Norma Jean Unveils Tour Line-Up
Post-hardcore heavy rockers Norma Jean will headline the “Explosions 2009″ US tour, presented by Hot Topic, Monster Energy Drink, Activision / Tony Hawk: Ride, Denny’s All Nighter, Rockett Clothing, Keep A Breast, Solid State Records, Vagrant Records, and Century Media Records. Rolling out in late November and running through late December, the tour is the band’s first headlining trek since the Fall of last year and boasts an impressive lineup with a few surprises from the powerful live band. Norma Jean handpicked the bands for the tour’s impressive bill: Horse The Band, The Chariot and Arsonists Get All The Girls. “We’ve always loved heavy music with no loyalty to any genre, style, approach or ‘fashion’ and this tour is just a taste of that non-allegiance,” says Norma Jean frontman Cory Brandan. “Arsonists are an insane band from Santa Cruz. The Chariot are our good friends from our home state of Georgia. I’m really looking to hearing the songs from their new record live. We may even join each other on stage once in a while. Horse The Band is such a different sounding band. You can tell they really love what they do and have fun doing it. That’s something we love about any band.” Norma Jean will be touring in support of their most recent album, The Anti Mother. Horse The Band drops a new album Desperate Living October 6th. The Chariot and Arsonists Get All The Girls are touring in support of their latest albums as well. In addition the spectacular bill, Norma Jean has a surprise in store for their longtime followers: in select cities, which will be announced at a later time, Brandan reveals that the band will perform their breakthrough album Bless The Martyr and Kiss the Child in its entirety (save for the album’s 15 minute track). “We have always wanted to do something special for our fans and at some point we’d like to do even more atypical things like this.” The Explosions 2009 tour will boast very affordable ticket prices, in observance of the difficult time many musicians are sharing with their fans and everyone else in the beleaguered country. “We know it’s tough times out there,” Brandan observes. “We’re definitely looking forward to this tour and hanging out with the true Norma Jean fans.”
This will be the last chance to catch Norma Jean live before they huddle together to write and record a new record.
Tour Dates:
11/19 – New Orleans, LA
11/20 – Houston, TX
11/21 – San Antonio, TX
11/22 – Ft. Worth, TX
11/24 – Tempe, AZ
11/25 – Pomona, CA
11/27 – San Francisco, CA
11/28 – Portland, OR
11/29 – Seattle, WA
11/30 – Boise, ID
12/01 – Salt Lake City, UT
12/02 – Denver, CO
12/04 – St. Paul, MN
12/05 – Chicago, IL
12/06 – Cleveland, OH
12/07 – Pittsburgh, PA
12/08 – Toronto, ON
12/09 – Montreal, QC
12/11 – New York, NY
12/12 – Lancaster, PA
12/13 – Towson, MD
12/14 – Richmond, VA
12/15 – Columbia, SC
12/17 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
12/18 – St. Petersburg, FL
12/19 – Atlanta, GA
For more information on Gwen Stacy, visit:
myspace.com/normajean
Oh, Sleeper Announce Tour With The Chariot
Oh, Sleeper has announced a co-headlining tour with The Chariot for this October. The Texas based band recently released their sophomore full-length Son Of The Morning of which Alternative Press wrote “The band are tighter than a duck’s ass and the songs range from simply good to damned awesome.” Ultimate-Guitar.com echoed the sentiment saying the album “possesses a powerful yet melodic sound with shredding guitar work, a strong bass sound, and beastly drumming” and “I’d certainly buy it again if I lost it!” The band is currently on tour as main support to Every Time I Die and Bring Me The Horizon which will run until October 11th. Son Of The Morning is the follow up to the band’s 2007 debut When I Am God (Solid State Records) which scanned over 25,000 copies in the U.S. The new album is a epic concept work, centered around nothing less than the final battle between the devil and God. The band recently released a video trailer for the title track here.
Tour Dates:
10/12 – Crofton, MD
10/13 – Altoona, PA
10/15 – Raleigh, NC
10/16 – Montgomery, AL
10/17 – East Ridge, TN
10/20 – Louisville, KY
10/21 – Evansville, IN
10/22 – Toledo, OH
10/23 – Mt Clemens, MI
10/24 – Indianapolis, IN
10/25 – Orland Park, IL
10/26 – Herrin, IL
10/29 – Sauget, IL
10/30 – Little Rock AR
10/31 – Claremore, OK
11/1 – Oklahoma City, OK
Skillet News
With sales approaching 100k after just 2 weeks of their latest release, Skillet is getting some major exposure with their singles and music videos for both “Monster” and “Hero”. he music video for “Monster,” which is the #1 best selling rock music video on i-Tunes®, and was just added to FUSE TV’s rotation, premiered on AOL’s NOISECREEP and MSN Music last week, as well as Hearitfirst.com on 9/9. The music video for their #1 Christian rock single, “HERO,” premiered on Yahoo!Music on 9/10. In addition, the “HERO” video will have it’s Tangle.com premiere on 9/14, it’s broadcast TV-U premiere on 9/24, and begin rotation on the Gospel Music Channel in October. The radio single for “Monster” is climbing the mainstream Active Rock charts (currently #21 this week), while “Hero” holds strong at #2 on Christian CHR, after landing a #1 at Christian Rock. Along with NBC’s use of “Hero” for their promotional campaign heralding the new season of NBC Sunday Night Football, the network has also begun using the song for the NFL’s Weekend Kickoff Promos for
Thursday night’s game between the 2009 Superbowl Champs The Pittsburgh Steelers and The Tennessee Titans. SKILLET’s video performance of “Monster” will open as the official theme song each week during the upcoming Raycom Sports broadcasts of the ACC College Football season, starting this weekend in the Wakeforest/Stanford game. The video will open each game throughout the fall and be broadcast in over 40 major ACC markets including Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, Miami, and Washington D.C.. Skillet joins a star-studded list of performers featured in Raycom football and basketball telecasts over the years, including Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, Daughtry, Sugarland, Alison Krauss, Chris Brown, Lil’ Mama, T-Pain and Ricky Skaggs.
Check out their new website here:
skillet.com
Free Future of Forestry Download
Future of Forestry is back with “Travel II”, the second part to the three-part EP series by San Diego’s Future of Forestry. Continuing an already acclaimed musical and spiritual journey that launched in May, ethereal San Diego rock band Future of Forestry releases Travel II, the second six-song EP in its unique three-part Travel series, on September 8, 2009 via Credential Recordings (Switchfoot). Travel II further showcases the compelling Future of Forestry blend of contemplative lyrics with uncommonly creative, melody-rich alternative rock performances, this time adding standout World Music percussion flourishes on cuts like “Hills of Indigo Blue” and “So Close So Far.” The travel concept resounds with European-flavored sing-song immediacy on “Set Your Sails” and the harder biting “Holiday.” Other tunes include “Slow Your Breath Down” and “Someday.” Future of Forestry took its name from a C. S. Lewis poem and released the debut album Twilight in 2007. Songs from that project were featured on Oprah’s Big Give and ABC Family Channel’s Wildfire.” You can check download the first track off the album
here or feel free to pass around the song, offer if as a download and spread it however you wish.
For more information on Future of Forestry. visit:
myspace.com/futureofforestry
Abandon Kansas Releases To iTunes
We’re All Going Somewhere, Abandon Kansas’s debut EP on Gotee Records, just released as an iTunes exclusive. The Wichita-based band created this project with producer Mark Townsend (Relient K, House of Heroes), and it’s receiving rave reviews for its singalong hooks while never losing it’s indie rock edge. The Lexington Music Press calls We’re All Going Somewhere “an addictive, sweet and melodic EP. 4 ½ stars”, while The Album Project responds with “melodic rock songs which are so pure and inviting.” To celebrate, the band will be performing a hometown release show on Sept. 11 in Wichita, KS followed by an event in Lake of the Ozarks, MO to support the Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Then, 9/13, the “Super Big Time American Traveling Concert” tour kicks off with House of Heroes and The Wedding. “I can’t think of a better band to tour with, to kick of our new Gotee release than House of Heroes,” explains Jeremy Spring, vocalist for Abandon Kansas. “These guys are vocal gods, not to mention label mates, and we’re looking forward to watching them play every night.” Abandon Kansas We’re All Going Somewhere is exclusively available as a download through iTunes today, or on CD at any of the Abandon Kansas live shows.
Tour Dates:
9/17 – Ames, IA
9/18 – Bismark, ND
9/19 – Minneapolis, MN
9/20 – Wausau, WI
9/22 – Mt Vernon, IL
9/23 – Franklin IN
9/25 – Orion, MI
9/26 – Cincinnati, OH
9/28 – East Ridge, TN
9/29 – Greenville, SC
9/30 – Orlando, FL
10/1 – Jacksonville, FL
10/3 – McCalla AL
10/6 – Lafayette, LA
10/9 – Houston, TX
10/10 – Plano, TX
10/11 – Texarkana, TX
10/17 – Centennial, CO
10/23 – Manhattan, KS
10/31 – Bolivar, MO
11/14 – Newton, KS
Michael Phillips Drops Solo Release
Roxx Records and Ne Plus Ultra Music are set to release the debut solo CD from the axeman that helped define the sound of both Deliverance and Fasedown, the man… Michael Phillips the album… Mirrors within Mirrors. Mirrors within Mirrors is an eccentric piece of work that if you had to define could be called an epic journey to the ear containing both progressive elements intertwined with acoustic pieces throwing in some slight touches of the defining metal and thrash that he has so clearly helped define. This release is a true masterpiece of music that truly tells a story, but not just any story this is his story and his life! This release is both an escape and a defining moment for Michael as he was able to truly break free of all the boundaries and labels often put on artists. Michael had complete and utter freedom putting this very special release together for all to hear. He even recruited a little help from his friends for this one including some very special guest appearances from Jim Chaffin (Crucified, Fasedown), Mark Solomon (Crucified, Stavesacre), Jimmy Brown (Deliverance, Jupiter VI), Devin Shaeffer (Fasedown, Once Dead) , Matt Davis (Oh Sleeper) , Bill Bachman (Neal Morse) and Scott Waters (Ultimatum, Once Dead). This limited edition release will be made available to the world on October 13, 2009. The first 100 pre-orders only will come with an exclusive limited edition poster personally autographed by Michael Phillips.
For more information on Michael Phillips, visit:
roxxproductions.com
David Crowder Band prep for 32-city tour
The David Crowder*Band countdown to Church Music has begun with weekly singles being released on iTunes. Fans are getting an early dose of Church Music with iTunes ® releasing a new single from the record every Tuesday in September until the album streets allowing listeners to complete their own album. As of today, three singles have been released including “How He Loves,” “Alleluia, Sing” and “We Are Loved” with a fourth song releasing next Tuesday, September 15, leading up to the full album release on September 22. “How He Loves” has been downloaded nearly 50,000 times since it was released on iTunes ® on June 30. These singles are part of the “David Crowder*Band Countdown to Church Music” which topped the iTunes Video Podcast charts last week. David Crowder*Band with opening acts Danyew and Seabird will take the Church Music tour to 32 cities and churches nationwide starting on October 1. The tour will begin on the heels of an outstanding pre-sale with thousands of tickets sold in advance, giving fans who purchased them first access to the front seats at every date this fall. In addition to releasing Church Music, band front man David Crowder and violinist Mike Hogan will launch their book Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven, But Nobody Wants To Die with Zondervan on November 9. Church Music will mark the David Crowder*Band’s fifth album. To add to the uniqueness of the record, the 17 songs on the album play continuously from beginning to end with one song blending into the next. The result: 73 full minutes of music – 17 tracks, which ably stand alone, while at the same time seamlessly join together. Less than two weeks before David Crowder*Band unveils their 17-track recording Church Music, David Crowder gives you an original introduction to their newest album releasing on September 22 at the band’s home church in Waco, Texas. In support of the album, the band is also embarking on the 32-city Church Music Tour and releasing a single from the new record on iTunes ® every Tuesday leading up to the release.
Tour Dates:
Oct/1 – San Antonio, TX
Oct/2 – Abilene, TX
Oct/3 – Houston, TX
Oct/8 – Las Vegas, NV
Oct/9 – Phoenix, AZ
Oct/11 – Sacramento, CA
Oct/12 – Modesto, CA
Oct/13 – Redding, CA
Oct/15 – Eugene, OR
Oct/16 – Portland, OR
Oct/17 – Seattle, WA
Oct/18 – Abbotsford, BC
Oct/19 – Spokane, WA
Oct/20 – Boise, ID
Oct/22 – Minneapolis, MN
Oct/23 – Chicago, IL
Oct/24 – Grand Rapids, MI
Oct/25 – Detroit, MI
Oct/29 – Dallas, TX
Oct/30 – Tulsa, OK
Nov/5 – Indianapolis, IN
Nov/6 – Lexington, KY
Nov/7 – Cincinnati, OH
Nov/8 – Lancaster, PA
Nov/12 – Burlington, NJ
Nov/13 – New York City, NY
Nov/15 – Morgantown, WV
Nov/17 – Washington, DC
Nov/18 – Charlotte, NC
Nov/19 – Columbia, SC
Nov/20 – Tampa, FL
Nov/21 – Atlanta, GA
Decyfer Down Continues To Dominate The Charts
NO rockers Decyfer Down continue to dominate the charts as their current single “Desperate” recently topped the Christian Rock Radio chart at No. 1. This is the band’s seventh consecutive No. 1 single on Christian Rock Radio following the success of their previous hits “Crash” and “Fading,” from their sophomore album Crash (May ’09), along with “Break Free,” “Life Again,” “Fight Like This” and “No Longer,” from their debut release, End of Grey. “We’re very excited about the response for the new record Crash and to have our 3rd consecutive No. 1 single from this album has been very energizing to see,” says drummer Josh Oliver. “We are super pumped about the fall tour with Skillet and Hawk Nelson and look forward to connecting with many ‘Decyferites’ and meeting new people along the way. We desire to bring the hope and truth that God has given us into people’s lives through the music and conversations this fall. Be sure to come out to the tour and say hello and be prepared to receive what God has for you. Thanks everyone for your support!” Decyfer Down will be sharing the stage with Hawk Nelson as they accompany headliner SKILLET on their “Awake & Alive” tour and they travel across the U.S. hitting major markets such as New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, Dallas and Chicago. The tour kicks off September 24th and carries on through December 6th.
For more information on Decyfer Down and the tour please go to:
decyferdown.com
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s New Album Out In November
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club has revealed the tracklisting and cover art for their previously announced three-disc Live DVD due out November 10, 2009 on Abstract Dragon/Vagrant. The band is also giving away a free remix of “Not What You Wanted” to fans today via their website. The DVD features over two hours of live concert footage from three sold out shows in Berlin, Dublin and Glasgow. The footage documents the end of the band’s 2007 tour in support of Baby 81, their most recent full-length release and was directed and edited by Tessa Angus with live audio mixed by BRMC’s own Peter Hayes. The second bonus DVD features over ninety minutes of intimate, behind-the-scenes footage as well as additional performance footage. The package is rounded out by a bonus audio CD featuring 14 songs from the concert film and a 48-page photo booklet. The Los Angeles, CA-based group is currently at The Station House studio in Hollywood finishing work on their fifth studio album. The as-yet-untitled album is expected to have a March 2010 release.
DVD Track Listing:
Berlin
Weapon Of Choice
Rise Or Fall
666 Conducer
Ain’t No Easy Way
Weight Of The World
Stop
All You Do Is Talk
Red Eyes and Tears
As Sure As The Sun
American X
Spread Your Love
Love Burns
Mercy
Dirty Old Town
Promise
Six Barrel Shotgun
Whatever Happened To My Rock n’ Roll (Punk Song)
Fault Line
Took Out A Loan
The Show Is About To Begin
Heart & Soul
Vans Warped Tour 15TH Anniversary Film On Carson Daly
Tune in this week to Last Call with Carson Daly to see the VANS WARPED TOUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION featured on the show. The VANS WARPED TOUR segment will air the night of Wednesday, September 16 on NBC TV at 1:35 AM ET/PT, 12:35 AM CT. Presented by NCM Fathom and 4Fini, the VANS WARPED TOUR 15th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION is a one-night-only special theatrical event happening this Thursday, September 17 nationwide at 8:00PM ET/7:00PM CT/6:00PM MT/8:00PM PT. The event features performances from 3OH!3, The Aggrolites, All-American Rejects, Bad Religion, blink-182 (video), The Decaydance All Stars, Ice T, Katy Perry, NoFX, Ozomatli, Pennywise, Rise Against and Underoath, most captured live at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on September 6. The VANS WARPED TOUR 15th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION appears on the big screen in high-definition with Cinema Surround Sound across the U.S. in 464 select movie theaters. Check out the trailer here.
Anvil Metal Fest Will Be On Halloween
Anvil Metal Fest 5 Costume Party and Contest will be on October 31. It will be located in Liberty, KY. The Theme is METAL! Bands confirmed to perform are The Rose Hill, The Tug Fork River Band, Steryle, the Return of Biogenesis, Vexing Souls, Bellor, Avenge The Tragedy, Battlelion and more TBA (subject to change). Times will be announced soon. Please visit myspace.com/anvilmetalfest for Costume Rules and more Info.
Creed News
ROCKPIT.COM, the new music website dedicated to all things rock, will celebrate its official launch LIVE with CREED from the Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilion in Houston to kick off the High Definition Live Webcast Concert Series along the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning rockers’ Full Circle tour. Be a part of the action as it happens for FREE atRockpit.com starting Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. CST. “It’s amazing how life can change and bring you full circle,” notes CREED lead singer Scott Stapp regarding the Full Circle Tour. “Time gave us all a chance to reflect, grow and gain a deeper appreciation of our friendships, artistic chemistry, passion for music, and sincere love for our fans! It’s rare in life to get a second chance to make a first impression and we embrace the opportunity. We all believe the BEST IS YET TO COME!” Creed fans and rock enthusiasts can register NOW to receive a free ALL ACCESS webcast pass to be among the 200,000 live viewers worldwide by visiting www.Rockpit.com. The CREED live webcast, produced by DC3 Music Group, LLC and directed by awarding-winning director Daniel E. Catullo III (Rush in Rio, Nickelback Live From Sturgis, Godsmack: Changes), will find its place in the Guinness Book of World Records as a world-record breaking cinematic experience featuring 242 cameras — the most cameras ever used for coverage for a live music event. Coverage will include simultaneous filming of backstage footage, extended aerial “Fly Cam” stadium views, the full-length concert and pre- and post-concert band interviews. “Rock music is central to the identity of America and we wanted to pay tribute to the passion, creativity and style that have inspired legions of fans for decades,” says Rockpit.com co-founder and CEO Brian Lisi. “Iconic bands like Creed and the live rock music experience deserve to be front and center again, and the Rockpit.com platform is making this possible.” The highly anticipated Rockpit.com website and High Definition Live Webcast Concert Series will be a music industry first. Rockpit.com features an exclusive, comprehensive rock band database of over 500 rock bands and artists, editorial blogs, fan-driven content and community, and the largest full-length rock concert catalog available online. The catalog will feature A-list artists in heritage, alternative and top 40 rock. Creed’s new video for “Overcome” will premiere on Yahoo! Music this Wednesday, September 16th.
©2009 HM Magazine All Rights Reserved
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