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Alter/Ego Returns with “Instance” by VARI
Features, Music

Alter/Ego Returns with “Instance” by VARI

Hex Cougar's Alter/Ego label returns in 2023 with a melodic-yet-glitchy new single by VARI: "Instance". This song is the first release coming from the label since its 2nd compilation album, which came out in April 2022. In short, there is so much movement in this one song that it's almost like embarking on a whole journey through outer space, all contained within three minutes. Do be sure to check it out. Listen to "Instance" by VARI on Spotify "Instance" feels like a cousin of the huge music that's been coming from REMNANT.exe, a fellow Alter/Ego artist-- but that statement is easily an oversimplification; VARI definitely stands on his own, with his unique take on cinematic electronic music. That first drop at around the 50-second mark is especially delicious, as i...
Rock Veterans Taproot Drop Highly-Anticipated “Favourite Song”
Features, Music

Rock Veterans Taproot Drop Highly-Anticipated “Favourite Song”

Michigan-based hard rock veterans Taproot have unveiled their latest single. "Favourite Song" marks the first official release from their upcoming album SC\SSRS. The highly anticipated new album is set to hit shelves on September 29th. "Favourite Song" features a guest appearance by Nonpoint's Elias Soriano. The hard-hitting yet melodic track and accompanying lyric video are available now everywhere you listen to music. Produced by guitarist/vocalist Stephen Richards at The Loft in Saline, MI, and mixed by Matt LaPlant (Nonpoint and Skindred), this album, entirely written and recorded by Richards, marks the band's first studio effort since 2012's The Episodes (Victory). In addition to their upcoming album, Taproot recently dropped Best of Besides. The 17-track compilation featu...
Asinhell (ft. Volbeat Frontman) Share “Desert of Doom” Video
Music

Asinhell (ft. Volbeat Frontman) Share “Desert of Doom” Video

The frontman of legendary Danish rock band, Volbeat, has unleashed a new death metal project: Asinhell. This new band, comprised of guitarist Michael Poulsen (Volbeat, Dominus), vocalist Marc Grewe (Insidious Disease, Morgoth), and drummer Morten Toft Hansen (Raunchy), is a labor of pure love; not only are these three musicians good friends 'in real life', but the Asinhell debut album, Impii Hora, is a tribute to some of Poulsen's favorite groups. For example, the band's newest single, "Desert of Doom", was inspired by Bolt Thrower, Death, Entombed, and Motörhead. Check out the music video for "Desert of Doom", below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTKqYZN0Uno Video directed by Shan Dan Horan. "Bang your head 'til it doesn't bang no more!" As it turns out, once a (dea...
N3ptune and Rusty Steve: Genre-bending Pop in the Mile High City
Features, Music

N3ptune and Rusty Steve: Genre-bending Pop in the Mile High City

N3ptune and Rusty Steve from Denver, CO are making some of the most interesting music in the Mile High City right now. Named the “Best Breakout Artist of 2023” by local magazine Westword, N3ptune and Rusty Steve’s music blends pop with dark, thumping electronic beats, gospel music, blues, soul, and a healthy sprinkling of kickass guitar solos.  N3ptune himself started music while still in high school, quickly proving himself in the Denver scene as a singer/songwriter and producer. His star has risen quickly, as him and Rusty Steve, his co-producer and guitarist, have since received placement on syndicated radio station KTCL Channel 93.3 with the single “Black Horse.” They’ve also headlined Denver’s Pridefest, performed at some of Colorado’s biggest and most beloved stages like Red...
Immerse Yourself In The Joy Formidable’s “The Hat”
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Immerse Yourself In The Joy Formidable’s “The Hat”

Welsh alt-rock icons, The Joy Formidable are back in the spotlight with their latest single, "The Hat." Following closely on the heels of their previous release, "Cut Your Face," this latest track is now available for streaming on all major platforms. Ritzy Bryan leads the band with her captivating vocals and masterful guitar work. Rhydian Dafydd provides the pulsating bass lines and adds his vocal prowess to the mix. Drummer Matt Thomas keeps the rhythm tight and explosive. Originally hailing from North Wales, the band now divides their time between their homeland and the vast expanses of Utah. Throughout their career, The Joy Formidable has nurtured their connection with their devoted fanbase. In 2019, they launched the TJF Music Club, a platform that offered fans exclusive a...
Music Books by Women: A Reading Guide
Music

Music Books by Women: A Reading Guide

Despite the wealth of content available online, there’s still something special about thumbing through the pages of a book. The good news is, there’s no shortage of literature on all things music. The bad news is, the abundance of books out there makes it hard to decide which one(s) to pick up.That’s where we come in. Let us help you pick out your next read. In the body of this article, you will find a list of books that are definitely worth your time. As a little bonus, we selected titles exclusively written by women for this piece. Happy reading!  A MendoWerks Reading Guide: Music Books by Women Below, you will find a list of 5 books about music that were written by women. Among them are memoirs, essay collections, and more. Find these titles at a library near you with...
Help! Mercury is in Gatorade! [a Retrograde Survival Guide, ft. Nick Neutronz]
Interviews, Music

Help! Mercury is in Gatorade! [a Retrograde Survival Guide, ft. Nick Neutronz]

“When the planet Mercury enters apparent retrograde motion, that marks the beginning of a span of misfortune down on Earth.” Wilder Davies, TIME. It’s that time again. What time? Well, we’re currently midway through the oh-so Internet-infamous, ‘Mercury in Retrograde,’ what’s what!  Now, there are a few things you might be thinking:  Oh no, not this again...  Oh no, not THIS again!  Or, perhaps– Oh no, what even IS this?!  Regardless of where you fall on the astrology-reaction-spectrum, this article is for you. That is because we are going to explore what exactly ‘Mercury in retrograde’ refers to, what it means for this particular season, and offer up some tunes to listen to while we wait for this chaotic season to pass.  We also co...
Empty Trail’s New Single Is A Grunge Revival With A Modern Twist
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Empty Trail’s New Single Is A Grunge Revival With A Modern Twist

Alt/hard rockers Empty Trail has released their latest single, "...but One Path." The song is garnering attention for its blend of influences and style reminiscent of the grunge era of the 90s. The band's origins trace back to singer/guitarist Rick Lambert's personal project during his time in Los Angeles. From there Lambert made a significant shift by relocating to Austin in the fall of 2016. Lambert's vision for Empty Trail was rooted in a desire to infuse the grittiness of grunge with a contemporary sonic approach. He cites iconic bands like Soundgarden and Alice in Chains as key inspirations, aiming to put his own twist on their sounds. Maintaining Authenticity The current release, "...but One Path," embodies Empty Trail's commitment to maintaining authenticity while ...
Seraph. and w/out Unite on Intricately Emotional New Song, “Ache”
Features, Music, Reviews

Seraph. and w/out Unite on Intricately Emotional New Song, “Ache”

Two brilliant electronic music producers, Seraph. and w/out, teamed up on an intricate and emotional new song, “Ache”. This fresh wavy release serves as the second single off of Seraph.’s upcoming EP, Memento. The EP’s first tender single, “Pulse,” dropped earlier this summer. For fans of sophisticated and melodic electronic music, August 31st is the date you need to remember, as that’s the day that Memento is due out in full via The Tabula Rasa Record Company.  As for "Ache", this is a powerful song that can evoke a strong emotional response no matter how many times you hear it. At the heart of the song is this complicated, nostalgic feeling. We recommend that you take some time to find a quiet space listen to this track so you can feel it for yourself-- "Ache" i...
AlienBlaze Enters her Villain Era with “Enemies With Benefits”
Features, Music, Reviews

AlienBlaze Enters her Villain Era with “Enemies With Benefits”

UK-based singer-songwriter AlienBlaze is back with a catchy new genre-defiant song, "Enemies With Benefits," out now via Sumerian Records. This release marks the artist's third with the label since her 2022 signing. It follows her inaugural single, "Not Yours Never Was," and her recent collaboration with OmenXIII, "Lovesick". Produced by The Nocturns, and loosely inspired by Elton John's “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," AlienBlaze denotes this song as one of her favorite releases to date. We definitely can see why. Make sure to take a few minutes and check this one out. Watch the music video for "Enemies With Benefits" by AlienBlaze on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvl9WWuPkMg With lyrics like "I want to stamp all over your ego with my platform heel..." and "I’ll ...