discovering and sharing the music that moves us

Author: Simon

Two-plus decades in the music industry as a program director, host, influencer, voice-over artist, and artist manager. Passionate about introducing music fans to talented artists. Avid sports card collector. Pizza lover. Microbrew connoisssoir.
Lost MGMT Performance from 2003 Resurfaces on YouTube
Music

Lost MGMT Performance from 2003 Resurfaces on YouTube

If you’ve ever wondered what MGMT sounded like before they blew up with 'Kids', here’s your chance to time travel. A five-part video series has been uploaded to YouTube by user Rad Scientist, and it’s pure indie gold. This footage takes us all the way back to 2003 (or maybe 2004, the uploader’s not 100% sure), capturing the band in their raw, pre-global fame glory. According to Rad Scientist, “Recently found some footage on an old drive I thought was gone forever. This was from either 2003 or 2004. Jamming on the balcony of the Wesleyan Wesco dorms up one. Part of a concert series on 4/20 called Zonker Harris Day.” Yup, Zonker Harris Day. The dorm concerts, the 4/20 vibes, and that unmistakable “just figuring things out” energy are all here. It’s like peeking into a college scrapboo...
Music

Master Peace Revolution’s ‘Left of Normal’ Challenges the Status Quo

Master Peace Revolution is redefining hard rock music with its new single, "Left of Normal." This debut single sets the stage for their upcoming album, Fate or Destiny. Arriving in early 2025, it promises to be a complete sensory experience. "Left of Normal" isn’t just another track. It’s part of a broader narrative, blending music and visuals. The band wants listeners to truly experience the sound, not just hear it. They aim to create an immersive journey that demands full attention. Every chord, lyric, and visual element serves a purpose. The story follows a character living “left of normal,” a clown working odd jobs. He’s manipulated by the political system, representing a society controlled by "political clowns." The narrative reveals how everyone is trapped in a circus, with hid...
John Conlin Drops Heart-Wrenching Dance-Pop Anthem “Kissing Other Girls”
Features, Music

John Conlin Drops Heart-Wrenching Dance-Pop Anthem “Kissing Other Girls”

In the ever-evolving landscape of dance-pop, John Conlin stands out as an artist whose honesty and emotional depth infuse every beat with meaning. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, and now based in Los Angeles, Conlin has a unique ability to pair infectious melodies with raw, introspective lyrics. He’s the kind of artist who can make you dance and cry at the same time—and that’s precisely what he’s achieved with his latest single, “Kissing Other Girls,” set to drop on September 13, 2024. Conlin’s musical journey began early. At just four years old, he was already experimenting with the piano, and it didn’t take long before he started to compose his own music. Teaching himself production on a laptop, he quickly developed an ear for crafting the kind of hooks that stick with you long after th...
Kings County Drop New Order’s “Blue Monday” Cover With Hard Rock Twist
Features, Music

Kings County Drop New Order’s “Blue Monday” Cover With Hard Rock Twist

In the realm of music covers, New Order's 1983 hit single, "Blue Monday," has seen its fair share of interpretations. But this time around, Orlando's hard rock outfit, Kings County, has taken it upon themselves to give the iconic track a whole new lease on life. Kings County is comprised of Rob Dexter on vocals and bass, Steve Bell and Bill Kania on guitars, and Joe Lopez on drums. They're not shying away from the challenge of reinventing a classic. With heavy guitars, earthy drums, and aggressive modern vocals, they've breathed new life into the song while still paying homage to its New Wave roots. According to Dexter, the decision to tackle "Blue Monday" was driven by a deep appreciation for timeless music. He notes, "Great songs stand the test of time, and New Order's hit is no ex...
Velvet Rays Chronicles the Essence of Love in Debut Single “Something Different”
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Velvet Rays Chronicles the Essence of Love in Debut Single “Something Different”

Introducing Velvet Rays, the R&B and soul duo making waves from the heart of Houston, TX. The duo is comprised of the talented singer, songwriter, and producer Jayson De Buyl. Along with the multifaceted artist, singer, songwriter, producer, choreographer, and dance teacher Jon Glenn. Their debut single, "Something Different," is available now on Dark Spark Music. The genesis of their single, as described by Jayson, is rooted in the concept of a dream girl. The ideal woman with whom one envisions spending a lifetime. Their mission was clear: to encapsulate the euphoria of new love and convey it in a way that not only makes sense but also breathes life into the hearts of their audience. "Something Different" aims to evoke that exhilarating feeling of encountering someone for ...
Auld Lang Syne Punked-Up: The Dollyrots’ Cover New Year’s Anthem
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Auld Lang Syne Punked-Up: The Dollyrots’ Cover New Year’s Anthem

The Dollyrots, the dynamic punk-rock trio consisting of Kelly Ogden (bass and vocals) and Luis Cabezas (guitar and vocals), along with current touring drummer Simon Hancock, are gearing up for an action-packed 2024. They've just announced a January tour alongside Bowling For Soup and Lit. Additionally, a March tour with Gymshorts as support is on the horizon. Tickets for both upcoming tours are available now. Before bidding farewell to 2023, The Dollyrots have dropped a punk-infused yet sentimental rendition of the New Year's Eve classic, "Auld Lang Syne," released on Wicked Cool Records. Kelly Ogden reflects on the inspiration behind the rendition, stating, "Usually, when Auld Lang Syne comes on, I feel a bit wistful... I mean, maybe it’s the champagne, but it’s also time to re...
Radiobot: Listen To Debut Single “This World’s On Fire”
Features, Music

Radiobot: Listen To Debut Single “This World’s On Fire”

Radiobot is a dynamic musical trio featuring Brett Scallions, Billy Harvey, and Eddie Wohl. They're making waves with their debut original single. "This World's On Fire" is available now on all major music platforms via TLG/Virgin Music Group. This and their previously released Bob Dylan cover gives listeners a taste of what's to come from this exciting band. According to the trio, their debut album is set to drop in Spring 2024, In a statement, the band expressed their intentions behind the single, stating, "At a time when the world certainly feels like it's a mess, we hope listeners will enjoy the comical tongue-in-cheek lyrics in this song. That, along with the stomp beat, should get your booty shaking and have some fun with it." Adding an extra layer of entertainment, Radiobot ha...
Polyvinyl Records Presents Birthmark’s Highly Anticipated Album ‘Birth of Omni’
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Polyvinyl Records Presents Birthmark’s Highly Anticipated Album ‘Birth of Omni’

Birthmark is the brainchild of accomplished multi-instrumentalist Nate Kinsella and a new album is on the way. Birth of Omni is set for release on January 19th, 2024 through Polyvinyl Record Co. Following the well-received lead single "Rodney," Birthmark has unveiled "Red Meadow." The new material is accompanied by a visually striking music video directed by Kinsella himself. Photo Credit: Tom Medvedich In "Red Meadow," Kinsella explores the complex dynamics of midlife and parenthood. He shares how these experiences can reshape relationships and one's understanding of oneself. The music video, co-directed by Chris Strong, employs light, darkness, and dance to articulate the emotional essence of the song. Kinsella and dancer Robin Mineko-Williams move together in tandem, symbolizing a...
Excitement Builds For Green Day’s 14th Album With “Dilemma” Release
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Excitement Builds For Green Day’s 14th Album With “Dilemma” Release

Powerhouse punk rock trio Green Day is making waves once again with the release of their latest single, "Dilemma." The band, comprised of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool, has delivered another instant classic. The song packs a punch and is set to be featured on their upcoming 14th studio album Saviors due January 19, 2024. Photo credit: Emmie America In the accompanying video, we find Billie Joe Armstrong navigating the consequences of a wild night. The footage embodies the lyrics' brutally honest reflection on addiction and mental health struggles. "'Dilemma' was one of those songs that was kind of easy to write because it was so personal to me," Armstrong shares. The track explores the pain that arises from witnessing the challenges faced by peers dealing with addic...
Iconic Adam Ant Set To Tour The U.S.A. In 2024
Events, Features, Music

Iconic Adam Ant Set To Tour The U.S.A. In 2024

Adam Ant is set to embark on a coast-to-coast tour in the new year. His ANTMUSIC 2024 dates kick off on March 21st in St. Louis, MO. The legendary English Beat will join him as support throughout the tour. Photo Credit: Steven Scouller Adam Ant's journey traces back to the mid-seventies when he played bass with a band called Bazooka Joe, He went on to form The Ants after a life-changing experience seeing The Sex Pistols in concert. The Ants gained traction and their debut album Dirk Wears White Søx rose to the top of the independent charts. This initial success set the stage for their explosive breakthrough Kings of the Wild Frontier in 1980. This charismatic frontman continued his ascent with hits like "Stand and Deliver" (1981) and "Prince Charming," reaching number one on the c...