In the Distance

Growing up in the Minneapolis music scene, Matt Davis and Mike Maggiolo have spent the better part of twenty years writing and recording the music that they love. Matt and Mike first joined forces in an experimental punk band called Wedge in the mid-90s. In 1998, after the dissolution of Wedge, Mike Maggiolo recruited his brother Justin Maggiolo, and they formed In the Distance. Saturated with talent, the band had a revolving door of band members, the band eventually went on hiatus with the rise of Mike and Matt’s new band Anamnesis at the end of the 90s. Now, after decades of writing, recording, and playing their own original work in Anamnesis, Morningtide, and other bands, Matt Davis and Mike Maggiolo have recruited Justin Maggiolo to reform In the Distance. 

In the Distance blends the raw power of punk rock, post-punk, hardcore, emo, and metal in an experimental fusion that is at once difficult to categorize yet also a refreshing change of pace from what one might expect from these genres. Mike Maggiolo’s guitar work can be crushing at one moment and subtly haunting the next. Justin Maggiolo’s drumming brings a primitive and raw dissonance to every driving rhythm. And Matt Davis’s vocals are raw with an emotional intensity that leaves the listener singing along long after each song has ended. In the Distance eschews the technical proficiency that is the hallmark of many modern bands, but what they lack in virtuosity they make up for with a creativity and passion that makes every listen and every live performance unforgettable.

https://www.inthedistance.info/

Russ Lorenson

Skip the Christmas caroling and spend a cozy winter's evening with Russ Lorenson and his holiday album "What I Want for Christmas." From the swingin’ to the romantic, it's pure magic listening to these classics, dusted off and delivered with Lorenson's fresh delivery.

'Christmas records are special keepsakes that come out once a year. The best ones transport me back to my days as a small boy, celebrating the holidays with my family in Pennsylvania', said Lorenson. 'As a singer, I have always wanted to create one of those ‘special keepsakes,’ something I hope will be treasured year after year.'

A terrific voice. Charisma to spare. A delightful raconteur. Impeccable musical taste and vocal phrasing. Unassuming nice guy. They all apply to Russ Lorenson, whose burnished tenor has thrilled audiences throughout the US and Europe. Since his breakout club debut in 2005, Russ Lorenson has established a reputation as one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading interpreters of jazz standards. As a singer, he is equally at home whether entertaining a concert hall audience or performing in the more intimate cabaret setting. With comparisons to Tony Bennett, Mel Tormé, and Chet Baker, Lorenson has a voice one savors and remembers. It’s no wonder he’s called “San Francisco’s Favorite Crooner.” In recognition of his solid and sophisticated musical vocabulary, Downbeat called him “a showman of taste and discretion.” The Los Angeles Times said that he brings “a supple voice and strong sense of characterization to all his songs.” The San Diego Union-Tribune said that his “relaxed, easy deliveries…seem natural and heartfelt.” The Coronado Journal simply called him “…irresistible…”

https://www.russlorenson.com/

Kelsie Kimberlin

Kelsie's new song and video "Another Chance to Live Again" are about the profound feelings of loss that so many people in Ukraine have experienced since they were attacked by war criminals starting in 2014.

Kelsie about the track:
'I wanted to express and encapsulate the feelings not only of individual people but of an entire country and society so I used religious and spiritual references in the music and lyrics. I traveled to Ukraine to film the video in some of the locations of the worst atrocities in Irpin and Bucha. The video begins at a destroyed cultural center that was once the go-to place for plays, concerts, and other happy community events. '

https://kelsiekimberlin.com/

Chris Comet & Friends

Chris Comet has a new album coming out November 2023. 

Chris Comet & Friends -- Going Back In Time 

A progressive rock album that Chris has been working on with several other artists/musicians, including:

 Lead Vocals: Bernie Chiaravalle, Steph Honde and Robbie Wyckoff, Rudiger Guitars: Scott Van Zen, Bernie Chiaravalle, Steph Honde, Glenn DeLaune Drums: Bodo Schopf, Chad Cromwell, Simon Philips, Shannon Forrest Bass: Craig Young, Antoine Katz Backup Vocals: Windy Wagner, Bernie Chiaravalle, Robbie Wyckoff, Glenn DeLaune Keyboards, Synthesizers and Organ: Chris Comet Original songs composed by Chris Comet, in collaboration with Bernie Chiaravalle, Steph Honde and Glenn DeLaune. Chris Comet produced, engineered, recorded, mixed and mastered all songs at Soaring Eagle Studios, Texas. 

Chris Comet Bio 

Chris Comet is a composer, producer, arranger, keyboard player. After a successful musician/producer/session man career over Europe, Chris Comet came to the US 35 years ago, in Hollywood and started playing and producing in famous studios such as Westlake, A&M, Record Plant, Fantasy, Jackson family private studio and so on… He worked with musicians such as Lenny Castro, Vinny Colaiuta (Drummer for Sting, Madonna, Jeff Beck, Frank Zappa…), Michael Landau, Freddie Washington, Manu Katche (drummer for Peter Gabriel and Sting), Sam Riney on Sax, Glenn DeLaune, Bernie Chiaravalle, Chad Cromwell, Shannon Forrest, Robbie Wyckoff, Craig Young, Scott Van Zen, Bodo Schopf, (of The Michael Schenker Group), and many more. Today Chris Comet is the owner of Soaring Eagle Studio, where he produces and records his projects with an array of talent and musicians from all over the world.

https://www.chriscomet.com/

Mike Pinera

Fool’s Game by Mike Pinera is not just a song; it’s a heart felt and powerful anthem that resonates deeply with the realities of war and the human suffering it inflicts. Mike Pinera, a rock and roll veteran with an impressive musical pedigree, has crafted a musical masterpiece that captures the essence of his decades-long career and his commitment to addressing pressing global issues. Pinera’s journey in the music industry, from his early days with Blues Image to his collaborations with iconic bands like Iron Butterfly, Alice Cooper, and Led Zeppelin, has undoubtedly contributed to the depth and maturity of his musical style. Fool’s Game showcases his seasoned vocal prowess and guitar skills, reminding us why he’s a legend in the rock scene. His vocals are not just powerful; they are emotionally conflicts. The accompanying music video for Fool’s Game elevates the song’s message to a whole new level. By using footage from various global conflicts and political events, the video drives home the stark reality of warfare and its devastating impact on innocent civilians. It serves as a poignant visual testament to the song’s antiwar message. One commendable aspect of this release is Mike Pinera’s commitment to making a difference. Allocating a portion of the single’s profits to the Ukrainian Relief Effort is a noble gesture. It demonstrates his dedication to helping those affected by war on a tangible level, providing them with essential resources like food, money, and medical supplies. 

As for the song itself, Fool’s Game lives up to its magnificent title. The emotive and profoundly moving lyrics tackle the heart- wrenching topic of the Ukrainian war with sensativity and grace. While the song’s storyline unfolds at a deliberate pace, it emits a sense of hope and resilience, infusing the listener with energetic vibes. The strength and tenderness in the powerful chorus make it truly memorable. The instrumental on in Fool’s Game is a testament to Pinera’s mastery of his craft. His guitar work stands out brilliantly, conveying the depth of his emotions regarding the war. The passion with which he plays the guitar elevates the listening experience to something truly spectacular. This song deserves a wide audience. It’s not only a musical gem but also a meaningful piece of art that addresses a crucial global issue. Listening to Fool’s Game and watching its accompanying video is not just an entertainment experience; it’s an opportunity to reflect on the world’s conflicts and the importance of working towards peace. I wholeheartedly recommend this track on multiple levels – for its lyrics, its musical quality, and its impactful message. Therefore, Fool’s Game by Mike Pinera is a brilliant fusion of music and activism. It invites listeners to engage with the profound message it carries while enjoying the catchy melodies and exceptional musicianship. This song has the power to broaden musical tastes and deepen one’s appreciation for the role music can play in addressing critical global issues. It’s a must-listen, and I believe it will leave a lasting impression on all who take the time to experience it.

https://www.spectorrecords.com/

Winamp news

For millions of people, the name 'Winamp' was synonymous with music a couple of decades ago. This program for Windows was capable of playing our MP3 files like no other, with a simple but very powerful interface and above all, customizable with 'skins' to our liking.
Like so many other programs, Winamp suffered greatly in the migration of users to smartphones; Although there was an official Winamp app for Android, it was not very successful as it was focused on playing music stored locally in the mobile memory, while streaming platforms such as Spotify were triumphing.

Today, not much remains of the original Winamp. Its creators, Nullsoft, were sold to Internet giant AOL and disappeared; and the Winamp brand ended up being sold to the Belgian company Radionomy, which announced ambitious plans to revive it.

Now, those plans have materialized with a new Winamp app, which was first launched for computers but did not take long to reach mobile phones. The Llama Group, the developer created by Radionomy for this project, has announced the limited release of the Winamp app for Android and iOS. At the moment, it is a closed 'beta' to which few users are allowed, but over time it will be opened to more people.

The new Winamp stands out for including music streaming functions, as well as for its new interface, more modern and adapted to current times; However, it is not a simple copy of Spotify, since its creators claim that they have managed to balance the needs of both users and creators. The result is called "Fanzone", a section from which we can follow our favorite artists, with exclusive access to their songs and original content such as publications and a merchandise store. Creators will be able to charge each user $1 each month to access this exclusive area. Therefore, instead of paying a fee that is divided among all the artists on the platform, at Winamp we will pay directly to the artists we like the most.

Winamp will continue to be a local music player, with access to sound files stored in the mobile memory; but with Fanzone, it aims to expand and monetize the service in a different way than the rest. It is clear that the company's plan is to attract users who may recognize the Winamp name to sign up for the Fanzone; although at the moment, the list of artists who have signed up seems somewhat short.

In reality, Winamp already had an app for Android, but the latest version dates back to 2014, after the fall of Nullsoft and the sale of the rights. The APK can still be found on the usual pages, although it is obviously an obsolete app at this point. In that sense, the new Winamp can fill a gap.

The new Winamp app is on Google Play, although we may not be able to install it yet as it is in closed beta.

James Leeds

Following radio plays from renowned German radio station SWR3 as well as across the UK, US and Europe, composer and producer James Leeds returns with a brilliant pop song "Happy Days" featuring vocals from Australian Sora Lion.

"Happy Days" has a positive message and the melody and lyrics easily get stuck in your head. 

https://www.jamesleeds.com/