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.
Sick Puppies Bassist Emma Anzai Joins Evanescence
Music

Sick Puppies Bassist Emma Anzai Joins Evanescence

Alt-rockers Evanescence has announced a few tweaks to their lineup. In the wake of the recently announced departure of longtime guitarist Jen Majura, they've found an in-house replacement on guitar while tapping Sick Puppies bassist Emma Anzai to join the band on bass guitar. In a recent social media post, it was revealed that Tim McCord will be taking over guitar duties. He became an official member of Evanescence in 2007 and has been holding it down on bass ever since. McCord will now have the opportunity to return to his original instrument. Emma Anzai founded Sick Puppies with former frontman Shimon Moore in 1997. They had a string of successful albums and singles but ended up parting ways after an internal dispute in 2014. Vocalist Bryon Scott joined for 2015's Fury album. As ...
New Mayday Parade Single Released Ahead Of Busy Summer Tour
Events, Music

New Mayday Parade Single Released Ahead Of Busy Summer Tour

An introspective new Mayday Parade single called "Losing My Mind" is available now. The band is gearing up for a busy summer with dates in the UK followed by a full US tour. "Losing My Mind" is an outtake from their 2021 studio release What It Means To Fall Apart. They teamed up with multi-platinum producers Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount on the project. According to co-vocalist/drummer Jake Bundrick, the song is 'about being alone and missing the one that got away.' I think we've all been there. The one-shot visualizer accompanying the single release might make you a little hungry. That is if you like cake. You can check that out below if you like. Mayday Parade teamed up with Dark Hearth (AFI, Tony Hawk) on the visuals. The first 3+ minutes show the cake being made and is oddly ...
Anthemic New Single From 408 Features Underoath Vocalist
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 Co...
Coheed and Cambria Release Energetic New Single “Comatose”
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 wanti...
Listen To Big Drink’s New Single “Different Circles”
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 o...
Does Riot Fest Have The Best Lineup Of 2022?
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 mor...
New Osaka Popstar Music Video For “Lost & Found” Stars Fred Armisen
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 fea...