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The Big Takeover Issue #93
Profiles
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Devotions - Pusher

Devotions: Nostalgic and Dreamy Pop from Australia

21 September 2021

The dreampop trio, who are inspired by films, art, and post-punk music, recently released their debut album via Somewherecold Records.

Neil Burkdoll

Among The Clouds: Musician and Shoegazer Neil Burkdoll launches new YouTube channel

9 September 2021

Burkdoll (Whimsical, LoveBlind) interviews shoegaze, dreampop, and adjacent bands/artists in video format, including Ringo Deathstarr and A Place To Bury Strangers.

Steve Kilby

Steve Kilbey Strides Down ‘The Hall of Counterfeits’ with ‘Winged Heels’

4 September 2021

The Hall of Counterfeits is an unwieldy chaotic dense bunch of songs that we have plucked fresh out of the thin air.”

Sonny Vincent: Rocker Returns With New Record And Debut Book- Snake Pit Therapy

1 September 2021

“Asking for help and turning to people has also humbled me. I still have angst within me, as evident on the records but I do feel hope. To work and create something among all the rubble that is going on is very powerful and forever positive.”

Lavender Blush

Lavender Blush: A Seasoned Dreampop/Shoegaze Artist Blooms Anew

1 September 2021

The full band was pared down to veteran musician Ryan Lescure during the pandemic, with other vocalists added later to their upcoming LP.

Hawks Do Not Share

Hawks Do Not Share: Reaching for their Dream on upcoming Album

30 August 2021

The Portland, Oregon-located electro-/synth-/dream-pop group have unveiled their engaging lead single from their upcoming 2nd LP.

Don Lifted 2

Don Lifted: Taking Memphis R&B and ambient music to mysterious new depths

24 August 2021

Lawrence Matthews, the multi-talented creative behind Don Lifted, will soon unveil his latest alluring and stylistically hybrid album via Fat Possum.

Monta At Odds

Monta At Odds: Out of Infinite Darkness, a Peak of Eternal Light

17 August 2021

Kansas City-based collective Monta At Odds ply a dark synth-pop/ethereal sound on their new album out now via Record Machine Label.

Slow Crush 2

Slow Crush: Enigmatic & Enthralling Music that Embraces the Unknown

6 August 2021

The acclaimed Belgian heavy shoegaze band unveil a transfixing new single/music video ahead of second album Hush via Quiet Panic/ Church Road Records.

Rykarda Parasol

Rykarda Parasol: A Mesmerizing Storyteller merges Music & Lyrics

2 August 2021

International rock/pop noir artist (and poet/writer, and illustrator) Rykarda Parasol returns with a captivating new album and lyrics book.

Anthrax: XL Anniversary Retrospective

30 July 2021

“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.”

Rockford

Rockford: Heavy and Gritty - Alternative Rock as it should be!

28 July 2021

Dutch stoner rock/grunge band Rockford deliver the alternative rock goods on their new single and accompanying music video.

TRISHES

TRISHES: Blending Activism and Art to reflect our Humanity

26 July 2021

Trinidadian Trish Hosein uses spoken word, vocal effects, and live looping on her upcoming album that mixes pop, hip-hop, and more.

Black Tape For A Blue Girl

Projekt Records’ renowned Black Tape For a Blue Girl to return (hopefully) with New Album

25 July 2021

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!

Emmaline Twist

Emmaline Twist: Melancholic melody and moody textures in equal measure

19 July 2021

Kansas City-based band Emmaline Twist blend vibrant art-rock and haunting post-punk on their latest single and are currently recording new music.

Prince of Lilies

Prince Of Lilies: Grunge, punk, and garage rock rule!

15 July 2021

The grunge-punk outfit drop a new single/music video, and get the royal treatment from renowned Steve Albini for their upcoming debut album.

Broken Baby

Broken Baby: Creating dance-punk music for the End Times

14 July 2021

The LA-based outfit’s anthemic single gets the party started before the arrival of their pop-loving, punk-spirited second album in September.

Miss Cantaloupe 2

Miss Cantaloupe: Bringing Back Sweetness & Light

7 July 2021

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.

Reb Fountain - "Beastie" video still

Reb Fountain: Mysterious, Mesmerizing, and Meaningful Music

29 June 2021

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 Fey

The Fey: Genre-benders offer up a smooth blend of alternative R&B music

22 June 2021

The Nebraska-based outfit mix R&B, electronic, blues, rock, soul, reggae, and more on their newly released ’80s/‘90s-vibed album.

Paper Airplane

Paper Airplane: In Honor Of A Friend's Beloved Daughter

17 June 2021

Singer-songwriter Ryan Horns pays tribute to our very own writer Chip Midnight’s late daughter Olivia on a poignant new single.

Alex Skolnick: Versatile Guitarist Reflects on Enduring Career

14 June 2021

“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.

John Vanderslice

John Vanderslice: A Tribute To A Departed Friend

11 June 2021

Renowned songwriter/musician/producer John Vanderslice is set to release a tribute and rarities collection in honor of his late friend David Berman.

Courier Club 2

Courier Club: Waking Up To The Possibilities

11 June 2021

Philadelphian indie rock/post-punk outfit Courier Club release a stirring new single and chat about their exploratory hybrid-genre music.

Steady Wells

Steady Wells: Social Media Can Inspire Creators

7 June 2021

Jordan Smith of Twinsmith drops a nostalgic soft rock track as Steady Wells and talks about this flexible new music project.

The Ember Glows

The Ember Glows: Passerby

2 April 2021

The Ember Glows: From Montreal With Love. And Guitars.

Tomahawk: 20th Anniversary Brings Tonic Immobility

29 March 2021

“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.”

The Bones Of Jim Jones: A Rural Journey

24 March 2021

A brief look into a new band – time balanced by fear and excitement, and The Big Question.

Shuffle & Bang: That Crossover Swag

18 February 2021

“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.

Black Halos: Tribute Single Sparks Reunion

12 December 2020

“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.

Everyone’s Quiet When the Record Ends: An Oral Retrospective of Joan of Arc

7 December 2020

Tim Kinsella, Melina Ausikaitis, Theo Katsaounis, and Bobby Burg tell the tale of bringing Joan of Arc to an end in this oral retrospective.

Subhumans: Anger As Unity

30 September 2020

“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.”

Jon Zazula: Megaforce Founder Pens Memoir

9 August 2020

“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.

Andy Jossi of The Churchhill Garden

The Churchhill Garden Releases Its First Album, Heart And Soul, on Vinyl and CD

23 July 2020

Shoegaze songwriter Andy Jossi publishes his life’s work in a new self-released double album released in July.

The Sounds: Things We Do For Love Ends Hiatus

26 May 2020

“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.”

Lush - Press Kit Photo 1

A Guide To The Recordings Of...: Lush

19 May 2020

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).

Curve - Photo Credit: Anxious Records

A Guide To The Recordings Of...: Curve

26 March 2020

Big Takeover writer Jen Dan revisits the discography of the mesmerizing, compelling electronic rock/alternative guitar-rock band Curve (1990 – 2005).

Cranes - Photo courtesy of Dedicated

A Guide To The Recordings Of…: Cranes

2 March 2020

Big Takeover writer Jen Dan revisits the discography of the cinematic, atmospheric rock/dream-pop/electronic band Cranes (1986 – 2008).

Rich Jones: Have Guitar Will Travel

9 February 2020

“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.

Green Palm Radiation

Green Palm Radiation: A Sub/Urban Tale

29 January 2020

A Profile of Guelph, Ontario DIY musician Green Palm Radiation, a.k.a. Jay Newberry.

Idle Hands: Behind The Shadows

22 December 2019

“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.

Territories: Punk Group Partners with Pirates Press to Address Youth Gun Violence

3 December 2019

“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.

Psycho Las Vegas 2019: The 19 Most-Anticipated Bands

14 August 2019

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.”

The Hangmen: Country Punks Return With Cactusville

31 July 2019

“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.”

Psycho Las Vegas 2019: The YouTube Playlists

20 July 2019

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).

The Dogs: A Raucous Retrospective

23 June 2019

“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

Lenny Lashley: Strength & Vulnerability

16 April 2019

“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.

Noah C. Lekas – Photo Credit: Elizabeth Lekas

Noah C. Lekas: Saturday Night Sage

13 April 2019

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.

The Ratchets: The Challenge of Simplicity

22 December 2018

“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.

Shattered Faith: Power To The Kids

18 October 2018

“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.