The Podcast That Rocked for 5/19/23. Corey Taylor’s thoughts on backtracks and that AI is cheap, Riot Fest and Blue Ridge Rock Fest lineup, 5FDP bassist being awful, and more.
AI Is Cheap | The Podcast That Rocked on YouTube
AI Is Cheap | The Podcast That Rocked on Spotify
Discussion Topics: 0:00 – Corey Taylor on AI and Backtracks 3:49 – Riot Fest and Blue Ridge Rock Fest 5:55 – Chris Kael of 5FDP is Awful 7:03 – New Sleep Token Album 7:49 – Billboard Mainstream Rock Top 3 8:41 – Thank you YT Members and Patrons!
Sleep Token – Take Me Back To Eden | Album ReviewRiot Fest 2023 Lineup
Thanks to everyone who checked out this week’s podcast. Still trying to get the hang of it after being away for over a year. Sorry about the audio gaffes but it was an editing issue. I’ll tighten things up next week. Hope to see you all on New Music Night this Sunday on Twitch at 7PM EST. Two hours of new music and a lot of good stuff dropped this week also.
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From Google Bard:
“Sleep Token are a British rock band from London, England, formed in 2016. The group are an anonymous, masked collective led by a frontman using the moniker Vessel. They have been categorised under many different genres, including alternative metal, post-rock/metal, progressive metal and indie rock/pop.”
“Corey Taylor is an American musician, songwriter, and actor. He is the lead vocalist and lyricist of the heavy metal band Slipknot, in which he is designated #8, as well as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and lyricist for the rock band Stone Sour. Taylor is known for his distinctive vocal style, which has been described as a mix of screaming and singing. He has been praised by critics for his songwriting and stage presence.”
NYC-based modern rock quartet TEMPT’s latest single “Roses”—out digitally today, May 19 via Better Noise Music—is a genuine celebration of the human spirit and the power of positive energy captured through its irresistible groove, catchy chorus and a ripping guitar solo. Stream and/or download it now HERE. “Roses” was produced and mixed by Grammy Award-winner Chris Lord-Alge (Harry Styles, Foo Fighters, Muse) who commended TEMPT’s efforts, stating: “Working with TEMPT was a blast. They are the real deal, with a rare combination of musicality, energy, and heart, which truly shines through in this new single. Their passion for their music and their fans is inspiring, and it was a joy to work with them on this project.”
Tempt “Roses”
TEMPT—Zach Allen (lead vocals), Harrison Marcello (lead guitar), Christopher Gooden (bass) and Nicholas Burrows (drums)—showcase their electrifying live performance in the music video for “Roses,” also out today. The video takes viewers on a visual journey reminiscent of a graphic novel, with high-contrast black-and-white silhouettes that explode into vibrant colors. Directed by Emmy-nominated Eric Steinhauser,known for his work on ‘Baileys in Tune: John Mayer and Paul Simon,’ the video captures the song’s concept of embracing people with positive energy and spirit, as social media influencer and choreographer Olivia Alboher playfully and elusively dances around the band, mesmerizing Allen with her vibrant energy. Watch it streaming below or directly via YouTube HERE.
On the song’s meaning, Marcello says: “It’s a tribute to the people who uplift you and bring out the best in you. It’s about embracing their infectious energy, being drawn in by them, and becoming part of their spirit.”
“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved with ‘Roses,” shares Allen. “It’s a song that truly reflects who we are as a band—high-energy, infectious and unapologetically rock n’ roll.”
TEMPT have already proven their pedigree headlining clubs across the country as well as appearing as openers for Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden and on arena tours and festivals with iconic acts such as Iron Maiden, Shinedown, Alter Bridge and Theory Of A Deadman.
The band even won the praise of Sir Brian May following their recent cover of Queen’s quintessential classic “We Will Rock You,” with proceeds being donated to May’s animal welfare Save Me Trust charity. Says May: “Thanks TEMPT for rockin’ for wild animals. And for playing a damn good rendition of our ancient tune!!!” TEMPT were also featured on the soundtrack for Better Noise Film’s 2022 horror-thriller The Retaliatorswith their single “Living Dangerous (feat. Dorothy).”
In addition to the release of “Roses,” TEMPT will release two additional new singles over the coming months, giving audiences a taste of what’s to come on their debut album due this summer via Better Noise Music. The band will share further details and upcoming tour plans in the following weeks; stay tuned for more information.
WITHIN TEMPTATION RELEASE NEW SINGLE “WIRELESS” — LISTEN
After appearing in 2022 as Iron Maiden’s special guest during their North American Tour and embarking on their highly anticipated “Worlds Collide Tour” – a massive European co-headline tour together with Evanescence and for which they’ve sold close to 200,000 tickets, 2023 is set to be even a bigger year for WITHIN TEMPTATION.
The brand new single “Wireless,” out today, marks the start of the countdown to the much-anticipated release of their eighth studio album, due later this year.
Within Temptation “Wireless”
A fiery and heavy song, “Wireless” marks the start of a new era for the band — one in which they keep their DNA alive but build even further upon their acclaimed sound with powerful riffs, contemporary breakdowns, and epic choruses. Lyrically, the band is also unafraid to tackle a number of important political and social issues that exist in the world today, and this single takes aim at those who, hungry for war and turmoil, manipulate and control the media.
Sharon den Adel says, “‘Wireless’ is a song about a soldier who goes to war convinced that he is going for a good cause. He’s indoctrinated by government-controlled media and thinks he’s going to be welcomed back as a savior, only to find out he has been used. This has resulted in people seeing him as a brutal conqueror instead and now, he finds himself on the wrong side. His life and the lives of many are deceived and destroyed.”
“Wireless” is set to become an instant fan favorite and hopefully will feature in the band’s forthcoming festival appearances across Europe this summer, including a long-awaited return to Download Festival in the UK on June 9 and Download Festival Germany on June 23, as well as Hellfest in France on June 17.
Be prepared — a new Within Temptation album is coming… and a whole lot more!
This is an example of an act evolving through production and execution. The quality of sound and music from the previous albums to Take Me Back To Eden is a huge step up. Vessel’s voice is more pronounced and clear. He is as smooth as butter in a song like Aqua Regia and then fierce in Vore. A lot of skill behind that mask. As the album goes on it embraces more of the softer, smoother sound, especially in the second half where you hear almost a complete genre shift. From guitars to piano and saxophone, it all works. Sleep Token has finally made something completely atmospheric from beginning to end and you hear how it all connects. Take Me Back To Eden proves that if you give a chance to something out of the status quo, you will be rewarded with a sonic dream-like experience you’ll want to revisit. Eden sounds great and I’m all for going back. 9/10.
Sleep Token Take Me Back To Eden Album Review
Sleep Token “Vore”
Sleep Token are a British rock band from London, England, formed in 2016. The group are an anonymous, masked collective led by a frontman using the moniker Vessel. They have been categorised under many different genres, including alternative metal, post-rock/metal, progressive metal and indie rock/pop.
“Sleep Token are a British rock band from London, England, formed in 2016. The group are an anonymous, masked collective led by a frontman using the moniker Vessel. They have been categorised under many different genres, including alternative metal, post-rock/metal, progressive metal and indie rock/pop. In 2017, Sleep Token’s then-new label Basick Records published a description of the band which read, “A band that goes above and beyond simply writing and playing music, Sleep Token are said to be “the mortal representatives of the ancient deity known only as ‘Sleep’, led by the masked and cloaked figure appointed ‘Vessel’ … the master creator behind the music.” In the band’s only reported interview to date, with Metal Hammer at the time of their signing with Basick, frontman Vessel expanded on the lore of the band, stating that “We are here to serve Sleep and project His message.” When asked about Sleep, he stated that “He is everywhere, at all times. Vessel encountered Sleep in a dream, with promise of glory and magnificence if Vessel followed Him.”
Atlanta, GA rock n’ rollers Starbenders have unveiled their new single “Sex“ and the accompanying visualizer (via Sumerian Records). Speaking about the track, vocalist and songwriter Kimi Shelter commented:
“I almost viewed the story of the song playing out like a simulation, a video game. The goal of the game? Get some and don’t get burned. I tend to feel a lot of longing to be one of those seemingly light footed people that dance around all of the heaviness of meaning and consequence. As with most romanticization, I realize that the grass isn’t greener but it’s fun to play with in my mind. The poet has gone rogue.”
Starbenders “Sex”
Watch the visualizer for “Sex“here, stream the track here, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more Starbenders news coming very soon.
Starbenders are a rock-n-roll dream come true for every hard-luck dreamer occupying this third stone from the sun. Singer/songwriter Kimi Shelter is the love child Johnny Thunders and Joan Jett should have had, raised with an impeccable education from Blondie Elementary School, Def Leppard High, Bowie College, and a Ph.D from Siouxie Sioux University in Fuck All Y’all. Aaron Lecesne brings ripping bass lines, vivid musicality, fashionista chic, and lightning-rod stage energy. Kriss Tokaji is the literal embodiment of a Guitar Adonis whose fretboard mastery easily places him at the pinnacle of today’s young guns, a legend in the making. Then we have Emily Moon, the siren behind the drums, channeling her spiritual father (and namesake), Keith Moon, in a gorgeous tornado of sound and fury. This band has toured the world with everyone from Alice In Chains to Palaye Royale, destroying the entire house every time. They’ve issued twenty-six releases in eight years – singles, EPs, and LPs, including their 2020 full-length, Love Potions, for Sumerian Records. Another album’s worth of new material is currently awaiting release. With a work ethic as relentless as their fabulous vision, there is much more magic yet to come. (Written by William DuVall of Alice In Chains)
SPANISH LOVE SONGS, have revealed details on their upcoming new album ‘No Joy’ – the highly anticipated follow up to 2020’s critically acclaimed ‘Brave Faces Everyone’. ‘No Joy’ will be released on August 25, 2023 via Pure Noise Records.
Today, the band also release the first single and music video for “Haunted”, which can be seen on YouTube HERE. The track carries the saltwater-kissed vignetting of an Asbury Park summer, awash in Boss-inspired nostalgia and percussive acoustic guitar that build to some of the band’s biggest hooks yet. The video, directed by Hannah Hall, is a quirky view into a bar-band scene where everyone’s just looking for a good time.
“Haunted is a reintroduction of sorts for us,” explains vocalist and guitarist Dylan Slocum. “It lays out exactly the band we are at the moment, and after 9 months of writing and recording we knew it had to be the first to come out. We were ecstatic to bring it to life with Hannah”
Brimming with new wave pastiche, fluttering synths, shimmering walls of chorus guitar, and four-on-the-floor rhythms, ‘No Joy’ isn’t an exclamation point follow-up to the emotional catharsis of the landmark ‘Brave Faces Everyone’ as much as it is an exhale – the sound of vocalist and guitarist Dylan Slocum, his wife and keyboardist Meredith Van Woert, guitarist Kyle McAulay, bassist Trevor Dietrich, and drummer Ruben Duarte finding peace in quieter moments and embracing the negative space.
“This is the closest we’ve ever gotten to figuring out how to translate what I hear in my head with more clarity,” Slocum says.
Produced by the band and Collin Pastore (Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker, Illuminati Hotties) and mixed by Carlos de la Garza (Paramore, M83, Best Coast), the 12 songs on ‘No Joy’ continue to find Spanish Love Songs grappling with the messiness of what it means to be alive in the modern age – unsure of the answers themselves but confident that together, we can all come a little closer to the solutions.
If ‘Brave Faces Everyone’ was about mustering up the strength to barely break even in an increasingly bleak world, ‘No Joy’ is finding the internal peace required to stay in the black. As Slocum says, “it’s an album about finding happiness in what you have and your current moment. It might be your best moment, or it might not, but you have to find joy in it.”
‘No Joy’ Track Listing
1. Lifers
2. Pendulum
3. Haunted
4. Clean-Up Crew
5. Middle of Nine
6. Marvel
7. I’m Gonna Miss Everything
8. Rapture Chaser
9. Mutable
10. Here You Are
11. Exit Bags
12. Re-Emerging Signs of the Apocalypse
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From Google Bard:
“Spanish Love Songs is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in 2013 by lead vocalist and guitarist Dylan Slocum, guitarist Kyle McAulay, drummer Ruben Duarte, bassist Trevor Dietrich, and keyboardist Meredith Van Woert.
The band’s music has been described as emo, indie rock, and post-hardcore. Their lyrics often deal with themes of mental health, anxiety, and depression.
The band has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. They have shared the stage with bands such as The Wonder Years, Modern Baseball, and Hot Mulligan.
With so much influence in the heavy music scene that Trivium and Beartooth have had over the last few years, it’s surprising that a co-headline tour like this hasn’t happened sooner. Both bands have put out a significant amount of solid music over the last six years and are consistent features at festivals around the world as well as being favorites of SiriusXM stations, so both bands have had prominent placement to massive audiences. The audience at The National last night saw firsthand that the live performances from each group is a definitive reason to support both Trivium and Beartooth respectively.
Trivium had the best stage setup I’ve seen the group work with over the years I’ve been following the Florida metal act. It has been great to watch and listen to Trivium evolve over the years by getting deeper into music writing and expanding the group’s stage presence. The detailed stage design based around Trivium’s latest album In The Court Of The Dragon gave color and life to the concert. Hearing the Richmond crowd sing along to “Strife” early in the set gave volume and life to a crowd wanting to be the best on Trivium’s tour. The staple of Matt Heafy riling the crowd up by stating a previous tour had the best audience up to that point is always a great moment as it causes a burst of one-upping from the current venue crowd.
Beartooth recently released the song “Sunshine” which has become a significant hit and a different style for the group. While Caleb Shomo said at the end of last year that he wasn’t sure how people would react to new Beartooth music, it was pretty clear that the crowd last night knew just about every lyric from every song played. It was to the point where Caleb Shomo was able to command the crowd into singing segments of songs for him. This was my first time seeing Beartooth in a club setting (I had only seen Beartooth at festivals before). I understand the appeal more seeing Beartooth in a full playlist live venue setting. Beartooth on tour is more of an experience than a performance. I was impressed with how well the group was able to connect with the audience.
Beartooth At The National In Richmond, VA
This was a fun show to see. That expression sounds simple and has been described for a thousand tours before, but seeing Trivium and Beartooth live last night was a great time that felt like one complete show. I want to see more tours like this where singers are able to engage with the crowd. More shows like last night where each band is able to perform well while enjoying themselves on stage. More crowds that are willing to sing along together and just enjoy the night. Last night had all of that and last night proved heavy music still has an audience.
Riot Fest Announces Lineup for 2023! Foo Fighters, The Cure, The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie and Queens of the Stone Age Headline September 15-17th at Douglass Park in Chicago
Riot Fest announces an unbelievable 2023 line-up, featuring headliners Foo Fighters, The Cure, The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, and Queens of the Stone Age. This stellar array of top-billed talent will be rounded out by Turnstile, The Mars Volta, Mr. Bungle, Tegan and Sara, 100 Gecs, The Gaslight Anthem, Death Grips, AFI and dozens of other fan favorites (full list below).
Founded in 2005, Riot Fest has presented nearly 20 years of incredible musical performances, exclusive reunions, and more—including freak shows, Lucha Libre, panel discussions and late night shows, creating unique annual weekend experiences in one of the world’s greatest cities. For 2023, along with the return of carnival rides and last year’s hugely popular wedding chapel, Logan Arcade will be on hand with free vintage arcade games, hosted by Riot Pop!!.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 16th at 10am CDT, link here.
Riot Fest takes place in Douglass Park, a scenic, historic park easily accessible on Chicago train and bus lines. In addition to Riot Fest’s music, rides and other attractions, Douglass Park is surrounded by diverse neighborhoods rich in culture, excellent food and drink options and more.
Riot Fest 2023 Lineup
LINE-UP: Friday 9/15: Foo Fighters, Turnstile
Saturday 9/16: The Postal Service/Death Cab for Cutie, Queens of the Stone Age
Sunday 9/17: The Cure, The Mars Volta
070 Shake 100 Gecs AFI Ani DiFranco Balance and Composure Bayside Bearings Black Angels Bowling for Soup Braid Caroline Rose Cassyette CK Vassi Code Orange Corey Feldman Cults Death Grips Drain Earth Crisis Empire State Bastard Enola Gay Enter Shikari Eshu Tune / Hannibal Buress Fade ‘Em All Fake Names FEA Finch Fleshwater Flogging Molly Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls Free Throw Godspeed You! Black Emperor Gorilla Biscuits H2O Hawthorne Heights Head Automatica High Vis Hotline TNT Insane Clown Posse Jehnny Beth Just Friends Just Mustard Kim Gordon LS Dunes Microwave Mr. Bungle Nothing nothing,nowhere. Olivia Jean Origami Angel Parliament Funkadelic ft. George Clinton Pennywise Pinkshift Plosivs Pool Kids PUP Quasi Quicksand Ride Rival Schools Say Anything Screaming Females Silverstein Sleep Token Sludgeworth Snapcase Spitalfield Steve Ignorant Band / Crass Tegan and Sara The Aquadolls The Bobby Lees The Breeders The Bronx The Dresden Dolls The Exploited The Gaslight Anthem The Interrupters The Used The Wrecks Thursday Total Chaos Viagra Boys Warpaint White Reaper Yard Act Young Culture
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From Google Bard:
“Riot Fest is an annual punk rock, alternative rock, and indie rock music festival held in Chicago, Illinois. The festival was founded in 2004 by Michael Petryshyn, Sean McKeough, and Andy Kaulkin. It is held over three days in September at Douglass Park, a 300-acre park located on the southwest side of Chicago.
Riot Fest has featured a wide range of bands from a variety of genres, including punk rock, alternative rock, indie rock, ska, metal, hip hop, and electronic music. Some of the most notable bands to have played Riot Fest include Blink-182, Green Day, The Misfits, The Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, and Wu-Tang Clan.
In addition to music, Riot Fest also features a variety of other activities, such as a tattoo and piercing expo, a comedy stage, a silent disco, and a variety of food and drink vendors. The festival also has a strong focus on social justice and activism, and has partnered with a number of local charities.
Riot Fest is one of the most popular music festivals in the United States, and has been praised for its diverse lineup, its commitment to social justice, and its overall atmosphere. The festival has been named one of the “Best Music Festivals in America” by Rolling Stone, USA Today, and The Chicago Tribune.”
The Podcast That Rocked for 5/11/23. Farewell Sum 41, MTV News shutting down, new Queens Of The Stone Age, and more.
Farewell Sum 41 | The Podcast That Rocked
Farewell Sum 41 | The Podcast That Rocked
Discussion Topics: 0:00 – Intro 0:24 – Farewell Sum 41 2:35 – MTV News Shutdown 3:56 – Josey Scott’s Saliva 5:01 – New Queens Of The Stone Age 6:17 – Dolly Parton’s Rock Album 7:17 – Billboard Rock Airplay Top 3 8:31 – Thank you!
From Google Bard: “Sum 41 is a Canadian rock band from Ajax, Ontario. The band was formed in 1996 and consists of Deryck Whibley (lead vocals, guitars, keyboards), Dave “Brownsound” Baksh (lead guitar, backing vocals), Jason “Cone” McCaslin (bass, backing vocals), Tom Thacker (guitars, keyboards, backing vocals), and Frank Zummo (drums, percussion, occasional backing vocals). Sum 41 rose to mainstream popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s with their pop-punk sound. Their debut album, All Killer No Filler, was released in 1999 and spawned the hit singles “Fat Lip” and “In Too Deep.” The band’s second album, Does This Look Infected?, was released in 2002 and was also a commercial success. Sum 41 continued to release albums throughout the 2000s and 2010s, including Chuck (2004), Underclass Hero (2007), and Order in Decline (2019). The band has also toured extensively, headlining major festivals and playing sold-out shows around the world. Sum 41 is one of the most successful pop-punk bands of all time. They have sold over 35 million albums worldwide and have won numerous awards, including a Juno Award and a MTV Video Music Award. The band is known for their high-energy live shows and their catchy, anthemic songs. Sum 41 continues to be a popular band with fans of all ages.”
Blue Ridge Rock Fest 2023 Lineup September 7-10 At VIRginia International Raceway In Alton, Virginia
Slipknot, Five Finger Death Punch, Staind, Danzig, I Prevail, Flo Rida, Lorna Shore, Knocked Loose, Polyphia, Insane Clown Posse, Vanilla Ice & More Just Added To The Lineup
Festival To Feature Performances From Over 100 Bands In Total Over Four Days Single Day Passes On Sale Now At blueridgerockfest.com
For Blue Ridge Rock Fest 2023 Lineup: Single day passes have just been released, and are on sale now at https://blueridgerockfest.com. 4-Day General Admission and VIP passes, as well as 3-Day VIP passes are now at level 5 pricing. 3-Day General Admission passes are at level 4 pricing. Fans save by purchasing early, and with the Blue Ridge Rock Festival 3-month payment plan, fans can purchase weekend or single day passes for only 25% down, with no additional fees.
The festival has seen record-breaking sales so far, with 4-Day Rockstar passes and Artist Meet & Greet Passes already SOLD OUT (wait list available). Premium tent camping, TV camping and glamping sites are also SOLD OUT, but a wait list is available. A limited number of standard 5-night tent camping sites are still available, but fans are advised to purchase soon before passes sell out. Blue Ridge Rock Festival has also partnered with Fuse to provide exclusive hotel packages.
Independently-owned, Blue Ridge Rock Festival is the home of the “Fan Driven Experience,” with fans voting on the lineup and festival experiences through surveys across social media. What started as a one-day event in 2017 expanded to a 4-day festival in 2022, featuring almost 200 bands and proudly hosting a community of over 150,000 at the VIRginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia.
Watch the Blue Ridge Rock Festival 2022 after movie here:
Blue Ridge Rock Festival is located at VIRginia International Raceway, 1245 Pine Tree Road in Alton, VA, within a few hours of many major cities including Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte, Richmond, Virginia Beach and Washington, DC. In 2022, Blue Ridge Rock Festival entered into a multi-year agreement with Virginia International Raceway, which allows festival organizers to work on the site year-round.
Blue Ridge Rock Festival is sponsored by ZYN, Monster Energy, on! Nicotine Pouches, URW Credit Union, Fizzy – CBD Infused Soda, Mortus Viventi, and more.
