FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2017
Oslo, Norway / New York, New York
The News Today
After a 35-year career...with a few scattered breaks and temporary line-up changes in that time, it is with a heavy heart that the remaining original members of Norwegian rockers TNT have made the decision to move on in separate musical directions. The bands management team expressed how extremely difficult this decision was for the band... “There is no easy way to break up a family”
Being together for so long...even though separated by an ocean, they became brothers. Ronni, Tony and Diesel wish nothing but the best for each other and will always be there for each other...although not musically.
TNT will continue with a new vocalist and new release through Frontiers Records to be announced very soon. The band will then commence international touring in early 2018 in support of the new release.
Tony will immediately start work on a new Starbreaker album, its third, also through Frontiers Records. A solo release is also in the works. Tony will start touring worldwide early in the new year, with Starbreaker shows planned after a solo tour.
You will all be hearing great music from them again very soon!!
Takk og god natt!!
Thank you and good night!!
Anata to yoi yoru o origato!!
JONO are an incredible progressive rock band from Sweden that are a must hear for all fans of the genre!
The band says: 'We are very thrilled and proud about our cooperation with Frontiers Music Srl, a label which is home to so many great artists we truly respect and admire. As a band, this is an excellent opportunity to reach the international markets we've been aiming for. We can't wait to release the coming album, and of course hit the stage to be heard and seen by a wider audience, meeting with old and new fans. See you all out there!'
Swedish band JONO started as a solo project of singer Johan Norrby (hence the moniker ”JoNo”), who has been singing, writing, and playing music in various bands and projects over the years. This is very much true for all the members of the band. Guitarist Stefan Helleblad is also a member of Dutch symphonic sensations Within Temptation. Drummer Nicka Hellenberg actually played all the drums on Within Temptation's "The Unforgiving" and has an impressive resume involving bands and recordings. Both keyboard player Johan Carlgren and bass player Janne Henriksson are frequently hired for both live and studio sessions. Leo Olsson – also a busy musician – joined the band in 2015.
JONO’s music is hard to pinpoint. Maybe it's best described as melodic rock with symphonic and progressive elements, always based on strong melodies with bombastic arrangements. Dynamics and a contemporary, fat sound are important ingredients in the JONO musical recipe. Their music has been said to show the influence of great artists like Queen, Supertramp, Kansas, Journey, and Sparks, but above all the band has received a lot of credit and praise because of their unique sound.
Track Listing:
1. Sailors
2. Crown
3. No Return
4. On The Other Side
5. Downside
6. To Be Near You
7. My Love
8. The Magician
9. Trust
10. The March
BAND MEMBERS:
Johan Norrby – lead vocals
Johan Carlgren – piano/keyboards
Stefan Helleblad – lead guitar, guitars
Leo Olsson – guitars
Janne Henriksson – bass
Nicka Hellenberg – drums
Frontiers Music Srl announces the release of RAINTIMES debut album: a new melodic rock project featuring two young and talented Italian musicians, Pierpaolo 'Zorro' Monti (Charming Grace, Shining Line) and Davide Barbieri (Wheels of Fire, Charming Grace) together with the awesome singer Michael Shotton (Von Groove). The lineup on the album is completed by Sven Larsson, Andrea Gipponi, and Ivan Gonzalez. The album will be out on December 1st, 2017 and promises to be an absolute delight for all AOR lovers out there!
Pierpaolo 'Zorro' Monti says:"Forever Gone" is a very special song that I begun writing during the sessions of my Shining Line debut. I continued writing the song with the idea of making an album in the style of 'The Storm', so I asked Dave to add a few parts to complete its structure, and recorded the first demo the same day. We were very excited with the final result! Raintimes is the album that I really wanted to use as a sort of tribute to my love and admiration for 'The Storm.' I have played to death their two albums (especially 'Eye of the Storm'). Their tempos, steeped in pure melodic class, are the perfect crossroad between AOR and Melodic Rock. The choice of Shotton as frontman was based not only on my love for his talents, but because I wanted to give a strong personality to the album and make the music more personal and original.'
A few demos were sent to Frontiers' President Serafino Perugino, who enjoyed what he heard and gave the talented guys from Northern Italy an opportunity to showcase their talent to a wider audience.
Fun fact for all the melodic rock aficionados out there: the duo of Monti and Barbieri (together with Dave Zublena) actually penned the awesome song 'Love Gets Through' from the FIRST SIGNAL album, 'One Step Over the Line' released on Frontiers Music Srl in June 2016.
TRACKLISTING:
1.Forever Gone
2.Make My Day
3.Don't Ever Give Up
4.Swan
5.I Need Tonight
6.Raintimes
7.Just A Little Bit More
8.Empty Days
9.Together As Friends
10.Missing Piece
11.I See The Light
PRODUCED BY: Davide Barbieri & Pierpaolo Monti
STUDIO: PriStudio
RECORDED BY: Davide Barbieri & Pierpaolo Monti
MIXED BY: Roberto Priori
MASTERED BY: Roberto Priori
BAND MEMBERS:
Michael Shotton – Lead & Backing Vocals
Ivan Gonzalez – Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Sven Larsson - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Davide Barbieri - Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Andrea Gipponi - Bass & Fretless Bass
Pierpaolo Monti – Drums & Percussion
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Niclas Olsson - Keyboards on 'I Need Tonight'
Philip Lindstrand - Backing Vocals on 'I Need Tonight'
Alessandro Del Vecchio: Keyboards & Backing Vocals on 'Just A Little Bit More'
Erica Trovato: Backing Vocals on 'Together As Friends'
New artists are what will sustain and grow this scene. It is essential to develop and expose new talent and despite the challenges of doing such, MelodicRock Records continues to bring the best undiscovered artists to the ever hungry fans of all things melodic.
One of Pittsburgh’s most gifted singer/guitarists will make his mark with this debut. Please make room in your music collections for BRYAN COLE and his sensational debut album ‘Sands Of Time’.
SPECIAL SALE PRICE - $12 (including airmail shipping)
Melodic rock fans have been in need of an album just like this – the classic sound of bands like Giant, Bad English, Survivor and both Pride Of Lions and Brett Walker – the latter two artists both included in the material that comprises Sands Of Time.
Bryan Cole - "I have to say that I took a lot of time and care in recording my debut album ‘Sands Of Time’ and I knew I would go through the same process in finding the right label home for my music. I'm proud and honored to be a part of the MRR family and all the talented acts on their roster. Andrew McNeice and Melodic Rock Records, truly cares about their artists and I'm humbled and honored that they gave me a chance to make MY music and give me the extraordinary opportunities that the label offersSands of Time is truly the first album project that is so honest, so pure and so Me! Every musical and vocal influence from my earliest memory, through my adult life is shown ever so clearly in this record and I'm so proud of it!"
The whole idea for the record came from Bryan recording a demo of the classic Brett Walker/Carl Dixon song ‘More Than a Memory.’ The feedback was unanimous, with Bryan receiving very positive and encouraging responses.
“I knew I was on to something very special. I began searching and writing material with the hopes of finding enough great songs to record a EP or full length album. During the course of this grueling process, I had experienced many personal and life changing experiences. The loss of several loved ones had brought me to my lowest point emotionally and I felt I couldn't go on being creative and making music. Out of the blue, I received a message from an old friend in Nashville, TN that heard my demo and had an idea of the perfect person to hook me up with.”
That person would be none other than Jim Peterik from Survivor. Bryan grew up listening to Survivor, Journey and many other classic AOR/Melodic Rock groups of the late 70's and 80's, so working with Jim was a dream come true. Jim Peterik contributed four amazing songs to the project that followers of Jim will recognize quickly.
Bryan continued to look for more songs that fit his style and lyrically had the right substance that he was looking for. Songwriters Joie Scott, Larry King and Steven McClintock, graciously lent their writing talents to the project. Bryan decided to record a second great Brett Walker song and to complete the album, and together with his long time writing partner DJ Gleason the duo wrote two songs to round out the album.
In conclusion, Bryan elaborates on the album recording process: “In addition to all of the great songwriters, I wanted to bring in the right group of musicians to help in the recording process. My first pick was former Giant bassist Mike Brignardello. I've been a Giant fan from their first record and they have always been a major influence on my music. I contacted Mike through a mutual friend and he jumped at the chance to be a part of the record.
To sum things up... Sands Of Time is a true inside look of who I really am. The musical and vocal influences that helped to mold me into the artist I am today and who I will continue to learn from. The happiness and sadness, as well as the struggles. They are all grains of sand that make me who I am.....the beginning.”
Art Of Melody Music & Burning Minds Music Group are excited to announce the signing of Danish Westcoast artist, Michael Kratz, for the European release of his brand new album, "Live Your Life".
Michael has had a long and rewarding career in the music business, especially in his home country. Having achieved multiple gold releases as the drummer of mainstream pop act, Kandis, his fanbase grew, thanks to his remarkable skills as a musician, which enables him to play any style of rock music.
However, it is in the AOR/Westcoast fields that Michael found his passion burning once again. He decided to take on the demanding role of main vocalist in a brand-new step in his artistic career. Inspired by the roots of his favorite music, he has perfectly expressed his most personal and artistic side with this new album.
"Live Your Life" will become a true classic for all AOR & Westcoast fans worldwide, thanks to an overall outstanding quality and passion. These key elements of Michael's nature have opened doors for important collaborations with legendary musicians all over the world and "Live Your Life" is enhanced by guest appearances from some of the most acclaimed international music legends.
A European release is expected for March 2018 via Art of Melody Music/Burning Minds Music Group. A dedicated Japanese release is set for April on AnderStein Music.
The Swedish AOR band HOUSTON is back with their 5th album and 3rd of their series of self-titled releases, this one, simply called “III”.
Houston has been around since their self-titled debut album in 2010 and landed the number one in Classic Rock Magazine’s AOR chart that year, up against outfits such asUnruly child, Crashdiet, H.e.a. and Nelson. The band then went on to play the festival circuit with appearances at Sweden Rock, Download Festival UK, Rock of Ages Germany as well as touring the UK with Swedish sleeze rockers CrashDiet.
Houston’s second album “Relaunch” featured a cover song called ‘Runaway’ that became the soundtrack to Red Bull’s own Danny MacAskill’s Extreme BMX video ‘Imaginate’ which has over 74 million views on YouTube and 600,000 plays on Spotify and counting. The first single from ‘III’ is entitled ‘Dangerous Love’ and is released on October 6 with the album to follow on November 24.
Together with renowned producer and ex MTV rocker Martin Karlegård (Reptile Smile) the band created ‘III’. Martin Karlegård has worked with French idol singer Jenifer, Swedish pop star Brolle Jr and world famous Swedish band ‘The Sounds’ and has helped the band add a mature and organic sound to their brand of classy and classic Melodic Rock. As singer Hank Erix explains, "It's been a very creative time with Martin, it's great to find a producer that brings out the best in you for every single take. Personally I’ve never delivered such a vocal performance as on this album. I really found my sound and I have matured musically since our last album and especially since our debut in 2010. This is a new beginning for Houston."
The song writing is familiar but with a fresh twist and additional attitude from the West Coast / AOR loving band.
Jessica Wolff is a young Finnish artist, ready to hit the radio waves and bring her voice to the stage. But there’s much more. When Jessica is off stage, she is writing lyrics, practicing Kung-Fu, doing stunt work, acting, motorbiking and other extreme sports to let the inner child out. Not to mention, behind the actions of this adrenaline junkie, you'll find a warmhearted girl with striking personality. You can hear all these abilities in her music and are also evident in her powerful music videos. Her high energy, guitar-driven pop music is spiced with everything from catchy melodies to thought-provoking lyrics.
Jessica started singing classical music when she was 12 years old, but found her way to Pop/Rock a few years later. At the age of 21, Jessica left her studies behind to focus full-time on her musical career. With big steps she climbed up the latter until the album "Renegade" was born to see the daylight in Japan and Finland in April 2013, as well as in India, where she also did a six city, Hard Rock Café tour in December 2013. After that she played some shows in Finnish prisons.
With her new album "Grounded“ she takes the next step in her career. For the first time her music will be available world-wide and Jessica is ready to hit every stage, pub, club, big venue, to perform and promote her music wherever people want to hear it!
There will be videos for the songs "War“, "Love Me Like you Never Did Before“, “Magic Castle” and "Saving Someone Else“!
Steve Walsh will release his new solo album 'Black Butterfly' November 10 via Escape Music.
Musicians:
Steve Walsh: Lead and backing vocals, piano
Tommy Denander: All guitars and keyboards
Jerome Mazza: Lead vocals on tracks 5,7 and 11
Steve Overland: Backing vocals
Brian Anthony: Bass and string arrangements
Peter Yttergren: Drums and percussion
Produced by Khalil Turk and Tommy Denander
Mixed and mastered by Brian J Anthony
Executive producer: Khalil Turk for Escape Music Ltd.
Logo & cover design by Eric Philippe
Track List:
1. BORN IN FIRE 3:32 (duet with Jerome Mazza)
2. THE PIPER 6:02
3. GRACE AND NATURE 4:11
4. DEAR KOLINDA 4:59
5. WINDS OF WAR 4:45
6. TANGLEWOOD TREE 5:07
7. NOW UNTIL FOREVER 4:38
8. WARSAW 4:49
9. NOTHING BUT NOTHING 4:45
10. HELL OR HIGH WATER 5:14
11. MERCY ON ME 4:58
12. BILLY CARBORNE IS DEAD 4:52
All songs by Walsh / Denander except 2 Walsh / Denander / Ousey 5, 7, and 11 by Overland / Denander
As the former lead vocalist and keyboards player for the American Classic and Progressive rock band Kansas, Steve Walsh is the voice behind the hits 'Carry on my Wayward Son', 'Point of Know Return', 'Dust in the Wind' and 'All I Wanted'. As a songwriter Steve is well known for penning a classic tune and his wide range of musical influences can be heard on his previous solo releases as well as the melodic rock band 'Streets'. He has also contributed his vocal talents to more than a dozen projects by other artists covering a variety of musical genres.
Steve is well known for his dynamic live performances, passionate vocals and multi instrumental talents on stage. In addition to keyboards Steve has played Congas, Harmonica, Glockenspiel, in short, an all-round great musician.
Through their good friend Mike Slamer (Streets / Steelhouse Lane) Mike introduced Steve to Khalil and they hit it off instantly and Khalil invited Steve to guest on Radioactive 'F4UR' album to sing one song and after that he was delighted to record an album for the label.
Khalil had a few ideas and one of which was to involve a singer called Jerome Mazza to sing duet on 'Born In Fire'.. Khalil had discovered Jerome on you tube singing for the band 'Pinnacle Point'. Jerome is also the voice behind the second album by Angelica and was honoured to be asked to sing a duet on the album with Steve and asked if he could contribute more. As Jerome has such a fantastic voice it was an easy decision to make and the result is explosive!
Black Butterfly is everything you would expect it to be from someone like Steve Walsh, the man is a legend and this album oozes quality from start to finish. This is the album everyone is talking about, and its finally here...
