March 2019



U.K. go getters QUEASY have a self-titled EP release out now, and have some time to disclose some details of the EP along with some matters on themselves. Find out what was said of this all below.


1. First of all, please introduce your band and band members to our readers.

Hi! We are band called QUEASY from Manchester, England. We have 4 members in the band: Jack - vocals, Solly - guitar, Alex - bass, and Kane - drums.

2. Disclose the matter behind the band's formation and how you guys met?

Jack and Kane met at primary school, and have been friends ever since. Jack then met Solly and Alex while studying music at university in Manchester.

3. Can you tell me about your debut music video and the track titled "Build A Wall"?

It’s a commentary about the current political situation the world is facing, particularly with the shift in political attitudes in the USA, and here in the UK with Brexit. The song questions why people would think the best solution is to build a wall! We’re all about the love!!

4. Does this track come off your self-titled EP or is it a stand alone single?

Build a Wall was a stand-alone single that we released last year.

5. Do you know what the next track will be made into the next single and or video release for this EP?

We are treating all of the songs as equal, so we're aiming to have some sort of media support for all of the songs from the EP.

6. Why did you want to go ahead with naming this EP after yourselves by self-titling it, as opposed to saving that for your full-length album instead?

We’re treating this EP as a showcase for who we are and what we can do, rather than having a specific concept or anything like that. This runs in line with why we are treating all of the songs as equal. We wanted to make a statement, that ‘this is us!’

7. When it comes to the way the band sounds like, how would you describe it to those who have never heard you before?

Funk/Alt Rock, with inspirations from bands like Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Radiohead, would probably be a good start.

8. Can you please tell us about the concept and lyrical themes of the music that you guys create and or play?

We’re a pretty broad church when it comes to themes and concepts. For us as musicians, and as a band, the creative process is central to who we are, and how we respond to the world around us.

9. How did the namesake of QUEASY come into the picture and what does it mean?

We were at a party at university and one of us had partied too hard, they said they were feeling a bit queasy.  The name stuck after that.

10. Did it take you guys a long time to write and record for this EP?

We’re always writing new material and developing our sound, the songs that made it onto this EP worked well together because of the nature of the release. For the recording we worked with Mark Winterburn from Edge Studios in Macclesfield, we used his experience to achieve our aims. The fact that he was a joy to work with was a bonus!

11. Have any leftover material that will be used towards the next release whether that be another EP or perhaps an album?

There’s lots more new music coming from us soon, keep a look out.

12. What does the band plan to do in celebration of the EP's release day?

We’re having a launch party at Jimmy’s in Manchester on the 29th March. We’ve also got a load of new merch that ties in with our new logo,  the EP itself on physical format (CD), and some QUEASY T-shirts, all of which you can buy at our gigs.

13. Will you guys be heading out on tour or doing any shows in the future?

New dates are always being added to our calendar, you can check our Facebook and Twitter for more details. We're also playing in London in June, at the 02 Islington, which we're really excited about!

14. Anything else you would like to address at this time for us?

Yes, get us over to California!

15. Is that your final answer to our questions asked here?

We hope our answers have been a portal into the QUEASY mind.


Alternative, electronic, pop go getter VANILLA SUGAR is one to push the envelope of sound. This so called eclectic sound consists of Jessica Perry or JP Vanilla on vocals, synthesizer and guitars! In short, Vanilla Sugar creates an infusion of performance experience unlike any other. Find out the exposure of input from Vanilla Sugar below!


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Vanilla Sugar was originated in 2009 on an iMac and midi controller in my apartment in Houston, TX. I moved out to Los Angeles, CA about 3 years ago and am now focusing on completing my new album.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

The PG Version - Vanilla Sugar is meant to sound cutesy, in juxtaposition with the music being insane, in your face, and not so cute. The True Meaning -  I was given the nickname “JPVanilla” in high school. I used it for everything, my photography, video team, etc. I wanted to create music without people really knowing who was creating it. I wanted to think of a name that was still a part of me. This originated the first part - “Vanilla”. The “Sugar” part comes from the term “kitty sugar”…feel free to look up the definition if you don’t know. That brings the female element into the name, thus creating “Vanilla Sugar”.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

I originated Vanilla Sugar in Houston, TX, but now reside in Los Angeles, CA. The music scene in LA is thriving. There are shows every night in every part of town...it never stops. Houston is always a fun place to play as well. The music scene is like a family. I know who I’ll see at shows in different parts of town. I’ve toured with LA band, Chase the Comet, and Houston artist, Warmtapes.

4. How would you describe your style?

Vanilla Sugar is a blend of beats, gnarly synths, and fluorescent vocals.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

I am currently working on my new album. The new single will be released within the next few months! The new songs are so unique from each other, that the listener can expect to hear a blend of multiple genres across the tracks. I spill my heart and brain all over the lyrics in each song.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Yes, a brand new album, with a single coming out soon! I can’t wait.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

I will be posting a tour closer to the album release. It will span across North America & Europe.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

After this album debuts, I plan to tour for about 6 months, with any off days being in the studio working on the next album. No downtime!!

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff? You can purchase / stream

Vanilla Sugar on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Google Play, Pandora, SoundCloud and any of your other favorite music retailers.

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

I would love for the listener to remember how the music made them feel. I always get goosebumps when I hear something that I love. I hope to do the same for the listener.


Flavored 70's blues heavy rock n' rollers ELECTRIC REVOLUTION have been around for sometime, releasing content, with of course all new content as well. The band got together to discuss these releases, some upcoming plans on shows and other details that just needed to be said.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Of course, the band was formed in 2014, through trial and error and personnel differences line up changes held the project at bay making progress difficult, not till 2018 did the most solid line up to date  take shape and push the project in the most productive and positive direction.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

Drummer and founding member Billie Pulera wanted a name to definite the sound and the mission, what would be a great name to call a fiery bluesy  hard rocking, guitar driven, 70's/ early 80's flavored classic Hard Rock and Roll band? Two words that stuck out and when put together “Electric Revolution” seemed to be the flavor on the tip of the tongue that seemed to make for the perfect recipe.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We are based out of “Kenosha Wisconsin”sandwiched between Milwaukee/Chicago. There is a great underground Punk Rock scene but mainly made up of corner bar Blues Jams and Cover Bands, we tend to find our place being outside of Kenosha; while in the area concentrating  on the two major cities north and south of us. Yes, there are some great bands here like Mixed Company, Resistance, Dayrollers, Rat Fink to name a few.

4. How would you describe your style?

It's a Bowlful of Soulful, Bluesy, Groovy, Hard and  Heavy Rock and Roll.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

Our most recent release 1/1/2019 "BURN IT DOWN" is 8 songs of some great New classic Hard Rock, if you dig bands like Deep Purple, Van Halen, Chicken Foot, Montrose, Black Country Communion, Badlands, UFO then you'll dig it!

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Yes, we are always coming up with new ideas.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

Well we basically play selective shows, opening act slots for major acts coming through the area as well as  festival and selective shows outside our area. We are working on plans to do a run out west and down to Texas in 2019, we'll have to see where this album takes us.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

Perform as many great shows as possible, write and record another album, mainly have fun with it all, that's what it's really all about don't you think?

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Bandcamp, CD Baby, our Facebook page, YouTube, pretty much all the streaming platforms as well.

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Really how great the songs made them feel,we would hope for the listener to experience a great fiery Hard Rock and Roll ride, to be moved, a sonic experience filled with human emotion, goosebump moments and memorable favorites, if that all happens then that's considered a job well done!


American alternative metal band Salem Trials have released their new single "Rotten Path". The single was recorded at "Train Wreck Studios" and mixed by Randy Massia and Mastered by Acle Kahney of Tesseract/4Dsounds.com. Video was filmed by by Ryan Stacey Photography.

Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9iP7o3n9iU.

Salem Trials was formed in 2016 by Jericho Spencer (vocals), Zack Bray (drums), Randy Massia (guitar) and Nick Baker (bass). Right now the band is hard at work on their debut EP "Misanthropy" that will be released this spring in 2019.


Tracy Grave are coming back with an all new image that's more aggressive and more sleazy too. Along with their new album coming in 2010 and a European tour that will accompany the release of the album!

The band is currently at work on some new top secret material that declares that this new album will be different from their debut album "Sleazy Future", released just last year in March of 2018. While they are not betraying their sleaze glam roots, Tracy Grave guarantees that the next job will be more impetuous and streetwise than their predecessor release.

In addition to this news, come next month on Sunday April 14th 2019 out in the prestigious Club Vintage Cafe Sassari, Tracy Grave will be performing live for the Sanremo Rock Live Tour Sardinia, for the selection of regional finals 2019, 32nd edition.

Technical partners: Eko Guitars - FBT. Media institutional partner: F.I.P.I International Federation for Intellectual Heritage.

Web/social links:
https://www.tracygraveofficial.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tracygraveofficialpage
https://twitter.com/tracygraverock
https://www.instagram.com/tracygraveofficial


US death metal legends Deicide have just announced their spring North American headline tour. The band will hit the road starting May 11th in Austin, TX to June 1st in New York City and will be making stops in major markets like Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, and more. Deicide will be joined by Origin, Jungle Rot, and The Absence as support.

TOUR DATES:

May 11 - Austin, TX - Come And Take It Live!
May 12 - Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey Bar & Grill
May 13 - El Paso, TX - Rockhouse Bar & Grill
May 14 - Mesa, AZ - Club Red
May 15 - Los Angeles, CA - 1720
May 16 - Oakland, CA - Oakland Metro
May 18 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
May 20 - Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Music Hall
May 22 - Kansas City, MO - The Riot Room
May 23 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's
May 24 - Cleveland, OH - The Odeon
May 25 - Baltimore, MD - Maryland Deathfest*
May 27 - Ottawa, ON - Mavericks
May 28 - Toronto, ON - Mod Club
May 29 - Montreal, QC - L'Astral
May 30 - Quebec City, QC - Le d'Auteuil
May 31 - Manchester, NH - Jewel Nightclub
June 1 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theater
*Deicide only


Doug Ferony's successor of an album "Sings Italian Favorites", was the one for all who love music, because it made those who heard feel good if not really good. Thus, after said album being out for sometime, a single titled "Quando, Quando, Quando". It's a Bossa Nova styled pop song of the Italian kind, that was written by Alberto Testa and Tony Renis back in 1962.

The song being so timeless that many other artists, some majorly known such as Caterina Valente, Silvio Francesco ‘67 Engelbert Humperdinck ’68, Tony Renis ’88, to name a few. But not only did those but some more recent additions include such as Michael Bublé with Nelly Furtado in 2005. American entertainer Pat Boone had recorded the song in 1962, singing it with English lyrics written by Ervin Drake.

Now that this track has been released from Doug Ferony's latest album, Bongo Boy Records is very proud to have both releases out for all to behold. With this said, the track and it's accompanying album going well together. In fact, the song has this vibe that is very uplifting, fun, and highly entertaining to say the least. The melodies of the music drawing you inward, as the vocalization provides the remains, really capturing this essence that is purely timeless.

It preserves this endlessness that never seems to quit. It has a contentious amount of energy, that keeps going and going, the vocals and melodies being so awakening, that you never get tired of them, you simply want more actually. It’s how a lot of the other tracks off the album “Sings Italian Favorites”, works from Doug Ferony’s album. He has this mystic passion about how he creates, let alone crafts together the music that he does. Even if it is some working’s you may have heard previously, he does it in a way that makes it new again.

That is how he is able to keep doing what he does. He adds on his own twists of it, that keeps it very refreshing and electric. It goes without saying that surely many will adore his styling of music, as it has so much offering by just the delivery of the music alone.

https://www.dougferony.com/


One-man Austin, Texas instrumental metal outfit Huelga has teamed up with Ghost Cult Magazine to stream his new song "Chinga de Perro". The project consists of jazz multi-instrumentalist Michael Fonseca and the song is taken from his upcoming self-titled EP which will be released on cassette and digitally in April.

Michael commented, "When I was a kid I would be warned by adults that if I didn't behave I would get a "dog's beating" or "chinga de perro" (in Spanish).  That term is also used when something is an overwhelming challenge. I had no idea how extremely difficult this song would be to play on drums (my main instrument) let alone on guitar and bass."

Listen to the song here: http://www.ghostcultmag.com/exclusive-premiere-huelga-chinga-de-perro/.


Progressive metallers BLACK SITES have an all new album coming out in the spring time titled "Exile". The band goes on to talk about this album and their future planning at the current time.


1. Let's start off with an icebreaker. If you could describe your band in 3 words, what would they be?

"Asshole, Jackoff, Scumbag."

2. What are your names and what do you do in the band?

We are: Mark Sugar (vocals/guitar), Ryan Bruchert (guitar), Garry Naples (drums) and José Salazar (bass).

3. You guys are a newer band so many people might know about your history. Would you be able to delve into it a little?

I got the idea to start this band in late 2015. I recruited some friends and ended up making an album called In Monochrome, which came out in 2017. After that, there were some lineup changes, health issues, and other behind-the-scenes happenings, leading up to the present day and the release of our new record Exile, which I'm pretty stoked about.

4. Where does the name Black Sites come from?

It was always there. Even when I started writing the very first songs for this project, I thought "this band's called Black Sites" for some reason. We live in Chicago, and the police here have been known to have actual black sites -- secret buildings where they would interrogate and torture people. That was in the news quite a bit at the time, so maybe that's what got me thinking of it. The Misery Index song of the same name may have been a factor as well.

5. Who are some of your influences?

Speaking for myself, the first people that come to mind are Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), James Hetfield (Metallica), Piggy (Voivod), Doug Pinnick (King's X), Greg Edwards (Failure), and John Cobbett (Hammers Of Misfortune).

6. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

The subject matter is pretty all over the place -- some of it could be considered "personal" or introspective, but more of it is about the human condition in general (especially on our new album).

7. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

We do. The process goes a little like this:

1. Write songs
2. ???
3. Profit

In all seriousness, what usually happens is that I'll put together a demo version of a song at home, present it to the band, and we'll work on it together from there. Nothing too exciting, sorry.

8. What was the recording process like for this new album of yours?

Pretty laid-back. Other than the drums, the majority of it was recorded at my home studio, which meant that I got to sing and play guitar with nobody bothering me! We then sent it to the infamous Sanford Parker to mix, and his influence on the sound of this album was immeasurable.

9. Would you say that you have a favorite song off this album and which is it and why?

I have a different favorite song every week from this album. I think they're all good enough that it's impossible for me to choose a favorite.

10. Why should people go forth and check out this album?

There's a little something for everyone on it. And it'll only take 45 minutes of your time, so you don't really have anything to lose.

11. What would you say separates you from other bands in the scene?

I can confidently say that there is no band out there currently that sounds like us, for better or for worse.

12. How about this next year, what is in store from you guys?

We'll be doing some shows, and seeing what opportunities come our way as far as that goes. I'm always working on new material as well.

https://blacksites.bandcamp.com/album/exile.


Solo artist Mike Fonseca known as Huelga will have his all new debut solo EP out this spring. His combination of heavy metal and instrumental music, will likely be a good fix for his styling, as he does all of the writing, guitar, bass, and drum work on this release, along with many other pieces of music that he has done, he himself goes into great discussion about all of this if not more so.


1. Let’s start off with an icebreaker. If you could describe your band in 3 words, what would they be?

Heavy Instrumental Math.

2. What are your names and what do you do in the band?

I am Mike Fonseca, and I do the writing, guitar, bass and drums.

3. You are a newer artist so many people might know about your history. Would you be able to delve into it a little?

Huelga is my first outing as a solo artist and it is also my first time in the Metal world. So far, I feel like I should have done this years ago.

4. Where does the name Huelga come from?

Huelga means "Strike" in Spanish. I fell in love with the name after I saw a photo of Dolores Huerta holding a sign that said Huelga during the Delano Grape Strike.

5. Who are some of your influences?

My influences on the Metal side are Meshuggah, Gorguts, The Big Four and Carnifex.  My influences as a composer would be Debussy, Frank Zappa, Charles Ives and Elliot Carter.

6. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

Mostly, I think what gives me inspiration to compose would be how minorities get scapegoated. Currently, the LatinX is under attack with all the talk of building a wall. My music expresses the anger that issues like that incite in me.

7. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

Yes, I do. The songs on this EP were written on piano because I wanted to write the music as though it was meant for a string quartet.  I later put it in MIDI with guitar sounds.  My first intention was to have someone learn and play these parts on guitar and bass but after a few tries I had to abandon that idea.  I bought a baritone guitar and started learning the parts I wrote. I currently have three guitars and a bass. Each guitar has an assigned role i.e. Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass.

8. What was the recording process like for this new EP of yours?

I had trouble securing a spot to record the drums. I started in the summer of 2017, but dates weren't lining up and I ended up finally recording the drums that winter around Christmas time. I started tracking guitars around January of 2018 and it took me until the end of the summer. Once I finished, I sent it to Mick Kenney of Annal Nathrakh for mixing and mastering.

9. Would you say that you have a favorite song off this album and which is it and why?

No Word for Blue part 1.  Somehow I came up with a melody that reminds me of a song that Bryn Terfel recorded called "Dunno a Heap About the What An'Why".

10. Why should people go forth and check out this album?

Huelga is all instrumentals which I think of as "Choose Your Own Adventure". Since there are no lyrics, the listener can insert any meaning they choose. It is heavy but melodic, experimental but catchy.

11. What would you say separates you from other bands in the scene?

I tend to gravitate towards heavier stuff like Deathcore and in that scene there are not a lot of one man bands that I know of.  My stuff is proggy and instrumental but not in a shreddy kind of way like most guitar-led projects out there.

12. How about this next year, what is in store from you?

I plan on writing a series of songs that I want to release in split 7 inches with other bands.

https://huelga.bandcamp.com/album/huelga.


Formed in 2016, P V L S A R brings together a musical universe inspired by Dépêche Mode or M83 with a visual universe inspired by science fiction films. With great sensitivity and finesse, P V L S A R tells whoever will dream of it, a true visual and auditory fable.

The spectator is invited by a futuristic poetry in an ode to sensational humanity, imaged with the refined aesthetics of SF cinema. After "The Days We Remember", a first album hovering on stages such as Le Jardin du Michel and Les Inouïs Du Printemps de Bourges among others, the band is preparing its second album with its vaporous shades and eighties sounds: Get ready for the second trip...

They pay tribute to the 80's through a title that sounds generic manga, to the imagery of 80's ScFi/action movies, the cover of the single is created to pay tribute to those movie posters like Commando or Cobra and even approaches the manga/film Speed Racer. This heralds a whole new world for PVLSAR on the second album.

Single "Thunder" can be heard below;

Streaming/Download:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt15NaqPgOYorwG1bLFdYfA
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4t6LXPZXoU9XUqY3vQVqBk
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/pvlsar/1346956759
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/14103213
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.fr/artists/B079P9H64X

Social Networks:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pvlsarofficial/.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PvlsarOfficiel/.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PVLSAR_Official.


German Black Metal band Fallen Tyrant have released their new album titled "Children of a Nuclear Dawn". The album was recorded and mixed by Rene Hofmann at "Wasted Life Studio" and mastered by Markus Stock at "Studio E". The album was released by Bleeding Heart Nihilist Productions.

Check out the album here: https://fallentyrant.bandcamp.com/


Fallen Tyrant was formed in 2008 by Mithras Sol Invictus as a solo project, but soon turned into a full lineup band. The band released their debut album "No World to Win, a Life to Lose" in 2013.


The northern lords of symphonic melodic-death metal are back! 8 years since the release of their last album "Firefight", BLACKGUARD have released "By My Hand" (featuring Morgan Lander of Kittie), the first single for their upcoming album "Storm".

"This has a been a very long time coming, but we’re all elated to finally share with you our first single from 'Storm'. We have no shame in saying this album is by far our best/heaviest/fastest/bla bla bla, you’ve heard it all before, but sooner than later everyone is going to know why we feel this way. We’d like to send a huge thank you to Morgan Lander of Kittie for doing an amazing job on the chorus of this song, hopefully, she can make it out to a show or two to perform it with us."

Listen to "By My Hand" right here: https://youtu.be/DQOxKqFMrAI.


After close to a decade of magical adventures, Discovery Family announced today that the MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC series will embark on its final 26-episode ninth season on Saturday, April 6 at 11:30a/10:30c. New episodes of the Allspark Animation produced animated series will also stream live and on demand on Discovery Family GO, the network’s TV Everywhere app.

In the back-to-back season premiere titled "The Beginning of the End," Princess Celestia and Princess Luna decide to retire and hand off the ruling of Equestria to Twilight Sparkle and her friends, which sends Twilight into a tailspin of self-doubt. Meanwhile, an ancient villain bands together a legion of nefarious characters to conquer all of Equestria, challenging Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the Mane 6 to step in and save the day.

Over the years, fans have followed the Mane 6 through countless songs and adventures and have met many friends along the way. Leading up to the season nine premiere, Discovery Family celebrates all things MY LITTLE PONY with a week-long PONY PALOOZA takeover celebration starting bright and early at 6a/5c on Saturday, March 30 with a marathon of EQUESTRIA GIRLS specials leading up to the world premiere of EQUESTRIA GIRLS: SPRING BREAKDOWN at 11:30a/10:30c. Then, catch a marathon of the most magical episodes from the past eight seasons of MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC beginning at 6a/5c on Sunday, March 31 and running all week long during daytime. Revisit legendary moments throughout the span of the series including the discovery of the elements of harmony, the marriage of Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, the defeat of Lord Tirek, the introduction of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Flurry Heart and Thorax, and the opening of Twilight Sparkle’s School of Magic amongst other major milestones all culminating with the two-part back-to-back season premiere episodes of MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC: SEASON 9.


Later this season, fan favorites "Quibble Pants" (voiced by Patton Oswalt) and "Cheese Sandwich" (voiced by "Weird Al" Yankovic) return to Equestria. Additionally, with brand new original songs, exciting new characters and even bigger adventures, MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC will celebrate its epic 200th episode on Saturday, April 20 at 11:30a/10:30c with Twilight Sparkle and her big brother, Shining Armor, pitting their wits against each other to settle a long-standing sibling rivalry score.

Check out the trailer HERE.

Launched in 2010, MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC follows the magical Princess Twilight Sparkle and her trusted dragon assistant Spike, who live in Ponyville in the enchanted land of Equestria, along with her colorful pony friends – honest Applejack, generous Rarity, kind Fluttershy, loyal Rainbow Dash and fun-loving Pinkie Pie. Together, they teach one another valuable lessons about the most powerful magic of all – the magic of friendship.

MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC is produced by Allspark Animation for Discovery Family. Stephen Davis is the executive producer for Allspark Animation. To learn more, go to www.discoveryfamilychannel.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DiscFamily and on Twitter @DiscoveryFamily.


Mexican folk, metal fusion styled act CEMICAN just got signed recently and have an all new album set to be out and about soon enough. Find out what guitarist/vocalist and founding member of Cemican Tecuhtli had to say about the band, it's music and everything else in-between!


1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in the band.

Hi Tecuhtli (guitarist and vocalist, founding member of Cemican).

2. What is the story behind your band's name, Cemican?

Cemican means all life in Nahuatl, we use it because of what represents all the wisdom and summary of our ideology with duality, worldview, own visions and above all the work in achieving the formation of the band. It is the summary of our ancestral life and culture.

3. You guys are a newer band so many people might know about your history. Would you be able to delve into it a little?

Maybe we are a new band for the old continent and USA, but a few days ago we turned 10 years old, but about 3 years ago we began to get more known around the world. We are from Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico and what helped us to break borders was to open shows for Amon Amarth, Eluveitie, Fintroll, Korpiklaani, Rotting Christ, Arcturus, and important festivals in Mexico such as Hell and Heaven Fest, Force Fest and many others. A few days ago we shared the stage with Tiamat and Ensiferum. The great blow was a documentary that was made in France for the cultural concept and fusion of pre-Hispanic music and way of life with the metal scene. Thus came the invitation to perform at Download Paris, Wacken Open Air and we made our first European tour in countries such as Spain, Holland, Belgium, and Germany. Thanks to the great festivals and other documentaries we have made ourselves known in many more countries. The label that was given to us all over the world was AZTEC FOLK METAL, our image, fusion of pre-Hispanic music, rituals and everything fused with metal achieved a strong recognition to not only listen to us but also to see us on stage and know about our culture.

4. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Cemican is based on the ideology of our ancient empire and the value of our ancestors, not just the Aztecs and Mayans. all our musical influences mixed with pre-Hispanic music and mysticism, based on rituals and tribute to death. In all of Mexico there are bands that are managing to break boundaries and doing it very well, all the bands of different styles, I can recommend Jet Jaguar, Anima Tempo, Obesity, Tulkas, Introtyl, Majestic Downfall, Mutum, Deldesierto that are breaking down barriers.

5. How do you describe your music to people?

A transportation to mysticism and ancestral sounds. Total duality.

6. Who are your musical influences?

How guitarists Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, Jason Becker, Steve Ray, Ritchie Blackmore, David Gilmour, Steve Vai, Jimi Hendrix, Al Di Meola, BB King, Paco de Lucia, bands are many because I like everything but good influences since I was a boy include Iron Maiden, Manowar, Queen, Metallica, Judas Priest, Kiss, King Diamond, Pink Floyd as well as influences from Adagio, Helloween, Rotting Christ, Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, Annihilator, Carcass, Testament, Exodus and many, many more including gothic type bands such as Tristania, Autum Tears, Therion, Theater of Tragedy. In pre-Hispanic music Jorge Reyes and Antonio Zepeda.

7. Do you write your own songs? Can you discuss the songwriting process in detail for us?

Yes I write my own songs, in the composition process I do not have rules, sometimes the mood makes its appearance in lyrics and riffs, it depends on that I can compose something aggressive, dark or a melodious theatrical composition. Sometimes I compose the music first or sometimes based on a finished lyric I introduce the appropriate riffs depending on the theme of the lyrics. In any place where I am, riffs and rhythms occur to me, until I guard them with my guitar. The lyrics are flowing based on everything I have read, studied and researched about our culture. As well as lyrics of my own life. There are also compositions that are already based primarily on pre-Hispanic instruments because they are very special instruments in terms of tuning's. In Cemican we all write and compose.

8. What are your songs about? What specific themes do they cover?

Myths and ancestral legends, our ideals as warriors of life. Experiences transformed with a pre-Hispanic touch. Above all, I respect death and Pre-Hispanic Deities.

9. You went and decided to take your song "Yaotecatl" and create a live video with footage from your concert experiences. Can you describe to us what this song is about, and why did you want to do a live footage video, instead of a regular video?

Yaotecatl in Nahuatl means warrior and deals with human strength until entering the Underworld. We were going through a slight bump and personal issues, basically the video was to visualize what we had achieved in those years and encourage us to continue with our ideals. A friend proposed us to do it to visualize what we were doing on stage. That video was in 2013 and in 2015 we released our first official video called “Mixteco”.

10. Can you describe your look and the image, that you use when doing live performances, to those who may not be familiar with it.

My appearance is the makeup of duality, life and death linked with dyes of Mictlántecuhtli (the god of death). All the members have the mix of something modern to give that metal touch with the pr-Hispanic, with the exception of Xaman-ek who wears the full costume of a death dancer with copillis (tufts, loincloths, ayoyotls). Everyone has their own makeup and colors depending on their name and ideology. I would be disrespectful to wear plumes and the complete costumes of my ancestors with an electric guitar, that’s why we fuse the dress except for Xaman-ek, who is a ritualist.

11. How about describing your show, both visually and musically for us, what can be said about it?

Each live song is alternated with a ritual, dance and performance by Xaman-ek depending on the lyrics. We have always recreated a sacrifice as a stamp of the band and pre-Hispanic music is taking you to remember the ancestors. We try to make every second important for the audience and keep our show in mind forever. The word mysticism is very important for us and we want the public to feel that presence.

12. Has Cemican ever played in the U.S.A. or plan to do so in the future?

We have never played in the United States, we have had invitations and for different issues it did not materialize, but we plan to be on tour this year, our manager (Irma Iniguez) already had some agreed dates.

13. Which album can "Yaotecatl" be found on?

On our second album, "ticateh ipan miquixtlahuac".

14. Your band has only released two full-length albums "Ometiliztli" (2009) and "Estamos en el valle de los muertos Ticateh Ipan Miquixtlahuac" (2012), why only the two?

Labor and family issues were the cause of taking so long to release a new album. In addition to that we wanted to have the band with all the members stable and with the same vision to finally improve in a matter of sound and the important thing was also to be in search of a record label for better support.

15. Both of these albums, were released independently, not through a record label, why did you want to go with the DIY approach, with releasing your music?

Our dream was always to have a record label to be able to export more of our music and not just export it in download pages as many people currently use, although we are also within them, but having the album in physical is perfect and in many countries is very important. Also to be in the big leagues of festivals also to have a record label opens more doors.

16. So how did you get approached and signed onto M-Theory Audio?

Marco Barbieri contacted us in email and contacted our manager (Irma Íñiguez) to tell us that he had been checking us on the web, he saw the festivals, videos and European tour we had. He realized that we did not have a record label and he was delighted with everything we did and had achieved. Our manager followed up so that everything could be finalized after returning from Wacken. It came to a good deal and finally after so many years of looking for a label we have our seal on M- Theory Audio

17. Whereabouts are you in the working's of your new album?

We are already finalizing the recording and we are finishing the cover design and all the art.

18. What would you say separates you from other bands in the scene?

The fusion of autochthonous instruments defined. Image of each member shown. Ritual and performance show, own sound and not a single approach to a style. Sound of death

19. What does Cemican have planned for the rest of this year?

Presentation of our new album, we also have a show in France in February at The Cernunnos Pagan Fest, also Germany’s Wacken Winter Nights, plus events in Mexico and in June we return to France to play Hellfest. With the new  album we hope to finally tour the United States and make another official video.

20. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me. Is there anything else you want to say before I go?

Thank you for the great space and interest to know us more, a hug from of all CEMICAN and great strength to all our warriors around the world. Thanks from Tecuhtli / Tlipoca / Xaman-ek / Ocelotl / mazatecpatl / Yei tochtli.


Electrifying power pop hard rockers Chip & The Charge Ups have got a forthcoming sequel of an album out soon titled "FLOW OF THE CURRENT, PART II (-)". The sequel to the previous album dubbed "FLOW OF THE CURRENT, PART I (+)". Bassist Maleena Dominick goes into discussion of this all new release of an album, along with much more since our last conversation just a little bit ago actually....


1. So how far along does the titling series that is "Flow of the Current" plan to go? You have Part's I and II, will there be a third to conclude said series or will it be endless!

Flow of the Current Part I and II will be the only two "Flow of the Currents," but we will have a third, 9-song album we hope to have out later this year.

2. How would you say that Part I and part II differ, compare, and come into equals with one another?

Part I and II both have a very charged up vibe to them. Part I is a bit heavier than Part II, featuring songs like "Front Row" and "The Ol Two Niner," whereas part 2 features more songs played on acoustic guitar like "Punk Rock on Acoustic Guitar" and "By the Tracks."

3. Whose idea was it to mash up Green Day and Poison song's together to recreate its own creation?

It was my dad (Chip)'s idea. He put in so much creative energy to be able to conceptualize the entire video scene by scene into the video that it became.

4. In the accompanying video for that mash up, were the original members of said acts present?

No, the members of Green Day and Poison weren't present, but that would have been a dream come true!

5. "I Hope I never Say That Out Loud", had premiered with a video release, before Valentine's Day, tell me about the song and video's concept?

The video was just a lot of fun to make. The initial idea was presented to have all of us singing and have the hearts come out of our mouths. All the other ideas just came naturally as we were creating the video.

6. That track comes off the "Part I" release, but are there other tracks to become single's and or videos like this one?

There will be a lyric video for "Sunshine, Take Me Away" that will be released before the Part II release.

7. Why go with calling this band Chip & The Charge Ups?

When deciding upon the name of the band, we were caught between Chip & the Charge Ups and Chip & the Check Outs. We got logos designed for both band names, and the ones that were Chip & the Charge Ups were much better, so the name stuck!

8. When describing what you sound like, what would be the obvious answer?

We identify our sound as electrifying east coast power pop. I believe that is the best way to describe our sound. However, we have gotten compared to Green Day a few times!

9. Just what else can we expect to see from you guys for the rest of 2019?

In 2019, we will be releasing "Flow of the Current Part II" and also, hopefully later in the year, another 9-track album. You can surely expect to see us playing more headlining shows at venues like the Smiling Moose. You can also catch us opening up for Nita Strauss on May 22nd at the Hard Rock CafŽ-Pittsburgh. And you can certainly expect to see us at as many Pittsburgh music festivals as possible!

10. Is that your final answer?

That may be my final answer now, but we are constantly getting more shows! To keep updated on when and where we will be playing, you can follow us @thechargeups on Instagram Twitter and Snapchat, Chip & the Charge Ups on YouTube and Facebook, and visit our website thechargeups.com. We also have a Patreon page, where you can sign up for as little as $1 a month to get exclusive content such as handwritten lyrics, group calls with the band, and much more!


Fabp aka Fabpz the Freelancer has come back with another release in this extensive discography at hand this release being an EP titled "For Tha Crown". The EP isn't your typical type of EP as it features 14-tracks of overbearing material, than your average EP range of content, as far as tracks go. Most EP releases contain anywhere from 1-2 tracks if not perhaps 4 or maybe 8 at the maximum. This EP reaching that high rate of 14-tracks is just interesting to say the least. The title track "For Tha Crown", opens up the EP, and is rather a nice cut. The background noise that is the music portion of the actual track, does sound decent enough, whilst the vocalization parts sound just about right.  Following this opener, come other tracks such as "Fly Away Homie", "Pocket Of Money", "Dead And Gone", "She's A Bunny Hopper", "The Old Box", and "So Hot So So", are probably the likely tracks to stand out from all the rest to come off this EP. Each one of these just has the same melody source as the opener had. A tone of beat that has a flow, that never slows, it just keeps up, never messing around. Vocalization again keeps up with the music’s melodies, just enough that everything works together to sound just right enough. All in all really, this EP that is “For Tha Crown”, just makes it an EP release that will keep you intrigued and delighted through and through.

Website / Social Media:

www.X-CaladePromotionz.com
www.instagram.com/therealfabp


"Why Can't We Pretend", is as clear as can be, as far as sound goes, put it simply as how the single is about, mixing the likes of Adele's infamous track "Hello" crossed with Evanescence's infamous track "My Immortal", that is how precisely this track is depicted and it couldn't be more right on point. So much melody and energy given off from it from start to finish. The vocalization added on just makes it come full circle, it’s no wonder, not many know of the Sharon LIa Band.

Thus with this said, this track is one that many should  hear right here, right now because if not, many would be missing out on quite a bit. Moving forward, the song’s structure is filled with such fulfillment, energy, and thus so much effort, it has such a leftover essence that will be heard even when the song is not heard. There are so many ways to discuss this track, because it is so meaningful and powerful it is uncanny at times how good of a track it is whilst listening.

The comparisons have been given and they could not be more right. Yes the songs compared are well known by acts many have heard prior, if not at least once, but that is what makes this one track stand out on it’s own accordance. The vocals and music alone, are what make this track really stand strong and out for all to take in as a whole. Vocals are really in-depth and powerful sounding, while the music just builds upon that, capturing this overwhelming angst that just stuns you.

Overall really Sharon LIa Band’s stand out of a track “Why Can’t We Pretend”, is just one of those tracks, that will get recognized soon enough for sure. It is this track, and it’s performers behind it, that will make them grow ever so further with not just their careers musically, but as individuals as well.

https://www.sharonliaband.com/