Rockwired Radio Profiles #612 - Corners of Sanctuary

When we first spoke with the members of CORNERS OF SANCTUARY a few months the interview was aimed at discussing their then-latest album AXE TO GRIND but clearly that album was ancient history for these fellas as they had their sights set on the future with an album they were working on titled METAL MACHINE. Even the advertising that they've run in ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE of late has made mention of the fact that METAL MACHINE was on it's way and according tot he band this album was to be a crowning achievement and now that the release is finally here we can say that all of the advance hype was worth it. METAL MADNESS is the latest chapter in the ever evolving saga of CORNERS OF SANCTUARY and their mission to reintroduce the metal madness of yore to an unsuspecting musical landscape that seems all too willing to favor restraint an sheen over frenetic energy and bravado.  METAL MADNESS is a rocking good time and accompanying the release is a Holiday album entitled DRIVEN SNOW which cranks up to eleven and delivers holiday themed tunes in a way that is palatable to folk who don't know the first thing about roasting chestnuts on an opened fire. This is a band with about as many surprises and deliveries as STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS and we certainly don't mind hearing more and more. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles612.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #611 - One

Hailing from Warsaw, Poland, ONE is band that is issuing the the sort of rock n roll that we had thought was extinct in favor of the clinical, electronic sound that has come to typify what could pass as "current" and "new". In 2013 they issued their debut album NJOYIN which had earned them much acclaim in their homeland and throughout Europe. The road to the localized success of their debut album was started long ago when guitarist ADAM MALICKI picked up the guitar at age of eight charged with a love for the music of DEEP PURPLE. The vunderkind started his first band at the age of twelve and had made a name for himself in Warsaw. In 2010 he began putting together the foundation of what would become the band ONE. Now MALICKI and the band have released the album TRUTH OF LIES in both English and Polish and the music runs the gamut of from more headbanging material such as GETTING AWAY to bluesier cuts as STAN THE MAN. 

 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles611.mp3

 

 

Rockwired Radio Profiles #610 - Xoch

XOCH. Her music, her look, her presence, they stimulate your senses and demand your attention. With a tour de force of vocals and a commanding stage presence, singer/songwriter front-girl XOCH knows how to grab her audience with huge hooks, a driving and dynamic rock/pop sound, and powerful lyrics that resonate inside your head and refuse to let go. Her name means “the goddess of flower and song”, and she is just that. XOCH has received critical acclaim from all over the world for her music. She has had over 60 major licenses of her original music to ABC, MTV, VH1, LIFETIME, TOYOTA, JEEP/EAGLE, WARREN MILLER, and many more. She has released five CD’s to date - HOLLYWOOD, POPCORE DU JOUR, CABARET and THE ONE. Her latest release is self-titled.  XOCH is an engaging, provocative and versatile live performer. She is equally adept at both the intimate setting of a small acoustic performance or a full band electric concert, and has shared the stage with such national acts as EVANESCENCE, JOAN OSBOURNE, PAT BENATAR, SPIN DOCTORS, LIT, BUTCH WALKER, and many others. She has performed at such famous venues as the HOUSE OF BLUES at MANDALAY BAY, THE HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CAFE, CBGB, THE CONTINENTAL, THE KNITTING FACTORY, THE BITTER END, THE CHANCE THEATER, THE PALACE THEATER, NYC’s MEANYFEST, NEMO, THE BLOCK ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL,THE HUDSON RIVER ARTS FESTIVAL, and many more.With her range of commercial appeal and her avid following, it is only a matter of time before XOCH invades the airwaves and beckons the listeners to take heed. 

CHECK  OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles610.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #609 - Bad Mary

The punk scene in New York City in the latter half of the 1970s  was the greatest rock scene ever. It gave us such acts as PATTI SMITH, BLONDIE and THE RAMONES and informed the direction of rock music for the next couple of decades. In recent years gritty rock n roll has been replaced with hipster folk music and the sterile pulse of electronic dance music. BAD MARY is a band  based out of Brooklyn just down the street from where all the action was forty years ago and they are picking up the rock n roll torch and making due with a raw and  raucous sound that goes against the grain of what folks like PITCHFORK.COM wish to pick apart and analyze to death these days. BAD MARY'S full-throttle approach gets one hell of a showcasing on their latest EP KILLING DINOSAURS and there is not one riff or growl wasted with such punk gems as WANT WHAT I WANT, SOAPBOX and ONE MORE SONG. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles609.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #608 - Shelita Burke

We learn something new every time we do one of these interviews. Thanks to singer-songwriter SHELITA BURKE we have learned a thing or two about Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) - a perceptual phenomenon marked by a pleasurable, tingling "brain tickle" effect.  It's a phenomenon  that BURKE herself refers to as a "brain orgasm" - that moment that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end. We were beginning to wonder what was up with this new EP of hers. TRANSFIXED is a six song EP featuring BURKE's plucky acoustic guitar sound and that siren-like voice that artfully bends the notes of her sparse yet elegant lyrics. This debut EP is an exciting new chapter for an artist who has made music her living and has toured the world four times over armed only with a playful sense of song craft, a yearning to connect with listeners and an all too unique vision which will serve this young talent well for year to come. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles608.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #607 - The Fourth Messenger

What if the BUDDHA were a woman, living in our times? In this captivating new musical, MAMA SID is a modern-day "awakened one" with a worldwide following. But a determined young woman seeks to unearth MAMA SID's mysterious past, exposing long-held secrets that could change everything. Epic and intimate, comic and profound, THE FOURTH MESSENGER investigates what it means to be both enlightened and human. Written by Tanya Shaffer (BABY TAJ, LET MY ENEMY LIVE LONG!) with a ravishing score by award-winning recording artist VIENNA TENG, helmed by acclaimed Broadway director MATT AUGUST, this musical enjoyed a critically acclaimed, sold-out world premiere run at the ASHBY STAGE in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2013. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles607.mp3

Rock Is Red #16 - 2 8 Tha Native

Throughout much of the mainstream media, hip hop music is often portrayed as a big money grab with a little violence thrown in and and is almost never shown as a genre that can uplift. For a little more than twenty years now FISH MARTINEZ (Confederated Tribes of Siletz) has set out to create hip hop music that can bridge the gap between elders and youth and stave off of the temptations of gang – life for the native tradition and culture. His musical journey began in 1993 when he was asked to help organize a Youth and Elders Gathering in Eugene Oregon only to discover that he was expected to perform as a rapper for the event. With only two jams to his credit MARTINEZ (a.k.a. 2 8 THA NATIVE) began a career in music typified by positivity and cultural pride. All of that can be head on his first official solo release GLADES TO THE CASCADEZ where 2 8 THA NATIVE gets a little help form fellow rapper STRYK-9 and some invaluable production from LOST IN FABRIC. Despite years of building up his chops as a performer we get a sense that this is just the beginning for 2 8 THA NATIVE and we will certainly keep our eyes and ears opened for new material from this one-of-a-kind talent. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/rockisred/rockisred16.mp3

 

Rockwired Radio Profiles #606 - "Santa Claus Is Rockin" Performed By Bradley Gillis

Christmas is coming a little early here at ROCKWIRED. I know that nobody really likes being reminded that the Holiday Season is just around the frigging corner and about all of the sales that you need to be taking advantage of in time for Christmas but we're not selling anything. In fact what we have is news of a brand new Christmas single from recording artist BRADLEY GILLIS called SANTA CLAUS IS ROCKIN and if we do say so ourselves it's got us pretty jazzed about the coming yuletide season with the songs' big epic PHIL SPECTOR-esque production and scope complete with a children's choir, an orchestra and GILLIS' own assured, bad-boy croon. This is just what the Holidays need – something playful instead of syrupy. In this edition of ROCKWIRED RADIO PROFILES we're breaking tradition and interviewing the executive producer of the project SIMON SHIRE. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles606.mp3

Rock Is Red #15 - Leah Shenandoah

We've profiled enough artists in our time to know that one has their whole lives to make their debut album and in the case of singer songwriter LEAH SHENANDOAH (Oneida Iroquois Wolf Clan) that journey began as a child under the tutelage of her mother - the pioneering recording artist JOANNE SHENANDOAH. Growing up LEAH has shared the stage as well as harmonies with her mother and before she knew it a seed was planted and had sought to create music of her very own. The results of those years of discovering new sounds and textures and honing her own voice have resulted in her 2014 album SPEKTRE - a stunning collection of songs that showcase LEAH as her own musical entity with emotional and musical range to spare.  LEAH's first outing as a solo artist has already earned her acclaim and a NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARD for DEBUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR on the strength of SPEKTRE and is now setting her sights on a brand new album. Despite a lifetime filled with music, we get a strong sense that LEAH's musical journey is only beginning. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/rockisred/rockisred15.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #605 - Trinadora

It's no secret by now that we here at ROCKWIRED like to crank up the volume and kick out the jams but every now and then we like sound that's a little more intimate and earnest. With the Americana duo TRINADORA we get a heavy serving of both intimacy and earnestness on their debut album TRINADORA SOUNDS. Comprised of RON HOLM on vocals and guitar and JANNIE NELSON on keys, vocals and ocarina (the oldest wind instrument in the world) TRINADORA creates a sound that cannot be easily labeled however many musical styles come to mind from jazz to folk to blues and just about everything within the spectrum from country and western to rock.  The Rockford, Illinois-based duo have garnered quite the following thanks to over two-hundred spirited live performances in the course of a year. While their dedication as professional  musicians is undeniable what ends up stealing the show is the songwriting and the tracks LIKE THE WATERS OF A BAYOU, IS IT TRUE? (where NELSON's vocals recall DOLLY PARTON) and SHOULD I SAY IT are the true standouts on a promising first offering from a formidable talent.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles605.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #604 - Luke Underhill

I remember a time when people felt that rock n roll and earnest songwriting was going to be a thing of the past. They said that during the height of the boy band era and they are saying it now in the JUSTIN BIEBER/NICKI MINAJ era. But when we see a fresh faced twenty year old take his songwriting queue from the likes of BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN we have to wonder if there is any validity to all of this doomsaying. Earlier this year, said "fresh face twenty year old" LUKE UNDERHILL released his album ATLAS - a punchy little pop-rock album that hits all of the right targets for mainstream radio airplay yet pulls at the heart strings without coming across all sentimental. Now UNDERHILL has released an interesting follow up - an eight-song EP of acoustic renderings of songs from the ATLAS album titled ATLAS - UNPLUGGED. The songwriting truly shines in  these stripped down acoustic performances. LUKE UNDERHILL is a name to remember the next time the subject of the future of songwriting comes up.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles604.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #603 - Nick Peay

The days of music telling a story as compelling as any that you see on TV are long gone but that hasn't stopped singer songwriter NICK PEAY from using the EP format to brings about songs that paint a vivid picture in ones mind of the struggle of addiction. Surprisingly, PEAY relates to us that he himself has never struggled with addiction which is strange given the intimacy in the lyrics of his latest EP SOBERING. While the struggle of putting down and laying off the sauce makes for a stirring listen the music and the lyrics both thankfully steer clear of sensationalism or righteousness and instead treat the subject of addiction with the humanity that such a subject deserves. At the very least the track PUT THE BOTTLE DOWN could be the new theme for INTERVENTION. Isn't it about time that show retired FIVE STEPS by THE DAVENPORTS?

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles603.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #602 - Red Velvet Crush

Before the establishment of the band RED VELVET CRUSH, front woman JILLIAN RISCOE had made a little bit of noise as a solo artist but the idea of being a part of a band was more enticing to the young singer songwriter hailing from Kansas City, Missouri. Teaming up with guitarist and songwriting partner DANIEL MENDALA, RED VELVET CRUSH was formed and has since stunned listeners and live audiences with their potent mixture of pop smarts and guitar driven tunes that could easily find their way onto most modern rock radio formats. The proof of this can be heard on the band's 2013 EP SMOKE AND MIRRORS. Now RED VELVET CRUSH are gearing up for what they are dubbing their "coming of age" album. The plan is to work with producer JOSH GLEAVE out of Nashville and the band has started a KICKSTARTER to raise funds for this ambitious endeavor. The campaign expires October 15, 2015 and if an endorsement from ROCKWIRED means anything, we must say that this band and it's front woman are most definitely worth it. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles602.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #601 - Ships Have Sailed

It isn't often that we do double duty here at ROCKWIRED RADIO PROFILES but in the case of SHIPS HAVE SAILED releasing a remix album on the heals of their flawlessly produced alternative pop album MOOD SWINGS, we needed to make a exception. Released in March of this year, MOODSWINGS is that breezy, feel good release that you find yourself listening to all Summer long. Right now it makes us a little sorry for that fact that we are just getting around to these guys on the very day that Autumn has begun. The singles DRIVE (not too dissimilar from THE CARS' classic pop ballad of the same name) and the punchy SUMMERTIME stand out by a mile on a CD that knows how to boast clever hooks and melodies that get stuck with you for weeks. Now, SHIPS HAVE SAILED have released their aptly titled RE:MIX EP where four songs from the band's already  effervescent catalog become even more effervescent in the hands of some ace dee-jays. The band's penchant for pop song craft is undeniable.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles601.mp3

Rock Is Red #14 - Jana Mashonee

There is this perception out there that independent artists don't make any money and that they never will unless they get themselves signed to a major label. For years now Lumbee recording artist JANA MASHONEE has taken matters into her own hands without major label interference and has managed to secure a couple of GRAMMY nominations and a couple NAMMY award wins. Her musical ambitions know no bounds as she is all to happy to have us know in her uplifting new single ROCKET LAUNCH. Accompanied by a playful, sexy new video MASHONEE is making a splash like she's never made before and it's got us more than excited for some of the new tunes that are on the horizon. Evidently, being the captain of your own ship is the only way to go in this new musical climate. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/rockisred/rockisred14.mp3

Rock Is Red #13 - Wolf Saga

The pristine and precise synth sound that typified 1980's new wave  was a sound that has never left me. As a child of the REAGAN-era, the music that I listened to was the antithesis of the 60's/70's styled sensibilities of my parents generation so I find it funny how a kid who is half my age is out there and making music that exemplifies all that I loved about the music of my "growing up". WOLF SAGA is a project helmed by Anishinaabe  musician and songwriter JOHNNY SAGA who has just released his newest EP AUBURN NIGHTS and the radiant four song collection definitely deserves it's place on the shelf between MGMT's "CONGRATULATIONS" and THE STROKES' "ROOM ON FIRE". Grounding WOLF SAGA's iridescent electronica is an undeniable punk sensibility which comes through loud and clear on the tracks ALL IN and WALLS. In my interview with JOHNNY SAGA he states that he will be heading back to the studio to work on new material whcih is a good thing. He's got me wanting to hear more. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/rockisred/rockisred13.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #600 - ShaManic

It is the 600th edition of ROCKWIRED RADIO PROFILES and what do we do? We break away from tradition and profile a hip hop artist. SHAMANIC is a young man with a story to tell and that story is vividly illustrated through rapid fire rhyme and unrelenting beats on his debut LP THE ARTIST. White guys in rap are nothing to shake a stick at in this post-MARSHALL MATHERS musical climate but what should get people talking is SHAMANIC's long and winding road of survival. Haunted by a life marred by mental illness and a horrifying tenure in a mental hospital SHAMANIC has takes a few at his demons on this mesmerizing debut with such tracks as the penetrating first single MINDLESS, BA DA DA DA (the albums one moment of levity) and the chilling MR. ANDERSON. There is no artist out there that is comparable at the moment so in the meantime you're going to have to file this one somewhere in between MARSHALL MATHERS and the most intense WILLIAM FRIEDKIN movie that you can think of.   

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles600.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #599 - John Taglieri

When ROCKWIRED first became acquainted with JOHN TAGLIERI he was a breath of fresh air. He was proof that a male singer-songwriter could rock and not conform to the oh-so-sensitive stereotype that have permeated the industry post-JOHN MAYER. Even better - he doesn't have that phlegm-y sounding voice. Yes TAGLIERI was a rocker with a rather refined pop sensibility but on his previous two releases the bald troubadour took a more genteel, Nashville-styled approach to his music that saw some action on the charts but had us wondering when we were going to hear that hard-edged sound that made him stand out  from the crowd. With the release of his new EP TRUE BELIEVER, JOHN TAGLIERI - the rocker - has returned but he's older, wiser, and more capable than ever of  issuing the sort of music that can make you think all while banging your head just a little. The tracks DON'T ASK WHY and MAD, MAD WORLD demonstrate a true return to form and have made us believers once again. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles599.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #598 - Vermillion Road

Sex, drugs and rock n roll has always been one hell of an enticing package. Lord knows ROCKWIRED has built our reputation on celebrating the kind of music that speaks to the darker side of love and life. So when something comes our way that is described as positive and uplifting there might be a little bit of hesitation on our part but after giving PALACES - the new release from the Denver-based band VERMILLION ROAD - that hesitation was unwarranted. Just check out the baby faces on this band of twenty-somethings! What they lack in age they more than make up for in musicality and an innate sense of what makes a song work. With PALACES they've got an album full of finely crafted pop rock with a heart as big as it's sound as evidenced by the electrifying rockers TREAD ON ME and THESE LIES and the stirring balladry of the album's title track. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles598.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #597 - Bonz

No one needs to tell us that rock n roll is hard work and no one knows that better than BONZ. The former front man for STUCK MOJO launched his own self-titled band two years ago and ROCKWIRED was one of the first outlets to fill people in on it. Earlier this year they released their album BROKEN SILENCE and if you look in the latest edition of ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE you'll see that BONZ himself made our GUYS OF ROCK list. However there have been a few pitfalls. A tour was canceled recently due to their buses engine catching fire. While some new dates have been booked the band is looking to purchase a new bus. Outside of that, the past has come back to haunt BONZ due to a recent interview that STUCK MOJO guitarist RICH WARD gave to the TALKING METAL PODCAST regarding BONZ' contributions to the band.  "I never tried to be a funk guitar player; I was a metal guy. It was just how my influences cross-sectioned with our funk/reggae bass player and our rapper, who couldn't sing anything, 'cause he had no idea about melody. He was just a pissed off black guy who had a rough life, who had been in prison, who just had… he had a story and had an outlook on life that I just had no idea even existed."

Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/stuck-mojo-frontman-bonz-was-shocked-hurt-and-angered-by-bandmate-rich-wards-recent-comments/#fLtck9TljPrp36P0.99

 

Of course, BONZ was quick to respond:

"I was simultaneously shocked, hurt and angered when I read the most recent comments that Rich Ward has stated about me publicly. I am not totally surprised, as this has been a point of contention for several years.Both my private life and my public persona are very important to me, and I do not appreciate either being questioned or attacked. I am not sure where [Rich's above-mentioned quote] comes from, or quite how I am supposed to interpret it, but it is not something that I would expect to come from him in 2015. This was a stark reminder of how things ended up in 2006, the last time that we worked together. I have worked too hard to establish myself in this business to have anyone besmirch my name over and over again.The last three years have been some of my most productive. Forming a new band, recording an album that I am damn proud of, getting the opportunity to be supported by great labels, and traveling the country playing and performing music for fans, I believe proves any of the past derogatory statements to be 'questionable.' I chose to respond to these comments, as in the past I chose to remain silent and take the 'high' road.After traveling around the country and reconnecting with many old friends and fans along the way, I was alarmed at the stories and rumors that were out there. I want to make sure that my thoughts and feelings are conveyed and that the public is exposed to both sides of the story."
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/stuck-mojo-frontman-bonz-was-shocked-hurt-and-angered-by-bandmate-rich-wards-recent-comments/#fLtck9TljPrp36P0.99

 

However, we've got BONZ himself on the show today and believe me when I say he's got tons more to say on the matter.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles597.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #596 - Throw The Temple

We'll be honest. While our publication is based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico there is very little here musically that has us terribly excited. Being a largely hard rock and heavy metal publication we are at odds with some of the more hipster-y local acts that are favored by some of the local alternative press in the city where BUGS BUNNY often neglected to make that left turn. We first became acquainted with THROW THE TEMPLE back in 2012 and ROCKWIRED RADIO PROFILES spun a demo recording of theirs which showed promise but was far from earth shaking. Now, the band has released their album NO WAY BUT DOWN and despite the title things are looking up. Tracked and mixed by JIMMY J MEDINA of EVILESQUE RECORDS, NO WAY BUT DOWN embraces a nineties rock sensibility where riffs and earnest vocals (provided by front man GABRIEL GAMBINO) rule the day as opposed to flashy soundbites but don't expect this album to come off as a mere nostalgia trip. It is a tasteful offering from a Duke City band that is ready to take their music and other such matters beyond the Land of Entrapment. Needless to say, these guys have renewed our faith in all that is possible in our surrounding local music scene.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles596.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #595 - Kore Rozzik

He's got a mouth bigger than New York City and ambitions that are larger than that city's surrounding metropolitan area and if you ask us that's a damn good thing. Attitude and swagger have become more common among rappers and pop stars so maybe KORE ROZZIK represents a return to the old notion that a rock star lifestyle can be lived by a guy who want to be an "actual" rock star. The hair, the make up and the attitude are all there but it's the music that legitimizes KORE ROZZIK's claim on rock n roll stardom. A tremendous amount of love and care has been taken into getting his debut EP HAVE A TASTE recorded in the studio and packaged in such a way that will excited folks who would probably rely on YOUTUBE or SPOTIFY for the their music fix instead of paying for it. Preceding the release of this EP is the first single ROCKSTAR - a raucous little number that perfectly sums up KORE ROZZIK's music and marketing agenda. While the music is great, the live set is clearly where it's at for KORE ROZZIK and if the live performances that we've seen on YOUTUBE are any indication this is most definitely a show that needs to get on the road. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles595.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #594 - Bobaflex

We don't think there is a band out there who understands that rock n roll glory requires a hell of a lot of years in the salt mines more than BOBAFLEX. Since they first arrived on the scene in 2003 they have earned their reputation and notoriety the hard way with one album after another and spending years on the road building that massive audience that keeps coming back for more. This time around the brothers MCCOY and the band have given their fans and active rock listeners more bang for their buck (or however much downloads are these days) with the the release of their seventh album ANYTHING THAT MOVES which has been preceded by the blistering single MAMA DON'T TAKE MY DRUGS AWAY which is accompanied by an equally blistering music video directed by PAUL CUNNINGHAM. The fact that a living is hard to come by in this day and age is a fact that doesn't need repeating but there is something to be said for BOBAFLEX's staying power and their passion to deliver that heavy metal thunder on CD and in live performance year after year. No disintegrating music industry infrastructure can deny these guys their rightful place as rock n roll giants.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles594.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #593 - Rachel and the Ruckus

Many will make distinctions between country music and blues but for the band RACHEL AND THE RUCKUS, it's all rock n roll to them. The Denver-based band fronted by lead singer RACHEL ALENA have just released their self-titled debut EP and the sparkling results of their labor in the studio  should have no problem finding their way onto most radio formats. Sure, there  maybe a trend in music now where a rustic sound is appreciated but RACHEL AND THE RUCKUS  take a down home and dirty sensibility and give it an irresistible rock n roll backbeat while RACHEL ALENA's full throated delivery gives the material that little extra push. The standout tracks here are the rockers BOUNCE, DANCING WITH THE DEVIL and ROMEO. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles593.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #592 - Impending Lies

It seems as if rock n roll is fueled by false starts and plans that never see their way through to fruition. But that never stops anyone from wanting to achieve that ever elusive glory that the genre has promised many a young man or woman for more than half a century now. Vocalist MATT HAYES and guitarist JAMES SKRTICH were kicking up some sand  in their local Cleveland, Ohio with their band RIKETS. Years after that band's demise HAYES and SKRTICH teamed up again in attempt to recapture some of the magic of their early ventures in music. By forming the band IMPENDING LIES, they've done one better by combining their natural heavy metal know-how with some modern electronic flourishes. The electrifying results can be heard on their latest EP BELIEVE which features the formidable rockers LET GO, the blazing title track and a spirited cover of the JOURNEY classic SEPARATE WAYS. Assisting the band behind the recording console is CHIMAIRA guitarist ROB ARNOLD. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles592.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #591 - Bri Ingram

With just six songs, BRI INGRAM takes the listener on a whirlwind journey of emotion, heartache, and newfound determination to move on with life and all of it's ups and downs on her EP I AM. Combining a jangly country and western-styled charm with a down and dirty blues and soul delivery, INGRAM has developed a strong musical identity with a little help from her co-songwriting and production team of DAVIDE RASO and OWEN SARTORI. You wouldn't think that a whole life story could be told in the space of six songs but INGRAM has managed to do so here. CAN'T EVEN CRY is a moody exploration into loneliness that rewards the listener with some of the punchiest, observational lyrics that we have heard this side of AIMEE MANN's BACHELOR #2. SAVE ME is an epic plead for a salvation in a world that is all too eager to chew you up and spit you out. INGRAM delivers the soulful ballad with a flawless reading that recalls DUSTY SPRINGFIELD legendary Memphis sessions. BELLY OF THE BEAST is the true knock out moment of the EP with it's frantic bluesy romp detailing INGRAM's winding musical journey. Thankfully that journey is nowhere near over. I AM is a stylish offering form a talent that we'll be hearing more from in the years to come.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles591.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #590 - Joseph Pagano

JOSEPH PAGANO first came onto ROCKWIRED's radar a few months back with the release of his EP  GRAVEYARD OF DREAMS. On that recording he boasted JOHN LENNON-styled songwriting chops mixed with a curious vocal styling that found it's way somewhere in between NEIL YOUNG and WAYNE COYNE of THE FLAMING LIPS. The stand out from that EP was the live recording of the lighter-waving ballad CANDLES HOPE AND FAITH. On his latest EP release TIME AND COLORS CANDLES HOPE AND FAITH gets the full studio treatment but this time it's far from the best track on the CD. PAGANO has come a long way in the short amount of time since his last release and the evidence can be found on the haunting title track. He even manages to show a grittier side with two stomping roots rockers LIFE IN A BAG and 16 OTHER WAYS - a song that could find a snug a comfortable place between JOHN HIATT and SHEL SILVERSTEIN.   

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles590.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #589 - Murder FM

Born and bred in Dallas,TX, MURDER FM was formed as an outlet for the frustrated youth spent writing music in the dark dusty corners of Texas. Following independent success with singles supported with domestic and international touring, MURDER FM perfected their sound and stage presence.  Their rising success was based largely in part by their shocking and elaborate videos which received much attention and impressive view numbers on YOUTUBE. The band also gained lots of positive international press which carried over to The States and led to supporting slots with ROB ZOMBIE, DEFTONES, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, POP EVIL and many more. With a full length LP in tow, MURDER FM are set to release their passion and unique brand of Rock/Industrial style Metal to the world.

 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles589.mp3 

Rockwired Radio Profiles #588 - Gabe Close

An exciting new voice in the indie Americana world, Louisville singer/songwriter GABE CLOSE can pinpoint a host of powerful influences that have driven the development of his uniquely diverse sound and compelling, thought provoking lyrical themes. After leaning towards the blues on his previous recordings LEARNING TO WAIT FOR THE DAWN (2010) and SOUNDS FOR AN OLD SOUL (2013), he’s taking a powerful mixed acoustic-electric approach – with some songs stripped down, others dynamically produced – on his latest six track EP LEAVE THAT LIGHT ON. Concurrently developing his chops as a producer, GABE n his previous projects – a total of two years – and get the musicians and sound he felt like each song deserved. The energetic, acoustic driven WEARY WIND – a semi-love song about leaving all you’ve known for what you believe will be a better life – benefits from the beautiful vocals of Louisville singer MOLLY GREER. While the provocative LOVE YOU LIKE A MAN – a hard hitting look at the evils of men to who turn to domestic violence – achieves its emotional intimacy via a gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment, other tunes like EVERYTHING REMINDS ME OF YOU (a heartfelt song inspired by friends who had suffered the loss of loved ones) and CRIPPLING WEIGHT are powerhouse productions featuring a horn section, organ and sax solos by MUSCLE SHOALS veteran RONNIE EADS.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles588.mp3

 

Rock Is Red #12 - Ghost Town Orchestra

The lead singer of an rock band is integral to the image of that band and any stepping into that position when a charismatic front man is vacated or vacates that position will learn fast what an unenviable position it is. In the case of VICTOR MARTISIUS, it is a chance to move forward after the acrimonious departure of former lead singer LOGAN STAATS and continue to give the people what they've come to expect from the band GHOST TOWN ORCHESTRA - blistering rock n roll and an electrifying live set. "You just keep working hard and keep honing your craft" says MARTISIUS. "We go to band practice every Tuesday and every Thursday and we think it's the best thing ever and it reflects in the tunes because the tunes are getting a little more edgy. A little more funky and a little more fun. A little more adventurous. A little more heavy. These are the things that keep us going. We've got to make sure that we do everyone proud. We play this for us but its' not just about us. There is a crowd of a hundred people in front of us and there is only three of us onstage now. We're outnumbered. There's a reason why we want to work so hard because everyone who comes out to see us to cheer us on we want to make sure that we do them proud." In speaking with MARTISIUS, the departure of STAATS still pains him as you'll hear inteh interview but any resentment is tempered by the success the band still continues to enjoy. Especially with their recent nomination by the INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS for BEST BAND and BEST ENGINEER/PRODUCER. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/rockisred/rockisred12.mp3

Rock Is Red #11 - Logan Staats

What is rock n roll without a little drama? The premiere edition of ROCK IS RED MAGAZINE boasted that bomb-ass photo by DARKO of First Nations rockers GHOST TOWN ORCHESTRA who were still high from their win at the ABORIGINAL PEOPLES CHOICE MUSIC AWARDS (now called the INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS) for BEST ROCK BAND. Who better to have featured on our debut cover? Within minutes of circulating the premiere issue in May of 2015, We received an instant message from front man LOGAN STAATS informing us that he was no longer with the band. It was a hell of a way for us to launch our new magazine but the tensions that have driven STAATS out of the front man position of GHOST TOWN ORCHESTRA and the tensions that have arisen since his departure between him, the band and the record label have made for one hell of a rock n roll blowout. Yet despite the drama, LOGAN STAATS is making his voice heard as a solo artist with the release of his solo album GOODBYE GOLDIA - a stripped down acoustic affair that highlights STAATS' raspy howl and haunted prose. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/rockisred/rockisred11.mp3

Rock Is Red #10 - Scatter Their Own

There is no business model quite like that of a rock n roll band. There is no guarantee that money is going to come through or that an audience is going to show up for a performance. And on the creative and performance fronts egos can become fragile. For years we've followed SCATTER THEIR OWN and have marveled at the fact that band has remained resilient in a musical environment where music doesn't make money and rock n roll isn't quite the music of the day. The strength of this band lies in the creative and romantic bond of it's creative nucleus SCOTTI and JULIANA CLIFFORD. SCATTER THEIR OWN is a family affair where music comes before ego. Since the band first came onto the scene in 2013, SCATTER THEIR OWN have become media darlings throughout Indian Country and beyond on the strength of their music and JULIANA's camera readiness (check out the cover of the latest edition of NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE). The band's straight ahead rock sound has earned them a loyal following throughout the U.S. and beyond so it's no surprise that their debut album TASTE THE TIME is now nominated for the INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARD for BEST ROCK ALBUM. Despite the nomination the Oglala Lakota couple know that there is work to be done with a series of upcoming shows as well as the follow up their stellar debut.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/rockisred/rockisred10.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #587 - Sate

Sometimes all you have to do is hear something once and you know right away that you have to jump on it. It was simply a random TWITTER session that led us to finding SATE - an electrifying soul rock artist based in Toronto, Ontario with a voice, a stage presence and a sound that is bigger and badder than anything we've seen or heard in a while. Oh and the music is one hell of a roller coaster ride. With the assist of producer TOM MCKAY and some of the grittiest, rockingest, funkiest players around since IKE AND TINA's rhythm section SATE (formerly known as SAIDAH BABA TALIBAH) has created a fierce musical identity that is thirsty for blood and eager to take on this tired old music industry on her own terms. To precede the release of her forthcoming debut album SATE has released three EPs - curiously titled RED, BLACK and BLUE -  exclusively through PLEDGEMUSIC.COM where listeners will get a chance to pick what songs will make it onto the official CD release. Those who say rock n roll is dead are about to get a good shaking up. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles587.mp3

Rock Is Red #9 - Dawn Karima

It's not all that common for gospel music to be featured here on ROCKWIRED and it's even less common that we get to to profiles people that are in the same business that we're in - online radio. DAWN KARIMA - or DR. DAWN KARIMA PETTIGREW to you - is the author of two novels, THE WAY WE MAKE SENSE and THE MARRIAGE OF SAINTS and co-author of CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY READ and is the host of the online radio show A CONVERSATION WITH DAWN KARIMA which is available through TALKTAINMENT RADIO. Outside of these rather exciting ventures this Creek/Cherokee juggernaut has made her voice known in song as well. He debut album THE WORSHIP OF ANGELS was a winner at the NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS in 2013 for BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL CD now she's back with her follow up CD THE STARS OF HEAVEN which boasts an all-star cast of performers such as N-DON, LITO and SAINT MIKE. Not surprisingly, this fresh and vibrant set of songs is nominated for the INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARD for BEST GOSPEL CD. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/rockisred/rockisred9.mp3

Rock Is Red #8 - ND 22

To find a native rock band that embraces that straight ahead hard rock sound ROCK IS RED has traditionally had to look above the U.S./Canadian border. The Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation on North Dakota is merely a hop skip and a jump from Canada and it's home to the band ND 22 whose bombastic heavy metal sound boasts a strong blues-based sensibility. Formed in 2013,  the band - comprised of KEITH BIG CROW on guitars, vocalist TOMMY NELSON, IAN NELSON on drums, KODY FOX on guitar and JOSH RED FEATHER-RAMIREZ - cut their teeth musically in numerous bars an casino lounges. They've taken their electrifying live show beyond the the Dakotas and their original material is due for an official release. The tracks that have us the most exciting are the rapturous rock anthems 66, 44 TO THE 5 and SOMEWHERE. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/rockisred/rockisred8.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #586 - Glamour Assassins

Connecticut is not a locale that one equates with anything that is happening in music yet it was JARED SAVAS of the electro pop band GLAMOUR ASSASSINS that pointed out to me that the Nutmeg State was the launching ground for acts as far apart as HATEBREED and JOHN MAYER. In time people will add GLAMOUR ASSASSINS as that State's favorite sons and daughters for their ambitious sound that combines the alienation of electronica with the straightforward approach of four to the floor rock n roll. That sound is in abundance on the band's album AIN'T SO YOUNG - a spunky collection of modern pop songs that celebrate the highs and lows of love and life. The stand out tracks include the ecclesiastic opener THE DAY ROCK N ROLL DIED and the pulsating stomper PHANTOM OF THE DISCO.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles586.mp3

Rock Is Red #7 - Casper And The Mighty 602 Band

After almost twenty years in the music business CASPER LOMAYESVA (Hopi) knows not rush a good thing. He and his band THE MIGHTY 602 pretty much have their seventh studio album ELEMENTAL in the can  but have decided to wait till the first quarter of 2016 to release the album in all of it's glory. But that doesn't mean that we aren't privy to couple of tracks of the album such as  APON THE RIDGE and  FOR ALL THE CHILDREN  both of which offer up that irresistible groove and positive message that have become CASPER's brand and trademark.  

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/rockisred/rockisred7.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #585 - Revel 9

Back in 2011, REVEL 9 made a huge impression on our listeners with the release of their album THE RAZORBLADE DIARIES. Outside of  ROCKWIRED's  listenership that band's sound and live show which recalls the blistering sounds of  CHEVELLE,  SEVENDUST and THE DEFTONES has earned them a massive following beyond their Long Island, New York base to the greater East Coast Shoreline and beyond. Four years onward and armed with a brand new band frontman DJ PEARLMAN and REVEL 9 have maintained the momentum establushed by their previous release but have cranked things up a notch with their latest release THE REALITY CRUSH  which boasts the tracks THE GOOD FIGHT - a gritty dedication to our troops - as well as QUIETMIND and SENSELESS TRAGEDY. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles585.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #584 - Acidic

In the early days of the ROCKWIRED RADIO PROFILES podcast, the band ACIDIC was one of the first bands to elicit a strong, positive reaction from our listeners. Needless to say we took a liking to this young band  who served up the goods on their debut album GETTING LUCKY. If there is anything that rock n roll needs right now, it's bands that maintain that steady course to rock n roll glory no matter what the obstacles and ACIDIC has done just that with three albums and an electrifying live set  that they have taken all over the country. The band's third album CREATURES is their most ambitious to date  with the bands natural hard rock inclination melding flawlessly with electronic flourishes. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles584.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #583 - Finger Eleven

Given the fickle nature of the music industry these days, five years is a long time to go without releasing anything new. FINGER ELEVEN truly came to prominence in 2007 on the strength of their single PARALYZER from their fifth album  THEM vs. YOU  vs. ME which was followed up by the JUNO AWARD nominated album LIFE TURNS ELECTRIC in 2010. Five years later the band has released the album FIVE CROOKED LINES and trust us when we say that no momentum has been lost and not a beat has been skipped. Their  smashing new single WOLVES AND DOORS is proof of this. According to the bands lead guitarist JAMES BLACK : "We spent that time making this record. As a band we've been together about twenty-two or twenty-three years now. After a while we have five ingredients and you're trying to make a different soup everyday. It's like how can you make something new with it. We didn't want to be on autopilot. We stopped for a second and and regrouped and decided to make an album that sounded like what we wanted to do and not what we are effortlessly doing. Part of changing things up involved dismantling the lineup and getting rid of our drummer and going back to ground zero." 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles583.mp3 

Rockwired Radio Profiles #582 - Michael Grimm

With the advent of reality TV there have been more overnight sensations than there have ever been.  It would've been all to easy to dismiss MICHAEL GRIMM - the 2010 winner of AMERICA'S GOT TALENT - as a mere "overnight" but the fact is the guy had been performing live and recording music for an entire decade before walking away with the million dollar prize and a shot at recording with a major label.  Music was always in his blood and four years after his shot with a major label MICHAEL is back on his own terms with the independently produced album GRIMM which cleverly showcases the singer songwriter's fondness for rock and soul. The stand out tracks on this standout collection include the first single GENERATION NEXT, SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY and BLACK AND WHITE.  

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:

http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles582.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #581 - Eric and Aaron

They are band that is comprised of only two people and they've released an EP with just six songs but the sounds and the ideas that have emerged from the synergy generated by this duo is galactic in proportion.  ERIC AND AARON is comprised of the combined talents ERIC LARSON  and AARON BERK  and their debut EP TO KEEP FROM LOSING OUR MINDS will keep the listener spellbound with such tracks as the U2-esque opener ON THE ROAD, the quirky little diddy WOODS and epic ballad LONG TIME which manages to be empowering  without  being preachy. Six songs don't feel like they are enough from this dynamic duo but this stunning debut has us waiting anxiously for more. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles581.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #580 - Wonky Tonk

When we spoke with  singer songwriter  JASMINE POOLE -who goes by the moniker WONKY TONK - regarding her debut album STUFF WE LEAVE BEHIND she made it clear to me that the album was in drydock for six years before it's recent release to the public.  The old saying about having your whole life to make your first album and six months to make your second seemed to apply here as well but given the plaintive production, shimmering melodies and the plucky delivery and songwriting to be heard on this heartfelt debut it is plain to see that time and effort were all worth it.  the country bluegrass approach shows hints of a definite punk influence and while the songs address feelings of  loss and longing don't expect to be  brought down by the proceedings. Expect to enjoy and offering from a new talent in American music who could give LUCINDA WILLIAMS a run for her money.   

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles580.mp3

Rock Is Red #6 - Will Belcourt and the Hollywood Indians

For years there was a rock n roller inside of Cree singer-songwriter WILL BELCOURT waiting to get out. The start of his music career was marked lone acoustic recordings before venturing into an electronic sound which had earned him some recognition in Canadian press. Now he is putting aside the electronics and looking to the assist of an actual band - a group of roots rock troubadours known cleverly as THE HOLLYWOOD INDIANS. The results of their toiling inthe studio has resulted in an album that hasn't officially been released but is gaining traction and attention thanks to the internet yet despite the album "limbo" release it has earned WILL BELCOURT AND THE HOLLYWOOD INDIANS two INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARD nominations for BEST ROCK ALBUM and BEST SONGWRITER. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/rockisred/rockisred6.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #579 - Paper Moon Gypsies

The pan generational band has become more and more common with rock and roll losing it's foot hold on the culture but that doesn't mean that the music has to come off as something you hear on some NPR special. PAPER MOON GYSPSYS is a blues rock project fronted by father and daughter team KENNY WILLIAMS and his daughter LEXI G. The moniker of the project is nicked form the 1973 PETER BOGDANOVICH file PAPER MOON starring RYAN O'NEAL and TATUM  O'NEAL as a father and daughter con artist team but unlike that team the only thing that is going to get taken way is your breath once you hear the  bands flawlessly executed brand of blues rock.  

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles579.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #578 - Corners of Sanctuary

You always hear that metal music is a long gone genre but for years we at ROCKWIRED have known differently. Back in 2010 the band CORNERS OF SANCTUARY was formed primarily out of the remains of the band SEEKER. Members of that band which included drummer SEAN NELLIGAN, bassist MIKE PERA and guitarist MICK MICHAELS definitely felt that there was more territory to mine a metal troubadours and with the assist of vocalist FRANKIE CROSS the band SANCTUARY was formed. Their sound is most defintely rooted in metal's glorious and thunderous past yet is firmly entrenched in what is going on in today's music world. Nowhere is there more evidence of this than the band's 2014 album AXE TO GRIND - a headbangingly joyous catalog of songs that prove that there ain't no school like the old school. And now we hear that the band isn't far from releasing a new album titled METAL MACHINE.  

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles578.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #577 - Patrick Ames

In creating OAKVILLE ONTOLOGY, his critically acclaimed 2014 recording one musician friend called the "Best 70’s Album in 40 Years," singer-songwriter PATRICK AMES first played its songs out in the lush vineyards he’s owned for 20 years in Napa, California - as if each vine was an audience member. Since releasing that retro meets contemporary album the folk/rock Americana singer/songwriter secured a regular Tuesday residency at the FREE WHEEL BREWING COMPANY in the Bay Area's Redwood City, an opportunity that helped him shed and develop the five diverse tracks on his five track follow-up EP MUTUALLY. While all the tracks of his previous CD reflected a deep contemplation of the nature of being and existence geared towards the issues of the day, this time, he liberates himself to complement his "protest songs" and "social commentary with a beat" with simpler love songs and party tunes. The track on MUTUALLY that is bound to stir the conscience is YOU HAVE TO WAIT A LITTLE LONGER. Once the words take hold, they sear the heart with a biting look at all the problems we’re facing as a society - hunger, homelessness, global warming, overpopulation, topical freak-outs like the recent Ebola scare. AMES says it all about the hopeless wheel we seem to be on when he reflects: "We wag our fingers at our own uncertainty/Then we elect the same politicians/And they form more committees…you’ll have to wait a little longer." The singer gets into some solutions on the sparse acoustic reflection AMERICA NEEDS: "no more hatred, just policy/no more ideologies…green valleys, mountains and trees…abandoned children to be seen." 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles577.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #576 - Bad Reed

It's always exciting to catch something from the very beginning with the Brantford, Ontario-based band BAD REED who have just issued their self-titled debut EP.  For a recording with only three songs on it, the musical ground that gets covered is quite expansive covering jazz, blues and progressive rock and even some electronic flourishes. The band - comprised of GRAHAM WALKER on guitars, SYDNEY SOLLAZZO on vocals and keyboards, AUSTIN THARPE on bass and COSTA CHATZIS on drums and percussion - is certainly not afraid to experiment but there is something inviting and accessible about the experimentation at hand here. This premiere effort is worth a few extra listens. 

 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles576.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #575 - Girlschool

For as long there has been rock n roll there has always been a fascination with the phenomenon of the all-female rock band. Whether or not the music is good or not -and most times it is - the public has a thirst for hearing about cat fights and break ups a'la THE RUNAWAYS or THE GO-GOS.  However, the all-female UK metal band GIRLSCHOOL has managed to make music their business as opposed to tabloid gossip for 37 years now after emerging from the very same metal scene that gave birth to MOTORHEAD. The band's brand of punk-tinted metal has earned them a devoted cult following on the strength of such gritty, classic recordings as the albums DEMOLITION (1980), HIT AND RUN (1981) and SCREAMING BLUE MURDER (1982). Byt eh 1990's and the early 2000's the band's out put of recorded material had diminished but  their love for the road did not. The band has played on almost every stage nad ever rock festival throughout the world but now the band is set to release their newest album GUILTY AS SIN showcasing the punchy brand of rock n roll that has made the band a phenomenon - namely on their stomping cover of the BEE-GEES' STAYIN ALIVE. Although original lead guitarist KELLY JOHNSON passed away from cancer in 2007 the other original members KIM McAULIFFE, ENID WILLIAMS and DENISE DUFORT  have stayed the course  along with new lead guitarist JACKIE CHAMBERS and did what all great rock n roll does - survive. 

 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles575.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #574 - London Has Fallen

According to CAMERON GORHAM - producer and co-founder of the alt-rock duo LONDON HAS FALLEN - there has beena definite change in approach to the bands music  from their 2014 debut album FRACTURE to their latest EP release INTO THE NIGHT.  Where FRACTURE boasted a loud and aggressive stance, the four songs on INTO THE NIGHT boast richer sonic textures and string arrangements.  Yes the sound on this latest offering ( which is only a hint of what people can expect on the band's soon-to-be-released LP) is way too big for the dynamic duo's Rockford, Illinois surroundings and its only mater of time before LONDON HAS FALLEN proves to the world indie rock can be be more than heartfelt - it can be ambitious also.  

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles574.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #573 - Shane Martin

Okay so we've thrown you for a loop by presenting a country artist  in this latest edition of ROCKWIRED RADIO PROFILES but SHANE MARTIN's brand of country is firmly rooted in a  gritty rock n roll sensibility.  The Minnesota-based troubadour has issued albums in the past but TILL THE WHEELS FALL OFF is a collection of driving country rockers that celebrate the roller coaster ride of life and love with the sort of Nashville gloss - provided by producer KENNY ROYSTER - that could bring this all-to-authentic country artist wider acclaim. The tracks to to keep your ear open for are I AM WHAT I AM, SHE'S GOT ME WHERE I WANT ME and GEORGIA PEACH.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles573.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #572 - Downfall 2012

One can only imagine the ups and downs that plague a band that has been around for twenty years. With that being said we've become acquainted with DOWNFALL 2012 at a rather exciting juncture in their career. The band captured the hearts and the imaginations of listeners with the release of their two-part saga release EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF VOL. I and II and the accompanying graphic novels. Yes this is band that goes big with their releases and that sense of spectacle also makes it into their electrifying live set which borders on rock n roll and performance art. However in 2014 personal issues plagued the band but with a little time away from each other the band is now focused on completing the EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF saga as well as material for a brand spanking new release. 

 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles572.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #571 - Voodoo Sex Cult

VOODOO SEX CULT describe themselves as a multi-cultural kick ass rock band with an American Indian lead singer, a Viking guitar player, a black bass player and a red neck drummer but don't think for a second this some sort of politically correct, UP WITH PEOPLE angle. The Arizona-based band's brand of hard partying rock n roll is a refreshing change from the brooding that is favored by today's Active Rock play lists. The band's most recent release A YEAR AND A DAY is a big sloppy serving of the goods that the band has to offer with such potent rockers as BLACK JESUS, 40 DAYS and CUTTING LOOSE. 

 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles571.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #570 - Straight Line Stitch

Heavy metal and hard rock fans are a fickle and discerning bunch. Bands that attempt to make a career for themselves by trend jumping with half-hearted devotion do not last. STRAIGHT LINE STITCH has been steadily ascending the ranks of metal and hard rock through authentic and impassioned performances, an organic evolution of their writing and recording, and a tried and true road warrior mentality towards touring. The band defined who they were early on in their career and held steadfast to their beliefs while making the natural progressions and growth of a committed touring band. While being genuine at the core of a band's being is an absolute necessity for credibility and longevity, it gets you nowhere fast if the songs do not matter. The STRAIGHT LINE STITCH sound is commanding and universal, engaging casual fans of hard rock and satiating the most stringent fans of metal. The tenacious musicianship is on full display upon first listen, quickly establishing the virtue of the players. The balance between aggressive punch and highly charged hook goes a long way to explaining the wide and diverse range of devoted STRAIGHT LINE STITCH loyalists. Whether sharing the stage with the titans of metal like SLAYER, or playing a coveted slot at the Punk driven WARPED TOUR, STRAIGHT LINE STITCH captivates and levels all in attendance. Vocalist ALEXIS BROWN is a blazing persona that demands the attention of a room. Throughout their songs, ALEXIS navigates a seamless shift from harrowing screams to heartfelt melody that adds depth and sincerity to their music. Her clean vocal parts never take a back seat to the punishing screams, as they are sung with an assertive power and spirit that soar mightily. The new EP TRANSPARENCY will be released June 30, 2015. 

 CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles570.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #569 - James Rawson

Dubbing his fresh electro indie pop vibe "like a side project between BEETHOVEN and The Postal Service," JAMES RAWSON draws from his passions for classical music, English literature, and social justice to create TRISTAN & ISOLDE, a compelling 10 track song cycle which portrays how love blooms from ruins. Named for RICHARD WAGNER's 19th Century opera of the same name, the cycle - which follows the singer's well received 2012 debut EROICA (named for BEETHOVEN's 3RD SYMPHONY) - is artfully divided into three thematic parts: 1) TRISTAN's journey; 2) ISOLDE's journey and 3) TRISTAN's and ISOLDE's ability to create healing and wholeness together, culminating in the dreamy, soulful closing number LOVE BUILT A CITY.

 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles569.mp3

GONZO #3 - The Third Podcast by Jeremy Gilley

It was a strange experiment having some punk kid interview bands and contribute to ROCKWIRED.COM and our monthly magazine. It was an experiment that has yielded some rather interesting results such as our ROCKWIRED CONCERT WATCH segment and of course this curious podcast series.  Before JEREMY joined the rank and file here at ROCKWIRED I hadn't had much experience communicating with millenials other than some of the bands that we've featured but have to say that I find myself  constantly entertained and absolutely fucking terrified all at once. I hope this latest edition of GONZO gives you that same sense of entertainment and terror. Not Like I'm banking on it or anything. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/Gonzo3.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #568 - Station

Ever since ROCKWIRED became acquainted with the New York City-based glam metal band STATION at the dawn of 2014 with the release of their EP WIRED We've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the album that guitarist CHRIS LANE had assured us was on it's way. Why were we so excited? The truth is, STATION delivers the kind of rock n roll that packs a punch rather than something to whine about. In a time when indie rock has embraced  a sickeningly down-home approach as evidenced by shit like MUMFORD AND SONS and other bands of that foot-stomping, accordion-playing sort STATION is here to crank up up the volume with anthem rockers that bring us back to a day when it was boy meets girl and then loses her and can't live without her and then realizing that he was better off without the bitch. The metal guitar theatrics of guitarist CHRIS LANE and the vocal pyrotechnics of front man PATRICK KEARNEY will definitely jog a memory or two of those halcyon days of MTV's HEADBANGER'S BALL which is weird considering the fact that the members of STATION were barely alive back in those days. Maybe there is some hope for rock n roll after all.

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles568.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #567 - Kelakos

How many times do you go onto YOUTUBE to watch a  music video from a classic artist only to read one comment after the other basically stating that music sucks now and that back in the good old days  it was all about the music? You see it all the time and sometimes it takes a true blast from the past to agree with these oh so faceless, amateur social critics. KELAKOS was a pop rock band from the the mid to late seventies  that for this reason or that reason didn't reach the heights  of other seventies rockers that you might hear on constant rotation on this or that classic rock station. Recorded in an age when music making was indeed all about music  KELAKOS boasted a sound that  combined the expansiveness of THE BEATLES during their SGT. PEPPER era and the musicality of TODD RUNDGREN. Forty years later when musicality has seemingly been replaced by jiggling rear ends and pop psychological heartache, the decision was made to release the music of KELAKOS in a 15-song collection called UNCORKED: RARE TRACKS FROM A VINTAGE 70'S BAND - and we must say it was a  damned good decision. 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles567.mp3

Rockwired Radio Profiles #566 - Kicking Harold

KICKING HAROLD are modern rock alchemists, and the operative word is "modern" - they synthesize hard rock, alternative, metal and dance-pop elements, and generate radio gold. Their new album - RED LIGHT DISTRICT - offers the perfect balance of classic and contemporary - the big riffs and dancier elements of new jacks like YOUNG THE GIANT and SHINY TOY GUNS, meshed with the melodic thunder of ageless grunge heroes like FOO FIGHTERS and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS. New album boasts 12 expertly-sequenced potential singles poised to erupt on multiple platforms. And every slugger in this murderers' row boasts a home run hook, from the supercharged strut of lead off track AMERICAN NITRO  to the passionate entreaty of the newly-resuscitated KILL YOU.
 

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST AT:
http://www.rockwired.com/temporarysite/rockwiredprofiles566.mp3