Los Angeles Based Rockers Kick Out the Jams in Rousing Debut EP Los Angeles, CA – In a world of neutered rock n’ roll and vanilla songs, VIKINGO! fights back, promising to stir some shit up by setting it all on fire. Good ol’ fashioned rock n’ roll finds its new home with a modern twist in the LA rockers’ debut EP, Set It On Fire. One look at the over-the-top, in-your-face cover art and it’s not hard to believe VIKINGO!’s first EP hits home in its expression of the absurd discourse on current social and political climate. Set It On Fire is now available on digital music platform worldwide. Two Colombians, a Norwegian, and an American band together to package their collective annoyance of issues like environmental policies, immigration, equality and more in their new hard-hitting EP. Referencing personal struggles and past experiences, Set It On Fire aims to incite rebellion against the shallow and ludicrous. “The Set It On Fire EP means a lot to us because it’s our friendship in rock n’ roll form,” said VIKINGO!. “We’ve all been in the music business for a while and rock n’ roll has always been the link that’s connected us. We produced, recorded and mixed it ourselves with the intention of making something that would be truly rock n’ roll. That is, we wanted to make something truly rebellious and not canned.” Set It On Fire was recorded at the famed 4th Street Recording (Muse, The Beach Boys, Bad Suns) and was mastered by Dale Becker (Macklemore, Neil Diamond). Considering all four members of VIKINGO! are producers, it comes as no surprise that they produced their EP as a combined group effort. Jeff Henderson, accomplished storyboard artist with credits such as Inception and After Earth, designed the notable Set It On Fire cover art. Compromised of Daniel Jimenez Afanador on lead vocals and guitar, Sejo Navajas on guitar, Andreas Kvinge Sandnes on bass, and Chris Roberts on drums, VIKINGO! came into existence in 2017. At age fourteen, childhood best friends Jimenez Afanador and Navajas performed in a band together in Colombia. After moving to the United States, the two friends began to grow their music careers separately. With their successes as producers within the music industry, Navajas and Jimenez Afanador decided it was time to start a band again. Navajas suggested his friend, Sandnes who he met at 4th Street Recording, the studio that Navajas is not only a partner at, but also the chief engineer. He then invited past bandmate and 4th Street studio drummer, Roberts, to join and VIKINGO! was officially formed. The EP, Set It On Fire is available on digital music platforms. To keep up with VIKINGO!, follow their adventures through Facebook and Instagram. |
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The Ramona Flowers Sense A Past Presence In Their “Ghost” Music Video
UK Band Teams with NYC Menswear Brand, By Robert James for New Video
Los Angeles, CA – The Ramona Flowers have released a music video for their latest single, “Ghost” which reached the Top 30 charts on college radio. The new music video portrays the sensation that a past love is still around. The video, now streaming on the band’s YouTube channel, is from their latest album, Strangers. Stream or download the record on digital music platforms worldwide.
“Ghost” was directed by Frankie Nasso and shot in the Hamptons, NY. To stick with the ghost theme, the video reveals the “lost” James Bond Aston Martin DB7. “Ghost” also showcases The Ramona Flowers newest partnership with NYC menswear brand, By Roberts James, who provided all the styling and fashion direction for the video. The video is filled with little details that make it more meaningful than a band performing in an empty house. It creates a metaphorical match between vision and lyrics. The camera follows a girl that appears to be an apparition throughout the house while the band plays, promoting the lyrics, “it’s your face that I see flicker even though you’re not around”.
The five-piece indie-synth group formed in Bristol after having met by chance, and have since progressed through two albums – Dismantle And Rebuild (2014) and Part Time Spies (2016) – to their well-developed third long-player, Strangers. The group initially banded together to find a shared sweet spot between rock and electronica. They have since put down their guitars and picked up synthesizers, hence their breezy, ‘80s infused electro-pop sound. The Ramona Flowers have enjoyed international success, performing throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. They have impressively widened their fan base, including the likes of Bono, the lead singer of U2.
Catch The Ramona Flowers on tour in the UK this fall. To keep up with the band, visit TheRamonaFlowersMusic.com. “Ghost” is available on all digital music platforms and the video is available to be seen on YouTube.
Tour Dates:
Sept 20 – Berlin, DE – Kesselhaus & Maschinenhaus
Sept 22 – Cologne, DE – Artheater
Oct 01 – Amsterdam, NL – Sugar Factory
Oct 02 – Paris, FR – Olympic Café
The West Coast Feed Debuts Energetic Single and Video, “You Belong to Me”
Seattle-based Soulful Rock Band Gives Back To Charity
Seattle, WA – The eight-piece powerhouse band, The West Coast Feed released their new single and video, “You Belong to Me,” showcasing their large and energetic sound. The upbeat rock song displays the band’s big sound that has been exciting audiences at their live performances. The band also just unveiled their music video, available for viewing on their YouTube channel. “You Belong to Me” can be downloaded or streamed on digital music platforms worldwide.
“You Belong to Me”, written and produced by lead singer, Jesse Butterworth, is a truly personal track for the band. This single explores Butterworth’s journey of adoption and the bond between a parent and child. “This song is about the process that my wife and I went through to adopt our daughter, Harper, from Ethiopia,” explains Butterworth. “It was a three-year process with lots of paperwork and two trips over to Africa for court dates, but all of that work paid off when we were able to bring her home to be part of our family forever.” The track was engineered by Matt Woll and mixed by Aaron Sternke.
The band released a mid-century modern inspired video, directed by Aaron Sternke, with a Wes Anderson aesthetic. What starts out as a very Andy Griffith, Leave it to Beaver scene with people casually lounging around at a house party, switches gears when the band begins to play and takes the atmosphere to a new level.
Honoring the collective legacies of Memphis, Muscle Shoals, and New Orleans, The West Coast Feed generates a modern and electrifying swagger rock/soul experience. The tight backbeat of the rhythm section, a vibrant three-man horn section, tandem electric guitars and a soaring violin set the stage for the commanding voice of charismatic frontman, Jesse Butterworth. Since the Seattle-based band’s formation one short year ago, The West Coast Feed has filled clubs and theaters by word of mouth, drawing audiences to an experience of sound and sensation that makes sitting still impossible. With their highly anticipated self-titled full-length debut, founding member /guitarist and accomplished recording engineer, Matt Woll polishes the sweat, grit and energy of the band into a sonic studio shimmer.
Philanthropic support is a central theme to The West Coast Feed’s mission as they have partnered with two non-profit organizations, charity:water and All God’s Children International. All God’s Children is the agency who helped Butterworth and his wife adopt their daughter. To show their thanks, the band is donating proceeds from their upcoming CD release show to the non-profit who helped their family become whole.
“You Belong to Me” is the first single off of their self-titled debut album. Stream or download the it now on digital music platforms worldwide. The West Coast Feed will continue to tour and release more music throughout the year. Stay up to date by visiting TheWestCoastFeed.com.
Simon XO Fights Back With New Release, “My Love”
Los Angeles, CA – Simon XO unveiled his newest single, “My Love,” a turbulent song that showcases his angst about the current state of politics. The track gets straight to the point with its powerful lyrics, accompanied by strong vocals and sharp forceful drums that provoke the tone of song. “My Love” is available for download and streaming on digital music platforms worldwide.
Mixed by Keith Armstrong (Green Day, Echosmith, Cher), “My Love” was mastered by Grammy-nominated Andrew Garver and co-written by famed fellow singer/songwriter David Poe. Poe, who Rolling Stone credits as giving “the singer-songwriter genre a much-needed jolt,” has written for Grace Potter, Daryl Hall, T-Bone Burnett as well as writing music for TV shows such as Nashville and Dexter. The single was written with the intent to come together and fight back against the current administration while providing an underlying message of hope and unity. “I think at this point, everyone is just exhausted with the president,” explains Simon XO. “There is so much news—most of it bad—that your senses overload. But the worst time to stop fighting is now. With midterms around the corner, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our anger meaningfully. And ‘My Love’ is my attempt to explain my anger in the unifying way it’s intended.” “My Love” marks the fourth release from Simon XO and is the follow-up to his song, “There’s a Way Out.”
Simon XO knew he wanted to be a performer at a young age. He learned how to play the trombone at thirteen while living in San Diego. From that point, he focused on music and decided to enroll in USC’s Thornton School of Music to build his skills. Simon XO played in a few bands before deciding to go solo and focus on his own music. His music has gained the attention from EQ Music, Celeb Mix, DASH Radio, Groundsounds, and EDM Sauce.
Keep up with Simon XO as he uses an artistic platform to speak his truth by visiting Facebook.com/SimonXOMusic. Stream or download “My Love” on digital platforms worldwide now and stay tuned for his EP, Covering, set to drop in late 2018.
The Ramona Flowers Release New Album Strangers
UK Band Unveils Highly Anticipated Album and Partnership With Menswear Brand, By Robert James Los Angeles, CA – The Ramona Flowers have released their new album, Strangers, via Distiller Records. The eleven-track collection reveals the band’s eloquent balance between rock and electronica. The album seamlessly fuses contemporary influences with timelessly anthemic melodies. Strangers is now available to stream and download from all digital music platforms worldwide. The album was recorded at The Distillery in Bath, UK and produced by the esteemed Chris Zane (Friendly Fires, Passion Pit, Bat For Lashes). The title track sets the tone for The Ramona Flowers’ new approach with a nocturnal club sound. “It’s about when you meet somebody and that first sort of whirlwind of how great it is,” says lead singer Steve Bird. Strangers is inspired in part by the band’s time on the road and the people they meet along the way, from New York to Tokyo. These travels are displayed in their latest music video, “Out of Focus,” a track that underlines the more synth-based emphasis of the album. The single “Venice” explores the romantic visions of an idyllic future existence in the Italian city. “‘Venice’ is loosely about myself and my girlfriend moving on eventually to be in a beautiful place and forgetting about day-to-day troubles,” Bird explains. The album also features the previously released single, “If You Remember” and “Ghost,” which will be at radio this summer. Strangers is the sound of a band that has refined their craft through years of experience and experimenting with different styles, while discovering exactly who they want to be. The Ramona Flowers recently announced their partnership with New York based menswear brand, By Robert James. Inspired by music and historic men’s garments and themes, and guided by the spirit of his humble beginnings, James’ designs appeal to high-end men’s fashion books as well as the average guy. By Robert James will be styling The Ramona Flowers for their upcoming music video and the band will also appear in the brand’s upcoming campaign. The Ramona Flowers have enjoyed international success, performing throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. They have impressively widened their fan base that now includes Bono of U2. Strangers is now available to stream and download worldwide on digital music platforms everywhere. Keep up with The Ramona Flowers by visiting TheRamonaFlowersMusic.com. |
JØUR Releases Reflective New Single “American Nightmare”
Alt-Pop Singer Questions “The American Dream” With New Track
Minneapolis, MN – Alt-pop singer, JØUR, released her captivating new single, “American Nightmare.” The track is the first single off of her upcoming record, Chiaroscuro. The song captures the essence of JØUR’s alt-pop sound with electronic minimalism and angelic delicacy. “American Nightmare” is now available for download across all digital music platforms.
The song, produced by Matt Patrick, is mixed by Evan Bakke and mastered by Huntley Miller. “I originally wrote this song several years ago about blindly following the ‘American Dream’ of getting a job, moving to the suburbs, getting married, having kids, etc.,” explains JØUR. “I felt at the time that my life was flying in the face of conventionality when I quit my 9-5 finance job to pursue art and music and everyone was cautioning me about taking such a huge risk, when for me the biggest nightmare and risk would be to have that version of the American Dream.” The moody single reflects JØUR’s uncertainty and feelings towards America’s stance on social issues and the troubles on Capitol Hill. “My favorite line in the song is, ‘Dust storms are formed from grains of sand.’ It’s wild how our individual decisions, like sand you can hold in your hand, can collectively become something so enormous and beyond our control.”
Born in Minneapolis, MN, JØUR has been immersed in music since a young age when her mother signed her up for piano and voice lessons. She continued piano lessons throughout high school and then taught herself “pop” piano in college. Part of her inspiration as an adult artist came from Feist, specifically her record Metals. JØUR learned to be delicate, intentional and use her voice like a paintbrush to make art. JØUR believes in empowering oneself through various art mediums; she’s an active dancer, painter, photographer and graphic designer. She is also the co-founder of the Good Arts Collective, a local collaborative arts organization that seeks to empower artists to transition from hobbyists to professionals. As a passionate advocate for artists, she is currently working on a new project “The Musician’s Gym,” a YouTube channel with exercise and healthy travel tips for touring musicians.
Pairing electronic minimalism with elegant musical composition, JØUR achieves what is both timeless and relevant. “American Nightmare” is the first single from JØUR’s upcoming album. Stay tuned as she continues to release more music throughout 2018. “American Nightmare” is now available to download on digital music platforms everywhere. Keep up with JØUR by visiting JourMusic.xyz.
The Ramona Flowers Release Captivating Single “Out of Focus”
UK Band Unveils Music Video Ahead of “Strangers” Album Release
Los Angeles, CA – The Ramona Flowers have released their new electro-pop single and music video for “Out of Focus.” The synth-based track begins with a rhythmic drum groove and continues with an upbeat, addictive chorus. This magnetic song is the latest single off of the band’s forthcoming album, Strangers available on May 18, 2018 via Distiller Records. “Out of Focus” is now available for download and streaming across all digital music platforms. The music video is available for viewing on YouTube.
“Out of Focus” is produced by Chris Zane (Friendly Fires, Passion Pit, Bat For Lashes) and explores the group’s electronic and contemporary dance vibe. “Chris has a brilliant knack for getting the most beautiful sounds out of classic synths,” says Sam James. The music video features a collection of the band’s recent tour footage both on and off stage from the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan where they played in front of thousands of people. The popularity of their Fuji Rocks performance created a demand for the subsequent tour which is also featured in the video.
The five-piece electro-pop group formed in Bristol after having met by chance, and have since progressed through two albums – Dismantle And Rebuild (2014) and Part Time Spies (2016) – to their well-developed third long-player, Strangers, set for release on May 18, 2018. The group initially banded together to find a shared sweet spot between rock and electronica. They have since put down their guitars and picked up synthesizers, hence their breezy, ‘80s infused electro-pop sound. The Ramona Flowers have enjoyed international success, performing throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. They have impressively widened their fan base, including the likes of Bono, the lead singer of U2.
“Out of Focus” is a testament to The Ramona Flowers’ uncanny ability to perfectly mesh rock and electronica with addictive, radio-ready hooks. Watch the music video on the band’s YouTube channel and download or stream the track on digital music platforms worldwide. Keep up with The Ramona Flowers by visiting TheRamonaFlowersMusic.com.
Simon XO Delivers Inspiring Electro-Pop Anthem “There’s A Way Out”
Los Angeles Artist Debuts Most Dancefloor-Ready Offering To Date
Los Angeles, CA – Electro-pop artist, Simon XO, is following up his successful double single debut with the powerful new electro-pop anthem, “There’s A Way Out.” The song features the big cinematic drums, meticulously crafted build-ups and introspective lyrics that Simon XO has utilized to quickly make a name for himself as an artist and producer. “There’s A Way Out” is available for download and streaming on digital music platforms everywhere.
“There’s A Way Out” is a masterpiece in both lyrical impact and sonic flavor. Simon XO inspires hope in listeners as he urges them to “scream it louder” in the open, belted choruses. This song is the long-awaited culmination of the type of message he has been striving to communicate. “So much of the pain in my life and the pain I’ve noticed in my friends’ and family’s lives are that we fail to let each other in. We lash out in anger when we should be doing the exact opposite,” said Simon. “We don’t feel alone because we are alone, we feel alone because we don’t look up and see the waves of people that care so much about us.”
Impressively, the single was written and produced by Simon XO. The production makes use of thick synth sounds, forceful drum fills and a plethora of well-placed transitional sound effects that give Simon XO his distinctive electro-pop trademark. Additionally, the track has an extra platinum shine from mastering by Grammy-nominated Andrew Garver, mixing by Keith Armstrong (Green Day, Echosmith, Cher), and engineering from Nick Brumme.
Originally from San Diego, Simon XO started playing trombone at a young age. By thirteen, he was blasting it along to Neil Young, Led Zeppelin and Wilco albums. Realizing the dichotomy between his trombone playing and his desire to be a mainstream artist, Simon XO enrolled in USC’s Thornton School of Music to hone his craft. Since then, the producer and multi-instrumentalist has created his own version of electro-pop by combining explorative production elements. “Waiting For Me To Break” / “How Do I Fight It” marked his first solo release and quickly garnered the attention of press outlets including Ground Sounds, EQ Music, and EDM Sauce. With influences ranging from Neil Young to Kendrick Lamar, Simon XO is already making a unique impression on the music industry.
Stream or download “There’s A Way Out” on digital music platforms everywhere now. Keep up with Simon XO by going to Facebook.com/SimonXOMusic and stay tuned for his EP, Covering, set to drop in mid-2018.
The Ramona Flowers Announce New Single “Dramatist” and Album Pre-order
UK Band Drops New Track and Joins Leading US Booking Agency
Los Angeles, CA – UK indie-electronic band, The Ramona Flowers announce their new single and lyric video, “Dramatist.” The synth-based track is rooted in nostalgia and accompanied by a powerful drum groove. “Dramatist” will be released on March 23rd alongside the pre-order of the band’s forthcoming album, Strangers, out on May 18th, 2018.
Strangers was recorded at The Distillery in Bath, England and produced by the esteemed Chris Zane (Friendly Fires, Passion Pit, Bat For Lashes). The album, including the previously released singles, “Strangers,” “If You Remember” and “Same Sun,” explores The Ramona Flowers’ perfect balance between rock and electronica. Strangers is the sound of a band that has refined their craft through years of experience and experimenting with different styles, while discovering exactly who they want to be. “The idea for ‘Dramatist’ happened on my way to bed,” explains guitarist Sam James. “It took two minutes! I’m not sure what it says about bedtime, maybe I thought an event was going to happen!”
The band also announced that they have joined US booking agency, Artist Group International (AGI) with agents, Pete Pappalardo and Tom Linden at the helm. AGI is a leading live entertainment agency that books an extensive roster of musicians, comedians and sporting events worldwide. Some of their clients include Cage the Elephant, Smashing Pumpkins, Band of Horses and Iggy Pop.
The Ramona Flowers’ notable performances include memorable sets at Glastonbury and Fuji Rock Festival. The group has toured around the world including shows in Europe, Asia and North America, making many new fans along the way – including Bono, lead singer of U2. Bono contacted the band after he heard his daughter playing the pulsing and atmospheric track, “Lust And Lies.” The song caught his ear and he subsequently recruited its producer, Andy Barlow (one half of electronic duo Lamb) to help in the making of the Irish supergroup’s latest album, Songs Of Experience. The Guardian said, “There’s something about this band that suggests hugeness may be imminent.”
“Dramatist” is available for download and streaming on digital music platforms worldwide Friday, March 23rd. To hear the band’s most masterful songwriting to date, pre-order Strangers. Keep up with The Ramona Flowers by visiting TheRamonaFlowersMusic.com.
Veronica Bianqui Challenges Social Pressures With “Sunday Cups”
Los Angeles Songwriter Releases Bluesy Pop Single
Los Angeles, CA – Veronica Bianqui has released a soulful new single, “Sunday Cups” that infuses elements of blues with her traditional garage-pop wheelhouse. The single is stripped-down in nature, helping to emphasize the solemn mood in Bianqui’s understated vocal delivery. The highly metaphorical lyrics are a satirical stab at the social pressures preventing many from wearing their heart on their sleeve. “Sunday Cups” is available for download and streaming on digital music platforms worldwide.
Produced by both Veronica Bianqui and Matt Adams (of The Blank Tapes), “Sunday Cups” showcases Bianqui’s clever songwriting as well as her instrumental prowess. “The lyrics are essentially a tongue-in-cheek criticism about the social pressures many of us feel sometimes to not put our emotions on display,” Bianqui explains. “Often we hide what we are really feeling for fear of stigma, and we keep our emotions contained.” This thought-provoking message is insinuated by the chorus, which suggests listeners save their “Sunday Cups” for Sundays. Bianqui instructs the audience, “Keep your cool and your sweet tooth contained.” From the sonic front, the single effectively creates a solemn, yet soulful mood as a result of the open production and the prominent background vocals. “The song represents my newer approach in writing more stripped down, sparse songs. I also wanted to try something different by bringing in Nina (Kasuya) and Tatiana (Sandate) on backup vocals, as opposed to singing them myself like in my other tracks.”
The Los Angeles-based artist has performed in bands touring across the U.S. and Europe. As a current member of 1960’s inspired folk/surf/psych rock outfit The Blank Tapes, she balances the two bands, often collaborating with bandmate and co-producer, Matt Adams. Her musical background includes musical theatre, jazz, classical and even Indian classical music. Additionally, Bianqui credits much of her musical inspiration to her mother’s propensity for blasting The Beatles and Joe Cocker around the house. At her live shows, Bianqui and her band consisting of up to 10 members—reminiscent sometimes of a revue– combine classic showmanship with a heartfelt directness that keeps the music intimate. Bianqui continues to impress major press outlets, rightfully earning write ups in LA Weekly, Ones to Watch, NBC’s SoundDiego, Buzzbands.LA, in addition to radio play on KCRW.
“Sunday Cups” is an unconventional, yet effective, message that highlights the social norms of “keeping your cool even when it’s fake.” While Veronica Bianqui’s musical talent is clearly evident in her clever songwriting and fitting emotional delivery, it is further reinforced by her impressive guitar work. “Sunday Cups” is now available for download or streaming on your favorite digital music platform. Keep up with her by visiting VeronicaBianqui.com.