Hidalgo By @churchgirlsband Is Now Available. Catch Them On 10/4 @FoamSTL w/ #SisterWizzard And #PartyDress

On Wednesday, October 4th at Foam brings Church Girls into town from Philly tourung in support of their new release "Hidalgo". Sharing the stage with them are St. Louis' own Sister Wizzard and Party Dress. Visit HERE for all of the event details.  Below are links to the artists on the bill and also more detailed information on Church Girls.

* Church Girls (Philly, PA):

- (Dreamy, indie rock and post punk.)

http://churchgirls.bandcamp.com

* Sister Wizzard: ( STL Dream Pop)

http://sisterwizzard.tumblr.com

* Party Dress: ( STL Experimental)

https://www.facebook.com/partydressband/

- Stream the Demo by Party Dress" 

* New Album Hidalgo Now Available:

- Stream: "Breaking Bones" at All Things Go or SoundCloud

- Stream: "Better Off" at Culture Collide or SoundCloud

Philadelphia-based Church Girls have revealed a new single "Breaking Bones" from their album Hidalgo. "Breaking Bones" premiered today at All Things Go and is also available to stream at Soundcloud. 

All Things Go says, "Subtle plucking like footsteps and a classic strums introduce “Breaking Bones”, the latest by relative newcomers Church Girls. After releasing Thousand Lives in 2016, which took helping hands from Dr. Dog‘s Brian McTear, the band embarked on a US tour and built a following. In just three short years, the Philadelphia outfit are set to release their second full length and hit the the road running. After some time working in the fashion world, a life of music creativity beckoned Mariel Beaumont, the band’s frontwoman, whose day to day seemed to hit a lull. She answered that call in 2014 with enthusiasm and a knack for writing nostalgic and progressive rock that rings bells for listeners from across the spectrum. Hidalgo is available to pre-order now at Bandcamp. 

Last month the band shared the first single from the album, "Better Off," with Culture Collide who said, "Dreamy indie-rock quartet Church Girls’ latest single 'Better Off' feels as cleansing as a summer rainstorm. Melodic and rejuvenating, 'Better Off' is all about letting go and new beginnings, underscored by lead singer Mariel Beaumont’s hypnotizing vocals which feel both vintage and fresh."

Church Girls formed in 2014 as singer-songwriter Mariel Beaumont’s way to fill the creative void in her fashion career. Drawing from her punk roots attending dingy basement shows as a teen, she began writing and playing open mics around Philadelphia. An encounter with high school friend and guitarist Robert Dwyer led the two to begin collaborating and playing local and regional shows with a rotating cast of band members.

In 2016 the band became a full-time pursuit for Beaumont, as they self-released the 2016 album Thousand Lives, produced by Brian McTear (Dr. Dog, Marissa Nadler) and embarked on their first national tour. The album received local praise for its “introspective lyrics that complement pop melodies beautifully” (WXPN) and “smooth sincerity that navigates through moments of folk into straight out rockers” (The Deli).

Robert Dwyer (guitar), Will Schwartz (bass) and Zakary Iannitelli (drums) with Beaumont at the helm, release their debut LP Hidalgo in summer 2017. Hidalgo is a true collaboration — a shift in creative process for Beaumont — allowing the savvy of Dwyer, Schwartz and Iannitelli to radiate. Producer Erik Wofford (The Black Angels, Bill Callahan, Explosions in the Sky) brings a haunting, dreamy element to the Church Girls’ LP, with songs bound together by brooding lyrics, strong harmonies, and tight rhythms.

Church Girls is on a quest to tap into listeners’ emotional marrow by lyrically confessing a resistance to growing up, espousing a tendency towards self-destruction, showing the pains of communication, and celebrating the ways we work to become better humans a little at a time. These are anthems of authentic self-discovery.

The Gullible Guide To Getting By: @PureOctoberBand Album Release w/ @OldStateMO @NigelHendrocks @TheLOUieMcDon 9/30 @firebirdstl

The pop-punk rock triplet Pure October will be releasing their latest effort  "The Gullible Guide To Getting By" this Saturday, September 30th at The Firebird. Sharing the stage with them are Old State, Noah Fence, plus LOUie McDon and AD. Tickets are available online HERE, in person through the bands or at The Firebird. This is an all-ages event. Visit HERE for the event details.

Pure October will be playing their brand new fuul-length concept driven album titled "The Gullible Guide To Getting By".

- Watch the video "Superheroes Can't Save Everyone" by Pure October

Old State will be performing a new set of never before heard music off of their upcoming EP.

- Watch the video "Short Guys" by Old State

St. Louis rapper Noah Fence will also be doung a new set of songs during his performance, as well as some his known favorites including his hit "Gold".

- Watch the video "Gold" by Noah Fence

Guests Louie McDon and AD will also be there. Louie is the CEO of The Lyrically Obsessed Universe, LLC. It's an independent hip-hop record label based in St. Louis.

Ex Oh Ex Release New EP @ CBGB Along With Thee Oswalds And Dinofight On 9/30

On Saturday, September 30th the post rock punk band Ex Oh Ex is releasing an EP at CBGB on South Grand. Also, sharing the bill with them is Thee Oswalds & Dinofight! Visit HERE for the event details. Ex Oh Ex will have CD's and cassettes available at the show. Posted below are a couple live videos of Ex Oh Ex and links to the bands on the show, plus a biography is included below to learn more on this artist.

- Watch "Straight Outta Quantum" live by Ex Oh Ex

- Watch "Only" live by Ex Oh Ex

Artist Links:

https://www.facebook.com/exohex.band/

https://theeoswalds.bandcamp.com/releases

https://www.facebook.com/TheeOswalds/

http://dinofight.bandcamp.com/album/warrior-princess

https://www.facebook.com/dinofights/

Biography:

Ex Oh Ex is a post rock punk band
that originated in the dimly lit depths of a south city basement. Their sound is derived from the intricate and layered guitar and synth melodies which are intertwined with driving and melodic bass lines. It's all coated with some bittersweet vocals and a good dose of grit!

Black And Blue: #MarquiseKnox CD Release 9/29 @DelmarHallstl

This Friday, September 29th is a celebration of blues prodigy Marquise Knox's CD Release at Delmar Hall.  Visit HERE for all of the event details. Marquise was attacked last month and a You Caring account was set up to help support his medical bills. The Riverfront Times did article about the incident also.
You can stream his music below. Also included is more of his upcoming shows in the area, plus his biography if you want to learn more on this artist.

- Stream Marquise Knox on YouTube

Upcoming Shows:

Saturday, September 30
(5:30pm-7:30pm)
Family Fun Night at Bowling Green City Park
Bowling Green, MO
 
Saturday, October 7
(10:30pm-2:30am)
Beale on Broadway
St. Louis, MO
 
Thursday, October 12
(8pm-11pm)
Gateway Arch Riverboats-Blues Cruise
St. Louis, MO
 
Friday, October 13
(10pm-2am)
BB's Jazz, Blues & Soups
St. Louis, MO

Saturday, October 14
(11:30am-12:15pm)
KDHX 30th Birthday (Main Stage Grand & Washington)
St. Louis, MO
 
Friday, October 20
(10pm-2am)
Broadway Oyster Bar
St. Louis, MO

Saturday, October 21
(9pm-11pm)
National  Blues Museum 
St. Louis, MO
 
Thursday, October 26
(6pm-8pm)
Blues City Deli
St. Louis, MO
___________

Biography :

The Blues Were Passed To Me Through The Blood

Born St. Louis,  MO, Marquise hails from a musical family deeply rooted in the Blues. He  learned how to play guitar from his grandmother Lillie. He also played with his uncle Clifford, who was a major influence in Marquise's life. For Marquise, Blues is his heritage and  way of life. He spent his early teenage years in St. Louis mentoring  under the late great Blues legend, N.E.A. (National Endowment of the Arts) Heritage Fellowship recipient and Grammy Award winner Henry James Townsend. Marquise's talents have earned him performing rights with some of America’s most notable blues performers such as blues  legends  B.B. King, Pinetop Perkins and David “Honeyboy” Edwards (the  latter two also N.E.A. Heritage Fellows). He has also performed at dozens  of festivals, and has toured all throughout Europe.   
During a visit to Clarksdale, Mississippi, Marquise was introduced to  Sam Lay. Like other statesmen of the Blues, Sam took an immediate liking  to Marquise and took it upon himself to help give Marquise's career a boost by insisting that  Chad Kassem bring Marquise to the celebrated Blues series "Bluesmasters at the Crossroads," which has showcased a virtual who's-who of the Blues at Blue Heaven Studios in Salina, Kansas. Marquise was an  immediate crowd favorite, and was adopted by all of the elders of the  Blues in attendance that year. His obvious talent along with his deep  knowledge of the Blues and vast respect for his elders made it clear Marquise had something special, and Kassem signed him to a three album deal.      

Knox’s debut album MANCHILD was nominated for a Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut. The album was recorded when he was 16 with world reknowned guitarist Michael Burks and his band. The release received worldwide acclaim, including  Living Blues' Best Debut Artist Award and a Blues Music Award nomination  for Best Debut Artist. Marquise then recorded a direct-to-disc album  while in town for the next year's Crossroads. Marquise released his second album, Here I Am, once again recorded at the legendary Blue Heaven Studios in Salina,  Kansas. It features Marquise and his band, with a little help from Wayne Sharp of Michael Burk’s band sitting in on B-3 and piano. Nine  originals, and three reverent covers of Marquise’s favorite Muddy Waters tunes.  

I think this excerpt from Here I Am's liner notes says it best. "When you listen to Marquise - 19 years old when he recorded this title - you get the sense that this is what those masters must have sounded  like as young men. Marquise’s blues are so transparent and bare. It’s so  easy to feel his music as totally legitimate. That’s above all what  makes it so appealing. That’s what makes Marquise Knox special. He’s the  whole package. A throwback blues master on the rise. Anybody believe in  reincarnation?"
- Jim O'neil 

Changing The Locks: @bryanranney Album Release Show 9/29 @offbroadwaystl

This Friday, September 29th is an Album Release Concert : "Changing The Locks" by Bryan Ranney at Off Broadway. Visit HERE for all of the event details. Below are links to his first two singles. If you can't make the show and you like what you hear the pre-order information is listed below. In addition, there are exclusive incentives offered if you purchase tickets online in advance. His biography is also below to learn more on this artist.

- Stream "Just Llike Me"

- Stream "Hello Love"

PRE-ORDER THE VINYL LP :

1st Edition, Deluxe LP, 12 inch vinyl, 33 1/3 RPM. Preorder the New Album, Deliverable on September 29th.

PRE-ORDER THE CD :

The highest quality digital audio. The most compact of discs. Deliverable on September 29.

Advanced Tickets:

If you purchase your tickets online BEFORE Friday, September 8th at 9:29pm you will be eligible to receive:

1. A FREE autographed concert poster; and
2. An invitation to the meet & greet PRE-PARTY with Bryan on the day of the show; and
3. EARLY ACCESS to the venue for the BEST SEATS

SEATING IS LIMITED and will very likely SELL OUT before the day of show, so if you would like a seated ticket, please BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY and select the “SEATED” ticket option.

BUY TICKETS HERE.

Bio:

Mandolinist and singer, Bryan Ranney has spent the last year traveling across the country on the ‘Not A Ukulele’ Tour, selling-out venues, winning media attention, and delighting listeners with his catchy, original brand of alternative-folk music. Ranney leads a band of skilled improvisors. Brought up in the hard-knock Saint Louis music scene, each member is a fine representative of the vibrant, melting-pot, americana-culture of acoustic blues, hippie-bluegrass, and river-town roots music that pervades the region. A truly gifted performer, Ranney seduces his audience with simple melodies, beautiful phrasing and a hypnotic groove. The characters that inhabit his songs can be dark and complex, but the poetry that renders them is genuine and unembellished. In concert, Bryan Ranney will warm your heart and leave you buzzing long after the final applause.

#Scuzz Album Release w/ #TimelessCorridor @BTDifferent @Nicholas.Cuvar 9/23 @Fubar_Stl

This Saturday, September 23rd at Fubar is a show presented by Backstage Productions featuring the St. Louis artist Scuzz as they release "Bong Rips From the Grave" recorded at Graveless Studios. Sharing the stage with them is Timeless Corridor (Hannibal, MO), Balancing the Different (LA) and Cuvi (STL). Visit HERE for the event details. The show starts at 7:30 pm and is all-ages.

The latest by Scuzz is now available on iTunes and is entitled, "Bong Rips From The Grave".

- Visit Scuzz online:

https://www.facebook.com/Scuzzofficial/

https://scuzzofficial.bandcamp.com/

- Visit Timeless Corridor online:

https://www.facebook.com/TimlessCorridor/

https://timelesscorridor.bandcamp.com/releases

- Visit Balancing The Different online:

https://www.thedifferentmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/BalancingTheDifferent/   

- Visit Cuvi online:

https://www.facebook.com/CuviMusic/

The @QuinnXCII Debut Album Is Now Available. Catch Them & @shalloumusic 9/28 @oldrockhousestl

Thursday, September 28th Quin XCII come to the Old Rock House with Shallou. The tour has been selling out shows consistently. Visit HERE for the event details.

The Story Of Us, the debut album from Detroit-bred vocalist/songwriter Quinn XCII, is now available everywhere: 
http://smarturl.it/tsou.

"Quinn is perfectly cool with his devil-may-care falsetto.” – Billboard
 
“Quinn XCII knows how to make a quality pop record with honesty.” – Complex
 
Filled with authenticity and grassroots appeal, the album is highlighted by standout single “Straightjacket,” a track that combines stylish retro-electronic chops with a sultry reggae snap into its own pop sound about a “psycho from a Midwest suburb,” as Quinn explains. Listen to previously released album tracks including “Always Been You,” “Worst,” and “Fake Denim.” 

Quinn XCII explains: “I wanted the album title ‘The Story Of Us’ to really represent that I’m just like everyone else and go through similar experiences. The songs are relatable and touch on all different topics and emotions—new, old, good and bad relationships, growth, memories, temptation, and challenges. I’m just a kid from the Midwest. My life isn’t this unattainable fantasy, I didn’t have an angle or connections to the music industry. I just worked hard to turn my passion into a career, anyone can do the same in whatever they’re pursuing.”
 
To celebrate the release of The Story Of Us, Quinn XCII has embarked on his first national headlining tour this fall, with more than half of the dates selling out weeks in advance! The 30-date tour kicked off September 24 in Salt Lake City, UT and wraps on November 7 in Portland, OR.

About Quinn XCII: 

With his ability to seamlessly blur the lines between pop, hip-hop, electronic and soul, Quinn XCII has quickly paved his own lane with his unique sound. An early mixtape release turned heads, but it was his debut EP Change of Scenery, released in 2015, that put Quinn XCII on the map, connecting with the blogosphere and snaring millions of online streams. His track “Stung” hit #1 on Hype Machine, and a follow-up EP, 2016’s Bloom, cemented his ability to meld styles and write about more varied subject matter. Quinn XCII’s featured vocals on “Kings of Summer,” a collaboration with childhood friend and frequent collaborator, producer ayokay, reached #1 on Spotify’s Global Viral chart and #1 on Hype Machine, accumulating 65 million plays on Spotify. All signs point to yet another hit with “Straightjacket,” which was named SoundCloud’s “Song of the Month” this past January and reached #3 on SoundCloud’s Pop chart; at Spotify, “Straightjacket” has been streamed nearly 20 million times around the globe, with three million monthly listeners.

Visit QUINN XCII online:

Website | SoundCloud | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

#AlexCunningham Album Release w/ #BlankThomas, #MusthBardo, #Ish 9/29 @FoamSTL

Local experimental music fans are in for a real treat. Alex Cunningham is celebrating the release of "Ache" and performing it in full live at Foam on Wednesday, September 29th. Sharing the stage with him are Blank Thomas, Musth Bardo and Ish. Visit HERE for all of the event details.

ALEX CUNNINGHAM -

(Solo violin drone and noise)

https://personalarchives.bandcamp.com/album/ache

MUSTH BARDO -

https://www.facebook.com/musthbardo/

STL psychojazz saxman Dave Stone and percussionist extraordinaire Drew Gowran combine for monster free jaz duo exchanges.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnKWW9mQB2Y

BLANK THOMAS -

https://www.facebook.com/blankthomass/

Ambient electronica project of Blake Butler. Incorporates elements of academic electronic music, noise, and hauntology.

https://dismalnichetapes.bandcamp.com/album/405-skies

ISH -

"A studio and live project featuring Brit Lockhart and other prominent musicians including John Beabout, August Boyne, Sara Wahoff, JR Vendega, and Danielle Taylor. An ever evolving and changing progressive collective, Ish aims to break down normal concepts and stretch boundaries in music art and the world. Ish is art, love, mystery, life and death. Be yourself. Choose a greater path. Love. Ish"

https://ishensemble.bandcamp.com/album/sungod

One more act TBA shortly.

DJ MICHAEL WILLIAMS will be spinning tunes in between sets.

Even though this is an all local bill, Foam is asking for an entry charge of at least $5. 100% of this and merch sales will be donated to the St. Louis Legal Fund. About the STL Legal Fund:

"People hit the streets of St. Louis in struggles for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. They have done so risking arrest and faced repeated unjust repression by police and when jailed. This is a comprehensive fund established to cover court and legal costs of activist cases.

We are a jail and legal support group of activists working with the community in a mutual aid model. We are operating this fund with the permission of the nonprofit organization the National Lawyers Guild St. Louis Chapter (NLG-STL)."

Donate here:

https://www.fundedjustice.com/61HQD2?ref=ab_16rLB8_ab_5Q6TQHr4vCY5Q6TQHr4vCY

STL Native #AdamOstrar shares second track "Another Room". New Album "Brawls In The Briar' is due 10/13 on @supesec

Adam Ostrar shares second track "Another Room" from upcoming album via Tiny Mix Tapes

'Brawls In The Briar' is due October 13 on Super Secret Records

Stream: "Another Room" -
Soundcloud / Tiny Mix Tapes

Recently on Tiny Mix Tapes, Adam Ostrar shares the second track "Another Room" from his upcoming album Brawls In The Briar.  Click here to pre-order the album.  Check out Adam Ostrar on tour in the US, dates below.

A veteran band leader of the last twenty years, and a songwriter of considerable output, Adam Ostrar (formerly Adam Busch) now presents his second solo record Brawls In The Briar, after a career spent at the helm of art rock ensembles The Curious Digit (Jagjaguwar), Manishevitz (Jagjaguwar) and SONOI (Meno Mosso).

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Ostrar moved to Chicago in 1999 where he remained until 2014. During this time period as primary songwriter he released four Manishevitz albums on Jagjaguwar. He later formed the band SONOI with fellow Manishevitz alumni Ryan Hembrey and drummer Pierce Doerr.

In 2015, after relocating to Austin, he began his solo career with River of Bricks (Meno Mosso). Many of those songs emerged during a period spent studying guitar with African music scholar Nathaniel Braddock, who began teaching him a variety of finger style forms by way of repertoire including African, American Primitive, and British Folk icons Bert Jansch and Davy Graham.

In 2017, Ostrar signed on with Super Secret Records. He headed out to Southwest Texas to record
 at famed music studio Sonic Ranch. Joining him in this project were Wil Hendricks (Califone), Michael Krassner (Boxhead Ensemble) and Stephen Patterson (White Rabbits, Spoon, Hamilton Leithauser).

Ostrar meticulously edited and demoed versions until he felt the songs were fully fleshed out and were ready to record with the band. The recordings were cut live in five days with no rehearsals.

Brawls in the Briar opens with the melancholic bounce of “Enemy” and sets forth the theme of cognitive dissonance that resonates with each additional track.  Ostrar mixes referential, autobiographical and subversively political themes often and elegantly within the same song.  “Brawls” is built atop a bedrock of vintage folk, open tunings, twelve string guitars, organ swells, synth pads, piano swagger, bossa nova rhythms and the gorgeous violin work of occasional guest Josh Hill on the Tim Buckley-esque “Drinking from a Candle”. Ostrar’s early influences–Lou Reed, Robert Wyatt, Caetano Veloso–still impact his work.

Adam Ostrar
Brawls in the Briar
Super Secret Records
[Pre-order LP / CD / Digital]
Street Date: October 13, 2017

1. Enemy
2. Another Room
3. Warlock
4. Spare Me
5. Drinking From A Candle
6. Hammered White And Barking
7. Cossacks In The Building
8. Hot Air
9. Boy
10. Color Of Bone
11. Cindy Tells Me

ADAM OSTRAR LINKS:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

New EP By #KCMO Artists @davidgeorgeband & @ACrookedMile Now Available

On October 13th David George & A Crooked Mile will be releasing their second EP "Won't Let Go". You can stream it on Spotify now. It's the new EP that takes the next step from George's previous "Here I Go Again" EP.  George has enlisted Mike Stover on Pedal Steel and lush harmonies from David Luther, Erik Voeks, and Ben Byard as well as guest vocalist Camry Ivory to help fill out this amazing new recording.

David will be celebrating its release at the Brick on Saturday, October 14th! Doors are 9 pm with special guest Major Matt Mason USA. 

David will be joined by former Crooked Mile members John Johnson (guitar) and Giuliano Mingucci (drums) as well as Josh Quint (pedal steel), Erik Voeks (bass) and David Luther (acoustic).

Upcoming Shows In Kansas City:

SAT. SEPT 16 - SOLO ACOUSTIC O'MALLEY'S PUB - WESTIN, MO 2-5 PM
SAT. SEPT 16 - VOLKER BROS. RECORD BAR 8 PM
THU. SEPT 21 - MOSAIC MUSIC & ARTS SHOWCASE (w/ Erik Voeks) 7 pm
SAT. SEPT 23 - VOLKER BROS. PLAZA ART FAIR - KKFI STAGE 5 PM
SAT. OCT 7 - VOLKER BROS. HOUSE CONCERT 
SAT. OCT 14 - THE BRICK "WON'T LET GO" EP RELEASE SHOW

#BreakmouthAnnie celebrates new split 7" & performs live on 9/29 @vintagevinylSTL

Jawbreaker influenced and gruff, but melodic punk rockers Breakmouth Annie will be performing instore at Vintage Vinyl on Friday, September 29th from 7-8 pm. The band is celebrating the release of a new split 7" on Do What? Records with Chicago band Two Houses and this will be your first chance to get a copy! All-ages are welcome and this event HERE is free, plus there will be free Schlafly Beer available for those 21 and up.

https://breakmouthannie.bandcamp.com

On October 20th Breakmouth Annie, Two Houses celebrate their (Split 7" Release) at The Sinkhole.
 

Punk Rockers @againstme come to @TheReadyRoom 9/27 w/ @HelloBleached @thedirtynil

Against Me! comes to town on Wednesday, September 27th at The Ready Room along with support from Bleached and The Dirty Nil. Visit HERE for the event info. This is a Mike Judy Presents event.

THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED NEW ALBUM, SHAPE SHIFT WITH ME, 
IS AVAILABLE IN STORES AND ONLINE NOW:

“Raging, tender, organic, erotic and liberating…an album that hits both the brain and the body, simultaneously and without apology.” – NPR

"Bolstered by whip-smart lyricism and indelible riffs, Grace bares her sensual, sentimental side –
but not without a few swift kicks in the eye." – Rolling Stone

“Grace remains a rebel heart who defies expectation” – VOGUE

Against Me! puts forth what could be its magnum opus: 'Shape Shift With Me', a guitar riff–laden high-speed chase rife with angst and hard-won redemption...the most revelatory music of
Grace's career." – ELLE

WATCH: “HAUNTING, HAUNTED, HAUNTS” (YOUTUBE)

Celebrated American rock band Against Me! have announced its fall North American headline tour in support of its critically acclaimed studio album, Shape Shift With Me. After spending a month supporting Green Day on its Revolution Radio tour, Against Me! will be touring the U.S. and Canada again this year throughout September and October with supports Bleached and The Dirty Nil. The tour began on Saturday, September 2 at the Garrick Theatre in Winnipeg, MB and visits markets such as Vancouver, BC on Friday, September 8, San Francisco, CA on Wednesday, September 13, Los Angeles, CA on Thursday, September 14, Dallas, TX on Saturday, September 23, Chicago, IL on Saturday, September 30, Toronto, ON on Friday, October 6, Brooklyn, NY on Saturday, October 14, Nashville, TN on Friday, October 20, and culminate in a headlining appearance at The Fest in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 28. A complete listing of dates can be found below with tickets going on sale this Friday, May 12. More information can be found on Against Me!’s official website: http://www.againstme.net.

Shape Shift With Me, Against Me!’s seventh full-length studio album, has the distinction of the first album frontwoman Laura Jane Grace has written truly from the heart, with no metaphorical cloaks cast over the lyrics. It’s an album about love, that deceptively complex emotion we all struggle with yet has somehow eluded most of Grace’s songwriting for the past 20 years. Recorded, mixed and engineered by Marc Jacob Hudson (Taking Back Sunday, Saves The Day) at Rancho Recordo, Shape Shift With Me is available now physically and digitally via the band’s own Total Treble label (iTunes, Amazon). 

“Tons of people have written about love. But while love is cliché, it’s infinitely relevant,” Grace says. As such, Shape Shift With Me is a loose concept album about traveling the world and falling in and out of love, with Grace serving as the narrator. But even though she was opening herself up to new songwriting topics, she knew what her mission was from the start.

“Is there a record that is about relationships from a trans perspective?” she asks rhetorically. “There needs to be more records about trans rights and everything like that, but feeling like I already did that, I wanted to move on to write commentary on living from a trans perspective. I wanted to write the transgender response to the Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main St., Liz Phair’s Exile In Guyville and the Streets’ A Grand Don’t Come For Free. All those records are relationship records. There’s been an infinite amount of records talking about what love means from a cisgender perspective. I wanted to present the trans perspective on sex, love and heartbreak.”

In a career already full of classic punk records, Shape Shift With Me feels like the definitive Against Me! album—it’s poppy and catchy (“Rebecca,” “Suicide Bomber”), aggressive and in-your-face (“ProVision L-3,” “Dead Rats”), sentimental and longing [Crash,” “All This (And More”)]. Moreover, it’s the culmination of four years of existence as Laura Jane Grace—there’s no going back now, so she might as well embrace it. 

“While I’ve always wanted the moon and the stars, I have a certain amount of humbleness,” she admits. “I just want to play shows and make records and write songs. That’s what I’ve always wanted to do. Of course I always want the biggest and best things for those shows and records and songs, but when it comes down to it, I just love doing it. I have no other ambitions or career goals.”

The @NewMusicCircle Announces It's 59th Season

NMC is pleased to announce their 59th Season of New Music Circle. Year 59 is set to offer what may be one of the most far ranging, high quality seasons ever presented by New Music Circle. From electronic music and visual arts, avant-garde jazz and rock to modern composition, they have a dynamic program in store for you! Please come, interact, and enjoy the fantastic year ahead.

Their full lineup, with artist links (in the title of each listing) is below, as well as at: newmusiccircle.org . Facebook event pages and tickets are linked in our October, November, and December concerts below as well.  

Please stay tuned for updates on these concerts, workshops, and special events to come!

Steve Swell Quintet
Saturday, October 7, 2017
The Stage at KDHX
FB event page here / Tickets here

John Wiese
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Xavier Hall University Theatre, Saint Louis University
FB event page here / Tickets here

Battle Trance
Saturday, Dec 2, 2017
The Luminary
FB event page here / Tickets here

ICE (International Contemporary Ensemble)
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Pulitzer Arts Foundation

Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe
Saturday, February 24, 2018
URB Arts

The Thing
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Off Broadway

C. Spencer Yeh / Andrew Lampert
Friday, April 6th or Saturday, April 7th, 2018
Venue TBA

Matana Roberts
Saturday, May 19th, 2018
Venue TBA

@PostMalone welcomes @Smokepurpp to the "Stoney" Tour. They play a sold out show @popsrocks on 9/24

Multiplatinum chart-topping Dallas, TX artist Post Malone is just full of surprises!
 
As if his Stoney Tour couldn’t get any hotter, he now welcomes Smokepurrp along for the ride as support. This promises to be his biggest, boldest, and best North American tour to date, which kicked off in Boston at the House of Blues.
 
Get tickets HERE. Check out the full itinerary below.

 Post Malone  just revealed his brand new single “rockstar” feat. 21 Savage (produced by Tank God & Louis Bell) at all digital retailers via Republic Records. Get it HERE. The song sets the stage for the impending release of his second full-length offering, Beerbongs & Bentleys [Republic Records].
 
Post’s debut album, the 2016 powerhouse RIAA Certified Platinum debut Stoney, has remained a TOP 10 STREAMING ALBUM for 38 consecutive weeks since its December 2016 release and has made Post Malone the MOST STREAMED NEW ARTIST with over 3 Billion Streams globally. Tracks include his first Hot 100 Top 10 entry “Congratulations” [feat. Quavo] (5x-platinum), the breakout “White Iverson” (4x-platinum), “Go Flex” (platinum), and “Too Young” (platinum). Moreover, the multiplatinum Dallas maverick continues to consistently hold down a spot in the Billboard Top 200. 

Stoney (Deluxe):
Music/iTunes: http://republicrec.co/PostMaloneStoney 
Apple Music: https://republic.lnk.to/PostMaloneStoneyDL/applemusic
Google Play: http://republicrec.co/PostMaloneStoneyGP 
Amazon: http://republicrec.co/PostMaloneStoneyAZ 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5s0rmjP8XOPhP6HhqOhuyC
 
Post Malone Social Links:
http://www.postmalone.com/
www.postmaloneshop.com
twitter.com/PostMalone
http://www.facebook.com/postmaloneofficial
www.instagram.com/postmalone
http://www.vevo.com/artist/post-malone

With help from tourmate Khalid as well as Post Malone and SZA, LORDE unveiled the official remix to her latest single “Homemade Dynamite.” The star-studded remix, with the original “Homemade Dynamite” amassing over 50 million streams, arrives just ahead of her Melodrama World Tour debut in the UK on September 26^th, when the singer kicks off a cross-continent run through Europe, Australia and New Zealand with support from Khalid.  The remix to “Homemade Dynamite” features three of 2017’s biggest breakout acts and is available to stream/download across all digital service providers now. 
 
DOWNLOAD/STREAM HERE: https://Lorde.lnk.to/HDRemix
 
Lorde has been heating up festival stages all season, with acclaimed performances at Coachella, Governors Ball, Bonnaroo, Glastonbury, Lollapalooza and Outside Lands.  She’ll continue to gear up for her Melodrama World Tour with upcoming sets in Las Vegas, NV at Life Is Beautiful and iHeartRadio Music Festival.  The singer’s North American dates are set for March 2018, kicking off in Milwaukee, WI and heading to 30 stops across the US and Canada before its finale in Nashville, TN.  For more information and to view all upcoming Melodrama World Tour dates, please visit https://lorde.co.nz/tour.  

She will be here in St. Louis March 2nd at Chafeitz Arena. In addition STL native SZA plays two shows at The Ready Room December 17th and on the 19th.

 

The Classical Boom Tour by @BlackViolin fills @sheldonstl on 9/24

This Sunday the phenomenon that is Black Violin makes their stop to St. Louis at The Sheldon Concert Hall. The event info is HERE.

Black Violin upends cultural and musical stereotypes...an unexpected blend of classically trained musicianship and hip-hop beats and inventiveness.
— The Miami Herald

The duo elicits brilliant music with poignant message for the world.
— Essence

Black Violin has announced their US Classical Boom Tour, which kicked off on Aug. 23 in Martha’s Vineyard, MA. The 29 market tour is a follow up to the successful Unity tour, which saw 28 sold-out public performances.

After serving as the house band for the ESPN’s hosted 82nd Annual Heisman Memorial Trophy Pre- sentation, the network recently selected Black Violin’s track “Stereotypes” to promote the upcoming 2017 US Open. The tennis tournament will be exclusively televised on ESPN Aug. 28 - Sept. 10, with television and online commercials featuring Black Violin airing now. Watch the spot HERE.

Black Violin is currently writing and recording their next studio album, due out in 2018. The band’s most recent record, Stereotypes, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and #4 on the Billboard R&B Chart. NPR praised the album and band, saying“their music will keep classical music alive for the next generation.”

Black Violin is composed of classically trained violist and violinist Wil B. and Kev Marcus, who combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom.” Black Violin has shared stages with top names including Kayne West, Aerosmith and Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys.

The duo composed music for the television series Pitch which debuted on FOX in 2016, in addition to ap- pearances on HBO’s Ballers, The Tonight Show, Travis Smiley Show, The Wendy Williams Show, and The Ellen Show.

In addition to their public concerts, Black Violin has performed for more than 100,000 students in the past 12 months throughout North America and Europe. The band is endorsed by Yamaha Music, and has part- nered with the National Association for Music Manufacturers (NAMM) to continue their advocacy for accessible music education.

@mikejudyprsnts @SLAVESOFFICIAL @secretsofficial @octwofficial @picturesqueband @BrokenYouthSTL @FallenWeDivide 9/21 @firebirdstl

This Thursday, September 21st "The Beautiful Death" tour comes to town at The Firebird featuring Slaves. Sharing the stage with them is Secrets, Out Came The Wolves, Picturesque. Local support has also been added by Broken Youth, Fallen We Divide. This show is a Mike Judy Presents event. Visit HERE For details on the show.

With three major surgeries earlier this year, Jonny Craig of Slaves is looking to get back on the road with a month-long tour starting in Dallas to Southern California with Secrets.

Always moving forward and embracing change, Slaves are eager to share their new music with their ever-growing fan base. The upcoming record, produced by Erik Ron (Panic! At the Disco, Set It Off), is set to be the band’s most powerful release to date.  

The million viewed music video of ‘I’d rather See Your Star Explode’ (directed by Shadow Born Group) is just a taste of what’s to come.
Sacramento post-hardcore outfit Slaves have returned with a brand new single, “I’d Rather See Your Star Explode”.
 
A few short months after their 2014 inception, Slaves released their Artery Recordings debut, Through Art We Are All Equals, hitting #4 on the Billboard Hard Rock charts. Reflecting on the complexities of difficult relationships, addiction, and personal redemption, the record features Jonny Craig’s soulful vocals atop rich instrumentalism. After refining their sound and constantly writing on tour, the band released their sophomore album, Routine Breathing, in 2015. The record features guest vocals from Spencer Chamberlain (Underoath), Garret Rapp (The Color Morale), and Tilian Pearson (Dance Gavin Dance). Routine Breathing solidified their place in the scene, hitting #7 on the Billboard Hard Rock charts.

Slaves are an unstoppable force that are here to stay. Always moving forward and embracing change, the duo are eager to share their new music with their ever-growing fan base. "I'd Rather See Your Star Explode" is just a taste of what's to come.

@Gravehuffer Signs To @bluntfacemusic For Vinyl Addition Of Their Latest Album "Your Fault"

Joplin, Missouri's favorite Crossover/Crust/Punk/Metalheads, Gravehuffer, finalized a deal last month with Bluntface Records for release of their latest album on vinyl called "Your Fault".

The vinyl edition of "Your Fault" marks the first official vinyl release for BFR. The band hit the studio for two brand new tracks for inclusion on this version of the release to commemorate their partnership with BFR, and the subsequent release of "Your Fault" in the vinyl platform. Carlo Regadas (ex-Carcass, current guitarist for Monstrance) will lend his talents on one of the bonus tracks for his guest spot.

Often hailed as "N.W.O.B.M. meets the early Earache catalog", Gravehuffer brings a unique blend of influences to their music and channels it through a gritty honesty with a healthy disregard for genre boundaries and limitations.

With James Hiser on vocals, Ritchie Randall on guitar, and a rhythm section comprised of Mike Jilge on bass, and Larry Deardoff in drums, along with a collective style that blurs the lines between Punk, Metal, Grindcore and down-tuned Sludge-laden Doom; Gravehuffer should feel right at home in Bluntface Records for this release.

Pre-sales of the vinyl addition of "Your Fault" can be purchased through Bluntface Records.