East Coast Rocker

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Donna Balancia and Vince Conrad Release Single ‘One Step at a Time’ to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : September 4, 2017
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Category: By JOHN DALY, charity work, Donna Balancia

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Punk Rocker and The Writer Want to Give Back

By JOHN DALY

Donna Balancia, music journalist, and Vince Conrad, music producer and founder of bands The Smart Pills and American Bad Taste, have released a single called “One Step at a Time,” to help support the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Downloads of “One Step at a Time” are available on Bandcamp and CDBaby for $1.99 and a portion of all sales will go to The Food Bank of Corpus Christi, one of the organizations helping hurricane victims.

“At a time when most of the country is going back to school,’ we can’t forget that many victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas have nothing to go back to,” Balancia said. “Vince and I want to help, even if it’s in some small way like a music download.”

 

One Step at a Time: ‘Like Aimee Mann Meets The Cars’

“One Step at a Time” is an upbeat 1980s-style adult contemporary song similar in sound to The Cars, and Balancia’s melodious vocals sound like “an upbeat Aimee Mann,” according to a review by Alyson Camus in Rock NYC Live and Recorded. “The chorus will stay with you on first listen,” Camus writes.

“Vince is known for his work in the punk rock world and he’s a multi-talented musician,” Balancia said. “He’s a prolific songwriter, guitarist and arranger. I’m the wordsmith, singer, and melody composer. We’re releasing an EP in the fall, but this song, ‘One Step at a Time’ is being released early so that we can help the victims of Hurricane Harvey.”

Vince Conrad and Donna Balancia released upbeat 1980s-style single ‘One Step at a Time’ early to help raise money for hurricane victims – Photo by John Norris

The Punk Rocker and The Writer

Conrad who made his mark in the 1980s with punk bands The Smart Pills, The Aliens and American Bad Taste, recently released some hidden gems he unearthed while going through his storage unit.   He remastered and re-released several of the original punk recordings from the 1970s. Check out his website here at VinceConradProductions.com 

For disclaimer, Balancia is the editor of CaliforniaRocker.com and the president of The Entertainment Magazines LLC, the parent company to this site and several other websites that cover tourism, technology, film and music. As a hobby, she has been singing and playing music since she was a child, she says.

Conrad and Balancia crossed paths many times in the 1980s in New York City, but never actually met until their love of alternative music brought them together at a Los Angeles punk club to see a Walter Lure show.

Check out “One Step at a Time” and donate here at either at Bandcamp or CD Baby

For more information contact EastCoastRocker.com Editor Balancia at editor@californiarocker.com

Kris Heaton Band Releases Hot New Album Appropriate for Our Time Called ‘World Gone Mad’

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : August 30, 2017
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Category: By JOHN DALY, New Music, Reviews

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Heaton Band Hits This One on the Head

By JOHN DALY

It’s a ‘World Gone Mad’ according to the Kris Heaton Band and the group is not far off from the truth.

Heaton and his band have hit some high notes with the fans and maybe it’s because he taps into what people are really feeling.

Heaton has won the Miller High Life Rock To Riches Award as well as numerous Akademia Music Awards including “Best Rock Song 2017” for “Who Let The Bullets Fly,” the album opener.

Kris Heaton’s Blues and Rock

Check out his records page HERE on his website

The record has a unique quality: It features the Brandenburg Germany State Symphony Orchestra and a European Choir.

Heaton’s music is rock-blues-pop and his words hit home, reinforced by bandmate Ace Foster.

Track Listing:

1.   Who Let the Bullets Fly
2.   World Gone Mad
3.   When We Danced
4.   Something New
5.   I Want You
6.   When the Sun Goes Down
7.   Drink to the Girls
8.   The Moment
9.   One Thin Line
10.  Where the Wind Blows
11.  Way of the World
12.  Better World

Heaton’s An East Coast Rocker

Find the Kris Heaton Band albums on CD Baby.

Heaton grew up in Connecticut in the late 1970s. His first band was Control Group, which he formed with five friends from Connecticut and New Jersey. He got into the New Wave/Metal fusion style.

Check out the Kris Heaton Band Facebook Page.

He began by appearing on Star Search and winning a Miller High Life Rock To Riches Award with Control Group and In recent months, he won the Akademia Music Award for Best Rock Song 2017, for his song “Who Let The Bullets Fly.”

He has had four songs on the National FMQB Charts, “Stand Up” at No. 21 in the nation, and “The Rain Song” at  No. 10. His YouTube videos sometimes reach over a million views.

He’s opened for Stevie Ray Vaughan, Greg Allman, Molly Hatchet, The Romantics and Leon Russell.

Jay Regan Album, ‘Wash Me’ an Eclectic Collection of Great Life Stories

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : June 17, 2017
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Category: By JOHN DALY, Reviews

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Album by Alt-Folk Musician Appeals on All Levels

By JOHN DALY

Jay Regan doesn’t profess to be anything but a musician, and in part it’s that humility that makes him a great singer-songwriter. Wash Me is a great album.

Considering he was the frontman for several 1990s bands makes it even more interesting. He was the lead singer and guitarist for the 1990s bands April Fool, Dezire and Today We Live.

Wash Me

His latest release, Wash Me, released April 7, 2017, is a fine collection of feelings, adventures and plain ol’ great songs.

There are a lot of lessons here. This is an album that is full of melody. Some melodies sound a little familiar, but it’s the unique voice and arrangement that make these retro sounds new again.

Our favorites on this simply good album are “No Place To Turn,” “Little Fish,” and “March of the Romans.”  It was no easy feat creating this album of great music. And Jay did it all himself as he sings and plays guitar, foot drums, harmonica, keys and just about everything else that you hear. The album is self-produced and well-mixed and mastered for all the different platforms to boot.

Jay Regan – Photo courtesy of Jay Regan

Refreshing Music

It’s refreshing to find a songwriter who actually has something to say and Jay Regan is that and more — he’s a great musician as well. He released his first solo album, Dreams and Nightmares, in 2014. Since then he’s been working on Wash Me and it goes to show that taking your time pays off.

Regan’s been playing the circuit around Philadelphia and we plan on making the time to catch this superb musician. His voice is reminicent of fellow Philly rocker Todd Rundgren,  and the arrangements on this album are interesting and appealing as well.

It’s seems like it’s refreshing to be excited about a musician — there’s so much new music out there — and Jay Regan proves you don’t need all the bells and whistles to put out a great rock record.

Joan Baez on ‘Saturday Sessions’ for CBS This Morning: Saturday, Karen Elson Performs

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : April 8, 2017
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Category: By JOHN DALY, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

By JOHN DALY

Joan Baez, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, will be interviewed by anchor Anthony Mason on CBS This Morning: Saturday.

Baez released more than 30 albums throughout her 55-year career and her music was a beacon during turbulent times in the 1960s and 1970s.

Baez was among artists ELO, Pearl Jam, Journey, Tupac Shakur, Yes and Nile Rodger, all inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Brooklyn.

Karen Elson on CBS This Morning: Saturday - Photo courtesy of CBS for CaliforniaRocker.com

Karen Elson on CBS This Morning: Saturday – Photo courtesy of CBS for CaliforniaRocker.com

Also, Karen Elson performs on “Saturday Sessions” for CBS This Morning: Saturday. Elson just released her new album Double Roses today.

It has been almost seven years since Elson last released a full length record, the Jack White-produced debut The Ghost Who Walks. Karen Elson performs “Call Your Name” and “Wonder Blind,” Photos from the performance are attached.

 

The Classic East and The Classic West Music Festivals Set the Dates, Tickets Go On Sale April 7

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : March 29, 2017
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Category: By JOHN DALY, Classic East, Classic West, concert tickets, concerts, East Coast, East Coast Rocker, festival, festivals

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By JOHN DALY

The Classic East and Classic West music festivals finally have a presence on the world wide web and tickets for the July concerts go on sale April 7.

The hotly anticipated classic music festivals feature Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Journey and Earth Wind and Fire.  On the East Coast, the event will be held at Citi Field in NYC on July 29-30, and on the West Coast the event will be held at Dodger Stadium on July 15-16.

 

 

For more information go to CaliforniaRocker.com and  The Classic.

VIDEO: Watch John Lennon, Son Julian Lennon, and Chuck Berry Jam to the Rock N Roll Anthem ‘Johnny B. Goode’

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : March 20, 2017
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Category: By JOHN DALY, The East Coast Rocker Interview

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By JOHN DALY

Years apart, the late Chuck Berry jammed with both John Lennon and son, Julian Lennon to his famous song, “Johnny B. Goode.”

Rock and Roll legend Berry passed away on Saturday at 90 years old.

John Lennon recalled fondly his jam session with Berry, which happened on the Mike Douglas Show.  On hand in the band was Yoko Ono.

John Lennon recalled of the meeting: “I said, ‘Chuck Berry my hero!’ It just came out.

“The Beatles, The Stones … we’ve all been influenced by him,” John Lennon said. “His lyrics were very intelligent lyrics, in the ’50s when people were just singing virtually about nothing, he was writing social comment songs he was writing all kinds of songs with incredible metre to the lyrics, which influenced Dylan and me, and many other people, the metre of his lyrics was tremendous. He’s the greatest rock and roll poet and I really admire him.”

Years later, when Julian Lennon jammed with Berry, guitarist was Keith Richards.  Check out the videos here.

Berry was beloved by all. And let’s not forget while he jammed with some of the best of the guys, he wasn’t above letting a lady or two sit in.  Check out this video with Tina Turner:

Daly Review: Xombie Releases New Single, ‘Might As Well,’ Hardcore That’s Easy on the Ears

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : March 7, 2017
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Category: By JOHN DALY, East Coast, Music News, punk, Reviews

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By JOHN DALY

When you hear the new single, “Might As Well” by Xombie, you might just want to go jump off a stage. But you better do it before Xombie’s concerts get so packed that you don’t get a turn.

“Might As Well” is the first single from the Xombie upcoming album Super Cell, to be released June 2.  And these guys really know how to rock.

New York City Connection

Xombie is from New York City and they’re not fooling around with their style: They’re covering all the bases infusing punk, hardcore and rap. They’re the most fun since the Bad Brains. Stay tuned for the release of Super Cell and try to catch a show.

Formed in New York City in 2010, Xombie is Atom Crews on lead vocals, Roy Galvan on guitar and vocals, “Cadillac” Mike Martabano on bass and Eric Castillo on drums and vocals. Xombie will be a household name if your household likes hardcore.

Might As Well

The single, produced by Eric Castillo and John Naclerio (Nada Recording) is crisp and clear on all platforms, which in today’s world is an accomplishment in itself.

The guys are pretty stoked about their success. Xombie has supported acts like He is Legend, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Butcher Babies, Rittz, (Hed)PE, Like Moths to Flame, Otep, Dope, Bobaflex, Psychostick, Wu-Tang Clan’s Cappadonna, Apathy.

The group got almost 100,000 streams on Spotify last year. Their “Excuse Me Miss” video premiered on MTV-U in 2012.

How do they do it in such a tough genre? They raised $11,000 on Kickstarter in 2012.

Metallica Takes its WorldWired Tour on the Road with Stops in the U.S. and Canada

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : February 15, 2017
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Category: By JOHN DALY, Classic East, Classic West, concerts

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PHOTO: FACUNDO GEISLER, STORY By JOHN DALY

Metallica will hit the road taking its WorldWired Tour around the U.S. and Canada starting May 10th at Baltimore’s M and T Bank Stadium.

The tour winds around the U.S. and Canada before concluding August 16th in Edmonton, Alberta. Avenged Sevenfold and Volbeat will open most dates, and Gojira joining up for August shows.

Tickets for the U.S. segment of the WorldWired Tour go on sale February 17. Legacy Fan Club members can buy tickets starting February 14th. Each ticket purchased for the WorldWired tour will come with either a digital or physical copy of Hardwired… to Self-Destruct.

For the GRAMMYs, Metallica and Lady Gaga performed the Hardwired song “Moth Into Flame.”

Metallica at The Hollywood Palladium – Video courtesy of Pit Fliks:

Metallica Tour Dates

May 10 – Baltimore, MD @ M&T Bank Stadium

May 12 – Philadelphia, PA @ Lincoln Financial Field

May 14 – East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium

May 17 – Uniondale, NY @ New Coliseum

May 19 – Boston, MA @ Gillette Stadium

May 21 – Columbus, OH @ Rock On The Range Festival

June 4 – St. Louis, MO @ Busch Stadium

June 7 – Denver, CO @ Sports Authority Field

June 11 – Houston, TX @ NRG Stadium

June 14 – San Antonio, TX @ Alamodome

June 16 – Dallas, TX @ AT&T Stadium

June 18 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field

July 5 – Orlando, FL @ Camping World Stadium

July 7 – Miami, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium

July 9 – Atlanta, GA @ Suntrust Park

July 12 – Detroit, MI @ Comercia Park

July 14 – Quebec City, QC-@Festival D’Ete

July 16 – Toronto, ON @ Rogers Centre

July 19 – Montreal, QB @ Parc Jean-Drapeau

July 29 – Los Angeles, CA @ Rose Bowl

August 4 – Phoenix, AZ @ University of Phoenix Stadium

August 6 – San Diego, CA @ Petco Park

August 9 – Seattle, WA @ Centurylink Field

August 14 – Vancouver, BC @ BC Place

August 16 – Edmonton, AB @ Commonwealth Stadium

Japandroids Drop Third Album, ‘Near To The Wild Heart Of Life,’ Band To Tour and Play Terminal 5

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : January 28, 2017
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Category: By JOHN DALY, New Music, News, Terminal 5, tour

By JOHN DALY

Japandroids’ third album, Near To The Wild Heart Of Life, is out today. The album features some amazing tracks including “No Known Drink or Drug.”

The vinyl album is moving briskly with some stores selling out. We’re told by several stores to expect more units to be available on Thursday.

japandroids-2

Near To The Wild Heart Of Life has been named one of the most anticipated albums of 2017.

The band released the first single, the album’s title track, in late 2016.

A pre-order for the album is up now at www.japandroids.com, with the option to buy the special 7-inch edition of the title track single featuring a b-side cover of Talking Heads’ “Love → Building on Fire.”

Japandroids will set out on a headlining tour beginning on February 13th, including shows at NYC’s Terminal 5 on February 23, as well as multiple nights in Toronto, Philadelphia, DC and Los Angeles. See all tour dates below and check their website for additional dates.

Japandroids on tour:
2/13 — Madison, WI — Majestic Theatre*
2/14 — Minneapolis, MN — First Avenue**
2/15 – Chicago, IL – Vic Theatre*
2/17 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Theatre* SOLD OUT
2/18 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Theatre*
2/20 – Boston, MA – Royale*
2/23 – New York, NY – Terminal 5*
2/24 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer* SOLD OUT
2/25 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer*
2/27 –  Washington, DC –  9:30 Club* SOLD OUT
2/28 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club*
3/01 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle*
3/03 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse*
3/04 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn*
3/05 – St Louis, MO – The Ready Room*
3/07 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre*
3/09 – Los Angeles, CA – Fonda Theatre*
3/10 – Los Angeles, CA – Fonda Theatre*
3/11 – San Diego, CA – Music Box*
3/13 – Santa Ana, CA -Observatory*
3/14 – San Francisco, CA – Fillmore*
3/17 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall*
3/18 –  Seattle, WA –  Neptune*
3/20 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom*
4/18 –  Copenhagen, Denmark – Pumpehuset
4/19 – Hamburg, Germany – Uebel & Gefährlich
4/20 – Cologne, Germany – Gebaude 9
4/22 – Berlin, Germany – Columbia Theater
4/23 -Frankfurt, Germany – Zoom
4/24 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg
4/26 – Paris, France – La Maroquinerie
4/27 – Brussels, Belgium – The Rotonde / Botanique
4/28 – Birmingham, UK – o2 Institute Birmingham
4/30 – Glasgow, UK – The Garage
5/01 – Leeds, UK – Stylus
5/02 – Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms
5/04 – Manchester, UK – Gorilla
5/05 – Brighton, UK – Concorde 2
5/06 – London, UK – o2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
6/01-04 – Barcelona, SP – Primavera Sound
6/08-10 – Porto, PT – Primavera Sound
* with Craig Finn

Goldenvoice Announces Lineup for 2nd Panorama Music Festival July 28-30 on Randall’s Island NYC

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : January 9, 2017
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Category: By JOHN DALY, concerts, music festival, The East Coast Rocker Interview

Tame Impala, Frank Ocean and Nine Inch Nails headline the second annual Panorama Music Festival on Randall’s Island Park July 28-July 30.

Solange, alt-J, and A Tribe Called Quest will also be on hand, along with Future Islands, Justice, MGMT, Nick Murphy, Spoon, Tyler the Creator, Nicolas Jaar, Belle and Sebastian, S U R V I V E, Angel Olsen, Vince Staples, and Cloud Nothings.

For more information go to the Panorama Music Festival website.

Miley Cyrus Joins The Flaming Lips for ‘We A Famly;’ Flaming Lips To Appear on Tonight Show

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : January 9, 2017
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Category: By JOHN DALY, The East Coast Rocker Interview

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JOHN DALY

Miley Cyrus has joined The Flaming Lips for “We A Famly,” off the new album, Oczy Mlody.

It’s an odd friendship, but nonetheless Miley Cyrus and Wayne Coyne are wacky musician pals, creating beautiful product. “We A Famly” is the latest collaboration and the single appears on the soon to be released album Oczy Mlody.

Miley Cyrus and Wayne Coyne - Photo courtesy of OceanUp

Miley Cyrus and Wayne Coyne – Photo courtesy of OceanUp

Coyne has written with and for Cyrus, notably on her Miley Cyrus and Her Dead Petz release and Cyrus contributed to the Flaming Lips’ With a Little Help From My Fwends.

If you follow either of them on social media it’s easy to note the two have similar taste in outfits, in music and in style.

Coyne and The Flaming Lips are scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote Oczy Mlody Tuesday, and who knows who may show up.

The Flaming Lips —  Coyne, Michael Ivins, Steven Drozd, Jake Ingalls and Derek Brown — have released 15 albums in 30 years. Oczy Mlody is due out Jan. 13.

 

Saul Losada Unleashes Explosive New Album, ‘Energy’ To The Delight of Blues Rock Fans

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : January 7, 2017
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Category: By JOHN DALY, The East Coast Rocker Interview

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By JOHN DALY

Saul Losada puts out positive energy.

The amazing instrumental guitarist has released a heartbreaker of a record that any fan of great blues rock will love, called Energy.  To say the new album is an uplifting work is an understatement.

Losada, whose recordings have gotten the attention of critics and fans alike, has been honing his craft for many years.  He’s played everywhere from House of Blues to Café Latino Jazz Festival in Spain and has shared the stage with notables like blues guitarist Keith Wyatt.

Photo courtesy of Saul Losada California Rocker

Photo courtesy of Saul Losada

His energy is positive and he has adapted his world experience into a story that music lovers all over the globe can related to.  Losada is front and center on Energy, which boasts eight tracks that keep the listener excited and looking for more. The album was produced and engineered by Dan Blanck of Blanck Records.

Losada has been a classic vinyl fan, listening to the likes of The Beatles, Elvis and Bob Dylan since he was a young child.

He’s traveled the world playing with the top acts in the business ranging from rock to rythm and blues.

Check out Losada’s music here.

Losada has an intriguing take on blues-rock. His innovative approach is refreshing.

Saul Losada - 'Energy'

Saul Losada – ‘Energy’

His biggest influence has been Jimi Hendrix, as many of his works have a fuzzy bluesy style Hendrix was known for.  It’s easy to believe he also is a fan of Les Paul, Jeff Beck and B.B. King.

One thing we appreciate about Losada is he takes it one step further and has created his own type of alternative influenced blues.  So while he may have been influenced by the greats, Losada clearly has carved out his own niche in a competitive field.

Tracklist: 1. Morning Light 2. Energy 3. Bold as Love 4. People Get Ready 5. The Green River 6. Maybellene 7. The Thrill Is Gone 8. Fasten Your Seatbelt

 

See Patti Smith Perform Bob Dylan’s ‘A Hard Rain’s A Gonna Fall’ for Nobel Prize Award Gala

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : December 15, 2016
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Category: By JOHN DALY

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By JOHN DALY

You know it’s not just you when even Patti Smith has a bad day.

Smith had to halt her performance to the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony in Stockholm and apologize to the tuxedo-clad royal audience for a flub in the words to Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.”

Smith, who will be 70 on Dec. 30, was there in place of Dylan, who said he had a scheduling conflict. Dylan won the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Blame it on the Mercury Retrograde, blame it on nerves. The godmother of punk who has graced many an alternative venue and has played with everyone from the Ramones to the Sex Pistols showed humility in her apology to audience members, who applauded.

“Even a superstar like Patti Smith can get a bit nervous performing for an audience like this… More than one tear was shed,” said the announcer.

Mike Snyder of Drum! Magazine Publishes List of The 10 Best Recorded Drum Sounds

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : December 10, 2016
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Category: By JOHN DALY, By JOHN DALY East Coast Rocker, News

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Drummer Mike Snyder makes great picks for Best Recorded Drum Sounds list - Photo courtesy of Mike Snyder CaliforniaRocker.com

Drum expert Mike Snyder makes great picks for Best Recorded Drum Sounds list – Photo courtesy of Mike Snyder

By JOHN DALY

Drum! magazine has published its list of The 10 Best Recorded Drum Sounds and the list will not shock music lovers, but there are one or two surprises in the mix.

In the big scheme of things, somehow drummers tend to be overlooked, yet they play a most critical role in the success of any band.

Mike Snyder — a most prolific drum professional in his own right — makes interesting selections to the list, including works of Ringo and Jeff Porcaro.

As new technology, drum machines and technology continue to influence sound, it’s interesting to see human interaction and success in the use of the new sounds.

Regardless, it’s still the human behind the skins that deserves the props.

After publishing his first drum set instruction book in 1983, at age 23, Mike went on to teach drum set at and write All About Electronic Percussion a top guide for electronic drums, in addition to dozens of feature articles for DRUM! Magazine.

The current issue of the mag features Korn’s Ray Luzier on the cover.

Check out DRUM! magazine’s great list of The 10 Best Recorded Drum Sounds.  And don’t be shocked to see some great old favorites along with some new additions to the roster of beat-keepers.

Click here to read the full story at DRUM!

 

The Human Darts Score a Bullseye With Surf Punk, Zombie Songs on New EP ‘Explicit Thoughts’

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : November 13, 2016
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Category: By JOHN DALY, punk, Reviews

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By JOHN DALY

Better strap yourself in for a wild ride — The Human Darts have released a new EP called Explicit Thoughts and it’s amazing.

The Human Darts have a pretty weird story that we still can’t figure out but we don’t care because the music is excellent.

The songs are fun, stuff you would expect to hear while you’re at a beach party or surfer stomp.  No surprise as these guys are from Tampa and apparently have spent a lot of time at the beach.

Cool Songs, Fast Darts

The EP consists of four original songs, “Tell My Sister,” “Zombie Man Chant,” and “Stitches.” We even like their cover of the oldie “Hey Good Lookin.'” These guys are slightly sarcastic, they’re way off-center, and they put out in-you-face music, keeping it rocking at a brisk pace.

If you like punk-alternative, these guys take it to a modern level, blending fun songwriting with excellent performances — at least on the record.  We’d like to see these guys perform live because right now all we can picture is Beach Boys on acid.

The Human Darts have released the new EP, Explicit Thoughts - Photo courtesy of the Human Darts

The Human Darts have released the new EP, Explicit Thoughts – Photo courtesy of the Human Darts

The Story of The Human Darts

So the story goes something like this: There was a Darts band back in the 1970s that put out a coveted underground single and toured around. Apparently one of them was named Mr. Zelk.  It was a fractious band, with continual splits and with some underground punk success.

Years passed and Zelk found Shane Close, the son of one of the original members and he also found John Arduser, the Darts original guitarist.  So they went into Parsonage Studio in Tampa and engineer Jeff Knauf went to work, and voila, the Human Darts are back on the tracks.

What we really like is, as if in keeping with the times, the band threw a zombie-themed song, “Zombie Man Chant,” into the new EP — almost as if they knew The Walking Dead is in full swing again. It’s an amusing piece much in the same tone as “The Monster Mash,” and designed to sound like it’s from the same era.

All the tunes on the EP Explicit Thoughts are rockin. It’s a pretty wild ride overall, and the band plans to continue doing it’s thing apparently, as they say there’s a full album coming in 2017.

This is full-on reckless rock n roll, the way it’s supposed to be.  Bring on the Human Darts!

East Coast Rocker Rating: ★★★★

Dandy Warhols Drop ‘Catcher In The Rye’ Video Feat. Jack Nicholson’s Grandson, Duke

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : October 5, 2016
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Category: By JOHN DALY

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The Dandy Warhols release 'Catcher in the Rye' video - Photo courtesy of The Dandy Warhols

The Dandy Warhols release ‘Catcher in the Rye’ video – Photo courtesy of The Dandy Warhols

By JOHN DALY

Check out the newly released Catcher in the Rye video by The Dandy Warhols.

Courtney Taylor Taylor said the video is about love that asks for nothing in return.  If that exists then Taylor Taylor, sign us up.  We do know that animals are capable of giving love and expecting nothing in return, possibly with the exception of food.

In the meantime, the video Catcher In The Rye, was helmed by Treasure Of The Black Jaguar director Mike Bruce.  It features Duke Nicholson, yes, the grandson of none other than that sports-loving actor we all love to fear, Jack Nicholson.

Formed in Portland, Oregon, The Dandy Warhols consist of members Courtney Taylor-Taylor (vocals, guitar), Zia McCabe (keyboards), Peter Holmström (guitar), and Brent DeBoer (drums). Their latest album is Distortland. 

Distortland was first recorded in Taylor’s basement on an ’80s cassette recorder with the band putting on the finishing touches in a studio. Jim Lowe – best known for his work with Taylor Swift and Beyonce – mixed the album.  Courtney notes that the end result is an album that is “organized like a pop record but still has the sonic garbage still in there.”

The Dandy Warhols Live Dates:

October 6: Atlanta, GA – Terminal West *
October 7: Nashville, TN – Mercy Lounge *
October 8: St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall *
October 10: Birmingham, AL – Saturn *
October 11: New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s Uptown *
October 12: Dallas, TX – Granada Theater *
October 13: Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall *
October 14: Austin, TX – The Scoot Inn *
October 15: Austin, TX – The Scoot Inn *
December 6 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
December 7 – Seattle, WA – Showbox at the Market
December 10 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom
December 13 – Petaluma, CA – Mystic Theater
December 14 – San Luis Obispo, CA – The Fremont Theater
December 15 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern
December 16 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre
Devember 17 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore

‘Music for Mobile Guitars’ The Latest Work by Tilted Axes and its Creative Leader Patrick Grant

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : October 3, 2016
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Category: By JOHN DALY, By JOHN DALY East Coast Rocker

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Patrick Grant is the creative behind the group Tilted Axes. Tilted Axes has released a new album, 'Music for Mobile Guitars'

Tilted Axes has released a new album, ‘Music for Mobile Guitars’ – Photo courtesy Tilted Axes for EastCoastRocker.com

By JOHN DALY

Imagine an army of cordless electric guitars marching down the street playing innovative Balinese-like beats.  Outside your window.  In New York City.

With Music for Mobile Guitars, the new release by Tilted Axes, that’s basically what you’re getting plus more.

Patrick Grant created Tilted Axes in 2011 as a way of freeing the electric guitar from traditional band constrictions — basically like cords and amps.

Grant was interested to lead the celebration Make Music Winter, the event that brings NYC alive with parades in honor of the winter solstice.

The guitarists of Tilted Axes perform original compositions written by Grant as well as those from the Tilted repertoire, using portable amplifiers strapped to their sides.  Check out the Tilted Axes website.

As for the new album, it’s clear that Grant loves the Gamelan music. That’s clear. Grant is a composer and performer who creates music for a wide range of media.  Originally from Detroit, he studied at the Juilliard School, worked on the production team for composer John Cage, and produced his first recordings at the studios of Philip Glass. He led the compositional element of a project for the Millennium, on which he worked with Quincy Jones and Billy Joel. His travels to Bali heavily influenced his music.

Patrick Grant is the creative behind the group Tilted Axes. Tilted Axes has released a new album, 'Music for Mobile Guitars'

Tilted Axes has released a new album, ‘Music for Mobile Guitars’ – Photo courtesy Tilted Axes for EastCoastRocker.com

Consistent and Powerful

The album is consistent if anything. One doesn’t have to be a fan of what appears to be random riffs played in concert with others to appreciate that they’re being played well.

Music for the Mobile Guitar is a techno-jazz creation with an upbeat element that makes us enthusiastic for the future of original music. Let’s just say the great Frank Zappa, who exhibited disdain for his own fans and worshippers and truly did his own thing, might have raised a quasi-approving eyebrow.

While there are plenty of interesting songs to take you there, our favorites on the album are the victorious “Asciae Obliquiae,” the wild, rush-hour infused “Corridor 84 + Krimson Coda,” and the melodic “Tilted Axes Theme.”

There is enough cohesiveness to hold this new work together and gain the nod of purists, while tickling an avant-garde fancy in the most ardent of admirers of the genre.

 

 

 

Jackson Browne, Karen O and Blake Mills Shine at D’Addario Benefit Concert at Bric House in Brooklyn

Posted by :editor@eastcoastrocker.com On : September 27, 2016
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Category: By JOHN DALY, East Coast Rocker, The East Coast Rocker Interview

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Jackson Browne joins D'Addario Foundation benefit

Jackson Browne joins D’Addario Foundation benefit – Photo courtesy Sham Hinchey

By JOHN DALY – Jackson Browne, Karen O and Blake Mills led an all-star cast of musicians for a special night of music that raised thousands of dollars in support of music education.

Music Makes You, a benefit concert put on by the D’Addario Foundation, had many highlights, including an impromptu performance by Jackson Browne, who joined Mills and Brooklyn’s own Lucius for a special rendition of “Willin.’” Jackson also joined Mills, Lucius, Smokey Hormel, Marc Ribot and Julian Lage for “Take It Easy.”

Lucius brought down the house with “Dusty Trails” and Karen O and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs performed beautiful acoustic versions of “Gold Lions” and “Hideaway.”

An All-Star band of musicians entertained at D'Addario Foundation

An All-Star band of musicians entertained at D’Addario Foundation – Photo courtesy Sham Hinchey

Other high points included an all-star performance by Hormel, Ribot, Lage and Mills, who performed innovative renditions of Lonnie Johnson’s “Tomorrow Night” and Duke Ellington’s “Blues In Blueprint” and wowed audiences with their skillful harmonization and synchronized guitar work.

GRAMMY winner Janis Ian performed her top hit single “At Seventeen” and also treated the audience with an exceptional performance.  Kaki King performed  “Tiny Pan.”

Through the D’Addario Foundation, they’ve touched the lives of thousands of kids by giving 10 percent of its  net profits each year to over 200 of the best grassroots programs in the world.