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Grateful Dead American Beauty 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition Available October 30
By any measure, 1970 was a high-water mark for the Grateful Dead. Hot on the heels of the incredible success of Workingman’s Dead that summer, the band returned in the fall with the equally stunning American Beauty. Those back-to-back classics not only introduced songs that would be a key part of the group’s live repertoire for decades, but they also opened a gateway into the world of the Grateful Dead for generations of Dead Heads. American Beauty will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year with two new releases.
AMERICAN BEAUTY: 50th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION will be available on October 30 for $34.98. This three-CD set includes the original album with newly remastered audio, plus an unreleased concert recorded on February 18, 1971 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. The show was mixed from the 16-track analog master tapes by Jeffrey Norman at Bob Weir’s Marin County TRI Studios and mastered by Grammy® Award-winning engineer, David Glasser. One of the highlights from the Capitol Theatre show, the previously unreleased performance of “Truckin’” is available today on all digital download and streaming services. Click HERE to listen now.
Jeremy Ivey Dons Hazmat Suit In Video For New Song “Things Could Get Much Worse”, Watch Now
Singer-songwriter Jeremy Ivey has released “Things Can Get Much Worse” today, the second single from his upcoming album Waiting Out The Storm. In the song’s new video, directed by Houston Mathews, Ivey puts on a full hazmat suit and visits downtown Nashville’s honky tonk headquarters, where unfortunately many patrons are not wearing face masks in lower Broadway’s crowded bars, restaurants and stores. Ivey had COVID-19 for eight weeks earlier this year and personally knows the kind of toll the virus can take. Watch it HERE.
Rodrigo y Gabriela share new song; double live album out Oct 2
GRAMMY®-Award-winning guitar virtuosos Rodrigo y Gabriela have shared a new song from their soon-to-be-released METTAVOLUTION LIVE, an all-new double album recorded during last year’s METTAVOLUTION World Tour. The 13-track collection arrives as a 2LP, 2CD, and digital download via Rubyworks/ATO on Friday October 2; pre-orders are available now. The song, “Electric Soul,” premiered earlier today with a Q&A on American Songwriter.
Rodrigo y Gabriela Discuss Multitude of Influences for ‘Mettavolution Live’, Debut “Electric Soul”
New: Post-punk outfit DEADLETTER release angered study into bureaucracy “Fit For Work”
Hailing from Yorkshire though now South London rooted, DEADLETTER channel the droll fury of The Fall and the lopsided rhythm of Gang of Four into a strain of vehement post-punk, exploring the darker side of existence through a lens of narrative-driven levity.
PETIT BISCUIT returns with lead single “Drivin Thru the Night”
Featuring whimsical vocals that document a night of intense longing and soul-searching, Petit Biscuit complements the sung tone with shimmering electro-pop production that highlights his maturation from teen wunderkind to bonafide auteur.
Jillette Johnson Announces ‘It’s A Beautiful Day And I Love You’ Releasing February 12 / Delivers An Ode To Exes On New Single “Annie”
Jillette Johnson has announced the February 12 release of It’s a Beautiful Day and I Love You, her first new album in four years. Returning with a newfound creative confidence, the Nashville-based singer/songwriter delivers a fully-realized collection of ten new songs featuring candid lyricism and a bolder, bigger sound. Along with the announcement, Johnson shares the rollicking new single “Annie” with a self-directed, DIY video shot during quarantine. An ode to her other half’s ex-girlfriend, “Annie” offers a different take on songs about “the other woman” as Johnson expresses genuine appreciation for the positive impact her role played in his life.
Stephen Becker announces ‘Nothing Sun Under the New’ EP out 10/30 via NNA Tapes
Stephen Becker has announced the release of a new EP—the first under his own name—out October 30 on NNA Tapes. Nothing Sun Under the New expresses exactly the kind of poetic sleights-of-hand we encounter throughout this short, brilliant offering. This compact record is filled with aphorisms flipped on their heads, reversals of logic and intuition, dislocations of causality and expectation. Alongside the announcement, Becker shared an entrancing music video for the album’s lead single “Clean,” which was directed by Johnny Frohman & Gerard Marcus, and stars a charming Marley McDonald. On the song Becker explains: “‘Clean’ is about escaping technology, cell phones, social media – the way we clean ourselves with water, and how doing the same with technology would destroy it (i.e. submerging your phone in a bathtub). So cleaning is also destruction, and maybe it takes a little destruction to really get clean.”
DEMPSEY HOPE – RELEASES NEW TRACK “ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, FEAT. gnash”
Says Dempsey, “After my videos started gaining significant traction on my social channels, fans started tagging gnash in the comments section saying that I reminded them of him and that we should collab together. I was excited, because I’ve been a fan of his for a while. After that gnash had reached out to me and expressed his love and support for the music and we stayed connected over the next few months. Eventually, I recorded this demo that I thought he would be perfect for so I sent him the song, and he came back with this incredible verse and told me how much he loved it! To me, the song is about having that elephant in the room with your significant other. You care about the person to the point where you can acknowledge it; it’s not something you need to stay away from. You can figure it out together.”
Dempsey Hope teams up with gnash on New Single “Elephant in the Room”
Bob Mould shares “Siberian Butterfly;” third track from upcoming record ‘Blue Hearts’
Mould released this statement about “Siberian Butterfly”:
The genesis of “Siberian Butterfly” spoke to the notion of “collectors” – people with excessive means who gather the works of creative folk for their ego-driven portfolios.
As I kept writing, the narrative shifted toward themes of change, growth, and freedom. These motifs are central to how we become our true selves. This is how we begin our journey toward our true identities.
It’s autobiographical as well. I put myself through some self-hating years as a young gay man – never feeling “good enough,” not recognizing the positive qualities I had to offer, while inhibiting the development of my gay identity.
I hope for a world where all people can be what they want to be. Life seems shorter every day; maybe this simple song can be of use to people who are struggling to find their true selves.
Seamus Fogarty Announces New Album ‘A Bag Of Eyes’ Out November 6 + Shares New Video “Johnny K”
Seamus Fogarty will release his new album A Bag Of Eyes on November 6th. This is Fogarty’s third album — a wholly different sonic prospect to the “gritty, poetic electronic folk” of 2017’s The Curious Hand. Weary of the guitar, and seeking something darker than its predecessor, Fogarty chose to lean more heavily on synths and drum machines, and additionally, to self-produce. “It was about creating and exploring new sound worlds,” Fogarty says, “experimenting with new ways of incorporating electronics into the songwriting process, and in some cases dispensing with conventional songwriting processes altogether.”
Jaah SLT Isn’t Afraid to Get” Grimey,” Announces 9-25-20 Project
Jaah SLT raps like a man possessed, his signature blonde dreads and pink backpack bobbing to the beat as he annihilates his opposition. Preparing for his second project of 2020, the North Carolina native announces 9-25-20, his upcoming project. Spanning 10 energetic and hypnotic trap tracks, 9-25-20 finds the 20-year-old rapper showing off his athletic rhymes, stacking boasts together in sing-song cadences as he slices through monster movie instrumentals. Featuring appearances from SLT crew members Sleep Walkin SLT, Nsikan SLT, and Loweye SLT, 9-25-20 arrives on September 25th via Alamo Records.
MICKY’s single ‘Northstar’ reminds us of the value of hope, resilience & hard work
Michael Persall, better known by his artist name MICKY is a regular fixture in New York City’s live music scene, where he made his come-up. His sonic influences range from heartfelt Motown classics to introspective reggae hits and old-school rock, but what really underpins MICKY’s broad musical style is his relatability, lyricism and ability to conjure emotions from his listeners. His latest single and video ‘Northstar’ do just that by taking us on a journey that reminds us all of the value of hope, resilience and hard work.
The Casket Lottery Announce First New Album In 8 Years; ‘Short Songs For End Times’
Wiretap Records (US, Big Scary Monsters (UK) and Second Nature Recordings are teaming up to release ‘Short Songs For End Times’, the new LP from influential Kansas City indie rock band The Casket Lottery on November 6th. It’s the band’s first new album since 2012’s ‘Real Fear.’
NEWS: Dom Flemons and Rev. Peyton’s Big Band unite with Steve Cropper for version of Elmore James’ “Shake Your Money Maker,”
The Grammy award-winning American roots musician/musicologist Dom Flemons and acclaimed country blues guitarist Reverend Peyton, both lauded for their knowledge of roots music’s past and the exciting ways they bring the music into the present day, have combined their passionate expertise into a riveting new rendition of Elmore James’ slide-guitar blues classic “Shake Your Money Maker,” which is available September 9, 2020.
Rapper Daja Marie to Follow “Closet Freakk” Video with Self-Titled Debut EP on October 2nd
Altanta-based independent hip hop artist Daja Marie today announced her self-titled DAJA MARIE debut EP is set to release this Fall on October 2nd. Daja recently dropped her single and music video, “Closet Freakk,” which is available now for streaming and download on all major digital platforms. The record, produced by multi-platinum super producer Caviar The Secret Specialist, is a perfectly-timed rap-anthem of liberation curated for boss women around the globe who answer to no one about their sexual business behind closed doors.
Out Today, Break Through Artist bloody white Releases Debut EP ‘you’d walk right over me’
Poised as the next breakout artist, bloody white, the self taught 20-year-old beat maker, singer, songwriter, mixer and producer releases his debut EP “you’d walk right over me.”
Driven by hooks of refreshing and exciting sounds, early supporters have been describing bloody white’s unique genre-blending craft as “anti-pop,” “lo-fi hip hop,” “electronic,” “punk,” “contemplative,” “raw,” “vulnerable,” “explosive,” “genuine” and “magically captivating.”
Bedroom Pop Rising Star SLEEPSK8 Release Debut Full-Length Album!
San Gabriel, CA artist Sleepsk8 has just dropped his first ever full-length album, a warm and memorable slice of guitar-focused bedroom pop filled with melodic hooks and exquisite vocals drenched in luscious reverb. Dubbed A Paralyzing Fear Of Trying, the album is the culmination of 3 years’ worth of work that began on Soundcloud (under his previous moniker TM36) and has resulted in his tracks already amassing one million streams! Now, the singer/songwriter is set to take the next step in his career, partnering with the much venerated indie giant Cleopatra Records, who has released A Paralyzing Fear Of Trying worldwide to all digital platforms.
“My taste in music has always been chaotically juxtaposed and I think it’s reflected in the album. Some songs are melodic and sweet while others are distorted and dramatic. Cleopatra has been great because they’re really all about the music. They don’t want to confine me to a specific sound, so I get to share my unfiltered range with this project.” – Sleepsk8
Amanda Palmer and Rhiannon Giddens cover Portishead’s “It’s A Fire” for charity
Amanda Palmer and Rhiannon Giddens have joined forces for a cover of Portishead’s much adored song, “It’s A Fire.” Palmer and Giddens recorded from several continents during lockdown in the midst of one of the most turbulent times the world has ever seen. “It’s A Fire” is available now on Bandcamp.
Half a world away from her home in New York, Palmer found herself in regional New Zealand where her “There Will Be No Intermission World Tour” concluded in March. The decision to stay put as the world quickly closed international borders proved to be an inconceivably fortuitous one.
Ruston Kelly’s “Under The Sun” music video premieres at Esquire
Of Kelly and his critically acclaimed new album, Shape & Destroy, Esquire praises, “Kelly…has always been transparent about his struggles with addiction and maintaining his sobriety. In his sophomore album, Shape & Destroy, the Nashville-based artist doesn’t shy away from facing these experiences—he confronts them head on, with a new sense of optimism about life after addiction.”
Stats (Dua Lipa, Elton John, Phoebe Waller-Bridge) – Share New Single & Announce Album
This new record finds its name in the location it was recorded: Powys, Wales, which is close to where Seed grew up as a child. Thematically the new record and this first single, ‘Naturalise Me’, get to grips with Seed’s childhood but not necessarily in a saccharine or overly-nostalgic manner, it draws on memories, but it also draws on the growing pains of being brought up in rural Wales as very much an outsider. Similarly, it looks at the socio-political discourse as to why his parents decided to relocate from Manchester to the countryside. Interestingly, Seed tackles a lot of conflicting ideas on this new record, namely the natural world vs the unnatural world, the countryside versus the city, and our perceptions of what’s seen as real and on the contrary, what’s seen as fake – he disperses these ideas into his music, dressing his curious observations in the guise of glittering electro-pop.
Performers Rally For Women’s Cancer Awareness Benefit
On September 24th, singer-songwriter and self-described “cancer thriver” Rachael Sage will bring together a powerful group of performers for a great cause. Entitled “Bravery On Fire: A Benefit for Women’s Cancer Awareness”, the virtual event will raise funds for Foundation For Women’s Cancer, and will feature a variety of performers including Grammy® winners Paula Cole and Lisa Loeb, Tony-nominated Broadway actors Megan Hilty and Alison Pill, musicians Jill Sobule, Kyshona, Grace Pettis, and Heather Mae & Crys Matthews, Grace Kelly, Toby Lightman, Gaby Moreno, Fiona Harte, dancer Abigail Simon (see more at braveryonfire.com).
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