This week: 'Nuggets' all-star tribute via Lenny Kaye, Wild Honey Foundation and Rhino Records, May 19 in Glendale, Calif.

Looking for a great way to spend this Friday? Check out this event coming to Glendale, CA...Robert Kinsler

WILD HONEY FOUNDATION, LENNY KAYE  AND RHINO RECORDS PRESENT  NUGGETS: ORIGINAL ARTYFACTS FROM THE FIRST PSYCHEDELIC ERA, 1965–1968:A 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION    Live benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative Friday, May 19th, 2023, 8 p.m. at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, Calif.    Guest performers include: Our host and guitarist Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Band), Susanna Hoffs, Peter Buck (R.E.M.), “Weird Al” Yankovic, Mike Peters (The Alarm), Elliot Easton (Cars), Johnny Echols (Love), James Lowe (Electric Prunes), The Count Five, Jim Pons (the Leaves), David Aguilar (Chocolate Watchband), Billy Vera, Ron Dante, The Three O’Clock, Evie Sands, Peter Zaremba (Fleshtones), Peter Case, Carla Olson, Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go’s),  Tom Kenny (Sponge Bob), and more!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — To celebrate the 50th Anniversary the release of the classic compilation Nuggets: Original Artyfacts From the First Psychedelic Era, 1965-1968, benefit concert producers the Wild Honey Foundation, original curator Lenny Kaye, and Rhino Records will present a live performance of songs from legendary LP and bonus material from the era as a benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative, will take place Friday, May 19, 2023 at 8 p.m., at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, Calif. The Wild Honey Orchestra Nuggets All-Star Band will include Lenny Kaye, Rob Laufer, Andrew Sandoval, Darian Sahanaja, Debbie Shair, Alec Palao, Jim Laspesa, Nick Vincent, Willie Aron, Jordan Summers, David Nolte, Robbie Scharf, Nelson Bragg, and Derrick Anderson. Led by Kaye, Laufer and Sandoval, this crack ensemble will deliver a tight but appropriately gritty backing for a hugely talented ensemble of guest performers including originals Jim Pons (The Leaves), James Lowe (Electric Prunes), The Count Five, David Aguilar (Chocolate Watchband), and Daryl Hooper (The Seeds). With well-timed guest stints by guitar legends like Elliot Easton (The Cars), Johnny Echols (Love), and Peter Buck (R.E.M.) and more, this will be rousing exploration of mid-‘60s garage and early psychedelia. Also appearing: "Weird Al' Yankovic, Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles), Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go's), Peter Case, Mike Peters (The Alarm), Billy Vera, Ron Dante, Peter Zaremba (The Fleshtones), Cindy Lee Berryhill, Evie Sands, Tom Kenny (Sponge Bob), Carla Olson, The Three O'Clock, and more. Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era is the influential 1972 compilation album of American psychedelic and garage-rock singles that were released during the mid-to-late 1960s. Curated by legendary Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Band guitarist since the early 70’s), the original Nuggets’ liner notes contained one of one of the first mentions of the phrase “punk rock.”  The Nuggets series has influenced many generations of rockers from the Ramones to the Lemon Twigs. With Rhino Records releasing a limited Record Store Day version this spring, Nuggets continues to influence young bands across the globe with its visceral garage/psychedelic power with songs like “Gloria,” “96 Tears,” “I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night,” “Psychotic Reaction,” “Pushin’ Too Hard,” “Dirty Water,” “7 and 7 Is,” and over 20 more! The show will benefit the Autism Healthcare Collaborative, an internationally recognized non-profit organization committed to facilitating the medical and psychosocial stabilization of individuals and families living with autism. The Autism Healthcare Collaborative provides a multidisciplinary team approach to the identification and treatment of the complicated medical comorbidities of autism by connecting medical experts to families and physicians around the world through medical videoconferencing.   AHC offers innovative solutions for individuals with autism, across the spectrum and throughout their lifetime, through comprehensive case management, community outreach, advocacy, and education. https://www.autismhc.org/ About the Wild Honey Foundation Since 1994, Wild Honey Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, has produced concerts, film screenings, online fundraisers, and live stream events to benefit autism treatment/research and members of the music community in need. Founded and led by Paul Rock, David Jenkins, and Andrew Sandoval, Wild Honey is a grassroots, volunteer organization dedicated to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, rhythm & blues, folk, classical, and pop music to future generations through cultural events of all types.  For more information on the Wild Honey Foundation, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183120448393501/   Email: Wildhoneyfoundation@yahoo.com                                                                    # # #

New Music: The Empty Hearts, Bill Kirchen, Juni Ata, Allman Betts Band

Supergroup the Empty Hearts, guitar virtuoso Bill Kirchen, newcomer Juni Ata and rising troupe the Allman Betts Band are back with fantastic new collections.

Artist: The Empty Hearts
Title: The Second Album (Wicked Cool Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, The Knack, early Cheap Trick
Tell me more: The Empty Hearts are back with their aptly-titled sophomore effort The Second Album, an essential follow-up to the supergroup's self-titled 2014 debut. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame greats guitarist Elliot Easton (The Cars) and drummer Clem Burke (Blondie) along with singer-guitarist Wally Palmar (The Romantics) and bassist Andy Babiuk (The Chesterfield Kings) bring together their collective talents to create a winning blend of '60s garage rock and British Invasion sounds that are bolstered by a modern-day edge. The 13-track LP provides plenty of highlights, notably the shimmering power pop gem "Remember Days Like These" (featuring Ringo Starr on drums), explosive Big Star-meets-Cheap Trick blaster "Coat-Tailer," the melodic "If I Could Change Your Mind," and blistering snapshot of our times titled "The World's Gone Insane." The propulsive "The Best That I Can," mid-tempo retro rocker "Jonathan Harker's Journal," heavy blues rock sortie "Death By Insomnia," melodic harmonies-adorned "Come On And Try It" and rowdy Memphis soul-flavored "Well, Look at You" are other standouts on the awesome album. Information: TheEmptyHearts.com.

Artist: Bill Kirchen
Title: The Proper Years (The Last Music Co.)
You might like if you enjoy: Marty Stuart, Sonny Landreth, Elvis Costello, Norton Buffalo, Dan Hicks, Nick Lowe, Paul Carrack
Tell me more: The Proper Years offers a full-fledged appreciation of the monumental force of "The Titan of the Telecaster" guitar master Bill Kirchen. And while his guitar playing astounds at every turn, Kirchen – a founding member of Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen in 1967 – is also a top-tier singer and songwriter as evidenced across the wonderful two disc collection. Collecting every original and cover recorded as part of his sessions for 2006's Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods, 2010's Word to the Wise and 2013's Seeds and Stems albums, The Proper Years is packed with 38 great cuts; a who's who of greats are featured across the two discs. Indeed, Nick Lowe (bass, backing vocals), Elvis Costello (whose signature vocals shine on "Man In The Bottom Of The Well"), Norton Buffalo (harmonica), Commander Cody (piano), Dan Hicks (acoustic guitar, vocals) and Maria Muldaur (vocals) are among the illustrious greats whose contributions add to the magic. The gentle "Rocks Into Sand," countrified ballads "Skid Row In My Mind" and "Truth Be Told," the jazzy "One More Day" and rockabilly-amped "Heart Of Gold" and Bump Wood" are among my favorite selections on disc one. The swinging "Word To The Wise" (featuring Dan Hicks), lovely duet with Maria Muldaur "Ain't Got Time For The Blues," country rollick "Valley Of The Moon," infectious "Truck Stop At The End Of The World," an inspired and completely reworked cover of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are-A-Changin'" are among the wide-ranging nuggets on disc two. Information: billkirchen.com/official.

Artist: Juni Ata
Title: Saudade (Flying On Fire Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Dawes, Travis
Tell me more: Don't be surprised if you don't know the music of Juni Ata, the moniker for singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jesse Daniel Edwards. The artist's brilliant debut Saudade (a Portugese word pronounced "sow-da-day" loosely translated as "a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing") is wonderfully out of step with the majority of his contemporaries, strikingly original and is definitely worth discovering. With a deeply affecting tenor, the singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist crafts powerful songs that are emotional and authentic. Edwards – who was raised in a deeply religious home in a small mountain town in Southern California where he had little exposure to secular music  – never had an intention to record and release his original songs. However, through fate and the encouragement of a friend, the album has arrived and is a captivating listen. There are times of remarkable intimacy, where romantic loss and personal perseverance are rendered with stirring intensity; "Hard Letting You Down Easy" and "Fight Hard, Run Fast" are utterly astonishing in their soul-filled sentiment. At other times, such as "Philadelphia" and "When It Rains In LA," there is a rich presentation with horns and symphonic flourish. Juni Ata is no one-trick pony as evidenced by the rousing rocker "Good Enough Ain't Bad," colorful "I'll Try Anything Twice" and tender country-tinged "Not Going Anywhere." Information: amazon.com.

Artist: The Allman Betts Band
Title: Bless Your Heart (BMG Rights Management)
You might like if you enjoy: The Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead, Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Tell me more: Those looking for new rock that is steeped in traditional songwriting while wrapped up in a mix of Southern rock, folk, vintage R&B and blues will want to check out the Allman Betts Band's outstanding sophomore effort Bless Your Heart. The double-LP opens with Pale Horse Rider," a killer track that has sonic echoes of Neil Young & Crazy Horse; the song's mix of multiple lead guitars and wistful voices are showcased as the song builds to a stunning finale. The lush Southern rocker "Magnolia River" and gospel track "Carolina Song" are lush blasts from the past, recalling the classic work of the band's celebrated influences. The troupe features Devon Allman, Duane Betts and Berry Duane Oakley, sons of founding Allman Brothers members Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts and Berry Oakley. While the Allman Betts Band has definite ties with the past, there are plenty of numbers that showcase a band with a voice of its own. The lovely "Southern Rain" is an emotional tour de force somehow enchanting via a coupling of R&B and rock styles; the melancholic "Ashes Of My Lovers" simultaneously defies and embraces a slew of far-flung sounds. The majestic "The Doctor's Daughter" brings a bit of psychedelia into the group's Southern approach; "Savannah's Dream" is a masterful instrumental that clocks in at 12 minutes and displays the nuance and bona fide chops of the seven-member ensemble. Information: AllmanBettsBand.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Empty Hearts return with new music

Make sure to check out the wonderful music video for The Empty Hearts' "Run and Hide From You." It is embedded at the bottom of this post. That song, as well as the new tracks "Remember Days Like These (featuring Ringo Starr) and "Tell Me Reasons Why" are all great power pop gems sure to please fans of the melody-minded genre...

The Empty Hearts release new music featuring Ringo Starr on Stevie Van Zandt's Wicked Cool Records / The Orchard

New York, NY, - Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for new music by The Empty Hearts. Dubbed a “Rock‘n Roll super group,” by Billboard Magazine and USA Today when their first album was released in 2014, The Empty Hearts, have released their second single with Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records, “Remember Days Like These” b/w “Tell Me Reasons Why.” The Empty Hearts include Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Elliot Easton of The Cars and Clem Burke of Blondie; as well as Wally Palmar of The Romantics and Andy Babiuk of The Chesterfield Kings. In addition to the all-star lineup, the iconic Ringo Starr joins the band on drums for the A-side, “Remember Days Like These”

“Having Ringo Starr guest on our new single is a truly profound event for our band,” says Easton. “The Beatles are pretty much the reason that we do what we do; their importance to us cannot be overstated. To have started by seeing them play on the Ed Sullivan show at 10 years old, to travel for so many years down this long and winding river that we call life, and to come full circle, to the point where you're making music with one of them...it's everything.”

Easton continues, “Our newest album is a big leap for us creatively, with more adventurous writing, some wild sonic exploration (or as we call it, 'ear candy'), and a desire to make the sort of record that we've always loved. Not just a bunch of isolated songs, but more of a total 'experience' or voyage that takes the listener from point A and drops them off at point Z. We want everybody to hop on the train and take that trip with us.”

In September of 2019, the band released their first single with Wicked Cool Records, “Coat-Tailer.” The limited edition vinyl single sold out within the first two weeks of release. 

For the band, releasing with Wicked Cool Records is coming full circle. Stevie Van Zandt named the band. Early on, The Empty Hearts struggled to find a name that was not already in use, eventually turning to Van Zandt to see if he had any ideas."He had a list of 20 kickass names and we looked up the ones we liked and somebody was using it," says Babiuk, noting they were legally advised to be cautious with regards to a name. "About three weeks later I get a text from Steven. 'Did you guys come up with a freakin’ name yet?” I replied ‘No.’ Then Steven texts back, ‘You guys are going to be called The Empty Hearts, I said so!' I copied the whole text to other guys in the band and said 'If any of you guys want to argue with Silvio Dante, be my guest. Other than that I guess we’re gonna be called The Empty Hearts!”

The Empty Hearts invite you to hear their new music digitally and on limited-edition color vinyl (black and blue splatter). Please visit this link to stream, download, and buy:

https://orcd.co/rememberdayslikethese

2020 NAMM Show Recap

Slash unleashing a fiery lead solo during the
'Gibson: Live at the Grove' event on Jan. 16, 2020.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

From the debut of the latest high-tech music-minded gear to stunning performances on stages large and small, the 2020 NAMM Show delivered a long weekend of bona fide excitement in Anaheim (Jan. 16-19, 2020). NAMM, or National Association of Music Merchants, is a music products, professional audio and technology trade show that fills every conceivable square foot of the Anaheim Convention Center as well as several nearby hotels and concert venues.

Earth, Wind & Fire in concert on Jan. 17, 2020.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

I have been attending the annual Winter NAMM Show since the early 1990s and I can't recall an event as packed with enthusiastic attendees as I experienced this year. Along with some really cool new gear and musical instruments, the range of powerful performances unleashed from a diverse field of artists also helped make this a standout year.

According to NAMM, the 2020 Show welcomed more than 2,000 exhibiting member companies representing 7,000 brands. Of the 115,888 NAMM Member and invited registrants, international members accounted for nearly 20 percent growth over two years.

Every NAMM-goer has a different experience at the annual event. Here are highlights of my journey through this year's show.

Cheap Trick lead guitarist Rick Nielsen performing
at City National Grove of Anaheim on Jan. 16, 2020.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Media Preview Day (Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020)
A mix of outstanding products and new lines of instruments were displayed in the lobby of the Convention Center. Among the products that caught my eye were:

Yamaha Technical Services Specialist Tony Escueta playing
the Yamaha YC61 Stage Keyboard.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

• Yamaha's YC61 Stage Keyboard, an organ-focused instrument that combines the organ sounds of the Hammond B-3 popularized by rock bands in the 1960s and '70s with the versatility and real-time control available today. The YC61 utilizes a recently-developed virtual circuitry modeling organ tone generator, which models the character and behavior of vintage electronics at the component level. The state-of-the-art keyboard – which ships to retailers in late May 2020 – offers another cool feature; it weighs a mere 16 pounds compared to the 400 pound combination of a Hammond B-3 and Leslie speaker traditionally used. Information: usa.yamaha.com.
• Another impressive sighting was Lekholm Instruments' DM48 Digital Chromatic

  

  Erik Lekholm shows off his new DM48 Digital
  Chromatic Harmonica at the NAMM Show.
  Photo: Robert Kinsler

  Harmonica. The unique instrument definitely takes harmonica playing into the 21st century by allowing musicians to play in any and all keys in one instrument, and to use countless expressive capabilities by tapping into a world of software instruments and effects. There are some pretty impressive videos showcasing the instrument and its great sound on Lekholm Instruments' website. The DM48 is available now and can be ordered via the link below. Information: lekholminstruments.com.
• Paoletti Guitars are handmade in Tuscany, Italy, using reclaimed chestnut wood from 130 to 150-year-old wine barrels. Visually, the guitars blend both old and new, and they sound fantastic too! Information: www.paolettiguitars.com.
• Media Preview Day ended with an invite up to the Gibson booth for a private concert featuring Los Lobos with special guest, superstar Juanes. The eight-song set allowed Los Lobos to showcase their brilliant blend of roots rock, Latin rock and blues-tinged Americana, including sharp versions of the rockabilly-flavored "Don't Worry Baby" and "Evangeline" along with a cover of Santana's "One Como Va." 

Opening Day (Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020)
My 15-hour day began by attending the NAMM Breakfast of Champions, which included singer-songwriter Jason Mraz being honored with the Music for Life Award by NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. Mraz was honored, in part, for his efforts on behalf of supporting music education in schools. Many more highlights would follow:

A pack of Pistol Picks retails for $12.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Laurence Juber performing at Seymour Duncan.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

• Concrete, Washington-based inventor and guitar player John Cunradi brought one of the most simple, but revolutionary ideas to the NAMM Show. "I had a brand new and vague idea in July 2019. I was frustrated as a guitarist; I would start to play and the pick would twist around in my fingers. I thought if I put a handle on it, it wouldn't twist."  Fast forward six months later and here was Cunradi in Anaheim marketing his colorful cutting-edge Pistol Picks, guitar picks that come in several types. They are make of polycarbonate, bend, are durable and easy to use. And they will definitely assist players who can't hold on to their guitar pick. "I'm still a frustrated guitarist, but at least I like my pick!"
• Seymour Duncan hosted an afternoon set from famed fingerstyle guitar master Laurence Juber, a two-time Grammy winner who rose to fame as lead guitarist of Paul McCartney and Wings but has gone on to carve out a career as studio and session musician, composer and solo artist who attracts enthusiastic audiences whenever he performs. His 30-minute appearance at NAMM found Juber offering up brilliant instrumental versions of works ranging from George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and The Beatles classic "Daytripper" to Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing" to Pete Townshend's "Won't Get Fooled Again."
• My day ended with courtesy of Gibson at the City National Grove of Anaheim. Over the course of three fast-moving hours, a parade of rising artists joined icons such as Slash (Guns N' Roses), Don Felder (The Eagles), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Elliot Easton (The Cars) and Cheap Trick's Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen for a fantastic concert. Highlights abounded, including a take on Robert Johnson's "Crossroads" featuring emerging singer-guitarist Emily Wolfe, rising artist Celisse performing her soulful original "Get There," Halestorm singer-guitarist Lzzy Hale crushing "I Miss the Misery," and a nice version of Tito Puente's "Oye Como Va" featuring Santana lead vocalist Andy Vargas and Cars lead guitarist Elliot Easton. Other highlights of the night included Slash and Felder joining forces for "Hotel California," Slash, Zander and Nielsen tearing up on the power pop rocker "Big Eyes" and a one-two finale take on ZZ Top's "Tush" and Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," the latter featuring an army of talents on stage together. Information: Gibson.com.

Billy F Gibbons, left, with Slash at City National Grove of Anaheim.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Robin Zander, left, with Slash.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Elliot Easton, lead guitarist of the Cars,
performing at 'Gibson: Live at the Grove' in
Anaheim on Jan. 16, 2020.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Day 2 (Friday, Jan. 17, 2020)
My Friday at the NAMM Show included getting the opportunity to meet and chat with several of my musical heroes including Elliot Easton (The Cars), Graham Coxon (Blur) and Geoff Downes (ASIA, Yes, The Buggles) – and that's not even including several great performances:

Sweet Lizzy Project delivering a fantastic set at the NAMM Show.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Lisset Diaz of Sweet Lizzy Project.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Graham Coxon at Softube.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

• Sweet Lizzy Project is a quintet from Havana, Cuba who absolutely impressed this writer with a standout set on the Pioneer Pro Audio Stage. The band's infectious style of rock is bolstered by the talents of all five members of the group, including lead vocalist and lyricist Lisset Diaz, co-writer and lead guitarist Miguel Comas, keyboardist Wilfredo Gatell, bassist Alejandro Gonzalez and drummer Ángel Luis Millet. Make sure to read writer George A. Paul's review of Sweet Lizzy Project's set via his post on Music Minded linked here.
• Graham Coxon gave a product demonstration at Softube and answered questions about his recent work scoring episodes for Netflix and possible future projects with Blur. Writer George A. Paul covered Coxon's session and you can get more details here. Information: softube.com.
• Geoff Downes demonstrated the power and ease of using his Studiologic Sledge keyboard, and played selections from Yes and The Buggles on the instrument. Information: studiologic-music.com.
• 
  

  

  Geoff Downes at the Studiologic booth.
  Photo: Robert Kinsler

• The Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand was hosted by Sinbad and featured a cast of great players including Verbalase, Kenny Loggins and headliners Earth, Wind & Fire. 

Kenny Loggins rocking at the Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Day 3 (Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020)
I didn't waste my final day at the 2020 NAMM Show:

Guitar great Robby Krieger, left, with Doors sound engineer
Bruce Botnick at the Harman booth on Jan. 18, 2020.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Harman hosted an intimate session featuring Doors guitarist/songwriter Robby Krieger and sound engineer Bruce Botnick sharing insights into the legendary Los Angeles band's career as part of "Stories Behind the Sessions." I was riveted listening to Krieger discuss and share his guitar work for "L.A. Woman," with Botnick then playing the isolated Jim Morrison vocal tracks too. Incredible stuff. Information: HarmanAudio.com.

Brandon "Taz" Niederauer continues to deliver some of the most incredible and arresting performances at NAMM. Only 16, the New York-based electric guitar and his talented band thrilled at D'Angelico Guitars on Saturday. I can't wait for Taz to release an album featuring his stellar guitar playing and solid songs. Information: dangelicoguitars.com.

Brandon "Taz" Niederauer at the NAMM Show.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Marcus D Scott leading R&B icons Tower of Power through an
energetic set on the NAMM Grand Plaza Stage on Jan. 18, 2020.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Tower of Power performed a concert in celebration of the Oakland-spawned troupe's 50th anniversary on the NAMM Grand Plaza Stage. Sponsored by Yamaha, I thought the horn section-anchored R&B band killed it across a two-hour concert that included rousing versions of new tracks as well as classic material (notably "You're Still a Young Man" and "What Is Hip?").  Information: towerofpower.com.


Robert Kinsler


A special "Thank You" to Bob Steshetz for the use of his amazing photos too!

Sights and Sounds: Bob Seger, The Empty Hearts,Ourlives, iRig Mic Mic HD

Happy Friday everybody! Here is a fun-filled roundup to get your weekend started... Bob Seger's new studio album 'Ride Out' is now available for pre-order Standard version of "Ride Out." Capitol Records recording artist Bob Seger’s highly anticipated new studio album, Ride Out, is available now for pre-order on iTunes.com/BobSegerand Amazon.  Fans who pre-order the album will receive two instant grat tracks, “Detroit Made,” a hi-octane tribute to classic cars, and the tender ballad “You Take Me In.”  Ride Outis also available in a special deluxe edition featuring three bonus tracks (see attached tracklisting). The Standard Album will also be released on 180 gram vinyl.  All versions of the album will be released in stores October 14th.   The official music video for Bob Seger’s “Detroit Made”  premiered exclusively on RollingStone.com.   On his 17th studio album, Ride Out finds Seger holding true to his legendary sound, effortlessly marrying blues, country, and heartland soul into his trademark brand of Motor City rock ‘n’ roll. Seger offers a collection of new songs, including “All of The Roads” and “Hey Gypsy,” that are a powerful and personal addition to the GRAMMY® Award-winning rocker’s extraordinary catalogue, rich with character and passion, and the great American songwriter’s always compelling take on the world around him. Deluxe version of "Ride Out." Seger also lends his signature style to several personal favorites written by other artists, including the driving first track, “Detroit Made” written by John Hiatt, “California Stars” featuring lyrics by Woody Guthrie and music by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and Jay Bennett, Steve Earle’s “The Devil’s Right Hand,” and “Adam and Eve” penned by acclaimed Australian singer/songwriters Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson. “I’m real excited about the album,” says Seger adding, “I hope the fans like it.  We worked real hard on it and here it is!” Produced by Seger, Ride Out was recorded at Nashville’s historic Ocean Way Recording studios, with backing from a stunning array of Music City’s greatest musicians: Academy of Country Music Guitar Player of the Year 2014 Rob McNelley (who also serves as lead guitarist in Seger’s current live band), bassist Glenn Worf (Mark Knopfler, Tammy Wynette), keyboardist and longtime live guitarist Jim “Moose” Brown (Brad Paisley, Darryl Worley), and drummer Chad Cromwell (Neil Young, Joe Walsh). Vince Gill lends harmony vocals to “Listen,” while background vocals throughout the album come courtesy of Laura Creamer, Shaun Murphy, and Barbara Payton. RIDE OUT was mixed by multiple GRAMMY® Award-winner Chris Lord-Alge (U2, Muse, Foo Fighters). Seger is a multi-talented artist, songwriter, producer, and bandleader whose indelible body of work has affirmed his place in the annals of American music.  Inducted to both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Seger has sold over 52 million albums and has earned 13 platinum and 7 multi-platinum RIAA Certified sales awards, including such landmark albums as Night Moves, Stranger In Town, Against The Wind, Live Bullet and Nine Tonight, all of which have sold in excess of 5 million units.  bobseger.com Pre-Order on iTunes.com/BobSeger Pre-Order on Amazon The Empty Hearts announce new tour dates "This is a pure delight. It's worth the investment, the time and the space in your mind. Fill the void with The Empty Hearts." Popdose

Photo: Robert Matheu Santa Monica, CA, September 11, 2014: The Empty Hearts, the band featuring members of The Cars, Blondie, The Romantics and The Chesterfield Kings, have announced tour dates in October on the east coast and in Japan (see dates below). The band features Elliot Easton on lead guitar, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Clem Burke on drums, Wally Palmar on vocals, harmonica and guitar, and Andy Babiuk on bass. Co-produced by the band and Ed Stasium, The Empty Hearts is a raucous collection of tunes with each player's rock 'n' roll stripes on display - a bracing sound shaped by influences which span decades and include '50's American roots rock 'n' roll, 60's British invasion and 70's garage-punk. The album was recorded at Fab Gear Studios in Rochester, NY and also includes the Faces' Hall of Fame keyboardist Ian McLagan on Hammond organ and Wurlitzer electric piano. The Empty Hearts is available worldwide on 429 Records.  The Empty Hearts (a name coined by Little Steven from his secret list of unused band names), is a band who sound like musical cohorts - who all came of age in the 70's and 80's music scenes and play by a DIY punk rock code of ethics. A self-proclaimed band of "rock and roll lifers", the chemistry clicked immediately--they are all connected having come together as a band of friends.  Says Blurt Magazine: "What's great about The Empty Hearts' self-titled debut is that it proudly wears its influences on its sleeve and yet it sounds totally fresh. You get the feeling these guys had a blast making this record - which, apparently, they did."  Confirmed Tour Dates: 10/16    Londonderry, NH        Tupelo Music Hall 10/17    Ardmore, PA               Ardmore Music Hall 10/18    Brooklyn, NY              The Knitting Factory 10/19    Cranston, RI               RICPA - Park Theatre 10/22    Tokyo, Japan              Billboard Live (2 shows) 10/23    Tokyo, Japan              Billboard Live (2 shows)   For more information visit: http://www.429records.com/sites/429records/429details/d_theemptyhearts.asp To order The Empty Hearts visit: http://smarturl.it/TheEmptyHearts   429 Records is a unit of The Savoy Label Group (SLG). SLG is the North American based division of Nippon Columbia the oldest music company in Japan. The Savoy Label Group has evolved into a Grammy Award winning and chart topping independent music company consistently outperforming competitors in key music categories as monitored by Billboard Magazine. The Savoy Label Group is led by Steve Vining and is based in Los Angeles, CA. Visit The Empty Hearts  Webpage: http://theemptyhearts.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theemptyheartsband Icelandic indie-rock band Ourlives will release new album on October 14 Stream Ourlives New Song “Blissful Ignorance” Now At InterviewMagazine.com Iceland’s best-kept indie-rock secret Ourlives will be releasing a new record, Den of Lions, on October 14 via Spartan Records. In anticipation, the band has premiered a new track called “Blissful Ignorance” today with InterviewMagazine.com. Den of Lions is available now for pre-order at iTunes and on limited edition vinyl LP from Spartan Records at http://spr.tn/denoflions. All pre-orders will receive an instant download of “Blissful Ignorance.” Hailing from Reykjavik, Iceland, musical prowess and pedigree innately runs through Jón Björn Árnason and Leifur Kristinsson’s veins. Together they are Ourlives, and over the last nine years they have been meticulously assembling the lush and layered musical narrative Den of Lions. Contributing to the post-Britpop tradition of bands like Coldplay, Radiohead, and Travis, Ourlives fuses together delicate textures with driving guitars and drum work, and seamlessly transition between spare and intimate ballads and soaring, declarative anthems. “We’ve been in love with big sounding songs for as long as I can remember,” says Árnason. “With Den of Lions we tried to approach each song as honestly as possible. Each one had its own path, and we were not afraid to let it go where it naturally wanted to go.” Nearly a decade in the making, Den of Lions emerges as a heartbreakingly gorgeous examination of love and darkness, intimacy and isolation, and paranoia and clarity. The record features 12 tracks overflowing with lush soundscapes, many of which have already been featured in a number of U.S. television shows on MTV, ABC and NBC networks. By all accounts, Ourlives has received a warm and enthusiastic American reception. “Good music always finds a way to rise to the top, although sometimes it takes a little luck along the way,” says Árnason, “Icelandic artists have a good track record of getting heard outside of Iceland, and we are very proud and excited to continue that trend. Our label, Spartan Records, could not be more passionate about our band and they have been amazing to us. We have complete trust in them.” “Discovering Ourlives on a trip to Iceland in 2010 and now being able to call them my great friends is proof of how small music can make the world,” says Spartan Records owner/operator John Frazier. “We are honored to release the band’s debut US full-length and can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with them just as much as we have.” Den of Lions Track List: 1. Blissful Ignorance 2. Out of Place 3. Blurry Eyes 4. Núna 5. Anything Can Happen Now 6. A Sight To See 7. Seven Ways 8. Loose Lips 9. We Lost The Race 10. Too Much 11. Heart 12. Where Is The Way? For More Information: http://www.ourlivesiceland.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Ourlives.Iceland https://twitter.com/ourlivesband http://instagram.com/ourlivesiceland www.facebook.com/spartanrecords www.spartanrecords.com iRig Mic HD Now Available  The perfect mobile broadcast solution IK is proud to announce that iRig Mic HD, the first handheld digital microphone for all generations of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch as well as Mac and PC, is now available worldwide. iRig Mic HD was designed to be the ideal tool for the professional media industry. Now news presenters, radio broadcasters, journalists, videographers, announcers, television & film crews, and anyone else who needs to record high definition digital audio while on the go have a solution. iRig Mic HD is now available from music and electronics retailers worldwide for $129.99/€99.99 (excluding taxes). An exclusive silver version is also available from the Apple Store. Order now to put the power of superior digital audio recording in the palm of your hand.