Alexander Laurence's Blog, page 1184
June 19, 2020
Mattiel Releases Beastie Boys + The Clash Covers
MATTIELReleases Limited-Edition Double Cover 7-Inch
Featuring Covers of “Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun” (Beastie Boys) + “Guns Of Brixton” (The Clash)
Mattiel, the Atlanta-based rock band fronted by vocalist Mattiel Brown, release their new limited-edition Double Cover 7-inch today. The 7-inch features dynamic covers of the Beastie Boys’ “Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun,” off their iconic 1989 LP Paul’s Boutique, and The Clash’s “Guns Of Brixton,” from their classic 1979 album London Calling. Sharp and forceful, both tracks are perfect matches for Mattiel’s explosive energy. Pre-order the physical 7-inch HERE. Read guitarist/producer Jonah Swilley’s statement on the covers and Bandcamp’s Juneteenth fundraiser today below.
LISTEN: “Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun” / “Guns Of Brixton”
“When you make art, it no longer belongs to you. We had this release scheduled for last week, and we’d been working on all the moving parts for a number of months. Both Beasties and The Clash are an integral part of each band member's musical influences.
After meeting Paul Simonon on the Jools Holland Show in 2018, we started playing ‘Guns of Brixton’ upon our bassist Travis’s request. Our tour manager, Pete, had the Beastie Boys book floating around the tour van last summer. We all started reading bits of history from their career and shared our collective interest in their story. Mattiel mentioned covering ‘Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun’ from Paul's Boutique and then we hashed out the details at sound check. In early March of this year, we decided to cut studio versions of both. It should go without saying that we do not condone gun violence. The timing of this release alongside a global awakening is purely coincidental, but undeniably strange. We chose to release them today in order to benefit Bandcamp’s donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. They have promised to donate 100% of their share in sales every Juneteenth from now on. We ask you to interpret these songs as you wish, and we thank Paul Simonon, The Clash, and The Beastie Boys for writing them.”
*****
Mattiel’s sophomore album Satis Factory was released on ATO Records last year, winning instant acclaim for its gritty and provocative rock-and-roll sound. Rolling Stone compared Brown’s “gorgeously yearning, full-voiced alto range” to Nico, and NPR raved, “There's something delightfully unique about Mattiel's music. A pinch of garage rock, a touch of psychedelia, some galloping honky-tonk and at the lead, Mattiel Brown's powerful and assertive vocals.” Satis Factory is available HERE.
mattiel.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Featuring Covers of “Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun” (Beastie Boys) + “Guns Of Brixton” (The Clash)
Mattiel, the Atlanta-based rock band fronted by vocalist Mattiel Brown, release their new limited-edition Double Cover 7-inch today. The 7-inch features dynamic covers of the Beastie Boys’ “Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun,” off their iconic 1989 LP Paul’s Boutique, and The Clash’s “Guns Of Brixton,” from their classic 1979 album London Calling. Sharp and forceful, both tracks are perfect matches for Mattiel’s explosive energy. Pre-order the physical 7-inch HERE. Read guitarist/producer Jonah Swilley’s statement on the covers and Bandcamp’s Juneteenth fundraiser today below.LISTEN: “Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun” / “Guns Of Brixton”
“When you make art, it no longer belongs to you. We had this release scheduled for last week, and we’d been working on all the moving parts for a number of months. Both Beasties and The Clash are an integral part of each band member's musical influences.
After meeting Paul Simonon on the Jools Holland Show in 2018, we started playing ‘Guns of Brixton’ upon our bassist Travis’s request. Our tour manager, Pete, had the Beastie Boys book floating around the tour van last summer. We all started reading bits of history from their career and shared our collective interest in their story. Mattiel mentioned covering ‘Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun’ from Paul's Boutique and then we hashed out the details at sound check. In early March of this year, we decided to cut studio versions of both. It should go without saying that we do not condone gun violence. The timing of this release alongside a global awakening is purely coincidental, but undeniably strange. We chose to release them today in order to benefit Bandcamp’s donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. They have promised to donate 100% of their share in sales every Juneteenth from now on. We ask you to interpret these songs as you wish, and we thank Paul Simonon, The Clash, and The Beastie Boys for writing them.”
*****
Mattiel’s sophomore album Satis Factory was released on ATO Records last year, winning instant acclaim for its gritty and provocative rock-and-roll sound. Rolling Stone compared Brown’s “gorgeously yearning, full-voiced alto range” to Nico, and NPR raved, “There's something delightfully unique about Mattiel's music. A pinch of garage rock, a touch of psychedelia, some galloping honky-tonk and at the lead, Mattiel Brown's powerful and assertive vocals.” Satis Factory is available HERE.
mattiel.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
VICTORIA MONÉT ANNOUNCES 'JAGUAR' COMING JULY 31st + NEW SONG "EXPERIENCE" WITH KHALID & SG LEWIS
VICTORIA MONÉT ANNOUNCES JAGUAR TO BE RELEASED JULY 31st!
LISTEN TO NEW SONG "EXPERIENCE" WITH KHALID & SG LEWIS
Victoria Monét has delivered her newest single "Experience" with Khalid and SG Lewis ahead of her highly anticipated project Jaguar coming July 31st. As the fourth single from her upcoming project, "Experience" represents the duality of joy and pain; acknowledging with growth comes a destiny for greatness but also not without intent to let go and make a change. The song comes at a time where Victoria hopes to bring solace and joy to those who are struggling. Khalid joins her on a second verse, and SG Lewis handles production, with added horns by frequent Victoria Monét collaborator Kyla Moscovich.
Victoria and Khalid on "Experience": To be honest, we've gone back and forth about releasing this song because of the disgusting and confusing state of the world. After a lot of thinking and feeling, we decided to continue with the plan to put it out, so we want to give some context on why. We've always used music as a form of escapism from troubling things. This song, though deep in subject matter, sonically simply feels joyful and celebratory. It's important to us to highlight and celebrate Black joy and love in the middle of so much pain and trauma.
June is Black Music Month. It's also Pride Month - and even though worldwide celebrations had initially been cancelled for public safety during a health crisis, I, Victoria, feel my queer identity is another important celebration for me. The LGBTQ+ community and the Black community (especially those of us who are part of both) have always struggled to be seen in our own ways. The struggles between the two are not the same, but they share the inspiring persistence in the relentless pursuit to be heard and seen, especially in difficult times like these.
Though it was a scary decision, we wanted to honor and represent that fearless part of our people by continuing with this release through it all. We hope this brings some solace and joy to you. We hope the double ended message of this song is heard: based on experience, we want change! We matter, we always have. Here's to making changes and celebrating US the best ways we know how. Genuine love to you and yours <3"
Victoria has steadily built up excitement for her project Jaguar with releases including "Moment," "Ass Like That," "Dive" and now the healing "Experience." The collection has received praise from Paper, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pitchfork, NYLON, The Cut, Elle, NPR, MTV and more solidifying this long-awaited project as an inevitable classic.
This year Victoria was named Apple Music's UP NEXT artist, performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, brought her fans and peers together with her "Pull Up On You" acapella quarantine challenge, as well as her "Ass Like That" viral dance challenge. She is not slowing down anytime soon. Stay tuned for a lot more to come from Victoria this year.
PRE-SAVE JAGUAR
https://ffm.to/jaguar
STREAM "EXPERIENCE"
https://platoon.lnk.to/experience
STREAM "DIVE" & WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO
https://platoon.lnk.to/dive
STREAM "MOMENT" & WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO
https://Platoon.lnk.to/moment
STREAM "ASS LIKE THAT" & WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO
https://geni.us/asslikethat
FOLLOW VICTORIA MONÉT
YouTube
Emily Reo releases new single "One Eye On The Sky"
EMILY REO
RELEASES NEW DIGITAL SINGLE "ONE EYE ON THE SKY"
Photo Credit: Brian Vu
LISTEN TO "ONE EYE ON THE SKY" In her first release since 2019's "massive and far-reaching" album, Only You Can See It, Emily Reo returns with a new single, "One Eye On The Sky," available exclusively via Bandcamp today for their NAACP Legal Defense Fund fundraiser. "I wrote 'One Eye On The Sky' after a recent visit to Florida, which is where I grew up," says Reo. "I left about 10 years ago and each time I've visited since I feel a stronger pull to move back. I live in a place that I recognize is a terrible fit for me, but the people I love are here and I've built a life around them. During my last visit I conclusively made the decision to move back to Florida and prioritize my wellbeing, but since returning home [to New York] that feels less and less possible. This song is ultimately about trying to determine if being lonely in the perfect environment or having companionship in a place that makes me feel unwell would make me happier, and whether or not I'll ever be able to find the right balance."
Reo's critically acclaimed Only You Can See It is available now via Carpark.
emilyreo.com | facebook.com/emilyreomusicTwitter @emilyreo | Instagram @emilyreo
RELEASES NEW DIGITAL SINGLE "ONE EYE ON THE SKY"
Photo Credit: Brian Vu
LISTEN TO "ONE EYE ON THE SKY" In her first release since 2019's "massive and far-reaching" album, Only You Can See It, Emily Reo returns with a new single, "One Eye On The Sky," available exclusively via Bandcamp today for their NAACP Legal Defense Fund fundraiser. "I wrote 'One Eye On The Sky' after a recent visit to Florida, which is where I grew up," says Reo. "I left about 10 years ago and each time I've visited since I feel a stronger pull to move back. I live in a place that I recognize is a terrible fit for me, but the people I love are here and I've built a life around them. During my last visit I conclusively made the decision to move back to Florida and prioritize my wellbeing, but since returning home [to New York] that feels less and less possible. This song is ultimately about trying to determine if being lonely in the perfect environment or having companionship in a place that makes me feel unwell would make me happier, and whether or not I'll ever be able to find the right balance."
Reo's critically acclaimed Only You Can See It is available now via Carpark.
emilyreo.com | facebook.com/emilyreomusicTwitter @emilyreo | Instagram @emilyreo
CREEM: America’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Magazine To Be Released In August
CREEM: America’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Magazine To Be Released In AugustFeatures Alice Cooper, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Joan Jett, Michael Stipe, Cameron Crowe & More
WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER: https://bit.ly/CreemTrailer
New York, NY June 17, 2020 – Greenwich Entertainment announced today that CREEM: America’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Magazine will be released as theaters reopen later this summer. Featuring appearances from Alice Cooper, Cameron Crowe, Joan Jett, Wayne Kramer, Michael Stipe, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Kirk Hammett, Thurston Moore, Peter Wolf and many more CREEM contributors and famous fans, the highly-anticipated documentary celebrates the irreverent, wild-child publication out of Detroit.
Produced by JJ Kramer (son of CREEM co-founder and publisher Barry Kramer) and Jaan Uhelszki (original CREEM alum), directed by Scott Crawford (Salad Days: A Decade of Punk in Washington DC, 1980-90), and scored by MC5 founder Wayne Kramer, CREEM: America’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Magazine captures the messy upheaval of the '70s just as rock was reinventing itself. The film explores CREEM's humble beginnings in post-riot Detroit and follows its upward trajectory from underground paper to national powerhouse. Along the way, we meet the rock critics who would influence a generation — Crowe, Uhelszki, Dave Marsh, Lester Bangs, Susan Whitall, Sylvie Simmons and Patti Smith — before bearing witness to CREEM’s imminent demise following the tragic deaths of Bangs and Barry Kramer.
Over fifty years after publishing its first issue, CREEM remains a seditious spirit in music and culture. After the film premiered at SXSW, Variety said "this compact, well-crafted documentary will no doubt make viewers comb eBay and garage sale print stacks for all the old CREEM issues they can find.”
MORE INFO ON CREEM: AMERICA’S ONLY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MAGAZINE
https://www.creemmag.com/pages/documentary
PUBLIC ENEMY Return with Explosive New Single "State of the Union (STFU)"
PUBLIC ENEMYRETURN WITH EXPLOSIVE NEW SINGLE“STATE OF THE UNION (STFU)”
Available For Free Download via PublicEnemy.com
Public Enemy is back with a new song and video, “State of the Union (STFU),” a fiery return to the frontlines as they take on Donald Trump and his fascist regime. PE is giving away the track to fans for free at www.publicenemy.com starting today. It is also available to stream on all major DSPs worldwide. “State of the Union (STFU)” was produced by DJ Premier. An unflinching statement about the destruction the current administration has unleashed on the country and its people, “State of the Union (STFU)” speaks truth to power while urging people to fight against racism, injustice and oppression with their vote. It’s the latest in a string of powerful messages about Trump from PE frontman Chuck D, who has addressed Trump’s policies and rhetoric for the past several years through his work with Prophets of Rage and as a solo artist. “Our collective voices keep getting louder. The rest of the planet is on our side. But it’s not enough to talk about change. You have to show up and demand change,” says Chuck D. “Folks gotta vote like their lives depend on it, ‘cause it does.” “Public Enemy tells it like it is,” added Flavor Flav. “It’s time for him to GO.”
Public Enemy photo by Eitan MiskevichWATCH "STATE OF THE UNION (STFU)" OFFICIAL VIDEO
FOLLOW PUBLIC ENEMY:Facebook * Twitter * Instagram
FOLLOW CHUCK D:Facebook * Twitter * Instagram
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The Resistance Revival Chorus Release "Ella's Song" in honor of Juneteenth and Ella Baker
Resistance Revival Chorus To Release “Ella’s Song”
June 19th, 2020 - New York City The Resistance Revival Chorus have released a video for their powerful recording of "Ella's Song" in honor of Juneteenth and celebrating Ella Baker. The video includes footage and photographs of the recent protests that have taken place over George Floyd's death. The video is a photo based treatment using photos from photographers in the chorus including Brooke Williams, Kisha Bari, Dina Rudeen and Ginny Suss. “Ella’s Song” will be available tomorrow as part of Bandcamp’s Juneteenth campaign, as well as the Righteous Babe Store. This recording will also be made available for streaming and download on all DSPs on July 2nd via Righteous Babe Records.The RRC will donate 100% of the proceeds for the year to the Movement For Black Lives.
The lineage of this song follows the great tradition of civil rights music to honor heritage, embrace new voices, and respond to truth as a collective. This version is a descendant of the words of Ella Baker, which inspired the composition by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, performed by internationally lauded a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock. Produced by Tiffany Gouché, under the direction of Resistance Revival Chorus Musical Director Abena Koomson-Davis, this arrangement originates from the recording created by Toshi Reagon & Big Lovely in celebration of the historic 2017 Women's March, with added vocal harmonies arranged and taught by Sound (Julie) Brown.
Says Abena Koomson-Davis of the importance of Ella’s Song in this moment, and in light of Juneteenth, “I first heard Sweet Honey in the Rock perform Ella's Song as a teenager. I was galvanized by the power of collective singing to shift the focus of our hearts to justice, dignity, and oneness. The call and response has echoed in me ever since, and in many ways is the foundation of my work as a musician and educator. It demands that we honor Black lives, that we honor our children, that we honor womanhood, and remain steady in the fight for freedom. I do not take the anchoring phrase "we who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes" as a dismissal of self-care or some capitalist grind philosophy. It is not "I cannot rest," It is "WE." It is akin to the tradition of West African dance, drumming and song, where the "WE" generates continuous movement and music. While individuals and partners may take breaths between passages, our collective contributions keep the song of freedom playing. May WE boldly sound these efforts, ever toward LIBERATION.”The Resistance Revival Chorus is a collective of more than 60 women and non-binary singers, who join together to breathe joy and song into the resistance, and to uplift and center women’s voices, especially the voices of black women and women of color. Members are touring musicians, film and television actors, Broadway performers, solo recording artists, gospel singers, political activists, educators, filmmakers, artists, and more, representing a multitude of identities, professions, creative backgrounds, and activist causes. The Resistance Revival Chorus was founded in the wake of the 2017 Women's March and strives to center women in music and address how historically marginalized women have been in the music industry. They’ve backed Ke$ha at the GRAMMYS, performed on The Tonight Show with Jim James, sung Spanish lullabies to detained migrant children outside a New York holding facility, and been shouted-out on Twitter by hometown hero Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. When they’re not performing on stages like Carnegie Hall and the Apollo, the Resistance Revival Chorus regularly hits the NYC streets, advocating for social justice across the spectrum. From standing in solidarity with the Movement for Black Lives and calling to defund the police, the Resistance Revival Chorus has been involved in many activist causes including reproductive rights, the anti-muslim ban, Climate Change, LGBTQIA+ rights at PRIDE and attending the March For Our Lives. The RRC brings music to the movement.
The Resistance Revival Chorus announced earlier this year that they would release a full length album, This Joy, to be released on Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records. The album features original compositions along with protest classics and was recorded in New York City with GRAMMY-nominated producer Tiffany Gouché. The album is 100% created by women and non-binary artists. Righteous Babe’s Ani DiFranco says of the Chorus: “The RRC is like an antidote to silence and submission. In this age of division and hopelessness, let us listen to their collective voice and get lifted. Let us remember who we really are.”
“Meet The Resistance Revival Chorus Where You Can Sing Out Your Political Frustrations” via Pitchfork.
Keep up with the RRC:Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
June 19th, 2020 - New York City The Resistance Revival Chorus have released a video for their powerful recording of "Ella's Song" in honor of Juneteenth and celebrating Ella Baker. The video includes footage and photographs of the recent protests that have taken place over George Floyd's death. The video is a photo based treatment using photos from photographers in the chorus including Brooke Williams, Kisha Bari, Dina Rudeen and Ginny Suss. “Ella’s Song” will be available tomorrow as part of Bandcamp’s Juneteenth campaign, as well as the Righteous Babe Store. This recording will also be made available for streaming and download on all DSPs on July 2nd via Righteous Babe Records.The RRC will donate 100% of the proceeds for the year to the Movement For Black Lives.
The lineage of this song follows the great tradition of civil rights music to honor heritage, embrace new voices, and respond to truth as a collective. This version is a descendant of the words of Ella Baker, which inspired the composition by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, performed by internationally lauded a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock. Produced by Tiffany Gouché, under the direction of Resistance Revival Chorus Musical Director Abena Koomson-Davis, this arrangement originates from the recording created by Toshi Reagon & Big Lovely in celebration of the historic 2017 Women's March, with added vocal harmonies arranged and taught by Sound (Julie) Brown.Says Abena Koomson-Davis of the importance of Ella’s Song in this moment, and in light of Juneteenth, “I first heard Sweet Honey in the Rock perform Ella's Song as a teenager. I was galvanized by the power of collective singing to shift the focus of our hearts to justice, dignity, and oneness. The call and response has echoed in me ever since, and in many ways is the foundation of my work as a musician and educator. It demands that we honor Black lives, that we honor our children, that we honor womanhood, and remain steady in the fight for freedom. I do not take the anchoring phrase "we who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes" as a dismissal of self-care or some capitalist grind philosophy. It is not "I cannot rest," It is "WE." It is akin to the tradition of West African dance, drumming and song, where the "WE" generates continuous movement and music. While individuals and partners may take breaths between passages, our collective contributions keep the song of freedom playing. May WE boldly sound these efforts, ever toward LIBERATION.”The Resistance Revival Chorus is a collective of more than 60 women and non-binary singers, who join together to breathe joy and song into the resistance, and to uplift and center women’s voices, especially the voices of black women and women of color. Members are touring musicians, film and television actors, Broadway performers, solo recording artists, gospel singers, political activists, educators, filmmakers, artists, and more, representing a multitude of identities, professions, creative backgrounds, and activist causes. The Resistance Revival Chorus was founded in the wake of the 2017 Women's March and strives to center women in music and address how historically marginalized women have been in the music industry. They’ve backed Ke$ha at the GRAMMYS, performed on The Tonight Show with Jim James, sung Spanish lullabies to detained migrant children outside a New York holding facility, and been shouted-out on Twitter by hometown hero Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. When they’re not performing on stages like Carnegie Hall and the Apollo, the Resistance Revival Chorus regularly hits the NYC streets, advocating for social justice across the spectrum. From standing in solidarity with the Movement for Black Lives and calling to defund the police, the Resistance Revival Chorus has been involved in many activist causes including reproductive rights, the anti-muslim ban, Climate Change, LGBTQIA+ rights at PRIDE and attending the March For Our Lives. The RRC brings music to the movement.
The Resistance Revival Chorus announced earlier this year that they would release a full length album, This Joy, to be released on Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records. The album features original compositions along with protest classics and was recorded in New York City with GRAMMY-nominated producer Tiffany Gouché. The album is 100% created by women and non-binary artists. Righteous Babe’s Ani DiFranco says of the Chorus: “The RRC is like an antidote to silence and submission. In this age of division and hopelessness, let us listen to their collective voice and get lifted. Let us remember who we really are.”
“Meet The Resistance Revival Chorus Where You Can Sing Out Your Political Frustrations” via Pitchfork.
Keep up with the RRC:Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
ATO Records Announces "Silence Is Not An Option (turn this up)"
ATO Records AnnouncesSilence Is Not An Option (turn this up)A Compilation Album Supporting Black Lives Matter, Color of Change, and Innocence Project
Featuring Songs From the ATO Catalog From Brittany Howard, My Morning Jacket, Black Pumas, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Benjamin Booker, Drive-By Truckers, Nilüfer Yanya, Nick Hakim & More
Plus a Brand-New Track From Emily King
Available Digitally Today + Pre-Order Vinyl Exclusively on Bandcamp
Artwork by Shanée Benjamin
ATO Records, an independent record label out of New York City, has been reflecting deeply on the injustices and inequality in our world. We recognize that music is not just an agent for change, but a space of solace. As we approach our 20th anniversary as a label, we remain proud to represent a diverse range of artists whose music imparts messages of inclusivity, justice, and equality. In that spirit, we’ve assembled an LP that showcases our extraordinary roster of artists and epitomizes ATO’s richness of musical diversity and talent. Silence Is Not An Option is a compilation of powerful anthems from the ATO catalog that explore issues of identity, community, social justice, and resistance. Tracks include Brittany Howard’s “Goat Head,” released in 2019, the explosive song that Howard wrote about growing up in the South with a white mother and a black father; Benjamin Booker’s “Witness,” released in 2017, (“Right now we could use a little pick-me-up / Seems like the whole damn nation's trying to take us down”), a collaboration with soul music and civil rights icon Mavis Staples; Drive-By Truckers’ “What It Means,” released in 2016, the withering track that Patterson Hood wrote in response to the police shootings of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown; and Chicano Batman’s “Invisible People,” released earlier this year (“Invisible people, we're tired of living in the dark / Everyone is trying to tear us apart / All we wanna do is heal now”).
The compilation also features “See Me,” a brand-new song from Grammy-nominated R&B artist Emily King. King wrote and recorded the passionate track just days ago in response to the Black Lives Matters protests. “Feeling so moved by this powerful time,” says King. “Everyday watching the world demand justice. I wake up with sadness but also hope. Like people are starting to finally notice how deeply broken things are. Can you hear me now? Can you see me now? I started singing the words and they wouldn’t leave my head.” Listen to “See Me,” premiering now on Rolling Stone, HERE. ATO stands with all those committed to the fight for racial equality and mutual respect among all peoples. Silence Is Not An Option is available today digitally and for pre-order on vinyl exclusively on Bandcamp, who are donating 100% of their fees to the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund. ATO will donate 100% of net proceeds from the compilation to causes supporting the Black Lives Matter global human rights movement: Black Lives Matter Greater New York, Color of Change, and Innocence Project. Vinyl will ship in August.
“This compilation is not about the label, it’s about our artists who’ve been outspoken and providing commentary on these issues for years,” says ATO General Manager and Head of A&R Jon Salter. “Team ATO couldn’t be prouder to raise awareness and money showcasing these powerful songs in our catalog, and be in this moment alongside our exceptional artist community.”
Purchase Silence Is Not An Option HERE
Silence Is Not An Option (turn this up) - Vinyl Tracklist1. “Witness” - Benjamin Booker (featuring Mavis Staples)2. “Colors” - Black Pumas3. “Goat Head” - Brittany Howard4. “See Me” (Exclusive) - Emily King5. “What It Means” - Drive-By Truckers6. “Pa’lante” - Hurray for the Riff Raff7. “When You Come Back” - Vusi Mahlasela8. “Paralysed” - Nilüfer Yanya9. “Invisible People” - Chicano Batman10. “I’m Amazed” - My Morning Jacket11. “Vincent Tyler (Single Version)” - Nick Hakim
ATO Records (According To Our Records) is a record label committed to artists and building their careers. Founded in 2000 by Dave Matthews and manager Coran Capshaw, and run by Jon Salter, the label roster boasts an extraordinary artist community including Brittany Howard, My Morning Jacket, Alabama Shakes, Black Pumas, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Hurray For The Riff Raff, Drive-By Truckers, Chicano Batman, Nick Hakim, Primus, and many more. As a truly independent label, ATO is steadfast in its commitment to building career artists.
atorecords.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Featuring Songs From the ATO Catalog From Brittany Howard, My Morning Jacket, Black Pumas, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Benjamin Booker, Drive-By Truckers, Nilüfer Yanya, Nick Hakim & More
Plus a Brand-New Track From Emily King
Available Digitally Today + Pre-Order Vinyl Exclusively on Bandcamp
Artwork by Shanée BenjaminATO Records, an independent record label out of New York City, has been reflecting deeply on the injustices and inequality in our world. We recognize that music is not just an agent for change, but a space of solace. As we approach our 20th anniversary as a label, we remain proud to represent a diverse range of artists whose music imparts messages of inclusivity, justice, and equality. In that spirit, we’ve assembled an LP that showcases our extraordinary roster of artists and epitomizes ATO’s richness of musical diversity and talent. Silence Is Not An Option is a compilation of powerful anthems from the ATO catalog that explore issues of identity, community, social justice, and resistance. Tracks include Brittany Howard’s “Goat Head,” released in 2019, the explosive song that Howard wrote about growing up in the South with a white mother and a black father; Benjamin Booker’s “Witness,” released in 2017, (“Right now we could use a little pick-me-up / Seems like the whole damn nation's trying to take us down”), a collaboration with soul music and civil rights icon Mavis Staples; Drive-By Truckers’ “What It Means,” released in 2016, the withering track that Patterson Hood wrote in response to the police shootings of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown; and Chicano Batman’s “Invisible People,” released earlier this year (“Invisible people, we're tired of living in the dark / Everyone is trying to tear us apart / All we wanna do is heal now”).
The compilation also features “See Me,” a brand-new song from Grammy-nominated R&B artist Emily King. King wrote and recorded the passionate track just days ago in response to the Black Lives Matters protests. “Feeling so moved by this powerful time,” says King. “Everyday watching the world demand justice. I wake up with sadness but also hope. Like people are starting to finally notice how deeply broken things are. Can you hear me now? Can you see me now? I started singing the words and they wouldn’t leave my head.” Listen to “See Me,” premiering now on Rolling Stone, HERE. ATO stands with all those committed to the fight for racial equality and mutual respect among all peoples. Silence Is Not An Option is available today digitally and for pre-order on vinyl exclusively on Bandcamp, who are donating 100% of their fees to the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund. ATO will donate 100% of net proceeds from the compilation to causes supporting the Black Lives Matter global human rights movement: Black Lives Matter Greater New York, Color of Change, and Innocence Project. Vinyl will ship in August.
“This compilation is not about the label, it’s about our artists who’ve been outspoken and providing commentary on these issues for years,” says ATO General Manager and Head of A&R Jon Salter. “Team ATO couldn’t be prouder to raise awareness and money showcasing these powerful songs in our catalog, and be in this moment alongside our exceptional artist community.”
Purchase Silence Is Not An Option HERE
Silence Is Not An Option (turn this up) - Vinyl Tracklist1. “Witness” - Benjamin Booker (featuring Mavis Staples)2. “Colors” - Black Pumas3. “Goat Head” - Brittany Howard4. “See Me” (Exclusive) - Emily King5. “What It Means” - Drive-By Truckers6. “Pa’lante” - Hurray for the Riff Raff7. “When You Come Back” - Vusi Mahlasela8. “Paralysed” - Nilüfer Yanya9. “Invisible People” - Chicano Batman10. “I’m Amazed” - My Morning Jacket11. “Vincent Tyler (Single Version)” - Nick Hakim
ATO Records (According To Our Records) is a record label committed to artists and building their careers. Founded in 2000 by Dave Matthews and manager Coran Capshaw, and run by Jon Salter, the label roster boasts an extraordinary artist community including Brittany Howard, My Morning Jacket, Alabama Shakes, Black Pumas, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Hurray For The Riff Raff, Drive-By Truckers, Chicano Batman, Nick Hakim, Primus, and many more. As a truly independent label, ATO is steadfast in its commitment to building career artists.
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Pinkshinyultrablast return with epic new single 'Songs'
Pinkshinyultrablast New single ‘Songs’ out now via Club AC30 Soundcloud Spotify [image error] “A quiet riot of ethereal vocals and lustrous guitars. Pinkshinyultrablast a valid insight into young modern Russia via the early-90s Thames Valley” - The Guardian “Beautifully toned and unconventionally fast, a gutsy effort that makes a big impression” - NME “A complex but sumptuous confluence of mathy basslines and waves of melodic ecstasy.” - Q Magazine “Excessively impressive, unexpectedly fast-paced shoegaze.” - Drowned In Sound
Pinkshinyultrablast, Russia’s premiere shoegaze export, have shared their epic and ethereal new single ‘Songs’. With vocalist Lyubov moving to LA, the band were deeply immersed in exploring new ways of composing and collaborating from a distance long before it was enforced. They tells us that "this one is kind of an oddball. I think when we recorded ‘Songs’ we weren’t really sure what to do with this 15-minute-long beast, or if we will ever get a chance to release it. For some reason, this B-side feels especially dear to all of us. Possibly because it encapsulates a certain time of us existing together as a band, a very specific moment. We’ve been living in different cities for over four years now, and I think what I miss the most about us all being in the same place is the ability to regularly spend time together in the same room, practice, and run ideas by one another — just communicate and figure stuff out, side by side. I went to a Terry Riley show last December and he was playing with his grandson Gyan. They were sitting on the opposite sides of a really wide stage, pretty far apart from one another, separated by this giant concert grand - playing, pausing, improvising - and just kind of secretly smiling at each other from across the hall. When I think of the time we worked on this song, I think of those kinds of smiles, you know. It feels like hearing back a long conversation you’ve had with a dear friend a while back. Maybe you don’t agree with everything you’ve said back then, but then it doesn’t even really matter, because you know you were just able to truly relate." Pinkshinyultrablast have amassed critical praise across the board since the release of their debut album ‘Everything Else Matters’ and follow-ups ‘Grandfeathered’ in 2016 and ‘Miserable Miracles’ in 2018. They’ve been compared to bands such as Lush but this is no mere tribute - due to their sharp, icy electronics and ability to subvert the psych genre, bringing something new to the table. They possess not only the spirit of late 80s/early 90s British bands like Cocteau Twins, but also machine-made sounds of the same era from Sabres Of Paradise or Global Communication, not to mention wider vibrations like Cluster, Popul Vuh, Terry Riley and Philip Glass. On ‘Songs’ they deliver waves upon waves of expansive guitars to form a truly massive fusion of psychedelia and ambience that flows beautifully, awash with blissful synths and their trademark celestial vocals. Follow BandcampFacebookTwitterSpotify
JOCKSTRAP "WICKED CITY" EP OUT NOW ON WARP RECORDS
JOCKSTRAP
WICKED CITY
EP OUT NOW ON WARP RECORDS
TOUR THE IMPLIED GALLERY AUDIOVISUAL VIRTUAL EXHIBITION NOW
ARTWORK: Jacob Stockings
EARLY PRESS ON JOCKSTRAP'S WICKED CITY
"Jockstrap have fashioned a singular sound" PITCHFORK
"ingenious, invigorating, and like little else right now" NME
"Somewhere between Tchaikovsky and SOPHIE lie Jockstrap" DAZED
"I don't know what kind of music Jockstrap are making right now, but I like it." THE FADER
London-based duo Jockstrap (Georgia Ellery and Taylor Skye) have released their acclaimed second EP, Wicked City, out now on Warp Records. Singles "Acid" and "The City" feature on their debut EP for the label, available on 12" vinyl and digital formats HERE.
Jockstrap launched Wicked City alongside a virtual audio-visual exhibition and listening party: an immersive event featuring artwork from the project and exclusive binaural audio running from June 15th - 24th HERE.
The exhibition displays a selection of artworks created by the visual artists involved in the release, with each 'room' featuring full-length, headphone-optimised binaural mixes (engineered by David Sheppard (LOSS/GAIN, Isolation Room)), which is audible to visitors for the first time as they explore the gallery - resulting in an interactive playback experience. The convening featured artists include Sam Boxer, Athen Brady, Liam Noonan, Jacob Stockings and Charlotte Taylor. Binaural sound technology allows the creation of immersive spatial audio experiences for headphone listeners.
Jockstrap have defied convention on Wicked City; an epic of an EP, flung into the world to respond to their debut Love is the Key to the City. Speaking about the EP, Ellery said: "Wicked City is a response to Love is the key to the City: the two present a dichotomy in both understanding and feeling. The songs on Wicked City are presented in chronological order, with "Robert" written in the summer of 2018 and 'City Hell' in summer 2019. The EP was finished in January 2020."
Having previously aired EP track "Robert" (with Injury Reserve) in late-April in his "Essential Mix" for BBC Radio 1, Jamie xx and Georgia collaborated once again, this time in session for BBC Radio 3's Late Junction on 29 May. Jockstrap's Wicked City also received strong radio support from Annie Mac (Radio 1), Matt Wilkinson (Beats 1), John Kennedy (Radio X), and BBC Radio 6 Music's Lauren Laverne, Shaun Keaveny, Steve Lamacq, Mary Anne Hobbs, Marc Riley (BBC 6 Music) - resulting in a 6 Music B-list playlisting for 'Acid' and a C-List playlisting for 'The City'.
PHOTO CREDIT: Maxwell Granger
FOLLOW JOCKSTRAPTWITTERINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK
TOUR THE IMPLIED GALLERY AUDIOVISUAL VIRTUAL EXHIBITION NOW
ARTWORK: Jacob StockingsEARLY PRESS ON JOCKSTRAP'S WICKED CITY
"Jockstrap have fashioned a singular sound" PITCHFORK
"ingenious, invigorating, and like little else right now" NME
"Somewhere between Tchaikovsky and SOPHIE lie Jockstrap" DAZED
"I don't know what kind of music Jockstrap are making right now, but I like it." THE FADER
London-based duo Jockstrap (Georgia Ellery and Taylor Skye) have released their acclaimed second EP, Wicked City, out now on Warp Records. Singles "Acid" and "The City" feature on their debut EP for the label, available on 12" vinyl and digital formats HERE.
Jockstrap launched Wicked City alongside a virtual audio-visual exhibition and listening party: an immersive event featuring artwork from the project and exclusive binaural audio running from June 15th - 24th HERE.
The exhibition displays a selection of artworks created by the visual artists involved in the release, with each 'room' featuring full-length, headphone-optimised binaural mixes (engineered by David Sheppard (LOSS/GAIN, Isolation Room)), which is audible to visitors for the first time as they explore the gallery - resulting in an interactive playback experience. The convening featured artists include Sam Boxer, Athen Brady, Liam Noonan, Jacob Stockings and Charlotte Taylor. Binaural sound technology allows the creation of immersive spatial audio experiences for headphone listeners.
Jockstrap have defied convention on Wicked City; an epic of an EP, flung into the world to respond to their debut Love is the Key to the City. Speaking about the EP, Ellery said: "Wicked City is a response to Love is the key to the City: the two present a dichotomy in both understanding and feeling. The songs on Wicked City are presented in chronological order, with "Robert" written in the summer of 2018 and 'City Hell' in summer 2019. The EP was finished in January 2020."
Having previously aired EP track "Robert" (with Injury Reserve) in late-April in his "Essential Mix" for BBC Radio 1, Jamie xx and Georgia collaborated once again, this time in session for BBC Radio 3's Late Junction on 29 May. Jockstrap's Wicked City also received strong radio support from Annie Mac (Radio 1), Matt Wilkinson (Beats 1), John Kennedy (Radio X), and BBC Radio 6 Music's Lauren Laverne, Shaun Keaveny, Steve Lamacq, Mary Anne Hobbs, Marc Riley (BBC 6 Music) - resulting in a 6 Music B-list playlisting for 'Acid' and a C-List playlisting for 'The City'.
PHOTO CREDIT: Maxwell GrangerFOLLOW JOCKSTRAPTWITTERINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK
June 18, 2020
The Fiery Furnaces share first new music in ten years
THE FIERY FURNACESSHARE FIRST NEW MUSIC IN TEN YEARS
DUO RETURNS WITH "DOWN AT THE SO AND SO ON SOMEWHERE"
7" VINYL VERSION B/W "THE FORTUNE TELLER'S REVENGE"AVAILABLE NOW VIA THIRD MAN RECORDS
HEAR "DOWN AT THE SO AND SO ON SOMEWHERE"The Fiery Furnaces have returned with their first new music in ten years. "Down at the So and So on Somewhere" is now available to stream HERE. A 7" vinyl version is also available to purchase now courtesy of Third Man Records, backed by the physical-only track "The Fortune Teller's Revenge." Purchase the 7" HERE. The 7" will also be available as part of The Fiery Furnaces Starter Bundle, which also contains a Fiery Furnaces tote and t-shirt. Purchase the bundle HERE. A portion of proceeds from sales of the bundle will be donated to Black Lives Matter and AACM Chicago. The band was set to return to the stage for a hometown performance at Pitchfork Music Festival this July, which has since been canceled due to COVID-19.
"This is the first new music from The Fiery Furnaces in ten years," the band says. "The songs were recorded in New York City and a few hours north of New York City on February 3 and February 10 - 12, 2020. 'Down at the So and So on Somewhere' is a regretful song about having regrets. Now it seems even more sad than we thought it was back then: 'Will you meet me,' etc. Matthew was happy to use a Soviet drum machine. Eleanor was happy to play real drums. 'The Fortune Teller's Revenge' is another sad song. We cut out the lines from the first and third verse: 'with me; just kidding' and 'leave everything to me.' Matthew likes hearing Eleanor sing 'I'm sorry to say I've never made a mistake.' Eleanor likes that you can't quite tell who's singing what, when."
Eleanor and Matthew Friedberger formed The Fiery Furnaces in New York City in 2000. Their debut album Gallowsbird's Bark (Rough Trade Records) was released to critical acclaim in 2003. In the following seven years, they released eight more albums and toured extensively throughout North America, Europe, Australia and Japan. The band's last performance was nearly a decade ago at the Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona. In the meantime Eleanor and Matthew have released eight solo albums, collectively.
"Down at the So and So on Somewhere" b/w "The Fortune Teller's Revenge" artworkCONNECT WITH THE FIERY FURNACESBANDCAMP | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
