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.
Anthemic New Single From 408 Features Underoath Vocalist
20May By SimonNo Comments
Music

Anthemic New Single From 408 Features Underoath Vocalist

The Alternative/pop-punk foursome 408 are back with a brand new video for "U 2". The anthemic new single features Aaron Gillespie from Underoath. It's the second single off their upcoming album Out Of It and will be released by Regime Music Group and BreakSilence Recordings. 408 made waves earlier this year when they dropped "Mark Hoppus". The lead single from Out Of It even caught the attention of the Blink 182 frontman himself. We're really liking what we've heard from this band and hope the special guests continue. Although, they undoubtedly have the chops to stand on their own too. The album is due out later this year so stay tuned for a release date sometime soon. Out of It was recorded with producer/engineer Andrew Wade and Andy Karpovck (A Day To Remember) at The Audio C...
Read More
Coheed and Cambria Release Energetic New Single “Comatose”
18May By SimonNo Comments
Features, Music

Coheed and Cambria Release Energetic New Single “Comatose”

Coheed and Cambria have released a brand new single in the form of "Comatose". They've continued to pick up momentum ahead of the release of their highly anticipated new album. Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind will be released on June 24th. Credit: Alexandra Gavillet Just to be completely upfront, a bit of a confession is necessary. As a longtime fan of Coheed and Cambria, it's difficult to cover this topic with impartiality. But it really feels like they're releasing some of the best music of their career. Many bands, quite frankly, run out of ideas after a few records. But this dynamic quartet continues to innovate and push things forward. "Comatose" is an up-tempo, high-energy song that leans on Coheed's classic pop-punk roots. It's about folding under pressure and want...
Read More
Listen To Big Drink’s New Single “Different Circles”
15May By SimonNo Comments
Features, Music

Listen To Big Drink’s New Single “Different Circles”

Big Drink's new single "Different Circles" could be a sign of big things to come from the band. This pop-punk outfit hails from the UK and has hit a home run with their new song. It Was Supposed To Be Easy is the new EP set for release on June 3rd. Fans of A Day To Remember, Four Year Strong and other bands with a similar vibe have a strong chance of enjoying "Different Circles". The song features crunchy guitars, catchy accessible vocals, and some really enjoyable growling about two minutes in. "Different Circles" is a twisting journey exploring the thoughts and feelings behind giving up. Aimed at trying to explain the upwards battle faced in life and creative endeavours, the track hints at dissatisfaction and isolation in making music during lockdown and the piling pressure ...
Read More
Does Riot Fest Have The Best Lineup Of 2022?
11May By SimonNo Comments
Features, Music

Does Riot Fest Have The Best Lineup Of 2022?

The Riot Fest lineup is here and it's a doozy. They are heading into the 17th year of the annual event with an undeniably strong collection of artists. Punk, hip hop, indie rock, industrial and other genres are all well represented on the bill. My Chemical Romance will headline Friday. The Original Misfits are on top of the bill Saturday and Nine Inch Nails will close out Sunday. Yeah Yeah Yeahs will perform for the first time at Riot Fest. As far as reunions go, Yellowcard will be getting back together as is The Academy Is... and Midtown. Riot Fest maintains its independent spirit to this day. The three-day event will return to Douglass Park in Chicago this September. Tickets are officially on sale and are available in a variety of packages. Spread out over five stages, expect mo...
Read More
New Osaka Popstar Music Video For “Lost & Found” Stars Fred Armisen
11May By SimonNo Comments
Music

New Osaka Popstar Music Video For “Lost & Found” Stars Fred Armisen

The infectious new single from Osaka Popstar "Lost & Found" is out now. The animated music video for the track features the band and other special animated guests along with actor/comedian/musician Fred Armisen in the starring role. Album Art: Josh Howard The high-energy tune is featured on Osaka Popstar's latest release. Ear Candy is available now on all your favorite streaming platforms. Fans who prefer vinyl will be pleased to note that it's available in Limited Edition Candy Swirl form. The CD includes deluxe gatefold packaging and a free 2-sided poster. Both versions include digital access to the new Sweetie Candy Vigilante comic book. Osaka Popstar was founded by longtime Misfits and Ramones collaborator John Cafiero in 2006. The anime meets NY punk-rock collective fe...
Read More
Redlight King Drop New Single, Plan Fall Album Release
10May By SimonNo Comments
Music

Redlight King Drop New Single, Plan Fall Album Release

Melodic rockers Redlight King are back on the scene with a big agenda. "In Our Blood" is the uplifting new single that's set to be included on their fourth studio album set for release this fall. To prepare they've got a series of festival shows lined up with more concert dates in the works. Photo Credit: David Harris Redlight King broke out in 2011 with their debut album Something For The Pain. Their single "Bullet In My Hand" made it to #3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart and made waves with the reimagined version of Neil Young's "Old Man". Young himself approved of the sample in the song. Irons In The Fire and Moonshine followed. The band has had songs featured in the movies Avengers, Iron Man 3, and TVs Malcolm In The Middle. For the new full-length album, they've sig...
Read More
Ghost Woman’s “Clockwork” Single Hits Just The Right Spot
9May By SimonNo Comments
Music

Ghost Woman’s “Clockwork” Single Hits Just The Right Spot

Ghost Woman's "Clockwork" single is a refreshing new song that taps into something special. The project is the brainchild of talented multi-instrumentalist Evan Uschenko. He spent time on the road internationally with songwriter/producer Michael Rault. He found inspiration after sharing the bill with artists like Jacco Gardiner and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. He's channeled that innovative spirit into his new self-titled album set for release on July 1st. Influenced by the likes of Jefferson Airplane, The Byrds, and others, "Clockwork" takes the listener on a psychedelic journey through the desert. I just rewatched Natural Born Killers for the 100th (rough estimate) time and this song could fit right in on the soundtrack. While the song does have a psychedelic feel ...
Read More
Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand” Is The New Top Gun Theme Song
5May By SimonNo Comments
Film

Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand” Is The New Top Gun Theme Song

Lady Gaga has contributed the theme song to the new Top Gun: Maverick movie. Due later this month, the epic ballad sets the tone for the film. The soundtrack is packed with nostalgic tunes and a few that are hot off the press. YouTube Available the same day the movie hits theaters, the soundtrack will be available via Interscope Records. Featuring new tracks from Lady Gaga and One Republic alongside classics from the original like Danger Zone from Kenny Loggins, it's sure to spark some nostalgic feelings for the original film. Gaga wrote and produced the song with BloodPop with addition production from Benjamin Rice. Premiere Set For May 27th After Five Delays Top Gun: Maverick will be debuting in theaters on May 27th on Paramount Pictures. The highly anticipated premiere ha...
Read More
Poll: Where Do You Discover New Music?
3May By Simon3 Comments
Features, Music

Poll: Where Do You Discover New Music?

Listening habits have evolved over the past few decades. Today, there are far more options when it comes to discovering new music. Take the MendoWerks poll below and let us know where you're finding tasty new jams. But first, let's look at some recently-released numbers for 2021. According to statistics from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), recorded music revenue in the United State grew a whopping 23% percent to $15 billion last year (retail value). All major formats experienced growth with the exception of digital downloads. Paid subscriptions continued to be the largest driver of growth. RIAA research shows that 84 million people belonged to a subscription service in 2021, up from 75.5 million the previous year. The news wasn't so promising when it came to ...
Read More
AWOLNATION Tour Announced, Covers Album Drops Friday
2May By SimonNo Comments
Events, Features, Music

AWOLNATION Tour Announced, Covers Album Drops Friday

AWOLNATION is hitting the road and tickets go on sale Friday. Not-so-coincidentally, the highly anticipated covers and compilation album will be released the same day. My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers and Me features appearances by Beck, Jewel, Brandon Boyd (Incubus), Taylor Hanson (yes, that Hanson), and many others. Photo Credit: Credit: Kari Rowe Joining AWOLNATION on tour are Badflower and The Mysterines. Dubbed the 'Falling Forward' tour, it'll kick off October 6th in Utah and run through November 18th in Seattle. Highlights include stops in New York City, Los Angeles, and Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. Tickets are on sale to the general public Friday at 10 am local time and can be found here. There is a special pre-sale underway for members of the AWOLNATION fan club through Thursday....
Read More