Laraw has dropped her latest single & video for the track, ‘Scissors’
Co-written by Laraw and Michael Adubato (Maude Latour, Del Water Gap and Grace VanderWaal) and produced by Adubato as well, “Scissors” examines the end of a broken relationship. Laraw’s powerful vocals glide over melancholy-tinged guitar as the song crescendos towards the anthemic, heart-wrenching chorus: “stuck your scissors in my heart / now it’s tearing me apart / oh you cut me into pieces.”
Speaking about the track, Laraw says: “‘Scissors’ is about the grief of having a loved one completely destroy you – knowing they will and just letting it happen. It’s for sure the most important song I’ve ever written and marked a new chapter of my life. I got to actually meet myself, grow and learn that the first person you should always love is yourself.”
Slam Dunk Festival is right around the corner, (just over a week away in fact!) in Leeds and Hatfield Park down South and we couldn’t be more excited! There’s so many different bands across The Pop=Punk, Rock and Ska genres we thought we’d go stage by stage to take a look at five acts you should be watching from the crowd!
The Key Club Right Stage – As December Falls
The Midlands based Alternate Rock quartet made waves at the end of 2021 embarking on a SOLD OUT tour of the UK in support of their 2021 record, ‘Happier.’ saw the band taken to new heights in more ways than one. Since then, the band have announced a brand new UK tour for the back end of the year at larger venues as well as festival appearances in the summer.
The Key Club Left Stage – The Summer Set
The Summer Set have been a band the UK has dearly missed since they went on hiatus several years ago. We Are The In Crowd came back to the festival in 2021 so it’s only fitting a band of equal importance to the scene return to the festival this year around. Hopefully we’ll see some of their classic catalogue in ‘Chelsea’ and harder cuts from the Alt-Poppers when they play.
Rock Scene Stage – Hot Milk
It’s been very hard to write off a band such as Hot Milk, especially when they’ve been doing nothing been trailblazers in releasing ear worm worthy material in their 2021 EP, ‘I Just Wanna Know What Happens When I Die’ to their latest single, ‘Bad Influence’, it’s quite difficult to say what will be released when their next single drops but we know it could be as worthy as any strong release they’ve dropped before. Expect a very energetic set from the band as they make their second appearance at Slam Dunk Festival.
Dickies Stage – Sum 41
One of the biggest mainstays in the genre to ever grace your ears, it will be Sum 41’s first time performing in the UK for the since their show at the Dome in London. There’s a good reason the band have been around as long as they have from their 2001 record, ‘All Killer, No Filler’ to more recent releases such as ‘Order In Decline’, they’re a band that always manages to strike a chord with audiences both older and new and hopefully there’ll be some literal fire closing out the festival this year!
Cassyette
(Apologies on the Stage Name for this one, I couldn’t find a confirmed name) Slam Dunk Festival has always been about showing the best music established as well up and coming talent in the UK which means there’s some people many may not have heard of. Enter the electrifying and captivating Gothic Rocker Cassyette where her literal tracks in Mayhem showcases just what the artist is capable of, especially when they’re up performing alongside all the amazing acts later in the day.
Whomever you go to watch on the day(s) you’re at the two locations, it’s going to be an absolutely amazing day jam packed with your favourite artists, mates and food you can stuff your face with!
Slam Dunk Festival 2022 will take place at Temple Newsam Leeds and Hatfield Park on the 3rd and 4th June 2022 respectively.
If could introduce yourselves for us, who are you? We are Elephant Takedown, a four-piece punk and hard rock band from Cambridge, UK. Ben is lead vox, Phil is lead guitar, Simon is lead drums, and I (Alex) play bass.
How did you all meet? Phil and I met through my wife. They were working together at the same company, and I joined them out for a meal one day. Phil and I were both interested in doing some jam sessions, so we booked a studio to do some practice in the new year, but rapidly found it lacking without a drummer. That’s when I put up an advert, and Simon answered the call. From Jan-2019 to Dec-2019 it might as well have just been the three of us, though other very talented musicians came and went. We weren’t expecting to find a new vocalist before Christmas after the previous one left, but Ben reared his head at the last second. He came along to a session, we jelled really well, and we just kinda went from there.
How long have you been playing? As a band, call it 3 and a half years, as individuals, decades.
What three words would you use to describe the music you play? Bouncy Outrospective Nonsense
What are your musical influences? Again, this varies wildly between us but core influences for the band as a whole are people like Shinedown, Rage Against The Machine, and Foo Fighters.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen during a show? We were in the crowd at one of the gigs we played after our set and were treated to watching a bump-and-grind show between another band’s guitarist and his wife. It was a pretty empty room because it was one of our first gigs, and there were right in front of the headliners so…
Being away from the stages in the last few years, where was the first place you visited when the restrictions were lifted? Our first show (and first show out of lockdown) was headlining Brewboard’s Summer Party, which was essentially a very small beer festival. It was a good time.
What’s the one record you own but wouldn’t ever admit to owning? I’d tell you but I’d never admit to owning it.
What have you been listening in the last few weeks? Recently I’ve been listening to Loathe – New Faces In The Dark. They’re a technically brilliant band, but probably an acquired taste. Honestly, I love them though. As a band though Kid Kapichi and Four Year Strong have both been the talk of the town too.
Are there any releases you have planned in the near future? Yes; at least one. We’ll be back in the studio in June recording our debut album. Keep an eye out for it; there’s loads of stuff we have planned.
Check out the bands 2021 EP, ‘Forked Tongue & False Hopes’ below.
Nashville-based indie rock trio Goldpark return on May 13th with their new single, “Lady Lightyear,” out on Hazel Street Records.
“Lady Lightyear” is the first single to be released from Goldpark’s sophomore EP, Goldpark Two, which will be released in late 2022. The new track, which was produced by Jeremy Lutito (Needtobreathe, Ingrid Michaelson, Lennon Stella), is an upbeat and instantly catchy listen. Lyrically, “Lady Lightyear” tells the story of an intergalactic love affair— a man falls in love with a woman unbound by time and space and has an experience so spectacular that he feels like he may never love again.
The band elaborate on the new song: “Love is the closest thing that we have to magic. It’s the only thing that drives us to cross countries, oceans, or even galaxies. There are traces of love in every truly great thing that we can see, hear or touch. All great art comes from some form of love. It doesn’t all look the same though. Sometimes it’s the fear of love. Or maybe the feeling of being broken over love. But it’s all love. Lady Lightyear is a song for all of the Milky Way and beyond to enjoy together. Leave the door open for love somewhere in the stars. Leave the door open for love somewhere in the stars.”
It began in Los Angeles, California two years ago, even though the idea of ARMAGELION came up 10 years ago. I wanted to find the perfect combination between a larger than life character and pure hard rock with reminiscence about the 80s sound but with my own style. Armagelion and his mythology come from the fascination for Sci fi, comic books and larger than life characters.
3. How long have you been playing?
Around five years.
4. What three words would you use to describe the music you play?
Pure Hard Rock.
To get deep into my sound I’d say Hard rock/ heavy metal. High pitched vocals, catchy and dramatic melodies, shredder guitars and melodic synths.
5. What are your musical influences?
The big hard rock bands of the 80s. Specially Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Europe and Kiss.
6. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen during a show?
If I told you, I would have to kill you. ARMAGELION rituals are wild. It’s not a show, but an experience, a ritual. Each venue becomes my temple.
7. Being away from the stages in the last few years, where was the first place you visited when the restrictions were lifted?
It was a tough time. Of course you could still create music, but there was no live audience to share with. The first place I visited was Lava Cantina, a venue at Dallas.
8. What’s the one record you own but wouldn’t ever admit to owning? Fortunately, I don’t think I have guilty pleasures. Maybe one or two songs, but I wouldn’t buy an album full of guilty pleasures. (laughs)
9. What have you been listening in the last few weeks?
I’ve been listening to Journey a lot lately. I love “Who’s crying now” and “Girl can’t help it”
10. Are there any releases you have planned in the near future? I have a new single to come, which is already done as the next preview to the upcoming album. The upcoming single is sensual and energetic. It’s called “Playing with Fire” Also, I’m planning to hit the road this year.
If could introduce yourself for us, who are you? My name is Derrick Williams, and my stage name is AvenueN9ne.
How did you begin to make music? I have always loved music. The way it sounded, the way I felt, everything about music has always drawn me into wanting to know more about that world. I started learning guitar when I was 9, and that was it, I was hooked.
How long have you been playing? I have been making actual songs since 2014. So a total of 8 years now. I have learned so much about my sound and what I want my music to not only sound like, but feel like. It has been one of the best journeys in my life.
What three words would you use to describe the music you play? Honest, real, raw.
What are your musical influences? My musical influences range from MJ to Kendrick Lamar, to SIA. I am a lover of music, so when it is real, I am influenced by it. I really take a lot of strong structure and emotion from older artists, such as Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and the High Priestess of Soul Nina Simone.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen during a show? Not really weird, But rather amazing. I went to see MMF and one of the opening bands, their single climbed to the top of like the balcony seats and backflipped off them into the crowd. So sick.
Being away from the stages in the last few years, where was the first place you visited when the restrictions were lifted? I went to CO for a bit after the restrictions let up a bit. It was one of my favorite getaways. It was the first time in a while that I just relaxed, so not only was it amazing, but much needed as well.
What’s the one record you own but wouldn’t ever admit to owning? The “Speak” album by Lindsey Lohan was such a guilty pleasure of mine LOL I do have a few of these guilty pleasures within music. However, music is music, and if it makes you feel something; the artist did their job.
What have you been listening to in the last few weeks? “Elsewhere” by Set It Off. I loved their last album and then this one has not disappointed at all. The melodies, the song structure, the vocals. Just a masterpiece from start to finish.
Are there any releases you have planned in the near future? Actually yes I do. I have my single “Love Me” dropping April 8th and I am so excited for the world to hear it!
Listen to AvenueN9ne’s latest single, ‘Love Me’ below.
he Black Dahlia Murder have announced that their vocalist Trevor Strnad has passed away.
The band have released a short statement on their socials, which you can read below:
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Trevor Scott Strnad. Beloved son, brother, and Shepard of good times, he was loved by all that met him. A walking encyclopedia of all things music. He was a hugger, a writer, and truly one of the world’s greatest entertainers. His lyrics provided the world with stories and spells and horror and whimsy. It was his life to be your show.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255″
Strnad was a found member of The Black Dahlia Murder and part of the original lineup and he has appeared on every one of their records since over the last two decades, the latest being 2020’s full-length ‘Verminous’.
Greek Avant-Pop artist Lia Hide returns with her new single ‘Uterus Will’ taken from the brilliant new album ‘The Missing Fourth Guest’. Following a stint signed to EMI-Universal, working with a number of acclaimed producers including multiple Grammy award winner Adam Ayan, the Athens-based artist has established herself as one of the most exciting names on the Art-Pop scene. Once again showcasing her strikingly unique blend of Pop, Electronica and Jazz, Lia’s three-piece band have signed with Conch Town Records and are releasing some of their most exciting music to date.
‘Uterus Will’ sees Lia bring her Jazz influences to her synth heavy, Alternative-Pop sound with twinkling piano, moving bass lines and shuffling beats under Lia’s spoken word vocals. Building with layers of synths and the introduction of and intoxicating brass solo, this is Lia at her creative best. Unafraid to experiment and push the boundaries of her music, this is another demonstration of Lia’s impeccable talents as a songwriter and performer.
Lia describes ‘Uterus Will’ as: “A spoken word narrative, weaved in a soliloquy. Lover to lover, random thoughts on death, loss and life. A woman who has yet to be a mother. A daughter who lost her father-in-law. Cars driving fast and halting abruptly in the illuminated night streams. Lego bricks and the fear of dementia. An electro-pop dark song, reminiscent of 80s Anne Clark, dressed up with jazzy bass and trumpet solos and wrapped up in a Tori Amos fragile ending.”
If could introduce yourselves for us, who are you?
My name is Ivan and I am the vocalist of the Italian metal band Stealth.
How did you all meet?
IVAN: Me and Daniele (bassist), we knew each other before forming the band. We were in the same group of friends and the whole project for the band started from there.
Just after me and Daniele formed the first line up of Metal Militia during spring 1997, Lorenzo (guitars) and Roberto (drums) joined us at the beginning of the following year. This has been the line up until summer 2000. We changed name into Stealth during spring 2000 while the original line up was still in place. We commonly agreed to change name because at that time we felt like we were to closely associated with Metallica and even though we were at that time performing few Metallica songs, we already released 2 EPs of our own music. So we changed into Stealth to avoid people thinking we were just a cover band.
How long have you been playing?
IVAN: The 3rd of August 2022 we will celebrate the band 25th anniversary.
What three words would you use to describe the music you play?
IVAN: Metal, Experimental, Innovative.
What are your musical influences?
IVAN: I’d say bands like Fear Factory, Machine Head, Metallica and Iron Maiden influenced our entire musical career. But we are constantly experimenting something new. We are open to all kinds of music styles, both heavy metal and not. Daniele loves hard rock and discovering new prog metal bands together with Lorenzo. Michele, our drummer, is a big fan of Tool and Iced Earth. And finally me, I’m more into industrial and Nu metal in general.
Also I’d say that we constantly take inspiration from all the underground bands we play with
in festivals and venues.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen during a show?
IVAN: It was in one London’s small club some year ago. There was this unusual doom metal trio playing with 2 bass players as frontmen. Weird but absolutely effective.
Being away from the stages in the last few years, where was the first place you visited when the restrictions were lifted?
IVAN: I don’t remember well but I’m sure it was a rock/metal venue nearby.
What’s the one record you own but wouldn’t ever admit to owning?
IVAN: It’s a gospel CD that I usually like listening to during Christmas time. I attended a jazz/gospel vocal seminar in a small town of Appenino mountains here in Italy in the early 2000s. That’s why I used to follow and listen to some gospel artists at the time.
What have you been listening in the last few weeks?
IVAN: I’m doing a global musical research on how metal music has taken influences from popular music. This is leading me to discover some really interesting underground metal bands.
Are there any releases you have planned in the near future?
IVAN: We are thinking to release a compilation of our best audio recordings by the 3rd of August 2022, to celebrate the band 25th anniversary. Probably there will be 12 songs, each of them taken from the 12 audio releases of these 25 years.
Called ‘Technophobia’ it’s a patient and fresh indie banger. Full of striking guitar progression and haunting melodies, it’s a fantastic addition to their catalogue plus the commentary on technology and our addiction to it is one that’s striking enough to make it stand out.
Also, the music video taps into the VHS aesthetic which is nothing short of timely to add to the overall punchline of th tone of the video.
Almost Anything Music 