Since September 2016, Aliens potent mix of Alt Rock, Pop hooks and politically engaged social commentary has been firing up live audiences, reviewers and DJ’s across the UK. Long Way to Run is the lead track from their new album, Terradome.
Aliens were created as a music/film collective by composer & producer, Iain Harvie, (best known as the Rock guitarist for million sellers, Del Amitri) and filmmaker, songwriter & singer, Tim May. They were soon joined by Helen Turner from Paul Weller & Style Council on keys, Martyn Barker from Shriekback on drums, The Bible’s Leroy Lendor on bass, and hot new talent Tommy Sheen on guitar. Now, Iain has confined his Aliens duties to mixing and producing, while Tim and the band play live.
Their last single, Desolation Angel, written with Jungle’s Fraser MacColl, was released in aid of Centrepoint, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, and swiftly became BBC Radio Scotland’s record of the week. Terradome brings both tracks together with a whole load more that are destined to bring Aliens the wider attention they deserve.
“Maybe the world changes one conversation at a time, one idea, one slight shift of perception, if so Aliens are as vital as any more obvious rallying cry.” Dave Franklin. Scene and Heard.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/blackoutlockdown
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1cdiplXHN22XQZ1qieLtEu?si=_yBEoR8eT2elQVb7ReTlvw
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmeJb7YdDx0C4AzkAok8FLQ
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R.A. The Rugged Man Exclusive Interview (The Week in #Indie Segment)
R.A. The Rugged Man is one of those artists who remains humble despite having a career that has not only spanned decades but has crossed genres and included the likes of Ice-T, Ghostface Killah, Wu Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, and many others as well as spanning music and film. But what really impresses me is that he remains both humbled and grateful for what he has worked for. And that, to me, is the mark of a true artist. Someone who not only remembers his roots but holds on to them with reverence.
And it is that reverence that shines throughout his latest album titled ‘All My Heroes Are Dead’ released April 17, 2020, via Nature Sounds Records.
In this interview, we talk with R.A. about his beginnings as well as the new album and how it further advances his evolution of revolution that is his music and much, much more.
Check out our other articles about R.A. The Rugged Man HERE.
Watch the full episode of The Week in #Indie HERE.
Click HERE to watch Season 6 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 5 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 4 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 3 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 2 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 1 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.ABOUT R.A. THE RUGGED MAN
R.A. The Rugged Man is one of the most fascinating figures in hip-hop history. His career spans decades and defies simple narratives. The Rugged Man has been an up-and-coming star, an industry outcast banished and forgotten, an underground cult hero, an independent success story, and an influential master of the art form. He can obliterate rappers with ferocious battle rhymes, craft heartfelt personal songs fans can relate to, offend sensitive listeners with shocking vulgarity, challenge corrupt politicians and corporations, paint pictures with captivating storytelling, and deliver jaw-dropping flows that prove his lyrical skills are unmatched.
He’s also worked with a staggering number of hip-hop’s most respected artists, including legends like The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang, Tech N9ne, Rakim, Mobb Deep, Talib Kweli, Kool G Rap, Public Enemy, Brother Ali, and many more. And while others struggle to maintain a foothold in the ever-changing rap landscape, R.A. The Rugged Man is the rare artist who has become more relevant with time, with each new album more compelling than the last.
Originally from Long Island’s Suffolk County, R.A. was raised by his father, a Vietnam veteran whose exposure to Agent Orange left two of R.A.’s siblings with severe disabilities. After building a reputation as one of the most talented unsigned MCs on the scene, he sparked a bidding war between several major labels. R.A. eventually signed to Jive Records, but his outspoken defiance and reckless behavior spelled the end of that deal and left him banned from venues, labels, and recording studios. The Rugged Man re-emerged in the late 90s, pioneering the indie rap hustle by pressing up against his own 12” singles and contributing to compilations from the celebrated Rawkus Records.
He earned his first Gold record for his work on the WWE Aggression album, and his music was featured on the hit video game Tony Hawk’s Underground, which sold millions of copies. R.A. then unleashed his seminal independent album Die, Rugged Man, Die, along with the critically acclaimed compilation Legendary Classics. The latter included show-stealing collaborations and many of the storied tracks that fueled his rise, including the Jedi Mind Tricks song “Uncommon Valor”, on which the Rugged Man delivers what is widely recognized as one of the greatest verses in rap history. By the time his last album Legends Never Die debuted at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart, R.A. was thoroughly established as an independent hip-hop icon, playing sold-out shows across the world and drawing widespread praise for his undeniable contributions to the culture.
Now, R.A. The Rugged Man is back with All My Heroes Are Dead, a brand new album that stands as his best work to date. “So many of the greats are gone, and the legends who made it out alive are cast aside,” R.A. says. “Society left our heroes and their culture for dead. We have to dig that greatness out of its grave, and bring it back with an angry vengeance.” While Legends Never Die was dedicated to the memory of his father, All My Heroes Are Dead is R.A.’s first album since becoming a father of two himself. “When you have children, that’s a whole other level of joy and pain and emotion,” he describes. “It opens the whole entire universes with the pen.” The music covers a wide range of moods and transcends hip-hop cliches. “I didn’t want to make a whole album of just destroying rappers and rapping better than everyone.” the Rugged Man explains. “There’s a lot of places my albums take you, and there’s way more storytelling on this one. I love to bring listeners into different worlds.”
Now available worldwide, All My Heroes Are Dead features an all-star cast of hip-hop heavyweights, including Chuck D, Slug of Atmosphere, Ghostface Killah, Immortal Technique, Vinnie Paz, Ice-T, M.O.P., Kool G Rap, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Onyx, Brand Nubian, Chris Rivers, Inspectah Deck, A-F-R-O, Masta Killa, and more. The highly-anticipated album showcases the full scope of R.A. The Rugged Man’s considerable talent, making it a powerful statement from an unforgettable artist.
LINKS:
https://ratheruggedman.net
https://twitter.com/ratheruggedman
https://facebook.com/RATheRuggedMan
https://www.instagram.com/ratheruggedmanofficial
https://www.youtube.com/user/RAtheRuggedManTV -
Partisan Premieres ‘Too Late’
Beginning with the momentum that began with “Two Lovers”, Partisan continue their evolution of revolution with their new single titled “Too Late”. Partisan has always been a band that I personally have, not only enjoyed but respect musically.
Partisan have always had the habit of adding intrigue, musically interesting hooks, and just enough influence to make Partisan a sure contender as a truly established act for the next generation of aspiring artists. Yes, folks, I I have said many times before, Partisan’s sh*t is THAT together. Just listen. You can hear it in our interview with Stuart Armstrong, Partisan’s killer vocal-piece.
To hear Partisan is to love Partisan, and we now have yet another example of such. The chorus for “Too Late” is spacious and breathtaking, the intro and first verse build up to the chorus like a good story, and the crescendo also serves as an “I’ll be back” to the listener to prove, yet again, that it’s never too late to be a Partisan.
LINKS:
https://www.wearepartisan.rocks
https://www.facebook.com/wearepartisan
https://twitter.com/wearepartisan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeA7ADB8ws4
https://soundcloud.com/partisan77
https://reverbnation.com/partisan3 -
Jammerzine’s The Week in #Indie for 4/27/2020
Jammerzine’s The Week in #Indie returns for Season 6 with exclusive coverage of Jammer Direct’s first episode of their new live concert series titled ‘Jammer Direct’s Live @Home’. Also, exclusive interviews with Justin Payne and Nick Cove as well as new music and videos by Ender Bender, Felixity, Follow The Lion, Magnus, The Academy of Sun, and Tyraid.
About Jammer Direct’s Live @Home
Live @Home is a new chapter in discovering music, with artists performing straight from their homes into fans Homes new and old. Going through Jammer Direct’s multiple streaming platforms via PC/Mac, Mobile, Tablet, Radio, and Television in true HD and Dolby Digital surround sound that reaches a worldwide audience.
With concerts, events, festivals, and concerts effectively canceled for the near future, even after things get back to somewhat normality people will be slow to get back out there. Musicians need a way to reach out with their music, LIVE @HOME is that game-changer that will let recording artists of all genres and levels reach out to fans along with gaining new ones.
Watch Episode 1 HERE.
About Justin Payne
Justin Payne has just released his new single titled ‘Empty Page’. And, in addition to premiering it for all of you today, we get to talk to the man behind the mayhem; Justin himself!
In this interview, we get to talk with Justin about his beginnings in music and how personal tragedy and hardship have shaped not only his music and the directions he is taking it but also him as a person and human being and how love and loss can shape you in positive ways if you have the right person with you and how you can shape your perceptions in positive ways. This is as much a life lesson as it is an in-depth interview with a positive artist.
LINKS:
https://justinpayneandco.com
https://instagram.com/justinpayneandco
https://facebook.com/justinpayneandco
https://justinpayneandco.bandcamp.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3IsJ3F2D4nD1RkA4wp93raAbout Nick Cove
Nick Cove & The Wandering have officially released their new single titled ‘This Is Where I Hide’ off of their upcoming album titled ‘Harbinger’. And, in addition to bringing it to all of you readers, we have an exclusive interview with the man behind the music himself, Nick Cove.
Nick is one of those musicians who wears his heart on his sleeve and lets his music tell the tales of his life in a way that is not only original and creative in the ‘end product’, but in the recording and execution of each track. The album as a whole is a continuous string of stories varied in styles and woven together like a book that you can’t put down. We get a taste of that in this interview.
‘This Is Where I Hide’ is but a preview of things to come from Nick and his Wandering. The song is a lush and vivid soundscape of beautifully toned guitars and avid vocals mixed with a solid rhythm section.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/nickcoveandthewandering
https://nickcoveandthewandering.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/nickcoveandthewanderingAbout Ender Bender
Ender Bender, a newcomer in the indie-pop world, presents his debut single ‘Star Killer’. This is the first single from his forthcoming ‘EQ’ EP, to be released in spring 2020. This song explores the ups and downs, the angels, and the demons of life in Los Angeles.
Ender Bender is the solo project of Eddie Olguin, a multi-instrumentalist producer, guided by a unique mission of making perfect modern pop-rock. Creating music and spreading bliss in the face of the realization that nothing in life is perfect, the pursuit of this perfect sound is what fuels the Ender Bender fire.
LINKS:
http://www.enderbender.com
https://www.facebook.com/enderbendersonicdrug
https://soundcloud.com/iamenderbender
https://twitter.com/iamEnderBender
https://www.instagram.com/iamenderbenderAbout Felixity
‘You&Me’ is a hyper-real and joyful gem that shines in an auto-tuned pop landscape. Equally street-smart-urban and classic chanteuse, her remarkable voice and effortless range make an impactful introduction.
Felixity’s cool, hauntingly beautiful tone is fused with a world-class dynamic production; washes of orchestral uplift and wonderful musicianship weaving soulfully funky, R&B vibes. The deep groove, broad sonic palette, and positive message should resonate with all generations of music lovers.
The Oberkon Remix was created by a trio of heavy hitters: Andy Spaceland (a.k.a. Andy Jenks), part of Alpha and 5 Billion in Diamonds, together with Butch Vig; Jay Reynolds, notable mixer for the likes of Dua Lipa, Liam Gallagher, MIST, Fred Again, Gabrielle, Paloma Faith, and Pixie Lott; and producer David Francolini.
“I often write about things that have hurt me, music is the easiest place I can put the things in my head because I find it simpler to sing about things than say them. I’ve opened up a lot about myself in these songs so I hope someone out there hears them and feels a little bit less alone,” says Felixity.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/Felixityx
https://twitter.com/felixity_x
http://www.iinstagram.com/felixity_x
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqvgVRDF_xKKzWNNYnRVmA
https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/felixity/1497518825
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0rrpwcxiKQNAtpsU3e4q7VAbout Follow The Lion
Follow The Lion officially drop their new single titled ‘H.O.P.E. (Hold On Pain Ends)’. A lear progression from their previous work, Follow The Lion gives a solid mix and master with a stunning lead vocal and lush set of guitars pinning beautiful harmonies. This song is thought out but done in such a way as to capture the moment that was being conveyed during the writing process.
Epic in scope and vivid in execution, ‘H.O.P.E.’ counted on faith and delivered originality. This is brilliant.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/followthelionmusic
https://instagram.com/ftlionbandAbout Magnus
Sydney band Magnus formed in 2012 to bring their urgency, fearlessness in experimentation, and healthy disregard for genres to Australian music. Their name, derived from “Magn-hus” and translating as “powerhouse” in Old Norse, is a testament to their live performances. A casual open mic at Melbourne’s world-famous Cherry Bar landed them a residency there and eventually nomination for the Best live band of the year award by invite of owner James Young Himself.
Their debut album, “I”, received critical acclaim by both online and print media with The Sydney Morning Herald states: “The band clearly likes to tease and with terrific self-confidence, in their undoubted abilities the approach does create a lively anxiousness within their music.”.
LINKS:
https://www.entermagnus.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7nh8fJMJ1lLweOkBLJkUtS?si=6tJlDg9lRI-obMMJiwAocQ
https://entermagnus.bandcamp.com
https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/magnus/1452892942
https://www.facebook.com/entermagnus
https://instagram.com/entermagnus
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmRwaCZMSRE6smrseUT2ies5wBAeboVr5
https://soundcloud.com/entermagnusAbout The Academy of Sun
The Academy of Sun has just dropped their new video for the track titled ‘The Parts That Need Replacing’. As we said in our original review of the single, ‘…delivers sustenance within that creative void’. The video adds to that in the fact that the visuals are timed and beautifully representative of the music that is the single. Almost an art-house accompaniment, the video adds that visual something that lends more of a creative touch as a separate stand-alone and not so much of a bonus to the song. Music for the senses.
‘The Parts That Need Replacing’ is out now, available across online stores and streaming platforms such as Spotify. The full album ‘The Quiet Earth’ will be released in the summer of 2020 on CD, as well as digitally.
Check out our exclusive interview with The Academy of Sun’s Nick Hudson HERE.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/TheAcademyOfSun
https://nickhudsonindustries.bandcamp.com
https://www.twitter.com/theacademyofsun
https://www.instagram.com/The_Academy_Of_Sun
https://www.youtube.com/user/NickHudsonMusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5CxsNgEPz9v8iBgO52VUUdAbout Tyraid
TYRAID officially releases his new video for the single titled ‘Rectified’. Set in the near-dystopian future, TYRAID teams up with producer DJ Green Lantern to give a cinematic view of what could be with an almost genre-hopping take with a classical interlude that leads to the notion that we are indeed in uncertain times, and that we need to be certain as to where we want to be and where we want to go.
In a time where the haves have more and the have nots have less, it’s good to know that there are still artists out there who know what they want and aren’t afraid to get it.
LINKS:
https://TheCultureIsBack.com
https://instagram.com/RoQyTyRaiD
https://twitter.com/RoQyTyRaiD
https://soundcloud.com/RoQyTyRaiD
https://RoQyTyRaiD.Bandcamp.com
https://facebook.com/TheCultureIsBackClick HERE to watch Season 5 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 4 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 3 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 2 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 1 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.