WHERE ARTISTS AND FANS BAND TOGETHER.
Welcome to another episode of The Breakdown! Your weekly talk for everything in the rock world.
After our last episode of proving that Rock isn’t dead, this week we discuss where to find new music! We go over the back in the day methods of how we used to find new music: friends, concerts, record stores, followed up with the new modern methods of finding music.
The Blue Stones, a blues rock duo from Windsor, Ontario, consisting of members Tarek Jafar (vocals, guitar) and Justin Tessier (percussion, backing vocals), released their sophomore album, Hidden Gems, on March 19th, 2021. It's a brilliant album, The Blue Stones have truly outdone themselves. It's a fun, powerful record that I completely love.
My favorite tracks are "Shakin' Off The Rust," "Grim," and "Spirit." This record explores topics like finding yourself and being that person, being young, and just here for a good time – living life to its fullest. It's a record that makes you feel good, feel alive. Hidden Gems is the brand of rock that I search for all the time - guitar driven, loud, and earth-shaking. I can't wait to attend a show of theirs, whenever it's safe enough to do so, if judging by this album is any reflection of how they sound live, then I'm absolutely ready to have myself blown away by their infectious, amazing music.
Hidden Gems is among the best of modern rock today. It's a fantastic record, from the start to finish. It's loud, it's confident, it has everything that makes it both memorable and fresh. It's a must-listen for any rock fan.
The first place I would run to with a lover is a beach in Brazil, with this track, ‘Where You Wanna Run To’ by the Moon City Masters, blasting over a stereo. When this groovy track first opens, the opening chord progression pulls you into a daydream full of sunshine. Maybe you envision some rainbows cascading over the horizon. The consistent drumbeat and bassline hold you down. They made me think about casting away on an island with just this one person, never to be seen again.
Then I heard the line, “I got two tickets to the stars,” and I thought, “awww, going on a date to outer space would be SICK!” Brothers Talor and Jordan have the smoothest pair of voices, their musical journey is like a locomotive powered by butter: smooth sailin’ all the way through. Their harmonies are like the extra bubbly you find at the top of a newly opened champagne bottle. Possibilities seem endless with this track. Galaxies could be discovered upon searching for your ideal getaway to this newest single.
Approaching the hook and entering the chorus, that catchy pop sound hits all the sweet spots when thinking about the composition of a hit. The pulsating vibe makes you want to get up and dance. It feels like I’ve heard this song all of my life, but never before all at once. I could scream the lyrics at the top of my lungs and I don’t even know them yet. By this point in the song I’m ready to run through a large field, possibly even a setting like Woodstock, crashing to the ground in laughter with this unknown lover by my side, feeling the happiness evaporate off our skin like ecstasy.
Heading into the second verse, a new idea captured my mind: a road trip through the generations. The sound that the Moon City Masters are bringing to the table in 2021 is definitely rooted in a classic rock setting. Yet, the way they have managed to rejuvenate this timeless sound into the twenty-first century is what makes this group so eye-catching. Moon City Masters creates those bops you cannot refrain from blaring in your car; total earworms. So catchy, and almost mindless that you don’t even capture their mesmerizing qualities, and any dude would do most things to be what these dudes are: rockstars.
And maybe this is just me wanting to be stuck in rock n roll forever, but hear me out… The images in my brain now keep bringing me to all different rock concerts throughout rock history. All of the flashy wardrobe and adrenaline, I’m envisioning how each new sequence is this imaginary lover and I jumping back in a car after traveling back in time and seeing all those classic rock names that you can think of. Led Zeppelin, KISS, Fleetwood Mac, you name it; all kinds of outfits, jumping into the car after shows, full of smiles. This track never throws you off balance. It’s consistent and leaves you wanting to go find somebody to fall in love with as you jam out together.
My final thoughts? The Moon City Masters are your next soft rock band to go on raving about. ‘Where You Wanna Run To’ is your new catchy tune to get stuck in your brain for days, maybe even weeks on end. Wake up on the wrong side of the bed and need a pick-me-up? Put on this song. Need to escape your thoughts and daydream for a while? Put on this song. All those positive vibes that we need in our bizarre world right now, the Moon City Masters are providing through their bopping tunes. I’m loving how the evolution of their sound is taking shape and I cannot wait to hear what’s in store for the future!
As we reach, and dreadfully acknowledge, the one-year anniversary of COVID-19’s wreckage across the world, many folks are feeling jaded, exhausted, and just plain crumby due to the pandemic that won’t seem to go away. Like a mosquito bite or incessant hiccups, Covid has been a nuisance and constant annoyance in everyone’s lives, leaving people wondering “When will this virus take a hike and finally leave us alone?” It’s no surprise that 2020 took a toll on everybody, and left no one unscathed, and it’s hard to believe we’ve been in this battle for a year now.
Self-described “psychedelic indie-soul” crooners The Uptown, based out of central Ohio, have successfully transmuted the loneliness and pain we’re all feeling into a happy-go-lucky tune with a hopeful perspective on the future. “Quarantine Song” is a must-listen for anyone feeling down due to the state of the world, and in need of a pick-me-up.
Musically, the song sounds like summer, and provides a nostalgic energy as the listener is reminded of the little things and good old days that we’re all missing so dearly. Listening can and will evoke a sense of longing, dreaming of better days and happier times. However, it’s the hopefulness in the lyrics that truly makes this song a winner. Listing all the simple pleasures we took for granted in a “My Favorite Things” kind of way (“Open mic nights and mini golf dates, road trips and drive-ins and breakfast we made”), creates an extremely visual experience for the listener, reminiscing on pre-Covid joys that have been put on pause while the world heals.
Even with relatable lyrics to boot (“I miss you my friends, every day we’re apart; I’m tired of working and making bad art”), “Quarantine Song” stays the course to a positive outlook with it’s hopeful recurring message of “I can’t wait to see you again” - consciously choosing to say “when” and not “if”, and instilling a sense of hope in the listener, that things WILL get better, we WILL see our friends again, and we WILL make it out of this crazy unprecedented situation. The best we can do right now is just hold on.
The Uptown’s debut EP, Willow Tree, is available to stream on all platforms. You can find them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
How does one follow their dreams of becoming the next William Miller?
BANDED’s own, Baylee Avery, tells her story of becoming a music journalist in the latest episode of the Muses podcast. Muses is hosted by Chanty & Lynx who celebrate the lovers, inspirations and groupies of rock n roll within each episode.
In this episode, Baylee dives into her writing career, how she found her love for rock n roll, and spotlights her own music muse, Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless. PLUS, she may or may not shout out BANDED a few times. Give the episode a listen below or wherever you stream podcasts…
Welcome to another episode fo the breakdown ! Your weekly talk for everything in the rock world. This week discuss the biggest question asked: Is Rock Dead?
What I love most about Ruen Brothers is their uncanny ability to combine the retro sounds of the 50s and 60s with more modern sounds to craft a sound that’s all their own, and their latest release, “Cookies & Cream”, does exactly that. It’s the perfect spring and summer jam that’ll make you want to drive a little too fast with the top down. Fingers crossed I don’t get myself pulled over.
As the song progresses, just when you think you’ve nailed down the vibe of the track, they surprise you with a different sound that’s just as fun as the one that came before it. I picked up on 60s vibes, some modern rock, even some 80s flavors, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. However you’d classify it, this track is 3-minutes of warm weather fun that you’ll want to have at the top of your playlist for every toasty event you find yourself attending this summer and for summers to come!
What more can I say? The guitar rocks, the vocals are on-point, and man, the tune is catchy! Nothing I can say about this track quite articulates how much fun it is – you’re going to have to go give it a listen to get the full effect!
I can’t keep this one off of repeat, and once you give this track a listen, I’m sure you’ll feel the exact same way! It’s an earworm if I’ve ever heard one, but I ain’t complaining! These brothers never disappoint. If you’re asking me, ‘Cookies & Cream’ “tastes good to me.”
Often people refer to punk as “it’s not dead” but in reality it’s grunge that is not dead and the down under Australian alternative/grunge bands are here to remind you of that.
Back in 2020, mid Covid year, I discovered by accident on YouTube their hit single “The Devil You Know”. It automatically felt like the reincarnation of Alice In Chains, STP and Bush blended together. Lead singer Brad Andrew and I also had an IG Live discussion on their music, Australian rock, how rock should pivot during Covid and more.
For their latest single ‘Through The Fire’, it automatically brings me back to those grunge hot flashes. Drop tuning riffs & breakdowns, slow eeriness of 90’s grunge, thought provoking and maybe concept based lyrics and a nice touch of subtle solos, makes this a contender for your playlist.
Almost a year ago I’m stumbled across a band from the Southern Ohio area, that represented everything death metal stands for. That band is Fathom.
Over the course of 2020, they released various singles and their debut E.P. “ Imprisoned”. I had the ultimate metal pleasure to interview these fine gentlemen in their recording dungeon and showcase who they are.
For their latest single, Fathom continues their march from 2020 with haunting breakdowns, disgustingly evil guttural vocals, and tantric like drums to prepare you for the gate of metal they are about to unleash upon you.
Be ready for Fathom.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Theodora! We had such a great time chatting about her musical influences and her three stellar singles: Close For Comfort, Ghost and her most recent The High. Stream Theodora's music on all platforms!
For International Women’s Day, we did a special episode decided to the female musicians who inspired us and still kick ass today!
Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day and remember that EVERY day women deserve equal rights and the same amount of support their male counterparts receive. The BANDED staff shares personal stories on how 6 ICONIC female artists shaped their love for music. At the end, enjoy our Women Rock playlist featuring 18 hours showcasing female artists.
Florence Welch
by Angel Evans
I’ll never forget the day I discovered Florence Welch. I was waking up one morning, and her music video for Dogs Days Are Over began to play. I was supposed to start getting ready for school, but I stayed in my room utterly captivated. Her angelic voice, her swift movements, her artistry, and her lyrics made me feel something I had never felt before. From that moment on, I wanted to know everything about Florence and I desperately needed her music in my life.
You know when you come across someone and you can just sense that they’ve “been here before”? That’s exactly how I feel about Florence. I’m fully convinced that she has lived a million lifetimes. She’s a lyrical mastermind and a natural-born storyteller. I’ve had moments where she’s made me audibly gasp and I've had to catch my breath.
There’s another reason why her music is near and dear to my heart. Florence Welch’s music instilled hope in me during my darkest moments. “It’s always darkest before the dawn” is a line that carries great significance in my life. It’ll always be a reminder to me to keep on persevering. I’ve danced around my room to Shake It Out about one million times. It’s a song that’s nourishing to the soul. It pains me to say that I haven’t had the opportunity to see her live yet. However, I'm more than ready to witness her ethereal presence in person. Just from watching videos online, I can tangibly feel her vibrations through the screen. I daydream about the momentous day where I'm jumping around along with her, hearing her voice and feeling it shake my bones.
The one word that keeps coming to mind when I think of her is “euphoria.” I believe that’s what she feels every time she’s on stage. The atmosphere at all of her shows must feel euphoric. Her shining spirit bursts through her body and her love for music cascades into the crowd. She gives of herself and the crowd sends their undying passion back to her. The crowd feels at home and she looks like she's having the time of her life.
It was written in the cosmos that Florence Welch was meant to be a musician.
She’s one of my heroes.
HEART
by Rebecca Potzner
Channelling their passions for the guitar and singing early on in their childhood, it was clear that sisters, Ann and Nancy Wilson, would make their mark in the world of music. In 1974, they formally became HEART intertwining the sounds of rock, heavy metal, and folk.
Over the years, the band has sold over 35 million records, landed ten Top 10 albums, received 4 GRAMMY® Award nominations, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®, and has “the longest span of top-10 albums on the Billboard charts be a female-led band.” Pretty bad ass, if you ask me.
While I grew up around a lot of great music, it’s hard to pin point which female artist first made an impact on me but the songs of Heart certainly live in my memory. I remember playing Guitar Hero, trying to nail hit songs, ‘Barracuda’ and ‘Crazy on You’. I picked those songs not only because of their driving force but because they were “girls like me”. It was a moment where I realized I could be in a band if I wanted to. I could play the guitar if I wanted. And quite frankly, it made me feel like I could conquer the world listening to those songs knowing two women were behind them.
As I’ve grown up, I’ve learned more about Heart and grown appreciation for much of their discography, their style, and their incredible performance abilities. An incredible example of the power of music and Heart’s incendiary talents, is their performance of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven. A performance I truly cannot shake but in the best way.
Larkin Poe
by Sara Brown
I discovered Larkin Poe completely by chance while listening to Steve Ferrone’s show on Tom Petty Radio, The New Guy Show. The track was “Freedom,” and the obsession was immediate. I couldn’t get over the combination of the modern electric drum beats and the banjo, and those vocals – Rebecca’s lead is mind-blowing and when Megan’s harmonies join the mix, you’ll get chills. I was hooked instantly and have been ever since that day in my car that I found myself tuned in to the right place at just the right time.
Some of music’s biggest stars get it. In addition to the killer studio records they’ve released as a group, they’ve also found the time to share their talents with some of music’s biggest names as touring musicians, touring with Elvis Costello and Keith Urban, just to name a few. They’ve also shared their talents in the studio, working with Steven Tyler and The New Basement Tapes, again, just to name a few. Are you getting how talented they are yet?
They rock just as hard as the boys in their class, and I’d venture to say they do it even better. Blending old blues, soul, and folk sounds with modern flavors, they create a unique sound that’ll perk your ears up and draw you in just like it did me. My highlights from Larkin Poe are ‘She’s a Self Made Man,’ ‘Freedom,’ and ‘Blue Ridge Mountains,’ but my favorites change daily and every song is worth cranking up loud. If they aren’t already on one of your playlists, get them there, and you can thank me later.
Stevie Nicks
by Chloe Walden
Anyone who has spent more than fifteen minutes in a room with me would be able to tell you that I absolutely adore Stevie Nicks. She’s a music icon, and the immediate name associated with those that are unapologetic, free spirited, and a little witchy.
From her impeccable fashion taste, to her stick-to-it can-do attitude, Stevie Nicks is easily one of the most influential women in rock n roll.
Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac at the age of 27 in 1975, bringing along then boyfriend Lindsay Buckingham. In the midst a dysfunctional romance that would become infamous, (my friends and I still call becoming romantically involved with a band mate ‘Buckingham-Nicksing it) Rumours was born.
Rumours was one of the most influential albums of my life, and considering only a handful of records have ever sold more copies than Rumours, I’m willing to bet I’m not alone in that sentiment.
I remember the first Fleetwood Mac lyrics that ever really resonated with me.
Oh, thunder, only happens when it's raining
Players, only love you when they're playing
They say women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you'll know
You'll know
I was probably 14 the first time I heard “Dreams”, and despite being into a phase marked with heavy listening to grunge giants like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, those lyrics rattled me down into my core. They were ethereal, they were romantic, they were Renaissance, they were real. I started scribbling them in the margins of my notebooks. I bought a black lace dress. I was fully enveloped by the dark mystique of Fleetwood Mac.
In fact, those lyrics are partly what inspired me to start trying to put my own feelings to words, and writing my own poetry, a practice I maintain to this day.
Maybe it was how vulnerable they were while still feeling so powerful. I was always a kid who listened to a ton of music, but I couldn’t remember hearing something that was so raw and yet so beautiful at the same time. It was heartbreaking but resilient. Stevie’s lyrics were romantic and kind of spooky, without being vampiric and over the top. With her mystifying dancing, bold, heady lyrics and her penchant for wearing lace, capes, and intricate scarves, Stevie Nicks was everything I wanted to be.
Nicks also enjoyed success as a solo artist, with her first solo record Bella Donna reaching number one on The Billboard 200 within two months of it’s release, and being certified platinum the following month.
Nicks collaborated and performed with a number of influential musicians during her career, some of the most notable being Tom Petty, Don Henley, Dave Grohl, Harry Styles, and most recently, Miley Cyrus. Her willingness to cross genre boundaries and seek and perform with genuine talent always leads to a terrific, earth shattering performance.
Stevie Nicks continues to enjoy success in all aspects of her work, including her acting career (check her out in American Horror story), and she continues to be a champion for young women who dance through life with her same free spirited power, choosing to go their own way.
The Runaways
by Baylee Avery
The Runaways. Where do I even begin? For one thing, I can say that they’re the reason why I fell in love with rock ‘n’ roll.
In 2010, I was twelve going on thirteen when I saw my first ever R rated movie. That movie being the biopic about The Runaways. I originally went to see that movie because of Kristen Stewart being in the movie, but I didn’t know what to expect from it at all. I had only ever heard of Joan Jett and knew I Love Rock ‘N Roll. I had never heard of The Runaways or any of the other members.
I left that movie theater feeling so in love with rock ‘n’ roll and The Runaways. I had already bought the soundtrack so for a week, I basically listened to almost nothing but it until I bought a Best of The Runaways CD at a Borders bookstore. Man, is that an old fashioned sentence or what?
This band opened doors for other all female hard rock bands. Without them, we wouldn’t have the amazing all female hard rock bands that came after them. It’s easy to see the influence that The Runaways has had on women. Their music makes you feel like a badass and makes you want to rock.
Some of my favorite songs from them include Born To Be Bad, Hollywood, Neon Angels On The Road To Ruin, and Take It or Leave It.
Taylor Swift
by Ashley Longo
As someone whose life heavily revolves around rock n’ roll, my existence is almost completely based around men. There are very few women in this world who I look up to, and one of them is Taylor Swift. I got into Taylor Swift in an unusual way but long story short, it wasn’t until I found myself renting a small movie theatre with a group of Swifties from all over Massachusetts watching Taylor’s new Netflix documentary, Miss Americana, that I realized that I too, was a Swiftie.
Taylor Swift has been a cultural icon since she released her self-titled debut album in 2006 when she was just 16 years old. Since then she has released nine studio albums, broken records previously held by artists like The Beatles and Whitney Houston, sold out shows around the world, and is currently working on re-recording her first six studio albums. She has already accomplished so much in her career, but this is just the beginning. I know the future holds great things for this woman and cannot wait to see them unfold.
The main reason why so many people are drawn to Taylor Swift is because her songs and lyrics are so relatable. No matter what you are experiencing in life, Taylor has gone through the same thing, and has written a song or two about it. I have loved Taylor ever since her “Red” era, but it wasn’t her “Reputation” album when I started to relate to her music. My love for her has only gotten stronger since.
The day has finally come, a day I’ve been waiting for for about two years now... Dirty Honey has released a new song AND announced the news of their debut album, out April 23rd.
While I could go on and on about my excitement over the announcement of their self-titled debut album, I’m going to stop myself now before this turns into a very long article. So, let’s delve into my thoughts on their new song, “California Dreamin’.”
This new song is filled completely with stellar guitar riffs (and one fantastic solo) from the band’s guitarist, John Notto. Not only that, Marc’s vocals in this song are absolutely remarkable. And while those two things stand out in this song, there’s one other thing that stands out to me: the lyrics.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Marc said that he knew that there was already a song called “California Dreamin’ “ (by The Mamas & The Papas) but he wanted to take a different approach to it. The lyrics chronicle a much more darker theme about following the California dream, which is definitely a completely different version of the “California Dreamin’” song that we are used to, but honestly, I think taking that approach was a great move for this song.
Overall, “California Dreamin’’ is a strong first single for Dirty Honey’s upcoming album. Listening to this only makes you feel more ecstatic for what is to come. This album already sounds very promising and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for their fans.
Listen to “California Dreamin’” on our Rock My Soul playlist below and pre-order the album here.
New Angeles dropped their first single just over a week ago and you will not be able to stop jamming to it.
“Away” is pure rock through and through and it’ll get you up on your feet and dancing before the first chorus hits. The drums hit hard, the guitar is blasting, and the harmonies are tight – the perfect recipe for a rock ‘n’ roll party you won’t ever want to end!
The energy in this track is electric and the confidence these guys exude would have you convinced that they’ve been releasing music for years. “Away” mixes sounds from classic rock with a modern vibe to create a song that is simply irresistible. This track has already made its way onto my On Repeat playlist on Spotify, and once you give it a listen, I’m sure it will for you too!
If their next releases are even half as good as this one then these guys are going to be ones to watch, and I for one can’t wait to see what this group does next! Until their next release, turn “Away” up loud and get to dancin’!
Keep up with them on Instagram at @newangelesmusic! Be on the lookout for an official music video for “Away” coming soon!
Literally years in the making, songwriter and shredder, Sergio Michel, releases upon the world his latest creation: Tropical Depression. With eight years passing since his last album, “Marry Me, Cindy”, Sergio Michel returns as if he has never been gone.
Last month, I had the honor to chat life with Sergio on Instagram Live to discuss his newest release, the time gap between albums, writing process for it and also what would be is favorite all time tract from the new album, that would be ‘Captain Save A Hoe’.
The album kicks off with a classic kick in the face, punk of rock vibe with ‘Abysmal’ and even slows it beautifully with a classic Alice Cooper vibe with ‘ Too Cool for School’
This album is a hefty piece of art, with 19 tracts for you to indulge in. A nice fun fact about this album as well is that Sergio completely wrote this album himself minus drums, which he almost did as well. Veteran dummer, Rob Tucker, lays down the sticks for this album.
If you’re a fan of kick-ass upstate punk and some hard rock’n’roll, “Tropical Depression” is your streaming jam.