On today’s edition of Sonic Reducers: Join Darryl Sterdan of Tinnitist and I as we discuss Bob Dylan’s greatest moments, fondly reminisce about that old lady who gave him the finger and wonder when he’ll finally get around to that disco album.
Singer/Songwriters CAMERON & CRAWFORD Muse Aloud in New Single “Sometimes In September”
Following their Latin-influenced critique of modern political hi-jinks, Saskatoon, SK singer/songwriter duo Cameron & Crawford are back to break your heart with their impassioned new single, “Sometimes in September” — available now.
With their unique, jazz-infused tunes and insightful, poetic lyrics, Cameron & Crawford pay no mind to the artificial boundaries of genre. The song is a nostalgic look back at lost love and about making peace with the past, even if it hurts to remember.
“This is just another sad September song,” their lyrics begin, introducing a song that refuses to mince its message. “About summer ending, autumn leaves, and love gone wrong.”
The two Prairie sisters who have been co-writers and collaborators since 2010. “Our songwriting process usually starts with a chord progression that we respond to emotionally — one that conjures a feeling, an image, a sense of ‘something there’,” explains Trish Cameron. “‘Sometimes in September’ started with just such a progression: GMaj7 – A – F#m7 – Bm7.”
The chords played in her mind during many long fall walks — and hours on her guitar, as she felt her way into what the song wanted to be about. The track is unwavering in its honesty, and authentic in speaking to the heartache so many of us have experienced. The message of love that’s been lost and accepting its finality is where these songwriters succeed in drawing in a listener; “Sometimes in September” captivates the human spirit by expressing feelings we have all experienced some way, somehow.
“Our friend and bass player, Wayne Gustafson, laid down a solid foundation for this ‘walk’ down memory lane,” the sisters reveal, speaking of the songwriting process.
“The first bass notes really launch the emotional journey of the song. It has been such a joy to take this song from its inception to a fully realized recording, and while I wrote the song,” Trish adds. “Wendy helped shape it with her piano, her background vocals, her vision, and advice.”
“In fact,” Wendy continues, “Trish says she probably would not have recorded ‘Sometimes in September’ without my encouragement. It felt too personal.”
Both sisters agree that one of the best things about being sister/songwriters is that neither will let the other ‘chicken out.’ “We keep encouraging each other’s growth and creative courage,” says Wendy.
“Sometimes in September” is just one in a series of singles the duo are releasing throughout this year as lead up to their forthcoming full-length album.
In the meantime, this is one for those who have ever struggled to let go of the old polaroids from a former flame; ever have felt a stab of regret and thoughts of “what if” when remembering love past.
“Sometimes in September” is available now.
Little Steven And The Disciples Of Soul Lift Curtain On Explosive New Concert Recording, ‘Summer Of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre,’
Professionally filmed and recorded before a sold-out crowd at New York City’s historic Beacon Theatre on November 6, 2019, the live concert extravaganza, Summer Of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre, expertly captures Little Steven, aka Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Van Zandt, bringing the house down with his band the Disciples of Soul as they showcase their acclaimed 2019 album, Summer Of Sorcery, a 12-track record about the first rush of summer and the electric feeling of unlimited possibilities.
With summer just around the corner, Van Zandt is pleased to announce the full two-and-a-half-hour concert – the triumphant hometown culmination of the Summer of Sorcery’s European and U.S. tours – will be released July 9 via Wicked Cool Records/UMe in a variety of formats including Blu-ray video as well as audio-only versions on 3CD and as a limited edition 5LP 180-gram “Psychedelic Psorcery Pswirl” color vinyl box set, which will be exclusively available via uDiscoverMusic and LittleSteven.com. The Blu-ray features the entire concert in HD video with the audio offered in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound to provide the next best possible experience to being at the rock ‘n’ soul revue. The live album, which was mixed by Bob Clearmountain and mastered by Bob Ludwig, both career-long collaborators, includes thrilling performances of every song from Summer of Sorcery alongside tracks from throughout Van Zandt’s solo career, songs he wrote for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and some souped-up covers.
Summer of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre is heralded by an electrifying live video of “Camouflage of Righteousness,” available to watch now at Little Steven’s Official YouTube channel.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul were joined throughout the Summer of Sorcery tour by an array of legendary friends and family. Summer of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre is highlighted by a surprise appearance by the one and only Peter Wolf, who lends his inimitable vocals to powerhouse versions of J Geils Band’s “Freeze Frame” and Artists United Against Apartheid’s landmark protest anthem, “Sun City.”
Summer Of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre is rounded out with nearly an extra hour of live music featuring seven previously unreleased bonus performances recorded throughout 2017-2019, including with such superstar special guests as Australian music legends Jimmy Barnes and Peter Garrett, longtime friend and E Street Band bandmate Nils Lofgren, and the legendary Nick Gravenites, who joins Van Zandt for a spectacular rendition of the Electric Flag’s “Groovin’ Is Easy.” In addition, Peter Wolf returns for an explosive cover of The Showstoppers’ hit, “(Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty,” recorded during the Soulfire Tour but, according to Van Zandt, “too good to leave on the shelf.” The festivities come to a rousing conclusion with a star-studded version of “Sun City,” which edits together performances with Jimmy Barnes, Jake Clemons, Sam Fender, Peter Garrett, Courtney Hadwin, Garland Jeffreys and Bruce Springsteen.
“We were born freaks, misfits, and outcasts,” Van Zandt writes in the album’s liner notes, which also include personal comments about each performance. “We got into this business because no other would have us. While we were here we figured we might as well create a world of our own, because we didn’t fit in the one we were being offered. Being on the road with a band is the ultimate manifestation of that fantasy. Together you travel, you perform, you dispense joy, and you get to see the world while avoiding it at the same time.
“Such was the case with the troubadour missionaries and part-time exorcists known as the Disciples of Soul as they sprinkled enlightenment to a dark world from May 27, 2017 to November 6, 2019. First as the Soulfire was lit in the overture and finally as the Summer of Sorcery played out its magical denouement. Herein embodies the still sparkling evidence of the latter, that which began as stranger’s prayers imagined and ended as a family’s promise fulfilled. Enjoy it at as much as we did at whatever volume is required to force your neighbors to call the cops.”
Arranged and produced by Van Zandt, with production assistance by GRAMMY® Award-winner Geoff Sanoff (Bruce Springsteen, Stephen Colbert). Summer of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre kicks off with a very special introduction from counterculture icon Wavy Gravy and from there traverses across Little Steven’s genre-smashing body of work, from Summer of Sorcery and 2017’s acclaimed solo return, Soulfire through classic songs and fan favorites from the songwriter, guitarist and band leader’s illustrious career, including an incendiary three-song salvo celebrating his work with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (“Little Girl So Fine,” “Trapped Again,” and “Love On The Wrong Side Of Town“). Further highlights include spectacular covers of The Youngbloods’ “On Sir Francis Drake,” The Dovells’ “Bristol Stomp,” The Animals’ “Club-A-Go-Go,” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Tucson Train.”
Summer of Sorcery arrived in May 2019 and was immediately greeted by worldwide critical applause with Rolling Stone exclaiming, “it largely dispenses with protest songs and revels in the rock, soul and R&B of his Sixties youth,” adding it’s “the most eclectic record he’s ever made.” Van Zandt and his collaborators “pull out all the stops to make this sonic smorgasbord explode out of the speakers with passion and clout,” wrote American Songwriter. “Few artists have the artistic vision to pull off a thunderous production like this which is impressive in its scope and sheer booming audio audacity.” “A happy return for the Jersey Shore prince,” declared MOJO, while Classic Rock raved, “(Van Zandt’s) tangible labour of love defiantly captures old-school New York’s cross-pollinating melting pot with rich infusions of Latin (‘Party Mambo!’), blues (‘I Visit The Blues’), blaxploitation (‘Vortex’), classic rock ‘n’ roll (‘Superfly Terraplane’), Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (‘Soul Power Twistin”) and still making a social point on ‘Education,'” adding, “This unashamed celebration of endangered music and city life also makes a great party soundtrack.” “It’s all but impossible not to be impressed by the scope of Little Steven’s vision,” wrote All Music, “and the skill with which he and his collaborators bring it to fruition…Imagine Asbury Park, New Jersey encompassing an entire musical planet and you’ll have an idea of what Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul are doing on Summer of Sorcery, and if you dig rockin’ soul, this should be right up your alley.”
Van Zandt recently announced the publication of his first ever memoir, Unrequited Infatuations, due September 28 from Hachette Books; pre-orders are available now HERE. An epic tale of self-discovery, Unrequited Infatuations chronicles the twists and turns of Van Zandt’s always surprising life, from a bedroom in suburban New Jersey in the early ’60s to the world’s largest stages in not only entertainment but activism as well. More than just the testimony of a globe-trotting nomad, more than the story of a groundbreaking activist, more than the odyssey of a spiritual seeker, and more than a master class in rock ‘n’ roll (not to mention a dozen other crafts), Van Zandt’s extraordinary odyssey shows how rock and soul has the power to change the world.
2021 has already seen the release of another live collection, Macca To Mecca!, a spectacular tribute to the Beatles available now via Wicked Cool/UMe on CD/DVD. The 14-track album/concert film – which includes a riveting performance of “I Saw Her Standing There,” recorded at London’s famed Roundhouse and featuring a special appearance by Paul McCartney – captures Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul’s extraordinary surprise set at Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club during the band’s sold out 2017 European tour. The intimate lunchtime gig was a salute to the kind of shows the Beatles used to play in their early days when they would perform for local secretaries, clerks and shopkeepers during their half hour lunch break. Van Zandt decided to bring that unique idea back 50 plus years later for a rollicking, jam-packed daytime set filled that honored the band with rocking renditions of “Magical Mystery Tour,” “Good Morning, Good Morning,” “Got To Get You Into My Life,” and “All You Need Is Love,” alongside iconic songs famously performed by the nascent Fab Four, including “Boys” (originally by The Shirelles), “Slow Down” (by Larry Williams) and “Soldier Of Love” (first recorded by Arthur Alexander).
STREAM/PURCHASE MACCA TO MECCA!
SUMMER OF SORCERY LIVE! AT THE BEACON THEATRE TRACKLISTINGS
BLU-RAY
1. Intro: Wavy Gravy
2. Communion
3. Camouflage of Righteousness
4. Party Mambo!
5. Love Again
6. Education
7. On Sir Francis Drake
8. I Visit The Blues
9. Gravity
10. Los Desaparecidos
11. Little Girl So Fine
12. Trapped Again
13. Love On The Wrong Side Of Town
14. A World Of Our Own
15. Suddenly You
16. Vortex
17. I Am A Patriot
18. Superfly Terraplane
19. Bitter Fruit
20. Forever
21. Summer of Sorcery
22. Tucson Train
23. Freeze Frame (with Peter Wolf)
24. Sun City (with Peter Wolf)
25. Soul Power Twist
26. Out Of The Darkness
BONUS CONTENT
1. Bristol Stomp
2. Club A-Go-Go
3. Groovin’ Is Easy (with Nick Gravenites)
4. (Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty (with Peter Wolf)
5. Ride The Night Away (with Jimmy Barnes)
6. Moon Tears (with Nils Lofgren)
7. Sun City (with Jimmy Barnes, Peter Garrett, Sam Fender, Courtney Hadwin, Jake Clemons, Garland Jeffreys, and Bruce Springsteen)
3CD
CD1
1. Intro: Wavy Gravy
2. Communion
3. Camouflage of Righteousness
4. Party Mambo!
5. Love Again
6. Education
7. On Sir Francis Drake
8. I Visit The Blues
9. Gravity
10. Los Desaparecidos
11. Little Girl So Fine
12. Trapped Again
13. Love On The Wrong Side Of Town
14. A World Of Our Own
CD2
1. Suddenly You
2. Vortex
3. I Am A Patriot
4. Superfly Terraplane
5. Bitter Fruit
6. Forever
7. Summer of Sorcery
8. Tucson Train
9. Freeze Frame (with Peter Wolf)
10. Sun City (with Peter Wolf)
11. Soul Power Twist
12. Out Of The Darkness
CD3
1. Bristol Stomp
2. Club A-Go-Go
3. Groovin’ Is Easy (with Nick Gravenites)
4. (Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty (with Peter Wolf)
5. Ride The Night Away (with Jimmy Barnes)
6. Moon Tears (with Nils Lofgren)
7. Sun City (with Jimmy Barnes, Peter Garrett, Sam Fender, Courtney Hadwin, Jake Clemons, Garland Jeffreys, and Bruce Springsteen)
5LP
LP1
1. Intro: Wavy Gravy (Side A)
2. Communion (Side A)
3. Camouflage of Righteousness (Side A)
4. Party Mambo! (Side A)
5. Love Again (Side B)
6. Education (Side B)
LP2
1. On Sir Francis Drake (Side A)
2. I Visit The Blues (Side A)
3. Gravity (Side A)
4. Los Desaparecidos (Side A)
5. Little Girl So Fine (Side B)
6. Trapped Again (Side B)
7. Love On The Wrong Side Of Town (Side B)
LP3
1. A World Of Our Own (Side A)
2. Suddenly You (Side A)
3. Vortex (Side A)
4. I Am A Patriot (Side A)
5. Superfly Terraplane (Side B)
6. Bitter Fruit (Side B)
7. Forever (Side B)
LP4
1. Summer of Sorcery (Side A)
2. Tucson Train (Side A)
3. Freeze Frame (with Peter Wolf) (Side A)
4. Sun City (with Peter Wolf) (Side B)
5. Soul Power Twist (Side B)
6. Out Of The Darkness (Side B)
LP5
1. Bristol Stomp (Side A)
2. Club A-Go-Go (Side A)
3. Groovin’ Is Easy (with Nick Gravenites) (Side A)
4. (Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty (with Peter Wolf) (Side A)
5. Ride The Night Away (with Jimmy Barnes) (Side B)
6. Moon Tears (with Nils Lofgren) (Side B)
7. Sun City (with Jimmy Barnes, Peter Garrett, Sam Fender, Courtney Hadwin, Jake Clemons, Garland Jeffreys, and Bruce Springsteen) (Side B)
Marvel Entertainment and SiriusXM to Premiere First Original Scripted Podcast Series ‘Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord’ on June 1
Marvel Entertainment and SiriusXM announced today the launch of their first original scripted podcast series, Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord. The first two episodes will be available starting Tuesday, June 1, on the SiriusXM App, Pandora, Stitcher, and all major podcast platforms. The 10-episode series will be released weekly, kicking off season one of Marvel and SiriusXM’s multi-part Marvel’s Wastelanders podcast series, which will feature other Marvel heroes, including Old Man Wolverine, Old Man Hawkeye, and Grey Widow.
Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord stars Timothy Busfield (The West Wing, For Life) as Star-Lord, Chris Elliott (Schitt’s Creek, Eagleheart) as Rocket, and Nadine Malouf (High Fidelity, The Looming Tower) as Cora. The series will also feature Patrick Page (Hadestown, upcoming The Gilded Age) as Kraven the Hunter, with Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives) as Emma Frost and Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon, The Color Purple) as Red.
In a shadowy alternate future of the Marvel Universe, the Villains have finally won, and Heroes are nothing but a bad memory. Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord finds Peter Quill and Rocket a little paunchier, a little slower, and a lot saltier than they were during the glory days of the Guardians of the Galaxy. They quickly discover that the Earth isn’t what it used to be, either, when they crash land 30 years after Doctor Doom took over a barren, desolate wasteland and all the world’s super-villains seized control, including outlaw Ghost Riders and the bloodthirsty Kraven the Hunter. Check out the series trailer here.
“Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord is a story that throws you right into the action, antics – and danger – that fans of Star-Lord and Rocket know to expect, and the writers, cast, and crew did not hold back. We couldn’t be prouder of how this story came together,” said Stephen Wacker, Vice President and Head of Content, Marvel New Media. “This series is just the first chapter of our larger Marvel’s Wastelanders plans with SiriusXM, and Peter Quill’s story is only the tip of the iceberg for our new Marvel Audio Universe. We can’t wait to share what’s next with you all.”
The series is produced in association with Wave Runner Studios and written by Benjamin Percy (Wolverine: The Long Night, Wolverine: The Lost Trail), directed by Kimberly Senior (Disgraced), and sound designed with original scoring by Mark Henry Phillips (Homecoming, Passenger List). The series is produced by Jenny Radelet Mast from Wave Runner Studios and executive produced by Dan Buckley, Joe Quesada, Daniel Fink, Sarah Amos, Stephen Wacker, Ellie Pyle, and Jill DuBoff from Marvel.
The cast for the series also includes actors Eric T. Miller, Elizabeth Francis, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Marylouise Burke, Blake Stadnik, Dylan Baker, and Aasif Mandvi.
Fans will also have a chance to hear from and interact with cast members and special guests in the forthcoming exclusive VIRTUAL Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord Cast Town Hall this Thursday, May 20, at 4:00 pm ET/1:00 pm PT via Zoom. Register early for your chance to ask a question during the broadcast, and tune in for some exciting behind-the-scenes details, previews, and reveals about Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord – and what comes next!
Fans can pre-register for this special Marvel event starting today at www.siriusxm.com/MarvelTownHall
SiriusXM subscribers can tune in to SiriusXM Stars (ch. 109) on May 22 and 23 to hear the Marvel’s Wastelanders: Old Man Star-Lord Cast Town Hall.
(All times EST)
Saturday, May 22: 5:00 am, 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 8:00 pm
Sunday, 5/23: 4:00 am, 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 8:00 pm
You Can’t Go Wrong with “No Right Way, Louise” from Country-Folk Artist Claire Whitehead
Canadian folk-country songstress Claire Whitehead whisks listeners on a journey with her latest project, Thelma: A Country Opera.
And if the name sounds familiar, it should… Built through interpretation of the character Thelma of Thelma & Louise, Whitehead has churned a fable into a nine-track release about the fearlessness of the human spirit — including album closer, “No Right Way, Louise.”
“Thelma: A Country Opera is a ‘coming-of-agency’ story,” Whitehead explains. “It’s about the transformation of self and relationships when someone becomes disillusioned with the rules of our world.”
As a storyteller, Whitehead commiserates with the protagonist through a series of emotion-driven songs that speak to Thelma’s internal journey, and the album’s live performance features video clips from the film to cue songs.
For its part, “No Right Way, Louise” chronicles Thelma’s ongoing dedication to her best friend. Whitehead’s delicate but piercing vocals churn out a near-plea to Louise as our heroine succumbs to the inevitability of failure to live a life of restraints, and rules. “And they’ll chase us down,” Whitehead coos, “And they’ll spit from a truck. So hand me that gun, cuz i’m I’m all out of luck.”
To tie the song together, Whitehead has self-produced a subsequent music video — a first in her lengthy career. “To make this video, I tried to celebrate the song’s theme of prioritizing female relationships, while working under the constraints of the pandemic,” Whitehead reveals. “This was the first official music video I’ve made, or released, and I did it completely DIY on camera phones and editing on my laptop.
“I was lucky enough to have my sister, Anne, to film the footage and a friend and vocalist from London Ontario, Imogen Wasse, who sings live with me and fosters a lot of positive energy in our performances.
“The result has me feeling comfortable being silly on camera, while capturing the power of women working creatively together to make great things.”
For this track and album, Whitehead’s transfixing vocals, well-established melodic harmonies, authentic country twang with the truth bleeding in between the lines transports the listener into an entirely different place and time. “No Right Way, Louise” has Thelma declaring the final lessons of her journey, celebrating friendship, love, and resistance to the wrongs of our world.
A multi-instrumentalist and veteran songwriter, where the album shines is Whitehead’s power to transcend you into the character’s story. Whitehead urges you to let go of reality for just a moment, while you walk Thelma’s path with her.
And as her journey unravels track by track, Whitehead grants the listener permission to read the finest print of detail on the most sacred part of a woman’s heart — her spirit. Whitehead’s ability to fully immerse herself into the arms of Thelma’s character and expose her layers far beyond what the silver screen wanted us to watch, is a testimony to this songstress’ uncanny ability to transform into whomever she needs to be to get the song right.
“No Right Way, Louise” and Thelma: A Country Opera are available now.
Country Rocker Marshall Potts Gets “Free and Easy” to Fire Up New Album
Brandy Records/MC1 Nashville recording artist Marshall Potts is busting open barriers with his new arena-worthy country rock single, “Free and Easy.”
The title track from the Canadian artist’s third and forthcoming album, Free and Easy — set to land Summer 2021 via Sony/Orchard — “Free and Easy” is the latest powerful example of Potts’ mission to deliver a universal message of positivity and optimism through music.
While the song’s title may evoke a laid-back aural expectation, “Free and Easy” is a stadium-sized anthem, showcasing Potts’ soaring, full throttle voice that could easily rival any top rock idol’s.
If you need to know how I’m feeling
Let’s share a bottle and some of your time
Cause I need to feel free and easy
Before I’m gonna let you in my mind
From this opening invitation to the sky punching chorus and rollicking outro, “Free and Easy” showcases Potts’ journey of self discovery and personal evolution in a big, bold way. It’s an attention holding, larger-than-life declaration much like the towering billboard that recently introduced Potts to Music City.
Self reflection and personal growth are central themes throughout the British Columbia-based singer/songwriter’s upcoming record. “The album collectively tells the story of my own spiritual journey and inner awakening,” Potts explains. “Free and Easy invites the listener to join me on this journey.”
Potts says “Free and Easy” sets the stage for his entire new album. It “foreshadows the positive outcome we can all expect when we take the time to learn about ourselves, seek our own truths, heal our old scars and reemerge standing our ground in our own power. The hero story we are all meant to walk and the gratitude that leads our lives as a result.”
Potts already has much to be grateful for. He calls 160 idyllic acres home at a place near what many, including the Dalai Lama, call the centre of the universe, Kamloops, B.C. His music has taken him far afield to showcase and festival appearances in France and Sweden, as well as on home soil at Indie Week in Toronto — where he and his 4-piece, Marshall Potts Band, were nominated for Best Emerging Artist – National in 2019.
Hip Hop Artist Green Grizz Lets the Vibe Flow with New Single, “The Drip” — Available Now!
When you create a musician inspired by Erykah Badu and Juice Wrld, give him the God-given ability to spit rhymes, you start producing flow like that from Green Grizz, the game-changing, hip hop wiz kid with a big message to send, including his new single, “The Drip.”
“At a young age, I learned how to do advanced choreographed dancing,” Green Grizz recollects from his past adding, “as a crossover artist, and even for a big guy.”
His first mainstream single, “I’m working on a couple projects no one else has done in my age range for this generation,” Grizz remarks of “The Drip” and beyond — revealing that some of his lyrics will even speak to him in his dreams. “It’s a beautiful thing,” he says.
Unafraid to serve, Grizz drops a mountain of charisma, self-charm, and confidence, daring the listener to challenge him, or go down trying. Produced by Willy Calderon, “The Drip” is a smooth ride, granting Grizz permission to go hard on the lyrics –—a sensational juxtaposition made infamous by Cardi B’s iconic “Bodak Yellow.”
The subsequent music video only bolsters Grizz’ perchance for unabashedly laying it all bare… This is who he is, who he plans to be, and any trouble you may find with that, you’re welcome to see yourself out. Decked out in his signature green, Grizz’ models, protégé and accessories in the video have rented a deserted space, giving them plenty of room to do anything they want. “We made it a ghost town,” Grizz explains. “Splash at home in the desert-type of field.
“Once you get to living out here, you feel comfortable everywhere you go.”
With his finger on the pulse of a future rich with potential and possibility, you’ll want to know where you were when you first landed on Green Grizz. He drops bombs like a veteran of the game, and the talent to back his claim. Giving it all on “The Drip”, Green Grizz warns he’s here to stay. “COVID leaving 2020 been gone,” he promises. “It’s time to boss up about this money.”
CELOGEN Carves Out His Own Art Pop Path with “(Give Yourself) Ropeburns”
Canadian art pop auteur Celogen challenges convention and focuses on invention with this, his new release “(Give Yourself) Ropeburns.”
A bold exploration of the dark side of the mind, “(Give Yourself) Ropeburns” turns a spotlight on unreality with an urgent shuffle, propelling Celogen’s dramatic Morrissey-esque vocals. Often ascending into a playful falsetto, Celogen is the blithe but observant narrator of a desperate character’s fatalistic story that begins and ends with the stark declaration:
‘She knows she’s gonna die’
‘And you say go on, give yourself rope burns / For what you choose to believe’
The first single from his third album and sixth release, Wingwinder, Celogen says “(Give Yourself) Ropeburns” is one of the “angriest songs on the record.”
Paired and compared with track, “The Soccer Star,” — also featured on the recent release — “both deal with the things people will do to shield themselves from reality,” he explains.
“In ‘The Soccer Star,’ the main character immerses themself in the past while, in ‘Ropeburns,’ the character simply hides from everything, and believes their life is over.”
Celogen is the boundary-stretching solo project of Calgary-based musician, songwriter, and producer Dominic Demierre. After playing in a number of post-punk and emo bands during his university years, Demierre found himself feeling stifled and wanting to break away from being drawn into stylistic corners.
As Celogen, three EPs and three full-length albums released since 2018 are the prolific fruit of a labour to cut loose from so many readymade aesthetics and seek out something original he could call his own; these include 2020’s Celogen Was Built by Ghosts, for Ghosts, 2019’s Goodnight Childsprite, and 2018’s Stonehome, Tameplane, and Doveflood.
2021’s Wingwinder is a creation to which Demierre can lay almost all claim; with the exception of saxophonist Robin Pearce, Demierre played all the other instruments, sang all the vocals, and did all the programming for the eight tracks on the album.
“Wingwinder was written entirely in 10 days while I was secluded in the town of Okotoks [Alberta],” he recalls of the album songwriting’s quick, but deeply cathartic experience. The outpouring of related creativity came after the inventive and unflinchingly honest artist moved to a new home, having been “blindsided by the sudden end of a troubled, yet passionate relationship” immediately following an “extended mental health crisis,” he shares.
“I lived in the basement of a suburban home and let the songs pour out of me unfiltered. They deal with subjects that were near and dear to me like young love, regret, nostalgia and, of course, insanity.
“It’s not a concept album, but there is a deliberate theme running through it of the struggle to hold on to things which time inevitably erodes.”
Citing the contemporary experimentalist St. Vincent, and great pop inventors of the past like Kate Bush and Brian Wilson as influences, Celogen’s goal is to keep the musical vanguard moving forward while always reaching to touch audiences via the enduring magic of pop songwriting.
“After all, no matter one’s wanderlust, the gift of human connection remains paramount.”
THE THE Return With ‘The Comeback Special’ Album, Film and Book
The The today announce details of a new multi-format release, due out October 1, 2021. The comeback special documents their triumphant Royal Albert Hall concert on June 5, 2018.
What started as an unforgettable live experience, and one of the band’s first performances after 16 years, now turns into an extraordinary live album, film and book as Matt Johnson’s London-based Cinéola label teams up with Hamburg-based international rock and pop label earMUSIC for a series of exciting and exclusive releases.
To complete The Comeback Special experience, THE THE will also be launching a variety of exquisitely designed and exclusive products, all available in the official album store soon. This includes a 136-page Art Book, featuring 6 discs, exclusive photos and audio content plus director Tim Pope’s beautifully shot, unobtrusive film of the show.
“Sweet Bird Of Truth” is now also available as a single release on all streaming and download services: https://TheThe.lnk.to/SweetBirdOfTruth
The track listing of the live performance across all formats is as follows:
1. Global Eyes
2. Sweet Bird Of Truth
3. Flesh & Bones
4. Heartland
5. The Beat(en) Generation
6. Armageddon Days (are here again)
7. A Long Hard Lazy Apprenticeship
8. We Can’t Stop What’s Coming
9. Phantom Walls
10. Love Is Stronger Than Death
11. Dogs Of Lust
12. Helpline Operator
13. This Is The Night
14. This Is The Day
15. Soul Catcher
16. Bugle Boy
17. Beyond Love
18. Slow Emotion Replay
19. (Like a) Sun Rising Thru My Garden
20. Infected
21. I’ve Been Waiting For Tomorrow (all of my life)
22. True Happiness (this way lies)
23. Uncertain Smile
24. Lonely Planet
Muse Announce 20th Anniversary Edition Of Origin Of Symmetry June 18
Muse celebrate the twentieth anniversary of ‘Origin Of Symmetry’ by releasing ‘Origin Of Symmetry: XX Anniversary RemiXX’ on Warner Records. The new edition features remixed and remastered audio plus re-imagined artwork and will be released on digital formats on June 18th before two vinyl packages follow on July 9th.
As the album’s anniversary approached, Muse asked the Grammy-winning producer Rich Costey, who has produced or mixed material on almost every subsequent record, to revisit the original recordings. Whereas most remix albums aim to radically rework the material, or to switch to an entirely different genre, the band and Costey wanted to provide a renewed clarity with a more open, dynamic and less crushed sound. This highlights parts and ideas previously buried or muted on the original mixes, like a harpsichord on ‘Micro Cuts’ and Abbey Road recorded strings on ‘Citizen Erased’, ‘Megalomania’ and ’Space Dementia’.
And that is precisely what has been achieved. From the visceral opening riff of ‘New Born’ to the cinematic melancholy of the closing ‘Megalomania’ via the staggering scope of fan favourite ‘Citizen Erased’, the remix unveils every facet of the album’s intricate production, alongside a new-found warmth. It further benefits from mastering courtesy of Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios.
The ‘XX Anniversary RemiXX’ also adds ‘Futurism’ to the tracklist. Originally a bonus track on the album’s Japanese edition and subsequently tagged to the end of the album on streaming services, ‘Futurism’ now adds a burst of energy to bridge the gap between ‘Feeling Good’ and ‘Megalomania’. This reflects its placing on the 2019 box set ‘Origin of Muse’.
‘Origin of Symmetry: XX Anniversary RemiXX’ is completed with a modernised reimagination of the album’s cover art, courtesy of Sujin Kim. The visual artist has created a hyper-realistic 3D rendering of William Eager’s original cover image.
‘Origin of Symmetry: XX Anniversary RemiXX’ is now available to pre-order / pre-save on digital formats here, with ‘Citizen Erased’ provided as an instant download. A limited edition exclusive 140 gram coloured double-vinyl set is available here. A striking package and a must-have item for collectors, it features LP1 on translucent sun yellow vinyl and LP2 on translucent orange vinyl. It will also be released on double black vinyl, which can be pre-ordered here. Both versions of the vinyl feature an unorthodox detail: the sides are marked M, U, S and E, rather than the standard format.
‘Origin of Symmetry: XX Anniversary RemiXX’ tracklist:
Side M
1. ‘New Born’
2. ‘Bliss’
Side U
3. ‘Space Dementia’
4. ‘Hyper Music’
5. ‘Plug In Baby’
Side S
6. ‘Citizen Erased’
7. ‘Micro Cuts’
8. ‘Screenager’
9. ‘Darkshines’
Side E
10. ‘Feeling Good’
11. ‘Futurism’
12. ‘Megalomania’