Bring Music Home, a first of its kind documentation of the current state of U.S. music venues due to COVID-19, has just launched their first-ever book. Created remotely over seven months during the pandemic, the book captures the stories of more than 200 music venues in over 30 US cities— with a particular focus on the unsung heroes behind them.
Over 60 independent photographers, producers, designers, and collaborators joined forces to donate their time to showcase the local venues that are integral to the creative culture of their communities.
At nearly 500 pages, this hardback book features venues like Stubb’s, Baby’s All Right, Tipitina’s, The Empty Bottle, Boot & Saddle, The Fillmore, 9:30 Club and more and conversations with artists from Alice Cooper, Dehd, Native Sun, and The Black Angels to Shakey Graves, Jesse Malin, Khruangbin, Hollis Brown, and more.
At $75 per book, a portion of the proceeds will directly benefit the National Independent Venue Association, as well as support over 60 creatives who helped make this project a reality, many of whom were directly impacted by the pandemic.
The book is available now and can be ordered here.
With four nominations at the upcoming 2021 ACM Awards including Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year, Ashley McBryde releases a scorching live performance of “Shut Up Sheila” from her forthcoming live EP Never Will: Live From A Distance, arriving Friday, May 28. “Shut Up Sheila – Live” is available everywhere now.
“There’s somebody in your family that you want to smack in the face and tell them to shut up,” the four-time GRAMMY nominee said as she shared the story behind “Shut Up Sheila” with Rolling Stone. “But because we are from the South or we live in the South, we use our ‘company manners’ all the time. We don’t always get to ball that fist up and go ‘Shut up!’ Now you don’t have to — now you can just listen to that song.”
Upon its initial release, Variety described the song as “a slow-burning rocker that’s the least pious death song country has churned out in a generation.” American Songwriter dubbed it “a fiery, rock-ignited declaration,” while Billboard called the track “feather-ruffling.”
Praised as “one of country’s sharpest truth-tellers” by Rolling Stone, the Arkansas-native is the only artist to have been nominated for Country Album of the Year for Never Will by the ACM, the CMA and the GRAMMYs in the same award season, while lead single and RIAA Gold-Certified “One Night Standards” earned McBryde nominations for Song of the Year (artist + songwriter), cowritten with Shane MacAnally and Nicolette Hayford.
“Shut Up Sheila – Live” follows the release of the live version of McBryde’s current single “Martha Divine,” a track NPR named as her “rowdiest jam to date” and shared, “When she plays it live, this thing will shake ceilings,” while Rolling Stone calls it “storming country-rock” and Billboard notes the track “never lets up.”
Never Will: Live From A Distance Track List:
First Thing I Reach For (Ashley McBryde, Randall Clay, Mick Holland)
Shut Up Sheila (Nicolette Hayford, Charles Chisholm)
Velvet Red (Ashley McBryde, Patrick Savage, Daniel Smalley)
Voodoo Doll (Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Brandy Clark, Connie Harrington, Jake Mitchell, Aaron Raitiere)
Martha Divine (Ashley McBryde, Jeremy Spillman)
Sparrow (Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Brandy Clark, Connie Harrington, Jake Mitchell, Aaron Raitiere)
Swedish group Roxette celebrates the 30th year Anniversary of their third album “Joyride” – the much anticipated follow-up to the band’s spectacular global break-through with the album “Look Sharp!” in 1989.
The three US #1 singles “The Look”, “Listen To Your Heart” and “It Must Have Been Love” and other big hits like “Dressed For Success” and “Dangerous” had almost overnight transformed the dynamic duo of Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle into a world-wide hit phenomenon that would soon pave the way for other Swedish pop acts during the 90’s.
Unsurprisingly, “Joyride” therefore carried a heavy weight on its shoulders; the album was supposed to cement Roxette’s new-found status as a global hit phenomenon, proving that the chart successes of 1989 and 1990 was no fluke. Some artists would have found this pressure hard to handle. But Roxette delivered. Or as Per Gessle remembers:
“Björn Ulveaus once told me how he felt when ABBA recorded “Mamma Mia”. It was like the whole pop world revolved around them. Their sound was spot-on, they had produced a string of hits, and everybody was waiting for the next one. But despite that pressure, they never thought it was difficult to deliver. And that’s exactly how I felt about ‘Joyride’. I had read an interview with Paul McCartney, where he said that ‘writing songs with John Lennon was just a long joyride’. The song came very easily, and I instantly knew it was a hit: it would provide the album with a great title, ‘hello, you fool I love you’ was a cool hook. Everything was there. With ‘Joyride’ the whole album was in the can.”
The world, however, was hardly on a joyride when the album was released. Releasing an album called “Joyride” and flying around the world for interviews and promotion when the US Army had just launched Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait, can hardly be called optimal timing.
But in the spring of 1991, most things seemed to go Roxette’s way. The cheery title track zoomed up the charts, giving the group their fourth #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the USA – setting a record that still holds for Scandinavian acts – while future singles like “Fading Like A Flower”, “Spending My Time” and “Church Of Your Heart” was waiting in the wings. Soon the album hade passed the 11-million mark.
“Marie’s superb vocals is one of the main reasons that Roxette – and not least our biggest album ‘Joyride’ – was such a huge success. Around this time, she was at the absolute top of her game, effortlessly creating lasting wonders with my songs. Beside the big hits, ‘Joyride’ also contains ‘Perfect Day’, ‘Hotblooded’, ‘(Do You Get) Excited?’ and not least ’Watercolours In The Rain’, a song that Marie had written wonderful music to, and I happened to have a fitting lyric in the drawer”, Per says.
This autumn the 30th Anniversary of ”Joyride” will be celebrated with the release of a 4-album vinyl and a 3-CD box, containing the original release as well as previously unreleased or hard-to-get material that paints a fuller picture of a ride that still puts a smile on people’s faces. C’mon, join the joyride.
In 2005, VH1 took a massive step towards world peace using rock and roll for its Matzo and Metal event. Dee Snider, who is half-Jewish, played host to the Passover meal with guests Scott Ian (Anthrax), Leslie West (Mountain) and guitarist JJ French, Snider’s Twisted Sister bandmate. Manischewitz was the sponsor while the four discussed all things music and growing up Jewish. No word yet on who had to say the 4 Questions, though.
Sessions is excited to announce a new livestream performance by one of America’s most beloved bands, Grammy-winning Hootie & the Blowfish. The virtual performance will be an online presentation of the tour-closing performance from their hugely successful 2019 Group Therapy Tour, broadcast exclusively via Sessions Live on Friday, April 23 at 6PM PT/9PM ET. You can get tickets here.
The acclaimed group will perform some of their greatest hits, including “Hold My Hand,” “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Time” and “Let Her Cry” in never-before-aired footage from their sold-out homecoming stop in Columbia, South Carolina – the band’s first return to playing the city where it all began in almost 20 years. Fans who missed out on attending the live shows, or who want to relive those fun nights they shared together, can tune in to experience this live stream.
“We loved every minute of being back on stage together – especially in Columbia,” shared lead singer Darius Rucker. “We all miss live music right now, so we’re really excited to be able to offer this show to our fans who can now experience the energy of that night from home.”
“We’re thrilled that Hootie & the Blowfish have chosen to make Sessions the home for this very special performance,” said Sessions co-Founder Tim Westergren. “Live streaming continues to integrate ever more closely with physical performances as globally popular artists discover the value of an infinite virtual stage.”
Early-bird GA tickets priced at $15 are on sale now at SessionsLive.com/Hootie/tickets. GA ticket prices will increase to $20 on April 20 at 9 p.m. ET. VIP ticket packages priced at $250 are also available, which include access to the live stream as well as an autographed tour pass and access to an exclusive virtual afterparty Q&A session with the band.
Formed at the University of South Carolina in 1986 in Columbia, the band broke through with their Billboard chart-topping 1994 debut Cracked Rear View, which has been certified Diamond and remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. The band’s blend of rock, blues, soul, and pop music endeared them to fans worldwide, helping them sell more than 25 million records to date. In addition to the sold-out Group Therapy Tour, the band also released new album Imperfect Circle in late 2019 under a new record deal with Universal Music Group’s Capitol Nashville.
Thinking of a mobile app idea and designing it is definitely an easy task; however, picking a mobile app development company isn’t a walk in the park. There are too many agencies to pick from, and not all of them can do justice to your mobile app idea. To ensure your mobile app makes a noticeable impact, you need a great agency, and here are some tips to help you with the process.
Undoubtedly, every agency will claim to be the chicago mobile app development, but of course, not every company can be the best at what they do.
A future-focused mobile app development company will ensure to support you even after the mobile app is launched. Hire an agency that also focuses on the future of your mobile app.
Before you pick the company, you need to cross-check a few things off of your list.
Here are some tips that can prove handy.
The Only Tips You Need To Hire A Mobile App Development Company
1. Background Checks
Now that you have a list of the best mobile app development companies, the next task on your list should be to run thorough background checks on each agency.
Don’t make the mistake of hiring an agency only because it appears on the first page of Google because that doesn’t guarantee the quality of the work.
Instead, check the company’s social media pages for reviews, ask them for references, and analyze all their currently live projects. In the end, don’t forget to get recommendations.
2. Check The Relevance To Your Niche
Since there are many mobile app development companies, every agency specializes in a certain niche. When you have your niche, make sure to pick an agency that aligns with it.
A great way to do this is by checking their years of experience in developing apps similar to your niche. You need a company that can offer good value for money; hence, analyze their portfolio and experience before hiring a team.
3. Cost Vs. Quality Analysis
There have been instances when people fall victim to app development agencies that offer poor quality apps in return for money.
It happens more than you’d think, which is why you need to play safe. Collaborate with an agency that comes highly recommended and offers good value for money. You don’t want to spend on a mobile app that isn’t slightly above average.
4. Are They Future-Focused?
A future-focused mobile app development company will ensure to support you even after the mobile app is launched. Hire an agency that also focuses on the future of your mobile app.
A futuristic approach is important to make sure your mobile app is well-maintained and up-to-date. Talk to at least three agencies, and pick one that offers the best plan, including after launch services.
5. Get The Source Code
Refrain from signing a contract with an agency unless they’re offering the source code to you. Having the provision for the source code will prove helpful in the long-run.
If you have the source code, you can use it in the future to make changes to your mobile app as needed. You can also switch to another developer easily or consider hiring an in-house developer who can modify the mobile app for you.
In Conclusion
Make sure you iron out all the details before you decide to hire an agency. Good luck, hiring!
Frank Patrick, the Edmonton-born/Toronto-based adult contemporary musician, has released a new video for his emotionally-charged single, “Mercy” — available now.
In this thought-inducing song — which echoes the struggles and sadness associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — the award-winning singer gifts listeners with an offering of telling lyrical images, buttery guitar melodies, and emotional phrases, complemented beautifully by the harmonized backups of singer Rebecca Campbell.
“Mercy” was written by Frank months after the beginning of the global health crisis. He describes it as a “prayer for these fragile times.”
He enlisted local producer — and long-time collaborator — Rob Greenway (aka brilliantfish) to not only play drums and keyboards on the special track, but to produce it, and create the enticing and just-released music video for it, too.
As well as Frank, Rob, and Rebecca, “Mercy” features bassist Ian de Souza and guitarist Brian MacMillan.
Going in-depth, Frank says “Mercy” was “written from one man’s observations, feelings and sense of loss about the complexities of the COVID-19 crisis by bringing it all down to one simple statement: ‘Please tell me there’s still mercy here.’”
He wanted it to serve as a message of hope, despite the consistent sense of hopelessness that has loomed above us all in the last year.
“We thought it was not only important, but necessary to make an artistic statement on the current world situation from a personal perspective,” Frank concluded.
brilliantfish’s music video takes a close look at the devastating emotional and psychological toll the pandemic has had on everyone: not just the victims, but their families and the frontline workers who have been working so hard for more than a year now, as well.
Not only has Frank toured Canada, the U.S. (including Hawaii) and Europe in the last decade, but he’s shared the performing stage with countless renowned artists — including Buffy St. Marie, Cyril Neville (Neville Brothers), Jonathan Best (David Byrne), Kevin Breit (Norah Jones, Cassandra Wilson), and Dr. Timothy Leary. Before his solo career kicked off, he was the former lyricist, co-writer and lead vocalist of the band Zombo Zombo, and toured as part of the music ensemble in the Dora Award-winning ‘Sable/Sand’ with Dancemakers.
Frank spent years away from the music scene as a result of an unfortunate accident in 1999; forced to stop playing, he spent the following seven years recovering from the incident. In that time, however, he continued to write music, until he was properly able to record it. The work he put in during that period was what would become his debut solo album, 2006’s Worlds in Transition (which was also produced by Rob).
Since then, Frank has released one more studio album, Soul Medicine (2019), which includes the fan-favourite singles “Spectruma” and “Soul Medicine.”
“Mercy,” Frank’s latest effort, is now available through all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp — where listeners can donate to receive a digital copy of the track. All proceeds from the powerful, five-minute single will be donated to the frontline workers of Toronto.
Ahead of the release of her new album, Do It Again, Shannon Dooks, lends her supple voice to its earnest and heartfelt lead single, “Doubts” — available now.
When a once-thriving connection turns dubious, acknowledging the signs can be a tough experience — and “Doubts” says it all. Everything from the innocent piano intro to the mellow rhythm sections that follow, the arrangements send the notion of a fond farewell wrapped in a melodic package.
The message within is signed, sealed and delivered by Shannon Dooks’s harmonious and smooth vocal style.
As light as the single sounds, the weight within the lyrics denotes a tipping point in a crumbling relationship. According to the Toronto-based artist, “it’s that feeling of constantly putting in effort into the relationship and each broken promise is that much more devastating as it goes on and then you finally reach a breaking point.”
The introductory lyrics in the first verse of “Doubts” perfectly summarizes the singer’s insight: “Don’t write, don’t text, don’t call, don’t do anything at all.”
Further reinforcing the message are the closing lyrics of the first verse: “You tell me go, you tell me stay, you tell me leave, but don’t tell me what I should believe.”
While Shannon Dooks is known for writing her own songs, “Doubts” was penned by Toronto-based internationally-renowned songwriter, Rosanne Baker Thornley. The single was intended to be a submission for film and television spots, however the voice of Shannon Dooks was found to be a perfect vessel for the tone of the single.
“Doubts” was then adopted to be the lead single for her forthcoming album, Do It Again — a follow-up to her 2014 self-titled debut EP, Shannon Dooks, that has over 150,000 streams on Spotify alone.
In between her aforementioned releases, Shannon Dooks has been active in the meantime; her YouTube channel is sprawling with live-off-the-floor funkified renditions of classics such as Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” among many others, and she also lends her vocals to “Violet” and a cover of “Dream a Little Dream of Me” by JUNO Award-winning R&B singer-songwriter, Daniel Caesar. Her songwriting and vocal feature credits also extend to Canadian singer-songwriter Raff Pylon’s “Christmas in California,” featuring Snoop Dogg.
“Doubts,” and the album, Do It Again, were recorded at the legendary Kensington Sound recording studio in Toronto. Dooks’s team comprises of Canadian producer, Ben Pelchat, Los Angeles producer, Earl Powell and UK producer Will Schollar — with the latter single handedly producing “Doubts” — as well as songwriter Rosanne Baker Thornley.
Enchanted by the stars above, Canadian pop-R&B chanteuse Aieysha Haws captivates with this, her sophomore single, “Zodiac Signs” — available now.
“My inner child comes out and is making friends in this song — the kid in you never dies,” Haws shares. “I wanted to lead with playfulness, and spark a quirky conversation that was framed to everyone’s favourite topic: the Self.
“I’m inspired by astrology and, while there are people who do and do not believe in it, it was important to me to create a sense of belonging for everyone in this song,” she continues. “I want listeners to be happy and feel good about themselves… It’s that sense of confidence and curiosity that connects the dots, and fun is in the detailed frequency of my questions and queries.”
These notions are organically encased by the very essence of who Aieysha Haws is; and it’s not just her — at 16,000+ streams and rising this year alone, her highly loyal fanbase, whom she dotingly refers to as the ‘Wise Eyes,’ are thrilled to orbit her lively and enchanting universe. “I love learning new things, and meeting new people. My ‘Wise Eyes’ resonate with that same zest of personality and positivity, too.
“We celebrate the best love — a cosmic love — that keeps us connected.”
Born in Orlando, Florida, and hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Aieysha Haws first rippled the scene with her lively, raw, and intriguing sound just this year with the 2021 release of “Butterflies” — a song that unravels unrequited love in metaphors for metamorphosis.
Step right up: Toronto/Los Angeles’ Douglas Von Irvin’s Carnival are set to put their “Punk Rock Heart” on display with this, their new single and video — available now.
The latest to land ahead of the garage-pop pioneers’ forthcoming album, Meet the Monster, this May, “the song was born a couple of years ago while working on a song’s chorus about my mean-eyed cat,” lead singer Douglas Von Irvin divulges. “Later, while on vacation in Las Vegas, my mother surprised me by throwing me into a songwriting class hosted by Gene Simmons.
“So, I came home and fooled around with the song — still writing about my cat’s feral, bouncy heart.”
Fast forward to late-2019, Von Irvin continues, and the sharing of the song with the mysterious frontman’s songwriting partner — and the band’s ‘spiritual advisor’ — Dr. Prycenstein (Dave Pryce), and the project’s producer, Matt Starr. “The two of them decided the song needed to grow up a little, and I could stop singing about my cat.
“From there, the three of us collaborated on lyrics about a feral, cat-like girl, and picked up the arrangement’s tempo. With the stripped-down arrangement of ratty guitars, drums, bass, and most of all, Dr. Prycenstein’s lyric lines of ‘Joan Jett grace’ and ‘we’ll show ‘em all and start a band,’ we all agreed the song needed to be called ‘Punk Rock Heart.’”
As for the video, it is filled with a neon palette of colors with a Jackson Pollock-like splash. “A very exciting visual for the eyes.”
It’s that artful invitation into escapism that’s landed Douglas Von Irvin’s Carnival on a spotlit podium all its own. Where the band describes their oft-spooky and theatrical power-pop sound as if “Roy Orbison and The Cramps had a baby,” their ultimate mission is to whisk audiences on an adventurous and immersive mixed media experience.
“We want to give people a chance to take a break from the harsh realities of the world, all while staying in tune with our feelings and minds,” Von Irvin explains. “We offer a place where all walks of life are celebrated and welcome to hang around in our Carnival.”
While some audiences received an early preview for “Punk Rock Heart,” the video lands on the heels of both this year’s previous release, “Ultra Man,” and 2020 deliveries of “Cave Man Rock,” “Vampire Lovers,” and “Monster Pool Party.” The singles — and ultimate EP, Meet the Monsters — were produced by Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr. Big), who also played drums, co-wrote, and arranged the release; Smiley Sean from Motley Crue/Tommy Lee’s studio, The Atrium, mixed the songs.
“Punk Rock Heart” is available now. Meet the Monsters is available May 25, 2021.
