The Loudini Rock and Roll Circus

Intica on Crafting Moody Introspective Soundscapes

INTICA is an alternative indie artist from the California Bay Area. Making her debut in 2018, her introspective full-length album titled, “Nights Like These” is influenced by her hardships with anxiety and depression. INTICA found her passion for music at a young age, she allowed this discovery to mold her into the artist she is today. Through music she institutes an outlet that expresses her vulnerabilities in a way that people can find comfort and relevance. Throughout her music journey, she aspires to discover a haven in the industry where artistry and full creativity can infinitely become an outlet through her music.

Ashley J writes songs on the walls and discovers her perfect fit

At first glance, Ashley J exudes a vivacious and seductive youthful energy that’s wrapped in her free-flowing blonde locks, natural good looks and voluptuous body frame. However, beneath her eye-pleasing visual facade, she has a fascinatingly diverse background, artistically and musically and packs a wallop of a voice that fuses an infectious blend of vocal dexterity, moods and range. She tempers her vocal prowess with poignant lyrics and a kindred soul as an emerging songwriter/singer. And it’s all aptly and full exposed on her new pop single, “Unbreakable.” The song was recorded at his famed Tarpan Studio complex in San Rafael, CA. Laced with mid-tempo snaps, shadowy synths and soft whispers; “Trapped” highlights a deep infatuation with a new partner. Ashley’s sultry pipes gradually build.
Self-penned by Ashley J, she collaborated with UK’s established producers, Jamie Sellers and Warwick Matthews to produce this buoyant new track. The Orlando native weaves her airy and enticing vocals through dreamy piano melodies and bouncy synths. This light-hearted single takes listeners on an uplifting journey and showcases Ashley’s authentic pop style.
Ashley’s previous single “Trapped” reached #1 on the European Independent Music Charts. On a chance meeting legendary songwriter/producer and multi-platinum Grammy and Emmy winning, Narada Michael Walden Ashley produced her hit steamy single. The song was recorded at his famed Tarpan Studio complex in San Rafael, CA. Laced with mid-tempo snaps, shadowy synths and soft whispers;
“Trapped” highlights a deep infatuation with a new partner. Ashley’s sultry pipes gradually build a gravitating tension throughout the song, until it hits the exciting and uncontrollable bridge which reveals her scintillating and broad vocal range. “Trapped” was released independently (May 2017) on Ashley J’s own production company imprint, Bombshell Music, Inc.
In fact, it has been Ashley J’s devotion to songwriting that has jettisoned and fueled the embryonic stages of her artistic career so far. As a precocious little girl, she started writing songs on her bathroom walls, much to the chagrin of her parents, who were constantly forced to repaint her lyrical scribbles. However, she proved it wasn’t just a childhood dalliance, and over the past several years she has built a catalog of over 100 songs. She’s looking to feature several more original songs on an EP project for release later this year.
“I love a lot of different styles of music,” says Ashley J, “but contemporary pop is the best genre fit for me, and I feel it allows me to have free range as a songwriter/singer.”
Last year she eased her way into the contemporary pop scene, with her debut video supported single release, “Dare Ya,” which helped to galvanize a burgeoning fan base and signaled her commitment to making pop her signature genre.
While Ashley was busy cutting her teeth as a songwriter/performer, she also managed to earn a BA degree in Business Law from University of North Texas (2015).

While initially attending University of Tulsa, she also had a brief foray in writing and recording a couple of country music tracks in Nashville. She later traveled to Los Angeles, where she wrote and recorded a couple of solo dance songs “One and One” (charted in Billboard’s Top 20 Dance Chart) and “Cali” (which reached the Top 10 on the same chart).
Ashley J grew up listening to wide range of musical genres and pop greats like Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera and Michael Jackson, to legendary country stars Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton (who she cites as her all time musical hero). She attended the Dr. Phillips High School of Performing Arts in Orlando and showcased her innate singing and dancing talents performing lead roles in the schools theatre and musical productions – and was also active in her church choir and theatre productions.
Ashley J is ready to write a new chapter in her musical journey. She’s come a long way from those bathroom wall scribbles, and primed to become a revered figure in the world of pop music.

Opera singer Nadia E, Puts Her years of Training to use in the Service of Rock 'n Roll!

Nadia was born in northeastern New Jersey. At eleven years old, her family moved to a beach community in southern California. At her new school, Nadia was assigned choir as her elective class. Excelling at singing, she began private lessons in opera.

Nadia had great love and appreciation for the art and technique of opera, but felt the need to explore more liberal styles of singing and performing. At fourteen, she heard Nirvana’s ‘Bleach’ album and discovered that her heart belonged to rock ‘n’ roll.

At sixteen, Nadia went to her first rock concert at the Palladium in Los Angeles. Enthralled by the experience, she started attending as many shows as possible. Each show felt like a gift and her motivation to become more than an audience member grew.

Nadia’s operatic studies continued until she was nineteen, when she received an opportunity to audition for ‘The Dynamos’. Her presentation of the material seamlessly fit the envisioned musical and lyrical content of the band. She immediately became the lead vocalist for the project.

Nadia’s stage performance is enhanced by her rigorous fitness routine, comprised of spinning poi (the swinging of tethered weights through rhythmical and geometric patterns), weighted hula-hoop, as well as other traditional forms of exercise. Nadia’s healthy lifestyle also includes interests in culinary arts and the creation of her own recipes.

Nadia is integral to the development and implementation of ‘The Dynamos’ brand. Her contributions consist of makeup artistry, jewelry design, and performance wardrobe development.

What is Rock's Greatest Decade?

 It's a battle of the decades as Lily, Keith and Loudini  discuss what is/was Rock's greatest decade? They also rank the 7 decades of rock music from best to worst. It's the show that time forgot but you won't want to miss!  Featured Loudini Artists:    Dark Entries   Firewind   Thundermother    Turbowolf

 

Dark Entries
http://www.darkentriesla.com/
Dark Entries was originally founded in 2012 by brothers Mickey and Juice Hernandez in Whittier, Ca. The desire to create their brand of original rock music with the vast array of influences was something that both of them had an interest in doing for quite awhile. Those influences range from bands like Black Sabbath, Ratt, Ozzy Osbourne, and Iron Maiden to Marilyn Manson, Gene Loves Jezebel, Bauhaus, The Bolshoi, and Genesis. With an eclectic blend of hard rock, heavy metal and goth, the birth of Dark Entries was formed.

Upon a few lineup changes, Dark Entries selected lead guitarist Nick Mendoza and drummer Alexis Villatoro, which gave the lineup of Juice Hernandez on rhythm guitar, Nick "Nix" Mendoza on lead guitar, Alexis Villatoro on drums, and Mickey Hernandez on bass and lead vocals. With the addition of influences like Disturbed, KISS, and other hard rock bands, the music of Dark Entries has become more melodic and powerful.

Dark Entries began performing local gigs in late 2017 and are currently focused on recording a few songs. "The Moonlight Run" is Dark Entries' debut single. It was written about a fictional character, a young woman, who is a Hollywood socialite constantly out at social events where the rich and famous congregate, in hopes of obtaining some with no real talent of her own.

Current Location
Los Angeles / Orange County

Influences
Black Sabbath, Ratt, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Marilyn Manson, Gene Loves Jezebel, Bauhaus, The Bolshoi, Genesis, Disturbed, KISS...

Booking agent
Please send all booking inquiries to darkentriesla@gmail.com or message here.

Firewind
Time to wake the sleeping giant...
It’s been four years since Firewind released their critically acclaimed seventh album ‘Few Against Many’ but in that time the band and it’s various members have all been extremely busy. Main man Gus G. has released not one, but two solo albums, toured in support of both of them and hit the road once again with the ‘Prince of Darkness’, Ozzy Osbourne. His fellow Firewind band mates have also been far from idle too; but despite the prolonged break in activities Firewind was always going to return and 2016 will see the band back and blasting on all cylinders!
The band will return with live activities and a new singer. Henning Basse, a long time friend and collaborator of Gus’ is the man trusted to bring Firewind back to the masses. His rich, classic rock referencing vocals are the perfect foil for the wealth of material the band have been working on and he brings a reinvigorated power to the band.
Firewind return with a string of dates throughout 2016 as they prepare their brand new studio album.

Influences
Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Dream Theater, Gary Moore, Metallica and many more!

Press contact
Nasrin Vahdani (Europe / Rest of the World) | nasrin.vahdani@centurymedia.de

Booking agent
(Europe, Asia): LuckyBob Music Management: lucky@luckybob.de

Thundermother
THUNDERMOTHER OFFICIAL FACEBOOK

These hard rock chicks will blow your head off!
The quintet have toured throughout Europe, gaining fanssuch as In Flames, Zakk Wylde, Danko Jones, Opeth, Motörhead, Airbourne and many more.

They have conquered the whole of Sweden with their AC/DC influenced sound. Next step - THE WORLD!

Previous gigs include Close-Up Boat, Metaltown, Sweden Rock Festival, support act for Danko Jones and Michael Monroe to name but a few.
See you soon in a town close to you!
Crashing in at No 2 in the hard rock charts
these girls are set for No 1 soon!

Prepare to be amazed!

http://www.youtube.com/user/thundermotherrocks

http://instagram.com/thundermother

https://twitter.com/thundermother

IT'S ROCK N ROLL AND THAT'S HOW WE LIKE IT!

 

"There are three great bands in the world: Bullet, Airbourne and THUNDERMOTHER.”
-Joel o´Keffe in AIRBOURNE.

"You guys are great. Love the twin guitar attack and your singer can belt it out without whisky and cigars assisting."
-Danko Jones

"When they release their debut & sell platinum, you will feel proud because you were there in the beginning."
-Johan Jacobsson, CLOSE-UP MAGAZINE.

"Good music is always good music. Pay attention to the new Rock Queens of Sweden,Thundermother. Great stuff!"
-In Flames

"I suggest you get this album. Ever since I got this record my wife of 28 years cannot keep her hands off me!!"
-Zakk Wylde

"its sounds great!! Awesome energy & good old AC/DC vibe!! yeah!!!"
- Pontus Snibb: BONAFIDE

"Cool band and a furious singer!"
-Chris Laney

"This is really good"
-Clutch

"I'm a fan"
-Fredrik Åkesson, OPETH

"Wow, the action!!"
-Turbonegro

”Fuck they really play loud!”
-Ralf Gyllenhammar, MUSTASCH

Biography

Thundermother started the summer 2010 in Växjö when the guitarist and southern swede Filippa Nässil wanted to play Rock'N'Roll. So with dreams and visions along with the song "Shoot to Kill" humming in her head she started Thundermother. She moved to Stockholm to pursue her dream.
She found her first partner in crime Giorgia Carteri in Stockholm who also followed her own dreams of playing music, coming all the way from Italy, though nowadays she's identified as one of the southern stockholm fellas.
After numerous ordeals with other musicians they have finally found the right group of people with right motives and Rock'N'Roll in their heart. Tilda Stenqvist on drums from Karlstad, Linda Ström from the Smålander woods and Clare Cunningham born and raised on Ireland, nowadays living in Stockholm.
They're having fun and it's noticeable on-stage. Pure enjoyment and Rock'N'Roll deep from their bones. Hardrock-girls from around the world now united to do one sole thing, to play together and travel on the roads.

Thundermother has been playing the Close-Up boat with Turbonegro and Candlemass, they were the opening act for Danko Jones on his Swedish Tour, they were the openers for Metaltown on the Blood Stage in the presence of thousands of people before Clutch and Graveyard, they had played with bands like Bonafide, The Scams & many many others. Thundermother did it themselves the hard way. Without a record they filled pubs and clubs to the brim and played at Sweden Rock Festival and will continue to tour! ROCK N ROLL IS ALIVE!
Turbowolf
About
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.turbowolf.co.uk

Biography
Magic noise for psychic colossus.

Gender
Neutral (It)

General Manager
Don Jenkins: don.jenkins@rawpowermanagement.com

Influences
NATURE/SCIENCE/SPACE/PAST/FUTURE/EGYPT

Press contact
William Luff: william.luff@wilfulpublicity.co.uk

Booking agent
Steve Strange, X-Ray Touring
Steve@xraytouring.com

Remembering Chris Cornell

It's been one year since we lost the great Chris Cornell. This week, Lily, Keith and Lou take some time to celebrate one of the greatest rock singers of all time.   Featured Loudini Artists:     Ragdoll   Aboleth   Scorpion Child   Diamante

Ragdoll

http://www.ragdollrock.bandcamp.com
Merges the swagger of the Seventies, the anthemic melodies of the mid-Eighties and the sonic intensity of modern times.” Classic Rock Magazine

Perth rockers Ragdoll are set to release their long awaited debut album ‘Back To Zero’ in Australia May 6 via Firestarter Distribution, closely followed by a string of shows across the country. Built around the classic trio format, ‘Back To Zero’ is an epic slab of hard rock with a sound that owes as much to the arena rock of the 70's and 80's as it does the grungy sounds of the 90’s.

Led by the powerhouse vocals of Ryan Rafferty and backed by the shredding guitars of Leon Todd and pounding drum grooves of Cam Barrett, ‘Back To Zero’ may tip its hat to the past but is a thoroughly modern record. Avoiding the genre’s cliche of sex, drugs and rock n' roll, ‘Back To Zero’ instead explores lyrical themes ranging from social media addiction (current single The World You Gave Us), technological alienation (Rewind Your Mind), domestic abuse (Letting Go) and the existential (Shine).

Renowned as one of the hardest working bands around, Ragdoll hit the road throughout 2015 playing over 70 shows throughout Australia and the USA in order to fund their album themselves. By road testing new material while writing and having complete control over their creative process, the final result is a consistent and honest expression of the Ragdoll sound.

Todd says of the process, ”We just set out to make music we ourselves love to listen to. We never set out to sound like anyone other than ourselves.”

After planting seeds in the US via 30+ dates including a coveted slot at the Rocklahoma festival (alongside Megadeth and Rob Zombie) and supporting Skid Row at the Whisky, Ragdoll plan to head back overseas but will first launch ‘Back To Zero’ with live dates this June and July around Australia.

On what drives Ragdoll in 2016 Rafferty says "We feel like Ragdoll is a band that happily bridges the divide between old and new school while still staying true to the aesthetics that made rock music so great in the first place."

‘Back To Zero’ is out May 6 via Firestarter Distribution and is currently available for pre-order via JB Hifi.

New single 'The World You Gave Us' is out now via all good digital retailers

Awards
EP of the year 2012 and 2013 - The Rockpit

Current Location
Perth Western Australia

Influences
Rush, Kings X, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake.

Press contact
Heidi Weston - heidi@firestartermusic.net

Booking agent
ragdolltheband@gmail.com

Aboleth
https://abolethband.bandcamp.com/
About
doom // desert // fuzz // riff // heavy // rock
Instagram: @abolethband
Vocals: Brigitte Roka
Baguitar: Collyn McCoy

Scorpion Child
http://www.scorpionchildofficial.com
A rock ‘n’ roll record should unlock a journey. The music, lyrics, and aura can summon a trip out of the ether. Scorpion Child conjure that kind of trip on their second full-length album, Acid Roulette [Nuclear Blast Entertainment].
The Austin, TX quartet—Aryn Jonathan Black [vocals], Christopher Jay Cowart [lead guitar], Jon “Charn” Rice [percussion], Alec “Mexecutioner” Padron [bass], and Aaron John “AJ” Vincent [heavy keys]—confidently expand the sonic palette established on their 2013 self-titled debut. That first offering bowed at #26 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and #99 on the Hard Music Albums chart. Following its premiere by Eddie Trunk, iTunes named “Polygon Of Eyes” its “Single of the Week,” and Scorpion Child earned a nomination for “Best New Band” at the Classic Rock Magazine presented “Classic Rock Awards.” They’d also share the stage with Monster Truck on the “Lords of the Riff” UK Tour.
Everything set the stage to play Acid Roulette.
“We didn’t want to divorce what we had built on the first record,” explains Aryn. “At the same time, we wanted to show we could do a lot of different things. The goal was to create a sound that could be both ethereal and turbulent. It was a journey making it. We all were going through a lot of stuff, but everything fell into place.”
Following a breakout two years, the group amicably parted ways with drummer Shawn Paul Alvear, bassist Shaun Avants, and guitarist Thomas Frank. Scorpion Child welcomed “Charn,” “Mexecutioner,” and “AJ” and immediately hit the studio in early 2015. Once again, they teamed up with GRAMMY® Award-nominated producer Chris “Frenchie” Smith [Meat Puppets, The Toadies, …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead] at The Bubble in Austin, TX. However, they took a different route this time during their three weeks in the studio.
"We recorded the heart and soul of the album live in the studio” says Aryn. “We didn’t do that on the first record. Tracking live made the album a snapshot of a moment. Since the guys just joined the band, we didn’t have much time to figure each other out or overthink things. We just naturally clicked. It was a do or die situation, but it worked out. Our initial vision became more intense with time and texture.”
That intensity courses through the album’s conceptual narrative. A tale of love, loss, lust, betrayal, and a game called “Acid Roulette,” the record follows the story of a doomed love that lands the male protagonist behind bars while his wife lives out an affair with her wealthy lover.
“With extensive touring, you experience so many things,” Aryn goes on. “I had this lucid dream about a bohemian guy who gets framed for a murder he perhaps did or didn’t do. He goes to prison for life. In order to mentally escape, he plays ‘Acid Roulette.’ The inmates would take a jar and cut up a sheet of acid and a sheet of paper. They’d mix it all up. Some guys wound up with like five hits of acid, while other people got none. It’s crazy.”
That story comes to life across the record’s twelve songs. The first single “Reaper’s Danse” revs up a twin guitar assault ala the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and otherworldly howl that could rouse any graveyard from its slumber.
“Lyrically, it’s the dance of the dead,” he explains. “It’s about what we become in the afterlife. It’s this triumph on top of something monolithic. The character is thinking about death, but he has no rope. He still has some will to live.”
“My Woman In Black” tempers a muscular riff with a bluesy cadence that’s wonderfully doomy as our protagonist muses on the woman that destroyed him.
“It’s about the first time he ever saw her,” continues Aryn. “Musically, it’s like an archway for us. We’re leaping into other influences like dark wave and even nodding to the likes of Bauhaus and The Sisters Of Mercy.”
Whether it’s the woozy psychedelic soul of the title track or the haze of delay on the chugging “She Sings I Kill,” Scorpion Child channel the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll with a fresh spell of their own.
“We wanted to blend sounds we haven’t heard before,” Aryn leaves off. “It’s gritty when it needs to be. There’s a lot to think about in there. I hope people can absorb something personal when they go on this ride.”

Gender

Current Location
abroad

Press contact
mail@nuclearblastusa.com (NA) / info@nuclearblast.de (EU)
Diamante

http://www.thisisdiamante.com
Diamonds are like artists;
no two should be alike.
Enter Diamante. With iridescent sapphire hair, a show-stopping voice, runway-ready fashion swagger, and an empowering message, the Boston-raised and Los Angeles-based Mexican-Italian-American sonic heroine brings a new (and blue) fire to rock and alternative music. Serendipitously, her name might as well have pre-destined a future in the spotlight…
“In Spanish, Diamante means ‘Diamond,’ and my middle name Azzura means ‘Blue’ in Italian,” she explains. “If I was a color, I would be blue. I love it, because it’s bold, ethereal, and everything I am.”
Born to an Italian dad and Mexican mom in a Boston suburb, she always stood out. Interchangeably speaking three languages—Italian, Spanish, and English—she found inspiration in words, penning poetry and short stories at a young age inspired by J.K. Rowling and Stephen King. Drawn to musical theater, the budding performer starred in school productions of The Little Mermaid, Grease, and more before relocating to L.A. with her family at 13. Already a fan of Kelly Clarkson and Avril Lavigne, her discovery of rock music via a School of Rock summer program ignited a dormant passion.
“Being on stage and singing rock was the way I broke out of my shell and was able to realize who I am and the full potential I have,” she admits. “From there, I really connected to the women of the eighties like Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, and Debbie Harry. I thought they were so cool, iconic, and badass. That’s how I wanted to be.”
Diamante spent the next few years quietly cutting her teeth at local gigs on the Sunset Strip as a singular musical vision came into focus. A disciple of both P!nk and Guns N’ Roses who doesn’t fall into rockstar excess or even sport tattoos, she devoted every waking minute to honing a signature “classic rock sound with a modern alternative edge.” This unique and undeniable approach caught the attention of Eleven Seven Music Group and Better Noise Records who signed her in 2015. Amassing a bevy of ideas, she hit the studio with super producer Howard Benson `{`My Chemical Romance, Chris Cornell, Halestorm, Kelly Clarkson`}` to record what would become her full-length debut, Coming In Hot. “Diamante is the only true heir to the female rock throne that has been vacant since Joan Jett’s heyday,” says Howard Benson.
“Howard really pushed me to be vulnerable and talk about things I was afraid to talk about,” she goes on. “I finally got the courage to be honest with my lyrics and myself. I want to be someone girls and guys growing up can relate to.”
Her single “Coming In Hot”—out June 16, 2017—seesaws between an arena-filling chant and a robust and raucous riff. At the center, she confidently serves up the knockout refrain, “Whether you’re ready or not, I’m coming in hot!”
“It’s essentially a super fun weekend summer anthem,” she smiles. “I picture people leaving their day jobs in the car on a Friday, cranking this, and getting ready to go nuts on the weekend. It’s also a metaphor for me coming in hot into the industry. I want to bring this style back and take over rock.”
In the end, rock ‘n’ roll has never sounded, looked, or felt like Diamante on Coming In Hot.
She leaves off, “When people hear this, I’d like for them to think, ‘Oh my God, rock is not dead. This girl is bringing it back’—whether they’re ready or not…”
DIAMANTE

 

Heather Whitney turns tragedy into triumph

Singer-Songwriter, Heather Whitney comes from an itty-bitty, one-red-light town deep in the pines of Southeast Texas, where the mosquitoes are big, but Heather's love for music is bigger!

Heather's new album, "Moving on" is full of love, heartbreak, and moving on. This album is everything she has lived through, felt, and overcame, while in the studio. "Just because you're working towards your dreams, doesn't mean that the world stops spinning, and hardships won't find you," says Heather. "What gave me strength to complete my album, was knowing that I was not alone, & that someone else out there would hear these songs, relate to them, and possibly gain some healing like I did. We have to stick together."

Heather spent the last year flying back and forth from Newton, TX to Nashville, TN, writing, hand-picking songs for the album, and recording with producer, Buddy Hyatt. She just wrapped and released her first music video for her single "Shut Up And Dance" and her album “Moving On” (Now available on ITunes)!

"Everyone who was apart of this project was there because of their belief in me, and I'm forever humbled and thankful for them and this experience. Everything that I put into this album will absolutely translate to the listener! Hope y'all enjoy it!"

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjMq9PmQEnE

Official Website: http://www.Heatherwhitneymusic.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/heatherwhitneymusic
Instagram: @heatherwhitneymusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/29MOLiexy3LJ32IFZIimnG

CONTACT:
Michael Stover
MTS Management Group
michael@mtsmanagementgroup.com

They started jamming with their math teacher; little did they know where it would lead...The Road to Ruin

The Road To Ruin is a power pop outfit based in Bushwick, Bk. The band was formed around the eclectic songwriting of lead singer Miles Stenhouse and delivers his thoughtful and sometimes amusing ear worms with detailed bedroom pop arraignments that reveal a deep reverence to the likes of Big Star, Crazy Horse, T. Rex and Electric Light Orchestra.

Celebrating Iron Maiden's Piece of Mind 35th Birthday!

On our special mother's day show, The Loudini Hard Rock and Metal Circus Plays homage to one of the game changing metal albums of all time. Iron Maiden's Piece of Mind turns 35 this month and Lily, Keith and Loudini discuss the making and influence of this peace of rock and metal history Featured Loudini Artists: Turbowolf Black Star Riders Reign of Z

YouTube sensations, Jacqueline & Andy form a band and break into the "real" world!

Born and raised in Camrose, Alberta, having moved to Toronto in 2002, Jacqueline comes from a concert/stage band background and is a multi-instrumentalist, playing a variety of woodwinds including oboe, flute and saxophone; drums/percussion, and various stringed things including guitar, ukelele, mandolin, cello, piano and ukelele. Jacqueline is the lead-singer and principle songwriter for ATB, as well as taking lead on the creative aspect of Youtube channel video recording and editing. Classically trained in jazz, big band standards and classics,  Jackie brings a well-rounded musical background to this innovative and eclectic group of Canadian musicians

More Cowbell! Rock's Greatest Cowbell Moments Revisited!

We know that you have the fever and the only cure is MORE COWBELL! This week Loudini, Lily and Keith celebrate the greatest moments in cowbell history... It's sure to be a ringing good time... so you won't want to miss this episode!  Featured Loudini Artists:    Soen     Jinger   Hardcore Superstar

 

Soen
Genre
Progressive rock/metal

Band Members
Stefan Stenberg – Bass
Marcus Jidell – Guitar
Lars Åhlund – Keys, guitar
Joel Ekelöf – Vocals
Martin Lopez – Drums, percussion

Hometown
Stockholm, Stockholms län, Schweden

Record Label
www.udr-music.com

Affiliation
http://www.kapanen-production-store.de/epages/63925820.sf/en_GB/?ObjectID=26007105&ViewAction=FacetedSearchProducts&SearchString=soen&SearchButton=

About
http://soenmusic.com/

Biography
Soen was initially formed by Martin Lopez and Kim Platbarzdis in 2004. Due to a number of reasons Soen was put on ice, to be resumed with the arrival of Joel Ekelöf in early 2010. Later on in 2010, Steve DiGiorgio was recruited on bass and the band's line-up was finally complete.

Gender
Neutral (It)

Booking agent
International Booking Department (IBD)
Sabine Waltz
Sudetenstr. 12
germany 82278 Althegnenberg
ph +49 (0) 8202 9049870
skype:ibdbooking
sabine@ibdbooking.de
https://www.facebook.com/International.Booking.Department

Jinger
http://jinjer-metal.com
JINJER is a Ukrainian female fronted band which plays a mixture of progressive metalcore and groove metal, with some inlays of funk, reggae and jazz, though on their second LP the band shifted a bit to death metal of the European school. JINJER were formed in 2010, when Tatiana Shmailyuk joined the guys as a vocalist. In 2013, the band were acknowledged as the best metal band of the year in Ukraine.
JINJER are often mistakenly compared to Iwrestledabearonce, Straight Line Stitch, Arch Enemy, etc. Which is completely wrong, as members of JINJER, being asked about their influences, always name such bands as Lamb of God, Pantera, Gojira, Killswitch Engage, Death, Chimaira, All Shall Perish, Protest the Hero. However, Tatiana says that she really appreciates Sandra from Guano Apes and Shamaya from Otep for being her biggest inspirations as a female metal vocalist. She also mentions Mikael Åkerfeldt from Opeth and Randy Blythe from LOG.
In April 2014 JINJER released their second LP – CLOUD FACTORY. The album is devoted to the devastating effect of the heavy industry and global businesses on the environment,nature and average people's lives.
To support CLOUD FACTORY album the band went on a long European tour in April-May 2014 around Poland, Germany, Czech, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Russia. JINJER have shared the stage with TIAMAT, PAIN, CALIBAN, EKTOMORF, CLAWFINGER, EVENASCENCE, RASMUS, KATAKLYSM, BLESS THE FALL, etc. Over three years of touring JINJER have played more than 300 shows around the European Union, Russia and Ukraine. The band is a common participant of many top open-air festivals in Ukraine and the EU.

Awards
the Best Ukrainian Metal Band of 2013, 2016

General Manager
Europe allen@godownbelieving.com
North America info@theoraclemgmt.com

Influences
thrash and groove metal, progressive metal, technical death metal, nu-metal, alternative metal, reggae, jazz, metalcore

Press contact
Claudia Steinlechner
claudia.steinlechner@napalmrecords.com

Booking agent
N America: logan@satellitetouring.com
Rest of World: thorsten.harm@napalm-events.com

Hardcore Superstar
http://www.hardcoresuperstar.com
Many bands play it safe – Hardcore Superstar doesn't.
The Swedish four-piece had the balls to marry two styles that grew up hating each other. We're talking about thrash metal and sleaze rock. The former hard, aggressive and ugly, the latter catchy, melodic and decadent.
The bastard child's name?

– We play street metal, offers drummer Magnus "Adde" Andreasson. Thrash and sleaze both come from the gutter. They wear big sneakers, they are a bit stupid and they both read pulp fiction. I can't believe that nobody brought them together before.

Hardcore Superstar did just that with the band's fourth and eponymous album, released in 2005. But the quartet didn't arrive overnight, rather paying its dues during a rocky but rewarding ride.

The roots can be traced back to the late eighties, when Adde was talked into playing the drums by older friend and neighbour Jocke Berg.

– I played the guitar and we tried our best with songs such as "Paranoid" and King Diamond's "Shrine", Jocke remembers.

The young teenagers, hailing from a small town just outside of Gothenburg, ended up in different bands, who in turn chose different routes from their Iron Maiden inspired beginnings. Adde opted for heavier stuff in Dorian Gray whereas the Jocke fronted Glamoury Foxx went in a glammier direction. Incidentally, Jocke took up singing thanks to one Thomas Silver, fellow guitar slinger in Glamoury Foxx.

Eventually, Jocke and Adde ended up together again. This time in Link, a classic rock oriented outfit with grunge leanings. They were joined by guitar player Fredrik "Fidde" Johansson and bass player Martin Sandvik, the latter having originally tried to lure Jocke away to his own band, Wanted. Link did the occasional gig and recorded a couple of demos before Adde headed west to pursue his dream.

– I kind of grew tired of Link, he confesses. I moved to Los Angeles to study at the Musicians Institute.

Link recruited drummer Mika Vainio and kept going until parting ways with Fredrik Johansson in the fall of 1997. The guitar player wanted to take the band in a psychedelic and arty direction – the other three just wanted to rock.

– I remember showing Fidde the riff to "Hello/goodbye", Martin says. He turned his back on me and started to play scales on the guitar. He obviously thought the riff sucked.

The remaining members couldn't be bothered, forging ahead and adopting the name Hardcore Superstar. Well, there was one little problem. Jocke already was quite a frontman, but being the sole guitar player? Naaah. As luck would have it, Thomas Silver had just left local rockers Green Jesus Saviours. Hardcore Superstar had a club gig lined up in Gothenburg, so Jocke asked his old bandmate to help out. Things clicked immediately and Thomas signed up as a permanent member.
His connection with Gain Productions helped Hardcore Superstar get "Hello/goodbye" and
"Someone special" onto a compilation album. The response was phenomenal and Gain duly offered the band a contract. And so in early 1998 the boys set out to record their debut album.

– We were influenced by the LA metal scene of the eighties, says Martin. You know, LA Guns and Faster Pussycat and the likes. But we also dug Oasis, as can be heard in "Someone special".

The result, "It's only rock'n'roll", was released in October 1998.

– Putting out an album was awesome, Jocke gushes. I felt like a rock star. And then we got to support Motörhead in Scandinavia. It was like "wow, we've made it!".

The initial 1000 copies of the album sold like hot cakes, and the second pressing sold out as well. Legendary UK label Music For Nations took notice, but Mika Vainio's interest was waning. The drummer jumped ship in late 1998. The band was bummed out but quickly decided that this might've been a blessing in disguise. There was this guy in LA with a bit of skill behind the drums, remember. Thomas called Adde, suggesting he'd get his ass back to Sweden to play some proper rock'n'roll.

– I said yes on the spot, Adde remembers. I felt done with LA, especially after being in a pub brawl that sent me to the hospital. I was back in Sweden in less than a month after Thomas' call.

Everything gelled as soon as the prodigal son returned. Hardcore Superstar signed to MFN but instead of having "It's only rock'n'roll" re-released – as the label was pushing for – the band insisted on re-recording its best tracks plus a few new songs.

– We wanted Adde to be on the album, Martin says. Plus we'd written "Liberation", "Have you been around" and some other great stuff.

The choice proved to be a wise one as soon as "Bad sneakers and a piña colada” was unleashed unto a wider audience in the spring of year 2000. The old songs benefitted from better playing and better production and "Liberation" and "Have you been around" both became successful singles. Together with lead-off single "Someone special", they climbed the domestic charts and made Hardcore Superstar the first Swedish rock band to make it big in the new millennium. Pretty much the rest of the year was spent on the road. Hardcore Superstar played 169 gigs, including a European tour and visits to Japan and Canada.

– Those were our first proper tours, Martin says. Being in a tour bus for six weeks straight and getting to experience Japan was incredible.

Still on an adrenaline high, the band didn't waste any time making a new album. This time, the objective was to explore the possiblities of the recording studio to the max. If "Bad sneakers..." was a case of "wham bam, thank you, ma'm", the follow up "Thank you (for letting us be ourselves)" – released in September 2001 – was a meticulous piece of work. Hardcore Superstar's American seventies' classic rock record, if you will.

– That was our Aerosmith phase, Adde offers. "Thank you..." might not have been what people were expecting or wanting, but we wanted to stick our necks out. We really enjoyed taking our time and using all those expensive, vintage instruments. We even had a string quartet on there.

The album was recorded with producer Roberto Laghi at the helm. Halfway through the project, Hardcore Superstar got the chance to open for AC/DC at a sold-out show (more than 50 000 people) at Gothenburg's Ullevi Stadium. The band shared the stage with friends and fellow local heavy hitters Lok, with whom they'd recorded the single "Staden Göteborg" earlier in the year. The reworked punk rock song – written by the Troublemakers – was the theme song for the music event Popstad Göteborg and had received lots of air play. Supporting Angus Young & Co remains a career high point.

– AC/DC is the ultimate party band, Adde gushes. The music is about pure energy. That's exactly what we're trying to achieve with Hardcore Superstar.

As a huge bonus and ditto honour, the guys were invited to open for AC/DC in Turin, Italy, again a few days later. "Thank you (for letting us be ourselves)" spawned the singles "Shame" and "Mother's love/Significant other" ( a double A-side). The album and the singles all went top 20 in Sweden and Hardcore Superstar once again toured Europe and Japan.

A familiar pattern ensued. The band went straight to work – and the record turned out to be a very different beast to its predecessor. Released in the summer of 2003, "No regrets" was a sonically raw and decidedly more Britsih sounding affair. Misfits had always been a big influence, but spurred on by Roberto Laghi the quartet discovered, or rediscovered, bands like Buzzcocks, The Ruts and The Stranglers. The album was preceded by the single "Honey tongue" and "Still I'm glad" followed. Both made an impact on the domestic charts, but the latter's title was not a good description of the mood in the Hardcore Superstar camp. Quite the opposite.

The heavy touring and heavy partying had taken its toll and spirits were low. After yet another European tour, things became ugly when the band went to the US for selected shows. Hardcore Superstar attended a party thrown at the Swedish consulate in New York City, and Thomas Silver got into a fist fight with a journalist from Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet. The short tour was completed, but the members knew they needed time apart.

– We were so tired of each other, Adde sighs. Tired of everything that had to do with Hardcore Superstar. It could've been two of us getting into a fight.

Back in Sweden, Hardcore Superstar went on a hiatus. The decision was made easier due to the demise of Music For Nations. The future was looking very uncertain, but there would be a twist of fate. Adde inherited an old house and spent the summer of 2004 refurbishing it with help from Martin. When at work, the guys blasted classic albums such as "Appetite for destruction", "Dr Feelgood" and "Among the living" and found themselves smiling again.

– It was like a revelation, Adde remembers fondly.
– We just went "this is what Hardcore Superstar should be about!". We had drifted away from our roots, in a way. It was time to write music from the heart and not listen to anyone but ourselves.

Adde and Martin had a new album mentally mapped out from the word go, and the writing process that followed was smooth and enjoyable. When all four members reconvened after more than six months apart, the chemistry was there again. Sparks were flying at rehearsals and everyone was pleased with the new and heavier direction, the self-proclaimed street metal.

Hardcore Superstar knew they had come up with their strongest material to date. In order to keep the vision pure, the band enlisted friends Johan Reivén (ex-Lok) and Christian "Rizsa" Isaksson to co-produce the record (with Adde and Martin) that was to put Hardcore Superstar back on the map. No-one outside that inner circle was allowed to listen until the album was wrapped. As a teaser, the single "Wild boys" was released in June. But even such a strong song couldn't fully prepare the media and the audience for what was to come.

When "Hardcore Superstar" finally arrived on the Gain label – yes, the band was back "home" – in November 2005, jaws dropped. The album was given excellent reviews worldwide and songs like "We don't celebrate Sundays", "My good reputation" and "Bag on your head" – all three eventually picked as singles – became anthems.

The tour was a runaway success, with not just old fans turning out to celebrate the comeback.

– At last we appealed to the old school metal fans. It was so cool to have those long-haired and bearded dudes with denim jackets playing air guitar in front of us, Martin says with a smile.

The live power of Hardcore Superstar was captured on the dvd "Live at Sticky Fingers", recorded in Gothenburg in March. The band toured Europe, made two triumphant trips to Japan (including an appearance at the prestigious Loud Park Festival) and played a number of European festivals, including a rousing performance in a jam-packed tent at the Sweden Rock Festival.

Having found a musical style and "modus operandi" that worked, the band was eager to start working on its a new album. It was decided that Adde and Martin should once again handle production duties, with old conspirator Roberto Laghi engineering.

The single "Bastards", recorded as a one-off and released in the summer of 2007, proved this was a good idea. It went gold in Sweden and showed that Hardcore Superstar were still on a creative roll. Before going into IF Studio – the Gothenburg studio previously known as Studio Fredman but now owned by In Flames – to record the album, Hardcore Superstar played some festivals. The most remarkable thing was the return to Sweden Rock Festival, this time as support act to Aerosmith on the main stage. Filled with confidence, the guys didn't have a problem immortalizing their new songs. The idea was to build on the strengts of "the black album".

– We knew exactly what we wanted to do, Adde says.

The recording process was more enjoyable than ever, and you can really hear that we were super confident. Musically, we went for diversity. You know, making the hard stuff even harder and the choruses even grander.

"Dreamin' in a casket" came out in November of 2007 and showed that "Hardcore Superstar" was no fluke. The album became another big-seller and the band went on tour to support it.
However, all was not hunky dory. Thomas Silver had lost a bit of his fire and found it hard to be on the road.

At the end of the first leg of the tour, he announced that he was quitting the band. Losing a long-standing member was a heavy blow, but Hardcore Superstar came up with a solution pretty much on the spot. The young and talanted Swede Vic Zino – whose band Crazy Lixx had been the support act on the tour – was chosen to fill the vacant spot for the Australian and Japanese dates that were just around the corner.

The Bosnia-born guitar player did a great job and was asked to join the band on a permanent basis. After some serious thinking, he accepted.

– I co-formed Crazy Lixx, so parting with my childhood friends was a tough thing to do, Vic confesses. But I just couldn't turn down an offer to join Hardcore Superstar. Since the black album, I've been a big fan of the band.

With Vic properly on board, Hardcore Superstar played several European dates as well as some high profile Swedish shows. Selling out Lisebergshallen, the second biggest indoor venue in Gothenburg, was a high point.
There have been many in the ten-year history of the band – and there are many more to come.

The story continues...

Current Location
Gothenburg, Sweden

Press contact
Johan Gren
johan@gain.se

Booking agent
Scandinavia:
Markus Wiking, Live Nation
markus.wiking@livenation.se