Puppet Peart!
Thanks to Father Simon and James Brandon for sharing this with me. Amazing.
Ozric Tentacles: Mad Fish!
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OZRIC TENTACLES TECHNICIANS OF THE SACRED MADFISH 11 May 2015 |
| OZRIC TENTACLES – NEW ALBUM ‘TECHNICIANS OF THE SACRED’ – RELEASED ON MADFISH ON MAY 26th 2015
For over thirty years, OZRIC TENTACLES has pursued their defiantly independent, free-thinking and fundamentally groovy path through contemporary music. They were the rock band that joyously united the free festival crowd and the rave scene back in the late eighties and early nineties, and through successive passing trends and the abatement of the mainstream music business have fearlessly let their freak flag fly, shrugged off the urge to compromise and stuck to their core values. Consequently, the result is pure music, made for love and joy, and the ecstatic reward that comes from habitually pushing their boundaries to create beauty to the limit of their current human capabilities. It’s with great pleasure, therefore, that we announce the release of an all-new DOUBLE CD and vinyl album set, Technicians of The Sacred, to be released on the Madfish label in North America on Tuesday, May 26th 2015. Technicians of The Sacred is a superb sojourn to the world of Ozrics. Richly layered, evocatively ambient, and ethereal musical landscapes, seamlessly morphing through beatific freeform dub trips, incredible rave grooves, and psychedelic progressive rock, create a heady, kaleidoscopic mixture of tones and textures. The aim is not just to make truly unique and culturally diverse music, but also to harmoniously unite all in attendance, and create portals for astral travel. Many fans and listeners report feelings of euphoria, an immediate connection to nature as well as others around them, and intense feelings that they have journeyed to other dimensions or met with other-worldly beings. It’s an open exploration of music and the soul. “T.O.T.S.” will be their first double since the classic “Erpland” over 20 years ago. The aesthetics of the album is heavily themed in Mayan Astrology. Technicians of the Sacred is a characteristic trait of the “tone“ in each member’s “dreamspell” (Mayan astrological symbol). “Many years ago in a tent just prior to performing at Glastonbury Festival, we were given our Mayan Astrology reading”, says the Ozrics Ed Wynne, smiling as usual. “The man doing the readings was getting more and more excited the further he went, he said he was going to tell us something that would change our lives forever. He proceeded to reveal that we are actually Galactic Activation Portals sent to channel messages of love to the world. Upon hearing this statement we questioned, “Now that we know this, should we be doing something different with our lives?” He paused for a moment, then laughed, and as the crowd roared said, “Hurry up then, the audience is waiting to hear you!” Technicians Of The Sacred tracklisting DISC 2 OZRIC TENTACLES LIVE In support of this epic 90+ minute offering, the band will kick off their tour dates through Europe and the UK on April 25th with their first performance in Warsaw. Another first on the tour will be Belgrade, Serbia. The tour will continue through May, before arriving stateside in June for a run of festivals and club performances. April May More dates to be announced |
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RochaNews: Alex Lifeson to Guest on Renman
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RUSH GUITARIST ALEX LIFESON TO GUEST ON RENMAN MUSIC & BUSINESS WEB SHOW “RENMAN LIVE” NEXT WEEK Tune in live Wednesday, April 22 to join the conversation! |
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LOS ANGELES – Renman Music & Business, the music industry mentoring website founded by longtime industry veteran, Steve Rennie (aka “Renman”), will broadcast another episode of its Renman Live web show next week, Wednesday, April 22, with special guest, legendary Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson. The show will air live starting at 5:00 p.m. PDT / 8:00 p.m. EDT on the Renman MB YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/renmanmb. Head over to Renman Music & Business at: http://www.renmanmb.com/live/renman-live-w-rush-guitarist-alex-lifeson for more info and to submit questions in advance. Viewers can also ask questions live on air by calling the Renman Live hotline: 1-310-469-9067 during the show. “People ask me all the time how you learn the music biz,” said Rennie. “Simple. Hang out with smart people. “On my web show, Renman Live, I’ve been lucky to have had some of the smartest, most talented people in the music biz join me to share their stories, insights and advice with aspiring artists and music pros who are dreaming of doing something big on their own and need some inspiration and direction. If you are interested in the music biz, watching an episode of Renman Live is the next best thing to sitting on the couch with me and my guests.” Guests who have appeared on Renman Live include Nate Reuss (FUN.), Pretty Lights, Brandon Boyd (Incubus), Andy Biersack (Black Veil Brides), Grouplove, Paul Tollett (Founder, Coachella), Charles Attal (Promoter, Lollapalooza), Kevin Lyman (Founder, Warped Tour), Troy Carter (Manager, John Mayer), Richard Griffiths (Manager, One Direction), Pat Magnarella (Manager, Green Day), Tom Corson (President, RCA), Mike Caren (President A&R, Warner Bros), Aaron Bay-Schuck (A&R Exec, Bruno Mars), Jeff Castelaz (President, Elektra Records) and many more. Over the last 36 years, Renman Music & Business mastermind, Steve Rennie, has become one of the most successful and respected professionals in today’s music business. He has amassed a broad swath of experience as a concert promoter (Sr. VP Avalon Attractions now Live Nation 1984-1990), record company executive (Sr. VP GM Epic Records 1994-1998), internet entrepreneur (ArtistDirect 1998-2000) and artist manager (Incubus 1998-2014). Now, he is dedicating himself to mentoring this next generation of artists and music pros who will shape the music industry of the future. In 2012, Rennie founded Renman Music & Business: http://www.renmanmb.com, an online education portal for the music industry featuring a YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/renmanmb with over 500 video clips with tips from industry pros, a web show, Renman Live: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaCGuUBKBfsuEGSchAEyI9fFuMXzJVuun, which has livestreamed over 100 episodes so far, and more. Earlier this year, Rennie launched Renman U, an online course designed to be “an insider’s guide to today’s music business,” at: www.renmanu.com. Once enrolled, Renman U students receive an interactive set of online video lessons designed to teach aspiring artists and music business professionals what it takes to succeed in the music industry. Course lessons are based on Rennie’s more than 36 years of experience at the highest levels in the business, and include quizzes, written exams and more. Rennie recently spoke with Forbes.com about his Renman U program. Check out the interview at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/ruthblatt/2015/04/16/a-coaching-approach-to-becoming-a-music-business-insider/. An introductory Renman U video can be seen on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/Q-GQyl5zNk8, while a free demo is available at: http://renmanu.com/course/renman-u-free-demo/. Keep up with Renman Music & Business on the new Renman MB app for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/renman-music-business/id912847478?ls=1&mt=8 and Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beachfrontmedia.renmanmusicandbusiness and online at: www.renmanmb.com. -###- |
Sufjan Stevens — Carrie & Lowell ★★★★★
The new album by Sufjan Stevens is excellent and I give it five stars. My favorite track is “Drawn to the Blood” (which is simply an astonishing track, with even a prog-worthy soundscape generated at the end).
There is a very good review of the album over at CWR. Here is a taste:
Stevens’ new release, Carrie & Lowell, is his most delicate and difficult offering to date, due to the subject matter that drove him to be the conduit for these songs. This collection is an exploratory guide to what grief demands of us. He admits the album was born from a terrifying inner place he entered after pain overwhelmed him following the death of his mother Carrie in 2012. Her life had been fraught with alcoholism, depression, and schizophrenia; their relationship was nearly nonexistant, marked by her leaving Stevens as a child. What ensued was a gaping distance and Sufjan’s longing to know her—a knowing that never arrived. He returned to Oregon to make parts of the record, the coastal state holding his only fading childhood memories of his mother.
The subject matter is truly grim, but Sufjan’s signature touch of genius is an ability to draw listeners into intimate places—terrifying places of loss and longing that may never be reconciled—and reveal them in exquisite ways. From start to end the songs are woven together with a thread of almost-whispered vocals, minimal production, and background room noise. Upon first listening you expect an eventual lift from the muffled vocals—a lift that never comes during the entire record, which after many listens to me feels just what grief is like: a pressing in, a weightedness, always there, never letting up.
Official Announcement from Radiant: Chris Thompson
Here’s the official press
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CHRIS THOMPSON TAKES THE HELM AT NEAL MORSE’S RADIANT RECORDS April 15, 2014-Nashville. As of today, Chris Thompson is taking the helm at Radiant Records, the progressive rock independent label founded by Neal and Cherie Morse. Thompson will be responsible for overseeing Radiant’s current releases and distribution, and further expansion of the label. Radiant currently serves as the in-house label for several of Morse’s artistic endeavors: his acclaimed solo work, and the Prog Award winning super-group Transatlantic. Radiant also serves as the label for Neal’s inspired worship albums. Additionally, Radiant sells releases by other leading progressive artists, as well as being the exclusive outlet for products from Morse’s #1-charting super-group, Flying Colors. In addition to being a label, Radiant has a publishing arm, Big Hatter Music. There is also an in-house recording studio available for Radiant artists, and outside clients. Its high-end capabilities allow to also serve as the primary recording facility for Morse’s solo work, Transatlantic, and Flying Colors. Radiant has direct label deals with other labels for some of Morse’s work, and serves as a primary label. Its North American distributor is Sony/RED through Metal Blade Records. In Europe, the distributor is Sony through New Century Media. In the digital realm, Radiant is a direct iTunes label. “Chris’s dedication and service to people, combined with his knowledge and work ethic, are unsurpassed,” says Morse. “We are very excited that he is taking over the reins of Radiant Records and allowing me more time to focus on my calling in music.” “I couldn’t be more excited by the chance to lead Radiant,” Thompson offers. “The only limit on our future is us-we plan on doing some amazing things to serve those who love the music. In addition to current mission, we will nurture and record new artists, leverage our iTunes label status to establish Radiant as digital distributor, and further expand into the global marketplace.”
Press Contact: Heather Thompson |
Cosmographic! Happy Birthday, Robin.
An Exclusive Interview: Chris Thompson, President of Radiant Records
For those of you who have been with us since the very beginning of this website, you know how much we love and value Chris Thompson. Even before we started the site, we contacted Chris at Radiant to make sure we could get some cds to review. Chris, rather gloriously, answered not only positively, but with great enthusiasm. It’s no exaggeration to state that his response gave us the confidence to launch progarchy.com.
As just announced, Chris is the newly-appointed president of Radiant Records, arguably the premier American label for prog and art rock.
A few years ago, progarchy.com named Chris its overall “prog-guy” of that year. In personal relations, he’s as kind and as intelligent as you might imagine. In his professional demeanor, he’s totally. . . well, professional.
Today, to celebrate his new position as president of Radiant, we had a chance to talk with Chris about his role and the role of Radiant in the coming years.
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Progarchy: Chris, thanks so much for taking your valuable time to talk with us. Can you tell us about your new position at Radiant? What will you’ll be doing as President?
Chris: Hey, Brad. This new position has been created to allow me to focus on growing Radiant Records on a global level. Also, with my focus being on the business side of the label, it will allow Neal much needed time to focus more on the music and creative side.
Progarchy: Can you give us hints as to where you’re going to take Radiant?
Chris: With increased exposure in international markets and growing Progressive fan base in North America, signing new artists, and working to become a digital download hub for Progressive Rock, our desire is to take Radiant to the next level. With a state of the art recording studio, Radiant Studios, and the many relationships in manufacturing and distribution, we have a lot of room to grow and expand our organization.
Progarchy: Sounds perfect. Can you give us a bit about your own background?
Chris: My background is purchasing and estimating, as well as with anything organizational. Having worked with Neal in every area of touring (i.e. merch, lighting, tour management, booking, logistics), I have pretty well done it all. With my experience in marketing and merchandising, I will be able to assist Neal with product design and manufacturing, as well as other artists that we sign to the Radiant label. I have 20+ years in management and customer service, and I strive to offer better service than you can get anywhere else. Nothing less.
Progarchy: Finally, how would you assess the current and future states of rock music?
Chris: Progressive Rock has held true, demanding high quality music and creative artwork and packaging. As the world is leaning toward mp3’s and a jpeg of a cover, our Progressive fans still love everything about the music and the artists that make it. Radiant’s fans and customers are the best there are, and we are dedicated to bringing them the best music, the best products, the best shows, and the best customer service we can.
Progarchy: Thanks so much, Chris. You’re definitely the future of the genre, and it’s great to have you in this new position. Congratulations!
Glass Hammer Nails Down a Masterpiece
In a recent post, I (belatedly) sang the praises of Glass Hammer’s Ode To Echo. As good as that album is, their latest release, The Breaking Of The World, is even better. Every detail demonstrates this group’s striving for excellence: the beautiful cover reminiscent of Albrecht Durer, the individual photos of the band members, the layout of the lyrics in the booklet, the lyrics themselves, the MUSIC. Glass Hammer exemplifies the definition of arête more than any artist currently active.
From the opening blast of Mythopoeia to the closing bars of Nothing, Everything, there is not a wasted note. The creative fire that gave birth to Ode To Echo has not abated one bit, and one can only hope they continue on this extraordinary run of inspiration.
Highlights? There are too many to list them all, but Mythopoeia is the track I keep returning to. A tribute to J. R. R. Tolkien, it is a paean to divine inspiration that matches its ambition. Veering from some of the hardest rock they’ve ever done to marvelous acoustic sections, this is eight and half minutes of sheer bliss. And how about a shout-out to guitarist Kamran Alan Shikoh! He is masterful on both electric and acoustic instruments.
I also have to mention the incredible work of Steve Babb. Very few bassists can take the lead in a melody while continuing to provide the rock-solid foundation necessary to propel a band. Babb makes it look easy; he is one of the most inventive bassists I’ve ever heard.
Finally, we must recognize the enormous contribution Carl Groves makes. In my opinion, he is the best male vocalist Glass Hammer has ever had, and his lyrics are delightful. Bandwagon skewers the hypocrisy of our age of social media:
“We care!” Isn’t that what you said from your ocean-front home?
I know it’s got to make you feel so much nicer.
Groves’ clever use of paradox in Nothing, Everything would make G. K. Chesterton proud. In a lament on the brevity of human life and humanity’s short memory, he sings,
We are nothing
A small imperfection on the flip side of a grain of salt
We are everything
The light that unthreads all our webs of doubt
It’s been said that Glass Hammer is heavily influenced by the sound of classic Yes. They are light-years beyond being influenced by any group’s sound. They have forged their own unique sound, and it is brimming with unquenchable confidence. May they never abandon their quest for perfection.
Radiant Record’s Weekly Feature: IZZ
Greetings from the Radiant Team!
It’s time for our Weekly Featured Product! This week, our featured item is, Everlasting Instant, the new studio album from American progressive rock group, IZZ! Everlasting Instant, released April 7, 2015, serves as the final installment of a three-part series of albums that began with The Darkened Room (TDR) in 2009 and continued with Crush of Night in 2012. Everlasting Instant concludes this epic thematic arc with a fresh palette of sounds. From the syncopated rhythms and unpredictable meter changes of “Can’t Feel the Earth, Part IV,” to the through-composed nature of “Keep Away,” to the uplifting drama of “Sincerest Life,” the fearlessly modern sound of IZZ continues to surprise at every turn. A must-have addition to every prog collection! Purchase yours here today!
IZZ
Everlasting Instant
Progarchy 