Jova release debut EP 'Colours that Will Run'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The progressive rock crew from Sydney, Australia called Jova have released their widely anticipated debut EP record, “Colours that Will Run.” The album is comprised of five original tracks for nearly a half hour's worth of listening. A full-bodied, entrancing and passionate listening experience, “Colours that Will Run” serves as a wake-up call for music fans not yet acquainted with the remarkable trio of artists, and an aggressive reassertion of rock ideals which have largely been missing from modern music at large.

Jova has been likened to acts such as Queens of the Stone Age, Sigur Ros, and A Perfect Circle. Jova, themselves, cite as main artistic influences Tom Waits and the Mars Volta. Though proudly billed as a prog- rock band, Jova's darkly towering sound maintains attributes of alternative and grunge rock bands such as Tool and early Stone Temple Pilots, with vocals which fall somewhere between Scott Weiland's California grunge and Layne Staley's bluesy drawl.

Pounding, warlike drums and electrified, in-your-face bass lines act lead Jova's music easily as much as their screaming, pared-down single guitar and violently poetic vocal work. Their guitar tone utilizes strong, thick effects which somehow do not occlude the natural sound of the instrument, and Jova occasionally augment this with the eclectic use of a piano, cello bow, or finger playing in the style of classical music guitarists.

Having enjoyed and made great use of a regular residency at Sydney's LiveHouse venue, Jova's dependably explosive live performances have gained an unshakable reputation that will follow them throughout their career.

The Sydney Unleashed Review describes Jova: “Their music is hypnotic, with tribal rhythms and haunting guitar work that sends you into your own little world … with potential to reach an international standard, they are worthy of supporting an international band such as Tool.”

“Colours that Will Run” by Jova is available online worldwide. Get in early.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

peter@sunnysideup.com.au

The Sandman releases new single 'Day and night'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The composer of electronic music known as the Sandman has released his latest EDM dance track, “Day and Night.” The track has been released in two formats, a radio edit and an original version which adds nearly two full minutes of listening to the already spacious digital creation. Largely written in the tradition of contemporary Euro-house music with certain retro additions and a tastefully understated back beat paced at 128 BPM, “Day and Night” is both well named and wonderful to hear, a fine introduction to the Sandman for audiophiles who may not yet have had the pleasure.

The Sandman first gained professional fame with his 2012 debut solo release, “Red Power.” He is the co-founder of the production crew publicly referred to as Geneden, which operated until 2011, performing regularly at the famous Trashbags nightclub in Sydney's Oxford Art Factory. Sandman cut his teeth programming melodies and arrangements for Geneden, as well as overseeing the mastering of their material firsthand. His work with Geneden, along with partner Rob Kingi, garnered him the support of such artists as DJ Antention, Haezer, Redial, and others.

Sandman's first exposure to music was at the age of four, playing violin. He remains capable of playing some of the world's most famous music, including those of his personal favorite, Johann Sebastian Bach. An accomplished singer as well, the Sandman won the title of City Champion Vocalist of Ping Ding Shan before he was 12 years old, and has since performed at such venues as States Stadium for Chinese New Year for thousands of attendees, the State Premier included.

With the release of “Day and Night,” it is clear that the Sandman is only just getting warmed up. Fans around the world are paying close attention to this exciting Eastern composer from Down Under.

“Day and Night” by the Sandman is available online worldwide.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

https://www.facebook.com/thesandmanofficial

Kurious releases new single 'Delusional'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The MC from New York City known as Kurious Jorge has released his latest hip-hop single, titled, “Delusional.” The track is the most significant official Kurious release since his popular 2012 track, “White Rum.” An upbeat, rock-solid urban anthem from one of the genre's earliest innovators, “Delusional” shows that the old-school sound is alive, well, and thumping with groove like nothing the new millennium has introduced to date.

Kurious Jorge is one of hip hop's original legends, having begun his professional music career in 1991. He has produced a long list of classic titles with which legions of music fans are familiar, many of which were published on the Columbia Records and Amalgam Digital music labels. Today, Kurious is an independent musician with all the freedom and style in the world. His latest offering, “Delusional,” represents one of the best contemporary rap tracks to grace the music world in years.

“Those who know, respect the Kurious flow,” reads the artist's official bio with the same unmistakable swagger his fans have come to expect from him. “The lyrics don’t stray far from what’s going on in the neighborhood. If it’s a party anthem or an inquisition of the American dream, Kurious keeps it a hundred, true to his hip-hop, uptown, Cuban and Puerto-Rican roots.”

Music by Kurious is socially conscientious, written and performed at the ground level, a genuine barometer of the situation in America's streets. Listeners who wish more rap music had something to say beyond braggadocio and empty hype will find that Kurious can spin a phrase like a Shakespearean beat box, and tell several stories at once to boot. His songs inform, communicate, sympathize and often attack deserving targets with a justified ferocity that comes both from his mind and heart.

Kurious’ first LP, “Constipated Monkey,” is standard early hip-hop fare. He has collaborated with such notable artists as MF Doom, MF Grimm, MC Serch, Powerule, Pete Nice, 3rd Bass, Max B, Homeboy Sandman, Jungle Brothers, Jamalski, and Sadat X, among a great many others.

“Delusional” by Kurious Jorge is available online worldwide. Get in early.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

mjones@kuriousjorge.com

Website -

www.kuriousjorge.com

Twitter -

@officialKURIOUS

Leaving California releases debut self-titled LP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The musician known as Leaving California has released his debut, self-titled LP record, “Leaving California.” The album is comprised of 10 tracks for an approximate total listening time of 45 minutes. A vivid, thought-provoking and contemporary kind of retro album, “Leaving California” is proof that sometimes very good things result from seemingly unfortunate circumstances.

The debut LP “may be described as synth rock or electro rock,” writes Leaving California, “with maybe a little glam thrown in, especially during the guitar solos.”

Leaving California cites as main artistic influences the early work of Metallica, as well as Depeche Mode, though the former does not figure into the style of his album. The general tonality of Depeche Mode's signature synthesizer sound, however, is notably present in the comfortable blend of synthetic and traditional instrumentation. Songs such as “Mulholland Drive,” too, evince a decidedly Dave Gahan-ish atmosphere with a great deal of shadowy panache.

“I’m primarily a guitarist,” notes Leaving California, whose guitar chops make a rare (and striking) appearance in the record's seventh track, “926 in A-Flat Minor.”

“However,” the artist continues, “lately I’ve been using synthesizers to help flesh-out projects. My favorite of all is my old '80s Ensoniq, which produces an interesting array of analog timbres.”

This analog sound, which laypeople may associate with the warmer, fuller undertones of instruments made before the digital era of music, is fantastically effective in adding complexity and texture to the listening experience. Adding further character to Leaving California's LP is a songwriting mentality born of the classical music genre.

“I approached each track as a separate, discreet part of the whole album,” Leaving writes. “Each one has its own origins and influences. The whole project was started after I had been forced to leave California last year, and feeling incredibly despondent over the departure, started putting down some music. The overall feel of the thing I think, is fairly a sad one.”

Sad or no, the casual music fan and the audiophile alike have a work of great artistic integrity in LC's self-titled record.

“Leaving California” by Leaving California is available online worldwide. Get in early.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

leavingcalifornia.music@gmail.com

Website -

leavingcalifornia-music.com

Radio DJ FrankieGee releases album 'Explosión de Salsa Vol. I'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The host and DJ of “the Only Salsa Music Program on FM Radio in Scotland,” FrankieGee, has released his new LP record album, titled, “Explosión de Salsa Vol. I.” The record is comprised of 10 authentic salsa music tracks for an approximate total listening time of 45 minutes. It has been released on the Frankie Gee Entertainment LLC record label. An astounding triumph of international relations through music, “Explosión de Salsa Vol. I” showcases some of the greatest salsa music being produced in the world today, and is possibly the most important salsa compilation of 2014 to date.

FrankieGee cites as main artistic influences a star-studded roster which denotes his obvious passion and highly developed musical taste. Some of his favorites include Barry Rodgers, Arsenio Rodriguez, Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria, Willie Colon, Frankie Ruiz, Hector Lavoe, Papo Lucca, Roberto Roena, Cortijo, and Ismael Rivera.

“In May of 2010, I began broadcasting the only salsa music program on FM radio in Scotland,” he writes proudly. “I only had 20 salsa and Latin jazz CDs that had survived with me since I left the United States 12 years before.”

Since that time, FrankieGee has returned to New York, from where he webcasts his famous salsa radio show at 3pm Eastern on Friday, 6pm on Saturday, and 5pm on Sunday.

“Initially, the purpose of my programs was to share my music with the people in a small town in Scotland,” he muses. “But now, the programs have turned into a worldwide effort to promote salsa, and Latin music and its makers.”

FrankieGee's “Explosión de Salsa” stands as clear proof that the effort is strong, passionate, and wildly successful. The scores of musicians featured on his record come from a wide array of countries and cultural backgrounds. To catalog their individual geographies and histories would take months.

Describing the theme of his compilation, FrankieGee writes: “Salsa has no race, no barriers and no borders.”

Fortunately for music lovers all around the globe, “Explosión de Salsa Vol. I” is available online worldwide. Get in early.

“Que viva la salsa sin fronteras!”

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

frank.gonzalez13@gmail.com

Twitter -

frankiegee13

Julia releases debut single 'So Sick'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The singer and songwriter known as Julia has released her debut pop single, “So Sick.” The track has been released on the AMK and Mama Said Entertainment record labels. A heartfelt, genuine window into the soulful emotions of this up-and-coming entertainer, “So Sick” is at once the anthem of a young modern American woman and a startling introduction to one of today's most intriguing musicians at the very start of her artistic journey.

16-year-old Julia cites as her main artistic influence the work of Beyonce, followed by Demi Lovato and JoJo. While her characteristic warmth and energy are unmistakably her own, elements of each of these may be noted in “So Sick.” Like Lovato, Julia plays guitar and writes her own material, making songs such as this debut single even more compelling. She has been developing as a musician in a variety of ways since the age of six.

“I write my own songs and I can write for hours,” she says. She admits also that many of her themes derive from personal experiences.

Julia's music is more than mere entertainment, too. Her meticulous lyrics reflect a mind bent to communicating and connecting with people in good times and bad. Her upcoming full-length record, “The Origin,” will showcase her as a compassionate, yet indomitable artist with both the heart to see pain where it is felt and the strength to lend her voice in opposition.

“I intend to help others,” says Julia of her vision. “I intend to inspire others and create a world through music that teens and young adults can use as an escape from life’s challenges, at least for a little while.”

Following the release of her debut LP, Julia's current project, “Danger,” will also become available for listening and purchase worldwide, proving that she isn't just a quality performer – she's also inspirationally prolific.

“So Sick” by Julia is available online worldwide. Watch for her debut LP, “The Origin,” and her sophomore release, “Danger,” both due out in 2014.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

info@amk-muzik.com

Website -

www.amk-muzik.com

Twitter -

https://twitter.com/Starristheway

3weeksplay release new LP 'Electronic Whale'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The indie rock crew from East Texas known as 3weeksplay have released their newest LP record, titled, “Electronic Whale.” The full-length album is comprised of 10 original tracks for an approximate total listening time of half an hour. It is the most significant official release from 3weeksplay since their “The Moon and the Tide” LP hit online outlets worldwide in September 2013, making “Electronic Whale” the second full-length 3weeksplay record to reach their fans in less than six months.

3weeksplay cite as main artistic influences a broad range of alternative rock, indie rock, and classic rock legends. Among the most notable are Radiohead, Deftones, Pixies, Kings of Leon, Pink Floyd, the Killers, John Mayer, Tom Petty, MGMT, and Smashing Pumpkins.

Their own sound, while taking certain elements of each of these greats, remains their own. Lo-fi undertones, combined with striking songwriting and undeniable instrumental expertise combine to make a remarkably accessible, yet absolutely unique album. The sound of “Electronic Whale” is not easy to find under any other name.

3weeksplay write of the themes of their new record, “Our music reflects our life and our opinions. Also, love and heartache. And stories about dreams and road trips.”

The band share creative duties during their songwriting process, with each member having a say in what goes in and gets taken out. Each writes on their own time, too, bringing his personal taste and style to the collective whole.

“We all as a band write together,” 3weeksplay say. “But we also write individually – maybe even a little more often.”

This lends a large degree of texture and movement to “Electronic Whale.” Its tracks can be surprisingly different from one to the next, though always with the consistent timbre that alerts the listener that 3weeksplay is definitely still on the stereo.

What is more, their entire catalog showcases this versatility. With more than 60 official songs now available for sampling and purchase online worldwide, 3weeksplay are very much in their prime as they begin 2014 at a full-tilt run.

“Electronic Whale” by 3weeksplay is available online everywhere. Get in early.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

Jered385@gmail.com

Tiago Videira releases new LP 'Toy Portugal'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The European composer known as Tiago Videira has released his new LP album, titled, “Toy Portugal.” The record is comprised of 15 original tracks for an approximate total listening time of 50 minutes. A vivid, endlessly creative and remarkable record, “Toy Portugal” is a classical music album unlike any that has come before it.

“Toy Portugal” is music largely composed for and performed on an actual child's piano – a toy piano –

though it does not represent the only instrumentation on the record. The sound is part harpsichord, part music box, and through it many of Videira's compositions inspire images of dreams, fantasies, circuses and makeshift playgrounds amid the bustling, winding streets of Portugal.

“Toy Portugal is a soundtrack of my past.,” writes the musician. “All these pieces are highly evocative and programmatic and they are associated with sounds, places, people and memories of my childhood in Portugal. In a certain way I’m re-living my own history and using a toy piano as my voice, to create my own folklore.”

That the album is a work of great character strikes the hearer instantly. That it is the lovingly constructed art of a genius also becomes plain in short order.

“This set of pieces was a very personal project that lasted from 2010 to the end of 2013,” Videira continues, “and it was all conceived by myself. I conceived all the pieces and arrangements, I’ve interviewed and recorded the persons telling the stories, I performed, mixed and mastered all the materials.”

“Toy Portugal” has been concurrently released with a songbook, also, which supplies fellow players with sheet music. In addition to piano, Tiago Videira has been playing guitar and flutes since the age of 15. The toy piano, which is (severely) limited to two octaves and physically fragile beneath the hands of an adult, is a recent addition to his talents.

Videira writes of his goals with “Toy Portugal:” “I hope I have achieved a very enjoyable repertoire, suited for the international market, with an 'exotic and ethnic' flavor and at the same time amusing and fun to play. I invite also the listeners to buy the musical score and try to play it. It’s also an invitation for them to see the toy piano as a musical resource and as a serious instrument.”

“Toy Portugal” is available for listening and as sheet music online worldwide. Get in early.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

tiago.videira@gmail.com

Website -

http://tiagovideira.com

Andy Sikorski and Ed Unger release new single 'Shine (Just Because)'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The veteran songwriting and music production team known as Andy Sikorski and Ed Unger have released their latest official single, titled, “Shine (Just Because).” The single is an electronic dance music anthem with elements of pop and traditional house which combine to form a full, highly textured and colorful listening experience. Their new single has been released on the Gratitude Productions music label.

Sikorski and Unger cite as main artistic influences such artists as Above and Beyond, Morgan Page, Andy Moore, Sick Individuals, Calvin Harris, Showtek, Ummet Ozcan, and Skrillex. While each of these inspirations have found their way into the undertone and character of “Shine,” and into music by Sikorski and Unger in general, the feel and groove of their material is warm and optimistic in a familiar way that longtime fans of the duo will instantly recognize.

“The song is a message of encouragement,” write Unger and Sikorski of the themes present in “Shine.” “Go for your dreams, time is short, live your passions and be unique just because you are you. Don’t let other people’s drama stop you from your goals. They will get their own karma.”

Their uplifting words are capped with a final, un-punctuated word – “Shine”

Andy Sikorski first hit music charts in his home nation of Poland, composing digital music for the underground demo music scene there. Fueled by an appreciation for early digital musicians such as Jean Michelle Jarre, Vangelis, and the KLF (“3 A.M. Eternal”), Sikorski wrote music for computer video animations as “dSx! Design.” He is credited for his popular work with digital underground groups such as TRSI and Freezers.

Ed Unger, having started his musical journey somewhat more traditionally, began by playing saxophone and guitar. He joined bands in high school, learned bass guitar, and lent his vocals to a variety of performing groups. He practiced early forms of solo music production, programming drum machines and bass lines to facilitate his performing solo live. He ran a recording studio in Atlanta, GA, lived in Miami, FL, and visited London, Amsterdam and Paris before dedicating his attention to the production of EDM music and singing.

“Shine (Just Because)” is available online worldwide.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

info@bluesoundstudios.com

Twitter -

@edwardunger, @andy_sikorski

David Klass releases debut LP 'Stories of Love'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The singer and songwriter known as David Klass has released his debut LP record, titled, “Stories of Love.” The album is comprised of 11 original tracks for an approximate total listening time of 45 minutes. A contemporary R 'n' B record with romantic themes and tones across a wide spectrum of listening tastes, “Stories of Love” stands to put David Klass on the music map as one of today's most intriguing piano-playing vocalists.

Klass lists a broad variety of musical inspirations that includes several legendary artists and notable facets of life. Among his favorite musicians are Prince, Michael Jackson, Jay Z, and Tupac Shakur. Interestingly enough, though, his secondary list of influences is much longer. He writes it in the following order: “Love, pain, passion, God, insanity, peace, light, darkness, 1980s, 1990s, fashion, poetry, film, art, death, dance, culture, realism, and nature.”

That Klass's debut record should revolve around the concept of love is fitting for the mood, hue, and style of his songwriting and performances. While his playing and singing seem natural and intuitive to him on “Stories of Love,” it is his knack for composition which makes the record stand out. His attention to lyrical quality is likewise an integral component to his sound.

He writes of the themes of his record, “There are so many different forms and ways to fall or be in love. I put cinematic storytelling in all my songs and each song explains the art of love. There is no right or wrong way to love. It just is.”

David Klass has been writing music since the age of seven, and penned his first lyrics at 18. His producer, Collins “Jack Trades” Peters, has worked with the Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars, and Prince. Klass' “Hollywood Lover Dreams” track, which opens his debut LP, was chosen from thousands of entries by such judges as Sting and Rihanna as the official runner-up for their Song of the Year songwriting contest.

An official music video for “Out of Time” (Track 5) shot on location in such locales as Chichen-Itza, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Tulum has been published for public viewing (link provided below). It is Klass's debut music video.

“Stories of Love” by David Klass is available online worldwide.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

“Out of Time” Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2c7c0wg22k

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

david.klass8@gmail.com

Twitter -

https://twitter.com/davidklassmusic

Finesse Parlay releases new single and video 'The Loop'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The rapper and showman from the Bronx area of New York City known as Finesse Parlay has released his latest official single, titled, “The Loop.” The song has been published with a corresponding new Finesse Parlay music video. Both have been released on the Europe-based S2N music records label (Second to None) which in addition to the talents of Finesse Parlay, features such artists as 24 Se7en, Stellanova, Oggie and Dani-Vi. “The Loop” is the most significant event for Finesse Parlay fans since his previous releases of “Histoic” and “Parlayism.” His new video, “The Loop,” was shot on location at the famous HMR Studios, known worldwide for being the setting of Beyonce's popular “Mirrors” video.

Finesse Parlay cites as main artistic influences Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Drake. Additionally, his music often recalls hit releases by artists such as Pharrel Williams and OutKast. This should not be surprising to fans of the East Coast hip-hop sound, particularly that of the Bronx area, which often differs in dramatic ways from rap born out of Brooklyn or New Jersey. Legendary hip-hop musicians from the Bronx include Big Pun, Melle Mel, Swizz Beatz, Lord Tariq and KRS-One, among countless others.

Upon being asked to comment on the message of his new single and video, S2N's Finesse Parlay writes that it “Emphasizes individuality and reason.”

Finesse Parlay is 22 years old. He has been writing and performing urban poetry in New York's Bronx borough since he was just 14. His early style still serves as a solid foundation for his present-day material, the tone of which is often described as having attributes of hip hop and alternative music. This unique mix makes his inimitable brand of hip hop accessible to a much broader range of music listeners than is usual for rap artists, traditional DJs and MCs. Finesse Parlay's loyal following includes listeners of rock, pop, rap, electronica and hip hop alike, and then some.

“The Loop” by Finesse Parlay is available online worldwide.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

sales@s2nrecords.com

Website -

www.s2nrecords.com

Twitter -

@finesseparlay, @s2nrecords

Gospel Sound releases new EP 'Thula Moya Wami'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The band of international vocalists known as Gospel Sound have released their latest EP record album, titled, “Thula Moya Wami.” The EP is comprised of the latest Gospel Sound recordings. These include the title track, “Thula Moya Wami (Be Still My Soul),” “Eduze,” and “Lost in Sin” for an approximate total listening time of 20 minutes. The extended-play record has been released by the KS Music record label. A collection of Gospel Sound tracks sung in the spirit of traditional gospel but retaining uniquely exotic South African undertones, “Thula Moya Wami” is an album no fan of Christian music should be without.

Gospel Sound is a group based on the vocal talents of persons of various nationalities in South Africa.

A KS Music representative describes them: “Gospel Sound is a mixed vocal group. Its membership is drawn from young people from countries in the Southern African region. Its aim is to actively participate and contribute in the gospel music scene in the region and internationally. Currently the group has six vocalists all drawn from various parts of South Africa.”

Gospel Sound cite as main artistic influences “Joyous, Soweto Gospel, Afro Jazz, Brooklyn, Kirk, Classical music, and Blues.”

True to the heart and soul of gospel, “Thula Moya Wami” is written and performed with Christian values and ideals in mind.

Speaking of these lyrical themes of their new record, Gospel Sound writes, “The album songs draw on life experiences, good and bad. They highlight, among other aspects, the emotional journey during such experiences and how one’s interaction with God colors such experiences.

“The emphasis in the music is a relationship with God on a personal level through life’s journey; sometimes it's about praise; other times about hurt and loss; at times about anger, disappointment, doubts and the all-too-familiar – why. Hopefully the EP and upcoming releases will address the whole spectrum of these experiences and our relationship with God through them.”

“Thula Moya Wami” by Gospel Sound is available online worldwide.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

Twitter -

@gospel_sound

Pietro Fornara releases debut EP 'Start'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The composer of digital music known as Pietro Fornara has released his debut album, an EP titled, “Start.” The extended-play record is comprised of four original tracks for an approximate total listening time of 18 minutes. A groovy, highly danceable and funky house album in the tradition of the originators of the European sound, “Start” proves that Pietro Fornara is one of the names to watch in coming months.

Much of the overtone and general feel of “Start” is reminiscent of the electronica scene of the 1990s, long before the dubstep explosion and the coining of the grab-bag term, EDM. Taking Fornara's listening tastes into consideration, this should not prove surprising. Fornara cites as main artistic influences such legends as Phuture, Lords of Acid, the Shamen, 808 State, the Orb, Väth, Sinclar, Beyer and Digweed, and releases from the Artificial Intelligence and Eight Ball record labels.

What this means to the music fan is that “Start” is a record constructed with exceptional musical taste. Its instrumentation is creative, its melody lines are interesting, and its beats are far more clever than the simple thud-thud-thud of lazy house-music programming. This is music with heart, soul and mind. Each track has personality and color all its own.

This is perhaps due to Fornara's broad musical experience.

He writes of this: “As a Luxembourger born in Switzerland from a family of musicians and composers (famous Luxembourg composers J.P. & Louis Beicht) I studied music for many years. I learned some guitar as a kid, but I guess I was too young as I gave up. Then came many years of music conservatory with percussion.”

He goes on to explain that his music tastes range throughout the spectrum of sound.

“My love for music has never died and while I know most classical composers and their music, I have always listened to rock, metal, all forms of jazz, blues, funk, disco and finally electronic music.”

His decision to compose an electronica record is largely the result of inspiration.

“My choice was electronic music mainly due to years of using and breaking computers, the electronic beats and melodies in my head which put me to sleep at night and get me out of bed in the morning.

We are now at the beginning of 2014 and my first EP is to be released. In the last six months my style has changed and I am really looking forward to learn the software to bring out the melodies and rhythm I hear in everyday life.”

“Start” contains four of Pietro Fornara's first five songs – evidence that fans of the genre should take note of his work in the future.

“There are melodies and rhythm in everything,” he writes. “Just listen carefully and your heartbeat will sync to the music.

“Start” by Pietro Fornara is available online worldwide.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

info@pietrofornara.com

Website -

www.pietrofornara.com

Twitter -

@PietroLux

Zhivago releases debut LP 'Deep Versions'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The artist of electronic music known as Zhivago has released his debut LP album, titled, “Deep Versions.” The record is comprised of nine original tracks for an approximate total listening time of half an hour, and features performances by Four Hundred members Brendan Benham and Shae Lappen. An eclectic, colorful and endlessly danceable record with a contemporary mind and a retro soul, “Deep Versions” by Zhivago has emerged as one of the most unique and fun records the EDM genre has to offer.

Zhivago cites as main artistic influences Ratatat, Tobacco, Leonard Cohen, Flying Lotus, m83, Air, Timbaland, Death From Above 1979, Bjork, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Beck, Big Boi, Interpol, and Mark Knopfler. With such a wide variety of various inspirations, it may seem hard to intuit which attributes of these have gone into the music of “Deep Versions,” but a thread of quality in terms of artistic merit and excellent audio production runs through them all, and through Zhivago, too.

“Deep Versions” is mostly instrumental, but nevertheless has many stories to tell. This ingredient is key to the sound and experience of Zhivago's music, which communicates as it unfolds like the plot of a novel or film.

“I was raised by a pair of technogypsies and technomads who exposed me to the transient nature of both sound and storytelling,” writes Zhivago of his start in music. “This evolved into one-off electronic tent parties performed at the outskirts of desert towns. Parties would be set up at dusk, and music and stories would ensue throughout the night. By dawn the tents would disperse and the partygoers would disappear in search of new places to start the process over again.”

His new record isn't just music – though the music alone is considerable. It is a work of sonic philosophy and reflection.

Zhivago explains: “It’s a self-referential and postmodern take on the 'Human Contradiction' in terms of civilization’s shoddy attempts to mask and shirk its own animalistic tendencies, whilst justifying itself by outsourcing these actions through technology, and therefore attempting to wash its hands clean of its own intent.

“In short,” he concludes, “it is a critique on humanity’s hope that technology will save us from ourselves.”

“Deep Versions” by Zhivago is available online worldwide.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

electrique.eq@gmail.com

Website -

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zhivago/204287869665658

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Slasher releases new LP 'Katharsis'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The thrash metal crew from Brasil known as Slasher have released their latest LP album, titled, “Katharsis.” The album is comprised of nine original tracks for an approximate total listening time of forty minutes. An explosive, textured, surprisingly philosophical and often horrifying record, “Katharsis” by Slasher proves that the metal genre is as aggressive and full of life (and death) as ever.

Slasher cite as main artistic influences such legends of thrash as Sepultura, Slayer, Kreator, Exodus, Arch Enemy, Nevermore, Pantera, and Lamb of God. Considered at once, this amalgam of violent sound approaches the titanic, towering sound and undeniable power of Slasher's style and tone very well. Fans of these will not be disappointed.

Listeners with a penchant for meaningful music will likewise be very pleased. “Katharsis,” while not exactly a concept album, is one packed with substantive forethought.

Commenting on this, Slasher writes: “The title of the new album refers to the catharsis under a psychological optic. This is a term used in many different contexts, like religion and arts. Our idea is an allusion to an emotional collapse which results in renewal and liberation, a change in point of view.”

The record is not merely personal and introspective, however, but also largely social. Many songs on “Katharsis” examine the state of humanity's network of movements, belief systems, bureaucracies and more.

“The lyrics,” Slasher writes, “are about our society and its dogmas which are imposed thru the media, religion and, mainly, the attitude of the ones who only criticize and take no action, feeding a prejudicial and harmful system to us all. For this reason we looked for the catharsis, where paradigms collide with consciousness and provokes an extreme change of behavior, thinking or action.”

“Katharsis” was produced by Tue Madsen of Antfarm Studios in Aarhus, Denmark. Madsen's credits include (among others) The Haunted, Dark Tranquility, Vader, Behemoth, and Kataklysm. Cover art was provided by famous French artist Stan W. Decker.

“Katharsis” by Slasher is available online worldwide.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

slasher@slasher.com.br
Website -

www.slasher.com.br

Twitter -

slasherbr

Lynas and the Riviera Swing release new single 'Rhythm in My Shoes'

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Lynas and the Riviera Swing have released their most recent official single, “Rhythm in My Shoes.” The track has been published concurrently with a B-side in keeping with the vinyl album tradition, this second single being titled, “Cinderella Maybe?” The two singles have a combined playing time of eight minutes and represent a round and impressive introduction to Ireland's premier swing/jazz performers.

“Three years ago I developed a real love of the old classic swing hits of the 20th century,” writes John Lynas, “and currently play with some of the best musicians Ireland has to offer, performing these songs to eager audiences. Last year I decided to compose and record music in this old swing-jazz style using old recording techniques, trying recreate the old-school sound from that era.”

Lynas and the Riviera Swing are from County Down in Northern Ireland, though their unmistakable sound hails from elsewhere. While swing revival groups such as Royal Crown Revue and the Squirrel Nut Zippers have been playing music that hearkens back to the 1930s and '40s, Lynas and the Riviera Swing perform the jazzier, polished tone of the '50s and '60s. Their name is related to the classic Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, where Chairman of the Board Frank Sinatra once led his Rat Pack to fortune and infamy.

“Lynas and the Riveria Swing” are a seven-piece crew, including drums, double bass, piano, trumpet, saxophone, trombone and guitar, all of which support the classy, stylish vocals of John Lynas, himself. Their regular trumpeter is Linley Hamilton of BBC Radio Ulster.

John Lynas, who is often billed under his stage name of Johnny Bravo, has been playing music for over 25 years. He cites as main artistic influences Nina Simone, Dean Martin, Ray Charles, Bobby Darin, and Frank Sinatra. He has performed in many international hotspots from Finland to Spain, Portugal to the U.S.A.

“Rhythm in My Shoes” by Lynas and the Riviera Swing is available online worldwide. Get in early.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

info@johnnybravomusic.com

Ananda Rasa Kirtan releases new album 'Mulani – dub Kirtan'

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The multinational, multicultural band called Ananda Rasa Kirtan have released their newest LP record album, “Mulani – dub Kirtan.” The record is comprised of eight unique reggae tracks for a total listening time of a full hour. Warm, full of groove, culturally rich and spiritually fecund, “Mulani – dub Kirtan” by Ananda Rasa Kirtan is an album in a colorful class of its own.

The music of “Mulani – dub Kirtan” is an innovative blend of roots reggae, raga, and kirtan. Raga is an eastern style composed of scales particular to the Indian subcontinent, and kirtan is a form of devotional chanting in the Sanskrit language which belongs to the Bhakti traditions of Hinduism, Sikhism and some forms of Buddhism.

While these musical sources may seem too foreign for one another to correspond, the clear fact is that dub reggae and kirtan (or “dub kirtan”) intertwine seamlessly. The raga chord progressions, too, which have formed a sonorous platform for kirtan chants for millennia, likewise dovetail with such elements of reggae as its unmistakable rhythm guitar and interspersed bass lines. Ananda Rasa Kirtan's translation of these two seemingly disparate styles is remarkably intuitive, as if this cross-cultural music had been there all along.

“This album brings together two worlds of music, kirtan and roots reggae, which both have their roots in spirituality,” writes bandleader and music scholar David Estes.

Estes grew up in India learning primarily Western music at an international boarding school. Upon hearing “Kaya” by Bob Marley at the age of 12, he became enthralled by the reggae sound and went on to play guitar, keyboard, and vocals in reggae and rock bands. After later spending several years in the United States, he returned to India where he practiced kirtan, meditation, and seva (service) as a full-time resident in daily ashram life. It was here that he began his ongoing study of Indian music and Indian instruments, including tabla, harmonium, and Hindustani vocal.

Speaking of the themes of Ananda Rasa Kirtan's new album, Estes writes: “Mulani – dub Kirtan shares with the listener a mystical, spiritual and musical experience of the cosmic energy vibration invoked by chanting the sacred Name in Sanskrit. These chants are sung to the steady pulse of roots reggae rhythms with dub elements in various progressions and moods of Indian raga scale melodies. This mystical, spiritual and musical experience is of 'Mulani' – roots, source, foundation, beginning (sanskrit) – the infinite.”

Regardless of what the music fan may or may not think of world religion or spirituality as a whole, the aforementioned musical experience is a fresh, unsung beauty, and something every listener deserves to hear firsthand.

“Mulani – dub Kirtan” by Ananda Rasa Kirtan is available online worldwide. Get in early.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

Website -

anandarasakirtan.com

The Whale and the Warbler release debut LP 'Thanksgiving'

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The folk-swing band from the east coast known as the Whale and the Warbler have released their debut LP, titled, “Thanksgiving.” The album is comprised of 11 original tracks for an approximate total listening time of 45 minutes. An upbeat and eclectic example of the popular contemporary folk music scene, “Thanksgiving” by the Whale and the Warbler blends the sounds of the early 20^th century into the themes and tones of the 21^st.

Bandleader Conor McCann cites as the band's main artistic influences Neutral Milk Hotel, the Microphones, Jacob Augustine and Billie Holliday. By considering the output of an equation which mixes Neutral Milk Hotel and Billie Holliday's early jazz together, one draws fairly near to the sound and feel of the Whale and the Warbler's “Thanksgiving.”

“The Whale & The Warbler is a seven-piece swing-folk band based out of Rochester, NY,” reads the band's official bio. “Started in the winter of 2011, the band has continually grown to incorporate more instruments, more sound, and most importantly, more energy. The Whale prides themselves on their ability to deliver their songs, and their live performances give new life to their recorded music, urging you to dance, sing, and emote every second of the way.”

These live performances garnered a thronging fan base at the State University of New York at Geneseo, where the crew was formed by singer-songwriter Conor McCann. With a style that is decidedly more folk-inspired than popular indie groups such as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and which is more instrumentally unpredictable than 2010 favorites Mumford and Son, the Whale and the Warbler belong more to the growing freak-folk movement than to any other subgenre. Still, however, they are in a class of their own.

The themes of their “Thanksgiving” record are integral to the experience of each song, each song having been penned as a communication with the listener.

McCann writes that the meaning of their new LP is “to feel every little thing. 'Thanksgiving' is written about trivial situations impacting narrators beyond surface meaning. Ranging from storybook lyrics to boot stomping, horn blaring, throat squealing pleads, the Whale’s music beckons the listener to oscillate back and forth with it.”

“Thanksgiving” by the Whale and the Warbler is available online worldwide.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

Thewhaleandthewarbler@gmail.com

Website -

Thewhaleandthewarblermusic.bandcamp.com

Twitter -

@thewhalethewarb

Steve DuBerry releases new single 'On'

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Globally recognized singer and music producer Steve DuBerry has released his latest single, titled, “On.” The track is five minutes' worth of spot-on contemporary electronica, perfectly suited to dance floors, nightclubs and drives around town equally. An upbeat, classy, and endlessly stylish song which blends elements of early European house music and today's popular digital instrumentation, “On” is one of the finest examples of Steve DuBerry's masterful songwriting in recent years.

DuBerry cites as main artistic influences a remarkably broad roster of musicians from a wide variety of musical styles, including Marvin Gaye, Motown, Cypress Hill, Bert Bacharach, Outkast, Michael Jackson, R3hab, and Foo Fighters. While it may seem as if the artists on this list don't share many attributes with the “On” single, from a producer's point of view, they are very similar in studio exactitude and surgically precise delivery, which is what “On” by Steve DuBerry comes out of the gate swinging.

Steve DuBerry has sold over 10 million records worldwide. His career has brought him to work with such names as Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Liberty X, Kim Wilde, Simon Webbe, Blue, Bryan Adams, Heather Small, Lee Ryan, Bette Midler, Jackie Jackson, Bardot, and Max Martin. He has garnered five BMI awards, a 2-Million Airplay award, and the Ivor Novello, as well as a notable Grammy nomination. His co-writing and producing of Tina Turner's unforgettable hit, “I Don't Wanna Fight” places him among the top artists in music history.

His resume includes music writing for various European sports on television, including English horse racing and football (soccer), Italian football, and World Rally rally car racing. He is currently working with the Jacksons and has recently formed an independent record company, Sparadyne Music, on which his new single has been published.

“On” by Steve DuBerry is available online worldwide. Fans of house and digital music around the world would do well to have a listen.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

sparadynemusic@gmail.com

Website -

www.steveduberry.net

Twitter -

https://twitter.com/SteveDuBerry1

MondoTunes announces original music contests for 2014

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The music distribution company known as MondoTunes has announced a new series of song contests. The contests will be held monthly and open to artists around the world, presented by MondoTunes, renowned artists and music industry leaders. Each contest will focus on a different genre of music, beginning with the electronic dance music called dubstep, which style was popularized by artists like Deadmau5 and Skrillex in the early 2000s. MondoTunes says that song contests in other mainstream music genres are to follow in coming months.

“The submission to the contest is free and open to all styles and recording budgets,” writes MondoTunes.  “Judging is purely based on song quality (not just recording quality) including lyrics, melody, progression and structure. Winning prizes include $500 cash, music merchandise from top manufacturers, global digital music distribution to over 100+ countries for winning songs, radio promotions with MondoTunes Radio for an entire year, and a press-release marketing package to promote the contest winner.”

MondoTunes has made entering their competition extremely easy. Requirements for eligibility include uploading the song to YouTube, announcing participation on the official MondoTunes Facebook page, posting the music entry on Facebook, and clicking social media 'share' buttons at the top of the page to help spread the word about the contest.

In addition to encouraging the world's artists to make more music, MondoTunes' music contests are designed to promote socializing between independent music fellows. In this way MondoTunes continues to show its genuine care for music artists at large, which has been a characteristic their clients have commonly cited as a reason for choosing Mondo over other reputable companies.

“This is not a popularity contest,” MondoTunes states. “It’s a talent contest. We are extremely excited about hearing some of the entries that come in, and helping to shine a light on some of the top undiscovered talent out there!

MondoTunes' panel of judges will change from competition to competition. They will include a mix of music industry executives, sound studio professionals and popular artists. For more information regarding MondoTunes' Best Song contests,  please click here, or visit http://www.mondotunes.com/bestsongcontest1.

Brain Dead release debut LP 'Indoctrinator'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

The Los Angeles rock group known as Brain Dead have released their long-awaited debut LP album, “Indoctrinator.” The album is comprised of seven original tracks for an approximate total listening time of half an hour. A high-octane adrenaline rush of a record, “Indoctrinator” is a ruthless blend of thrash metal and hardcore punk music with heavy doses of intelligence and talent at the helm.

“Our artistic influences span a wide and diverse array of genres,” writes Brain Dead. “Some of our favorites that we always look to for inspiration are Anthrax, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Slayer, Pantera, D.R.I., Gwar, the Misfits, Overkill, Judas Priest, Dio, Forbidden, Propaghandi, Lamb of God, Testament... the list goes on and on.”

The sound of Brain Dead's “Indoctrinator” exhibits clear attributes of the thrash metal and punk styles (often termed crossover-thrash music) with steady, heavy drum beats like those of DRI, vocals like an edgier, grittier Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, and guitars that often recall Pantera while at other times suggesting Suicidal Tendencies. The result is a creative and unpredictable blend of heavy metal with violent, cathartic overtones and strong undercurrents of darkness, intellect, and deliberate aggression.

Speaking of the lyrical themes of their debut LP, Brain Dead write, “All of Joey’s lyrics are written from a personal place and have specific meaning to him personally, but he tries to leave them vague enough for the listener to create their own meanings for themselves. It's important to keep the songs open to interpretation so that each listener can make those words mean something specific for themselves.”

Nevertheless, songs like the album's spearhead track, “Corporatocracy,” speak loudly before they even begin, as does the title of the LP, itself. Music aficionados who have tired of bands with nothing to say have a rare treat in store for them in “Indoctrinator,” as do fans of music that doesn't have an agenda. Songs such as “High Value Target” can simply be an exercise in audio destruction or an anti-war treatise turned up to 11, as the listener prefers.

Brain Dead's vocalist, Joey Dalo writes that “Songs on the album cover themes and emotions from revenge, loss, hatred, angst, political rebellion, fear, pain, heaven and hell, the duality of the human spirit, to overall-dark themes that go hand and hand with the heavy-metal genre.”

Wordplay aside, Brain Dead's “Indoctrinator” LP, produced by Bill Metoyer (Slayer, DRI, Morbid Angel, Sacred Reich) and successfully crowd-funded in no more than 12 days, is a sign to rock fans everywhere that the old scene is definitely waking up.

“Indoctrinator” by Brain Dead is available online worldwide. Get in early.

Brain Dead are Adam Axe (guitar), Rez Peterson (bass), Josh Angel (drums), and Joey Dalo (vocals).

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

MondoTunes

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

eMail -

joey@braindeadthrash.com

Website -

www.BRAINDEADTHRASH.COM

Twitter -

@BRAINDEADTHRASH

Trinity Sin releases new single 'R3D'

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The solo musician from New York known as Trinity Sin has released his latest single, titled, “R3D.” The track is the most significant official Trinity Sin offering since his April 2013 EP release, “Promise.” A deeply personal and soul-baring track that carries on the Trinity Sin tradition while continuing to develop his unmistakable style, “R3D” is a moving and worthy addition to Trinity's growing musical catalog.

Trinity Sin cites as main artistic influences such legendary music acts as Evanescence, Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga, and Coheed and Cambria. His own style on “R3D” being far removed from these notable inspirations, Trinity Sin has been moving away from less-challenging pop and EDM motifs in favor of newer, more complex and arguably more matured overtones. In the case of his new “R3D” single, as well as other, more-recent Trinity Sin songs, the upbeat nightclub nature of his former sound would not be appropriate for themes of such emotional weight and intensity.

Speaking of the meaning with which he infused “R3D,” Trinity Sin writes, “It's a song about letting go, not relationship-wise, but life-wise. I wrote most of it on the ride back from seeing my sister who recently moved away. The song is incredibly selfish. I hated that my sister was moving further away from the family than I had thought, and I didn’t know how often I would be able to see her.”

As heart-rending as this is, “R3D” isn't all lamentation. The artist himself says that it has brought him much joy in having brought it to the public ear.

“It has a strengthening message behind it,” writes Trinity Sin. “'Just because it's gone, doesn’t mean it's lost.'”

“R3D” is also important for the same reasons Trinity Sin's “Promise” album turned so many heads when it appeared on digital shelves last year: it is audio autobiography – unabashed and unadulterated sonic honesty, written and performed by one of music's most intrepid independent players.

“This is probably one of the most personal songs I’ve ever made,” writes Trinity Sin, “and I’m so proud to be able to share another part of myself with whoever listens to it.”

“R3D” is available online worldwide.

ARTIST CONTACT INFO:

Website -

www.TrinitySinMusic.com

Twitter -

@TrinitySinMusic