Serj Tankian has today released a 24-minute modern classical composition titled Disarming Time: A Modern Piano Concerto on his Serjical Strike Records label along with a self-produced video Serj made utilizing a lot of his own pictures and videos as a visual complement to the epic track.
The multifaceted artist releases Disarming Time: A Modern Piano Concerto on the heels of his critically-acclaimed rock EP, Elasticity, that was released in March of this year via BMG/Alchemy Recordings.
LINKS:
https://serjtankian.com
https://facebook.com/SerjTankian
https://twitter.com/serjtankian
https://instagram.com/serjtankian
https://youtube.com/serjtankian
Click HERE to watch Season 7 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
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’.
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Soundbytes: Kristin Hersh Tour Announcement & Interview
Set to take place at London’s Southbank Centre on June 15-24, this year marks the 25th edition of this iconic festival. This special celebration, curated by The Cure’s Robert Smith, offers a jam-packed line-up of unique performances. Apart from Kristin Hersh, this year’s line-up includes My Bloody Valentine, Nine Inch Nails, Mogwai, The Psychedelic Furs, Manic Street Preachers, The Libertines, Deftones, Placebo, Mono, 65daysofstatic, Alcest, and The Notwist.
Kristin Hersh has been confounding expectations and breaking rules since founding her influential art-punk band Throwing Muses at the age of 14. Her solo career spun off in 1994 with the release of ‘Hips and Makers’, a widely acclaimed album which included ‘Your Ghost’, a duet with R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe. Since then, Kristin has released a steady stream of distinctly individual solo albums, including 2010’s ‘Crooked’, her first release in the inventive book/CD format for which she is now known. She played all the instruments on her latest release ‘Wyatt at the Coyote Palace’, an explosive work defined by blistering guitars, powerful drumming, and Kristin’s signature visceral vocal technique. Her poignant true stories bring the listener into what the BBC calls Hersh’s “dark and dizzy world”.
Throwing Muses first gained traction in the early ‘80s playing with similarly singular artists like The Pixies and Dinosaur Jr. They continue to release groundbreaking music and tour the world, most recently with 2013’s double CD masterpiece ‘Purgatory/Paradise’.
In 2004, Kristin formed the noise rock power trio 50FOOTWAVE, releasing a series of frighteningly intense mini-albums, mostly available for download free of charge. The most recent ‘Bath White’ EP, which is like “a series of loud explosions, of velvet like dreams all intermingled at the same time” (Liverpool Sound & Vision).
Kristin’s writing career has flourished with the highly acclaimed ‘Paradoxical Undressing’ (released as ‘Rat Girl’ in the USA) and the award-winning ‘Don’t Suck, Don’t Die’, a personal account of her long friendship with the late Vic Chesnutt, in addition to the enchanting books that now accompany each record release.
Kristin Hersh, 50FOOTWAVE and Throwing Muses continue to create gorgeous, exciting music, with new releases expected online and in the stores as this year progresses.
The Meltdown Festival is the UK’s longest running artist-curated music festival. Smith is the lead singer and principal songwriter of The Cure, and its only constant member since the group formed in 1978. A defining band, The Cure took ‘alternative rock’ mainstream around the world and received numerous awards including a Brit Award for Best British Band, an MTV Icon Award, a Q Inspiration Award and NME’s Godlike Genius Award. Smith has also been presented with an Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement.
An iconic figure in his own right, Smith’s influence reaches across popular culture, film, art, and fashion. His many collaborations include performing and recording with artists as varied as David Bowie, Billy Corgan, Blink 182, The Stranglers, Placebo, Crystal Castles, Faithless, Korn, and 65daysofstatic.
Meltdown is one of the UK’s most anticipated music events each year, in which an iconic artist curates their own personal festival, revealing their interests and influences. Robert Smith follows in the footsteps of such legendary curators as Patti Smith, Nick Cave, Yoko Ono, Massive Attack, Ornette Coleman and 2017’s M.I.A.
“I am honored and excited to be curating the 25th Meltdown. More than 30 of my all-time favourite artists – some of the most exciting, inspirational, intense and influential performers of the last 40 years – will make sure this 10-night extravaganza is the must-see event of the summer!” says Robert Smith. “as each invitee confirms, as each shimmering piece falls into place, I pinch myself – this is really happening… And the complete picture will undoubtedly be out of this world!”.
Kristin Hersh says that “Meltdown is an opportunity for musicians to present what they do in a different light: music from the musician’s perspective. A private thing, a world unto itself.” Hersh will be playing the festival on June 21.
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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’. -
An Interview with January Jane
Jammerzine has an exclusive interview with Mitch C. Mitchell and Pat Via from BMG artists January Jane. I’ll start this off with a simple truth. These are the types of artists I love to interview. Not only are they living their dream as major label artists. They made it happen on their own terms. And not only that, they seem to be a tight knit family that deserves to be where they are. Mitch and Pat are totally cool. Fame has not phased them whatsoever. I get the feeling they have the same friends and dreams they had when they first started out. Those aren’t always the types of artists who make it big, but they are almost always the ones that stay big. They are the ones their fans love not only for the music but for their character. And that’s where ‘love’ turns into ‘in love’.
And today we get to talk with Mitch and Pat about their new EP ‘Your Drug’ (review below) as well as their thoughts on music, their music, and where they are taking it. This is more of a good conversation than an interview, and that’s how you get to know good people. Enjoy!
About January Jane
“The story of January Jane is so absurd – but then, everything about being in the music business is absurd,” says January Jane guitarist Mitch C. Mitchell with a laugh.
He’s correct: January Jane has taken an unusual path so far – but this strategy seems to have worked, because BMG is set to release the band’s much-anticipated EP, Your Drug, on September 17, 2021. Every track is ridiculously catchy, overflowing with melodies that are at once smooth yet highly textured, seamlessly blended with unapologetically emotional lyrics.
It’s an exhilarating moment for the band as they take a brief pause for reflection as they prepare for the whirlwind ahead. As lead vocalist and lyricist Pat Via says, “We feel like we’re at this jumping off point right now. We’re ready: we hope that we’ll soon be overwhelmed!” he says with a laugh.
Via writes the lyrics because he’s the one who has to deliver them in a way that will connect with fans, both in the recorded versions and in a live setting. Mitchell doesn’t mind handing over that particular duty: “If it’s a very cool lyric but it’s not from Pat’s heart, the audience will know it,” he says. Besides, Mitch, along with Peter Scialla, who joined the duo in 2014 on keyboard and piano, are busy writing the band’s music.
It’s an equitable and agreeable division of labor, and it was that way from the moment this band formed. Via and Mitchell met by chance at an art gallery opening in New York. Meeting up the next day to try to write together, they clicked so well that they had an outline for their first song sketched out in a mere 10 minutes.
This type of instant creative chemistry is extremely rare, so they immediately knew they were onto something special. In fact, January Jane has been such a revelation for both Via and Mitchell that they decline to discuss anything that came before it in their musical careers. “I don’t feel like anything that happened before this band matters,” Via says. “I’d rather talk about the story we’re writing now.”
Then, another New York City night cast its spell and delivered yet another surprise, when after wrapping up a show they were invited to a private gathering at a loft in the Meatpacking District: as they walked through the door they heard the sound of a piano rising from the center of a crowd that had gathered in a circle around the source of the music. They were immediately drawn in, and pushed their way past the pack to the grand piano in the center of the room, where they saw Peter Scialla manning the keys from within the eye of the hurricane. Peter seemed to sense their presence and looked up briefly from his keyboard, waving them over, before returning his gaze to the black and white keys in front of him. As the night progressed and they made their way through another bottle, singing and playing together to the impromptu crowd, they all realized they had found the missing piece, and Peter became part of January Jane.
With their epic songs, January Jane quickly gained a loyal fan base. One of their earliest supporters was Matt Pinfield, the DJ, journalist, television host, and all-around music industry legend. Pinfield has proven instrumental for the band: he took them under his wing and produced some of their early recordings (under the auspices of his own label, Whiskey Vinyl). Those songs, in turn, brought them to the attention of BMG, who quickly signed them. As always, when the opportunity came, January Jane’s members were prepared to grab it with both hands. As Via puts it, “It’s about staying ready for when the big lights get turned on.”
Being backed by BMG’s world-reaching might is exactly what January Jane’s members want, at this point. As Scialla explains, “We’ve put so much into this band – now we absolutely want to get it out there in a very big way.” Via agrees: “What band doesn’t want to be the biggest band in the world? When you have a label like BMG behind you, you get the opportunity to do that. Why walk when you can ride?”
“Taking this time to write and record has given us the chance to really explore creatively and find our unique sound,” says Mitchell. Also, the members understand that this type of band launch takes a long time to get ready, so they don’t mind waiting until everything is right for it.
As a primer for the music of January Jane, Your Drug is the perfect taster for what’s in store. From the cover of the Hall & Oates “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” which updates the ‘80s hit by adding a modern cinematic swirl, to the epic soar of the title track “Your Drug” whose pulsating keyboards leads you right into an escalating chorus reaching anthemic heights, the EP carries a sneaky familiarity that is immediate and enduring. The lead single “Versions of You” with its fluid melodies and hooks sinks deep, cementing their indelible and transcendent mark on the contemporary pop rock genre.
Now, with their new EP finally in sight, January Jane say they’re especially excited to support the album with a tour, because live shows have long been a strength for this band. They’ve routinely sold out shows at larger theater venues like the Gramercy Theater in New York, as well as appearing at prestigious festivals such as SXSW multiple times.
January Jane have often performed charity concerts, benefitting the Akron Children’s Hospital and The Dream Foundation, among other causes. Their most unusual benefit show, in 2018, found them headlining the October Ball, held at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, with proceeds going to the Bigs & Littles NYC Mentoring program.
This desire to spread love is at the heart of what January Jane has been about from the start. In fact, it is this pure love – for the music itself, and all the good it can do – that seems to ensure that January Jane’s future will stay bright. “We’ll never run out of ideas, because we love making music more than anything – every step of the way is fun,” Mitchell says. And there’s no reason to think their luck will change: “That chance meeting that Mitch and I had has somehow gotten us this far,” Via says, “and wandering into Pete’s studio in the time that followed was pure luck. We’ll just keep riding on those chances. It’s serendipitous.”
LINKS:
https://www.januaryjane.com
https://facebook.com/JanuaryJane
https://twitter.com/januaryjane
https://www.instagram.com/januaryjane
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkM7uWL6oc9-d_vj0XB_fUw
https://tiktok.com/@januaryjane
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ODcblM0A3Z5emvZK3H7R6