Reviews: GoGo Penguin, 7Horse, Riddle & The Stars, the Bo-Keys, 'Turn It Up!' documentary

Four noteworthy ensembles are breaking new ground across a wide range of genres, while a new documentary celebrates the electric guitar and the masters who will be forever tied with their instrument.


Artist: GoGo Penguin
Title: Man Made Object (Blue Note Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Vince Guaraldi Trio, Robert Glasper Trio, Brian Eno
Tell me more: Manchester, UK-based trio GoGo Penguin crafts soundscapes as lush and exciting as any young jazz troupe in memory. The groundbreaking trio (drummer Rob Turner, double bassist Nick Blacka and pianist Chris Illingworth) have truly created a new sound that draws from a wide range of seminal jazz artists (ranging from the Vince Guaraldi Trio to contemporary heroes Robert Glasper Trio); the three members of GoGo Penguin use a deep sense of composition, acoustic instrumentation, electronic touches (think Brian Eno and Moby) and melody to draw in listeners. GoGo Penguin's latest album, Man Made Object, features 10 extraordinary instrumental selections. While the mesmerizing "Branches Break" and ""Surrender to Mountain" are the most accessible, tracks such as "Weird Cat," "Quiet Mind" and the haunting piano-anchored "Gbfisysih" also have an enormous power to evoke emotions. If you are bound for Coachella, make sure to catch GoGo Penguin at the festival on Saturday, April 23. Information: gogopenguin.co.uk/.

Get 'Man Made Object' (Deluxe Edition) here




Artist: 7Horse
Title: Livin' in a Bitch of a World (7Horse Music Ltd.)
You might like if you enjoy: Moreland & Arbuckle, dada, 7Horse
Tell me more: Blues-rock doesn't get much more honest and stripped down than 7Horse. The duo (lead singer-drummer Phil Leavitt and guitarist-vocalist Joie Calio) backed by several other talented players perform songs that thrive on basic, straightforward riffs and deep grooves adorned with catchy choruses whose rich melodies bring welcome layers to the material across the newly-released "Livin' in a Bitch of a World." The gritty "Two-Stroke Machine" begins with a Rolling Stones-styled vibe bolstered by a soaring chorus, honest storytelling and wonderful blues-rock guitar riffs courtesy of Calio. Slide guitar fills the riveting "One Week" and Southwest blues of "Answer the Bell." Elsewhere, the band's hard hitting and reworked take on the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" is truly epic. Livin' in a Bitch of a World cements the fact that 7Horse ranks with Moreland & Arbuckle as one of contemporary blues-rock's most mighty young voices. Information: 7HorseMusic.com.

Purchase 'Livin In a Bitch Of a World' here

Artist: Riddle & The Stars
Title: New Coastline (Riddle & The Stars)
You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, the Jayhawks, Dawes
Tell me more: An exceptional follow-up to their 2014 debut collaboration "This Is Happening," the new album from Riddle & The Stars titled New Coastline is truly a reason to celebrate the music-making union forged between Australian singer-songwriter Ben Riddle and Huntington Beach, California-based the Fallen Stars (husband-and-wife duo Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes). All three singers are featured via memorable performances, with their blended voices providing an additional winning element across the disc (particularly on the beautiful Americana nugget "When We Ride"). Riddle brings a distinctive singer-songwriter touch to the proceedings, notably on the reflective folk rocker "Running Back to You" and yearning "Tracks."  Bobbo Byrnes leads the collective through the rousing roots rocker "I May Never Know" and an affecting take on the John Prine gem "Mexican Home." Tracy Barnes sings the elegiac "Apples & Knives," and the authentic country-styled "Valentine's Day." Information: thefallenstars.com or riddleandthestars.com.




Artist: The Bo-Keys
Title: Heartaches by the Number (Electraphonic Recording/Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: St. Paul & the Broken Bones, James Hunter Six, Paul Rodgers' The Royal Sessions
Tell me more: The fusion of Memphis soul, classic country and R&B burns bright across the Bo-Keys' new album Heartaches by the Numbers (set for release on April 29). Singer Percy Wiggins and company never sound less than incredible on the 10-song set, which finds the ensemble mixing marvelous originals with heartfelt interpretations of material popularized by the likes of Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, Swamp Dogg and Ray Price. Perhaps the most impressive showcase of the Bo-Keys' stunning hybrid is a version of Merle Haggard's emotive "The Longer You Wait," with the blend of country and soul offered up via an authentic and stirring performance of the tearjerker. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Get 'Heartaches By The Number' here

Artists: B.B. King, Les Paul, Slash, Robby Krieger, Steve Lukather, more
Title: Turn It Up! (71st Street Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: B.B. King, Slash, Les Paul, Nancy Wilson, Paul Stanley, Kevin Bacon

Tell me more: For those who love to play electric guitar, or are fans of masters from a wide spectrum of styles (rock, blues, jazz), Turn It Up! is mandatory viewing. Featuring the far-flung likes of Slash (Guns N' Roses), Paul Stanley (KISS), Robby Krieger (The Doors) and Steve Lukather (Toto), as well as the late Les Paul and B.B. King, the film is unique in that it really focuses on the deep connection between guitars and the masters who play them. Hosted by actor-musician Kevin Bacon, the Robert Radler-directed film blends amazing photography, performance footage and compelling interviews to tackle the subject. In addition to the aforementioned guitar masters, Nancy Wilson (Heart), Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers), blues star Ana Popovic and Steve Howe (Yes, Asia) are among the other greats featured. Information: www.facebook.com/turnitupdoc.

Get 'TURN IT UP! A CELEBRATION OF THE ELECTRIC GUITAR' on DVD here


Robert Kinsler

Stagecoach preview: Emmylou Harris, John Fogerty, Chris Stapleton

With two full weekends of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival having just ended, the Empire Polo Club in Indio is now set to host California's biggest country music event, Stagecoach. The annual festival runs April 29 - May 1, 2016.

Billy Joe Shaver is coming to Stagecoach.
Photo: Jim McGuire

The three-day festival always draws a diverse lineup of legendary tastemakers and groundbreaking newcomers, and this year is no exception. There are modern-day hit makers (Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan), traditionalists (Luke Bell, Dale Watson, Marty Stuart) and Americana favorites (SUSTO, Rodney Crowell), as well as classic rockers (John Fogerty, the Doobie Brothers, the Marshall Tucker Band) whose sounds have heavily influenced contemporary country music icons.

Here is a preview of some "must see" names coming to Stagecoach this weekend.

Emmylou Harris, seen here in
2005, performs on day 1 of
Stagecoach.

Friday, April 29
Few country music singer-songwriters to emerge in the 1970s have displayed the timeless artistry and profound influence of 13-time Grammy winner Emmylou Harris. The Alabama native rose to fame singing with the late Gram Parsons, and has continued to champion emotional songcraft whether recording alone or with the acclaimed likes of Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Linda Ronstadt, Mark Knopfler, Neil Young and Willie Nelson. Her 1977 album "Luxury Liner" and 1995's "Wrecking Ball" rank as several of country music's most beloved LP releases.

Austin, Texas-based favorite Dale Watson is a bona fide honky-tonk hero and will bring a solid dose of traditional country music to Stagecoach on the first day of the festival. He hits Stagecoach armed with wonderful songs off his latest album, "Call Me Insane," which has earned Watson praise for its connections with the Lone Star State's rich country traditions. Among the highlights on that disc is the fast-paced "A Day at a Time," and "Jonesin' for Jones," the latter an infectious tribute to the late George Jones.

Another great reason to arrive on day 1 of Stagecoach is Texas singer Billy Joe Shaver, now 76, who brings his long and impressive parade of authentic outlaw material to Indio. His 1970s albums remain essential affairs, with tracks such as "Gypsy Boy," "Honky Tonk Heroes" and "You Asked Me To" among his best-known recordings. His hit "Live Forever" (co-written by his son Eddy) was performed by Robert Duvall in the movie "Crazy Heart."

John Fogerty, seen here performing in May 2007,
is returning to Stagecoach in 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Saturday, April 30
The last time rocker John Fogerty performed at Stagecoach, it was in May 2008 and he performed on the Mane Stage right before the Eagles. It was Fogerty who killed it that day, unleashing one classic high-powered hit and emotional high after another. Opening with "Born On The Bayou," his hour-long set included the likes of "Who'll Stop The Rain," "Fortunate Son," "Keep On Chooglin," "Bad Moon Rising" and set-ending "Proud Mary." Expect the singer-songwriter-guitar great to deliver the goods again this weekend. One of rock 'n' roll's true greats. 

Fans of Dawes and Band of Horses will want to catch Charleston, S.C.-based SUSTO. The band's self-titled 2014 debut featured a slew of compelling alt-cosmic country gems including the uptempo "Acid Boys" and introspective "County Line." The group is set to release its sophomore album this year, and that disc's first single "Cosmic Cowboy" tackles the cliches of Southern tradition against a compelling soundscape mixing several roots styles. 

If you missed Chris Stapleton when he performed at Coachella, the good news is the acclaimed singer-songwriter is going to perform at Stagecoach too. It's no surprise that Stapleton won six awards at the 51st Annual ACM Awards - his debut solo album "Traveller" is that great. Don't miss Stapleton when he performs favorites such as the aptly-titled "Fire Away" on Saturday.

Sunday, May 1

The Deslondes hail from New Orleans.
Photo: Sarrah Danziger 

Last year was a good one for the Deslondes; the New Orleans country-folk troupe's eponymous 2015 album received plenty of well-deserved attention and spawned the rousing hit "The Real Deal." American Songwriter magazine listed the album as one of the "Top 50 Albums of 2015," and now the New West Records artist will perform their infectious old time material at Stagecoach.

I caught RaeLynn when she opened for Rascal Flatts at Irvine Meadows in October 2015, and the young singer impressed with the acoustic-flavored "For a Boy" and even more catchy "God Made Girls." Now the 21-year-old Texas native who rose to fame during the second season of NBC-TV's "The Voice" gets to showcase her country pop in Indio.

Since forming in 1970, the Doobie Brothers have sold more than 40 million albums thanks to recording a string of amazing hits including "China Grove," "Listen to the Music," "Jesus Is Just Alright" and "Take Me In Your Arms." There is little doubt a large festive atmosphere will greet the Doobie Brothers when they take the stage on Sunday in Indio.

For more information, visit StagecoachFestival.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Prince Remembered: Gifted genius the 'Purple One' artist dead at 57

Prince performing at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles in
April 1997.  Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

What is it about 2016? David Bowie, Maurice White, Glenn Frey, Sir George Martin, Keith Emerson, Merle Haggard, Paul Kantner...and today Prince. Only 57, he was found dead inside his recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Ironic, that Prince's death followed the recent death of Vanity (a Prince protege), who died at the age of 57 on Feb. 15, 2016.

A gifted singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor, the Minneapolis native (born Prince Rogers Nelson) loomed far larger than his 5 foot, 2 inch high frame. He blended funk, Hendrix-infused psychedelic rock, soul and other styles into his dozens of album releases (including 1999, Purple Rain, Sign O’ the Times, Graffiti Bridge and The Black Album). I also wanted to share the statement on Prince from Neil Portnow, President and CEO of The Recording Academy.

The Recording Academy^® Statement Re: Prince
April 21, 2016

Our GRAMMY^® family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Prince. Today, we remember and celebrate him as one of the most uniquely gifted artists of all time. Never one to conform, he redefined and forever changed our musical landscape. Prince was an original who influenced so many, and his legacy will live on forever. We have lost a true innovator and our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, collaborators, and all who have been impacted by his incredible work.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy

Here are a number of links where you can read more about Prince:

Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-prince-20160421-story.html

The Orange County Register
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/prince-713023-age-kamerud.html

CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/21/entertainment/prince-estate-death/index.html

Robert Kinsler

Travis set to release 'Everything At Once' in the U.S. this Spring

Fans of Travis (including yours truly!) can't wait to hear the new Travis album! I've heard several of the new songs and fans of the British band will be more than happy with the new material...

Travis is set to release new album in North America 

“EVERYTHING AT ONCE” OUT DIGITALLY ON APRIL 29TH, AND WILL BE
IN-STORES FROM MAY 27, 2016

One of Britain’s best loved bands, Travis, have announced the release of their eagerly anticipated new album “Everything At Once.” The ten-track full-length arrives digitally on April 29th and in-stores on CD/LP and deluxe CD+DVD via Caroline Records from May 27th.

Written by Travis and produced by Michael Ilbert at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, “Everything At Once” positively overflows with conviction and confidence whilst maintaining their classic sound with the unmistakable warmth of the much loved vocals from singer Fran Healy.

Already the band has revealed three new tracks from their forthcoming album including their first single “3 Miles High,” a beautifully understated and uplifting acoustic track, featuring backing vocals from up and coming Norwegian artist Aurora, as well as the title track “Everything At Once,” and “Magnificent Time.”

“Everything At Once” the album, follows the 2013 release of “Where We Stand” and perfectly illustrates the sound of a band in their prime, all the songs are either around or under three minutes of pure unadulterated joy, or, as singer Fran Healy puts it, they “don’t overstay their welcome. We have learnt to be frugal with our writing. You can say everything you want to say. You don’t need four minutes to do it.” Fran has also directed a short film called “Everything At Once The Film” which will be available on the deluxe version of the album. Pre-order your copy of the album here.

Travis have enjoyed two No.1 LPs, five Top Ten singles in the UK, had 6 albums enter The Billboard 200, selling more than a million copies Stateside and have sold more than 8 million records worldwide in their illustrious career to date. 

Travis are singer/guitarist Fran Healy, bassist Dougie Payne, guitarist Andy Dunlop and drummer Neil Primrose.

"Everything At Once" Tracklisting:
1. What Will Come
2. Magnificent Time
3. Radio Song
4. Paralysed
5. Animals
P.T.O For ‘Everything At Once’ full tracklisting
6. Everything At Once
7. 3 Miles High
8. All Of The Places
9. Idlewild (ft. Josephine Oniyama)
10. Strangers On A Train


www.travisonline.com

Robert Kinsler

DMA'S impress at Coachella Weekend #1 - set to perform again this week

Of the many artists who I caught via the Coachella live web stream this weekend, a new artist who really caught my ear was Australian outfit DMA's. Here is the latest release I have on the band, and I really look forward to catching them in person on Saturday, April 23...

DMA'S MAKE LATE NIGHT TV DEBUT PLAYING THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT

DEBUT LP HILLS END OUT NOW ON MOM+POP MUSIC

Click Here to Watch DMA'S Play The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

DMA's perform at Coachella on April 23, 2016.

DMA'S impressive debut was released last month and the band haven't stopped since. Last week they made their Late Night TV Debut with Stephen Colbert delivering an intense and commanding performance of "Delete" and this week they'll embark on their first ever SXSW. It will be a busy week for the band playing 5 shows in total and are set to blow music fans in Austin away with their infectious and stadium ready live show, all dates are listed below.

Today (March 14, 2016) DMA'S have released the video for "In The Moment", a collaboration between the band and director Rhett Wade-Ferrell. It follows them through several locations of their hometown of Sydney, including Johnny Took's apartment where they wrote and recorded their debut self-titled EP and Hills End. Consequence of Sound write the song "... deals out arrangements both sweeping and wistful. "Is it your smell?" frontman Tommy O'Dell wonders, calling out to someone who may or may not be in the picture anymore".

Click Here to Watch "In The Moment"

After SXSW DMA'S will tour the US including playing Coachella in April. All tour dates are listed below. Do not miss them.

Acclaim for Hills End:

"DMA's seem poised to make their own distinctive musical mark beyond being seen as '90s revivalists-ironically at a time when most bands from that decade have reunited....Hills End is an impressive debut for a group that originally began mostly as a songwriting collective than a performance act." Paste Magazine

"That difference is what makes the DMA's so intriguing. They're hip without trying to be hip. They're moody without reaching for Xanax. They're nostalgic without having to pay anyone royalties.  From the very get-go, staring with roller coaster opener "Timeless", the outfit exudes an assured knack for melody that whips through each of the ensuing 11 tracks." Consequence of Sound

"Hills End is so good that in 20 years the discussion about the hot new indie guitar band might well focus on how much they look and sound like DMA's. It's an outstanding debut." Pop Matters

World Tour Dates

04.18.16 - The Echo - Los Angeles, CA

4.22 - 4.24.16 - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival - Indio, CA

5.27.16 - The Zoo - Brisbane, AUS

5.28.16 - Big Pineapple Festival - Sunshine Coast, AUS

6.03.16 - Fat Controller - Adelaide, AUS

6.04.16 - Rosemount Hotel - Perth, AUS

6.10.16 - The Metro - Sydney, AUS

6.11.16 - The Corner - Sydney, AUS

*North American tickets are on sale now.

Hills End Tracklisting 1. Timeless 2. Lay Down 3. Delete 4. Too Soon 5. In The Moment 6. Step Up The Morphine 7. So We Know 8. Melbourne 9. Straight Dimensions 10. Blown Away 11. The Switch 12. Play It Out

http://www.dmasmusic.com

Coachella update: AC/DC guitarist Angus Young joins Guns N' Roses on stage

Whew! Lots of news and notes out of Coachella going into the final day of Weekend #1 of the annual festival.

None of that news is bigger than just as a media release from the official camps representing AC/DC and Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose. It is now official that Rose will be replacing long-time AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson at a number of upcoming tour dates. And last night (Saturday, April 16), AC/DC lead guitarist Angus Young joined GNR on stage at Coachellafest to perform a couple of solid rockers (including a strong version of "Whole Lotta Rosie" and "Riff Raff"). Below I've posted some fan footage of last night's performance of "Whole Lotta Rosie" captured in Indio, CA, followed by the official media release detailing what is happening.



Here is the official media release I received late yesterday:

AC/DC'S ROCK OR BUST WORLD TOUR RESUMES WITH AXL ROSE ON VOCALS   "AC/DC band members would like to thank Brian Johnson for his contributions and dedication to the band throughout the years. We wish him all the best with his hearing issues and future ventures.  As much as we want this tour to end as it started, we understand, respect and support Brian's decision to stop touring and save his hearing.  We are dedicated to fulfilling the remainder of our touring commitments to everyone that has supported us over the years, and are fortunate that Axl Rose has kindly offered his support to help us fulfill this commitment."   AC/DC will resume their Rock Or Bust World Tour with Axl Rose joining on vocals.   The European stadium tour dates begin on May 7 in Lisbon, Portugal and run through June 12 in Aarhus, Denmark as previously announced (see below for full itinerary).  Following this European run of dates with AC/DC, Axl Rose will head out on his Guns N' Roses, 'Not In This Lifetime' Summer Stadium Tour.   The 10 postponed U.S shows will be rescheduled and announced imminently, also with Axl Rose.

AC/DC European tour dates May 7 Lisbon, Portugal Passeio Maritimo De Alges May 10 Seville, Spain Estadio De La Cartuja May 13 Marseille, France Stade Velodrome May 16 Werchter, Belgium Werchter Site May 19 Vienna, Austria Erns-Happel Stadium May 22 Prague, Czech Republic     Letnany Airport May 26 Hamburg, Germany Volksparkstadion May 29 Berne, Switzerland Stade De Suisse June 1 Leipzig, Germany Red Bull Arena June 4 London, England The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park June 9  Manchester, England Etihad Stadium June 12 Aarhus, Denmark       Ceres Park

MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode: Ray LaMontagne's "Ouroboros" and "George Fest" George Harrison Tribute

Watch the new episode of Music Worth Buying where TJR and Robert Kinsler assess Ray LaMontagne’s Ouroboros and George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of George Harrison:

Coachella: brightener, Robert DeLong, The Dead Ships, Guns N' Roses

Coachella Weekend #1 begins today, so here is a last minute follow-up guide to news about several of the artists coming to the festival...

brightener plays Coachella on Saturday, April 16 at Noon on The Outdoor Stage

Share new single "When the Lights Come Up"

Stream: "When the Lights Come Up" via SoundCloud

photo credit: credit Sasha Young

brightener is an indie rock quintet led by songwriter Will Sturgeon, a native of Palm Desert in California's Coachella Valley. Hailing from the desert, Sturgeon's songs are of course sunny, but his lyrics wander from playful to thoughtful, giving brightener tracks a sun-faded sense of longing. brightener’s newest release, the single "When The Lights Come Up" backed with "Haven't You Noticed," is out today via New Professor Music. The song, which is available to share via SoundCloud, is Sturgeon's most self-assured and breezy track to date. Sturgeon says, "This song is about anticipation. I met a girl on vacation in my town and we hit it off. She went back home to the other side of the country, and we stayed in touch for a month before deciding to fly and meet up with each other in the middle of the country for a weekend."

brightener will be performing at Coachella at noon on Saturday, April 16 at the Outdoor Stage

For more info, please visit:

https://brightener.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/brightenermusic/

Robert DeLong performs on KCRW’S Morning Becomes Eclectic

Robert DeLong will perform at Coachella 2016

Favorited by NPR HERE 

“DeLong has expanded the possibilities for creating sound and has seamlessly integrated them into a live show that is as much a masterclass on programming as it is an entertaining evening out.” – EDM.COM
 
" DeLong's cathartic live shows were an immediate hit on the indie rock and EDM circuits." - SMASHD

"In The Cards and Just Movement are two of the best dance albums of the 2010s. Zero question." – Baeble Music 

“Robert DeLong’s music straddles the turf between alternative pop and full-on dance. If you heard his 2015 album In the Cards and thought it’d make for some killer remixes, well, then you’d be very, very correct.” – Billboard Magazine



“Robert DeLong brought his music to life with an on-stage performance that captivated the eyes and ears of the attendee. The high-energy set was truly unique in featuring both his mastery of modern technology and traditional instrumentation” – Grammy Pro, Off The Stage
 


“…it's no wonder everyone wants a piece of this innovative artist.” – A-Sides, Huffington Post

Coachella Tour Dates
April 15: Indio, CA @ Coachella Music and Arts Festival
April 22: Indio, CA @ Coachella Music and Arts Festival

 
Follow Robert DeLong @
www.robertdelong.com


www.twitter.com/delongmusic
www.facebook.com/DeLongMusic


http://soundcloud.com/robertdelong

www.instagram.com/robertdelong


The Dead Ships set to perform at Coachella on Saturday, April 16 and 23

“Sounds like The Strokes if they’d reinvented themselves as a folk punk band.” -Entertainment Weekly 

"Righteous pure rock" - MTV 

“Their tuneful charisma separates them from the legions of garage-rock imitators” - LA Times 

“The lovechild between Alabama Shakes and the Black Keys" - CMJ 

Stream: "Company Line" via Consequence Of Sound or SoundCloud 

The Dead Ships are coming to Coachella. photo credit: Zane Roessell

Nevado Music is thrilled to welcome Los Angeles, CA alt-pop rock group The Dead Ships to their expanding label roster. Nevado will release their full length LP in North America this summer. Official release date and more information will be announced in the coming weeks. For now, catch The Dead Ships live at Coachella on Saturday, April 16 and 23. 

Last month, Consequence Of Sound premiered The Dead Ships new single "Company Line."  The new single offers a peek at the band's full-length album due later this year. The Dead Ships' frontman Devlin McCluskey told Consequence Of Sound, “So many things seem intentionally set up to give you the sensation of falling. And I think when people feel out of options they’ll pull whatever ripcord they can find. I started writing about buying into things that no one ever wanted, how and why that happens and what it feels like to be stuck in that place, but I think it ended up more like an ole fashioned f*ck-tha-man song (which I’m completely on board with). Fascism does seem to be in fashion these days.” The single was produced by Broken Social Scene’s Brendan Canning who also worked with the band on last year's EP 1 and features cover art by acclaimed street artist Greg “Craola” Simkins. 
 

In the three years since the Dead Ships traded punches at their first living room practice, LA's howling garage rock trio have toured the shadiest parts of the continent, slept on the grimiest couches, and been named one of the city's best live shows (DoLA, Grimy Goods). Balancing feral and soulful, they've most recently released EP 1 with emotional lead single "Big Quiet" spending 5 weeks at number one on KROQ's Local's Only. From celebrating youthful innocence to comprehending life after tragedy, singer Devlin McCluskey writes songs that are pensive yet upbeat. Building off influences such as The Pixies while maintaining their comparison to The Strokes, The Dead Ships are a reminder that honest guitar rock still has its place in this world - and it's a loud one.

thedeadships.com

facebook.com/thedeadships

twitter.com/TheDeadShips
nevadomusic.com

Guns N' Roses set to rock Coachella 

Guns N' Roses performing at the Troubadour on April 2, 2016.
Photo: Katarina Benzova

Guns N' Roses has such a history, that the legendary hard rock band's return is even dramatic. On April 1 (technically, April 2nd since the band took the stage at 12:07 a.m.), GNR performed on the stage at the Troubadour in Los Angeles for the first time in 20 years with lead singer Axl Rose sharing the stage with guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan. Despite the fact that Axl broke his foot during the show, the band is set to perform at Coachella this weekend and next. 

The two dates in Indio are a part of GNR's "Not In This Lifetime" Tour, and the band is set to perform there on the Coachella Stage at 10:30 p.m.  on Saturday, April 16, and likely at the same time the following Saturday (April 23). 

Guns N’ Roses’ full lineup features Axl Rose, Duff McKagan (bass), Slash (lead guitar), Dizzy Reed (keyboard), Richard Fortus (rhythm guitar), Frank Ferrer (drums), and Melissa Reese (keyboard).

For all things Coachella, visit coachella.com.