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The acclaimed Belgian heavy shoegaze band unveil a transfixing new single/music video ahead of second album Hush via Quiet Panic/ Church Road Records.
International rock/pop noir artist (and poet/writer, and illustrator) Rykarda Parasol returns with a captivating new album and lyrics book.
“I’ve never been the type of person to say anything in life was easy, even Anthrax. My father had abandoned my family, for whatever reasons, when I was 10. Music was my outlet and it saved me. I knew music was something I HAD to do! I got tunnel vision very early and focused on nothing but that goal. Joining Anthrax felt like I had even more purpose and my family were supportive though I was really going thru a lot.”
Dutch stoner rock/grunge band Rockford deliver the alternative rock goods on their new single and accompanying music video.
Trinidadian Trish Hosein uses spoken word, vocal effects, and live looping on her upcoming album that mixes pop, hip-hop, and more.
Sam Rosenthal, owner of Projekt Records, darkwave pioneer, and mastermind of electronic/Gothic/darkwave/ambient BTFABG needs your help to fund Kickstarter campaign to create this album! Only 4 days to go!
Kansas City-based band Emmaline Twist blend vibrant art-rock and haunting post-punk on their latest single and are currently recording new music.
The grunge-punk outfit drop a new single/music video, and get the royal treatment from renowned Steve Albini for their upcoming debut album.
The LA-based outfit’s anthemic single gets the party started before the arrival of their pop-loving, punk-spirited second album in September.
After over a year of devastation, we are slowly coming back to life and Philadelphia indie (dream)pop outfit Miss Cantaloupe celebrate with a lovely new album.
The Christchurch, New Zealand-residing singer-songwriter unveils a relevant new single/video that’s a dark harbinger for her upcoming album on Flying Nun.
The Nebraska-based outfit mix R&B, electronic, blues, rock, soul, reggae, and more on their newly released ’80s/‘90s-vibed album.
Singer-songwriter Ryan Horns pays tribute to our very own writer Chip Midnight’s late daughter Olivia on a poignant new single.
“Jazz offered me a whole new world and it was very exciting! I enjoyed the new challenges of improv. Why should I limit myself? It was certainly difficult at first and at times, felt like starting all over! I had technique, I could sweep pick, play fast but a lot of my other techniques I relied on didn’t transfer. The dynamics are totally different. The chords don’t transfer and the natural feel is a different level,” stated Skolnick.
Renowned songwriter/musician/producer John Vanderslice is set to release a tribute and rarities collection in honor of his late friend David Berman.
Philadelphian indie rock/post-punk outfit Courier Club release a stirring new single and chat about their exploratory hybrid-genre music.
Jordan Smith of Twinsmith drops a nostalgic soft rock track as Steady Wells and talks about this flexible new music project.
“Tomahawk has always been this special place where we can play hard, heavy music and mix in expressionism with a vocalist who can do anything. Tonic Immobility is a statement we’re still around and still doing it. You can take life at your own pace. Sometimes, you just have to wait until the time is right.”
A brief look into a new band – time balanced by fear and excitement, and The Big Question.
“From the moment we’re born into this world we have a natural, rhythmic beat; Our heart. The pulsing rhythm is just like drums,” affirmed Horn.
“It will be great to get back out but I am sure once on the road, I’ll laugh and say ‘Oh God, why am I doing this all over again?’ We always worked to play all-ages shows, why preach to the converted? We’re like a sick rock & roll cult that wants to recruit a new congregation,” laughed Hopeless.
Tim Kinsella, Melina Ausikaitis, Theo Katsaounis, and Bobby Burg tell the tale of bringing Joan of Arc to an end in this oral retrospective.
“In the face of futures postponed or cancelled, the underbelly of civilization shows itself in increased violence and racism while caution, politeness and caring are disregarded without a thought by those who feel freed to do so by the examples set by their leaders.”
“It all began in a very grassroots way. This was their Metal, for the new fans. Not hokey rock and roll and it was the real thing. We worked to give these bands to the people that wanted more and were willing to support it,” reflected Zazula.
Shoegaze songwriter Andy Jossi publishes his life’s work in a new self-released double album released in July.
“I proud to say that I think we came back strong. I know it’s been awhile since the last record in 2013. I’m happy our fans our loyal because we never relied on radio, we relied on touring and with what has been happening it has been difficult. We’ve played together for so long; I have learned not to argue over childish stuff and just enjoy each other.”
Big Takeover writer Jen Dan revisits the discography of the captivating, lyrically insightful shoegaze/dream-pop/guitar-pop band Lush(1987 – 1996 and 2015 – 2016).
Big Takeover writer Jen Dan revisits the discography of the mesmerizing, compelling electronic rock/alternative guitar-rock band Curve (1990 – 2005).
Big Takeover writer Jen Dan revisits the discography of the cinematic, atmospheric rock/dream-pop/electronic band Cranes (1986 – 2008).
“I don’t feel any burnout or pressure, more like being thankful that I’m still able to do this. Everyone gets along so well playing with Michael Monroe and we all realize that nothing is more important than the music. This is our livelihood and for me, it’s my only job so I make sure to do it at the highest level, no matter which group I am in,” stated Jones.
A Profile of Guelph, Ontario DIY musician Green Palm Radiation, a.k.a. Jay Newberry.
“It’s high praise that people struggle to define us. I don’t want to be a Goth rock band or an exclusively Metal band. The longer I can hold people off from genre defining statements the better,” laughed Franco.
“We’re not naïve in believing we’re the ultimate solution but this campaign is to make people understand that shootings and violence should not be an accepted, normal part of growing up,” stated Hegel.
As the festival gets under way, we bring you the most authoritative “must-see” list, based on what 59 participating Psycho artists told us in interviews we published leading up to “America’s rock ‘n’ roll bacchanal.”
“I’m proud of what we do and how this record turned out. There’s no mystery to what we do and we approach music not with some master plan or ultimate goal, except to take these songs and perform them the best we can. We always hope for some kind of response from people because even though songwriting is very personal to me, I’m still communicating with people.”
To give you a taste of the panoply of musical strains in store for the long festival weekend, we’ve assembled video playlists for each day of the festival (including the pre-party).
“How many people our age can just get out there and become relevant to a new generation? We don’t have any illusions of record deals and we’re thankful just to wake up every day and play rock & roll. How many people can be fortunate enough to say that?” said Molinare
“I was moved by the actual words of the Statue of Liberty and was especially drawn to the message of inclusion. Our parents and grandparents came to this country from rougher lives and to start creating something new. People have the basic human right to work and create a better life for themselves and loved ones,” stated Lashley in his hallmark Boston accent.
Poet, essayist, and (music) journalist Noah C. Lekas releases his debut book that explores mysticism and menial labor in contemporary America. The collection of narrative prose arrives April 13th via SoCal label Blind Owl Records, with various artists contributing short films to accompany each poem. The Big Takeover hosts the premiere of one of the videos for poem “Steamroll the Sky” featuring the gritty glory of New York City.
“Guthrie said anything more than two chords and you’re just showing off. That’s a great sentiment because sometimes keeping things simple is the hardest thing to do,” exclaimed Engine.
“I really am grateful for everything. As for the planned tour, I feel that if you’re touring you should be supporting a new record. Kerry and I will continue writing and we’re looking at recording next year. Kerry was the original catalyst for the band and he got my son and I into music. I forever love him like a brother for that,” concluded Bartsch.
“I’ve never been the guy to say the newest record is the best. With Digital Garbage, I’m very happy with it because there has been some new dynamics. Dan (Peters) wrote a track and Guy(Maddison) added some synth. I know there might be a political statement or two in Mark’s lyrics but I don’t consider us a political band,” said Turner.
“I was always raised to fight for my beliefs. My family goes back generations as being involved in unions and I’m still appalled at the ongoing disrespect toward the American worker,” he stated.
“Our sound wasn’t planned or contrived in any way, we just play like we do because it’s all we know. With this lineup I feel this is the one; in it for life because this is really all we do,” stated Lawrence.
“People always ask how my new music will sound and I tell them, it’s me and will always have the power, passion, and energy. It’s a magical time and it fills me with joy to be able to do this every day,” exclaimed Pesch.
“Rap and hip-hop always had a lot to say and back then social climates dictated what artists wrote. It did have a backing large enough at that point to call out injustices that were covered up by Disco, which focused more on partying. There was a climate of people suffering and I think artists made a supreme effort at that time to be different than stereotypes,” stated Chuck.
‘I talk about authenticity a lot and I don’t want to feel the more I mention it the less impacting it gets. There are many versions of someone’s persona when they’re part of the music or art world in general. I know onstage I feel I can settle into a character by using dry humor but I feel a lot of my songs rely on vocal melodies and that is what I don’t hide from,” stated Loveless.