The rock duo known as
Dragon and Berr has released their latest official album, “Pocket
Full of Switchblades and Promises.” The album contains 10 original
Dragon and Berr tracks for an approximate total listening time of 40
minutes. It has been proudly published as an independent release
without the corporate industry on the Loose Bolt Records music label.
Eclectic, creative, yet accessible to a broad swathe of music fans,
“Pocket Full of Switchblades and Promises” showcases Dragon and
Berr as one of the most intriguing rock music projects of Q2 so far
and promises that they have plenty more where that came from.
Dragon and Berr have cited
as main artistic influences Hall & Oates, Styx, Fall Out Boy,
Prince, Aretha Franklin, Aerosmith, The CoatHangers, The Ron Keel
Band, The Beatles, Halestorm, The Soapgirls, The Monkees, Foo
Fighters, and local friends Casket Robbery. While it may seem
unlikely, Dragon and Berr's own sound takes elements from each of
these for a result which defies comparisons and categories.
Dragon and Berr are quick
to describe themselves as “hobbyist musicians,” yet their
songwriting and creative methodologies brand them as true sonic
craftspersons just as quickly. They're eager to throw traditional
structures away, often blazing trails in startling directions. Songs
turn on a dime both internally and away from one another. This track
bears obvious jazz influences. That one sounds like Roy Orbison's
grandchild.
“We break a lot of
so-called rules of what is and isn't music,” writes Dragon. “It
all seems to work out in the end. Music is such fun and is so many
things to so many people. What can we say? We are diverse in
influences. We're those folks from left field no one pays much mind.
We write for ourselves, first. The fact that more and more people are
also enjoying the music and it's speaking to them in so many ways is
a wonderful bonus to this adventure we are on.”
R&B, pop, country,
blues … pretty much anything playable with guitar and drums is
elementally represented. The effect recalls the avant-garde punk
artists of the late 70s. Had Dragon and Berr been part of that scene,
they'd likely be remembered today for “Pocket Full of Switchblades
and Promises.” Come for the rock, poetry and fearless songwriting,
stay for the countless colorful surprises from out of nowhere.
Dragon and Berr are Edwin
and Donna Millheim respectively, married 1987. Asked to describe the
overall meaning of “Pocket Full of Switchblades and Promises,”
Dragon writes, “While it covers themes that are challenges in
people's lives, throughout the lyrics and the way it's all presented,
there is a sprinkling of hope and knowing the next day can bring
anything. Everything that is presented is all based on things I've
went through over the past year. Just like the first album had a lot
of darkness in it and depression, this 2nd album sees me being
dragged back from darkness by family and friends – most of all my
wife … Sometimes those challenges make you feel like you can just
say forget it, but there's always that hope that makes you feel like,
OK, things will be OK. If there is even that bit of hope, you have to
keep going because it may not be as dark as you think.”
“Pocket Full of
Switchblades and Promises” by Dragon and Berr on the Loose Bolt
Records label is available from over 600 quality digital music stores
online worldwide now. Get in early, rock music fans.
-S. McCauley
Lead Press Release Writer
“Pocket
Full of Switchblades and Promises” by Dragon and Berr –
Official Facebook page
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The producer/songwriter of inspirational gospel music known as Sherrell “Rell” Mitchell has released his latest official single, “Hear O' Israel.” In addition to the considerable skills of Sherrell, “Hear O' Israel” also features performances by Grady Austin, The JLM Worshipers, and a Biblical proclamation from Rev. George Mitchell (AKA Dad). It has been proudly published as an independent release without the involvement of the corporate music industry. Uplifting, exultant, and based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, “Hear O' Israel” is the latest reason for believers and fans of gospel music to take note of Sherrell Mitchell.
Some of “Rell’s,” artistic influences are many of the best-loved voices in modern praise: Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Hezakiah Walker, Donnie McClurkin, Take 6, Israel Houghton, Ben Tankard, Neal Jones, Grady Austin, and Cora Jackson. Informed by the styles of these contemporary favorites, Mitchell's own sound is founded on the American gospel choir tradition, but dressed up with 21st century production values and plenty of flair.
Asked to describe the overall meaning of “Hear O' Israel,” Sherrell writes, “This particular song shares a 2-part message: 1). that God is our All, and 2). a refocus/recommittal to our walk with Him as we give Him our all.”
Sherrell began music as a church percussionist in his youth, but learned to play the piano with training and mentorship by teachers such as Vivian Perryman, Darryl Hawk, Kay Classy and Phil Curry. He continues today to humble serve the Pacific Northwest Christian community with his love for the Lord and his musical gifts.
His 2016 albums, “The JLM Project” and “The Mass Of New Vision” continue to gain popularity, as does his January 2019 single release, “Salt Of The Earth.”
“All things are possible with God, and I’m truly grateful for the beautiful gift of music that He’s given me. Spreading the Gospel through musical expression, one song at a time for an Audience of One, as the world listens on.”
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The songwriter and producer of hip hop known as Gravity has released his official debut album, “Best Revenge Is Success.” The album contains eight original Gravity tracks for an approximate total listening time of half an hour. It has been proudly published as an independent release without the involvement of the corporate music industry on the