The Web ROCKWiRED

SEPTEMBER 24, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: CORNERS OF SANCTUARY

here is something to be said for the drive of a band like CORNERS OF SANCTUARY and their mission to bring traditional metal back to the forefront. Nothing has stood in their way. Not even a significant line up change. In 2016, the band had wrapped up the recording of their album THE GALLOPING HORDES but at the finish line, lead singer FRANKIE CROSS chose to walk away from the band. Due to the shake up, the band put the release of the album on hold and began the search for a new lead singer. They ended up with a female lead singer named TREESE LOGAN and the band had decreed that LOGAN would dub her own pyrotechnic voice over what had been laid down by FRANKIE. Things were looking up. CORNERS OF SANCTUARY was headed in a new direction with a female lead singer and all was going to be right with the world. At the beginning of this year. LOGAN stepped down as lead singer and when the band knocked on FRANKIE CROSS's door to ask if he would fill in for some scheduled dates, the only question CROSS had was "when?". Ever since, CROSS has remained with the band. The band's latest album THE GALLOPING HORDES was finally released and one can hear a band that has been rejuvenated in the tracks of this latest album. Oh and to top it off, the band just got done with a tour of Europe. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with CORNERS OF SANCTUARY guitarist MICK MICHAELS regarding the band's recent European tour and their new album. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE AND LiSTEN TO THE PODCAST CLiCK HERE!!!

SEPTEMBER 22, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: JiM SANTORA, JR. - UNDERRATED ROCK BOOK

he "underrated rock album" is on the verge of becoming extinct in an age where we download a particular song that we want to hear as opposed to an entire album. And usually, for free. The LP, in general, is a lost art when things like SPOTIFY, AMAZON and iTUNES have turned music shopping into a buffet of sorts instead of the tactile shopping experience that myself and author JIM SANTORA, JR. remember. With all of that being said, SANTORA's new publication THE UNDERRATED ROCK BOOK is not just a curious read. It is a read with a sense of cultural urgency working in it's favor. In this book, SANTORA picks two hundred underrated albums from the period of 1970 to 2015 and examines each one's worth carefully, using simple, "everyman" language without all of the dismissiveness of a ROBERT CHRISTGAU review. This list of two hundred albums is commendable even though we're left scratching our heads over why an album is considered underrated. SAP by ALICE IN CHAINS, CHECK YOUR HEAD by THE BEASTIE BOYS and PANORAMA by THE CARS all made the cut yet those albums went gold and platinum respectively. Why are they underrated? Who cares? Going through the list and pointing things out like this is half the fun of the UNDERRATED ROCK BOOK. SANTORA may want to consider publishing multiple volumes. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with JIM SANTORA, JR. regarding the new book. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE AND LiSTEN TO THE PODCAST CLiCK HERE!!!

SEPTEMBER 20, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: LORD NELSON

he influence of STUCK MOJO over rap and metal can't be denied but they've been unjustly eclipsed by that FRED DURST and that whole LIMP BIZKIT thing that came to define that cruddy late-nineties to early-2000s rock landscape. The goal of combining rap and hip hop with the more visceral sensibility of hard rock and metal has always been an honorable one and STUCK MOJO deserved a fucking Congressional Medal.  In recent years, ROCKWIRED has become acquainted with STUCK MOJO's original front man BONZ and his electrifying, self-titled post-MOJO band. We also became familiar with some of the friction between him and his former band and the shake up that led to his departure. Now, I have become familiar with the fellow who stepped into the STUCK MOJO juggernaut after BONZ left the fold. LORD NELSON is a different kind of energy - imposing, yet more mellifluous than the erratic live wire approach I've come to expect from BONZ. It was LORD NELSON's rhymes and presence that helped guide STUCK MOJO through their albums SOUTHERN BORN KILLERS (2007) and THE GREAT REVIVAL (2008). Following his departure from the band, NELSON took a four year absence before returning to music making with the solo album FIGHT - MY STRUGGLE BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL with a little help from the french rock band LIES.  Now, LORD NELSON has stepped into the ring again with the release of his self-released concept album BACK ON THE ROAD, sharing billing with SEB L - his collaborator and guitarist from the band LIES. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with LORD NELSON regarding the new album and his collaboration with SEB L. Here is how the interview went.

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SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: ASLEEP iN THE WAKE

he decision to leave a successful rock band to satisfy an artistic itch sounds like an unenviable decision to have to make. For almost twenty years, PAUL CROSBY served as the drummer for the GRAMMY nominated hard rock band SALIVA and was there to experience first-hand the band's ascent to the top of the Modern Rock and Active Rock charts with such hits as the GRAMMY nominated single YOU'RE DISEASE, ALWAYS, SURVIVAL OF THE SICKEST and LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. The accolades and the chart action would be enough for most, but CROSBY craved more of a hands-on, collaborative songwriting process.  Earlier this year, CROSBY stepped away from the SALIVA juggernaut and sought artistic satisfaction in his own backyard of Houston, Texas with former members of the bands SATURATE and MELLOVINE. Together, they have created the band ASLEEP IN THE WAKE who are on the verge of issuing a new album sometime in November. To get the fires stoked, the fledgling band has released their first single in the slow burning rocker LIKE YOU. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with CROSBY regarding his decision to leave SALIVA and the formation of his new band ASLEEP IN THE WAKE. Here is how the interview went.

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2018
ROCK SHOW #11 | FREE FORM MUSiC AND iNTERViEWS

OCK SHOW is back!!! Again!!! ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE's official weekly podcast is back after a long hiatus and while it would have been great to have RITA LOUISE in the co-host chair, ROCKWIRED editor and founder BRIAN LUSH picks up the mic and discusses the music that has been coming ROCKWIRED's way for the past few months. Along with spinning new tunes, LUSH will be presenting some exclusive audio clips of some of the interviews that ROCKWIRED has conducted inthe past few months. The artists featured on today's show include TO WHOM IT MAY, HAMMER DOWN HARD, MIKE BERN, ENUFF Z'NUFF, KRASHKARMA, TIM CAPPELLO, STATION, KORE ROZZIK, NEVERWONDER, BOBAFLEX, BROKEN TESTIMONY and LORD NELSON. Check out the playlist below, featuring the start times for these artists.

TO LiSTEN TO THE SHOW CLiCK HERE!!!

ROCKWiRED NOTES: KRASHKARMA

ock bands that eschew the role of the bass player have been a thing since THE WHITE STRIPES came and shook things up in the early aughts. The impression that that pastey brother - sister team made can still be felt today with a band like KRASHKARMA who have been dubbed as (or did they dub themselves?) THE WHITE STRIPES OF METAL. However, in speaking with the band's guitarist RALF DIETEL, the bass sound that holds everything together in a band, has not been foresaken at all. When KRASHKARMA went from a four piece band to the dynamic duo of DIETEL and drummer NIKI SKISTIMAS,  DIETEL noticed the absense of the bass immediately and did something about it. He created the Frankenstein guitar which included a bass pickup designed to sense only the low strings and a guitar pickup that senses all six strings. Thanks to DIETEL's ingenuity, the dynamic duo can hit the stage and the studio and sound like the full band experience despite their lean, mean setup.

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2018
THE ROCKWiRED ARTiST OF THE MONTH NOMiNEES:

OCKWIRED.COM is pleased to announce the nominees for our latest ARTIST OF THE MONTH COMPETITION. We have just announced that HAMMER DOWN HARD is ROCKWIRED.COM's ARTIST OF THE MONTH for the month September. Now we are getting things set for the month of October and we've got an amazing group of artists for you to pick from. This official ballot page has been set up with polling services provided by MICROPOLL. Voters are welcome to vote as many times as they wish although it may involve clearing  your cache and cookies to do so.

TO CAST YOUR VOTE CLiCK HERE!!!

SEPTEMBER 3, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: MiKE TiRELLi OF RiSiNG FiVE

t takes a special set of pipes to front such metal bands as RIOT, MESSIAH'S KISS and HOLY MOTHER, but over the years, MIKE TIRELLI has proven that he is a man up for the challenge. Clearly not a man to rest on his laurels, the pyrotechnic singer is now stepping into the light in a bigger way with his new band RISING FIVE and their new EP NO DEATH REBORN. Here, TIRELLI collaborates with MESSIAH'S KISS bassist WAYNE BANKS and delivers a sound that embraces a modern, nu-metal sensibility as opposed to the more traditional metal approach of his other bands. With a little help from producer KANE CHURKO (PAPA ROACH, IN THIS MOMENT, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH) RISING FIVE's new EP is bound to capture a few ears and notices in the fickle world active rock and the title song - a cautionary tale on the opioid epidemic - will no doubt keep a listener engrossed. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with MIKE TIRELLI regarding the new band and the EP. Here is how the interview went.

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AUGUST 29, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: CHiP Z'NUFF OF ENUFF Z'NUFF

 first saw ENUFF Z'NUFF at a club called HAMMERJACKS in Baltimore back in 1989. I was fourteen years old and more or less immersed in much of what would become known as hair metal. I tagged along with two older friends, not knowing what I was  in for. I had read the positive notices that the band was getting for their 1989 self-titled album which featured the singles FLY HIGH MICHELLE and NEW THING. In a rock n roll climate that was filled with such bands as GUNS N ROSES, DEF LEPPARD and POISON to a lesser degree, ENUFF Z'NUFF stood out from the crowd with a sound that owed a heavy debt to such seventies rock acts as MOT THE HOOPLE, CHEAP TRICK and DAVID BOWIE and their willingness to go against the grain earned them something that was seldom doled out to any band who teased their hair up in those times - critical acclaim.

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AUGUST 27, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: KAREN LAWRENCE OF BLUE BY NATURE

can't say that I've ever been the biggest fan of BARBRA STREISAND, but forty years ago, she released the moody slow burner PRISONER from the soundtrack to the IRVIN KIRSHNER suspense thriller EYES OF LAURA MARS starring FAYE DUNAWAY and TOMMY LEE JONES. Over the years, the  film has become a favorite of mine and the moody theme song is a standout out musical moment that resonates with me whenever I think of the film. Little did I know that I would would be speaking with the woman who penned the song. KAREN LAWRENCE is a brassy singer and songwriter with an uncanny ability to make every song she sings a moment to be treasured. Throughout her rocky music career, she has run the gamut of pop and rock but it's the blues where the woman's voice is most at home. LAWRENCE got her start fronting the band L.A. JETS, who were signed to RCA back in 1976. When the band was dropped, she became the lead singer for the band 1994 under the tutelage of producer JACK DOUGLAS who secured them a deal with A&M RECORDS which lasted for two albums.

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AUGUST 22, 2018
ROCKWiRED DOSSiER: MARKUS MULLER-STACH OF G4L RECORDS

espite being an industry that has made a reported 43 billion dollars last year, we always hear that there is no money to be made in the music business. The big boys like UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP, SONY, WARNER and EMI are responsible for the large chunks missing from that mighty pie in the sky. Anything smaller, and more independent than them, gets a mere fraction of the returns that the majors make. Entrepreneur MARKUS MULLER-STACH is the last fellow one would ever expect of jumping into the business of rock n roll. The former stockbroker found little fullfillment in the world of finance and sales. He tapped into his long neglected well of creativity at the end of 2004 when he launched his marketing firm SYNCHRONICITY MARKETING, INC. After nine years of specializing in branding, advertising and digital services, MULLER-STACH set his sights on the music industry and launched the label G4L RECORDS. A few months ago, the label issued the album THE GREAT FILTER from the hard rock/progressive band TO WHOM IT MAY and is currently in the process of seeking out new talent to add to the roster.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

AUGUST 16, 2018
ROCKWiRED REMEMBERS: ARETHA FRANKLiN

hroughout her  six decades in show business, ARETHA FRANKLIN had been given many titles. She was labeled a "diva", a "legend", a "national treasure" and more importantly, the "Queen of Soul". Given her one-of-a-kind musicality, vocal prowess and intuitive interpretive sense, FRANKLIN was a force to be reckoned with. If you don't believe us, who else could've taken OTIS REDDING's RESPECT - a stomping plea for a little nookie at the end of the day and turn it  into a freaking National Anthem? (YOU MAKE ME FEEL) LIKE A NATURAL WOMAN, is a gentle, almost bluesy ballad written by CAROLE KING about a woman grateful for the man she has at her side. But when ARETHA gets a hold of the pleasant tune, she does more than sweetly thank her man. She testifies before the entire world and we are all drawn into the frenzy.

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AUGUST 15, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: MiKE BERN

ack in early 2017, the Canadian First-Nations rock band DISTRICT AVENUE was on the road to active rock glory with the release of their glorious LP EPOCH. The effort was rolled out with some rather fine album artwork and the thunderous single REVIVAL accompanied by an epic CGI music video from director JAY MARKS. Just as the accolades were coming in and as the band had won the INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARD for BEST MUSIC VIDEO, DISTRICT AVENUE quietly called it quits, leaving lead singer MIKE BERN to cut his losses and etch out a solo career for himself. According to BERN, the sound that will set him apart from the more high octane approach of his former band will be more "acoustic-driven". With the soft release of his haunting first single FIRST MOTHER, one can hear that a acoustic guitars are ruling the day but the singer songwriter has not entirely abandoned his innate rock n roll instincts, as a full band can be heard, which includes  MIKE ARCHIBALD of RELIC KINGS on lead guitar. FIRST MOTHER is the first single from an as-yet-untitled LP due out before the end of the year. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with MIKE BERN regarding his new single and future LP. Here is how the interview went.

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AUGUST 6, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: VERMiLLiON ROAD

hree years ago, the Colorado-based rock band VERMILLION ROAD released their debut  album PALACES - a collection of songs that boasted the time-honored 'post-grunge' aesthetic that has been a the norm since the  "alternative" label became a thing.  We admired the DIY approach of the band and their willingness to take their humble sound beyond the boundaries of the Centennial State and the Greater Southwest region of the country. It is now three years later and VERMILLION ROAD have eschewed their traditional rock band approach in favor for the punchy electronic stylings of indie pop artists such as WALK THE MOON and IMAGINE DRAGONS. Their new EP ESCAPE is a step in the right direction if the band wants to make a dent in any substantial airplay, and the singles ONLY ONE and GASOLINE are confident stompers that will leave a melody in one's head and a hankering for more. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with WILL ROBISON of VERMILLION ROAD. Here is how the interview went. 

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AUGUST 2, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: FOREiGNER

he day before I spoke to LOU GRAMM - the legendary lead singer of the equally legendary English-American rock band FOREIGNER - I was out running errands and heard the band's music through the overhead speakers of two different stores and one bank. There is no way to escape the band's classic catalog whether it be through the airwaves, television or film, and why the hell not? The band's monumental brand of pop rock spoke to the joys and the frustrations that go with the territory of love and life and driving the music home was the impassioned delivery of LOU GRAMM and guitarist MICK JONES providing the riffage and the leads that were going to send the blistering material into the stratosphere. Where would classic rock radio be without such standards as HOT BLOODED, FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME, URGENT, COLD AS ICE and JUKEBOX HERO?

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AUGUST 1, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: TiM CAPPELLO

n rock n roll, having a sound is important, but so is having a look. For decades, saxophonist and singer TIM CAPPELLO has carved out an image for himself as the sweaty sax man from the 1987 cult film THE LOST BOYS. With his ponytail and mighty, glistening upper body, CAPPELLO ripped into the song I STILL BELIEVE and proved how handy he was with a saxophone. Of course, I remember his handiwork in TINA TURNER's band. You can hear him issuing that iconic saxophone riff on TURNER's messiah complex-shaming hit WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER  HERO and adding some fine, sultry flourishes to the apocalyptic strutter ONE OF THE LIVING. The man's pelvic thrust may have resonated with folks more than the sax playing but trust us when we say the man is no gimmick.

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JULY 29, 2018
THE ROCKWiRED ARTiST OF THE MONTH NOMiNEES:

OCKWIRED.COM is pleased to announce the nominees for our latest ARTIST OF THE MONTH COMPETITION. We have just announced that BROKEN TESTIMONY is ROCKWIRED.COM's ARTIST OF THE MONTH for the month August. Now we are getting things set for the month of August and we've got an amazing group of artists for you to pick from. This official ballot page has been set up with polling services provided by MICROPOLL. Voters are welcome to vote as many times as they wish although it may involve clearing  your cache and cookies to do so.

TO CAST YOU VOTE CLiCK HERE!!!

FOR iMMEDiATE RELEASE:  

JULY 28, 2018 - You voted, the polls have closed and the winner of the 86th ROCKWIRED ARTIST OF THE MONTH title is the rock band BROKEN TESTIMONY on the strength of their new LP HOLD ONTO NOTHING. he first step in a journey is always the most exciting but it's a great deal more exciting when you are eighteen years old. That is the case with three-quarters of the  South Carolina-based band BROKEN TESTIMONY. Founders BRYCE CHISM (drums) and JUDGE PAGE (vocals and guitars)  along with lead guitarist NIC DELVAUX  are in that enviable position of releasing their debut album HOLD ONTO NOTHING at such a ripe young age, unburdened by cynicism or all that could go wrong in a life lived in rock n roll. Making the ride all the more exciting is the push that these young men are getting from THERMAL ENTERTAINMENT - the very company behind the push of some of active rock's hottest acts such as BOBAFLEX, WAYLAND and SHALLOW SIDE.  BROKEN TESTIMONY's debut album HOLDING ONTO NOTHING was released JUNE 23rd and boasts the piss and vinegar  that typifies what one would expect coming from active rock these days, but there are some prog elements that come into the framework of their songs as on the glimmering track VITALITY.

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JULY 21, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: KORE ROZZiK

igning the dotted line of a record company contract has become synonymous with signing your soul over to the devil himself. We've all heard this rock n roll cautionary tale before, but those were the days of yore, when record companies had a little more push and pull than they seem to have now in the era of the .99 cent download. After years of struggle and a few lineup changes in his band, KORE ROZZIK, the New York City-based rocker hellbent on stepping into the very shock rock territory that has been mined successfully by the likes of ALICE COOPER, ROB ZOMBIE and MARILYN MANSON - has signed with CLEOPATRA RECORDS and has  released his debut album VENGEANCE OVERDRIVE. Flying in the face of popular convention, VENGEANCE OVERDRIVE is a concept album where KORE is the rock star on a Homeric odyssey for his place in the heights of rock n roll's stratosphere, no matter what the cost may be. With a record label backing him up, it will be interesting to see KORE's rock n roll vision take shape. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with KORE ROZZIK regarding the new album. Here is how the interview went.

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JULY 19, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: TO WHOM iT MAY

he future of humanity is something that looms largely in the collective minds of our society today. Just by looking at the news, it's easy to have our doubts as to how much further we can go as a species before something cataclysmic happens. It's a pity we have no other "intelligent" species out there that we can look to, but according to a theory called "The Great Filter", the reason we haven't made contact with another alien civilization is because they have crossed a threshold that enabled their extinction. What is this threshold? Have we, as a species, crossed it ourselves? This sort of existentialism is way too much to think about, especially for a rock music publication like ourselves, but for the Galveston, Texas-based band TO WHOM IT MAY, the theory has provided them a great deal of inspiration for their new LP THE GREAT FILTER. This stunning collection may the first offering from TO WHOM IT MAY, but these guys know all about what it takes to stay in the game. Band members JONATHAN JOURDAN, ROBB MARS and DEXAS VILLARREAL have cut their teeth in the same band for nine years before they made the decision to form TO WHOM IT MAY. With THE GREAT FILTER, TO WHOM IT MAY is indeed crossing a threshold - one that will lead to serious recognition in the world of active rock. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with JONATHAN JOURDAN of the band regarding their new LP. Here is how the interview went.

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JULY 17, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: HAMMER DOWN HARD

here is this old joke about drummers and songwriting that goes: "What will you never hear a drummer say?" The answer is: "Guys, I've got a song!" The author of that joke didn't have a guy like DON HENLEY in mind who has written enough songs to fill an entire seventies rock song book. In the very recent past, I've had the pleasure of interviewing quite a few drummers with considerable songwriting chops. Most recently, in-demand metal drummer LONNIE HAMMER has stepped from behind the kit and has taken center stage with his aptly named band HAMMER DOWN HARD. The musical pedigree is strong with HAMMER who has banged the drums for the likes of JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE, EVERY MOTHER'S NIGHTMARE and most recently with BLACK OAK ARKANSAS, and now the world will see and hear what he is made of as a front man and songwriter with the forthcoming release of his band's new album TOTAL ANNIHILATION - a collection of songs that speak to the struggles of a everyday life. Adding a little heavy metal thunder to the proceedings are performances from the likes of ZACH MYERS from SHINEDOWN, BRIAN QUINN from CANDLEBOX , JUSTIN RIMER from 12 STONES and LOU KOUVARIS from RIOT. ROCKWIRED got the chance to speak with LONNIE HAMMER while he was on the road for Cadott, Wisconsin for the 2018 ROCK FEST. Here is how the interview went.

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JULY 11, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: STATiON

his isn't the first time that we are telling you that the music of the New York City-based hard rock band STATION is more that mere nostalgia, but with the release of their new album MORE THAN THE MOON, it may be the last time we have to tell you.  With one EP and a self-titled LP behind them, STATION have stood out from the active rock crowd with a sound that tips it's hat to the halcyon days of melodic hard rock, before grunge came along and uglied it up.  The songs on MORE THAN THE MOON do the exact same thing, but rather than taking the tongue-in-cheek STEEL PANTHER approach, it's the heart on the short sleeves of these guys that truly shine through, especially on the album's glorious, VAN HALEN-esque first single I WON'T BREAK YOUR HEART. Lead singer PATRICK KEARNEY walks the line between DAVID LEE ROTH-styled stage presence and HAGAR-styled vocal prowess. Guitarist and chief songwriter CHRIS LANE continues  issue the riffage and the leads that can only elevate such delectable pop rock fare. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with CHRIS LANE regarding the new album. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

JULY 6, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: NEVERWONDER

hen the Southern California-based rock band NEVERWONDER first made it onto ROCKWIRED's radar in early 2006, it was love at first sight and sound. It was also a very different world. Hard rock and the alternative rock of the decade previous were just on their way to becoming the much scoffed at 'dad rock'.  MTV and VH1 were no longer as music oriented and were setting their sights on the burgeoning reality television phenomenon. The only road to pop glory was AMERICAN IDOL and LADY GAGA wasn't a thing yet. It was an age typified by the likes of CHRISTINA AGUILERA and BRITNEY SPEARS and those of us who thought we were better than deciding which was better were holding out for a new direction in rock music. It neve quite materialized but NEVERWONDER was something special to myself and to this then fledgling publication.  

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JULY 3, 2018
THE ROCKWiRED ARTiST OF THE MONTH NOMiNEES:

OCKWIRED.COM is pleased to announce the nominees for our latest ARTIST OF THE MONTH COMPETITION. Due to ditorial changes that had us distracted, we overlooked coming up with a listof nominees in the month of June. As a result there is no Artist of the Month this July. ROCKWIRED.COM is expanding it's coverage and there has never been a more exciting time for our publication with the exapnsion in our editorial and our podcast production. Now we are getting things set for the month of August and we've got an amazing group of artists for you to pick from. This official ballot page has been set up with polling services provided by MICROPOLL. Voters are welcome to vote as many times as they wish although it may involve clearing  your cache and cookies to do so.

TO CAST YOUR VOTE CLiCK HERE!!!

JULY 2, 2018
2 FRiCKiN' CENTS: WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?

he general consensus from critics regarding the release of WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR, is that we, the audience, are in for a tender hearted experience that we haven't seen on a big screen in many moons and that we should have a kleenex ready. Having just seen the film, I'm going to have to agree that the documentary on the life and work of FRED ROGERS, the creator and host of the PBS classic children's show MR. ROGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD, tugs at the heartstrings in a time when society is more divided than ever. The ordained Presbyterian minister saw the potential good in television in a time when BUFFALO BOB SMITH and CLARABELLE were taking pies to the face. His vision was for television that spoke to children in an honest way, while addressing heavy subjects such as a war, assasination, racism and death. As society has grown more cynical, the documentary points out that there is no MR. ROGERS anymore to help break down the walls that separate us. It also shows how the man's simple message was lost on some who believe that ROGERS was responsible for the entitlement of a generation where everyone gets a trophy. Hell, even the WESTBORO BAPTIST assholes showed up to picket the man's funeral.  Filmmaker MORGAN NEVILLE artfully shows the complicated man behind the smile and the cardigan and presents you with an appreciation for the man's unique legacy. Listen to the podcast for something a little less eloquent.

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JULY 2, 2018
ROCK SHOW #10: KiM WILDE, BOBAFLEX, STATiON AND MORE!!!

 can't believe that we actually got a new edition of ROCK SHOW up and running one week after our last edition but we did. As we've mentioned ad nauseum, we had fallen behind on the output of what is supposed to be out flagship podcast. this week, I'm in the hosting chair all by myself, bringing you brand spanking new tunes formt he likes of KIM WILDE, BOBAFLEX and STATION along with some new songs that we introduced to you last week form NEVERWONDER, BROKEN TESTIMONY and BOARDING SCHOOL DROPOUTS. You will be hearing more about these bands in some upcoming profiles that will be coming to ROCKWIRED.COM very soon. In addition to some new songs, I've started digging into my pop culture memory banks and have been blasting the GIORGIO MORODER produced 1984 soundtrack tot he 1927 FRITZ LANG film METROPOLIS. So why not dedicate a block of today's show to that film. And while her birthday was yesterday, punk legend and pop icon DEBORAH HARRY is now in her 73rd year, and dedicate a block of music to her as well. 

TO LiSTEN TO THE SHOW CLiCK HERE!!!

JULY 1, 2018
ROCKWiRED SPECiAL FEATURE: BLONDIE AND DEBORAH HARRY

e couldn't think of a better time than the release of our A FEW GOOD WOMEN issue to give it up for one of pop music's great architects. The band BLONDIE and it's front woman DEBORAH HARRY have made a name for themselves by being at the forefront of pop music and culture. Armed with the barest of a equipment and a surplus of style and attitude, the band set the standard for the pop aesthetic that many artists today to still cling to.  From the power pop of songs like X-OFFENDER, DREAMING and I AM TOUCHED BY YOUR PRESENCE DEAR to the dance rock if HEART OF GLASS and CALL ME to the reggae of TIDE IS HIGH and the hip hop sounds of songs like RAPTURE, the band proved themselves to be an interchangeable beast in the way of sound and style and in this issue we take you through that incredible musical journey by reviewing every BLONDIE and DEBORAH HARRY album.

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JUNE 30, 2018
2 FRiCKiN' CENTS: THE RETURN OF PiCARD?

hroughout this decade, science fiction fandom has become a toxic place with fanboys demanding the universe they grew up admiring on the small screen or the big screen. On the other end is normal folk like myself, who are happy to have a new STAR WARS flick or a brand new STAR TREK TV series with a chick in the lead. Am I crazy about having to pay CBS ALL ACCESS to watch it? Of course not, but I do it anyway. I love the franchise in a time when the term has become another f-word. "Why can't STAR TREK just go the fuck away?" They whine. I say let 'em whine. With DISNEY pulling back on their STAR WARS output because of fanboy indifference (and possibly audience fatigue), I was delighted to hear of PARAMOUNT's plans to go big with with some STAR TREK plans in development. One of them involves a series sequel to STAR TREK THE NEXT GENERATION. There is talk of PATRICK STEWART being close to signing a deal to come back as JEAN LUC PICARD, but STAR TREK has had it's share of development hell in the past. Today's show is a quick rant on the matter along with new music from the band BROKEN TESTIMONY.

TO LiSTEN TO THE SHOW CLiCK HERE!!!

JUNE 27, 2018
2 FRiCKiN' CENTS: BUSY BODIES PERMIT PATTY AND BBQ BECKY

usy bodies have been with us since the dawn of time, I'm sure, but only recently are they getting called out for their behavior through social media and just plain media in general. The most recent casualty is a woman known throughout Twitterdom as PERMIT PATTY who was caught on camera calling the police on an eight year old black girl selling bottled water without a permit. Really? PERMIT PATTY's real name is ALISON ETTEL and she is the CEO of a cannabis tincture company. On micro-level, one who think she should've taken some her own product and chilled. On a macro level, cannabis is still illegal on a Federal level and the act of this woman calling the police over such something as silly as a permit fot selling bottled water brings up issues of gentrification and class and of course race.  it's probably no coincidence that this happened inthe same city as the whole BBQ BECKY debacle which also resulted in an intense social media backlash. Before I knew it, that bitch's picture was everywhere.  I look at these two women and see so many  parallels - their size, their righteousness when it comes to matters of ordinances and their need to play victim when it all blows up in their face.  In this latest edition of 2 FRICKIN CENTS I discuss this phenomenon in my own relaxed and spin a new song from the band NEVERWONDER who will be featured in an exclusive interview on ROCKWIRED.COM very soon.

TO LiSTEN TO THE SHOW CLiCK HERE!!!

JUNE 24, 2018
ROCK SHOW #9 - FEATURING MUSiC FROM NEVERWONDER, BROKEN TESTiMONY, BOARDiNG SCHOOL DROPOUTS AND MORE!!!

he latest edition of ROCK SHOW is our first in a quite a while and we sincerely apologize for that. In the past several months, ROCKWIRED.COM has found itself branching out into other areas. At the end of 2017, It was our goal to change the focus of our publication to a more pop culture realm. It was our goal to make ROCKWIRED.COM that place on the internet where the heavier side of rock and pop culture collide. That didn't happen until a couple of months ago when we started including reviews of film and television and getting some tremendous responses. The new direction took time away form us doing out podcast, but now your hosts BRIAN LUSH and RITA LOUISE are committed to bringing ROCK SHOW back on a weekly basis. This latest edition features new music from the bands NEVERWONDER, BROKEN TESTIMONY and BOARDING SCHOOL DROPOUTS.

TO LiSTEN TO THE SHOW CLiCK HERE!!!

JUNE 24, 2018
ROCKWiRED iN MEMORiAM: ViNNiE PAUL

t was about a quarter after one in the afternoon yesterday, June 23^rd when I got the news. A friend of mine had texted me a few hours earlier, the message read simply, "Vinnie Paul? Fuck." I knew exactly what it meant, and it was too much for me to handle. I ignored all the other notifications on my phone, sat it back on the nightstand and rolled over and went back to sleep. I didn't want to be awake that day. I hoped that going back to sleep would mean that I could wake up from the nightmare. Several hours later I awoke to find it was all true. The outpouring of tributes on social media proved it. No one had a cause, not that it mattered. A huge part of rock and roll is gone, and it doesn't matter why or how.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

JUNE 20, 2018
2 FRiCKiN' CENTS: THE PREMiERE EPiSODE

he times are definitely interesting and we here at ROCKWIRED feel the need to say something about them, but in a way that doesn't beat people over the head with a bunch of platitudinous virtue signalling have us coming off like blowhards. Our newest podcast 2 FRICKIN CENTS, comes from a column that used to run in our monthly publication of ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE. It was our signature look at what was going on in the news and pop culture and giving our one-of-a-kind spin on it. It was our chance to show the world that they should sleep welling knowing that we aren't the ones doing the nightly news. It was big hit in our publication, and now that we no longer produce the monthly, we figured we'd give it a show as a podcast series, one that we can put together quickly and easily during the time in between the  posting of articles.

TO LiSTEN TO THE PODCAST CLiCK HERE!!!

JUNE 20, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: BROKEN TESTIMONY

he first step in a journey is always the most exciting but it's a great deal more exciting when you are eighteen years old. That is the case with three-quarters of the  South Carolina-based band BROKEN TESTIMONY. Founders BRYCE CHISM (drums) and JUDGE PAGE (vocals and guitars)  along with lead guitarist NIC DELVAUX  are in that enviable position of releasing their debut album HOLD ONTO NOTHING at such a ripe young age, unburdened by cynicism or all that could go wrong in a life lived in rock n roll. Making the ride all the more exciting is the push that these young men are getting from THERMAL ENTERTAINMENT - the very company behind the push of some of active rock's hottest acts such as BOBAFLEX, WAYLAND and SHALLOW SIDE.  BROKEN TESTIMONY's debut album HOLDING ONTO NOTHING is due out JUNE 23rd and will boast the piss and vinegar  that typifies what one would expect coming from active rock these days, but there are some prog elements that come into the framework of their songs as on the glimmering track VITALITY. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with drummer and band founder BRYCE CHISM regarding the band and their new album. Here is how the interview went. 

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

JUNE 15, 2018
ROCKWiRED REViEWS: STRANGE ANGEL

TV series based on the life of a trailblazing, Satan-worshipping rocket scientist who corresponded with ALEISTER CROWLEY and inspired the craziness of L. RON HUBBARD? Count me in! That was my response to the trailer for this new series available exclusively through CBS ALL ACCESS. After watching the series premiere episode AUGURS OF SPRING, I'm happy to report that I'm still onboard with this series created by MARK HEYMAN (BLACK SWAN, THE SKELETON TWINS), but I've got more of  a taste for the lamb's blood and what looked like the beginning of a human sacrifice in one scene. I'm not so much onboard with all the rocket propulsion stuff.  The life of JACK PARSONS isn't the kind of life story you hear about from men of science. He was one of the founders of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Aerojet Engineering Corporation and was famous for his advancements in the liquid fuel and solid fuel rocketry that got NASA off the ground.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

JUNE 12, 2018
ROCKWiRED REWiND: PAT BENATAR - GRAViTY'S RAiNBOW (1993)

h, the nineties was a confusing time! When the decade was in full swing, grunge rock had made feathered hair, leather and acid washed a jeans a thing of the past. Yes, rock n roll got a tremendous dressing down in the CLINTON era where any rough and tumble dude or dudette could pick up a guitar and be a "somebody" in music. Apathy ruled the day and it was best you kept your head down and not make a spectacle of yourself, even though you probably had piercings on your nose and tongue and sported one of the first tramp stamps or tribal looking tats. The only people doing reality TV at the time was MTV with their REAL WORLD series as well as their subversive cartoon hit BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD, but they were also still playing music videos back then. Gangsta rap gave white folks something new to be afraid of. Maybe the white suburban angst that found a voice in the grunge rock that was coming out of Seattle wasn't anything to be afraid of in comparison.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

JUNE 7, 2018
ROCKWiRED PRESS RELEASE: LiVESAY

IVESAY, the Melodic, Power Rock band from New York, NY, has signed a worldwide record deal with Pittsburgh based, RFL RECORDS. A longtime staple of the Neo-Classical regime, LIVESAY are about to unleash a new album to the masses that will embrace the bands past and throttle in a new and exciting future. LIVESAY is a prime example of a band that has flown under the proverbial radar  and has self-sustained 4 incredible albums - LIVESAY - S/T (1996), DARKEST HOUR (2000), AWAKEN THE GIANT (2010) and FROZEN HELL (2016). LIVESAY is not a novice to the big stage and has opened for a multitude of hard rocks premier acts such as RONNIE JAMES DIO, Y&T, DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB, RATT, THIN LIZZY, VINCE NEILL, SEBASTIAN BACH, QUIET RIOT, MICHAEL SCHENKER, UFO, FATES WARNING and many others. In addition to appearing at the ROCK N' SKULL FESTIVAL 2 years in a row, they have headlined many times as well. With very little major backing, it's been a willingness and belief that has driven this band. GREGG LIVESAY had this to say, "It has always been about all of the members of this band, not just me. I would have nothing without them and their dedication to delivering a top-notch product to the fans."

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

JUNE 3, 2018
ROCKWiRED REViEWS: SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY

OLO: A STAR WARS STORY is being released in a time when ROSEANNE BARR loses her TV show over a racist tweet and conservatives are demanding SAMANTHA BEE's head on a platter for dropping the C-word in regard to the first daughter. TWITTER wars are more explosive than anything that is happening in a galaxy far, far away, even in this latest offering from DISNEY's STAR WARS. News outlets everywhere are predicting that the brand is in trouble given SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY's less than spectacular box office and the residual fanboy condemnation of  last Christmas' THE LAST JEDI.  Maybe rolling out  a STAR WARS movie every year ain't the way to keep the excitement going, but I will stick my neck out and say that I've enjoyed what DISNEY has done for the franchise thus far. On a cinematic level, KATHLEEN KENNEDY hasn't turned the water into wine, but her instincts have worked in moving the franchise from the  shiny, CGI-kiddie fare of the prequels back to the lived-in, space western-feel of the original trilogy. That was all I was asking for back in 1999. I've got the STAR WARS universe I want, and now it's time for prequel fans to hate the new direction of the franchise.  With that being said, SOLO is the STAR WARS movie I always wanted to see. The problem is, I can barely see it.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

THE ARTiCLE WiLL CONTiNUE 
FOLLOWiNG THE ADVERTiSEMENT BELOW

FOR iMMEDiATE RELEASE:  

June 2, 2018 - You voted, the polls have closed and the winner of the 86th ROCKWIRED ARTIST OF THE MONTH title is the rock band KNEE HIGH FOX on the strength of their new LP JAW BREAKER. Frontwoman KRSY FOX, of the the alt-rock/electronica band KNEE HIGH FOX, is determined to take listeners on a roller coaster ride with the release of their new album JAWBREAKER. In looking at the title of the album, I was immediately reminded of the 1999 black comedy cult film JAWBREAKER starring ROSE McGOWAN as the villain in a tale of high school bitchery that escalates to murderous proportions. It turns out I wasn't too far off the mark, as FOX cites the film as an inspiration for this new album. In fact, cult 90's films such as THE CRAFT, FOXFIRE, GIRL INTERRUPTED and even more high brow films as AMERICAN BEAUTY have and continue to inspire FOX's music making giving the woman and her band's blistering, primal sound a bit of cinematic intrigue. When you're a band with an appreciation for high drama and moving images, you can only imagine how that makes any live performance all the more exciting.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MAY 30, 2018
ROCKWiRED REViEWS: THE HANDMAiD'S TALE

 binge-watched the first fourteen episodes of HULU's THE HANDMAID'S TALE and that was a huge mistake. Not to say that HULU's take on MARGARET ATWOOD's classic, dystopian novel is a waste of time. I say this because the series is a tense, unrelenting, nightmarish drama that will leave you wondering if  a fringe element of fundamentalist brown shirts really have what it takes to turn our democracy into totalitarian theocracy.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MAY 24, 2018
ROCKWiRED SPECiAL FEATURE: KENNETH JOHNSON

n the spring of 1983, there were two things that I was looking forward to - the end of the school year and the release of RETURN OF THE JEDI, the final chapter in the STAR WARS saga! (Please don't laugh!) I was eight years old and who the hell my age age didn't want to see how this STAR WARS business was going to pan out? Could DARTH VADER have been bluffing about being LUKE's dad? Was HAN SOLO going to be freed from the carbonite or was this going to be the end of the road? Did any of this mean wedding bells for LUKE and LEIA? (Seriously, don't laugh!) We could certainly count on the fact that the EMPIRE was going to get it's due and LUKE was going to have learned a thing or two about wielding a lightsaber. This was the age before moral ambiguity reared it's head in space opera. The good guys always won in those days.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MAY 21, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: QFT

hen I was a boy, heavy metal music was an escape from the math and science that was being forced on me by school. Heavy metal was that never-never land where schoolyard bullies and school didn't exist. There was no way in hell that headbanging and the scientific/mathematic mind were going to occupy the same space, but along comes LINNEA VIKSTROM  who has made the curious decision to make math and physics the theme of the debut album LIVE IN SPACE from her new band QFT. By the way, QFT stands for Quantum Field Theory. Clearly my ninth grade science teacher was right when she said I would encounter this later in life. QFT is LINNEA VIKSTROM's first bold step outside of  the band THERION - a band that she has fronted vocally ever since graduating high school. LIVE IN SPACE is a big album with a big sound and even bigger ideas. In a time when garden variety rage is informing much of what gets called metal these days, LIVE IN SPACE is a breath of fresh air. Or in this case, a breath of empty vacuum. ROCKWIRED had the chance to speak with LINNEA VIKSTROM regarding QFT and their debut release. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MAY 19, 2018
THE ROCKWiRED ARTiST OF THE MONTH NOMiNEES:

OCKWIRED.COM is pleased to announce the nominees for our latest ARTIST OF THE MONTH COMPETITION. The current artist of the month winner is the band  DYNAMOS. Now we are getting things set for the month of April and we've got an amazing group of artists for you to pick from. This official ballot page has been set up with polling services provided by MICROPOLL. Voters are welcome to vote as many times as they wish although it may involve clearing  your cache and cookies to do so.

TO CAST YOUR VOTE CLiCK HERE!!!

MAY 14, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: ALLMAN GOLDFLiES

he band ALLMAN GOLDFLIES may only be a little more than a couple of years old, but it's two founders have stories to tell and rather large ambitions for their soulful brand of southern rock. There isn't a band alive that doesn't want their music to connect to a listener, but this band, started by singer-songwriter and guitarist GARY ALLMAN and bassist and producer DAVID GOLDFLIES have bigger ambitions - ones that will take their music all the way to the Great American Songbook. Evidently, in a time where music has been reduced to $0.99 downloads or less, songcraft is very important to these two. GOLDFLIES cut his teeth musically working with the likes of  BILL BARTLETT of STAR STRUCK and RAM JAM and THE ALLMAN BROTHERS before getting into orchestral work. GARY ALLMAN is the cousin of the late-GREG and DUANE ALLMAN and was under the tutelage of TOY CALDWELL of THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND. These two men shared the stage together for the first time in the late-nineties doing shows with guitarist LUTHER WOMBLE (CLARENCE "GATEMOUTH" BROWN). Two years ago, the two rekindled their friendship and recorded their debut album SECOND CHANCE - a catalog of ten songs that are cut from all of lifes highs and lows. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with GARY ALLMAN and DAVID GOLDFLIES regarding their new album. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MAY 10, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: F.K.U.

eing a child of the eighties, I often overlooked the connection between heavy metal and horror films. I simply took the two things for granted. At the time, it  was important to engulf myself in a music that had my parents on edge thinking that I was a Satan worshipper. The motif worked, and the imagery that decorated my walls from bands such as IRON MAIDEN and MEGADETH proved to be effective in keeping my parents and siblings at a distance. And how many horror films of that era contained heavy metal on their soundtracks? The Swedish thrash band F.K.U. emerged from this time in the year 1987 as a chance for it's founders - guitarist PETE STOOAAHL and bassist PAT SPLAT- to indulge themselves in the shock of horror and the visceral assault of metal, however the band didn't take off until the late-nineties when they recruited front man and producer LARRY LETHAL. Now, the band has released their newest album 1981 - a tribute to the year when horror films reached critical mass in terms of box office appeal with such films a FRIDAY THE 13th PART 2 (there is ven a track named after this film), EVIL DEAD, THE HOWLING, HALLOWEEN II and others.  ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with lead singer LARRY LETHAL regarding the band and their new album. Here is how the interview went. 

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MAY 9, 2018
ROCKWiRED NiTE OUT: ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME CEREMONY

he 33rd class was made up of BON JOVI, THE CARS, DIRE STRAITS, THE MOODY BLUES, NINA SIMONE, and SISTER ROSETTA THARPE. Now you're probably thinking one of three things: like me, you might be thinking, "Really, they weren't already in?" or your blood pressure might be steadily going up as you're thinking "Why them and not___?" fill in the blank as you see fit, or possibly you're thinking "Well that's exactly who I would've picked." Although, I'm betting few of you are saying the latter.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MAY 8, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: DYNAMOS

he death of rock n roll is another thing that we can blame millennials for. EDM and anything by DRAKE may be making the world spin for anyone who grew up playing with MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGER action figures and POKEMON pogs, but now we've got the band DYNAMOS to remind people of the primal, devil-may-care energy of rock in a time where DJs are considered akin to rock stars. Don't expect any of us here at ROCKWIRED to understand that shit. Thank God for DYNAMOS! When it comes to rock n roll, the band takes the direct approach and because of that, they stand out from the minions of angsty post-grunge active rock or the passive lilt of  "indie" music.  DYNAMOS packs a mean punch with their primary weapon - front woman NADIA E. The classically trained NADIA has vocal range to spare, a sense of storytelling and an interpretive sense that has the potential to connect her to millions. The band's EP COLD COMFORT is the first step in what we predict will be a long musical journey and we're already believers with such songs as the BO DIDLEY-esque KNOWLEDGE or the Tex-Mex rabble rouser STAINLESS. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with front woman NADIA E. regarding the band and their new EP. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MAY 4, 2018
ROCKWiRED REViEWS: COBRA KAi

OUTUBE RED has been a thing since 2014 and yet, it's only selling point has been a commercial-free viewing experience on YOUTUBE. The original programming that it comes with has left much to be desired and seems to be on a production level not far above the likes of PEWDIEPIE or GLOZELL.  For the kind of entertainment that sucks you in  and keeps you from doing work around the house, people have historically gone to either NETFLIX or HULU for their binging. $10.99 a month is just too much for a paltry listing of programming that looks like it came from DISNEY CHANNEL's rejection bin, but with the May 2nd release of the original series COBRA KAI - the latest entry in the shaky KARATE KID franchise -YOUTUBE RED may have taken that first step into being a formidable paid streaming subscription service.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MAY 3, 2018
ROCK SHOW #8: FEATURiNG LEGENDARY TV PRODUCER KENNETH JOHNSON AND NEW MUSiC AND iNTERVIEWS WITH CiTY OF THE WEAK, KNEE HiGH FOX, iRON TUSK, F.K.U., and QFT!!!

 

or almost a month now, our podcast ROCK SHOW has been on an unintended hiatus due to some changes that are continuing to unfold with ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE. In case anyone is unaware, the name ROCKWIRED and it's official website is now in it's teens. For thirteen years, the website and all of the online podcast programing and the publications that have come with it have kept the brand going for thirteen years. Personally, I remember being a thirteen year old kid nd all of the ugliness of growing up that came a long with it. ROCKWIRED is weathering those same changes today, but we are confidant that the brand will re-emerge as a strong force in rock music and popular culture, and our weekly podcast ROCK SHOW will play a huge part in that. Wrods can't describe how great it feels to be in front of the mic again with my co-host RITA LOUISE and spinning some new music that has come ROCKWIRED's way as well as some interview excerpts with the likes of CITY OF THE WEAK, KNEE HIGH FOX, IRON TUSK, Swedish horror meltal band F.K.U. and QFT - the latest musical outing from the led singer of THERION, LINNEA VIKSTROM. In addition to all of this is a sneak peak into astory that ROCKWIRED has cooking involving legendary television writer and producer KENNETH JOHNSON ( THE INCREDIBLE HULK and V) regarding his plans to bring V to the big screen with a little help from the newly revamped DESILU PRODUCTIONS.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

FOR iMMEDiATE RELEASE:  

MAY 1, 2018 - You voted, the polls have closed and the winner of the 85th ROCKWIRED ARTIST OF THE MONTH title is the rock band DYNAMOS on the strength of their new EP COLD COMFORT and their raucous singles KNOWLEDGE and STAINLESS. The death of rock n roll is another thing that we can blame millenials for. EDM and anything by DRAKE may be making the world spin for anyone who grew up playing with MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGER action figures and POKEMON pogs, but now we've got the band DYNAMOS to remind people of the primal, devil-may-care energy of rock in a time where DJs are considered akin to rock stars. Don't expect any of us here at ROCKWIRED to understand that shit. Thank God for DYNAMOS! When it comes to rock n roll, the band takes the direct approach and because of that, they stand out from the minions of angsty post-grunge active rock or the passive lilt of  "indie" music.  DYNAMOS packs a mean punch with their primary weapon - front woman NADIA E. The classicially trained NADIA has vocal range to spare, a sense of storytelling and an interpretive sense that has the potential to connect her to millions. The band's EP COLD COMFORT is the first step in what we predict will be a long musical journey and we're already believers with such songs as the BO DIDLEY-esque KNOWLEDGE or the Tex-Mex rabble rouser STAINLESS. 

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

APRIL 30, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: KNEE HiGH FOX

rontwoman KRSY FOX, of the the alt-rock/electronica band KNEE HIGH FOX, is determined to take listeners on a roller coaster ride with the release of their new album JAWBREAKER. In looking at the title of the album, I was immediately reminded of the 1999 black comedy cult film JAWBREAKER starring ROSE McGOWAN as the villain in a tale of high school bitchery that escalates to murderous proportions. It turns out I wasn't too far off the mark, as FOX cites the film as an inspiration for this new album. In fact, cult 90's films such as THE CRAFT, FOXFIRE, GIRL INTERRUPTED and even more high brow films as AMERICAN BEAUTY have and continue to inspire FOX's music making giving the woman and her band's blistering, primal sound a bit of cinematic intrigue. When you're a band with an appreciation for high drama and moving images, you can only imagine how that makes any live performance all the more exciting. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with KRSY FOX regarding the bands new album. Here is how the interview went. 

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

APRIL 25, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: iRON TUSK

hen I first interviewed drummer CARLIN BLACKRABBIT back in early 2017 it was for his Calgary-based punk band NO MORE MOMENTS and their INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARD nominated EP STILL GOING. The band embodied the very D.I.Y. spirit necessary for that coveted punk rock cred that isn't going to get you laughed out of the the room. Why the hell wouldn't ROCKWIRED have been on board with these guys. Unbeknownst to me at the the time, BLACKRABBIT was pulling double duty as he was also in another band called IRON TUSK which he has formed with the original  members of NO MORE MOMENTS. Yes, the rock n roll life is all about ending relationships and started them up all over again and with a 2016 EP behind them, IRON TUSK has now issued a soft release of their newest EP BAD SPIRIT. Accompanied by less than a handful of gigs thus far and pressings on both vinyl and cassette,  this band hailing from the Siksika Nation are determined  to toss their hat into the ever-shrinking ring of punk rock and make a little noise. ROCKWIRED had a chance to get reacquainted with CARLIN BLACKRABBIT regarding IRON TUSK and their new release. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

APRIL 24, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: CiTY OF THE WEAK

or us, CITY OF THE WEAK represents something that has been lacking severely in the world of rock for a long time - artistry. So few have had that artistry that goes along with being a rock n roll band down to a science and this band - fronted by the irrepressible front woman STEF W/ AN F - has always had the musicality and the visual smarts to stand out of the active rock crowd. You could hear it in their punchy, pop rock delivery and you could see it in all of their music videos to date and we have the photogenaeity of STEF and the vision of bass player and filmmaker CODY EVAN HOFFMAN (the guy directs their videos) to thank for that. In a time when musicmakers simply make music on their laptops and post it to whatever musical platform is out there, it's quite refreshing to see a band that has the complete package and knows the value of a little visual flash and style. For years, CITY OF THE WEAK has released a steady stream of EPs and singles to reasonable chart action and radio play on all of the right markets, but now the band is gearing up with the release of their first ever LP PULLING TEETH. The title represents the struggles the band has faced by simply making the music they want to make. Not only is the album a milestone for the band, it's a middle finger to the haters and the naysayers. When we spoke with STEF W/AN F it was the weekend before the the commencement of a new tour promoting the forthcoming release of PULLING TEETH. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

APRIL 20, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: LONESOME GEORGE

he artist known in certain circles as ANIMAL TEEF is something of a first in the eyes of our publication. Blame it on our lack of knowledge when it comes to the world of hip hop - as we are a rock publication - but the Oglala Lakota rapper may very well be the genre's first real vgabond. Since 2013, we have seen his solo career take off from the fields of the Oglala Sioux Indian Reservation with the single AIN'T NOBODY'S BIDNESS and the LP PINK TRASH. The man's brand of socially conscious hip hop came with a jagged edge and not a word or beat went to waste, even on the 14-song collection THE SHAKE BAG or the EP SAY LA VIE. In an a genre of music that is all about representing a certain locale, TEEF is a vagabond who has taken his music North by Northwest to such cities at Seattle and Eugene. For the past couple of years he has contributed rhymes to this and that project, but now he is one half of a new project called LONESOME GEORGE. The other half is comprised of beat maker and producer ENDOR and their message of Indigenous pride and decolonization can be heard loud and clear on their new album BURT BACHAPACK- a play on the name of a legendary songwriter and a hat tip to what TEEF refers to as "back pack" rapper. Us "dad rockers" learn something new every day! ROCKWIRED had the chance to speak with ANIMAL TEEF and ENDOR of LONESOME GEORGE regarding their new album. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

APRIL 10, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: TED AXE

n speaking with Canadian glam/punk rock veteran TED AXE, you get the sense that the Great White North is just a little too quiet for the guy. In the late seventies, it was he and his band THE ACTION that got the punk music movement going in Canada with some rather sensational headlines in the Ottawa newspapers and the release a balls-to-the-wall EP which contained their clarion single TV's ON THE BLINK. Yes sir, "Canada's First Punk Rock Band" knew how to get the press going and the band quickly found themselves touring their homeland and the States alongside such punk rock legends as THE STRANGLERS and THE RAMONES. When all of this was going down, rock n roll was only twenty something years old so no one was thinking about maintaining a legacy or even working their way into some "hall of fame" nonsense. THE ACTION became inactive after one year but AXE took his razor tongued antics elsewhere. He's stalked the stage of London and Los Angeles and then formed the band SISTER HYDE in Seattle. Now, he has just released his new solo album SEX HORROR VIOLENCE - a twelve-song opus that celebrates the man's punk rock spirit  and thse glam flourishes of his that he hasn't been able to shake since he first heard ZIGGY STARDUST in a record store years and years ago.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

APRIL 6, 2018
THE ROCKWiRED ARTiST OF THE MONTH NOMiNEES:

OCKWIRED.COM is pleased to annuonce the nominees for our latest ARTIST OF THE MONTH COMPETITION. The current artist of the month winner is the band  WE ARE BAND NERDS who secured their victory with over six thousand voters. Now we are getting things set for the month of April and we've got an amazing group of artists for you to pick from. This official ballot page has been set up with polling services provided by MICROPOLL.

TO CAST YOUR VOTE CLiCK HERE!!!

APRIL 5, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: SEPiA

wenty-four years after making the big leap to living life in the western part of the United States, it's hard for me to believe that I had ever lived in the congestion of the D.C. Metropolitan area. Sure, I'm cut off from some big city refinement in my middle age and living in a town that no one can spell. Everyone knows my immediate surroundings for the exploits BREAKING BAD's WALTER WHITE and slimy but likable SAUL GOODMAN on BETTER CALL SAUL, but I'm away from the "political intrigue" that defines the D.C. metro area - intrigue which never intrigued me in my formative years. To be more specific, I grew up in Silver Spring, a Maryland town on the border of D.C. where drummer DEREK FALZOI currently resides. One day we struck up a conversation on FACEBOOK for the first time and we got to talking about his band SEPIA which was a few days away from releasing their newest album DROP DEAD GORGEOUS. Who was I to dismiss a "homey" and not give his band a chance?  After all, a magazine favorite like SILVERTUNG also hails from the "Old Line State". Maryland is a million miles away from rock n roll abandon but SEPIA have a knack for it and you can hear it loud and clear on their new, relatively self-produced new album. Post-grunge is most definitely alive with these guys and while that may cost them radioplay in any significant pop market it'll be a breath of fresh air for listeners who recall a time when music making was a band effort as opposed to simply pressing a button. The album's first single MARIONETTE - an assured piece of pop rock on being a slave to love - is a fine single indeed but the song HOME is the one that really catches our ear with a spirited, rambunctious chorus sung in a round and singer RYAN BECKELMEN taking command of the proceedings with refreshingly understated vocals that recall ANTHONY KEIDIS and BRANDON BOYD of INCUBUS. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with singer RYAN BECKELMEN and drummer DEREK FALZOI of SEPIA regarding their latest album. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

FOR iMMEDiATE RELEASE:  

APRIL 2, 2018 - You voted, the polls have closed and the winners of the 84th ROCKWIRED ARTISTS OF THE MONTH winners is the hiphop metal band WE ARE BAND NERDS. The combining of hip-hop with the raucous stylings of heavy metal is a an old recipe that goes back to the days when rap was something you only heard on the streets as opposed to every facet of American life. This hybridization first became popular when RUN DMC teamed up with AEROSMITH for the hip-hop retelling of the latter's freak flag classic rock staple WALK THIS WAY and reached it's zenith in the late nineties/early 2000s with bands such as LIMP BIZKIT and LINKIN PARK. Despite the fact that this type of fusion is absent from the charts these days, WE ARE BAND NERDS has no probablem dusting the genre off for their new album FORGET-ME-NOTS (PAVEMENT ENTERTAINMENT) but what makes this new release so exciting is that the ...NERDS' approach isn't the same ole' same ole'. Their musical arsenal is a considerable one with jazz and electronic elements and lyrics and rhymes that examine middle class minority life and the highs, lows, and hopes and dreams that go with it. 

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

APRIL 2, 2018

ROCKWiRED NOTES: FLiGHT OF FiRE

et me tell you what sucks about getting old. You find yourself not wanting to go out as much and that puts you in a strange place as a music journalist. Sure, my area of expertise is recorded music, but rock n roll is all about the live performance. I've let age get the better of me and after checking the all female prog metal band FLIGHT OF FIRE from Boston, I've learned that I'm missing out on a lot.  According to some favorable press and some footage that can be found on YOUTUBE, FLIGHT OF FIRE has something - that over-the-top live sensibility that has been missing from rock since the eighties. What good is rock n roll without showmanship? Outside of the pomp and circumstance that goes along with the band's live set, FLIGHT OF FIRE has musicality to spare. You can attribute that to either their ingrained sense of rock n roll with ambition (we did mention they are on the prog-y side of metal right?) or the years spent studying music at Berklee School of Music. Either way, the band's artistry and musicality can be heard loud and clear on their 2017 album PATH OF THE PHOENIX. We are given assurances by the band that a new album is on the way but inthe meantime, the band has released the playful single SICK IN LOVE and are gearing up for a tour of Europe that is set for Summer of this year. ROCKWIRED had the chance to speak with the band's front woman MAVERICK and twins TANYA VENOM (lead guitar) and TIA MAYHEM (bass) regarding the band and their music making. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLICK HERE!!! 

FOR iMMEDiATE RELEASE:  

APRIL 2, 2018 - You voted, the polls have closed and the winners of the 84th ROCKWIRED ARTISTS OF THE MONTH winners is the hiphop metal band WE ARE BAND NERDS. The combining of hip-hop with the raucous stylings of heavy metal is a an old recipe that goes back to the days when rap was something you only heard on the streets as opposed to every facet of American life. This hybridization first became popular when RUN DMC teamed up with AEROSMITH for the hip-hop retelling of the latter's freak flag classic rock staple WALK THIS WAY and reached it's zenith in the late nineties/early 2000s with bands such as LIMP BIZKIT and LINKIN PARK. Despite the fact that this type of fusion is absent from the charts these days, WE ARE BAND NERDS has no probablem dusting the genre off for their new album FORGET-ME-NOTS (PAVEMENT ENTERTAINMENT) but what makes this new release so exciting is that the ...NERDS' approach isn't the same ole' same ole'. Their musical arsenal is a considerable one with jazz and electronic elements and lyrics and rhymes that examine middle class minority life and the highs, lows, and hopes and dreams that go with it. 

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MARCH 28, 2018

ROCKWiRED NEWS BLAST: THE WiNNERS OF THE 2018 LA MUSiC ViDEO AWARDS

n March 24, 2018, the winners in the first ever LA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS were announced during a lively and intimate awards ceremony hosted at UNFRIENDLY STUDIOS in Vernon. California. The director of the event - JOWANNA LEWIS of RADIO KSCR - served as the hostess of the event. After months of planning, selecting the nominees and facilitiating the voting, we can only imagine that the stress of pulling off an evening to remembers was high, but knowing LEWIS like ROCKWIRED does, we were not the least bit surprised to see this entrepreneur pull of this event with her usual grace and panache. "It was a pleasure and a challenge to do the LA Music Video Awards." says LEWIS.  "There were some great videos that were submitted.  I am looking forward to putting this event on next year."

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MARCH 26, 2018
ROCK SHOW #7: FEATURiNG NEW MUSiC FROM KiM WILDE, NENA, DALi VAN GOGH, G TOM MAC, FATHER JUPiTER AND MORE!!!

he latest editon of ROCK SHOW is the product of a truly lazy Sunday afternoon. This edition doesn't feature any interviews. It's simply your host host BRIAN LUSH and co-host RITA LOUISE spinning some tunes and talking in between the songs, and we've got some brand spaking new ones this week. This show is kind of an unofficial eighties reunion as it features new music from the likes of KIM WILDE and NENA. WILDE is back with her new album HERE COME THE ALIENS and it is a brash return to the woman's new wave rock beginnings. The delectable electropunk rocker KANDY KRUSH recalls a bit of the fiestiness that could be heard on her 1980 hit KIDS IN AMERICA. NENA made an impression in the early days of MTV with the teutonic bop of 99 LUFTBALLOONS. Now she is back with the slinky electro-glam stomper BE MY REBEL where she gets a little help from producer and ex-EURYTHMIC DAVE STEWART. Rocker G TOM MAC has become synonymous for his song CRY LITTLE SISTER from the soundtrack for the eighties vampire flick THE LOST BOYS and now he has created a musical adaptation of the LOST BOYS called A LOST BOY'S STORY - THE MUSICAL. In this show we spin the opening number of MAC's mighty opus. That about does it for representation from the REAGAN era. All of our other new songs this week come from such artists as DALI VAN GOGH,  SAYERS, DYNAMOS and FATHER JUPITER.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MARCH 26, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: MiCK McMAiNS

he first time I spoke with singer-songwriter MICK McMAINS, it was the year 2006 and he was one part of the trip-hopped, politically charged musical hodge podge known as DJ MONKEY. It was the last two years of the BUSH-CHENEY years and who didn't want some sort of political resistance in their music? DJ MONEY had a sound that encompassed spoken word, hip hop, punk rock, jazz and passion for social justice a whole decade and a half before this SJW thing became a thing. It was five men in a recording studio but noticeable from a distance was the truth creative nucleus of the of the band - McMAINS and songwriter JOEY ALKES (famed for his work on THE PLIMSOULS' 1983 power pop hit A MILLION MILES AWAY).

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MARCH 21, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: WE ARE BAND NERDS

he combining of hip-hop with the raucous stylings of heavy metal is a an old recipe that goes back to the days when rap was something you only heard on the streets as opposed to every facet of American life. This hybridization first became popular when RUN DMC teamed up with AEROSMITH for the hip-hop retelling of the latter's freak flag classic rock staple WALK THIS WAY and reached it's zenith in the late nineties/early 2000s with bands such as LIMP BIZKIT and LINKIN PARK. Despite the fact that this type of fusion is absent from the charts these days, WE ARE BAND NERDS has no probablem dusting the genre off for their new album FORGET-ME-NOTS (PAVEMENT ENTERTAINMENT) but what makes this new release so exciting is that the ...NERDS' approach isn't the same ole' same ole'. Their musical arsenal is a considerable one with jazz and electronic elements and lyrics and rhymes that examine middle class minority life and the highs, lows, and hopes and dreams that go with it. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with rapper/vocalist TONY LUCAS regarding the band's new release. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLICK HERE!!!

MARCH 19, 2018
ROCK SHOW #6: FEATURiNG MUSiC FROM THE NOMiNEES OF THE LA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS AND iNTERViEWS WiTH MiCK McMAINS AND LONESOME GEORGE!!!

t's been over a week since we've had a new edition of ROCK SHOW but now we're back with new music and some new interviews. This edition comes just days before the first annual LA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS which will be held on Friday, March 24, 2018 at  UNFRIENDLY STUDIOS in Vernon, CA.  ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE has published the official guide for the LA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS and the 122-page publication has been received ecstatically by readers both domestic and abroad. We put a lot of work in the writing and the layout of the guide and with all ofthe work behind us, we are using this show as an opportunity to share with the listeners some of our favorites videos from this year's impressive list of nominees. In addition, this edition of  ROCK SHOW will also feature music and exclusive interviews with singer-songwriter MICK McMAINS regarding his new album AMERICAN SOUL and ANIMAL TEEF and ENDOR of LONSEOME GEORGE  regarding their debut release BURT BACHAPACK. Sandwiched in within all of this is the usual banter between hosts BRIAN LUSH and RITA LOUISE.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

MARCH 16, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: KEiTH SECOLA

n a musical career, all one needs is that one signature tune that resonates with listeners so that when they hear you're name, they are going to connect it with that song that brought a smile to their face or got their  head banging or in the case of  NDN KARS by KEITH SECOLA, the hairs on the back of their neck to stand up. No one needs to be reminded the dearth of  Native American artistry  on the pop music landscape unless some pop tart or hip hop guys wants to don a headdress. At least we've got REDBONE's pop classic COME AND GET YOUR LOVE still popping up in this commercial or that movie. Despite the lack of representation on the upper echelons of popdom, KEITH SECOLA (Anishinabe) has been a rock n roll troubadour who has entertained and moved audiences from throughout Indian Country and beyond with a patchwork sound that combines reggae, folk music and rock n roll. He committed this sound to tape in 1992 with his album CIRCLE with a little help from the SAND CREEK BAND and a rumbling rock anthem called NDN KARS.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

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MARCH 14, 2018
ROCKWiRED DOSSiER: JON MARCHEWKA OF RFL RECORDS

or the past decade and a half there has been talk of how there is no gold in them there hills when it comes to the music industry and  how easy it is to make music and make it available online for people to download without paying. It all sounds hopeless. With an environment like this, why the hell get into the industry? For that matter, why even start a record label if music has become this taken-for-granted commodity as opposed to being a precious one? Those are the questions anyone entering this "crazy" business should be asking themselves, but ROCKWIRED is leveling these questions to JON MARCHEWKA, the owner and founder of the small, independent record label  RFL RECORDS. In speaking with MARCHEWKA, we've learned that it is simply a love for the heavier side of rock n roll that fuels MARCHEWKA's passion  for his fledgling label and the artists  on his roster which include the heavy metal thunder of bands such as HYDROGYN and SILK 9 to the gritty punk rock assault of BLACK KNOTS. This baby-faced, mild mannered entrepreneur isn't letting any music industry cynicism get in his way and is looking forward to adding new bands and artists to RFL RECORDS' already impressive roster. 

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

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MARCH 5, 2018
ROCK SHOW #5: WE ANNOUNCE THE WINNER OF ROCKWIRED'S ARTIST OF THE MONTH AWARD AND FEATURE MUSIC AND EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH SEPIA, FLIGHT OF FIRE AND WE ARE BAND NERDS!!!

eing away for a week was a huge mistake but what choice do you have when you host a podcast and you get struck with laryngitis and it hurts like hell to talk. Some of the rasp is still with me, but ROCK SHOW is back, as is or co-host RITA LOUISE for two hours of music, interviews with some bands that have come ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE's way and banter between the hosts on their current living conditions in the Duke City and shady neighbors that are across from them. Neighbors that can't be stopped by ATF raids, forced evictions or the love of Christ for that matter and we've got a sneaking suspicion that meth making is in the picture. Thanks alot BETTER CALL BREAKING BAD for making this shit chic. Oh there is so much to discuss on this fine show but we are kicking everything off by announcing the winner of the ROCKWIRED ARTIST OF THE MONTH. To find out who it is you're going ot have to listen to the show until we fire off the press release. Also included in this edition of ROCK SHOW is music and exclusive interviews with Maryland-based rockers SEPIA, the all-female metal band FLIGHT OF FIRE and the rap metal band WE ARE BAND NERDS.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: THE OUTFiT

rothers MARK and MATT NAWARA are veterans of the Chicago rock scene having recorded and written endless hours of original music over the years with this band and that band. Their latest venture - THE OUTFIT - is one that plays to their strengths as music makers. Straight ahead rock n roll with clever hooks marks the band's sound on their self-titled debut LP with such tracks as LIAR, SOLDIER BOY and LUCKY ONE providing the rah rah rah on this raucous debut. Of course, the band's flawless rock n roll execution - done with the assist of producer MATT MERCADO - was never in question given the resumes of the men who round out the line up of THE OUTFIT. MIKE GORMAN hails from the legendary Chicago bands PEZBAND and OFFBROADWAY and front mand and rhythm guitarist ANDY MITCHELL  whose past bands include  DISH, VERONA and 9 VOLT. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with ANDY MITCHELL regarding THE OUTFIT's self-titled release. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

FEBRUARY 19, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: COSMiC WOOL

he restlessness for a new sound either allows a band to grow or drives  nail into their coffin. The southern metal band ANTI-MORTEM made a name for themselves with bottom heavy, groove laden heavy rock anthems just like your dad used to listen to but with the band's creative nucleus LARADO and NEVADA ROMO giving the proceedings a youthful, angsty vigor. There was certainly no reason to beleive that this little enterprise couldn't have gone the distance but the brothers ROMO detected a widening chasm between the music they were listening to and the music they were sharing with the masses. Because of that chasm, ANTI-MORTEM is no more and the band COSMIC WOOL has emerged with a wider musical palette complete with experimental guitar riffs and dance breaks and a "sky's the limit" attitude to their ambitious musical direction. The ROMO brothers are still calling the shots creatively but a new lease on life has led to the creation of  their self-titled LP and an electrifying live set. ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak with guitarist NEVADA ROMO of COSMIC WOOL regarding the new album. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

FEBRUARY 19, 2018

ROCK SHOW #4 | FEATURiNG MUSiC AND iNTERViEWS WiTH LA MUSiC ViDEO AWARDS AND iT'S DiRECTOR JOWANNA LEWiS OF RADiO KSCR TED AXE, AND MANHIGH!!!

e are going to try not to have an edition of ROCK SHOW  go by without our co-host RITA LOUISE. The addition of her to the ROCKWIRED family has been invaluable  and her presence in front of the mic is really something special. Her being away for one show was way too long and we're grateful to have her back. In the latest edition of ROCK SHOW, we kick things off with news of  the upcoming LA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS which ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE will be publishing an official guide for. We'll be interviewing the director of the LA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS JOWANNA LEWIS (CEO of RADIO KSCR) and spin some tunes from some of the nominees like RAYMOND LEVIER, MILITIA VOX and B OF DAKOTA SOUTH RECORDS. We will also be spinning some tunes and presenting exlcusive interviews with the likes of Canadian punk/glam rocker TED AXE, the New Mexico-based rockers MANHIGH and the adventurous musical stylings of RAUSCH. There is also some new music from ROCKWIRED  newcomers such as MAGNETIC NORTH, SHINOBI NINJA, SIDE CHAIN and WE ARE BAND NERDS.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

FEBRUARY 17, 2018
ROCKWiRED NEWS BLAST: LA MUSiC ViDEO AWARDS NOMiNEES AND THE COVER FOR THE OFFICIAL GUiDE

n March 2, 2018 ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE will be releasing the official guide for the 2018 LA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS taking place in Vernon, California  on March 24, 2018 at UNFRIENDLY STUDIOS. This guide will feature an indepth look at the all of the music videos that have been nominated for this exciting awards program and  give readers and music fans a taste of  what the world of  independent music has to offer in the way of visuals. It is a mission that has ROCKWIRED publisher BRIAN LUSH "completely excited" to say the least.  "I'm all too anxious to get this immense project off the ground!" says BRIAN LUSH. "These days, it's not just the song that gets an artist noticed. It's the vision that a band brings to the table. This is nothing new. MTV got the ball rolling decades ago but with services like YOUTUBE and other social media, a music video is more important than ever to have but the problem is that there is so much out there and an awards program like the LA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS will give people a taste of everything that is out there. The number of categories is truly intimidating but ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE's guide to this year's program is going to cover all of it with style and charm."

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

FEBRUARY 14, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: SiLK9

ack when I was a kid, you had these groups of guys called rock bands who played music and obsessed about fame and that often times elusive recording contract. Nowadays, it's all about the DIY and making things happen on your own with a steady stream of live gigs, music that is available on all of the right platforms and a strong social media presence. And of course, a music video wouldn't hurt. Yes, it's all at a band's fingertips these days and as a result you hear less and less about that aforementioned recording contract. Breaking with this rather recent tradition is the Pennsylvania-based metal band SILK9 who have signed that dotted line with the fledgling label RFL RECORDS. Their  raucous 5-song EP RETRIBUTION is a gritty look at life and all of the ups and downs that go along with it and the struggle  depicted is not only real, it's engaging as hell. ROCKWIRED had the chance to speak with the band's guitarist and founding member ANTHONY LEONE. Here is how the interview went.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

FEBRUARY 12, 2018

ROCK SHOW #3 | FEATURiNG MUSiC AND iNTERViEWS WiTH KEiTH SECOLA, THE OUTFiT, COSMiC WOOL AND SiLK9!!!

he latest edition of ROCK SHOW has host BRIAN LUSH flying alone but there is still some great music to be played and some interview excerpts to be heard. ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE is committed to keeping this new show going for the ling haul and we look forward to having our co-host return next week. We are continuing to refine this show week by week until a formula sticks and are constantly on the look out for new music and talent to feature on the show. This week, ROCK SHOW presents music and interviews with pow wow rocker KEITH SECOLA, Chicago-based band THE OUTFIT, the Texas-based COSMIC WOOL which features former members of ANTI-MORTEM as well as current members of TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION  and Pennsylvania-based metal band SILK 9. Check out our playlist for todays show below. THe songs will appear in exactly that order.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

FEBRUARY 9, 2018
ROCKWiRED REWiND: CANDLEBOX

kay so I didn't go back as far as I could've for the first ever presentation of ROCKWIRED REWIND, but I picked a good one. It was the summer of 2016 and CANDLEBOX had just released their glorious album DISAPPEARING IN AIRPORTS. I had already been acquainted with the band's lead singer KEVIN MARTIN through another musical project he had been involved with called LE PROJET and had a good working relationship with the band's publicist DENISE. VEXATIOUS was a punchy single and the album was just the kind of rock album that I'm programmed to fall in love with - the kind that has something to say. This was the 642nd edition of our now defunct podcast series ROCKWIRED RADIO PROFILES and it was one of my favorites. KEVIN MARTIN is always a great interview. Please enjoy this podcast in it's entirety with three cuts from the album included.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

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FEBRUARY 9, 2018
THE ROCKWiRED ARTiST OF THE MONTH RADIO SHOWCASE

he ROCKWIRED ARTIST OF THE MONTH  competition is making it's grand return to ROCKWIRED.COM. The last artist of the month was the band BOBAFLEX in October of 2017 who had won onthe strength of thousands of voters and their 2018 ROCKWIRED READER'S POLL AWARD winning album ELOQUENT DEMONS. In the months following their victory ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE had undergone some editorial changes and so far, 2018 is shaping up to be our most exciting year yet in our entire thirteen year history. Along with the establishment of our exciting new weekly podcast ROCK SHOW and expanded reportage on the website, what better time to augment our ARTIST OF THE MONTH campaign?

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

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FEBRUARY 6, 2018
THE ROCKWiRED ARTiST OF THE MONTH NOMiNEES:

he ROCKWIRED ARTIST OF THE MONTH  competition is making it's grand return to ROCKWIRED.COM. The last artist of the month was the bnd BOBAFLEX in October of 2017 who had won onthe strength of thousands of voters and their 2018 ROCKWIRED READER'S POLL AWARD winning album ELOQUENT DEMONS. In the months following their victory ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE had undergone some editorial changes and so far, 2018 is shaping up to be our most exciting year yet in our entire thirteen year history. Along with the establishment of our exciting new weekly podcast ROCK SHOW and expanded reportage on the website, what better time to augment our ARTIST OF THE MONTH campaign?

TO CAST YOUR VOTE CLICK HERE!!!

FEBRUARY 5, 2018
ROCK SHOW #2 | FEATURiNG NEW CO-HOST RiTA LOUiSE AND MUSiC FROM BOBAFLEX, SiLVERTUNG, MiLiTiA VOX, JACOB CADE AND MORE!!!

he reason for  ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE taking it's time in getting it's official weekly podcast off the ground has had a lot to do with my own insecurities about getting in front of the mic and doing a show. Strange, for a guy who has produced and hosted over 900 hours of  podcasting and before that was host of an actual radio show for five years. I always knew that I was going to need a co-host to bounce ideas around with. In the last year of my weekly radio show, I benefitted greatly from the radio presence of my then host SINE DOHERTY. That final year of ROCKWIRED LIVE in Southern California proved to be the most satisfying. In trying to build a new life in New Mexico for myself and the ROCKWIRED brand, I stepped away from broadcasting and slowly turned to podcasting with the seven year run of ROCKWIRED RADIO PROFILES  from 2010 to 2017.  ROCK SHOW was the show I always wanted to do - a weekly show where music gets spun and discussed with a co-host. It's all about capturing magic and now, I've found the perfect co-host - my sister RITA LOUISE.
TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

FEBRUARY 1, 2018

his is a re-posting of  the premiere of ROCKWIRED.COM's new podcast series ROCK SHOW back in AUGUST 28, 2017 - Well kiddies, here you have it! This is the very first edition of our brand new weekly show ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE'S ROCK SHOW. We admit it's not the most inspired title but it gives you an idea  of what to expect with this new weekly program. This latest endeavor by ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE is not much of a new endeavor. It's more of a rebranding of our previous podcast series ROCKWIRED RADIO PROFILES. We feel a title like . Since 2010, ROCKWIRED RADIO PROFILES lasted for over 700 editions and featured music and interviews with various active rock artists such as WAYLAND, BOBAFLEX, ADELITA'S WAY, EDGE OF PARADISE, ANOTHER LOST YEAR, SAINT MOTEL, SHALLOW SIDE, BONZ, ADLER, STAR OFF MACHINE, ZEROKING, A.D.D., EMPERORS AND ELEPHANTS, STATION, ELISIUM, RED TIDE RISING, SILVERTUNG, MAXXXWELL CARLISLE, CITY OF THE WEAK, VAJRA, ELISIUM, MILITIA VOX and  DIAMOND LANE. Now, ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE has decided to scale back with a weekly podcast that still delivers on the music and exclusive interviews but also seeks to entertain it's audience. Isn't rock n roll all about keeping folks entertained?
TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

JANUARY 30, 2018
THE 2018 ROCKWiRED READER'S  POLL AWARD WiNNERS!!!

 

he eleventh annual awards season for the ROCKWIRED READER'S POLL AWARDS has come to a close and all of the votes have been tallied. There were so many artists and bands who made the year 2017 a remarkable year here at ROCKWIRED.COM despite the challenges our publication faced that year and the loss of our flipbook magazine. But that was 2017. 2018 is shaping up to be a much more prosperous year with traffic reaching an all time high since we made the decision to post articles directly to  the website. Helping in the upswing in vistors to the site was the voting for the 2018 ROCKWIRED READER'S POLL AWARDS. This year, BOBAFLEX was the big winner with 4 READER'S POLL AWARDS for BEST BAND, BEST LP for the their album ELOQUENT DEMONS, and BEST SONG and BEST MUSIC VIDEO for the single LONG TIME COMING. Rounding out the winners of the 2018 ROCKWIRED READER'S POLL AWARDS are MILITIA VOX who won BEST FEMALE ARTIST o the strength of her single NYCTOPHILIA and SILVERTUNG who won BEST RECORDING (EP) for their live acoustic EP LIGHTEN UP. Also, rocker JACOB CADE walked away with BEST MALE ARTIST on the strenght of his single WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM. Votes came from all over the Continental U.S. and North America. ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE would like to congratulate the winners and thank everyone who took the time to vote.
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JANUARY 29, 2018
DAMNiT GILLEY PRESENTS: BOBAFLEX LiVE

efore I get started, I want to clear up a handful of things, all of the bands that played were all wonderful, the show featured SCARS REMAIN, FALLING THROUGH APRIL, and ASIDE OCEANS. Great bands, I definitely recommend that you the reader check them out. Also want to give a shout out to ALEXANDRIA SNYDER, I know you really wanted to make it out to the show but life happens. A shout out to BLAKE WEBB as well for pulling through on a ride situation. Lastly TRAVIS SCHINKE, your words of encouragement mean the absolutely world to me, you don't understand how much I needed to hear that after the past few months, let alone 3 weeks that I've had. Thank you!
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JANUARY 29, 2018
ROCKWiRED SPECiAL FEATURE: LA MUSiC ViDEO AWARDS GUiDE

n March 2, 2018 ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE will be releasing the official guide for the 2018 LA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS taking place in Vernon, California  on March 28, 2018 at UNFRIENDLY STUDIOS. This guide will feature an indepth look at the all of the music videos that have been nominated for this exciting awards program and  give readers and music fans a taste of  what the world of  independent music has to offer in the way of visuals. It is a mission that has ROCKWIRED publisher BRIAN LUSH "completely excited" to say the least.  "I'm all too anxious to get this immense project off the ground!" says BRIAN LUSH. "These days, it's not just the song that gets an artist noticed. It's the vision that a band brings to the table. This is nothing new. MTV got the ball rolling decades ago but with services like YOUTUBE and other social media, a music video is more important than ever to have but the problem is that there is so much out there and an awards program like the LA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS will give people a taste of everything that is out there. The number of categories is truly intimidating but ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE's guide to this year's program is going to cover all of it with style and charm."
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JANUARY 28, 2018
DAMNiT GILLEY PRESENTS: REASON DEFiNE

EASON DEFINE, originally your name was THE REASON YOU STAYED if I'm not mistaken, how come the name change and what made you decide on the current name? Does it have anything to do with being a HOOBASTANK cover band and trying to move on?
For the record, we have never played a HOOBASTANK song! We changed our name to REASON|DEFINE because we thought that it was time for a change from our name that we came up with when we were really young. It was time to grow up and move forward with our debut album with a name that more accurately described our music and our commitment to each other.
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JANUARY 24, 2018
DAMNiT GILLEY PRESENTS: FOZMO

OZ MOUSE, what brought all of you together and what do each of you bring to the band?
Heyo! JORDAN here! We decided to condense the band name to FOZMO because so many people couldn't find us. That's what we go by now. Originally the band started as a two piece folk punk(ish) duo. We met in college and began writing, recording, and playing shows. That other guy has since left the band but before he did he transferred to UNCG. His suite mate, CHRISTIAN happened to become our drummer. We were a 3 piece for some time until Aaron joined on bass. I knew Aaron from high school and had been in several bands with him. When the other original member left Aaron switched to guitar. CHRISTIAN introduced us to one of his coworkers DEXTER who jumped in on bass. We met our lead guitarist DALLAS from playing shows with his old band. As for what we bring: CHRISTIAN brings the most gear. AARON brings his guitars and accidentally breaks them. DEXTER brings his bass, but not much else. DALLAS brings his fiance. JORDAN brings crippling anxiety, horrible stage banter, and his acoustic.
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JANUARY 22, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: HYDROGYN

he lead singer of a band is so integral to the identity of that  band that losing them could be harmful or - at the very least - force the remaining  band to go for a serious musical overhaul. Even legendary bands have come to the fork in the road. Some, like VAN HALEN, have been successful in brandishing two legendary front men with two distinct followings. What was left of GUNS AND ROSES ditched AXL for the late SCOTT WEILAND and formed VELVET REVOLVER. HYDROGYN is a band based out of Ashland, Kentucky that has made some noise  as well some BILLBOARD charting with a series of albums released on this label and that label since 2004. A good chunk of the band's notoriety stemmed from the band's former front woman JULIE WESTLAKE - whose country and western roots couldn't be denied  in her tackling of the more hard rock metal leanings of HYDROGYN. Following the 2014 EP BREAK THE CHAINS, JULIE stepped away from the band leaving HYDROGYN with a musical ideas and not much else. In steps ERICA PARROTT, the kind of pyrotechnic vocalist that a metal band of this caliber requries and according to founder and guitarist JEFF WESTLAKE, PARROT has got attitude to spare. We hear it loud and clear on the band's latest album REDEMPTION, where PARROTT not only commands the vocals but the lyrics as well.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

JANUARY 17, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: A VERY LOUD DEATH

ith the release of a single and an EP behind them, the Atlanta, Georgia-based trio A VERY LOUD DEATH have stepped up their game artistically with the release of  their debut LP LANTERNS. The album is a dark, moody listen that combines  primal punk energy with a more nuanced, progressive rock aesthetic. It's a sound that is sure to take the band beyond their stomping grounds and into that cherished glow of indie rock recognition, and dare we say 'fame'? ROCKWIRED had a chance to speak tot he band's guitarist and front man CHRIS EDGE regarding the band's new album. Here is how the interview went.

LANTERNS is an amazing album and it's been out since September. In the months since the album's release how do you feel about the finished work?
I feel that we did the best that we could do with what little that we had. It was all done live essentially with a few layers over it.  I think the reception to it hs been pretty good but we're trying to get this thing pushed out more. It's always very crowded when you're trying ot get your music out there. We feel good about it. 

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JANUARY 9, 2018
ROCKWiRED SPECiAL FEATURE: LA MUSiC ViDEO AWARDS

TV changed the musical landscape tremendously by making music a visual experience and turned recording artists into superstars in some cases. In an time when the M in MTV has become obsolete due to the network no longer spinning music videos, there are more music videos than ever thanks to YOUTUBE. Visuals are still the most powerful way to sell a band no matter the genre. With the flux of music videos coming from this or that independent recording artist, where does the artist go to get recognition for their work if MTV's VMAs are all about celebrity and wardrobe malfunctions and KANYE WEST outbursts? JOWANNA LEWIS - the founder of the online radio station RADIO KSCR - is an entrepreneur who saw a need for this need for recognition and began hosting music video festivals involving screenings of music videos at vintage movie theaters. In 2016, LEWIS upped her game by hosting RADIO KSCR's MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS which celebrated the visual work of an intimidating number of bands and artists from around the world. Just as intimidating as the number of artists nominated were the categories themselves which included BEST HORROR MUSIC VIDEO and MOST LIKELY TO BE AN INDIE FILM. To check out the winners that year click here. A year and a half later, LEWIS has rebranded her ceremony the LA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS. Bands and artists are able to enter their music video for consideration up until regular deadline of January 20, 2018 or the late deadline of January 31, 2018. Nominees will be announced on February 4, 2018 and the ceremony will be taking place at UNFRIENDLY STUDIOS on March 24, 2018. To promote the event, ROCKWIRED.COM will publish the official guide for the program featuring write ups on the nominees. 

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

JANUARY 8, 2018
DAMNiT GILLEY PRESENTS: MESSENGER DOWN

ESSENGER DOWN, how long have you been together and who makes up the band currently?

My name is GARRETT FOSTER and I released my first song as MESSENGER DOWN in 2012. I have a few friends who come help out when I play shows, but I'm a solo artist so there's not really members of MESSENGER DOWN. It's my stage name.

If I'm not mistaken, you have been through quite a few line up changes, in what ways do you feel as though you have adapted to survive through them rather than fall apart?

It's partially true and partially not, MD's had a weird history. In the beginning I wanted to do MESSENGER DOWN as a solo artist in part to avoid the drama and distraction of member changes. These days it's a rare thing to find a band who hasn't had a member change or two, and when you're on a smaller local scale that can seriously get in the way of building up momentum and progressing. I have always loved writing music on my own, so after being in a few bands I decided this time I was just gonna do this on my own. After about a year and a half there were a few guys who had been playing shows consistently and really dug the music I was writing so we decided to try it as a band, but that eventually became the revolving door of member changes we all wanted to avoid in the first place. We were burnt out and that lead to a lot of tension among us so it was just best for us all to go off and do our own things. As of 2015 MESSENGER DOWN has just been me again, and those dudes all have their own things going on now that I'm super supportive of and into.

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JANUARY 7, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: FAiTH iN THE FALLEN

or years, we have become acquainted with many a rock band that was young and eager and willing to do what it took to beat that ever-elusive rock n roll dream into submission. Doing so often means living on the road for months at a time going from one gig to another with barely enough money in the bank and putting all of your effort into recording music that gets shared as opposed to purchased. And the merchandising. We can't forget the merchandising. Despite all that you have to do these days to sell your band's brand these days,  you've got bands that have mde it work. But in the case of the Chi-town based metal band FAITH IN THE FALLEN, brand recognition and the quest for fame don't figure into the band's modus operandi. FAITH IN THE FALLEN are just folks - working class guys with families and mortgages to pay off and day jobs, but the demands of work and family life in now way prevent these guys from writing songs and rocking out. In fact, their working class status informs much of the material on their latest EP GRAVITY. The band's high-octane metal sound has made them a hit in their native Chicago and we'll be hearing more from the band by the end of January 2018 with the release of two brand new singles. 

TO READ MORE CLICK HERE!!!

JANUARY 5, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: CORNERS OF SANCTUARY

he mission for a band like CORNERS OF SANCTUARY has always been a consistent one - to keep that classic heavy metal sound within reach of the populace. In a time when rock n roll is increasingly becoming your grandpa's music, CORNERS OF SANCTUARY has found a niche for themselves as a bombastic touring band that has reliably turned out one electrifying album after another. Since the band formed in 2011, their momentum seemed unstoppable until their lead singer FRANKIE CROSS decided to step back. Losing a lead singer is a big deal for a band and finding the right replacement can be a daunting task but the fellas from CORNERS OF SANCTUARY made the finding of a vocalist with serious range their mission and their search resulted in the finding of pyrotechnic vocalist TREESE LOGAN. Since the band's announcement of their new lead singer, CORNERS OF SANCTUARY and LOGAN have made a positive impression on fans with the band's electrifying live set but listeners can get a taste of the all new CORNERS OF SANCTUARY on their new single BURN which comes months before the upcoming LP THE GALLOPING HORDES.

TO READ MORE CLiCK HERE!!!

JANUARY 3, 2018
ROCKWiRED NOTES: JAY KATANA

he release of JAY KATANA's humorously titled LP BRIGHTER THAN YOUR FUTURE actually dropped at the tail end of 2017 but since we're looking to the future with the arrival of 2018, why not give the man his due at the start of this brand spanking new year. When we spoke with KATANA in 2016, he had released an ambitious sounding EP BLEEDING BOYFRIEND PART 1 which demonstrated the young artists virtuosity on the six string and his wide music reach melding SATRIANI-esque guitar work with current electronic beats. Giving the music and the artist some extra varnish was the artwork that highlighted the music videos for that EP's roll out. Romantic disillusionment ruled the day with that release and there was nothing more pwoerful than guitar virtuosity mixed with electronic dance music to drive the point home. Now, KATANA continues his rock guitar-meets-EDM alchemy with his new album BRIGHTER THAN YOUR FUTURE but the motivation is different this time. Following a serious hand injury in which had KATANA fearing he would never play guitar again, the Russian-born ax-man found himself re-invigorated when the blood-spurting injury was fixed with surgery and a new lease on life was discovered. Accompanying this new lease on life is another artfully released album complete with all of the flare that we've come to know KATANA for. It's even coming with an action figure!

TO READ MORE CLICK HERE!!!

DECEMBER 25, 2017
ROCKWiRED'S ANNUAL READER'S POLL BALLOT!!!

ward season is upon us here at ROCKWIRED.COM and today we are pleased to announce the nominees for the upcoming 2018 ROCKWIRED READERS POLL AWARDS. Our award season has always been a huge to do but this time around we will be doing it bigger than we've ever done before. This year the voting will begin on Today, December 25, 2017 here at ROCKWIRED.COM with polling provided by MICROPOLL. Polls will close January 26, 2018. On February 4, 2018,  winners of the 2018 ROCKWIRED RADIO MUSIC AWARDS will be announced on a two-hour presentation which will be featured on the online radio station RADIOKSCR.COM. This marks the eleventh annual awards season for ROCKWIRED

TO CAST YOUR VOTE CLICK HERE!!!

istorically, at year-end, I've always made a point of expressing what a great year the previous twelve months were. And why not? You have to build up the anticipation for the EDITOR'S CHOICE list that I was about to roll out for our readers. At the close of 2017, we've got another amazing list of artists who made 2017 so damned memorable. Some of the names are familiar, some are not, but everyone of them left a strong impression on us visually and musically. As far as the year 2017 itself - eh, it's been difficult! Our monthly publication ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE has ceased, but there is hope that it maybe returning in the Spring of 2018. This has forced us to beef up the editorial for ROCKWIRED.COM and so far the results have been promishing. 2017 may not have been the best year for us, but it's one more year behind us and If we've got twenty five favorite bands and artists to share with you at the end of the year, that works for us. 

he blistering hard rock sensibility of SILVERTUNG earned them a dedicated following and some serious traction on what's left of active rock radio with such singles as NEVER TO LATE, FACE THE MUSIC and YOU & ME. Truth be told, the steady progress of this band has filled me with pride given the fact that SILVERTUNG hails from my home state of Maryland. We've been with these guys from the beginning and have seen their evolution through such releases as the LP DEVIL'S IN THE DETAILS to the EP FACE THE MUSIC. Now, SILVERTUNG has turned the volume way down for their latest EP LIGHTEN UP, a live acoustic recording that doesn't simply strip some of their big hits down to a bare, heartfelt minimum - it reimagines them.

kay, we're at it again! With the absence of ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE, we here at ROCKWIRED.COM are filling that void by re-launching our podcast series ROCK SHOW.

got GABRIEL GAMBINO going in a recent phone conversation when I described the sound of his new band MANHIGH as QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE on peyote. The man knows me well enough to know that such a comparison from me comes from the heart. For the past seven years, I've come to know GAMBINO as the front man of the alt-rock band THROW THE TEMPLE and have seen the band's evolution from demo makers into a serious touring band (one of the few out of Albuquerque these days) with an LP (ANYWAY BUT DOWN from 2015) that had the potential to go the distance. This was a band that seemed determined to break out of the Duke City and make a dent in the world of active rock sharing the touring stage with bands like ACIDIC. Mysteriously, the band ceased operations and  despite my prying GAMBINO has been tight-lipped as to the reasons for the demise.

is that rare artist in the realm of electronic music that boasts the very earnestness and spark of artists such as  KATE BUSH, MADONNA and SINEAD O'CONNOR. On eM's official facebook page she lists these artists as influences and you can hear it in her signature hypnotic style. Having sung since the age of six, this chanteuse from Melbourne Australia has applied her voice to such musical endeavors as choirs, rock bands, acoustic duos and working with djs. Her voice can do anything but int he past few years, the pulsating sounds of electronica are where she is most comfortable these days. Already, she has given us something to look forward to in the coming year with her forthcoming EP SOMEBODY SOMETIMES. The roll out is planned for January 11th and eM is confident in the material she will be presenting. "I feel I am a unique artist and with each release I evolve, better and bolder." says eM "I love getting feedback good or bad. I'm not out to please people but if they love a track, I am happy! This EP flows really well from start to finish, I am hoping people pick up on that." Preceding the release is the haunting A WORLD OF POSSIBLE and it's simple-yet-striking video. 

itting the road with a band like BOBAFLEX is a big deal in the active rock world. In fact it's one hell of a glory gig, especially for a lean mean 19 year old kid who knows a thing or two about looking good wielding an ax and playing the shit out of it. Young men getting swept up in the rock n roll lifestyle has historically made for some exciting , salacious adventures filled with women, adulation and drugs. Somewhere in that mess is rock n roll. The temptations are many in that lifestyle but we've got every confidence that JACOB CADE can resist the excesses and temptations and maintain the upward trajectory that he is on. At 19, CADE is already an artist with past. He has two albums behind him and is now on the verge of releasing his latest EP HUNGER in the coming year. This forthcoming release marks a shift in creative approach as CADE gets a little help in the songwriting department from the likes of RACHEL BOLAN of SKID ROW and LZZY HALE of HALESTORM along with producer MICHAEL WAGENER behind the recording console. Preceding the release of the EP is the punchy first single WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?

ehind the band RED VELVET CRUSH is the steely determination of it's frontwoman JILLIAN RISCOE. Nothing has been able to deter this young woman from living the rock n roll dream. We first became acquainted with her back in 2009 when she was a solo artist plugging her self titled solo album. Many spend their lives in rock band after rock band and eventually find their voice as a solo artist, but RISCOE felt that having a band was the way to go. Along with guitarist and co-songwriter DANIEL MENDALA, she formed RED VELVET CRUSH and let the world in on their dynamic approach to music. Is it rock with a pop sensibility or is it pop with a rock n roll attitude? It's hard to care about what order it goes in when you've got something this catchy. RED VELVET CRUSH released their debut EP SMOKE AND MIRRORS in 2013 and are now knee deep in the promotion of their follow up EP CRYSTAL CLEAR which takes their hard driving pop rock sensibilities a giant step forward as evidenced by their latest single and music video STATE OF EMERGENCY.

HE CHROMA DIVIDE, how did you come up with the bands name and how long have you been together?
NICK: We came up with the name amongst a few others. This one just kind of felt right. We like to blend different genres, kind of like colors in a painting. Each individual part stands on its own, but together it comes together as one. And that's what we are trying to accomplish. Establishing our own sound, but doing it our own way.

eary are we as a publication in bringing up the dearth of female voices in rock these days. We could say that what we need is another rock n roll hero like the woman born ANNA MAE BULLOCK in an unincorpated township in Tennessee called Nutbush, but you'd roll your eyes at the pun, as you are probably doing now, and thinking "There isn't gonna be another TINA TURNER." Who needs another TINA TURNER when we've still got the  real thing walking this green earth?  Retired, happily married and living in Switzerland, TURNER has boasted one of those few musical careers that have reached legendary proportions and had the sort of biblical backstory worthy of CECIL B. DEMILLE's TEN COMMANDMENTS. Forget the Old Testament stuff. The unwanted sharecroppers daughter from the backwoods of Tennessee made her way to St. Louis where she became enthralled with local music star IKE TURNER and his KINGS OF RHYTHM. It turned out the little girl from Nutbush had one hell of a RAY CHARLES growl  and soon found herself at the center of the action. With that voice, BULLOCK cut the single A FOOL IN LOVE and the TINA TURNER (a name inspired by the amazonian heroine SHEENA QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE) persona was born. As a duo, IKE AND TINA TURNER enjoyed sporadic success on the charts with such classics as their high octane rendition of PROUD MARY to the all out ruckus of NUTBUSH CITY LIMITS, but it was their blistering live set that put them in a class all by themselves. And of course there is  the dark matter of the violent marriage that TINA found herself in with IKE. Years of abuse came to an end of July 4, 1976 when following a bloody brawl with IKE, TINA walked away with 36 cents to her name and a resolve to take on the world on her own terms. Years of financial and professional struggle followed but the world would soon find out that TINA TURNER was a fighter. That fighting spirit proved useful when putting together a solo music career that would defy the odds of race and age. The often times elusive second act proved to more successful than the first go around and came complete with multi-platinum albums, record-breaking sell out tours, eight GRAMMY wins and a movie about the woman's life in which the actress playing her  (ANGELA BASSETT) was nominated for an OSCAR. Now there is talk about a musical coming to the WEST END stage.

ith the release of  140 NICKELS by the roots americana band JANGLING SPARROWS, front man and songwriter PAUL EDELMAN has found himself in an exciting place creatively. Music making, even in these lean musical times, is a painstaking art that comes with an equally painstaking process. With all of the work that goes into creating songs, it's easy to forget that one needs to make some money and more importantly - connect with an audience.  On 140 NICKELS, we don't feel that EDELEMAN and the JANGLING SPARROWS will have any trouble connecting with an audience that is hungry for music that speaks to the good, bad and ugly that goes with the dodgy territory of love and life. EDELMAN is a committed pro both vocally and on the lead sheets and proves, even in a time when music is a taken-for-granted commodity, that there are troubadours out there that are worth the time and attention given to such dearly departed rockers as TOM PETTY.  File the album 140 NICKELS somewhere in between PETTY'S WILDFLOWERS and JOHN HIATT's BRING THE FAMILY.

NOVEMBER 17, 2017
ROCKWiRED NOTES: ELANTRiS

e have to admire the creative gumption of ELANTRIS. The Lisbon, Ohio-based band, formerly known as BLACKTHORNE, boast a sound that is described as 'symphonic' metal powered by the high octane vocal perofrmances of  front man THOMAS ULLOM and front woman LINDSAY VICTORIA KETCHUM. Giving the band it's symphonic flourish is keyboardist MARK LIBER, who put down the guitar when the band band changed it's name and got lost in the endless sounds and textures that were available to him through the keys. Yes, these guys got a whole lot more ambitious with their heavy metal, but according to MARK LIBER finding the audience proved challenging until the band did what ever band does to survive in these lean musical times - hit the road. At the time of this interview, ELANTRIS was on the road, performing their ambitious musical set before audiences who like their metal to be more theatrical and  sonically nuanced. This live set is largely informed by the reformed/retooled band's debut album THIS SACRIFICE. The self-produced catalog of epic heavy metal mastery isn't for casual listening. This opus is a musical journey worthy of HOMER featuring such standout performances as CAPTIVATE and SEAS OF TORMENT.

NOVEMBER 9, 2017
ROCKWiRED SPECiAL FEATURE: FRONT  & CENTER 2017

hen I spoke with BUGGY, the thirteen year old rapper fronting the band ALARM FOR WAR, it was the 16th anniversary of 9/11. I have gotten used to feeling old when I speak with some of these bands and artists that have been profiled on ROCKWIRED throughout the years, but there was something that unsettled me about this young subject. BUGGY, a kid from Crystal, Minnesota, never lived in a world before 9/11 so the chaos and the dysfunction that he addresses on his rambunctious debut EP ENEMIES OF THE STATE is coming from a very real place.  What better way for  a young man to vent his frustrations and deliver a message of "hope and truth" than the blistering sound of rapcore metal? Is this beyond his years? Could be, but in an age when many believe that the youth of American grow up too damn fast, maybe an EP like ENEMIES OF THE STATE has dropped at just the right time. Engineered by BRIAN BART (LOGIC RECORDINGS), edited and mixed by GRAMMY winner JR. McNEELY and mastered by BRAD BLACKWOOD, ENEMIES OF THE STATE showcases the band's potent musical chops and BUGGY's lethal sense of rhyme and vocal prowess. With a starting point like this, BUGGY's career could go anywhere. Let's just hop that the young man's idealism stays intact.

n recent years, Albuquerque, New Mexico has become the land of BREAKING BAD and BETTER CALL SAUL. As one who lives in the "Duke City",I feel  it's better to be known for two bad-ass televsions shows than it is the place where BUGS BUNNY forgot to make a left turn.  This dry, arid, mountainous setting is on the map in a big way when it comes to televsion production, but I always felt that the music scene here deserved just as much attention. Maybe the lack of exposure speaks to the fact that there are no music scenes in the age of the internet and social media, but that hasn't stopped FELIX PERALTA  from making a decent penny making and performing music here and throughout the country. He and accordion player D.B. GOMEZ form the creative core of FELIX Y LOS GATOS - a musical act with a sound as wide and expansive as the American Southwest. Covering a wide range of sound from blues, bluegrass and zydeco, FELIX Y LOS GATOS have been an in-demand live act in the Land of Entrapment and beyond. In the coming year,  the band is set to release their forthcoming album which they've recorded at the legendary BLUE CAT STUDIOS in San Antonio (days before Hurricane Harvey struck the region). The new album will mark the band's evolution from troubadours-for-hire to full fleged recording artists with an enviable sense of musicality and  a mission to bring their distinctive Southwest sound to a much broader listening public.

n an era filled with the so-pop-it-ain't-country glamour of TAYLOR SWIFT and the quirky, cheeky stylings of KATY PERRY, it's hard to believe that there was a time when women who sang hard rock once topped the charts. Acts like the female-fronted HEART, the playful, powerchord approach of JOAN JETT and the ethereal STEVIE NICKS have had their day in the upper reaches of the charts and all of those women have made it into the ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME. (NICKS was inducted as a member of FLEETWOOD MAC) The one woman who hasn't even made it onto the "to be considered" list is a four-time GRAMMY winner with seven platinum albums to her credit. And she was the first female artist on MTV. Yes, PAT BENATAR, the woman with a four-octave range, stuck it to the rock n roll boy's club with a sound that was forceful and feminine and evidence of her infleunce on the firmament of hard rock is felt today with such standards as HEARTBREAKER, HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT, HELL IS FOR CHILDREN, FIRE AND ICE, LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD and WE BELONG still permeating the airwaves through classic rock radio. With a track record like this, it's a surprise to us that this dame didn't make it into the HALL OF FAME ten years ago. But with some of the decidedly non-rock n roll entrants of recent years, it has us wondering if that HALL OF FAME racket even deserves the name "rock n roll".

et's face it. THe LP is a dying art in an age where attention spans are limited to memes, tweets and two-minute STAR WARS trailers. And lets not even bring up the roll out for an LP. These days, you've got to make a massive impression with a single and a music video and goth rock siren MILITIA VOX has done so with her latest offering NYCTOPHILIA, a dark exploration into the human psyche and it's ability to haunt the streets late at night. Thematically, the moody single recalls the creepy, crawly theatricality of ALICE COOPER's WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE and the showmanship and hellbent delivery of SIOUXSIE SIOUX of SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES. Both the single and video have earned the woman raves from such sites as AFROPUNK.COM and have proven that the singer - famed for her vocal prowess for the JUDAS PRIEST tribute band JUDAS PRIEST - has a delivery and an artistry that is all her own.

nyone who says that rock n roll is dead ain't listening to the right bands. In a time when everyone is watching what they say in fear of retaliation from folks who spend way too much time on social media, you've got rock bands out there that are letting it all hang out in a way that's gonna get them some backlash from this group of people or that group of people, and a band like BOBAFLEX is leading the pack. Truth be told, these guys have been in the game since the turn of the century, so we're talking over seventeen years-plus of sex, drugs and the very music everyone claims is dead. There is is no posing here. The rabble-rousing is genetic. The band's founders - the brothers McCOY (lead singer MARTY and guitarist SHAUN) are direct descendants of the McCOY family famed for their epic feud with the HATFIELDS back in the 19th century. Family history aside, the band BOBAFLEX have proven time and time again that they are survivors in a music business that's been pumping everything it's got into pop tarts and pretty boys instead of anything with balls attached to it. A testimonial to the band's fighting spirit is their latest album ELOQUENT DEMONS.

In my adult life, the whole notion of being a gentlemen is one that I have clung to and still do today. If, for no other reason than to hear compliments for my chivalry. And domestic violence? The notion of a man hitting a woman to exert some sort of power and control is one that sickens me. But what if the woman hits first? What if the gentler sex is the aggressor?

In the past few years, moments have been caught on video and shared on social media showing some rather thuggish behavior on the part of women. In one video, that had made the rounds on social media, a black mother got in the face of a mall security guard who yelled at her kids to keep quiet. The further the woman got into the security guard's face, he warned her, "you better back up!" As this was going on, her children, toddlers at the most, taunted the guard with "That's why you gay!" Eventually the woman resorted to hitting him, leading the security guard to shoot her with a taser gun, sending the belligerent woman into shock and a comical tumble sideways, bringing to mind the fall of a redwood tree. As a result, the woman's children were left screaming, crying and jumping up and down as onlookers started questioning the guard for his course of action. When the story blew up on social media, there were those that questioned the man's need to use a taser on the woman in front of her children, but there were many who came out in support of the guard.