Tag Archives: alternative

06.21.24
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Professional Drummer Rey Levier Drops Exciting New Single “Uncharted Destiny”

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Ray Levier, the drumming maestro known for his genre-hopping abilities has recently released his new single “Uncharted Destiny.”

This track is a masterclass in rhythmic complexity and melodic emotion and perfectly demonstrates Ray’s unparalleled versatility and skill.

“Uncharted Destiny” takes listeners on a vivid musical journey, with dynamic chord shifts and compelling rhythmic progressions, this track shows a deep understanding of various musical styles. Ray’s precision in bashing out rock beats with panache, finessing jazz fusion grooves, swinging with a jazz combo, and laying down rugged hip hop beats is all evident in this single.

Ray describes “Uncharted Destiny” as a voyage of self-discovery amidst the vastness of the universe, finding strength in adversity as well as forging new paths:

“This song is about embracing the unknown, discovering our true selves, and finding strength in adversity. I poured my heart into this track, and I hope it inspires and resonates with you as much as it has with me.”

This theme resonates deeply with his own life story. Born into a family of musicians, Ray discovered his passion for drumming early on. However, it was a devastating fire accident at age 12 that left him with severe burns and the loss of most of his fingers. Despite this, his determination and ingenuity led him to devise unique ways to drum, first using duct tape, then a special martial arts glove, and eventually a surgery that granted him the use of his thumb. His journey from overcoming personal challenges to reaching professional heights is nothing short of inspiring.

Ray’s extensive career spans everything from live performances and teaching to composing for top TV networks like TLC, Discovery, and FOX Sports. Operating out of his cutting-edge studio near Manhattan, Ray’s influence in the music industry is undeniable. He has composed music for major networks, conducted live drum sessions, and collaborated with jazz fusion legends such as Mike Stern and John Abercrombie. His versatility is also highlighted by his long-standing role as the reliable sideman to urban folk and jazz artist KJ Denhert.

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In addition to his performance career, Ray has also made significant contributions as a teacher and clinician. His rigorous study combined with insights from his personal experiences allows him to connect deeply with his students. He uses technology to reach students worldwide and conducts clinics for the manufacturers whose products he endorses, such as Yamaha, Paiste, Vater, and Evans.

His 2009 album “Ray’s Way” brought together jazz fusion greats, offering a satisfying collection of jazz fusion with telepathic musical synergy. His 2018 release “Lost and Found” highlighted his soulful vocals and poignant lyrics within a pop-rock context, drawing influences from classic rock, 1980s new wave, and alternative rock.

“Uncharted Destiny” is something of a bold statement of Ray’s enduring passion and relentless innovation in music, serving as a powerful reminder of the possibilities which exist from dedication and hard work.

Listen to “Uncharted Destiny” here. 

Connect with Ray Levier:

Website // Facebook // Instagram // Spotify // Soundcloud // Apple Music // YouTube Music

05.23.24
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Discover the Awakening: Tataetano’s Debut Album “MaloKhali Rising” Redefines California Sound

Tataetano

Solo artist and singer-songwriter Tataetano announces the release of his debut full-length album “MaloKhali Rising.” 

Hailing from the Bay Area in California, Tataetano is the stage name of Antonio Palazzo. This new album of songs features a blend of Indie and Adult Alternative music.

The concept of “Malokhali Rising” revolves around the theme of awakening and inspiration: 

“I wanted the concept of this album to have a recurring theme of some version of an awakening or an inspiration to achieve something with new possibilities. I decided to name the album “Malokhali Rising.” Khali means space, silence, or empty, as used in Northern Indian music philosophy to describe the pause between two beats. It’s the moment of space (the khali) where rhythm is born. Malo in Tongan means “thank you.” MaloKhali to me, means finding and embracing the empty space between when one part of life (usually negative) ends and another one (positive) begins and being grateful for that. So, Malokhali Rising is the state of mind in which this occurs.” 

Most of the tracks on the album have hints of this concept, but the second track on the album, titled “Down Here,” is the most prominent: 

A great wide darkness swallows me

There’s a trillion stars above every tree

I’m not yet tame, but I am small

The voice I lost shouts “fuck” em all

A strange new breath I feel

Down here

A sunrise spills light on the night

A spirit’s shook by a thunder strike 

Above the ocean of oxygen

Lives worlds our minds have never been

In the first verse, the song depicts a person overwhelmed by the pressures of modern society. They glimpse the awe-inspiring “trillion stars above every tree,” igniting a desire to leave behind their known world in search of something deeper. 

The second verse describes the realization of this search, celebrating nature’s beauty with lines like “sunrise spills light on the night” and the awakening of a spirit “shook by a thunder strike.” It ends with recognizing the vast, unexplored realms of existence, expressed in “above the ocean of oxygen, live worlds our minds have never seen.” The chorus reflects a sense of wonder and renewal, presenting a breath of fresh air that feels entirely new to them.

Throughout all of the tracks, Tataetano brings together a delectable blend of alternative rock elements, synths, and electronica. He stands out for his pleasing melodies and thoughtful lyrics, which together create a unique California sound. 

Tracks “You Are My Friend” and “A Day In Harmony” carry a more mellow electronica sound, while “The Pain I Take” is punchier, with rock beats and percussion. 

“The Joy Will Be Restored” is a standout track on this album for its vocal harmonies, strong rhythms, and catchy refrains. 

The album’s overall instrumentation blends modern electronic sounds with organic hand drums and sometimes ancient percussive instruments, creating a really unique sound. 

Alongside the album, Tataetano has also released a book of poems titled “Borrowed Eden.” The book echoes the themes of his music’s emotional richness, and the album and poetry work together to show artistic versatility and talent for combining different creative expressions. 

Malokhali Track List: 

  1. The Next Thousand Thumps 
  2. Down Here
  3. Let the Sky Cry
  4. You Are My Friend
  5. Peter Pan Parable 
  6. The Pain I Take
  7. Santa Monica 
  8. A Day in Harmony 
  9. Blossom of Desire 
  10. The Joy will be Restored 
  11. Wild Freedom

Tataetano wrote and arranged all the songs and lyrics, working with producer Tal Ariel, an incredible musician who helped develop the songs and ensured they sounded their best!

Keep up to date with Tataetano on his Website. Follow Tataetano on Facebook and Instagram. 

Listen to music on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud and YouTube. 

03.29.24
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Animals In Denial Drop Exciting New Single “Chariot Ride”

Animals In Denial, guided by the highly versatile Christian Imes, represent a remarkable venture into the realm of alternative music. 

Imes’ journey, from receiving his first guitar at 14 to then establishing his own band, shows a strong commitment to artistic innovation and creativity. As a self-taught guitarist, Imes has had continuous musical growth and expanded his skills to encompass synthesisers, drums, and bass guitar. His relentless pursuit of creating innovative sound has resulted in a very diverse and captivating repertoire. 

The new single, “Chariot Ride” is a mesmerizing exploration of introspection and inner peace. Rooted in lush melodies and evocative instrumentation, the song demonstrates Imes’ growth as a songwriter and musician.

Inspired by moments of self-reflection and resilience, “Chariot Ride” invites listeners to embark on a transcendent journey of self-discovery. 

Musically, “Chariot Ride” shows Imes’ eclectic sensibilities, and seamlessly brings together alternative rock elements and electronica elements, to create a captivating overall sound. 

With anticipation mounting for his forthcoming album “ Beyond The Horizon”, set to release in the spring of 2024, this new single release solidifies his position as a visionary force in the alternative music landscape. 

Christian, a devoted family man with Asperger’s, treasures his roles as a husband and father of two boys. Their shared passion for jam sessions infuses their days with joy, serving as a guiding light through life’s ups and downs. And its his unique Neuro-divergent perspective that celebrates diversity, empowering those who feel like outsiders to embrace their differences proudly.

A true aficionado of old-school Rock ‘n’ Roll, Christian holds a deep reverence for the 80s and 90s rock era. Influenced by legendary bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, and Depeche Mode, he infuses his music with nostalgia while embracing futuristic sounds and AI technology to stay relevant in today’s music scene. Christian’s blend of past influences and modern innovation creates a captivating musical journey that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Working meticulously in his personal studio, Imes often with assistance from his wife Jeanine, imbues every aspect of his compositions with true artistic vision. This DIY ethos empowers Imes to create a diverse catalogue of music that is immersive and captivating. 

In 2006, Imes made a significant impact on the music scene with the release of numerous singles and four full-length albums across major streaming platforms. These releases garnered critical acclaim and highlighted Imes’ ability to challenge genre boundaries while maintaining a cohesive sound. 

Listen to “Chariot Ride” on Spotify.

Stay up to date with Animals In Denial on their Website and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Stream music on Spotify , Soundcloud and YouTube Music

12.01.23
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Slightest Clue Debuts Soulful New Song “When You Wake Up”

Slightest Clue is a Vancouver-based four-piece that probably shouldn’t work. Each member brings distinct influences and experiences: a stage actor whose playlists go from Talking Heads to Sonic Youth to Björk, a hook-obsessed recovering choir girl, an electrical engineer whose personal idol is John Bonham, and a guitarist who played for (and left) ten other bands before deciding this was the one for him. It wasn’t supposed to work, but it does, and they don’t have the slightest clue how or why.

“When You Wake Up” comes off their latest forthcoming EP and “came out of left field” for the group as a rare time of writing love songs. As this is the first one written for the EP, it is the building block for a collection of songs around the feelings of falling in and out of love. 

12.23.22
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The Dorons Share Their New Alternative Rock Album, ‘The Doronic Verses’

The 4 piece Providence, Rhode Island-based alternative rock band The Dorons, have just released their debut contemporary rock album, The Doronic Verses.

The Rosenfield family makes up The Dorons, features mom Janice on drums, dad Norman on lead guitar, older brother Aryeh on bass, and younger brother Yosef on lead vocals and guitar. The band came together back in 2017 when Aryeh, then a music major in college, had a senior recital and decided to recruit his family to play with him for the occasion. Mom and dad had retired as performing musicians, previously vets of the ’80s and ’90s Boston alt-rock scene. 

The music of the Dorons evokes contemporary folk-rock, singer-songwriter, and alt-rock styles with searing lead guitar playing, impassioned vocals, sage and sensitive lyrics, earworm hooks, and a stirring acoustic-rock foundation. Their songs also contain nuanced rhythm section interplay. The band’s evocative name is fascinatingly layered. It references the Doors and the bittersweet minor scale, the Dorian mode, plus it hilariously rhymes with “morons.” Additionally, the word “dor” in Hebrew means “generation,” which speaks to the multigenerational nature of the band.

The Doronic Verses is a tight 11-song album of carefully crafted contemporary rock, shaded with singer-songwriter intimacy, country flourishes, and blues-rock urgency. The acoustic-rocker song “This New Poison” is a freshly penned original written by Yosef and Janice, and it boasts a Greta Van Fleet-esque swagger, replete with smoldering bluesy lead guitar. The catchy pop rock tune “Not the Usual Fare” features acoustic guitar layered with chiming electric guitar, along with overlapping “call-and-response” backing vocals. “I wrote that song years ago about my brother, who was autistic, during a time when society and the medical profession didn’t understand the condition. He was a beautiful soul and loved music, and he ended up being institutionalized,” Janice says.

Connect with The Dorons via:

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Spotify

05.19.22
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‘For You, The Garden,’ For Us a Dream!

Wurmy Wormfield (also known as Charles Herman-Wurmfield) is an artist, musician, filmmaker, teacher, gardener, beekeeper, parent and partner creating since the age of 13. This Silverlake, CA based entertainer helped overturn a Los Angeles public school parking lot and transform it into a community garden and educational center. This call to action inspired a transformative personal journey that brought forth a lifelong love of music which led to Wurmy Wormfield being formed and culminated in the opulent folk-pop album, For You, the Garden

Chances are, For You, The Garden is not your first experience with Wurmy’s artistry. As a director, his work includes D’Arcy Drollinger’s award-winning rock operas, Cereal Killers and Possession of Mrs. Jones, seminal collaborations  with Tony-nominated cabaret singer and actor Justin Vivian Bond; and the feature films Fancy’s Persuasion, Legally Blonde 2, and Kissing Jessica Stein.

For You, The Garden is a compilation of Wurmy’s previously released EPs and singles into one convenient place. The 18 songs bring to life the community garden he helped put together in Silver Lake, CA.

Charles speaks from his heart stating, “Let’s dream for a moment as long as we are singing and dancing. Let’s imagine there might be a community garden here one day! Let’s see, I’ve got these pumpkin seeds here in my pocket,  we could write our intentions on them,  add water and see what sprouts up! So grab a pumpkin seed and let’s imagine a community garden. Shall we…” (Garden Song)

While the album was made for kids, specifically dedicated to his own, For You, The Garden is really for all ages. There is always something to be learned, especially when it comes to our Earth and empathy. There is no defines genre and no topic not sung about. Adults can enjoy the music from Wurmy too.

As an older dad, and a pandemic dad, he states he is aware of the time passing, and wanted to make sure and set nature / love of nature to a song so the kids could always know how he felt about it, and even share that joy with their own children, one day. The light hearted music dances on the breath of a dream and spins its web into the garden of the future. 

Listen here:

Find Wormy via:

Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Spotify // Soundcloud