Tag: Brian Rocha

RochaNews: Nordic Giants

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment
 

KSCOPE ANNOUNCES SIGNING OF MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST DUO NORDIC GIANTS

Debut album coming early 2015

ENGLAND – Kscope is thrilled to announce the signing of multi-instrumentalist duo Nordic Giants. Ahead of the debut album coming in early 2015, Kscope will be release Nordic Giants’ 2014 self-released EPs ‘Build Seas’ and ‘Dismantle Suns’ together on one LP and CD this fall.

 

A teaser video for the new signing can be seen on YouTube at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjhOGU-KdwM.

 

Nordic Giants spent the last couple of years bringing its bespoke formula of claustrophobic post-rock cinematic sound to audiences across the U.K. They have recently toured with Public Service Broadcasting, God Is An Astronaut and 65daysofstatic, this Summer playing festivals including 2000 Trees, Kendal Calling and Y-Not as well as their own headline shows. They have performed in churches, disused Victorian music halls and converted seaside bandstands to enhance the audience experience of their atmospheric soundscapes.

 

Seeing Nordic Giants has been described as akin to a religious experience. Multi-screen visuals, powerful strobes and exquisitely timed accompaniment create a whole that appears far greater than the sum of its parts. Each performance is accompanied by award-winning short films which coupled with haunting piano, bowed guitar, climactic drums and array of guest vocalists gives the audience a mind-blowing and visceral experience that goes beyond the normal descriptors.

 

Kscope was formed in 2008 providing a home for an evolving and adventurous style of music without boundaries. Nordic Giants join a roster that includes North Atlantic Oscillation, Engineers, Steven Wilson, Ulver, Anathema & The Pineapple Thief.

Stay tuned for more information on Nordic Giants.

 

-###-
Nordic Giants online…www.nordicgiants.co.uk

www.facebook.com/nordicgiants

www.kscopemusic.com/nordicgiants

RochaNews: Pineapple Thief Free Download of New Track

On By bradbirzerIn UncategorizedLeave a comment
Gorgeous artwork for the forthcoming TPT album, Magnolia.
Gorgeous artwork for the forthcoming TPT album, Magnolia.

THE PINEAPPLE THIEF OFFERS FREE DOWNLOAD OF NEW TRACK “SIMPLE AS THAT”

10th studio album “Magnolia” out September 16 via Kscope

ENGLAND – The Pineapple Thief is offering fans a free download of the new track “Simple as That” from the band’s upcoming 10th studio album Magnolia at:http://emailunlock.com/kscope-burningshed/the-pineapple-thief-simple-as-that#. Magnoliais set for a September 16 North American release via Kscope.

“Here’s the opening track from the new album for you, the beginning of a deep and varied journey,” said songwriter and guitarist Bruce Soord. “I hope you get as much from our new music as we do. Thanks for your support!”

Additionally, a Magnolia instrumental teaser video is streaming on YouTube at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJrVo9BkURQ.

Fans can also pre-order Magnolia via the following links:

Magnolia follows the acclaimed 2012 album All The Wars and marks an important turning point for The Pineapple Thief, as it expands its musical horizons beyond the progressive sphere. Recorded at Snap Studios and mixed at Strongroom Studios in London, Magnoliarepresents the ultimate culmination of Soord’s ongoing quest to raise spirits and connect. A devastating yet uplifting collection of 12 beautifully crafted songs, it showcases the band’s intuitive chemistry and soulful demeanor, cramming a vast array of emotional shades and inspirational ideas into its 47 mesmerizing minutes. Veering from the strident opening assault of “Simple as That,” due to be the first single, through to the cinematic sweep of the closing track “Bond,” it marks an important step in the band’s story, while skillfully encapsulating everything that has made its musical journey such a relentlessly fascinating one. 

“All I ever wanted was to write catchy songs that stay with people,” commented Soord, explaining how this record represents an important evolutionary phase for The Pineapple Thief. “The striking thing is that there are no long tunes… all I care about now is writing a good song. I don’t think about whether it’s rock or progressive or commercial or anything like that. As time went on, I discovered I could say everything I wanted to say within a shorter period of time.” 

New drummer Dan Osborne, also heavily involved in the production of Magnolia, brought fresh energy and ideas to The Pineapple Thief, strongly contributing to steer the band in a new direction. Completing the line-up are solid bassist Jon Sykes and keyboard maestro Steve Kitch. While string arrangements are courtesy of regular collaborator Andrew Skeet of The Divine Comedy, the stunning final mix was crafted by mix engineer Adam Noble, who has previously worked on albums from the likes of Placebo, Guillemots, Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams and Belgium alt rock band dEUS. The artwork for Magnoliawas created by French artist Patrick Gonzales (http://www.patrickgonzales.net).

1. Simple as That (04:01)

2. Alone at Sea (05:21)

3. Don’t Tell Me (03:35)

4. Magnolia (03:47)

5. Seasons Past (04:14)

6. Coming Home (03:06)

7. The One You Left to Die (04:19)

8. Breathe (02:35)

9. From Me (04:31)

10. Sense of Fear (04:31)

11. A Loneliness (03:22)

12. Bond (04:31)

Formed in 1999 by founder and chief songwriter Bruce Soord as an experimental bedroom project, The Pineapple Thief has since continued to evolve and refine its sound. The group is seen by many as one of the most interesting and innovative rock bands the U.K. has produced in recent years. Previous albums like Someone Here Is Missing (2010) and All The Wars (2012) have made The Pineapple Thief’s reputation and fan base stronger, resulting in interest from a wider audience. Bruce Soord also collaborates with other Kscope artists, joining forces with Jonas Renkse of Swedish band Katatonia on their critically acclaimed Wisdom Of Crowds project. Along with this collaboration, we saw Soord join Katatonia on their recent “Dethroned & Uncrowned – Unplugged & Reworked” acoustic European tour.   

With a new, blossoming sound, Magnolia has all the potential to bring The Pineapple Thief to the masses. This, the band’s 10th record, could not only be a milestone, but also a mainstream breakthrough for the band. With Magnolia, The Pineapple Thief has created 12 musical gems that defy all classifications – anthemic, catchy, intense, honest and straight from the heart.

Stay tuned for more information on The Pineapple Thief and Magnolia.

 

The Pineapple Thief online…

 

The Pineapple Thief is… 

  • Bruce Soord – vocals, guitar
  • Dan Osborne – drums
  • Jon Sykes – bass
  • Steve Kitch – keyboards

 

A huge thanks to our friend Brian Rocha and Fresno Media for reaching out to us–ed., progarchy.com

RochaNews: New Pineapple Thief Coming This September

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment

 

THE PINEAPPLE THIEF TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM “MAGNOLIA” THIS SEPTEMBER

10th studio album out September 16 via Kscope

ENGLAND – The Pineapple Thief has announced details of its new album, Magnolia, due for release in North America on September 16 via Kscope. Magnolia follows acclaimed 2012 album, All The Wars, and marks an important turning point for the band, as it expands its musical horizons beyond the progressive sphere.
Recorded at Snap Studios and mixed at Strongroom Studios in London, Magnoliarepresents the ultimate culmination of songwriter and guitarist Bruce Soord’s ongoing quest to raise spirits and connect. A devastating yet uplifting collection of 12 beautifully crafted songs, it showcases the band’s intuitive chemistry and soulful demeanor, cramming a vast array of emotional shades and inspirational ideas into its 47 mesmerizing minutes. Veering from the strident opening assault of “Simple As That,” due to be the first single, through to the cinematic sweep of the closing track “Bond,” it marks an important step in the band’s story, while skillfully encapsulating everything that has made its musical journey such a relentlessly fascinating one.
“All I ever wanted was to write catchy songs that stay with people,” commented founder Bruce Soord, explaining how this record represents an important evolutionary phase for The Pineapple Thief. “The striking thing is that there are no long tunes… all I care about now is writing a good song. I don’t think about whether it’s rock or progressive or commercial or anything like that. As time went on, I discovered I could say everything I wanted to say within a shorter period of time.”
New drummer Dan Osborne, also heavily involved in the production of Magnolia, brought fresh energy and ideas to The Pineapple Thief, strongly contributing to steer the band in a new direction. Completing the line-up are solid bassist Jon Sykes and keyboard maestro Steve Kitch. While string arrangements are courtesy of regular collaborator Andrew Skeet of The Divine Comedy, the stunning final mix was crafted by mix engineer Adam Noble, who has previously worked on albums from the likes of Placebo, Guillemots, Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams and Belgium alt rock band dEUS. The artwork for Magnoliawas created by French artist Patrick Gonzales (http://www.patrickgonzales.net). 

1.       Simple as That (04:01)

2.       Alone at Sea (05:21)

3.       Don’t Tell Me (03:35)

4.       Magnolia (03:47)

5.       Seasons Past (04:14)

6.       Coming Home (03:06)

7.       The One You Left to Die (04:19)

8.       Breathe (02:35)

9.       From Me (04:31)

10.     Sense of Fear (04:31)

11.     A Loneliness (03:22)

12.     Bond (04:31)

Formed in 1999 by founder and chief songwriter Bruce Soord as an experimental bedroom project, The Pineapple Thief has since continued to evolve and refine its sound. The group is seen by many as one of the most interesting and innovative rock bands the U.K. has produced in recent years. Previous albums like Someone Here Is Missing (2010) and All The Wars (2012) have made The Pineapple Thief’s reputation and fan base stronger, resulting in interest from a wider audience. Bruce Soord also collaborates with other Kscope artists, joining forces with Jonas Renkse of Swedish band Katatonia on their critically acclaimed Wisdom Of Crowds project. Along with this collaboration, we saw Soord join Katatonia on their recent “Dethroned & Uncrowned – Unplugged & Reworked” acoustic European tour. 

With a new, blossoming sound, Magnolia has all the potential to bring The Pineapple Thief to the masses. This, the band’s 10th record, could not only be a milestone, but also a mainstream breakthrough for the band. With Magnolia, The Pineapple Thief has created 12 musical gems that defy all classifications – anthemic, catchy, intense, honest and straight from the heart.

 

Stay tuned for more information on The Pineapple Thief and Magnolia.

 

-###-
 

 
The Pineapple Thief online…

 

www.kscopemusic.com/tpt

www.pineapplethief.com

www.facebook.com/thepineapplethief

www.twitter.com/pineapplethief

 

 

The Pineapple Thief is…

 

Bruce Soord – vocals, guitar
Dan Osborne – drums
Jon Sykes – bass
Steve Kitch – keyboards

For more information, contact Brian Rocha at Fresno Media.

RochaNews: New Engineers, September 16

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music1 Comment
ENGINEERS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM “ALWAYS RETURNING” ON SEPTEMBER 16 VIA KSCOPE

Teaser video featuring track snippets posted on YouTube

ENGLAND – Engineers will release its upcoming fourth studio album, Always Returning, on September 16 via Kscope. The band has unveiled a teaser video containing snippets of the tracks “Fight or Flight,” “Searched for Answers” and “Always Returning” on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GswJTg4ykGw.
Written and recorded alone at home in York by multi-instrumentalist, Mark Peters, before being coated with deft brush strokes of ambient electronica by celebrated German artist/producer, Ulrich Schnauss, Always Returning is a record that unhurriedly drifts in and out of focus, hinting at themes without ever making them so explicit that the listener can’t map out their own personal interpretations. It delivers an overall emotional heft that’s impossible to pull away from.

1.  Bless the Painter

2.  Fight or Flight

3.  It Rings so True

4.  Drive Your Car

5.  Innsbruck

6.  Searched for Answers

7.  Smiling Back

8.  A Million Voices

9.  Smoke and Mirrors

10.  Always Returning

Engineers – with London based drummer and composer, Matthew Linley, rounding out the line-up – has been creating mesmerizing music with brilliantly shaded guitar textures and teasing lyrical ambiguities for over 10 years across three albums – 2005’s debut Engineers (“hypnotic lullabies from beautific Brit newcomers” **** Q), 2009’s Three Fact Fader (“a blistering statement of intent” **** The Sunday Times), and 2010’s swift follow-up In Praise Of More (“should be given to most UK bands as an example of in making an album that is a joy to behold” 8/10 Clash).

 

Stay tuned for more information on Engineers and Always Returning, out this September on Kscope.

 

UPDATE (July 10): 

The band is now offering a free download of the new track “Fight or Flight” via the Kscope website at:http://www.kscopemusic.com/2014/07/10/engineers-offer-free-download/. The song is also streaming on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/-MxRgFAWjMo.

 
Engineers online…https://www.facebook.com/engineersband

http://www.kscopemusic.com/artists/engineers

 

Rocha News: Voyager’s Nominated for PROG’s 2014 Awards

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment

CONTACT:

Brian Rocha

rocha@fresnomediausa.com

 

Ryan Feldman

ryan@fresnomediausa.com

VOYAGER NOMINATED FOR PROG MAGAZINE’S PROGRESSIVE MUSIC AWARDS 2014 ‘BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST’

Fifth album “V” out now
 

 

AUSTRALIA – Australian progressive metal quintet, Voyager, has been announced as a nominee for ‘Breakthrough Artist’ in PROG Magazine’s Progressive Music Awards 2014 presented by Orange Amplification. Fan voting is now open online at:http://awards.progmagazine.com/.

 

In its short but illustrious history, The Progressive Music Awards has received both critical and public acclaim for acknowledging and celebrating one of the most successful but unsung genres of music. Previous award recipients include Rick Wakeman and Ian Anderson as Prog Gods in 2012 and 2013 respectively, along with other million-selling rock legends such as Genesis, Carl Palmer, Rush and Hawkwind’s Dave Brock also being recognized. It has also awarded up-and-coming artists such as TesseracT, Sound Of Contact and Big Big Train who have all gone from strength-to -strength since picking up awards.

 

‘Breakthrough Artist’ nominee, Voyager, released its fifth album, V, on June 3 in North America with distribution through Nightmare Records. The Kickstarter-funded, 13- track album can be purchased now on Bandcamp at: http://voyager.bandcamp.com/ or via the Nightmare Records webstore at: http://www.nightmarerecords.com/online-store/voyager-v-special-slip-case.

 

V was recorded at Templeman Audio with producer, Matt Templeman. The band calls the release “pure, polished Voyager with a modern feel; we are insanely excited about unleashing this.”

 

The new music video for “Hyperventilating” can be seen on YouTube at:http://youtu.be/RrBF0mhz1ho.

 

1. Hyperventilating

2. Breaking Down

3. Beautiful Mistake

4. Fortune Favours the Blind

5. You, the Shallow

6. Embrace the Limitless

7. Orpheus

8. Domination Game

9. Peacekeeper

10. It’s a Wonder

11. The Morning Light

12. Summer Always Comes Again

13. Seasons of Age

 

With five full-length albums under its belt and shows throughout North America, Europe and Asia with the likes of Devin Townsend, Children of Bodom, Soilwork, Nightwish, Epica and Orphaned Land, the five-piece from Oceania is now firmly entrenched in its international repute as a band with heavy grooves, driving riffs and unforgettable melodies.The band’s fourth opus, The Meaning of I (2011), saw rave reviews and international acclaim of the highest caliber (including #8 in Metal Hammer Germany’s ‘Soundcheck’). The U.K.’s, Classic Rock Presents Prog, called the album a “polished collection of heavy, heavily polished anthems.”

 

Complimented by a fiery red keytar, a feisty female guitarist, and vocals Chino Moreno (Deftones, Crosses) recently likened to Duran Duran’s, Simon Le Bon, Voyager is consistently a live force to be reckoned with. After breaking the record for the longest fan signing session in the 12 year history of America’s “Progpower Festival,” the band will return to “Progpower” Europe this year alongside Chimp Spanner, Agent Fresco, Pagan’s Mind and more.
Stay tuned for more information on Voyager and V.

-###-
 
Voyager is…

 

Scott Kay – guitar
Alex Canion – bass/vocals
Daniel Estrin – vocals/keytar
Ashley Doodkorte – drums
Simone Dow – guitar

 

 

Voyager online…

 

www.facebook.com/Voyageraustralia

www.twitter.com/Voyagerau

RochaNews: New Voyager

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music1 Comment

image013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 2, 2014

CONTACT:

Brian Rocha: rocha@fresnomediausa.com

Ryan Feldman: ryan@fresnomediausa.com
VOYAGER LAUNCHES “V” ALBUM STREAM EXCLUSIVELY ON REVOLVERMAG.COM

Fifth album “V” out tomorrow
AUSTRALIA – Australian progressive metal quintet, Voyager, has teamed up withRevolver to stream the band’s fifth studio album, V, before it drops tomorrow in North America. Stream the new release, which the band calls “heavy, groovy and super-catchy” right here: http://www.revolvermag.com/news/voyager-premiere-new-album-v.html.The Kickstarter-funded, 13- track album can be pre-ordered now via Bandcamp at:http://voyager.bandcamp.com/.

“This is going to be pure, polished Voyager with a modern feel; we are insanely excited about unleashing this,” added the band.

V was recorded at Templeman Audio with producer, Matt Templeman, and will see distribution through Nightmare Records.

The band’s latest music video for “Hyperventilating” can be seen on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/RrBF0mhz1ho.

1. Hyperventilating
2. Breaking Down
3. Beautiful Mistake
4. Fortune Favours the Blind
5. You, the Shallow
6. Embrace the Limitless
7. Orpheus
8. Domination Game
9. Peacekeeper
10. It’s a Wonder
11. The Morning Light
12. Summer Always Comes Again
13. Seasons of Age

With four full-length albums under its belt and shows throughout North America, Europe and Asia with the likes of Devin Townsend, Children of Bodom, Soilwork, Nightwish, Epica and Orphaned Land, the five-piece from Oceania is now firmly entrenched in its international repute as a band with heavy grooves, driving riffs and unforgettable melodies. The band’s fourth opus, The Meaning of I (2011), saw rave reviews and international acclaim of the highest caliber (including #8 in Metal Hammer Germany’s ‘Soundcheck’). The U.K.’s, Classic Rock Presents Prog, called the album a “polished collection of heavy, heavily polished anthems.”

Complimented by a fiery red keytar, a feisty female guitarist, and vocals Chino Moreno (Deftones, Crosses) recently likened to Duran Duran’s, Simon Le Bon, Voyager is consistently a live force to be reckoned with. After breaking the record for the longest fan signing session in the 12 year history of America’s “Progpower Festival,” the band will return to “Progpower” Europe this year alongside Chimp Spanner, Agent Fresco, Pagan’s Mind and more.
Stay tuned for more information on Voyager and V.
Voyager is…
Scott Kay – guitar
Alex Canion – bass/vocals
Daniel Estrin – vocals/keytar
Ashley Doodkorte – drums
Simone Dow – guitarVoyager online…www.facebook.com/Voyageraustralia
www.twitter.com/Voyagerau

 

Voyager-“V” Coming June 3 to North America

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music2 Comments

image013AUSTRALIA – Australian progressive metal quintet, Voyager, will release its fifth studio album, V, in North America on June 3 with distribution through Nightmare Records. The Kickstarter-funded, 13- track album was recorded at Templeman Audio with producer, Matt Templeman.

The band calls the release “heavy, groovy and super-catchy. This is going to be pure, polished Voyager with a modern feel; we are insanely excited about unleashing this.”

V can be pre-ordered now via Bandcamp at: http://voyager.bandcamp.com/.

1. Hyperventilating

2. Breaking Down

3. Beautiful Mistake

4. Fortune Favours the Blind

5. You, the Shallow

6. Embrace the Limitless

7. Orpheus

8. Domination Game

9. Peacekeeper

10. It’s a Wonder

11. The Morning Light

12. Summer Always Comes Again

13. Seasons of Age

With four full-length albums under its belt and shows throughout North America, Europe and Asia with the likes of Devin Townsend, Children of Bodom, Soilwork, Nightwish, Epica and Orphaned Land, the five-piece from Oceania is now firmly entrenched in its international repute as a band with heavy grooves, driving riffs and unforgettable melodies. The band’s fourth opus, The Meaning of I (2011), saw rave reviews and international acclaim of the highest caliber (including #8 in Metal Hammer Germany’s ‘Soundcheck’). The U.K.’s, Classic Rock Presents Prog, called the album a “polished collection of heavy, heavily polished anthems.”

Complimented by a fiery red keytar, a feisty female guitarist, and vocals Chino Moreno (Deftones, Crosses) recently likened to Duran Duran’s, Simon LeBon, Voyager is consistently a live force to be reckoned with. After breaking the record for the longest fan signing session in the 12 year history of America’s “Progpower Festival,” the band will return to “Progpower” Europe this year alongside Chimp Spanner, Agent Fresco, Pagan’s Mind and more.

image012Voyager is…

Scott Kay – guitar
Alex Canion – Bass/vocals
Daniel Estrin – vocals/keytar
Ashley Doodkorte – drums
Simone Dow – guitar

 

Voyager online…

www.facebook.com/Voyageraustralia

www.twitter.com/Voyagerau

Fresno Media
Fresno Media