al’s Den @ Crystal Hotel – Portland, OR
  • 5/15/12 – Al’s Den @ Crystal Hotel – Portland, OR
  • 5/16/12 – Al’s Den @ Crystal Hotel – Portland, OR
  • 5/17/12 – Al’s Den @ Crystal Hotel – Portland, OR
  • 5/18/12 – Al’s Den @ Crystal Hotel – Portland, OR
  • 5/19/12 – Al’s Den @ Crystal Hotel – Portland, OR
  • 5/24/12 – The Old Church – Wilsonville, OR
  • 5/25/12 – Sunset Tavern – Seattle, WA

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH

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REVEAL NEW COVER ART FOR ‘AMERICAN CAPITALIST’

5FDP HEADLINES SHARE THE WELT TOUR IN US

NEW SINGLE “REMEMBER EVERYTHING” SHOOTING UP THE ACTIVE ROCK CHARTS

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH have already made headlines with one of the year’s biggest rock album debuts.  American Capitalist entered at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 in early October and has already sold over 165,000 copies in just a few weeks. Fans can purchase the album on iTunes here. Now, less than two months after the release of the record they’ve got some more news.

Starting this Tuesday, November 22nd, fans will be able to get the brand new cover art for 5FDP’s current album. It features an illustration of the band’s ubiquitous “mascot,” Knucklehead over the backdrop of Time Square in New York City.

“We are the people’s band, and a lot of fans really liked this alternative artwork we had on the tour posters. So many times we heard, “THAT should be the album cover” – so we figured we’d make it happen,” explains Bathory.  “If you like the original cover, that’s cool too – I guess the original will be somewhat of a limited item from now on, so there you go.”

The new Knucklehead illustration will only be replacing the regular edition album version of American Capitalist, while the deluxe edition artwork will remain the same.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH are still out on the road on their headlining Share the Welt Tour with All That Remains, Hatebreed, and Rains. The tour has been a massive hit, selling out most venues along the way – getting rave reviews for its solid line up and over-the-top visuals.

Jessica Mero, Head of Marketing at Eagles Ballroom in Milwaukee relates. “5FDP‘s show was an intense metal spectacle – a perfect show by a great rock band! Over 4,000 frenzied fans filled the venue and we had to turn away hundreds who showed up too late to buy their tickets at the door.”

5FDP recently released their second single from American Capitalist, “Remember Everything,” which is rapidly shooting up the Active Rock charts.  Fans can listen to a stream of “Remember Everything” here.

SHARE THE WELT TOUR: FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH w/ ALL THAT REMAINS, HATEBREED, RAINS

For a full list of remaining Share The Welt dates visit: www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com or their Facebook page.

————————————————————————–

“Remember Everything” audio embed: http://www.thenewrecord.com/swf/the-new-record-small-player.swf?parameter=http://www.thenewrecord.com%2Ftracks%2Fembed%2F941%2F1137.xml

American Capitalist on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/american-capitalist/id462974316

Official Site: www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fivefingerdeathpunch

 

‘Passion Of The Heist’, One of Guitar World Magazine’s Top 50 Studio Albums

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I AM ABOMINATION’s ‘Passion Of The Heist’ Named as One of Guitar World Magazine’s Top 50 Studio Albums of the First Half of 2011

To Release New Digital EP, ‘Passion Of The Heist’, on July 19th, 2011 with Good Fight Music

I AM ABOMINATION’s upcoming EP, Passion Of The Heist, was just named one of Guitar World Magazine’s top 50 studio albums of the first half of 2011! This amazing accomplishment slates the band next to some of today’s top-charting groups like Foo Fighters, Cage The Elephant, and The Strokes, and some of metal’s top-notched bands such as Protest The Hero, Asking Alexandria, and Periphery. Head to this link to check out I AM ABOMINATION’s EP amongst other great albums from 2011.

Ultimate-Guitar.com recently unveiled a brand new track cut from the band’s upcoming digital EP, Passion Of The Heist, entitled ‘Transformation’. Head to this link to listen to the new track, and make sure to pre-order Passion Of The Heist now at this link. Passion Of The Heist releases on July 19th, 2011 with GOOD FIGHT MUSIC.

Passion Of The Heist is described by the band as a concept album, and was produced, written, engineered, mixed and mastered by guitarist Nick Sampson. The EP was also recorded at Nick Sampson’s studio in New Boston, MI. All lyrics on Passion Of The Heist were written by Brandon Good. Passion Of The Heistincludes guest appearances, including an appearance by ATTACK ATTACK’s Caleb Shomo on the track ‘Ascension’.

TRACKLISTING:

  • 1   Vivification
  • 2   Abduction
  • 3   Examination
  • 4   Transformation
  • 5   Ascension (ft.Caleb Shomo of ATTACK ATTACK)
  • 6   Invasion

I AM ABOMINATION is not stranger to positive vibes towards their sound and originality. “Michigan has given us a few memorable things such as Ford cars, Eminem and Domino’s Pizza… Now the Mighty Mitten State has graced our ears with the likes of I AM ABOMINATION—a post-hardcore/progressive rock outfit that boasts a vast, enthralling sound and forward-thinking mindset,” stated TheNewReview.net in 2010.

In reference to their 2010 release, To Our Forefathers, DecoyMusic.com stated, “I AM ABOMINATION has crafted an absurdly pleasing album. From the appealing voice of lead singer Phil Druyor, the swift riffs of guitarists Shawn Reed and Zach Felps, to the floating, airy beauty of the synthesizers that surround I AM ABOMINATION’s music, To Our Forefathers is the audio equivalent of a massive heap of cotton candy.”

I AM ABOMINATION’s first full length album, To Our Forefathers, can be purchased on iTunes here.

For more information on I AM ABOMINATION, please visit these sites:

CANDLEBOX JULY 7, ROSELAND THEATER

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CANDLEBOX JULY 7, 2011 ROSELAND THEATER 8:00pm; All Ages

Tickets on sale NOW! Tickets available through all TicketsWest Locations-Safeway- Music Millennium
To charge by phone please call 503.224.8499 or order online at www.ticketswest.com

Candlebox rode the grunge bandwagon to multi-platinum success in the early ’90s, despite howls of protest from the Seattle faithful who considered their music a watered-down version of the genuine article. To be sure, Candlebox’s take on grunge diluted the punk and indie elements inherent in its original form; instead, they were rooted in the bluesy, classic-style hard rock that grunge had ostensibly replaced. Their resulting commercial appeal made them highly suspect in the minds of authenticity-obsessed scenesters, and it didn’t help matters that the band hadn’t formed until well after the Seattle hype machine had begun. Nonetheless, Candlebox unwittingly helped Usher in the post-grunge era; along with Bush, they showed how the more challenging aspects of grunge could be ironed out and polished into a sound that mainstream rock radio could embrace without reservation.

Candlebox were formed in Seattle in December 1991 by singer/guitarist Kevin Martin, a native of Elgin, IL, who’d grown up partly in San Antonio, and drummer Scott Mercado. Initially calling the band Uncle Duke, they added lead guitarist Peter Klett and bassist Bardi Martin (no relation to Kevin) and changed the group’s name to Candlebox, after a line in a Midnight Oil song. Their demo tape found its way to Madonna’s Maverick label, which quickly resulted in a record deal in 1992. Candlebox’s self-titled debut was released in 1993, and while the first single, “Change,” began to build them a following, it wasn’t until 1994, when the follow-up, “You,” appeared, that Candlebox really started to take off. “You” gave them a breakthrough hit on mainstream rock radio, which set the stage for the success of “Far Behind,” essentially a power ballad for the grunge era. “Far Behind” was a major hit on both mainstream and alternative radio, and also made the pop Top 20; its exposure helped Candlebox climb into the Top Ten on the LP chart and eventually sell over three million copies.

By the time Candlebox returned with their second album, 1995’s Lucy, the backlash was already in full swing. Partly because of the group’s previous momentum, the lead single, “Simple Lessons,” earned some rock radio airplay, and the album itself went gold and barely missed the Top Ten. However, it was largely ignored or dismissed by much of the mainstream media, and was ultimately hurt by a relative lack of memorable songs. In 1997, founding member Mercado left the band and was replaced by original Pearl Jam drummer Dave Krusen. Candlebox’s third album, Happy Pills, appeared in 1998 and marked a return to the more basic sound of their debut. “It’s Alright,” “10,000 Horses,” and the title cut all landed some airplay, but the album sold poorly; by this time, countless bands were working in a similar style, and the band’s early momentum had long since dissipated. Krusen departed in 1999, as did Bardi Martin; they were replaced by Shannon Larkin (ex-Ugly Kid Joe) and Rob Redick, respectively, but the group disbanded the following year. The original lineup of Martin, Klett, and Mercado re-formed for a handful of shows in 2006 to support the release of Rhino’s Best of Candlebox compilation. The overall positive reunion stirred rumors of a new studio album, culminating in 2008’s Into the Sun.

INDESTRUCTIBLE NOISE COMMAND (I.N.C.)’s ‘Heaven Sent… Hellbound’

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‘Heaven Sent… Hellbound’ Hits Stores on New Release Date, August 9th, 2011 – To Be Distributed Through Candlelight Records

Internationally established thrash metal band INDESTRUCTIBLE NOISE COMMAND and Candlelight Records have teamed up to distribute the band’s upcoming full-length release,Heaven Sent…Hellbound, on it’s new release date, August 9th, 2011.  The album is being released on Rising Records, and is the band’s first full-length offering in over 20 years.

INDESTRUCTIBLE NOISE COMMAND just wrapped up on shooting two new music videos for the singles ‘Fist of Fascista’ and ‘Swallowed’ a few weeks ago in Brooklyn, NY.  A new “behind-the-scenes” video is now available for viewing at MetalInjection.net.  In the video below you can see the guys discussing the shoot and taking part in general tomfoolery on the rooftops of Williamsburg.  The video was shot by director Russell Hasenauer, and the “behind-the-scenes” footage was edited by Kevin Juliff.

 

Through humble beginnings in Connecticut, INDESTRUCTIBLE NOISE COMMAND exceeded their own expectations and the expectations of others with two successful full-length Giant Records releases, Razorback (1987) and The Visitor (1988). Giant Records signed I.N.C. after witnessing the band’s crushing live performances with the likes of Exodus, Megadeth and King Diamond; all of which taking place only six months after they had graduated high school.  In 1988 with The Visitor, the band hit #1 on the CMJ Metal charts and stole the U.K. #2 Import slot out from underneath Aerosmith. Now based in New York City, the band is back with their Bleed the Line EP and Heaven Sent… Hellbound. I.N.C. is an original pioneer of the thrash metal scene, resurrected in order to take back a genre recently flooded with neo-thrash carbon copies.  Revived and back with a vengeance, I.N.C. is ready to prove ownership of the scene in 2011.

INDESTRUCTIBLE NOISE COMMAND is:

  • Erik Barath – Guitar
  • Tony Fabrizi – Guitar
  • Dennis Gergely – Vocals
  • Dennis Leeflang – Drums
  • Samuel J. Roon – Bass

For more information on INDESTRUCTIBLE NOISE COMMAND, please visit these sites:

http://incband.com/
http://www.myspace.com/incmetal
http://www.risingrecords.org/
www.facebook.com/pages/INC/142889889065513

I AM ABOMINATION to Release New Digital EP, ‘Passion Of The Heist’.

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Taylor, MI’s I AM ABOMINATION is pleased to announce the upcoming release of their brand new digital EP, Passion Of The Heist, on July 19th, 2011. The digital EP is being released by GOOD FIGHT MUSIC, the same label that released I AM ABOMINATION’s first critically acclaimed full-length album, To Our Forefathers. A new single from the digital EP will be released via the band’s official Facebook page on June 8th. Stay tuned for further announcements about this debut.

Passion Of The Heist is described by the band as a concept album, and was produced, written, engineered, mixed and mastered by guitarist Nick Sampson. The EP was also recorded at Nick Sampson’s studio in New Boston, MI. All lyrics on Passion Of The Heist were written by Brandon Good. The band plans on releasing new information about the concept of the EP with the release of the new single. Passion Of The Heist includes guest appearances, including an appearance by ATTACK ATTACK’s Caleb Shomo on the track ‘Ascension’.

“We’ve had such an amazing time putting hard work into this album, and we can’t wait for people to hear it,” states vocalist Phil Druyor. Guitarist Nick Sampson adds, “This is the first time we’ve ever sat down to write an album with no outside opinion, and it turned out awesome.”

TRACKLISTING:

  • 1   Vivification
  • 2   Abduction
  • 3   Examination
  • 4   Transformation
  • 5   Ascension (ft.Caleb Shomo of ATTACK ATTACK)
  • 6   Invasion

I AM ABOMINATION’s first full length album, To Our Forefathers, can be purchased on iTunes here.

For more information on I AM ABOMINATION, please visit these sites:

http://www.facebook.com/iamabominationmusic

http://twitter.com/iamabomination

http://www.myspace.com/iamabomination

http://www.goodfightmusic.com

 

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

/in , , /by

“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.