HiSQ & Marko Hietala

"Hi people! I was approached by Bablo and Erkki a few months back. They said that they had a song, which they would like me to sing for their HiSQ release. I listened to the song and read the lyrics and ended up singing the song. Here’s how it resonated in me. I’ve struggled with a few addictions in my life. The worst of them has been alcohol, which made me so impulsive, untrustworthy and reckless, that everything dear to me was about to break. And it was happening because of me. I needed to make a change and I did. But I also remember how my troubles made me blur the accusing voices and constant pain in my mind with booze. I was a chronic depressive alone on a highway to hell. And addicts are worthless enough for others to write them off without getting to know anything about their reasons. We all need to communicate how we feel. We all need to hear the others. If we don’t, we’re cowards in our own field of battle. 'I’m only flesh and blood. Can I count on you?'" The Hi Status Qualified series will be releasing more songs in the upcoming months, all very various from style and all including a whole band.

https://www.hisq.fi/

The Black Vultures

 

The Black Vultures return with follow up single 'NEVER SAY.

Having released their exciting and anticipated awaited debut single 'Treat Me Like An Animal' in November 2023, The Black Vultures are BACK with follow up single 'NEVER SAY'.

Previous outing 'Treat Me Like An Animal' performed very well for a debut, not only via streaming platforms & Radio, but it also received favourable reviews from Music industry reviewers. Treat Me Like An Animal additionally WON single of 2023 - Selected by Radio DJ Neil Jones of Smart 101 Radio & 'Bad Monkey Records'.

The Black Vultures- Are described as an Energetic 4 piece Rock Band, hailing from the heart of the Gwent Valleys, South Wales. They recorded both 'Treat Me Like an Animal' & follow up single 'Never Say' with Local Welsh Producer Tom Williams (De'Lour) at Unit 13 Studios, Tredegar. Both singles were mastered by Chris Peet of North House Studio, Ebbw Vale.

The Black Vultures are: Huw Williams - Singer & Rhythm Guitar / Aled Owen Jones - Lead Guitar / Mitch Casey - Bass & Backing Vocals / Brandon Pritchard - Drummer.

Influences/ For Fans of: QOTSA/The White Stripes/The Stokes/ The Black Keys/ Velvet Revolver/ Stone Temple Pilots/ Them Crooked Vultures/ Black Sabbath/The Black Crows/Foo Fighters/Eagles of Death Metal

The band crafted their name, through their collective enjoyment for bands including: 'The Black Keys' 'Black Sabbath' & 'Them Crooked Vultures' - Resulting in the creation of their title: 'THE BLACK VULTURES'.

Single 'NEVER SAY'- Focuses on a relationship, whereby one person within the relationship realises that there is a need to move on. Having come to the conclusion that things aren't working, the party ending the relationship is hopeful that the other person doesn't present themselves back in their life, in the hope that they agree to walk away in a different direction without further issues or problems.

The band plan on releasing their third single during April 2024 (with a further video), which will be recorded during January 2024 with local Welsh Producer Chris Peet. The band will also begin recording their debut album during early-mid 2024, again with Welsh-based producer Chris Peet (North House Studio, Ebbw Vale).

The Black Vultures have played relentlessly throughout 2023 & they look forward to new upcoming shows and festivals during 2024. The band plan to grow their name across Wales & the UK, by playing energetic, catchy songs, engaging crowds through their growing stage presence.

https://linktr.ee/blackvulturesuk

Ronan Furlong

Always Amazed’ is the new single from Irish musician Ronan Furlong. This energetic and upbeat rock song pushes new musical boundaries as the song evolves, encompassing elements of Celtic, and even Classical music along the way. This adventurous and engaging rocker is thoroughly unique and well worth exploring.

Irish singer-songwriter, Ronan Furlong, displays an approach to song writing that is refreshingly unique and instantly recognisable. He is a renowned songwriter with a diverse and impressive catalogue of releases that have received global airplay (including the BBC). Four of his albums have been placed in the Hotpress top twenty folk albums of the year (2017,2019, 2021 and 2022) including his most recent album “The Hive Mind’s Holiday”. He was named as Rock Radio UK’s “Breakout Artist of 2021”. 

Ronan has developed a distinctive style covering broad range of musical styles and genres. His songs are known for his high level musicianship, committed vocals and a distinctive lyrical approach. His love of history and Philosophy is apparent from his thought provoking lyrics. As a former student of famed Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriella, he has acquired a reputation as a skilled guitarist who uses his abilities to enhance and compliment his songs using subtle lines and clever licks. 

https://ifyouwriteittheywillcome.wordpress.com/ronan-furlong/

DownTown Mystic. New album

Sha-La Music Inc. announces the release of the new single "SuperStar" by US Roots Rocker DownTown Mystic. The single will be digitally released to radio via iPluggers and distributed worldwide via The Orchard/Sony Music.

"SuperStar" is the 2nd single to be released from the upcoming "AmeriKarma" album and follows the successful "Fly" single, which has airplay on over 150 stations in 25 countries. Like "Fly", "SuperStar" features long-time compatriots Steve Holley (Paul McCartney, Elton John) on drums and urban legend Paul Page (Ian Hunter, Dion) on bass and was recorded at famed Shorefire Studios where DownTown Mystic recorded On E Street with Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent from the E Street Band.

"SuperStar" has a vintage 1975 sound that recalls a time when Elton John, David Bowie and Marc Bolan were the rage of the UK Glam era. Bang a gong and give "SuperStar" a spin!

http://downtownmystic.net/

The Western Country Band

„It is an awesome journey through my life with my music, my friends, my kids, my wife...“ (“The Journey” by TWCB) 

It all started with a van. No, not a fan. Andy M. Veit didn't have a fan back in those days. Except his mother. - God bless all the cheering mothers out there! - He just had a van. It was old, a little bit rusty and slow. „I'm on the road, have nowhere to go, no hurry, I take it slow...“ (“I'm On The Road” by TWCB) 

Andy took all his money from his bank account to buy a guitar, a little PA and this old van. He quit his studies at university. Andy wanted to be a musician. Surely his parents felt really enthusiastic about this well thought out idea of their youngest son. 

“At nights I play my guitar in a bar...” (“Family Man” by TWCB) 

The following years were filled with little money but with lots of fun. To make your living as a musician is hard work but filled with passion, friendship to impressive people and sound, sound, sound. 

In 2017 Andy M. Veit took the chance to found TWCB with his great guitar playing friend Marco Birkner. The very talented bass player Mike Oberhauser and the fabulous drummer Erny Moucka joined them. 

“So many people are there, yes they seem to care! With a big wide grin I start to sing...” (“A Good Night's Song” by TWCB) 

The first concert was arranged quickly. The band worked hard and had a lot of fun to create their own sound. But the joy in the matter was even greater: The first concert already packed! Incredible. 

“Successful on my way, no time for a stay. Too far and further on, too fast on and on...” (“Home” by TWCB) 

And how did it continue? Logically with the second concert. And? The hall was full again. Madness. More and more guests came to the following concerts. The setlist was constantly expanded. Guest musicians invited. 

Fireworks of fun shared with the audience. Own songs have been written. The first album "The Journey" was recorded in 2018. The single „Christmas In The Country“ was released in 2019 and in 2020 Corona couldn't stop them. „Little Love Song“ was produced. In 2021 it was released worldwide and reached a great amount of airplay (nearly) all over the world!

https://www.thewesterncountryband.com/

wht.rbbt.obj (White Rabbit Object)

Bluesy, Smoky, Sexy, and Raw. wht.rbbt.obj ("White Rabbit Object") is a "femme fatale" fronted, guitar driven alternative rock outfit from Chicago, Illinois. What started as a secret side project for a married couple, Frank & River Rabbitte, wht.rbbt.obj has grown into a four piece musical tour de force. James Van Osdol of "Car Con Carne" described them as "Amy Winehouse meets The Black Keys and challenges them to a game of strip poker." NPR's Greg Kot of "Sound Opinions" in describing their first single "Jolene's Reply," said, "This song swings like a wrecking ball . . . 

Heavily distorted roadhouse raunch . . . The dirtiest groove I've heard in a long time." And UpToHear Music recently wrote about their latest single, "wht.rbbt.obj will blow everything you own out of Earth's orbit . . . We have never been more excited to share something with the world. Does it sound like PJ Harvey on steroids? Is this some long lost relative of Amy Winehouse or some already-famous band who is just f'ing with us . . . ? We don’t know!” 

In June of 2022, wht.rbt.obj was selected to perform at The Richmond International Film & Music Festival where they were awarded the "Critics Choice Award for Music and Performance." In November of 2022, their newest single, "Once More Down The Rabbit Hole" won a songwriting award from USA Songwriting Competition. wht.rbbt.obj invites you to follow them down the rabbit hole, to peek behind the curtain, and peer through the looking glass. And if you happen to know any of the players, they would ask you to keep this our little secret.

http://www.whtrbbtobj.com/

Mel Garsek

Mel, born and raised in Fort Worth, is a fifth generation Texan. From a young age, Mel showed a great interest in music, banging away on his toy piano and pretty much anything else he could use to make noise. 

When COVID hit, he had a simple request, he wanted a gaming system. Instead, his folks bought him a guitar. It was from there, with many hours on YouTube videos, he really dove into honing his craft. Self-taught, he spent countless hours practicing, singing, and learning the finer nuances of his favorite pastime. Focusing primarily on Country and Singer/Songwriter genres. At the age of twelve, Mel began playing gigs around town, growing to playing more than 150 gigs around Texas and Nashville during the calendar year 2023. Today, you can catch him playing gigs around Texas, from local bars and honky tonks to festivals and farmers markets.

www.melgarsek.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mgarsek

Booking address: booking@melgarsek.com

BLACK PEARL

BLACK PEARL is a brand new contemporary rock-blues project featuring London based, Detroit vocalist/guitarist Marcus Malone, former Wishbone Ash guitarist and arranger Muddy Manninen and songwriter Pete Feenstra.

Originally conceived as a possible song writing project between Muddy and Pete, the former Motown signing Marcus Malone quickly came on board to add his unique vocal phrasing to a project that spans rock, blues, Americana and Latino.

“As Muddy explains: "I had just completed my River Flows” album and then we had to lock down. I was talking to Pete about some song ideas, but I wanted someone else to sing them.”  

Enter Marcus Malone. That connection quickly blossomed into an EP idea and subsequently a catalogue of songs.

As Pete adds: “The idea was to tap into honest emotions and thematic narratives,  with an open ended musical approach. It took us to places we hadn’t imagined.”

Helsinki born, UK based Muddy Manninen was the songwriter and guitarist for Wishbone Ash for 4 albums over 13 years.  He wrote much of their ‘Blue Horizon’ album, widely regarded as their best for years.

He also enjoyed a prolific career in Europe with bands such as Gringos Locos with who he cut the ‘Punch Drunk’ album, produced by the legendary Tom Dowd.

He became a solo artist in 2017 and has cut 2 albums while continuing to work with saxophonist Patsy Gamble

Detroit born Marcus Malone learnt his craft opening for the likes of Bob Seger and Iggy Pop, before being coveted by Motown records.

He was relocated to LA by Ike Turner’s management and the result was the all star ‘Marcus’ album, still available on Rock Candy records.

Since moving to Europe, he opened for BB King at the Albert Hall, has cut 7 solo albums and has enjoyed both IBBA and Dutch Hit Tracks success with the Malone Sibun album ‘Come Together’.

Pete Feenstra is an award winning blues promoter, blues-rock DJ and songwriter. He has written songs for Blue Commotion, Croatia’s Ivana Gallic, Voodoo Ramble, Boris Zamba (European Blues Challenge winner) The Sharpeez, Marcus Flynn (Beyonce/Mike & The Mechanics) and Zed Mitchell, with who he topped the German Roots rock charts.

https://blackpearlmusic22.com/