OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE | SMC Launches Season II for Artist of the Year 2017

June 24, 2017 - As of 12:01am MST June 25th, 2017 in North America, fans all over the globe will be fastidiously voting for the next Starlight Music Chronicles (SMC) Artist of the Year.  

In June 2016, Starlight Music Chronicles launched the first ever Artist of the Year online voting event in two categories: TEEN and ADULT. This included all Artist of the Month winners from August 2015 to May 2016 and resulted in thousands of fans voting globally. Winners in the Adult category were IAMWARFACE at a whopping 22,000+ votes followed by Olivia Penalva winning the teen category with over 5000 votes. Both Artists have occupied a spot on our website and social media platforms over the last 12 months and they are about to pass the torch onto our 2017 Artist of the Year.

Now in our second season of this competition, the event has most definitely evolved and the stakes are even higher. The winnings, voting panel, and even our Judge panel has amped-up from five to seven prominent and notable music industry peers who possess valuable experience in the areas of Artist development, music journalism, and radio. In fact, one of our Judges is a Grammy Award-winning Artist! (see our Judges bios below)

The Prize Benefits

Our winner will take home a VIP Scholarship with ArtistMax (see details for the next ArtistMax event below), as well as a 12-month promotional period running from July 2017-June 2018. In this time, the winner will be promoted on the SMC website and social media, have three Radio interviews with Limehead Radio (our affiliates in the UK who are streaming live on the SMC SPOTLIGHT website), and have two Social Media Takeover events on the SMC and Limehead Radio platforms. This is our way of helping the Artist promote new music, campaigns, events, and tours throughout their ‘reigning’ year.

Voting

This is a 45% fan voted/55% Judge voted event. On June 25th, a poll will open up for Registered Fan Voting. Because there are three ways of registering a vote (Twitter, Facebook, and G+) Family, Friends, and Fans of the Artists competing can vote a total of 3 times for their fave in the five days of the event. Fan voting begins June 25th @ 12:01pm MST in North America and ends June 20th 11:59pm MST in North America. A link will be posted to the voting poll in a PINNED POST at the top of this event. It will also be shared everywhere on our Social Media.

ArtistMax

SMC is a global media ambassador for ArtistMax and with Olivia Penalva giving rave reviews following her participation at the March 2017 event in Los Angeles, California we are confident that our next Artist of the Year will see great value in this event. In fact, at the March event, Olivia met with legendary Producer Mr. Ken Caillat (Fleetwood Mac), and Grammy Award Winning Composer David Foster. Having a VIP Scholarship available to our winning Artist means huge opportunities to network and develop their music career further.

ArtistMax founders and mentors hold credits for Katy Perry, Colbie Caillat, John Mayer, Jennifer Lopez, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, and so many more. Their mentors and guests have achieved dozens of Grammy awards and have been responsible for over 100 million albums sold worldwide. Each ArtistMax workshop heralds a new celebrity artist and a Grammy-winning Producer.

Today, ArtistMax released this press release to their social media platform:

“Our next ArtistMax will be 4 days long, Fri-Mon over Labor Day Weekend!!!!We have added many new interactive panels to our line-up including group songwriting, social media feedback and break out panel, LETS TALK PRODUCTION (4 of your songs are reviewed roundtable by a group of esteemed industry vets), A Networking Party with some of LA's hottest producers, managers, booking agents, label execs, film directors and more, thrift shop field trip with celeb stylists, and so much more!!!! PLUS... our surprise celeb guests... means this next event will be insane!!!!We would like to welcome back all of our AM Alumni with our new AM Alumni Scholarship. Scholarship has a non-transferable, non-refundable value of $499 off of the normal program price, and cannot be used with any other discounts. From there, those that are fully registered will have an opportunity to submit a one page essay for a full scholarship.We can start a housing thread on here so some of you can share rooms if you like.As most of you know, we work really hard to make sure you guys have an amazingly fun, educational and rewarding weekend. With most of our attendees on some form of scholarship, we rely heavily on word of mouth as our main marketing source. Whether you are able to attend or not, we ask that you please give a shout out to ArtistMax and help us continue to grow this amazingly talented community. We are very excited to present to you, The Future of ArtistMax.”

 Find out more about ArtistMax (here).

Limehead Radio

In April 2016, we added yet another valuable prize to our roster. Limehead Radio in the UK reached out to us to see how they could also become involved with our Artist of the Month and Artist of the Year events by way of supporting our winning Artists on their platform via interviews and radio play of their music. In addition, they have agreed to coincide a Social Media takeover on July 31^st, 2017, the same month we announce our winner and host a Social Media takeover on our own platform (July 15^th, 2017).

Find out more about Limehead Radio (here)

The 2017 Artist of the Year Artist Competitors

HANNAH CLIVE

TAMSYN

LUCIEN DANTE

LIA COLE

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The Judges

Candice Anne Marshall CEO/Editor Starlight Music Chronicles (SMC)

Candice Anne Marshall is a Music Journalist from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada who began her career by studying Journalism, Photography and Graphic Design at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She is the CEO and Editor in Chief at Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine & Entertainment Website interviewing some of the most notable professionals in the Music, Fashion, and Film industries. She has expanded on this career and is working as a Freelance/Contributor on many projects for Artists in the areas of Music, Film, Fashion and Lifestyle. She advocates for Non-Profit Organizations Globally in the areas of Branding, Social Media Campaigns, Biographies for websites, Articles in addition to Photography, Photo Editing and Graphics. (full bio here)

Some of the articles/content/photography/branding for Music Artists that Candice has written for/supported/interviewed are included on several forums including Magazine & Newspaper publications, Blogsites, and Webpages are: Hedley, Theory of a Deadman, The Road Hammers, Rex Goudie (Canadian Idol Fame), The Headpins, Beverley Mahood, Shane Yellowbird, Taylor Swift, Clayton Bellamy (Solo Artist | The Road Hammers), Adam Gregory, Candice Ryan, Rachel Woznow, Tupelo Honey, Bryan Finlay, Palaye Royale,  High Love Band (formerly, REND), Luke Potter, Johnny Marr (The Smith’s fame), Gary Numan, Olivia Wik, Bleu McAuley, Paul Woida, Andrew Scott, Hayley Richman, Little Crow, Jason McCoy (The Road Hammers), Nic Neufeld, Michelle Mollineux, Jasmine Singh, LIGHTS, The Hollywood Vampires, Nim Vind, Shay Esposito, Olivia Rose, IAMWARFACE, Jamie Lawson, Ed Sheeran, Reeve Carney, Scott Patterson (SMITHRADIO), Meghan Patrick, Olivia Penalva, Stuart Epps, Mario McNulty, New Mayans, Mateus Ward, Justin Ward, After The Calm, Lia Cole, Ari Herstand, The Fontaines, Dan Davidson, The 1975, Platinum Blonde, The Standstills, Joshua Shultz (Producer/CEO Bellus Magazine), Chelsea Debo (Actress/Model), Carly Jo Jackson (America’s Got Talent fame), Meresha (Billboard top 40 chart fame), Matt Lande, Narrow Plains, Jet Force Gemini, Christina Taylor, Ships Have Sailed, Ashlinn Gray, Lucien Dante, Dani Rosenoer (Three Days Grace fame), Brielle Von Hugel, The Upset Victory, Tom Bertram, Luke Wade, The Roxy Suicide, Swerve, Radio Drive, Brian Mackey, The Moon Kids, Natalie Jean, Carolina Magnolia, Barley Station, Kaylin, Ryan Inglis, Redvers Bailey, Wall Of Orange, Sallie Mood, John Ferriter  (The Tearaways | The Alternative), TAMSYN, Meresha, Codie Prevost, Luke Wade, Hannah Clive, DaveIt Ferris, Fashion Designer Melany Rowe, and Flash Jam to name a few and it is expanding every day.

Bridget Gardiner | ArtistMax

From Studio Manager of a recording studio for 9 years to Campus President at a recording college for 5 years, Bridge has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of music taste-makers. She is the CEO and founder of Buddha Global Consulting, LLC. Established in 2006, Buddha Global is a global networking and business development company that focuses and consults on project management in the creative and tech industries.

Special Highlights: Published Lupus Author, Elected VP of Industry Relations for Los Angeles Women in Music since 2014. Created and Produced annual star-studded NAMM panel for the last 5 years, ongoing. Created a National Lupus Support Group that has over 1k in lupus followers alone. Currently working to change it to a non-profit status.

Her client /company roster has included Producers, Authors, Videographers, Recording Studios, Music Schools, A record label, A start-up Medical spa, and consulting for various one-off projects, tech firms, events and educational training seminars.

Amrit Sond | Grammy Award Winning Artist

GRAMMY Award Winner & Solid Air Records (USA) Amrit Sond has graced the same billing alongside some of the world’s most renowned Guitarist’s on the scene today; Dominic Miller (STING), Hugh Burns (George Michael), Ronnie Johnson (Van Morrison, Leo Sawyer).

Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, he was exposed to African Folk Music at a very early age, and, being of Asian origin, Indian Music was always the backdrop of his family home life. He later studied Art and his family moved to the Middle East (Kuwait) where he then became interested in Arabic and eastern music. This coupled with the African and Indian Music influences that he grew up with, has helped shape his unique compositions.

His unique contemporary instrumental music draws on elements of World Music, Jazz & Classical all honed into a highly refined and melodically driven compositional approach.

Michael McKenna | Retired Radio & Club DJ

Voting Member at Neilsen Ratings

Voting Member at Josie Music Awards

Owner-operator at McKenna Reviews

Judge/Contributing Writer at Starlight Music Chronicles

Studied Journalism at Univ of Maine -Kittery

Studied Business Administration & Accounting at Commonwealth of PA

Mark Richards | CEO | Limehead Radio

Mark started the road to radio as many presenters do, by being the singer in a band. Way back in 2006 when he sported dyed black hair in a ponytail and enough eyeliner to color in the moon Mark discovered what it was like being in an unsigned band, making music and struggling to find a platform for it. This is what eventually led to Mark and a group of like-minded friends launching Limehead Radio. Mark founded Limehead Entertainment in 2010 as a live events company, holding their first gig in Portsmouth which was a huge success. Eventually Mark saw the potential audience of an online radio station and decided in 2011 to pursue that avenue. Since then Mark has been working with the Limehead team and all the amazing people he has met along the way to grow the audience for the music he plays.

Mike Lang | Radio | Music Director

Mike has over 25 years-experience in every facet of the radio industry, most recently several years as Music Director and mid-day host at 106.9 The Wolf in Nanaimo, BC. 

He has also had stints as booking agent/media liaison for a handful of known and lesser known artists.  In addition to that Mike is a sound engineer and has been known to perform as well. 

 

Pursuing his own dreams, he has recently quite literally sold his possessions in order to travel the world.

Carol Kaplan | SMC Contributor | Communications Consultant for Creatives

Owner/Founder of C A Kaplan Independent Services

Communications Consultant for Creatives, Small Businesses, Consultants, Entrepreneurs, and Non-Profit Organizations

Background in Advertising, Marketing, PR, Sales, Social Media Promotion.

Freelance Writer specializing in the Arts, Music, Creativity, Personal Growth & Development.

Freelance Photographer & Artist

Contributor for Starlight Music Chronicles

BFA in Graphic Communications/Journalism from University of Houston, Texas, USA

Follow the Artist of the Year Event (here) & be a part of SMC history by voting in our next AOY Winner. Our Voting Poll will be posted as a LINK in the event at 12:01am MST in North America. Full Rules are listed in the 'about' section of the event. 

Good Luck to ALL of our EXCEPTIONAL Artists! 

Five Ways to Finance Your Music Career Through Grants and Funding Opportunities

by Michael McKenna
Nor'Easter Magazine for SMC

Beefing up your band fund should be a multi-faceted effort, not a single-strategy one. When you include a variety of sources – door money at shows, merch profits, crowdfunding – you're sure to reach your goals faster. One path of opportunity often overlooked, however, is grant funding.

Competition for many of these awards is incredibly stiff, of course, but the rewards can be undeniably game-changing. Learn more about five current grant opportunities for independent musicians below. Do the research, send a compelling application, and continue honing your craft. Whether you snatch the grant or not, the process of applying is, at the very least, fortifying.

1. PBR Music Foundation Grant

Free of deadlines and eligibility or genre requirements, this new opportunity from Pabst Blue Ribbon's Music Foundation is maybe the most laid-back grant around. (It's PBR, so of course it's chill.) Sums vary – we've confirmed $5,000 and $7,000 are among the amounts doled out since the foundation kicked off last year – but are awarded every single month.

The Milwaukee brand has deepened its commitment to independent and underground music of late, from its BandAidRx partnership and new Music Benefits program for health care help and more, to its Project Pabst festival series, where up-and-coming acts are regularly featured on bills supporting prominent indie staples. But this grant, intended as a “financial safety net” for artists and bands to help sustain and surpass their goals, is no doubt PBR's biggest contribution yet.

2. The Leeway Foundation

Supporting women, trans, and gender-queer artists based in the Delaware Valley who impact social change through art is the focus of the Leeway Foundation's funding opportunities, of which there are two: 

a.) The Art and Change Grant: grants up to $2,500 to artists of all mediums with limited funding whose projects impact particular groups and communities, and those who are associated with organizations and business with missions of social change.

b.) The Leeway Transformation Award: seeks to uplift seasoned artists – again, of all mediums, musicians included—with demonstrated commitments (five years minimum) to social change work.

A third, newly added grant is the 'Window of Opportunity', which boasts a faster turnaround for extra-timely endeavors.

 3. Black Fret

Central to the founding of this Austin-centric charity is that local music is fully deserving of public support. Funds are culled from Black Fret “members," local music fans who get special access to more than 30 intimate concerts featuring nominated artists in exchange for their membership fee.

Those supporters also take part in the process of voting for which of those artists receive grants and how much. At the , just two years after the organization's founding, Black Fret granted a total of $220,000 in grant tiers of $17,000 and $5,000. Funds awarded are then doled out in installments based on specific milestones and contributions to the community.

Unfortunately, though, this one's not open to just anyone. Black Fret limits eligibility to bands that claim at least 50 percent of members as legal Austin residents and consideration is mostly invitation only. Winners in the annual reader-driven Austin Music Awards are automatically nominated, plus members at a specific level add more to the running.

4. BMI Foundation Peermusic Latin Scholarship

There are several categories of grants, scholarship competitions, awards, and other types of funding programs within the BMI Foundation. This one's particular to the next generation of Latin music greats, so it's eligible specifically to songwriters aged 17 to 24 who are currently enrolled in US or Puerto Rican colleges or universities. Each year, a best original song or instrumental composition is selected by a panel of Latin music industry pros; its creator snags the prestigious title as well as $5,000.

5. BMI Foundation Nashville Songwriting Scholarship

Although the name suggests eligibility is limited to country-music-capitol denizens, the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship is actually a nationwide competition. The genres are more flexible than you'd think, too: Blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, Americana, folk, and roots artists are also welcome to apply. Otherwise, it's modeled much like the other BMI Foundation program we mentioned: Of the 17-to-24-year-old students who qualify to enter, just one will be awarded the $5,000 scholarship for best original song.

Deep Purple “Time For Bedlam”| Single review by Michael McKenna

Single Review by Michael McKenna

McKenna Review Agency & Nor'easter Magazine

Deep Purple have just released the new single “Time for Bedlam,” a track from their upcoming album, “inFinite”.

inFinite is the highly anticipated follow-up to their worldwide chart-topping effort “Now What?” and is due to drop on April 7, 2017. The LP was recorded in February 2016 in Nashville, TN and was once again helmed by Bob Ezrin, whose previous credits include work with Kiss, Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper and Kansas.

A limited edition EP for "Time For Bedlam" - with non-album songs and unreleased recordings - will be released on February 3, 2017. Deep Purple will support their 20th studio release with dates on The Long Goodbye tour, with speculation it may the group's farewell trek.

The word 'inFinite' is a three-dimensional, double-edged sword. It describes something that goes on forever in all directions; not unlike its temporal equivalent 'Eternal.' The track opens with a Pink Floyd/Moody Blues intro that announces that they are “ Descending the cold steps for the politically insane, never to be seen again, saying farewell to daylight, from henceforth I shall rot in a stinking bed of wet straw” sets the mood for what's to follow. The track then morphs into a percussion-guitar driven high energy piece with an infectious solo nicely accentuated by the monstrous keyboards reminiscent of early Kansas. The vocals are tight and grab your ass right from the door

Current members of Deep Purple include Ian Paice on drums & percussion, Roger Glover on bass, Ian Gillian on vox & harmonica, Steve Morse on guitar and Don Airey on keys replacing longtime member, John Lord.

If this single is any indication of what's to come, fans will be very surprised and satisfied with this much anticipated upcoming release in April. This single is totally AWESOME and on the Nor'easter Storm Scale, I give this my highest rating, a slamming FORCE 5!

Paul Simon “Wristband” *Single Review* by Michael McKenna

Single Review by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

This iconic singer, songwriter and musician has returned in a big way with a brand new LP that is due to drop worldwide in June 3, 2016. “Stranger To Stranger” will be his 13th solo studio album and will be backed by a North American tour supporting the new album with nearly 40 shows slated across the United States and Canada.

The new LP was produced by Simon and his longtime musical partner Roy Halee. In a statement Simon described the LP, saying, "It's about getting you to actually hear something in a new way. It's about making music that sounds old and new at the same time; music with a sense of mystery."

“Stranger to Stranger” stems from experimental origins, including sessions channeling 20th century composer and theorist Harry Partch who made custom instruments in microtonal tunings, while working with a group of Flamenco musicians and Italian electronic dance music artist Clap! Clap!

"Sound is the theme of this album as much as it's about the subjects of the individual songs. If people get that, I'll be pleased," Simon continued. "The right song at the right time can live for generations. A beautiful sound, well that's forever."

The first single, “Wristband” opens with a stand-up bass and effects from young children in the background in the mold of “Me & Julio...” in that signature Simon fashion. The lyrics talk about a gentleman who has to have a wristband in order to get through the door so he can see Simon's show. Now that is something I can relate to!

The Flaminco influence as well as some soft EDM percussions carry on throughout this fun-sounding effort and have the listener toe-tapping from start to finish.

Tracks on the LP will include:

1.The Werewolf

2. Wristband

3. The Clock

4. Street Angel

5. Stranger to Stranger

6. In a Parade

7. Proof of Love

8. In the Garden of Edie

9. The Riverbank

10. Cool Papa Bell

11. Insomniac’s Lullaby

I look forward to hearing the rest of this LP from this Hall of Famer that has been a long time coming. MOR/CHR radio will grab this in a heartbeat! WELL DONE!

Music Festival Season! | Is Your Band Ready?

'LIGHTS' July 2015 @ KDays Edmonton - Photo courtesy Candice Anne Graphics & Photography

By Michael McKenna – Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

Music Festivals, long a favorite summer pastime in Europe, have now taken firm hold among US music fans as the places to see new regional music. Naturally, that leaves even more bands asking how get on the bill. Getting booked to play a music festival is extremely competitive, so taking the right approach is the only way to get a foot in the door. Now, I'm not going to kid you and say it's going to be easy, if it was, well, everyone would be doing it, but you can get yourself on stage in front of festival crowds. Get your band booked for a music festival with these tips.

1. Be Ready For It

I know, I know, you think your band is ready! But, are you REALLY? This isn't an affront to your music, in fact, at this point, we're really not talking about how good your music is at all. We're are talking about if your band is ready for the unique demands of playing a music festival?

If you aren't so experienced yet on the live circuit, then you're probably not. Playing a festival is a different beast than playing your local club, so promoters usually look for bands who have a proven track record of commanding a crowd and putting on a solid show. Remember, you're competing with a lot more when you're playing to a massive crowd of people outdoors than you are when you play for your friends at your favorite bar, so you need to have your stage presence on lock, something that only comes with a whole lot of practice.

You'll have the best chances of succeeding at getting booked and killing your set - if you do the groundwork of building your stage show first.

2. Know Your Targets

No, you don't want to play just any festival that will have you. That's akin to sending your music to every promote and agent in the region, regardless of the kind of music they work with. Instead, narrow your search and settle on a few target festivals that you would like to play that centers on your specific genre of music.

Of course the festivals in question should welcome your genre of music, but make sure they tick other boxes, too. For instance, are there stages suited to bands of your audience size? Would you be able to travel to the festival if your expenses weren't covered by your booking fee or as part of your deal? If you don't have an agent, does the festival welcome submissions directly from musicians? Don't waste energy chasing festivals that aren't a good fit for you, even if they happen to be festivals you enjoy as a music fan. Get in where you fit in, and you'll get booked much easier.

3. Set Your Calendar

Believe it or not, one of the biggest obstacles musicians always face when applying for festivals or other events is simply getting the application, so to speak, in on time. Do not apply to things late. DO NOT MISS DEADLINES! Create a calendar of submission deadlines to all of the festivals you want to play so you opportunity doesn't pass you by.

4. Prepare For Submission

Every festival will have its own submission requirements, but be prepared to need an artist bio and some music, at the very least. It is also a good idea to have a video of you performing ready to be viewed and to have some professional press photos ready to go. You will also need some decent quality recordings to show off your sounds in the best possible light.

When it comes to submitting your music, bio, and so on - submit exactly what is requested - no more and no less. No, sending three songs when two were asked for is not better. No, your bio shouldn't book lengthened. If they're not giving you an opportunity to tell how many shows you've played, don't cram the information in there. Their formula is in place for a reason, and deviating from it is a good way to ensure your music doesn't get listened to at all.

5. Get Your Social Media Ready

I hate the notion of promoters looking at how many FB, ReverbNation, Twitter or social media followers a musician has as an indication of whether or not to book them so much that I hate to suggest you care. However - that DOES happen and you DO have to care.

And, to be fair, there IS a point there. Having a large number of social media followers isn't the same thing as having a large number of bums in seats, but it does say something about you as a musician. It means you engage your fans and that you're committed enough to promote yourself, which hints that you'll work hard to promote your show and give your fans a good set.

So, with that said, before your apply for a music festival, get your social media numbers up as much as you can and most importantly, get active on your pages. If your last post was two years ago, get a flurry of activity going before you apply.

6. Don't Be Afraid to Start Small

Does your town have a festival that hosts live music? Sometimes, the best festival to start your festival career at is right in your backyard. Now, sure, it may not be Lollapaloza or Woodstock, but that's OK. It is a chance to put a festival appearance on your resume and get used to that style of playing live. The more you can make a name for yourself, the more interested festival promoters will be about adding you to the bill. Local festivals are a great start to moving up the ladder to regional and nationwide festivals.

7. More Dos and Dont's For Getting Booked at Festivals

DO look out for special booking opportunities, like contests in which the prize is an appearance at the festival

DON'T pay to play a festival, Ever! This includes festivals that want you to buy tickets to resell to fans yourself. Nope, no way, no how. PLEASE.

DO keep the faith. It's competitive out there! That doesn't mean that your band doesn't belong on the stage. Keep gigging and making music as you keep working on getting a festival slot. Every show, every song, every new fan is a step closer to your goal. Remember, it's all up you and how persistent and focused you and the rest of the band are towards reaching a set goal.

*SINGLE REVIEW* Simple Plan “Opinion Overload” | Album Launches Feb 19th!

by Michael McKenna

(Nor'Easter Magazine Contributor to Starlight Music Chronicles)

Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the award-winning act, Simple Plan, has made waves internationally with their raw, in-your-face, energetic, high-energy Pop/Punk sound. Born in 1999, they have risen to one of Canada's most recognizable acts. Their latest LP, “Taking One For The Team” features appearances by New Found Glory singer, Jordan Pudnik and The Voice runner-up from Season 2, Juliet Sims, has spawned the first single, “Opinion Overload.”

The band consists of Chuck Comeau on drums and back vox; David Desrosiers on bottom and back vox; lead guitarist Jeff Stinco; Pierre Bovier on vocals and Sebastian Lefebvre on guitars and back vox. The guys are now back on tour to promote this new effort in Europe.

This single is one of those tracks that combines a very commercial Pop/Punk feel with an Alternative/Indie Rock flavor. The band describes the tune as “A song about following your heart and not letting anyone tell you that you can't.” They go on to say, “For us, writing it was about getting back to our roots and reminding ourselves and everyone else what this band is all about. We wanted to make a video that strips everything bare and lays it all on the table; go back to the basics and focus on what we love the most: playing shows for you.”

The track opens with pounding percussion, banging guitars, right from the door, that seque into the powerful vocals and harmonies in a perfect sync. The animated moves, and that hellacious chant “HEY” just kick things up to the stratosphere in short order. The awesome amount of the power projected throughout generates a kick-ass energetic flavor that just tickles the ear. SHIT HOT!

If this is a sample of what is to come from the new LP, I would not be surprised if it gives birth to numerous singles that will take Alternative formats by storm worldwide. This track is a MUST LISTEN! On the Nor'easter Storm Scale, I give this a FORCE 4! WELL DONE!

Single Review by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

____________________

From Warner Music Canada

ALBUM RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 2016

Just after wrapping up a two-year-long tour in support of 2011’s Get Your Heart On!, multi-platinum-selling pop-punk band Simple Plan spent another two tireless years creating a follow-up album that captures the classic Simple Plan spirit but boldly stretches the limits of their sound. “One of the reasons we’re still here today is that we’ve never done just what people expect us to—we’ve never been afraid to try something different,” says drummer Chuck Comeau, who co-founded the Montreal-bred band in 1999. “We’re proud of our pop-punk roots and we we’ll never turn our backs on them, but we also like to take chances, surprise our fans, and always keep them guessing on what we’ll do next.”

The result: Taking One for the Team, Simple Plan’s fifth full-length and most ambitious album so far, offering hard-hitting punk-fueled tracks alongside songs that delve into everything from reggae to delicate acoustic balladry. “We’re a pop-punk band at the core and we’ll always want to create those big, anthemic rock songs, but there’s also a part of us that loves other types of sounds, other types of music,” frontman Pierre Bouvier points out.

The band’s long awaited new release marks the group’s first new full length since 2011’s ‘Get Your Heart On!’. The new album is preceded by a trio of new songs, all featured on the forthcoming release.  “Boom,” “I Don’t Want To Be Sad,” and the album’s lead single “I Don’t Wanna Go To Bed (feat. Nelly)”. Taking One For The Team is set for release on February 19th.

Album Track Listing

Opinion Overload

Boom

Kiss Me Like Nobody's Watching

Farewell

Singing In The Rain (Feat. R. City)

Everything Sucks

I Refuse              

I Don't Wanna Go To Bed (Feat. Nelly)

Nostalgic

Perfectly Perfect

I Don't Wanna Be Sad    

P.S. I Hate You  

Problem Child   

I Dream About You

*SONG REVIEW*:by Michael McKenna | Malaya | Dreamcatcher

by Michael McKenna

Hailing from the beaches of the Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL. area, Malaya is making waves with a style of music that combines pop, alternative, progressive, hard rock, and a wee bit of metal. Just to be able to encompass all these genres in their repertoire and make them work for them is proof that they are moving in the right direction.

Recently on tour of the Southern states, East Coast and some in the Midwest, they have finely honed their music and have a vast library of music to be able to release 4 LP's in succession. With Robin Carbonell on vocals with her powerful pipes; Adam Irizarry jamming out on guitars; Dan Marcantonio giving up the bottom on bass and Dan Reitmeyer banging on the drums all day, they come together to create some really cool music.

The new track, “Dreamcatcher”, combines Dan R's energetic backbeat, with Adam's resonating riffs and Dan M's rhythms that should breakout in CHR/ALT formats in short order. Robin's strong vocals permeate throughout this track.

I can see this band turning the heads of music insiders and getting the just rewards that they deserve. I, for one, have become a believer and look for great things to happen to these talented musicians. On the Nor'easter Storm Scale, I give this track a FORCE 3! Well Done!

Review by Michael McKenna

Nor'Easter Entertainment Magazine

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