NEW SINGLE | Swerve 'Are You Coming Home With Me?' is the Perfect Summer Hit!

by CA Marshall

'Are You Coming Home With Me?' sung by Gregory Mahdesian of the Los Angeles Band Swerve, is just the kind of question you would hear from one of those summer Romantic Comedies where the guy is at the bar and slyly asking the object of his eye to 'hang out at my place'. At least, that's the vision when you read the title.....

Now, plug this into your iPod and have a listen to know that the lyrics and instrumentation is much more than that in this New ling awaited single that simultaneously has released in fair proximity to The Fontaines 'Cold'. Suffice to say, awesome travels in herds (the two bands are alos very good friends!). However, the sound is completely flashback Alternative yet Retro 80's complete with the Brat Pack 'Molly Ringwald' Pretty in Pink visionary in the minds eye. 

This is a song about taking the plunge and asking the girl out once and for all. What is most delightful about the song is that the vocals aren't reminiscent of 'that guy' at the bar (as aforementioned), rather, it's a clean, hip, and refreshing classic visual of: boy-loves-girl/boy-finally-asks-girl-out. And in his best Shirt and Tie to boot! To me this is melody is also reminiscent of The Smith's in their candor and sonorous presence. If you are a Smiths or even a Simple Minds lover, this is the song you want to add to your playlist because it's definitely a summer hit! Have a listen below and be sure to check out their Social Media Links!

Serve Social Media Links (Click to View):
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Facebook
SoundCloud
Spotify
Twitter
Instagram

*NEW SINGLE!* The Fontaines | 'Cold' is the new HOT!

by CA Marshall

Well, as promised in the Starlight Music Chronicles *Exclusive Spotlight Interview* with Hank Fontaine of the Dynamic Brother & Sister band The Fontaines earlier this Spring (click here to read), they delivered! Their newest single 'Cold' has hit mainstream, has already been getting rave reviews, and surely will have FM radio stations clambering to get it on their shows. 

Hank informed me then that the new music would be different than what we have all previously heard with songs like 'Paul Newman', and 'Dusty Springfield' on their first self-titled EP. He also informed me that their next EP 'ii' can be expected to drop in June 2016 and with 'Cold' already out of the Barn gates only days ago, they are off to a high impact running start. 

When you combine Charlotte Fontaine's demure and delicate vocals with Hank's extremely impressive guitar shredding skills in this new number, there can only be magic and that is what this single gives right from the get-go. The song is a high energy burst of awesomeness that will wake anyone up out of a serious mid-day funk. Guaranteed you will listen to it once and think, 'What? What did I just hear?' and listen again. and again. and once more for good measure!

I remember asking Hank what we can expect from the new EP - if it would have a similar vibe to their first one, and he replied, 'I don’t want us to feel boxed in by conventions that already exist. I think where I see us going is a place where we don’t have to resort back to a specific time and place but instead to exist in this time and place in 2016. That is our goal." This is an accomplishment that has been achieved yet again by this completely unique and innovative band that has me monitoring their every new move on all of their social media platforms (see below to connect!). Why? My only answer is, 'Because they are The Fontaines! I would be crazy NOT TO!'

Titles from the 'ii' EP will be:

cold
handstand
please, say something
i love you

See them perform 'Cold' Live below:

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The Fontaines Social Media Links (Click to follow):

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

SoundCloud

iTunes

YouTube

*SINGLE REVIEW* LIGHTS 'Meteorite' MIDNIGHT MACHINE LP - Acoustic Bliss

Single review by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

Lights (born Valerie Anne Poxleitner; April 11, 1987) is an Award-Winning Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter. She is well-known north of the border for her three EP's, “The Listening” from 2009, “Siberia” from 2011 and her Award-Winning LP, “Little Machines” in 2014. It is from the latter that she has released the new all-acoustic single, “Meteorite.”

“Midnight Machines”, the acoustic follow-up to “Little Machines”, released on April 8, 2016 and is from here, that this single is generated. This LP promises to be in a mold that is just a bit different for the singer. It is to be an orchestral-like mix of tracks off of the album. There will be 8 tracks from “Little Machines”, as well as two brand new tracks never heard before.

Valerie's powerful pipes are front and center and are nicely enhanced by the mild and laid-back orchestral accompaniment. This is a welcome change of pace and shows this writer her flexibility to recompose a song into a more mild manner. Her vocals remind me of a Sinead O' Conner in this acoustic flavored track. This is not her first foray into acoustic tunes as she released an acoustic version of "Cactus in the Valley" featuring Owl City as a single in the UK in 2013. I see this as Lights broadening her musical repertoire to cover both sides of the spectrum. It is very refreshing to see an established artist be able to be this flexible in their projections. KUDOS!

BLAKE SHELTON RELEASES POWERFUL AND INTROSPECTIVE SINGLE “SAVIOR’S SHADOW”

Latest single from If I’m Honest gives fans another glimpse of remarkable new album

 NASHVILLE, TN – (April 11, 2016) – Country music superstar Blake Shelton is releasing new single “Savior’s Shadow” this week, sharing one of his most deeply personal songs while giving fans another peek at his forthcoming new Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville album If I’m Honest due May 20.

“Savior’s Shadow” hit Shelton in a flash of unexpected inspiration and he quickly enlisted veteran Nashville songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall to help him flesh out the idea. The song, available now at iTunes and on streaming services, is as close to “The Voice” star’s heart as any he’s shared with fans before.

"At a very dark time in my life last year I dreamed the first verse of this song,” Shelton said. “I woke up and immediately wrote it down. Now, looking back, I know it was God’s way of telling me that he's here and things are gonna be OK."

The spare, simple song is carried along on a solemn pedal steel line and builds to strings as Shelton shares the emotions he felt during a difficult time in his life. The response to the song has been strong and positive, and gives another look at the much-anticipated If I’m Honest, an album Shelton believes is special.

Fans reacted immediately to news of the release, sending first single “Came Here to Forget” into the Top 20 upon debut. The video for the song debuted in conjunction with the season premiere of Discovery’s “Deadliest Catch.”

Shelton’s in the midst of his 10th season as a coach on The Voice with fellow stars Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and Pharrell Williams. He’s also looking forward to the career-spanning exhibition at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. Blake Shelton: Based on a True Story, which opens May 27, will examine the star’s road to success, from his childhood to his move to Nashville as a teen, and from his multi-platinum recording breakthrough to becoming a national celebrity. A range of artifacts, including stage wear, instruments, song manuscripts, photos and personal items will help tell the story of Shelton’s struggles and triumphs.

For the latest news and information, be sure to follow Shelton on Twitter @blakeshelton and stay tuned to www.BlakeShelton.com.

*NEW* Song Review THE TRANSMITTERS | 'Here Comes The Weekend' Another Hit!

The Transmitters (l-r) Martin Bailey (Lead Guitar), David Lees (Lead Vocalist), Danny Short (Drums), and Tony Dallas (Bass Guitar) - photo courtesy The Transmitters

by CA Marshall

Before we get into my thoughts on who I have recently termed: 'My British Boys', The Transmitters' and their latest single release 'Here Comes The Weekend', I'm going to back up the double deckered bus a little to give you a little history on my association with this fabulous band.

In July 2015, our Contributor Marc McGarraghy of Yellow Mustang Photography (also across the pond) shot a series of brilliant photos of the band so colorful and happy looking I made it my business to check them out. I was thrilled when I began listening to their YouTube channel and came across their single 'Catch The Sun' (see below), a happy and truly mod sounding melody reflective of 'The Jam' back in it's heyday. I knew immediately I needed to connect with them.

The band is comprised of Lead Vocalist David Lees, Guitarist/Back up vocalist Martin Bailey, followed by Danny Short on Drums, and Tony Dallas on Bass Guitar. They hail from Bolton, England, UK and began laying their roots as a band recording and touring in early 2014. Their 'Catch The Sun' single was released in May of 2015 in the wake of their already successful touring and performance schedule in addition to their strong connections with Mr. Paul Weller and Mr. Steve Brooks (The Jam), the band recently received praise by Brooks who commented on a recent promo photo stating: 'You lot are ugly enough to make it' - BRILLIANT! 

So it was a lovely surprise when Martin Bailey sent me a preview of the new song 'Here Comes The Weekend' (Click Here to Listen). This was in conjunction with the release of their fabulous *new* live video infused with 'Jam' visuals and hilarious shenanigans I have come to know as: The Transmitters. If you don't know what I am talking about, click the link I provided and check it out!

So let's delve into my thoughts on the new release: I find that I always align myself and gravitate toward those of a positive attitude and successful nature and this is clearly evident in everything The Transmitters produce. The new single 'Here Comes The Weekend' is no exception. This cheerful number not only has lyrics and vocals that entice one to anticipate the end of a long week and the winding down process, it elicits thoughts of bashing around London on a sunny day and taking in all the sights. (side note: this makes me want to actually take a vacation there JUST to have this playing in my headset whilst I do just that!) 

Clever Branding for the Single by the bands' friend Lewis Tee

In addition to being audibly 'fun', the upbeat guitar riffs and drums throughout are an expressive instrumentation that truly represent this band in the best way: iconic. And here I thought life was complete with a cherry on top with 'Here Comes The Sun'! This new single clearly proves me wrong. Just goes to show that this band is in the business of creating a 'new sound' every time they put pen to paper! Just Fab fellas!

*We look forward to having an in-depth interview with the band for the Spring 2016 issue of Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine (click here to see our most recent issue!) so make sure you subscribe to it and watch for it in March 2016!

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Clever Branding for the new single by Lewis Tee

Transmitters Social Media Links: 

Facebook 

Twitter

YouTube

Website

BandCamp (to purchase this single)

Bandsintown

*NEW* Song Review: BARLEY STATION'S 'LIKE DESTINY' released today!

by CA Marshall

The long awaited single 'Like Destiny' by Missouri based Barley Station has launched today and, well, it's bloody fabulous! It is the band's music which originally connected Vocalist Randy Wayne Belt to Starlight Music Chronicles via mutual industry friends and there is definitely credibility that needs to be recognized here: Randy Wayne Belt is an exceptional writer and it clearly shows in this new release. 

All instrumental, mixing, vocals, and production was created singlehandedly by Randy and it is a credit to both his multitasking abilities & talent that such a pretty song has been created in such a short amount of time! In addition to his meticulous and consistently polished articles that he writes for Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine and online, he is able to continuously create something new every time for Barley Station and keeps up with the growing fan base. 

In the wake of last fall's epic 'Double Star' release on October 15th, 2015, 'Like Destiny' is a Mellifuous blend of both instrumental and vocal brought home with a folk/rock blend truly consistent to what is now known as 'The Barley Station Sound'. 

Congrats on yet another single knocked out of the park!

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To find out more go to (Click to be directed):
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Link to purchase 'Like Destiny': iTunes