Kick Back And Enjoy Some “Southern Noise”
Some nights after a long day, especially during 2020, you just want to relax on your porch and sip on some bourbon, and for a moment forget about your stresses. Southern artist, Cody Weaver, captures that essence with his debut EP Souther Noise and come Friday night, you're going to find yourself sliding in your undies like Tom Cruise with music blasting.
November 30, 2020 I had the absolute pleasure to discuss his debut EP one week before its release on December 4 on a special Instagram Live interview. Cody, his wife and his band in attendance for this interview all contributed to the final product of Southern Noise.
Tracks such as ‘Cope’ and ‘Souther Noise’ bring the party atmosphere of red solo cup, while ‘Not This Time’ and ‘Before I Met You’ showcase the ballads Cody has in his soul.
Cody’s debut EP, brings a splash of Lynyrd Skynrd, some bitters of Randy Rhoads guitar, and a perfect ice cube of ballads to create a prefect old fashioned southern rock album.
6 Perspectives on Greta Van Fleet's New Release, 'Age of Machine'
Greta Van Fleet is back with not only a new song but a release date for their second album. After two years, the Peaceful Army will be gifted a new album, The Battle At Gardens Gate, on April 16, 2021. Just yesterday, the band released the second single off of the upcoming album, ‘Age of Machine’. Both releases showcase incredible growth from their ‘Highway Tune’ days yet emit two different journeys.
Many of us here at BANDED connected over Greta Van Fleet, so to take the peaceful route, we’ve each shared a short review for ‘Age of Machine’. Enjoy….
ANGEL:
I am utterly convinced that everything Greta Van Fleet touches turns to gold. ‘Age of Machine’ is Greta Van Fleet authentically at their finest. As I listened, I meditated on the words that flowed from Josh’s lips. I was mesmerized by Jake's haunting guitar riff, Daniel’s heart-pounding drum beats, and the hearty bass brought to us by Sam. Greta Van Fleet isn’t holding anything back in this new era. Let me tell you, this new song is further proof of that. The profound lyrics in this song combined with the heavy rock n’ roll sound will have your head banging in an instant and your mind racing. The Battle At Gardens Gate is going to be a timeless record, unlike anything Greta Van Fleet has ever produced. ‘Highway Tune’ feels like a distant memory compared to where the band is now. These four incredibly talented guys from Frankenmuth, Michigan are reintroducing themselves to the world. They are digging from a deeper place in this new record, and it’s coming from depths of their being. Without a doubt, I believe wholeheartedly that they were born for this.
BAYLEE:
When I first listened to the opening riffs, I felt like I was listening to an entirely different version of ‘Brave New World’ for a second and then I heard Josh’s wails and I thought, “Okay. Here we go.”
As ‘Age of Machine’ progressed, I started thinking that it felt more like a sequel to Brave New World and I began to really enjoy it. The chorus, Jake’s guitar solo, everything about it. Between ‘Age of Machine’ and ‘My Way, Soon’ - I think Age of Machine really takes the cake and it makes me feel especially excited for what’s to come on the new album.
CHLOE:
Age of Machine makes a grand appearance as the obvious sequel and foil to Age of Man. As Greta moves symbolically from one era to another, so too do they remind us of the successions of eras within mankind’s existence. We move with them from the ‘Age of Man’ through to the ‘Age of Machine’. There’s an almost primordial power within it that recollects something inherent and organic. Something within ones self that’s gone long ignored.
For me, ‘Age of Machine"‘ put me in a mindscape filled with other people and spirits, something that many of us have missed wretchedly since the beginning of coronavirus. Connection. It makes a dignified entrance as the beginning of a new era for Greta Van Fleet.
EVIE:
Age of Machine is a transcendental train ride through a dark, barren tunnel. The train is rickety and you almost fear for your safety as the song hauntingly fades in, then grabs you and pulls you down a trippy, spiraling rabbit hole. For the next six minutes and fifty-three seconds, you are in a timeless space. Anything can happen here. Perhaps even your worst nightmares can be revealed here; the meditational length of the song and the clever hypnosis cast upon the listener through the instrumentals take you on a one-way journey through space, time, hell, and heaven all at once. Stories of those who have returned from this journey reveal sensations of shaking, convulsing, overwhelming emotions, body possession, and feeling...oh god, the feeling…remarking “Nothing can prepare you for it” and “You will never be the same”. The voyagers elaborated, stating they heard and felt the energies of musician spirits such as Rush and Muse, through their journey down the tunnel. One can only confirm these claims if they, too, buy a one-way ticket to ‘Age of Machine’ and back. So, what lies beyond the garden's gate, and why must we battle for it? If you decide to take the journey...well, see you on the other side.
ISABEL:
With callbacks to their first LP Anthem of the Peaceful Army - to 'Age of Man' name wise and 'Brave New World' sound-wise - Greta Van Fleet make their fans go from 'What is this promo campaign?' to the edge of their seats in days. The song itself dives into some darker and mysterious sounds with some surprising vocals in the beginning. Lyrically, the song explores themes of a technic driven present and hope for healing in the future. After hearing this song on repeat, I'm very interested in how the two songs Greta Van Fleet already released play in the whole picture of the new album - which sounds will bind the songs together and how the songs will balance the lyrics about made experiences, curiosity and darker themes.
REBECCA:
Sun down. Stars out. Smoke rising. Silhouettes on stage. ‘Age of Machine’ instantly envelopes me with the same feelings experienced at a live Greta Van Fleet show. Similar yet different to ‘Age of Man’, ‘Age of Machine’ is a slow burn and I’m transported to a time that I can only imagine is reminiscent of live rock n roll shows in the 60’s and 70’s. It feels like they’re picking up exactly where the rise of rock had once left off. As the chorus builds in the warmth of backing voices against Josh’s, suddenly, I feel whole. I’m surrounded by the music and the community that gets what this band and this music is all about.
‘Age of Machine’ truly sets the tone for the rest of 'The Battle At Gardens Gate’. I look forward to hearing how the album ebbs and flows.
Listen to ‘Age of Machine’ on our Rock My Soul playlist HERE.
Rock My Soul ft. JJ Wilde
JJ WILDE
“When someone asked JJ Wilde to choose between music and a relationship, there’s only ever been one answer: music. Music has permeated every part of JJ Wilde’s life since childhood, and it’s something she’s held closely: an unwavering connection she’s fought to foster.”
Canadian rocker, JJ Wilde isn’t a stranger to the Rock My Soul series. In fact, her tracks have graced your presence for 3 installments. You’ll probably recognize her song ‘The Rush’ first released on her 2019 EP, Wild Eyes, Steady Hands.
This time around, Wilde is our featured artist and it’s honestly about damn time. Her powerful voice paired with a blues rock sound keeps us coming back for more. Released just a few weeks ago, ‘Mercy’ takes the top spot on the playlist and puts all of the emotion from personal experience into a powerful and gritty song that sends chills through your spine.
“‘Mercy’ is a story of revenge. It is about a man who tries to steal something from a woman. Her sense of self, safety, control. He tries, but he does not succeed. We have all wanted revenge at one moment in our lives, whether it’s just a thought, or we actually go through with it. In this case, it is taken to the extreme, and she is pushed to the absolute limits. This story/song, like many of my songs, comes from personal experience. A story that has taken me over two years to share. This is the story of Mercy.
This song took me two years to write and get out of my head. Like many of my songs, it stems from personal experience, although for a long time I wished it didn’t. It’s a fantasy I created to deal with what happened.”
Sink into ‘Mercy’ and get ready to crank it up…
ARTISTS FEATURED: JJ Wilde, Andrew Hagar, Greta Van Fleet, Black Honey, BRKN LOVE, Micky James, Ida Mae + Marcus King, No Fit State, The Teskey Brothers, Radkey, + More!
All I Got Was Band Merch: WD-HAN
The COVID Tour has unfortunately made it’s way into the final month of 2020. How quickly will concerts return in 2021? An answer we’re completely unsure of.
The ‘All I Got Was Band Merch’ series documents how COVID-19 is affecting both artists AND fans. This week, we’re catching up with our friends in WD-HAN whom you may have heard on Rock My Soul.
Lead singer Spencer Barnes, guitarist Cal Henry, and percussionist Lea Barnes have been a band since 2008 and they’re certainly not letting 2020 change that. During quarantine and social distancing, the band has been busy at work with a big release out this month. Hear more about it all below…
How have you been making this time useful? (As a band and individually)
We started the year with a game to put out one single a month for the entire year. So a lot of this time has now been put to songwriting, learning all about recording at home and starting to put that to use. We put out an acoustic version of our song ‘Red Sun’ which was recorded all at home. With our latest release, you’ll see a little more complexity including electric guitars, synths, percussions and vocal harmonies. All recorded, mixed and mastered by us. On December 18th, we’re releasing The 2020 Album. It’s a full collection of songs we have released over the last year and as a special bonus we are including a new song, 'Places'!
Plus our Tik Tok career has really taken off. ;)
Has songwriting been easier or harder, without seeing your other band mates?
It’s definitely had its challenges. But we’ve worked out a very good system, we all have Logic so it’s easy for one of us to record a part at home and share to add to the project. Spencer has become our recording/mixing/mastering guru and takes all the parts being sent to him in stride. It helps that he and Lea (drummer) are married so get to live and work together too.
What do you miss most from the “normal” world, before COVID-19?
Playing LIVE! We miss venues, shows, seeing fans/friends/family at the shows. Traveling for shows. All of it. Also going to the movies… we’d love to pay for some overpriced popcorn right about now.
During your free time, are there any bands/artists you have newly discovered or any old albums that you love, that you’ve been playing a bit more recently?
Funny you ask this! We recently went through an old iPod lying around and found some songs that we hadn’t heard since high school. These were a few:
Love, Love, Love by As Tall As Lions
‘Belief’ Live from the Special Edition of Continuum (John Mayer)
Have you picked up any new hobbies during this time?
Does eating count? Lol.
How has your daily routine changed since COVID-19?
It’s actually gotten a little more organized. A little more focused on the work that’s most important. We’ve realized now more than ever how vital it is to have art and music in the world. How much it can lift people’s spirits. So that’s what we’re pushing more than anything else.
PRE-SAVE
Interview with Titans of Siren
Quarantine got you feeling...stuck? There’s a little band from Springfield, IL that you need to hear about.
Matt LaMarca and Kirk Gower make up Titans of Siren, and their punchy raw energy embodies the spirit of breaking free. I sat down with them this week to chat about their new single, How Not to Leave Town, their musical influences, and what it’s like to make music when you’re separated by five and a half hours.
Stream “How Not to Leave Town” on Dec 4 on Spotify!
Album Review: Plastic Hearts by Miley Cyrus
The last time I was excited about an upcoming Miley Cyrus album, I had to be either 10 or 11 years old. So, it’s been QUITE a while.
However, hearing “Midnight Sky”, as well as her cover of “Zombie” by The Cranberries and the mashup of “Midnight Sky” and “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks, had me thinking that “Plastic Hearts” could be very promising. With that, I felt the same excitement and anticipation I used to feel back when I was a kid and a mega Miley fan.
When listening to the first song, “WTF Do I Know”, I already felt like I was in for a damn good rollercoaster ride. It has an excellent rock ‘n’ roll sound to it. I mean… can we talk about the bass in the beginning AND the guitar solo appearing later in the song? It’s certainly a solid start.
As the album progresses, you really start to feel an 80’s vibe come through. In my opinion, that is what makes the album stand out. Every song screams, “Miley!” It continuously proves again and again that this genre truly fits Miley’s vocals.
One (actually, two) of the most iconic moments on this album are her collaborations with both Joan Jett AND Billy Idol - two of the biggest 80’s rock ‘n’ roll icons ever. “Night Crawling”, which features Billy Idol, has that 80’s synth pop sound to it. Hearing that? I felt like I time traveled back to the 80’s.
“Bad Karma”, which features Joan Jett, really gives off The Runaways - which was Joan’s first band before forming Joan Jett And The Blackhearts - vibes to me. This collaboration is one of the biggest highlights on the album. Who knew we needed an iconic collaboration between Miley and Joan?
Overall, this album is most certainly Miley’s best work yet. Everything about this album is incredible from the music, to the lyrics and the features. I think it’s safe to say that Miley has a great future as a rock artist. Man, does she sing rock well.
Overall, my favorite songs on Plastic Hearts are (in no particular order) “Hate Me”, “Gimme What I Want”, Angels Like You, Bad Karma, Never Be Me and Golden G String. These songs were Miley’s strongest moments on the album, both vocally and lyrically. Needless to say, she did a fantastic job finding her sound.
Here’s to Miley singing more rock ‘n’ roll oriented music in the future.
Interview with Ashes
This week I sat down with Ashes, and we talked influences, records, and the accessibility of making organic music like surf. Brothers Braden and Brett Reddell take us through what it’s like to be a modern surf rock band, how to pay homage to an artist while still adding your own spin, and give us a sneak peak into what you can expect from Ashes. Stream Surf Carnival 2, now on Spotify!
Andrew Hagar Builds Suspense with "Cold Knife Karma"
A great song takes you on a journey. It transports you to a time, a place, or even a feeling. In just it’s first few seconds, Andrew Hagar’s “Cold Knife Karma” sweeps you in. Now It’s up to you to decide which side of the story you’re on…
“Cold Knife Karma” is Hagar’s second release following “Judgement Day”, both serving up a gritty americana rock sound. In these two releases, it seems evident that Hagar is truly finding his own sound.
With a steady beating drum and suspense-inducing guitar riff, “Cold Knife Karma” is a reminder that everything comes back around. “I’m sure everyone has somebody in mind when they listen,” Hagar shared in a recent interview.
As the song trails on, let yourself sink into the alluring guitar solo, only to be built back up into the chase. This consistent feeling of being pursued makes this song a perfect contender for a soundtrack. If this is a primer for what’s to come from Hagar, then count us in for the long haul. If this is a primer for what’s to come from Hagar, then count us in for the long haul.
“You can’t run from a cold hard fact,” ‘cause in the words of Sammy Hagar, “It’s gonna get ya ass!” Listen to “Cold Knife Karma” below and stay tuned for more releases from Andrew Hagar in the future.
Listen to Wolf Van Halen's Heartfelt Tribute to His Dad
Shot from music video.
Not even two seconds in and my eyes are swelled up with tears. Home videos spanning Wolf Van Halen’s life with his father take over the screen. Intimate father + son moments between Wolf and Eddie Van Halen help tell the story of love and loss.
“Distance” is Wolf’s first solo release under the name Mammoth WVH, an ode to family history, and wow, what a start. Wolf not only wrote the song but plays all instruments and takes vocal lead. A true testament to the talent amongst the Van Halen Family.
Wolf wrote the song as his Father was battling cancer and imagining what life would be like without him…
“As my pop continued to struggle with various health issues, I was imagining what my life would be like without him and how terribly I’d miss him. While the song is incredibly personal, I think anyone can relate to the idea of having a profound loss in their life. I never intended ‘Distance’ to be the very first piece of music people would hear from me, but I also thought my father would be here to celebrate its release. This is for him. I love and miss you, Pop.”
Although incredibly emotional, I find “Distance” comforting in all aspects - lyrically, vocally, and in it’s composition. Wolf truly created a beautiful piece of work to tribute to his father. Eddie would be SO proud. Our hurt for the loss of Eddie Van Halen cannot be compared to the pain that Wolf is feeling, but we’re all still grieving and “Distance” certainly brings us all some solace.
“The song is one thing but it’s very important to watch the video", Wolf shared with Howard Stern. Watch the video + purchase the song at the links below. Proceeds from “Distance” will be donated to Eddie’s favorite charity, Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.
Stay tuned at the very end. If you aren’t already in tears, the last few seconds will hit you hard.
The Pretty Reckless Releases the Hauntingly Beautiful, "25"
"On November 11, The Pretty Reckless announced the release date for their upcoming, much anticipated album release, Death By Rock And Roll, which will be released on February 12, 2021. On the same day, they announced that they will be releasing a new song called “25”, which is also on the album.
After the release of their Tim Burton-esque song, “Broomsticks”, I began wondering when more information would be revealed regarding the release of their new album, so once I saw this announcement, I got excited.
The Pretty Reckless have quite a few incredible collaborations on this album: from Soundgarden’s Matt Cameron and Kim Thayil to Tom Morello. Hearing that they all took part in collaborating with The Pretty Reckless on this album - you know it’s bound to be a good one.
Without further ado, let’s get on with the review.
In this autobiographical song, Taylor reflects on turning 25. As the music starts, it’s very reminiscent of Evanescence.
“25” has a hauntingly beautiful sound to it that reels you in quickly. Then Taylor’s vocals come in. Already a rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse, but to hear her voice in this song? Goosebumps.
Halfway through the song, the lyrics really start to grow more and more chilling. While Death By Rock And Roll won’t be released for another few months, I will say that I feel that this song is already standing out a little bit more than the album’s title track.
Overall, “25” is beautiful on its own. Taylor’s vocals, the lyrics, and the production, make the final product exquisite. A standout so far.
Listening to this song has made me look forward to the release of this album even more and honestly, I think it will most certainly be worth the three month wait. If you’re looking for a good song to listen to on a cloudy day, or any day for that matter, just go listen to “25”.
You can pre-save Death By Rock And Roll now. Here.
Interview with Velvet Meadow
In 2020, we are witnessing the resurrection of Rock N’ Roll. Musicians from all around are shaking up the industry and taking the world by storm. Do you want to know one thing I’ll never get tired of? Finding groovy bands or solo artists that remind me that Rock N’ Roll will never fade away into dust.
Recently, I had the honor of speaking with Kris Heironimus of Velvet Meadow. Growing up, Kris became heavily influenced by the hypnotic and euphoric sounds of Psychedelic Rock N’ Roll. Pink Floyd, The Doors, and Led Zeppelin are just to name a few. Kris encapsulates a soul that oozes with a deep passion for music. On October 22, 2020, he released a brand new single called, Cosmos. Earlier this year, he released not just an EP “In the Meadow” but also an album called, “Colored Seas.”
“At first, it was just for fun. Now that I’m actually writing songs, I’m addicted to it.” - Kris (Velvet Meadow)
Grab a snack, sit back in your seat, and discover the wonders of Velvet Meadow.
More Than A Boogie; How The Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack Sparked A Lifetime of Passion
If you ever hear someone say the word “Disco,” you are most likely gonna think of two things: Saturday Night Fever and/or The Bee Gees.
November 15th will mark 43 years since the release of the iconic Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. The album includes different songs you can dance to like “Night Fever”, “If I Can’t Have You”, and of course, “Stayin’ Alive”. It may also have that one song that makes you want to fall in love with someone. Yes, I’m talking about “How Deep Is Your Love”.
Even though I was born 20 years after the release of the soundtrack, it holds a special meaning to me. “Why?” You’re probably wondering. Well, let me explain...
This album is the reason why I am so passionate about music in the way that I am now. I had to be a year or two old when the soundtrack first came into my life, thanks to my mom. When I first listened to the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, I immediately just wanted to have it played 24/7. I always demanded to have that album and only that album played.
This album is the reason why I am so passionate about music the way I am now.
According to my mom and cousin, my favorite song at the time was “More Than A Woman”. Whenever my cousin would babysit me and we would play with my dollhouse, I would always have the album playing on repeat on the boombox.
By the time I was two, I learned how to control the stereo, so because of that newfound skill, I would play the album constantly. Also because of my love for the album and my early love for 70’s music, I disliked almost every kind of music that came on the radio. In fact, my mom always says that I would cry whenever she would play Beyonce in the car.
It’s not like I hated all music on the radio. I did have my fair share of liking certain artists when I was little. Norah Jones, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Mandy Moore, Evanescence, Avril Lavigne, and more. Honestly, my being critical of some of the music that was being played on the radio should have been the first sign that I would become a music journalist one day.
When I was twelve, I saw the biopic about The Runaways at the movies. From that point on, I became more and more infatuated with 70’s culture. This was also when I revisited the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack for the first time in a long time, where I was once again reminded of how much I love the album.
As time went on and I began listening to The Bee Gees discography, the more I realized just how amazing they were are as songwriters. I found myself realizing how extremely underrated they were and that, in my opinion, don’t receive enough credit for their songwriting, especially the songs that have followed Saturday Night Fever.
Now, at 23, I still credit this soundtrack (and The Bee Gees) for making me fall in love with music the way I did. That soundtrack was my first favorite album, it had my first favorite song, my first favorite everything music wise.
It’s one of those albums that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Interview With Nashville's DRUMRZ
This past week I sat down with one of my favorite up and coming bands on the Nashville Rock Scene.
Drumrz consists of frontman Nick Amend, bassist Gray Perry, and drummer (hah) Kirk Gower. I had a chance to chat with these guys and get the scoop on what it’s like to be making rock music in 2020, the climate of the Nashville music scene, and whether a band consisting of only drummers is capable of shredding (spoiler alert: they are- majorly.)
Check out the video below, and listen to their new single ‘I Hope She Don’t Read Minds’, available for streaming now!
Black Stone Cherry Brings The Heat With New Album + Cincinnati Show This Friday!
Photo: Mike Rodway
“People, people, you’re attention please!”
Black Stone Cherry has released a new album AND is hitting the road to play a socially distanced concert in Cincinnati this week. Great news, right?
It’s been almost a week since Black Stone Cherry released their seventh studio album, The Human Condition, and I’m still listening to the full album on repeat. It’s rare that I don’t skip a song or two, but this album is STRONG from beginning to end.
Although written and recorded before the pandemic and civil unrest, the album feels incredibly relevant. It’s emotional, it’s uplifting, and it straight up ROCKS hard. A perfect album to shut up those who say “Rock is dead”. Give The Human Condition a listen below.
If you’re itching for a taste of live music, don’t miss out on their show at Riverfront Live this Friday along with The Josephines and Rootbound. If you’ve been following Rock My Soul, you know just how hard Black Stone Cherry and The Josephines bring it.
They’re taking precautions to make sure everyone is safe + can enjoy the show. So, don’t miss out. Details below…
SHOW DETAILS:
Riverfront Live! | Friday, November 6 | Doors: 5:30PM, Show: 7PM
Social Distancing Guidelines will be put in place at the venue including required masks, separation of parties by at least 6 feet, and Temperature checks at the entrance. To assist with distancing, tickets are sold in groups. Need a group to go with? DM us on Instagram and we’ll help put one together.