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BOAT Premieres ‘Loneliness Kills’ Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)

BOAT drops their new video for the track titled ‘Loneliness Kills’. Besides being the perfect track for the hiatus breaching band’s comeback, the song is just plain simply catchy as hell. Not having missed a step in the evolution of the music, BOAT keeps a timely pattern and relevance with a wonderfully quirky video filled with personality and that smile making certain something that makes us bright on the inside. Especially in times like these.

Check out the full episode of The Week in #Indie HERE.

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ABOUT BOAT

Such fitting words for perilous times, but those words help launch Tacoma / Seattle indie rock legends BOAT’s fantastic comeback record, Tread Lightly. Returning after a seven-year on hiatus, Tread Lightly was released May 1st via Magic Marker Records.

But don’t call it a comeback, as they never really broke up. They just spent some time focusing on other things. According to frontman David Crane, the band’s friendship has always been the greatest component of its existence, so even though they weren’t making music, the crew of BOAT sailed on.

“We all have busy lives, but just generally enjoy hanging out with one another and eating pizza and playing songs,” Crane says. “I focused on Unlikely Friends, J. Long focused on his work at KEXP and recording bands, J. Goodman focused on his other band Brackets, and M. McKenzie continued to be mysterious. Things really picked up when J. Long and I started sending each other demos. He creates crazy drum loops, and I make a song around them, and send them back. He adds extra melodies on keyboards and vocals, and chops them up and sends them back to me for more layers. “

Considering their close bond, it isn’t surprising that Tread Lightly doesn’t sound like a band coming back after nearly a decade. The album’s dozen crunchy but harmonically honey-coated songs swiftly and succinctly hit that Superchunk/Shins/Billy Joel/Ben Folds/Presidents Of The United States sweet spot you didn’t realize you’ve been missing.

And speaking of Presidents…if you listen closely, you’ll discover a President tucked away in “Zombie State Of Mind,” Mr. Chris Ballew in all his glory.

“He is awesome,” declares Crane. “He gave us a bunch of different ideas, and we just put them all together. Listening back to the Presidents of the USA albums, he does so many cool little vocal things that I didn’t even realize until after he contributed to our song. He’s just a true Seattle artist. Much respect for Ballew!”

Yet if you listen close enough, you’ll discover that the ominously titled Tread Lightly actually contains positive, uplifting, and empowering messages about life and getting older. Lead single “So Many Reasons Your Hair Turns Grey” will make you laugh, but when you think about the lyrics a little harder, you’ll completely appreciate it on a different level. The songs on Tread Lightly offer something more cerebral–healing vibes from someone who’s been through trauma and wants to help the world heal, yet leaves you thinking and finding comfort/wisdom in. Crane agrees. “I think more than almost any other album, this one captures what is going on in my mind. It was subconscious, but I think the record kind of plays like a diary to me. Maybe a 40-year-old’s diary?

LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/BOAT-99933840627/
https://boat.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/sloppypopstagram
https://twitter.com/boat_music

Lazaris Pit Premieres ‘You Don’t Tag Me in Memes Anymore’ & ‘Cloudsculpting’ Singles (The Week in #Indie Segment)

Lazaris Pit drops their new single titled ‘You Don’t Tag Me in Memes Anymore’ plus the B-Side ‘Cloudsculpting’. This is the perfect ‘capture the band in the moment’ moment. We get that garage-perfect sound with that quirky attitude and tight-yet-loose feeling in the vein of Dinasaur Jr. and the like but all Lazaris Pit in execution and scope.

With ‘Cloudsculpting’ we get the same side of a different coin with an adventurous song climbing to the top with varied guitar chord progressions and a hypnotic varied beat with that lovely feeling of falling apart at the seams while sticking together tightly in that true alt-rock sound at its purest.

‘You Don’t Tag Me In Memes Anymore’ is available everywhere digitally, including Spotify and Apple Music. The full ‘Coniphers’ album will be released on May 22.

Watch the full episode of The Week in #Indie HERE.

ABOUT LAZARIS PIT

Raleigh-based rock outfit Lazaris Pit have announced they will release their new ‘Coniphers’ album. Ahead of that, they present the lead single ‘You Don’t Tag Me In Memes Anymore’, a modern-day break-up song, often detached from the moments that make life worth living and musing on the deeper workings of it all with the grim reality that someone important has moved on. They also present a video rendition of this single, live in Athens, Georgia.

The B-side ‘Cloudsculpting’ showcases another facet of this album, evoking the image of spending a dreamy tranquil day, gazing up at the clouds and imagining what it might be like to live peacefully high up in the fluff and blue sky.

Formed in June 2017, this self-named “pack of cosmic dogs” consists of Ely “Salted Sweet Cream” Yarbrough (guitar and lead vocals), Cameron “Sugarfoot” Preston (bass) and Jon “Dok Tok” Castro (drums and backing vocals).

‘Our album ‘Coniphers’ is named after a brother of ours lost along the way. Included are 8 tracks of the good stuff, heady grooves and sweet pop tunes, funk breakdowns to zero gravity ambiance…. 42 minutes of rock n roll,” says Cameron Preston.

“Lead track ‘You Don’t Tag Me In Memes Anymore’ is a microcosm of the album as a whole, embodying our familiar Lazaris Pit sound. Is ‘Memes’ a pop song with a punk twist or is it a shoegaze song with some pep in its step? We aren’t quite sure what to call it, but we know it has been lighting up faces whenever mentioned and burning down dance floors when played live,” says Ely Yarbrough.

‘Coniphers’ was recorded live in-studio from November 2019 to January 2020, showcasing a band playing like a pack of hungry dogs, sinking their teeth into a meaty T-bone for the first time in ages. Recorded and mixed by Artem Smirnov at Common Thread Studios in Raleigh with additional engineering and creative input from Michael Graziano and Matt Graham, this album was mastered by Alexander Kretov at Ummagma Studio.

Lazaris Pit freely improvises a dreamy blend of punk, funk, soul, psychedelia, reggae, jazz, noise, and ambiance into a one-of-a-kind dance party. The result: a mind-meld of musical tapestries that take the listener on an emotional journey through time and space, and ourselves in the process.

They’ve brought their unique brand of rock-n-roll far and wide, having played shows up and down the east coast and southeast from Philly to Atlanta and New York to New Orleans, their sound filling large festival fields, historic college campuses, and the most intimate of dive bars and clubs.

Noting music aesthetic and sound inspirations in the sense of a launchpad rather than as blueprints, Lazaris Pit’ counts Fugazi and Grateful Dead among their inspirations, as well as classic R&B, Phish, Curtis Mayfield, Cream, Pink Floyd, Ween, George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, Primus, Flaming Lips, Talking Heads, Sonic Youth, and Yo La Tengo.

Featured image by Travis Merchant.

LINKS:
https://www.lazarispit.com
https://lazarispit.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/lazarispit
https://twitter.com/themLPboys
https://www.instagram.com/lazarispit
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_mbHlwbaZgIBhb56ybbiAg

Indie Allstars Release Chasing Rainbows NHS Tribute Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)

The Covid19 pandemic has proved how essential they are and funding cuts need to be addressed. Stoke-on-Trent DJ, Terry Bossons wanted to thank them by the power of music. The rainbow has been the symbol of the NHS, so the song ‘Chasing Rainbows’ by Shed Seven is a fitting tribute. Terry asked Rick Witter of Shed Seven to get involved with the video project and without hesitation, he jumped on board.

Next, a crescendo of indie music royalty joined the fold: Nigel Clark and Matthew Priest (Dodgy), Clint Boon (Inspiral Carpets), Gary Powell (The Libertines), John Power (Cast), Keith Mullin (The Farm), Chris Helme (Seahorses), Dave McCabe (The Zutons), Alan McGee (Creation Records), Baz (The Fratellis), Ryan & Jack Dooley (All The Young), Alfie (Holloways), Matt Bowman (Pigeon Detectives), Johnny Dean (Menswear), Leon Meya (Northern Uproar), James McColl (The Supernaturals), Rikki Turner (Paris Angels), Billy Bibby (Catfish and the Bottlemen) teamed up with radio royalty Mark Radcliffe and Eddy Temple-Morris (plus a few surprise guests) to make this happen in just seven days.

To donate to the UHNM (University Hospitals of The North Midlands Charity) to fund equipment, facilities and research to enhance the care of patients in the hospital please click HERE.

Every penny you donate will go to the NHS.

Also, download the original ‘Chasing Rainbows’ by Shed Seven to get it to #1!

Thanks to Creation, Dan Townley, Mark Askew, Toura Toura, High Violet PR, b_creative_prints, Plug and play promo, everyone who sent in videos and photos. Speedomick, Paul Chuckle, Hacker, and all the stars!

Watch the full episode of The Week in #Indie HERE.

Lycio Releases ‘Somebody’ Single (The Week in #Indie Segment)

Lycio has officially dropped their new single titled ‘Somebody’. The sweet combination of electronic and soul collide in glorious fashion with a solid rhythm and backbeat that throws emotion on the dancefloor and showcases vocalist Genie Mendez’ beautiful vocal range oozing with feeling and meaning every word.

Speaking of ‘Somebody’, Genie Mendez tells us, “I actually thought I’d try a different lyrical approach with this song. I’m rarely one to write about romance and our songs are usually entangled with expressions of my own mental health. So to have such a lyrically open chorus where I’m so clearly talking about unrequited love is definitely a first for us. Although I’ve still kept the verses dark and mysterious, this song is definitely about wanting someone so bad but them not quite wanting you back. Then you get this really catchy chorus, and I did want it to be as catchy as a Jess Glynne or Fickle Friends track, ‘cause they’re really good at grabbing the listener like that. So I hope you all enjoy listening to it the way we enjoy performing it.”

Watch the full episode of The Week in #Indie HERE.

ABOUT LYCIO

With a focus on championing females in music, Birmingham-based Lycio takes an egalitarian view of how their music is developed, allowing for an exciting, collaborative, and democratic writing process. Vocalist and lyricist Genie Mendez, keyboardist Charlie Kellie, and drummer Alex Lowe are each multi-instrumentalist, resulting in their performances being held completely live with no backing tracks or playback. Frequently the songs were written revolve around singer Mendez’ expressions of her own mental health and Kellie even designed his own software specifically to perform live. Lycio prioritizes safety and respect within live music venues, and to combat the culture of sexual assault and aggression – from the dance floor to the dressing room.

All three band members are influenced by a variety of musicians, including the likes of Alt-J, Jack Garratt, Janelle Monae, London Grammar, Jungle, Bonobo, Grimes, Charli XCX, Haim, Tim Hecker, Fickle Friends, Imogen Heap, The XX, and Chvrches. However, their own sound sits in closer comparison to the likes of Skunk Anansie, Skin, Santigold, and Little Dragon.

With distorted synths and vocals leading the introduction into ‘Somebody’, the rhythm quickly picks up as Genie Mendez’s voice begins to build. A soulful, heartful tune, the single manages to put a positive spin on unrequited love. The result is an empowering single, readying the listener to metaphorically “pick themselves up and dust themselves off” of any grief, they may feel. The dramatic instrumental punctuation of the lyrics only serves to enhance the spirit of the song as a victorious atmosphere is created.

LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/lyciomusic
https://twitter.com/lyciomusic
https://www.instagram.com/lyciomusic

Ethan Gold Releases ‘Not Me.Us’ Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)

Ethan Gold has officially released his new video for the single titled ‘Not Me. Us’. Beginning as a somber anthem the song slowly builds up to the hook with pop-sensibility and a craft only a good songwriter can achieve, ‘Not Me. Us’ gives a poignant reflection on the better qualities of humanity with the craft of a poet and the form of an artist.

‘Not Me.Us’ is out now everywhere digitally, including stores such as Apple Music, and streaming platforms like Spotify.

Watch the full episode of The Week in #Indie HERE.

ABOUT ETHAN GOLD

With the slogan ‘Make Sensitivity Cool Again’, Gold makes lullabies of strength for the quieter half of the human race. This is catchy art rock, for people who still dream. With personable flair and depth, Gold sings about the longing for human connection in the city, and also for the natural world.

“I wrote ‘Not Me. Us’ as an anthem to reflect the times. I started with the then-current Bernie slogan “Not Me Us” – a simple phrase, a moral protest against the lack of compassion, lack of empathy, and narcissism that’s become a point of pride for current political leadership in many countries. As a person who’s primary political motivator is a concern for our biosphere, I found this phrase very appealing, as it respects the interconnectedness of all life,” says Ethan Gold.

“Musically I went with a sound that’s more traditionally American. There’s a power in those idioms. I wanted to call out the hard fight everyone is having in the country, while also allowing everyone to feel, in a time where the dominant feelings are factionalism and fear, that the things which unite us could still be greater.”

Raised in San Francisco during the long extended hangover after hippie times, Ethan Gold is son to Beat author Herbert Gold and Melissa Gold, a collaborator and girlfriend of legendary concert promoter Bill Graham – the two died together in a helicopter crash. A childhood of constant change and chaos may have led Ethan to the unique way he approaches music. Today he lives and dreams songs, writing much music while asleep.

“There’s huge economic inequality destroying American life. A country that pioneered the notion of everyone being able to be comfortably middle class is now breaking into bitterness and division as a huge majority of the population is frightened, living paycheck-to-paycheck, and at the risk of bankruptcy from one unexpected illness or job loss. Even people working multiple jobs are having trouble making ends meet,” says Ethan Gold.

“So I put a mosaic of families in the song and video. A father who’s sick but can’t afford treatment. A son falling into hatred. A mother working two jobs but barely surviving. A young daughter hopeful. Proud grandparents who see their life’s work crumbling as their children slide down the economic ladder. We could all be all these people; this is every family. The struggles so many are having aren’t so different from each other.”

In 2013, Gold suffered a serious head injury. After a long recovery, he now credits the temporary dissolution of his cognitive ability with upgraded inner power, creativity, and clarified mission: in a world that seems more and more combative, bringing sensitive people and quieter things – music and poetry and the living earth – back into their magnificence.

The ‘Not Me. Us’ single follows Gold’s most recent offering – ‘Never Met A World Like You’, an environmental song with highly impactful video, to coincide with the first climate strikes. He also performed, for the first time after his head injury, at three L.A. rallies in late 2019.

Following his acclaimed ‘Songs From A Toxic Apartment’ LP during his recovery, 2018 brought the release of the naive-electronic ‘Expanses (Teenage Synthstrumentals)’ and Gold’s tribute to childhood favorites ‘Live Undead Bedroom Closet Covers’. Gold also handled film scoring for Blumhouse supernatural thriller ‘Don’t Let Go’ and brother Ari Gold‘s feature films ‘Adventures of Power’ and ‘The Song of Sway Lake’, which features John Grant and The Staves singing Gold’s songs.

This track was produced and engineered by Dave Tweedie (So You Think You Can Dance, No Doubt, Flipsyde, Akon). Gold and Jay Ponti produced the video, with editing and effects by Adam Laiben.

Ethan Gold has just finished recording his upcoming double-album ‘Earth City’, which explores themes of longing — for human connection, for romance, for city nightlife, and ultimately for connection to the threatened natural world. Release expected later this year.

Black Needle Noise Releases ‘Seed of Evil’ Video ft. PIG a.k.a. Raymond Watts of KMFDM fame (The Week in #Indie Segment)

John Fryer, the globally recognized producer and curator of the project known as Black Needle Noise, has dropped his new video titled ‘Seed of Evil’ featuring <PIG> a.k.a. Raymond Watts of KMFDM fame. A contoured divide between the industrial overtone and gothic underpinnings, ‘Seed of Evil’ crosses that great divide into a darkly original mindset with grinding rhythm and a purely black chord progression.

The video adds to the musical mindfuck just short of epileptic orgasm designed to muse as much as it is to shock. Decadance now has a soundtrack.

‘Seed of Evil’ is out now, available digitally across online stores, such as Apple Music, and streaming platforms such as Spotify. It is also available directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

Check out our other articles about Black Needle Noise HERE.

Watch the full episode of The Week in #Indie HERE.

ABOUT JOHN FRYER & ‘SEED OF EVIL’

John Fryer, the legendary producer, and artist in his own right unveils the latest offering from his Black Needle Noise project – the new video for ‘Seed of Evil’ with PIG, an unholy collaboration from two of the most celebrated and talented forces in industrial music.

Vocalist Raymond Watts‘ plows forth with a sinister growl over Fryer’s menacing atmospherics. The track’s foreboding lyrics speak of allowing evil to overcome one’s self.

Formed in the late 1980s, PIG has blazed quite a trail – not surprising with Raymond Watts has been a visible part of the industrial music scene as a founding member and lead singer with KMFDM through their most prolific and successful period (1984-2003), as well as Nine Inch Nails, Schaft, Schwein and Einstürzende Neubauten, among others.

Conceived and edited by Fryer and Joseph Seuferling of Psionic Broadcast, this dark and twisted visual escapade (a Psionic Broadcast and Black Needle Noise Production featuring actress Anjela Piccard) was filmed by John Fryer and Piccard (L.A.) and by PIG (London).

“Joseph Seuferling first came to my attention when I saw he had a film called ‘I Am God’ and BNN had not long just release a song with the same name. So I contacted Joseph and asked if he would like to meet next time he was in LA. Anjela & I went to meet with Joseph Seuferling at the Roosevelt Hotel and whilst we were talking, I asked him he would like to make a video for “Seed Of Evil”. He liked the song so he agreed to make a video. So Raymond shot his footage in London and Joseph got to work,” says John Fryer.

The 1st part of the video Joseph made and turned it into a trailer for the song and The World Tour Of Hollywood that Black Needle Noise was about to embark on. Joseph ran out of time to finish the video so I took over the editing to finish it. Anjela and I shot our footage here in LA and then I got to editing, making sure to keep the same style Joseph had set. Once I had finished it, I sent it to Joseph and he added some final touches. The result of all our hard work is quite amazing, even if I do say so myself.”

As one of the most innovative sonic architects of our age, “John Fryer has practically soundtracked your entire life” (Impose Magazine). His musical imprint is massive, having shaped the sound of bands from Nine Inch Nails and Cocteau Twins to HIM and Depeche Mode. He is also one of just two masterminds behind This Mortal Coil (along with Ivo Watts-Russell – not only producing but also keyboards, strings, and synthesizer sequencing).

“When John Fryer called, it was like cream was fed to my poison crop. I was thrilled to lend Satan’s little helping hand to Black Needle Noise. The result from this marriage made in hell was appropriately called ‘Seed of Evil’ … it pours out of me into the night, where the devil tries it nice and tight,” says Raymond Watts.

John Fryer adds: “After many a moon passing, we finally got to work together again. I had to find the right song for Raymond but I think we have a great noise-pop hit on our hands. It’s been a real pleasure working with Raymond on this and I can’t wait to hear it in the clubs.”

John Fryer started his career in 1979 at London’s Blackwing Studios (London) and soon began working with seminal bands on the 4AD, Mute, Rough Trade and Beggars Banquet record labels, including Depeche Mode, The Wolfgang Press, and Cocteau Twins. His achievement in helping develop the latter’s pioneering ethereal and ambient sound ultimately led Watts-Russell to recruit Fryer as his partner for This Mortal Coil.

A sense of expectation about his music has never left him – expectations he often exceeds from release to release, having produced many groundbreaking artists along the way, including Love and Rockets, Swans, HIM, Cradle of Filth, Clan of Xymox, Nitzer Ebb, Dead Can Dance, Yaz (Yazoo), Xmal Deutschland, Fields of the Nephilim, De/Vision, Stabbing Westward and many others. Over the past two decades, John Fryer has also produced several film soundtracks, including Seven, Clerks, Johnny Mnemonic, Mortal Kombat, Faust and Resident Evil: Apocalypse.

Featured image by Anjela Piccard.

CREDITS

Music and all noises by John Fryer
Lyrics by Raymond Watts
Vocals by PIG
Video shot by Anjela Piccard and John Fryer (L.A.) and by PIG (London)
Styled by PIG, Anjela Piccard, and John Fryer
Actress Anjela Piccard
Concept/Editing by Joseph Seuferling & John Fryer
A (Psionic Broadcast) & Black Needle Noise Production

LINKS:
https://www.blackneedlenoise.com
https://blackneedlenoise.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/BlackNeedleNoise
https://www.facebook.com/John.Fryer.Official
https://www.instagram.com/black_needle_noise
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTC_bNQDfUviTBDiBHYAiSg/videos
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3KkYK2dnIfRb9EDrCRndB6

Diamond Shake Releases ‘Shake’ Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)

Diamond Shake continues his momentum with the release of the fourth video in his series titled ‘Shake’. Continuing his video partnership with French animator Dominique Bloink, the visualization and integrity of style are maintained with brilliance and the marriage of panache and originality are excelled with the dark beauty of the video and the emotional grit of the song. Almost its own undefinable thing, ‘Shake’ becomes it’s own in such a way that you find out who did what, if you don’t know who this is, just to see who could come up with such a thing. Let this sink into your memory.

Check out our other articles featuring Diamond Shake HERE.

Watch the full episode of The Week in #Indie HERE.

ABOUT DIAMOND SHAKE & ‘SHAKE’

As discussions on mental health, addiction, and immigration in America gain more prominent, nuanced coverage on cable news, Diamond Shake mastermind Matthew Hitchens has lived at the epicenter of all three hot button issues for the past fifteen years.

Growing up in London and playing in bands through his teens, Hitchens moved to Los Angeles seven years ago to pursue a solo music career. After a few failed projects, missed auditions, personal struggles, and a particularly bad visa experience, he decided to stop relying on other people and make the album that faced his demons head-on.

“It’s all about my mental health problems like depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, and addiction,” Hitchens says of From Method To Madness, his debut as Diamond Shake. “Each song is about a different one of those issues while also telling the story of making and releasing the album, ultimately ending in failure.”

Dour as that might seem, From Method To Madness (which came out in November of 2019) arrived with bluesy aplomb and Hitchens’ most candid lyrics to date about mental health. Considering every song on the album aims for the rafters with cinematic ambition, Madness practically lent itself to a visual accompaniment for all ten songs, which Hitchens has been working on with French animator Dominique Bloink.

“Shake” marks the fourth video in the visual series, which will continue throughout 2020.

LINKS:
http://www.diamondshake.com
https://www.instagram.com/thediamondshake
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUT0cqzCanrCsAlqgaZRqhQ
http://www.soundcloud.com/diamond-shake

Prof Drops ‘Squad Goals’ Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)

Prof has dropped his new video for the single titled ‘Squad Goals’. This has got to be the most original and interesting video I have seen this year, by a longshot. I know that’s a hardcore way to start a review, but this video demands that declaration. I mean, Mr. Rogers, PTSD, pill-popping, and more in under four minutes. Try fitting that many lucid subplots together in anything, even involving music.

Having said that, this music is brilliant. Steady. Rhythmic. Staccato. Each deserving itself as a sentence. One thing I like about the Rhymesayers artists is that they bring entertainment and introspective reflection back into music, but now Prof brings the fun.

Watch the full episode of The Week in #Indie HERE.

ABOUT PROF

With an album, entitled ‘Powderhorn Suites’, set to drop on June 26 via Rhymesayers Entertainment, the Minneapolis rapper shows no signs of dampening his off the wall, no-holds-barred approach to music. Nothing is sacred in the “Squad Goals” music video as Prof returns to form as a truly eccentric entertainer. He delivers a nod to the “U Name It” challenge while masquerading as a roguish Mister Rogers—popping pills, dancing on set, and pausing for a Vietnam flashback. The madness escalates scene by scene while Prof effortlessly changes his vocal inflection to match each punchline in the track.

Anticipation for a new album has been steadily building since Prof teased fans with the release of his “Cousins” music video. The album loosely follows a singular concept of all the activity taking place in a fictional hotel. “There are so many different things happening in a hotel at one time,” Prof explains. “Somebody’s doing drugs. Somebody’s having sex. There’s a fight over there. Someone’s trying to get some rest over here. There’s just so much going on in one place.” The same can be said for Powderhorn Suites, a remarkable rollercoaster of a project that hits stunning highs and features dramatic lows.

Longtime Rhymesayers fans will recall a show-stopping performance at Soundset 2018, during which Prof cemented his reputation as an exceptional performer capable of simultaneously inspiring awe and laughter. While his touring plans have been grounded for the time being by the coronavirus, Prof hasn’t stopped connecting with fans. Airing a series of Instagram Live videos entitled “Prof’s Creative Academy,” the emcee has delivered a deep dive into his creative process, welcomed guests such as Murs and label mate Grieves, and proven that his razor-sharp wit can shine through any medium.

LINKS:
https://rhymesayers.com/artists/prof
https://facebook.com/profgampo
https://instagram.com/profgampo
https://twitter.com/profgampo

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.

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

Drew Davies Releases ‘X and Y’ Single (The Week in #Indie Segment)

Drew Davies has just released his new single titled ‘X and Y’. Sounding like a song that gets right down to business, that business seems to be the sound of an original artist. When I first hear the name Drew Davies I think of originality. And that is not a word to toss around. Listen to ‘X and Y’ for example. It sounds signature from the first note. And the passion is evident in everything from the voice to the hi-hat and everything in between. Beautiful chord progressions accompanied by stellar vocals and a steady backbeat, ‘X and Y’ continue the evolution of Drew’s musical journey that is rapidly defining itself into a wonderful legacy.

Speaking of the single, Drew Davies tells us, “I wrote ‘ X and Y ’ on women’s day a few years ago. It’s a song that on one hand calls for equality for all people, no matter their age, sex, or orientation; whilst on the other hand, calling out hypocrisy stemming from the kinds of people who say one thing publicly and another behind closed doors. It was originally written on piano but for the single and album we decided to add a pseudo-Tarantino vibe with vintage guitars and synthesizers.”

Check out our other articles about Drew Davies HERE.

Check out the full episode HERE.

ABOUT DREW DAVIES

Rock soloist hailing from London, Drew Davies has released his single, ‘X and Y’ on 1 May via AD1. The single is lifted from his upcoming self-titled album, which will be made public on 15 May. The album was mixed by Steve Honest (Oasis, Eurythmics) and mastered by John Webber (David Bowie, Super Furry Animals).

Davies has been featured by the likes of Clash Magazine, Atwood Magazine, Music Week, Music News, and Pure Grain Audio amongst others. He has seen radio play from BBC Introducing London with Gary Crowley, BBC Radio York’s Introducing with Jericho Keys, BBC Wales, Radio X, Planet Rock, and as a previous member of The Mercy House, the band saw support from Kerrang, Classic Rock Magazine, Metal Hammer, MTV and BBC Radio 6 and Radio X. Drew Davies has toured extensively in the UK and Europe and played Download Festival, London’s Scala, and the iconic Troubadour.

Hailing from South Yorkshire, Davies comes from a long line of singers and musicians. He has spent the better part of the last decade working in musical collaborations, writing for other artists, and singing in session gigs to get by. Through successes, setbacks, and everything in between, he has poured himself into his musical labors and has now produced his most personal work to date.

Pulling from a wide array of influences, Drew Davies is inspired by everything from 50’s rock n’ roll to electronica, citing acts such as The National, Scott Walker, Vangelis, and Tom Petty. From this palette of familiar reference points, he has created a genre-bending and timeless sound that bears semblance to the likes of Sam Fender, Future Islands, and The War On Drugs.

Returning with his vintage electronic rock sounds, Drew Davies provides the thought-provoking ‘X and Y’. Taking his own rebellious stance on gender norms, clothing, and old school rock and roll, Drew Davies uses his honeyed voice to convince the world to reject set social standards. The result is a Tarantino inspired traditional sound meeting a non-traditional school of thought, brought together with a romantic tone and leaving the listener breathless in anticipation for what comes next.

LINKS:
https://www.drewdaviesmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/drewdaviesmusic
https://www.twitter.com/drewdaviesmusic
https://www.instagram.com/drewdaviesmusic
https://drewdaviesmusic.bandcamp.com

Jammerzine’s The Week In #Indie

Exclusive Interviews

Films & Documentaries

Original Segments & Clips

Jammer Direct’s Live @Home Concert Series

Jammerzine Website

Jammerzine Music News

Jammerzine Exclusives

First Listen (Song Premieres)

The Test Drive (Album Premieres)

Daily Dose (Free Daily Song)

Jammerzine Video Premieres

Jammerzine Photo Galleries

segment

BOAT Premieres ‘Loneliness Kills’ Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)

ABOUT BOAT

Lazaris Pit Premieres ‘You Don’t Tag Me in Memes Anymore’ & ‘Cloudsculpting’ Singles (The Week in #Indie Segment)

ABOUT LAZARIS PIT

Indie Allstars Release Chasing Rainbows NHS Tribute Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)

Lycio Releases ‘Somebody’ Single (The Week in #Indie Segment)

ABOUT LYCIO

Ethan Gold Releases ‘Not Me.Us’ Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)

ABOUT ETHAN GOLD

Black Needle Noise Releases ‘Seed of Evil’ Video ft. PIG a.k.a. Raymond Watts of KMFDM fame (The Week in #Indie Segment)

ABOUT JOHN FRYER & ‘SEED OF EVIL’

Diamond Shake Releases ‘Shake’ Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)

ABOUT DIAMOND SHAKE & ‘SHAKE’

Prof Drops ‘Squad Goals’ Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)

ABOUT PROF

R.A. The Rugged Man Exclusive Interview (The Week in #Indie Segment)

ABOUT R.A. THE RUGGED MAN

Drew Davies Releases ‘X and Y’ Single (The Week in #Indie Segment)

ABOUT DREW DAVIES