H.P. LOVECRAFT Hallowe’en In A Suburb And Others EP Confirmed For April Release Through Cadabra Records

March 14, 2016 by shiftsync media

unnamed Cadabra Records presents H. P. LOVECRAFT‘s Hallowe’en In A Suburb And Others, as a limited edition 7″ title, set for release this April as part of the label’s ongoing series in homage to the author.

The poem Hallowe’en In A Suburb is a classic, staple title by H. P. LOVECRAFT, and has been frequently reprinted over the years since its initial publication in 1926. Here, the rhyme is joined by several other tales including The Cats, The Garden, Festival, Astrophobos, Despair, and The Messenger.

As with the other titles in the ongoing Cadabra series, these seven poems are here read by Andrew Leman, who is known as a co-founder of the H. P. LOVECRAFT Historical Society, as well as a professional actor with years of stage, screen, and audio performances including The Call of Cthulhu, The Whisperer in Darkness, and Dark Adventure Radio Theatre. Leman’s voice captures the terror, dread, suspense and madness that permeates LOVECRAFT‘s writing, and is here appropriately paired with sound by Josh Coy of Teratoma Sound Lab, the release bound in cover artwork by Sam Heimer.

Spoken arts label, Cadabra Records, will release Hallowe’en In A Suburb And Others on April 29th as a limited 7″ title, which is currently being pressed on clear vinyl, in an edition of 150 copies. The cover will be hand-screened in silver ink on a fold-over cover, printed on French paper, and includes an insert. Preorders will be posted on March 24th.

Cadabra Records’ ongoing H. P. LOVECRAFT series recently began with the release of the maiden title in the series, The Hound & The Music Of Erich Zann, released onLP in February. Upon its release, the label announced New York-based dark ambient/industrial outfit Theologian has been chosen as the label’s “house band” for all upcoming titles, including the absolutely terrifying, The Lurking Fear, the next title in the series, to be followed by Pickman’s Model and other titles soon to be announced.

Hallowe’en In A Suburb And Others Track Listing:

Hallowe’en In A Suburb
The Cats
The Garden
Festival
Astrophobos
Despair
The Messenger

Star of hit show ’24’ Kiefer Sutherland announces Nationwide tour and debue album ‘DOWN IN A HOLE’

March 13, 2016 by shiftsync media

‘Down In A Hole’ Set for Release This Summer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 10, 2016) –

Kiefer Sutherland will bring his rich, soulful

Photo by: Beth Elliott

vocals and guitar licks to venues across the country beginning April 14 when he performs for audiences with a set list that includes cuts from his folk-tinged album, Down In A Hole, set for release this summer.

Sutherland, known for his starring role on the Fox series “24,” will bring his debut tour as a musician to 26 venues across the country beginning April 14. More dates will be added.

A professional actor his entire adult life, Sutherland starred in movies like ‘Stand By Me’, ‘The Lost Boys’, ‘Young Guns’, Flatliners’, ‘A Few Good Men’, ‘A Time to Kill’, ‘Dark City’, ‘Melancholia’ and most recently, a western called ‘Forsaken’ and the upcoming ABC series “Designated Survivor.”

Unknown to many during the course of his career, he has taken on other vocations with the same kind of dedication and commitment. In 2002, Sutherland, with his music partner and best friend Jude Cole, began a small record label called Ironworks. The goal of this label was to record local musicians and distribute their music at a time when the music industry was going through a monumental shift. Some of their artists included Rocco DeLuca and the Burden, HoneyHoney and Billy Boy On Poison. In 2009, Sutherland left the label to recharge and figure out what he was going to do next.

In early 2015 Sutherland played Cole two songs he had written and wanted to record as demos for other artists to record. Cole responded positively to the songs and the album grew organically from those recordings. Two songs became four and four grew into six, until Cole suggested that they make a record. Their collaboration resulted in Sutherland’s upcoming debut album: Down In A Hole.

“It’s the closest thing I’ve ever had to a journal or diary. All of these songs are pulled from my own personal experiences. There is something very satisfying about being able to look back on my own life, good times and bad, and express those sentiments in music. As much as I have enjoyed the writing and recording process, I am experiencing great joy now being able to play these songs to a live audience, which was something I hadn’t counted on,” Sutherland said of the 11-track album. A track listing and release date will be announced soon.

Stay social with Kiefer Sutherland by following him on Twitter and Facebook.

KIEFER SUTHERLAND ON TOUR:
April 14 Milwaukee, Wis. – Shank Hall
April 15 Madison, Wis. – Majestic
April 16 Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Pyramid Scheme
April 18 Ann Arbor, Mich. – The Ark
April 19 Cleveland, Ohio – Grog Shop
April 20 Pittsburgh, Pa. – Hard Rock Cafe
April 22 Huntington, W. Va. – V Club
April 23 Cincinnati, Ohio – Ballroom at the Taft
April 24 Indianapolis, Ind – Vogue
April 26 Columbus, Ohio – A&R Music Bar
May 04 Charlotte, N.C. – Visulite Theatre
May 06 Raleigh, N.C. – Lincoln Theatre
May 08 Richmond, Va. – Capital Ale House
May 09 Annapolis, Md. – Ram’s Head Tavern
May 11 Wilmington, Del. – World Cafe Live
May 12 Teaneck, N.J. – Mexicali Live
May 14 Pawling, N.Y. – Daryl’s House
May 15 Ithaca, N.Y. – The Dock
May 16 Buffalo, N.Y. – Iron Works
May 19 Northampton, Mass. – Iron Horse
May 20 Boston, Mass. – Brighton Music Hall
May 21 Providence, R.I. – The Met
May 24 Asbury Park, N.J. – Stone Pony
May 25 Long Island, N.Y. – Founders Room
May 26 Sellersville, Pa. – Sellersville Theater
May 28 Amagansett, N.Y. – Stephen Talkhouse

Spring Fling Tour with, Cage The Elephant, Foals, Bear Hands touring US

March 4, 2016 by shiftsync media

The bands, “Cage The Elephant,” “Foals,” and “Bear Hands” will be joining forces for their US tour titled “Spring Fling Tour” on March 11. They will be heading through the US starting in California, beginning with Fresno, Sacramento, and finishing off their sets in “The Golden State” in the city of Bakersfield, and then continuing on their tour through the nation.

Interview With Mike Martin of All That Remains

October 29, 2015 by shiftsync media

Mike Martin guitarist from All That Remains sat down with us before the performance at the Monster Energy Drink’s Aftershock Festival.

Monster Energy’s Aftershock Festival at Gibson Ranch

October 28, 2015 by shiftsync media

Mike Patton of Faith No More Preforming at Aftershock PHOTO BY: Bryce Fraser

Marilyn Manson doing an air kick while preforming at Aftershock PHOTO BY: Bryce Fraser

Bryce Fraser
Staff Writer

Gibson Ranch was filled with thousands of concert goers to the fourth annual Aftershock Festival in Sacramento. Bands such as, Slipknot, Shinedown, and Marlin Manson were heading Saturday. Sunday’s headliners included, Faith No More, Deftones, and Jane’s Addiction. For the past 3 years The Aftershock has been hosted at Discovery Park, but due to the event gaining attendees over the years it took place in Gibson Ranch where more than 37,000 people attended. Gibson Ranch also offered camping for concert goers.

Slipknot was the last band to perform on Saturday and was the main Headliner of the night. The production value alone gave fans a show worth their ticket price. Slipknot’s Chris Fehn , and Shawn “Clown” Crahan, both were on separate drum sets on each side of the stage that spiraled around and went up and down. Craig Jones, the keyboardist, also was in the background on a contraption that moved him from left to right. The whole performance was accompanied by fire that mimicked the beats of the songs. All show aside, Slipknot played flawlessly giving a good mix of new and old songs, such as “Psychosocial” and “The Devil In I”. They gifted fans with a song they claimed not to have played live in a while which was off their first album “Me Inside”. They finished the night with an original song “Surfacing”.

Yelawolf Preforming at Aftershock PHOTO BY: Bryce Fraser

Shinedown also included fire into their performance by actually shooting out rays of fire that resembled the colored rays of the concert lights. Fireworks also shot out from the back of the stage and all together gave off an amazing aesthetic to an already talented band. Shinedown played a mix of their hard and soft rock songs. They ended the night with two crowd favorites, “Simple man”, and “Sound Of Madness”. Brent Smith really showed off his tone range with “Simple Man”, which the band played acoustically. To get the audience back amped up they played “Sound of Madness”.

Marylin Manson provided a very theatrical show to fans. He walked around on stilts and long crutches and came out on stage with a burning bible. He walked into the photo pit next to fans while singing. He stabbed his wrist with a broken beer bottle, and even shot mucus out of his nose. Manson gave fans a show and the outrageous parts were really what you would expect from a Manson show which he delivered to fans. Manson played “Deep Six” from his new album, but mostly played his classics, such as his cover of Eurythmics “Sweet dreams” song . He played “The Dope show”, and finished the night with “The Beautiful People”.

Chino Moreno front man for the Deftones preforming at Aftershock PHoTO BY: Bryce Fraser

Hollywood Undead started the crowd off with their first hit “Undead”, then “Been to Hell” to get the crowd excited. The set’s mood changed to more easy going party songs with “Coming N’ Hot”, and “War Child”, and” Bullet”. They finished their seven song set with “Day of The Dead”, and then Everywhere I go.
Sunday night’s big headliner was Faith No More. The band came out all in white with the stage surrounded in floral arrangements. The different colored stage lights shining onto the flowers created a very colorful sensation to the eyes. After their set eager fans requested more songs and were rewarded with an encore. They ended the night with “we Care A Lot”, and then “Just a Man”.
The Aftershock Fest only gets bigger and better every year and it shows that Rock still lives on through the massive numbers that converged on Gibson Ranch last weekend.

Struggle of a Concert Photographer

October 2, 2015 by shiftsync media

File Photo: A Sony camera covered in fake projectile blood during a Gwar concert.

Alisha Kirby
Staff Writer

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Approximately 30,000 music fans descended on the Bridge District this past weekend to attend Sacramento’s second annual TBD festival, filling the air with marijuana smoke and Selfie Sticks.

A quick scan of the crowd made it apparent that a majority planned to document the event via constant, blurry cell phone pictures.

A handful of photographers at the event, however, were there to do a job, donning press passes and 15 pounds of gear which appeared to get heavier as the three nights wore on.

Yet many of them are unlikely to receive a paycheck for their work.

“As a concert photographer, I have yet to make any money on concert photography,” said Bryce Fraser, founder of Shiftsync Media, a Sacramento-based lifestyle blog.

A music photographer may be in a constant state of unpaid internship status, often working to convince clients that his or her work is of monetary value.

“When it’s something fun, like concerts or even a sports game, you’re expected to do it for the experience,” Fraser said.

Unfortunately, the cost of a professional grade camera and the various lenses one may need for different jobs quickly adds up, said Carlos Almanza, a photographer at XSiGHT Productions studio in Downtown Sacramento.

“Cost-wise, the gear runs for about $5,000 but I’m fortunate enough to have a studio that backs me and allows me to use the gear for free,” Almanza said.

Almanza, who studied video production and film at the Art Institute and boasts seven years of experience, still finds himself bartering his work for studio time for friends’ bands.

The problem, he said, lies in the misconception that professional-grade photography is as simple as aiming the camera and pressing a button.

“I would say that it takes a certain amount of skill to take a legitimately good photo,” Almanza said. “You need to know your light and composition, because it’s way more than just picking up a camera, saying ‘stand here,’ and pressing the shutter.”

It is difficult to draw a discernible line in the sand to separate those who are considered “real” photographers from those who are not, Fraser said. Some say it all depends on whether or not one earns a paycheck, while others say a degree or a varied portfolio is necessary.

“The line is definitely blurred,” Fraser said, “(but) having some knowledge of photography and what makes a good photo helps. It is an art form, but not many people treat it as one.”

Fraser recounts last year’s After Shock festival, where bands including Weezer, the Offspring and Awolnation took to the stage at Discovery Park in Sacramento.

Almost a dozen people in the photo pit — an area directly in front of the stage barricaded off from the rest of the crowd and only made available to those with press passes — used nothing but iPads and cell phones.

There is a level of professionalism that Fraser said is disappearing, which makes it harder to leverage one’s own abilities when discussing pay.

Despite the frustration of being expected to work for free, however, some photographers say passion will always be a driving force when deciding what projects to take on.

“One time, a band and I set out in the snow with a couch to take promotional photos in the snow,” said Allen Daniel, freelance photographer for 1906 Studios and Joyus, an online department store.

Though woefully unprepared in only a pair of skinny jeans and a windbreaker, Daniel laid in the snow to get the “perfect shot,” something he said he didn’t think twice about.

“It felt like my fingers were going to fall off and I couldn’t feel my feet,” Daniel said with a laugh, “but I definitely learned my lesson and it was blast creating those images for the band.”

No mater the project, the more creative the picture, the more work and expertise it likely took to make it happen, Daniel said.

MONSTER ENERGY AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES SPECTACULAR MUSIC LINEUP AND NEW VENUE FOR FOURTH YEAR OF CALIFORNIA’S BIGGEST ROCK FESTIVAL

July 28, 2015 by shiftsync media

SLIPKNOT, FAITH NO MORE, DEFTONES, SHINEDOWN,
JANE’S ADDICTION, MARILYN MANSON, COHEED & CAMBRIA, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS,
AND MANY MORE CONFIRMED FOR OCTOBER 24 & 25 FESTIVAL
AT GIBSON RANCH NEAR SACRAMENTO, CA

FEATURING LIVE IN-RING MATCHES WITH WWE’S® NXT® SUPERSTARS

“PRE-SHOCK” DISCOUNT TICKET PRE-SALE BEGINS MAY 27

Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK 2015, Sacramento, CA

The fourth annual Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Festival will feature a spectacular music lineup of hard rock, alternative and metal artists, as well as an expanded festival site with onsite camping Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 at its new home at Gibson Ranch just outside Sacramento, CA. In addition, the festival will feature live, in-ring matches with WWE’s NXT Superstars.

The band lineup for Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK 2015 includes Slipknot, Faith No More, Deftones, Shinedown, Jane’s Addiction, Marilyn Manson, Coheed & Cambria, Stone Temple Pilots, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Bring Me The Horizon, All Time Low, Sleeping With Sirens, Eagles of Death Metal, Black Veil Brides, and many more performing on four stages. See below for the band lineup by day.

Corey Taylor of Slipknot says, “We are really looking forward to playing AFTERSHOCK in Sacramento! A lot of great bands—can’t wait to see everyone, from Manson to Clutch. Sacramento won’t know what hit it when me and my friends are through.”

Deftones‘ Chino Moreno says, “We’re looking forward to being one of the headliners at AFTERSHOCK this year and performing in our hometown. It’s always special to return to the city that made us.”

In addition to music performances, Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK will feature live, in-ring matches with WWE’s NXT Superstars. NXT is WWE’s developmental division based out of the state-of-the-art WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Over the past two years, NXT has grown into one of the hottest sports entertainment brands in the world, featuring incredible athleticism and compelling storylines that can be seen every Wednesday night at 8 PM ET on the award-winning WWE Network.

A special “Pre-Shock” discounted Weekend Ticket pre-sale for Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK will begin on Wednesday, May 27 at 10:00 AM PT and run through Sunday, May 31 at 11:59pm PT (or when pre-sale tickets sell out) at www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com/Tickets, with regularly priced tickets going on sale Monday, June 1. See below for more details.

The daily band lineup for Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK is as follows:

Saturday, October 24:
Slipknot, Shinedown, Marilyn Manson, Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Bring Me The Horizon, Black Veil Brides, Clutch, Hollywood Undead, P.O.D., Sevendust, Pop Evil, All That Remains, Helmet, Snot, Beartooth, Turbowolf, Art of Dying, Temperance Movement, Kill It Kid, Devour The Day, September Mourning, Stars In Stereo, Raveneye
Sunday, October 25:
Faith No More, Deftones, Jane’s Addiction, Stone Temple Pilots, Coheed and Cambria, All Time Low, Death From Above 1979, Eagles of Death Metal, Sleeping With Sirens, Yelawolf, Failure, Glassjaw, Suicidal Tendencies, Issues, The Sword, Highly Suspect, ’68, Red Fang, One OK Rock, Madchild, Neck Deep, Pink Slips

California’s biggest rock festival hosted over 37,000 fans in 2014 and is expanding the festival experience in 2015 to include onsite camping and the Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Tequila World. Additional experiences include artist autograph signings at the Monster Energy Hospitality Rig, the Monster Energy viewing area with beverage sampling, Thunder Valley Casino Resort VIP Lounge, the Jack Daniel’s Experience, The Crazy Dave’s Music Experience, band autograph signings, various onsite sponsor activities, and a variety of food and beverage options, including local gourmet food trucks.

Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK 2015 flyer with band lineup and venue information

Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK producer Danny Wimmer of Danny Wimmer Presents explains, “I loved Discovery Park as a venue. But after two straight years of selling out, there was no room left to grow the festival. Like Discovery Park, Gibson Ranch is a beautiful space that will keep the natural feel of the festival grounds but also gives us room to add new experiences such as camping, Tequila World and the Jack Daniel’s mobile museum. And I am particularly excited about bringing WWE’s NXT brand to AFTERSHOCK. After attending WrestleMania® last year, I knew NXT was a perfect fit. WWE has been a part of mainstream entertainment and pop culture for years and has always been connected with the world of music. NXT‘s energy is a phenomenal match for AFTERSHOCK.”

The new Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Tequila World will feature a wide range of tequilas, extreme margaritas, gourmet tacos, mixologists and more. Tequilas that will be offered in Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Tequila World include: Patron, Don Julio, Cuervo, El Jimador, Cabo Wabo and Espolon. Admission to this area is free and open to those 21 and up.

The Jack Daniel’s Experience mobile museum will bring a “Taste of Tennessee” to Sacramento this year. Visitors will learn who Mr. Jack Daniel was and how he ended up with the best selling whiskey in the world. Guests will also see (and smell) whiskey dripping slowly through charcoal and the new oak barrels used in maturing Tennessee’s finest whiskey.

The Crazy Dave’s Music Experience is a free, interactive “rock star” exhibit where fans can get hands-on interaction with tons of musical equipment—much of which is used by their favorite artists performing on stage at the show—and attend artist signings with members of various AFTERSHOCK bands. Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK and The Crazy Dave’s Music Experience also host a group of local music students as part of The Student Experience, which includes a backstage educational tour and participation in various contests and activities at The Crazy Dave’s Music Experience tent.

Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK generates a substantial economic impact in the Sacramento metro area. Based on economic impact studies done at other Danny Wimmer Presents festivals, event producers estimate an economic impact of over $11 million in 2015.

“The Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Festival has proven itself as a tidal wave of economic impact for Sacramento,” said Mike Testa, COO of the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It drives thousands of hotel room nights to the city and county, directly spends close to a million dollars at local businesses, and provides millions of dollars in overall economic impact to the region.”

A special “Pre-Shock” discounted Weekend Ticket pre-sale for Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK will run from Wednesday, May 27 through Sunday, May 31 (while supplies last) at www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com/Tickets. During the pre-sale, a limited number of discounted Weekend General Admission tickets will be available for purchase. The Pre-Shock ticket prices are as follows:

Pre-Sale #1: Wednesday, May 27 at 10:00 AM: $79.50 (Weekend GA)
Pre-Sale #2: $89.50 (Weekend GA), begins when Pre-Sale #1 tickets are sold out
Pre-Sale #3: $99.50 (Weekend GA), begins when Pre-Sale #2 tickets are sold out

Camping and hotel packages, as well as discounted VIP tickets and General Admission ticket 4-packs, will also be available for purchase during the Pre-Shock pre-sale. Visit www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com for details and pricing.

Regularly priced weekend tickets go on sale Monday, June 1 at 10:00 AM PT at www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com/Tickets and www.flavorus.com. Ticket prices will be as follows:

2-Day General Admission: $114.50
Single Day General Admission: $64.50
Single Day VIP: $119.50

VIP tickets include: a VIP entrance to venue; access to the Thunder Valley Casino Resort VIP Lounge area featuring dedicated bar, beverage and food service; viewing of main stage (seated and standing areas); seated area with shade for dining and private restroom facilities; a VIP commemorative guest laminate, and more.

As in the past, ticket discounts will also be available for active military through Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK partner GovX. For full details about all tickets, military ticket discounts, hotel and VIP packages, visit www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com. Gates for Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Festival open at 11:00 AM each day.

Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Festival is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, a producer of some of the biggest rock festivals in America, including Rock On The Range, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Monster Energy Fort Rock, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, LOUDER THAN LIFE, Northern Invasion, The Big Ticket, and more.

The festival is fueled by Monster Energy. Additional 2015 sponsors include: Coors Light, Jack Daniel’s, Thunder Valley Casino Resort, WWE, The Crazy Dave’s Music Experience, Dimple’s Records, Marshall Headphones, Yelp, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Bee and more to be announced.

Website: www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AFTERSHOCKFestival
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AFTERSHOCKSAC

Royal Blood Makes a stop at Ace Of Spades

April 24, 2015 by shiftsync media

Mike Kerr, Vocalist and Bass for the England band Royal Blood, playing bass next the bands drum set at Ace of Spades in Sacrament Calif. Photo by: Bryce Fraser

Bryce Fraser
Shiftsync Media

Sacramento was sold out last Sunday by England band Royal Blood. It was impressive how popular they are being that they just released their first self-titled Album and already have a sold out crowd. The band will also be touring with Foo Fighters this summer.

The band started the night with “Come On Over”, “Cruel”, then Mike Kerr talked to the crowd and said “in England we have an old saying” and then began to play Figure It Out. During Little Monster the crowd amped up and the first moshing of the night started once the song began. The crowd cheered loudly afterward. The crowd then started chanting for the song “Blood Hands” and got what they asked for.

Fans started bobbing their heads up and down during the song “Ten Tonne Skeleton”. It was one of my favorite songs of the night, it was really a sight to see it performed live. Half way through the song Kerr raised his glass to the crowd and took a drink, then continued on. They picked up their energy during the song “Loose Change” they really started to move across the stage. After the song Kerr wished everyone a Merry Christmas this was an ironic joke by the front man because it was in the middle of April.

Kerr moved to the right side of the stage and played the first cords of “Out of the Black” then moved to the left side and played some cords to work up the audience. Kerr had fans raise their hands right before they went full blown into their song. The crowd went wild. Both Kerr and Drummer, Ben Thathcher, gave the most energy all night for “Out of the Black”. During the song Thathcher touched some hands of the audience right before he himself went crowd surfing. After this, fans stared to crowd surf as well and the audience went crazy. Kerr himself walked down into the crowd while playing.

Kerr raised his guitar to fans, threw his pick and even showed off a T shirt that a fan had thrown up on stage earlier then walked off. Thathcher came up and bowed and shot a kiss to fans.

The crowd shouted for an encore but the venue light came on and it was time to leave. Royal Blood left Sacramento with fans loving them and wanting all they can get from the band.

Lights Finally Makes Her Way To Sacramento

April 24, 2015 by shiftsync media

Lights preforming at The Ace Of Spades, in Sacramento Calif. This was the first time the preforming at the Ace Of Spades. Photo By: Bryce Fraser

Lester Robancho,
ShiftSyncMedia

“I promise I’m never skipping you guys again.”

This is what the electronic-inclined solo artist Lights told her fans during her show at Ace of Spades in Sacramento last Thursday.

Currently on tour for her third album, Little Machines, this would mark the first time the Canadian singer has stopped by even anywhere close to the Capital. She did, however, make up for it by putting on a great show for her fans at the sold-out venue that night.

Wielding an electric guitar, synths, and a keyboard, Lights brought in energy, enthusiasm, and plenty of bass with the help of her live band. Kicking things off with two of her older songs from her sophomore album, “Peace Sign” and “Toes” eased the crowd into her brand of melodic, dubstep-inspired electro-pop. She then changed gears and played a new track, “How We Do It” before slamming the crowd with fan favorite “Siberia.”

“There are some crazy vibes going on tonight.”

Lights took some time between tracks to address her regret from not having come to Sacramento sooner. She visited the Capital, a rose garden, and was surprised by how courteous everybody was. Changing gears yet again, Lights takes a seat at her keyboard to play “Portal,” a slower-tempo ballad. This transitioned into an acoustic rendition of “Don’t Go Home Without Me.” Afterward, the crowd was treated to the opening notes to a personal favorite, “Muscle Memory.” With each song came more vigor and liveliness from both the artist and the audience. During “Same Sea,” an upsurge of energy would come from Lights singing, the crowd jumping, and the actual lights flashing, at the chorus.

The show ended with the elevating “Up We Go,” right after an encore, of course. In the end, it is good to know–for her fans especially–that Lights is willing and able to come to new locales, reaching out to those who don’t have the benefit of living in a much larger city. The wait was worth it, I’m sure, for her fans who came to see lights that night.

SONS OF TEXAS DEBUT ALBUM BAPTIZED IN THE RIO GRANDE LANDS AT #5 ON THE BILLBOARD HEATSEEKERS CHART

March 24, 2015 by shiftsync media

New York, NY) – Sons of Texas debut studio album, Baptized in The Rio Grande (Razor & Tie), has landed at #5 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and #143 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart with 2273 units sold in its first week at retail. The new album also debuts on a series of other Billboard charts including #10 on Hard Rock and #36 on Rock. Baptized in The Rio Grande is available now at iTunes HERE (http://geni.us/sonsoftexas) or Amazon HERE.

Listen to Baptized in The Rio Grande HERE

The band’s debut single, “Baptized in the Rio Grande,” is currently #32 and climbing at rock radio. The video for the song can be watched here: http://youtu.be/6cEZAaTK9TU.

Baptized In The Rio Grande was produced by Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God, All That Remains, Gojira). The band will be hitting the road playing a few major festivals such as Welcome to Rockville, Rocklahoma and Carolina Rebellion with more tour dates to be announced soon (tour dates below).

Press Raves

“Drawing liberally from the power-metal grooves dug by fellow Texans Pantera — and making absolutely no apologies for it — the upcoming album of the same name is muscular in just about every aspect, from Mike Morales’ vocals to Jes de Hoyos’ guitar work and the fraternal rhythm section of Mike and Nick Villarreal.”

– Houston Press

“Sons of Texas set power-riff metal on fire.” – Crave Online

“Sons Of Texas combine filthy southern metal grooves with a modern rock flair that is dangerously infectious.”

– Pure Grain Audio

Sons Of Texas was spawned in McAllen, Texas, a valley town without the music legacy of Austin or Arlington. The scene vibes “music for music’s sake” with metalcore bands, blues-rock bands, and straight up rock n’ roll bands swapping members and sharing bills. Sons Of Texas solidified in 2013 around a lineup of local all-stars. The young quintet’s debut, Baptized In The Rio Grande is a Texas-sized portion of power metal grooves, dazzling guitar solos, strip joint/tailgate sing-along choruses, and soulfully charred vocal melodies. The group is Mark Morales, vocals, Mike Villarreal, drums, Nick Villarreal, bass, Jon Olivarez, rhythm guitar, and Jes De Hoyos, lead guitar.

Sons of Texas new album is the latest success for Razor & Tie, which finished 2014 as the #2 overall label at Rock Radio and the #1 indie label.

Sons of Texas Tour Dates

April 22 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar

April 25 – Jacksonville, FL – Rockville Festival

May 2 – Concord, NC – Carolina Rebellion

May 23 – Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma

May 31 – Dallas, TX – KEGL Festival

LINKS

http://sonsoftexasmusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/sonsoftexasmusic

https://twitter.com/SonsOfTexas_

http://instagram.com/sonsoftexas

Shiftsync Media

Everything Media

Category Archives: Music