ROX Network interview: The LA Maybe

 

Incoming! Living Wreckage

 

LIVING WRECKAGE Present “The End of the Line” Video Debut album from members of Anthrax, Shadows Fall, Let Us Prey in stores and online

LIVING WRECKAGE – a new powerhouse of metal musicians comprised of vocalist Jeff Gard (Death Ray Vision), guitarists Jon Donais (Anthrax, Shadows Fall) and Matt LeBreton (Downpour), bassist Matt Bachand (Shadows Fall, Act of Defiance) and drummer Jon Morency (Let Us Prey) – have unleashed a new lyric video “The End of the Line,” another strong track from the new group’s recently released full-length self-titled album. The clip can be viewed at https://youtu.be/ORt0FGCMgPU “I’m kinda making an indirect statement that if individual people or us as a society want to move forward, we can’t be pointing the finger or bullshitting ourselves,” explains singer Jeff Gard regarding the lyrical content of the track.   LIVING WRECKAGE’s debut was released worldwide by M-Theory Audio on CD, limited-edition (400 copies) on sea-green colored vinyl and digital. Produced and engineered by Shane Frisby (Revocation, Unearth, The Ghost Inside), and mixed by Pete Rutcho (Falling in Reverse, Danny Elfman), the album has been anticipated by fans curious to hear more music, after how quickly their 3-song EP sold out. Radio support and positive reviews keep coming in, as evidenced here - “A throwback rager that sees Donais and LeBreton shredding their hearts out while Gard showcases his John Bush-esque pipes. Crank it.” – Revolver “I think if you’re a Shadows Fall fan, you will probably like this, both the thrashy main riff and subsequent breakdown are very much in the vein of that band – to say nothing of Donais’ solo, which may be his shreddiest to date” – MetalSucks “Whether it be easy-to-absorb vocals, bad-to-the-bone riffing or carefully choreographed songs, Living Wreckage provide more than enough substance to tick the boxes for just about any hard rock or metal fan.” – Ghost Cult “If you like a little rock ‘n roll with your metal this is the album for you. It’s often heavy, often pretty, often exciting, but it’s always catchy with soaring choruses and energetic rhythms. If you miss the lively days of ‘80s rock but want seriously heavy music without the excesses, Living Wreckage perfectly threads the needle” – Metal Digest Three samples of LIVING WRECKAGE’s melodic, over-driven power can be heard as prior singles on digital platforms or by watching their videos on YouTube for “One Foot in the Grave” (https://youtu.be/pTZpljESb_o), “Breaking Point” (https://youtu.be/AQRCuXownVc) and “Endless War” https://youtu.be/DVSt9AcRmVk. The album is available for order now at www.smarturl.com/livingwreckage or support your local retailer. LIVING WRECKAGE upcoming live shows – 11/26 - Se7ens - Easthampton, MA 12/2 – Geraldine’s - Chicopee, MA w/Tree 12/9 - Empire Underground - Albany, NY w/Extinction AD 12/16 - Cellar on Treadwell - Hamden, CT w/Continuum 12/17 - Jewel - Manchester, NH More information about additional live performances by the band will be unveiled in the weeks to come by M-Theory Audio and at www.facebook.com/livingwreckage. LIVING WRECKAGE is: Jeff Gard (vocals) Jon Donais (guitars) Matt LeBreton (guitars) Matt Bachand (bass) Jon Morency (drums) For more information: www.facebook.com/livingwreckage www.instagram.com/livingwreckage https://livingwreckage.bandcamp.com www.m-theoryaudio.com

Copyright © 2022 Grand Sounds PR www.grandsounds.net

Incoming! The Riven

Classic rock meets heavy metal on ”Peace and Conflict”; the second studio album by Swedish five piece The Riven. Since the release of their debut, self-titled album from 2019, the group has recruited a second guitarist, enabling more dynamic twin guitar arrangements and colourful melodic elements enriching the new tracks. This combined with a powerful vocal performance and a tightly pounding rhythm section results in a full-blown rock explosion divided into 9 new tracks.    With a growing number of gigs, tours and festival appearances on their resume,’Peace and Conflict’ shows an ever evolving The Riven, still with a sound firmly rooted in NWOBHM- powered hard rock. Lyrically tackling subjects such as life, death, freedom, love, and hate while moving between fast paced heavy metal numbers to laid back acoustic cuts, ”Peace and Conflict” offers a varied and vibrant rock experience.    “Peace & Conflict is full of catchy rock tunes and psychedelic vibes. It’s only half as long as a Stranger Things episode, so make sure you give it a spin and find out who dies at the end.” - The Riven   ‘Peace and Conflict’ was recorded at La Cavana Studios by Arnau Díaz. The album was mixed and mastered by Ola Ersfjord. Artwork by Maarten Donders.   Hard hitting, sharp shooting power rock influenced by the great sounds of the 1970s and 80s. The Riven plays honest Rock & Roll that makes you wanna shake your fist and bang your head. Their music and lyrics will take you on a sonic journey The Riven is an electrifying powerhouse, Classic Rock for the 21st Century.   The Riven are currently in the line of releasing their second full length studio album “Peace and Conflict”. The album consists of eight hard hitting tracks that will be available on Vinyl, CD and digital platforms. New on this album, is the guitarist Joakim Sandegård who together with Arnau Diaz create a twin guitar sound, new to The Riven. Also in this album is Jussi Kalla behind the drums who made his debut with the band with the inch "windbreaker/movin on" released on May 2020    “Make no mistake this band is going to blow up in stratospheric proportions”- The Sludgelord   The Riven recorded their nine track, self-titled debut album in Madrid, Spain with Producer Ola Ersfjord (Lucifer, Tribulation, Dead Lord) at Holy Cuervo Studios. It was later released on the first of March 2019 on The Sign Records with a worldwide distribution.    “Glowingly performed and with a clear direction towards future great deeds. You can’t ask for more from this fully-fledged debut album” Sweden Rock Magazine.   The self-titled album “The Riven” received great reviews and in the autumn of 2019 the album got a South American release through the Brazilian label Hellion Records. The first album developed the band’s sound from their EP “Blackbird” and gave space to a more progressive and psychedelic side.    In 2019, The Riven embarked on extensive tours, taking them all over Europe in three separate head-line tours around France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Sweden, playing festivals like Muskelrock, Hellgart, Live at Heart and Skövde in Rock.   In the summer of 2021, The Riven went to a cottage in the south of Sweden, recording their second full-length album. The anticipated sophomore album balances perfectly straight, sharpshooting heavy rock with big choruses with psychedelic moments. “Peace and Conflict” offers twin guitars, roaring vocals and a locked-in rhythm section waiting to take you away.    “Now this is Classic Rock for our time” - Doomed & Stoned   Today, the band consists of singer Totta Ekebergh, guitarists Arnau Diaz and Joakim Sandegård, bass player Max Ternebring and drummer Jussi Kalla. The Riven was formed in 2016 when they were living in West London, where they also recorded their EP ‘Blackbird’ at Buffalo Studios.   “The five tracks on Blackbird are short, snappy, and more catchy than airborne Ebola”. - AMG   Connect with The Riven https://www.facebook.com/TheRivenMusic https://www.instagram.com/therivenmusic/ https://theriven.bandcamp.com/

Incoming! 17 Crash

 

Rockshots Records - 17 Crash Channel The Power of Kobra Kai In New Music Video "Strike First"

New Album "Stamina" Out Now!

Italian rockers 17 Crash's fourth studio album "Stamina" is now available as of November 18th via Rockshots Records. For the album's release day, the band is channeling the power of the Kobra Kai (Karate Kid) for their new music video for the full-length's closing track "Strike First".

The band continues to explain the song:

"We took the inspiration for this song from the Karate Kid/Kobra Kai – movie/pictures, series. Therefore, it's necessary to be on guard, without, however, being defeatist or pessimistic. Be always prepared when things are going against you. Be brave and show no mercy to the ones with bad intentions towards you. Don’t let them smell your fear, let them smell the taste of your fist."

Watch and listen to "Strike First" at https://youtu.be/4S1qLt45W7s

17 Crash's new record "Stamina" is a much more complex and profound piece of work written entirely during the endless lockdowns from the 2020 pandemic that the world experienced. Their passion for the 80’s glam / hard n’ heavy rock n' roll crossed with a particular duality between human struggle and the will to fight and resist against all the odds. It might seem that 17 Crash has come a long way, but rest assured they are just warming up for what’s to come.

Colliding their emotions, fears, and wishes, mixing up everything they got inside, and talking about their experiences and how they changed over these past testing years, 17 Crash explains their album in further detail.

"People should listen to this album very carefully, trying to catch the real spirit of it. Words have a very important message in this one, considering the times we are living in and what happened in 2020. The singles show what we are and what we want to say after these two terrible years. It's like a concept about this crazy modern era and all the effects it brought to us. This record, it’s a box with all the emotions and the feeling we had during the composing process. We are talking about being us at 100% and our fans know that we always speak just about the truth. On this album, we shared everything we wanted to. No secrets, just feelings." adds the band.

Recommended for fans of H.E.A.T, Crazy Lixx, Eclipse, Hardline, and Stryper, "Stamina" is available for order at the following link - https://bit.ly/17Crash_Stamina

Music Video - My World - https://youtu.be/EDUN9QPietk

Music Video - Higher - https://youtu.be/ILUOrqJQ3T4

Never bored of being hungry to see people dancing, and having fun, inclusion is one of the biggest aspects of 17 Crash, the fans are the gig. The band will be performing on show dates to support the record, which will be revealed at a later time.

Track Listing:
1. A Song For Ennio - 2:14
2. Higher - 3:26
3. My World - 3:42
4. Soul - 4:10
5. Keep Yourself Alive - 3:23
6. In My Dreams - 4:34
7. Reach For The Sky - 3:30
8. Flashing Lights - 3:21
9. Brand New Way - 3:49
10 Danger Zone - 3:46
11 Strike First - 4:43
Album Length: 40:43

For more info:
www.rockshots.eu
https://www.facebook.com/17CrashOfficialPage
https://www.instagram.com/17_crash_official/
https://twitter.com/rock17crash

About:
Driven by the passion of drummer Phil Hill and singer Ros Crash, 17 Crash began their crazy journey back in 2011.

At an earlier stage of their career, 17 Crash was a true and vibrant synonym of vintage 80s LA Glam Rock Style: big hair, leather pants, and loud guitars. Distinctive attire and growling sound finally merged into the debut album “Reading Your Dirty Minds” (2015). Right after their first release, the band toured extensively throughout the Italian peninsula while making sure the name of the band was being heard.

Evolving and exploring new sounds, it didn’t take that long until they found what they were looking for with the release of the second studio album “Hit The Prey” (2018). Finding the right balance between the 80s sound and modern AOR, the new record marked a significant turning point both in terms of musicianship and career approach.

Another two years of touring passed until a further stage of evolution with their third album “Through Hell And Back” (2020) reconfirming previous collaboration with long-esteemed colleagues Alessio Lucatti in production and Simone Mularoni for mixing and mastering. The third chapter written by 17 Crash featured groovy heavy riffs, polished sounds, and even sharper tunes, effectively establishing the band as a true landmark not only within national borders, but in the international hard & heavy landscape as well.

Now in 2022, they will present their fourth album “Stamina” on Rockshots Records on November 18th.

INCOMING! Korrosive

 

Out Now! CDN Records Unleashes Canadian Extreme Thrashers KORROSIVE 's New Album "Toxic Apokalypse" On CD + Cassette & Vinyl Coming 2023

New Music Video "Fatal Strike"

L-R: Korrosive Lineup | Carlos Rodriguez (Bass) | Kaveh Afshar (Drums) | Rad Zarei (Vocals) | Jack Neila (Guitar) | Derek Solomos (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Michael Jari Davidson

CDN Records has just unleashed Canadian thrashers Korrosive's latest album "Toxic Apokalypse" on CD, which is available at https://cdnrecords.com/shop/korrosive-toxic-apokalypse/. The full-length was released digitally on October 7th of this year. and will also be available on cassette and vinyl in 2023 with its release to be determined at a later date.

Korrosive is an unapologetic, and high-octane headbanging unit that has crushed many mosh pits around their hometown of Toronto, ON, and beyond having shared the stage supporting well-known acts such as Havok, Venom Inc., Narcotic Wasteland, Voivod, Exciter, and Accept.

Korrosive is known for pushing the boundaries with its roots in thrash and meshing elements from more extreme metal such as death and grind to break down wall after wall that enters their path.

On Korrosive's new Album "Toxic Apokalypse", fans new and old alike, can feel the aural brute-de-force on the eight-track blitz of pounding headbanging fury. Even though each song on the album is quite different in a way from the others, it's all uniquely Korrosive. Songs deal with topics of science fiction, armageddon, and “what if” scenarios. For each track on the record, the band pushes them to new levels of velocity and extremity, from 'Fatal Strike', which has a ton of blast beats and solos, yet is still unmistakably thrash, to 'Radioaktive Scourge', filled with pure aggression, unlike anything they’ve released before. From its speed, the lyrics, and the sheer intensity, this song may be the shortest track on the record, but makes the largest impact and it’s over before you know it. And also strongly recommended is 'Hail the Hellfire', perhaps the band's anthem to the entire "Toxic Apokalypse" album. Written as a reflection of the period when the full-length was being composed, this track discusses the brutality of war and the end result of each and every individual involved in its cause, regardless of side.

The band adds:

"We think the fans will be in for quite a surprise. We literally went all out and pushed the limits. It's a diabolical, fast, unforgiving armageddon. From slow passages, mid-tempo bangers, hyper-fast blast beats, and the occasional odd-time signature, it’s a ride in extreme thrash unlike anything before. Toxic Apokalypse is an album that will hit you hard, fast, and leave you with a 'what the f*ck just happened?' feeling."

Recommended for fans of Sodom, Kreator, Death, and Sepultura, "Toxic Apokalypse" was produced by Ben Erikson with mastering done by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Kreator, Cro-Mags, Municipal Waste, Soulfly). The album artwork was created by the infamous Ed Repka (Dark Angel, Death, Hirax, Megadeth, Suicidal Angels, Venom).

Music Video - Fatal Strike - https://youtu.be/9Y-wVSBgRT4

Lyric Video - Radioaktive Scourge - https://youtu.be/9YZc6iJwsLM

Digital - Korrosivemetal.bandcamp.com, Spotify

Vinyl and cassette pre-order links are to be issued at a later date.

Track Listing:
1. Into Nekropolis 05:28
2. Radioaktive Scourge 01:48
3. The Goddamned 04:47
4. Fatal Strike 03:28
5. Libertad y Muerte 05:15
6. Infernal Onslaught 05:10
7. Hail the Hellfire 04:20
8. Karnage Incarnate 07:39
Album Length (37:55)

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Korrosive
• All songs written by: Korrosive
• Produced by: Ben Erikson
• Mixed by: Ben Erikson
• Mastered by: Arthur Rizk
• Album Artwork by: Ed Repka
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album and Live Band Lineup:
Rad Zarei – Vocals
Jack Neila – Guitars
Kaveh Afshar – Drums
Derek Solomos – Guitars
Carlos Rodriguez - Bass

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/korrosivethrash
https://www.instagram.com/korrosivethrash

Incoming! IOTA

 

Bristol-based rock five-piece IOTA reveal debut EP ‘Tyrants’ 

Bristol-based rock five-piece IOTA are pleased to announce the release of their debut EP ‘Tyrants’, on November 25th 2022.

After their formation in 2019, the band released their debut single ‘My Enemy’ to critical acclaim, which saw them championed by the likes of Classic Rock Magazine and Kerrang!, and quickly selling out shows in their hometown of Bristol as well as appearing on festival bills such as The Great Escape and 2000 Trees.

Their recent singles ‘Sometimes’ and ‘Ballet Box’, taken from their upcoming EP, saw support from the likes of Classic Rock Magazine, RTE and BBC Radio 1’s Nels Hylton.

Written during a strained period of time for each member, their debut EP Tyrants provided the band with a needed outlet in which they could express themselves. Recorded between their self-built Omni Studios and Bristol’s Humm Studios with Ben Johnson (Skindred, Chaouche) and Idles’ Lee Kiernan, mixed by Tom Hennessy, and mastered by Pete Maher (Pixies, Jack White, The Rolling Stones), the result is a four-track all-killer no-filler affair, bursting with emotion.

Alongside the release of the EP comes their latest single ‘Control’, a song about fighting against the confines and restrictions holding you back.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the single the band state, “Control was formed in a headspace of feeling confined by people and unspoken rules in our lives; it was our way of fighting back. Control started with Josef writing an instrumental guitar part. The chord progression felt aggressive but assured and imbued an emotion that we could all connect with. The instrumental helped us uncover themes that were ongoing in our lives. Lyrically, we wanted to put a positive spin on the band’s collective feelings and taunt the restrictions over us.”

‘Tyrants’ is due for release November 25th and will be available on all major platforms.

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ONLINE

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IOTAOFFICIALUK

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iotaofficialuk

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IOTA ARE:

• Jodie Robinson - Vocals

• Josef Parkes - Guitar

• Sam Mattison - Bass

• Joe Dean - Guitar

• Thomas John - Drums

 

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LISTEN:

 

• Spotify:​​https://open.spotify.com/artist/0AAQCfqbOwGKGzYl9Frrx3?si=69DY84ZjShiWI9aNO-pXKQ

• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/iota/1470145424

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_B6dOh7wTqEkmrrzEQD99Q

Incoming! Green King

 

”Hidden Beyond Time” is the debut album by Finnish heavy metal group Green King. Inspired by the many subgenres of heavy music, ”Hidden Beyond Time” moves from hard hitting cuts fueled by chugging, galloping riffs that brings to mind the great metal era of the 70/80s and relentless, stoner metal infused adrenaline shots to more mellow, experimental tracks featuring folk inspired melodies. With traditional heavy metal at its heart and core, ”Hidden Beyond Time” sits on a foundation made of melodic dual guitar arrangements, gritty vocals and occult, mystical lyrics. A 34-minute long heavy metal experience that showcases the dynamic nature of this Finnish four piece.
  
The album was recorded at Beach House rehearsal studio and at Dullas sauna cabin during the year 2020. Mixed by Sakke Vänttinen at Rock Alley Studio. ”Hidden Beyond Time” is released on The Sign Records on the 16th of December. The album is released on vinyl, CD, and all streaming platforms. 
 
Formed in Helsinki, Finland, as a side project to play heavy stoner music, Green King quickly developed their style into a more traditional style of heavy metal. Drawing influences from vast history of heavy metal, Green King fills their songs with monumental riffs and colossal guitar harmonies. They have made their mark on Finnish metal underground by playing fierce live shows filled with musical mojo and speedy guitar solos. Their first EP "Rock Alley Tapes" was released in early 2022, and it brought the band attention around Europe. Green King is releasing their debut album through the Sign records in December 2022.
 
Green King's member have long been part of the Finnish music scene, playing in bands such as Black Lizard, Rokets, United Seafood and Rusty Triggers.
 
Green King:
Eliel Salomaa : Guitars and vocals
Lauri Lyytinen : Guitars
Heikki Nyman : Bass
Otto Bigler : Drums
 
Connect with Green King:
https://www.facebook.com/greenkingband
https://www.instagram.com/greenking_heavymetal/
https://greenking.bandcamp.com/

Steve Hill always tells the truth...

 

RELEASES OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE
"DON'T LET THE TRUTH GET IN THE WAY (OF A BAD STORY)"
AND LIMITED EDITION COMIC BOOK

STREAM/DOWNLOAD SINGLE | WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO

RELEASED HOT ON THE HEELS OF NEW ALBUM "DEAR ILLUSION"

ORDER THE ALBUM

Single artwork for "Don’t Let The Truth Get In The Way (Of A Good Story)"

“Steve Hill is back with his most personal and reflective album of his career.” – Powerplay

“Steve Hill’s Dear Illusion is the best album he’s released to date.” – Fireworks

“With rampant sincerity and melodic finesse, Hill has made an outstanding record.” – R’N’R

“Dear Illusion, makes a very fine Xmas gift for any blues lover who likes their blues full-throttled, loud, and proud.” – Blues Matters

Steve Hill, the acclaimed singer-songwriter recently celebrated his 25th year as a recording artist with his 12th album “Dear Illusion,” released by No Label Records on Friday November 11, 2022.  Three years in the making, the new album is available from https://ffm.to/dearillusion.

To coincide with the album, Steve will release the official music video Don’t let The Truth Get In The Way (Of A Good Story) on Wednesday November 23rd.

The single is available to stream and download HERE and the new the music video is on YouTube HERE .

“It took me a long time to finish Don’t Let The Truth Get In The Way (Of A Good Story),” recollects Steve. “I started working on it six years ago after the Trump election. It’s about alternate truth, but it’s also about social media and our addiction to it. It’s also about pretending that everything is alright when it’s not. It’s about choosing to pretend because it’s easier than facing the truth when the truth doesn’t matter anymore.”

But that’s not all. To make the new album an even bigger means for celebration, Steve will release the limited edition “Dear Illusion” comic book. Physical copies of the comic are available HERE and the digital edition HERE

“I’ve been dreaming doing a comic book for a long time,” reflects Steve. “Before I got into music, drawing was my passion. I wanted to write comics. I’ve collected them sporadically all my life until five years ago when it became an obsession. I think that comics are a great artform. It’s like song writing, in that tell a story in a short period of time. I get feelings out of some comics the same way that I get feelings from music. If you’ve read Alan Moore, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, or Ed Brubaker, you know what I’m talking about.”

“I got in touch with comic book artist Rob Cannon through a mutual connection. He seemed like a good candidate to draw the cover of my previous album, Desert Trip. He did a fantastic job. I love that album cover. When the time came for Dear Illusion, it was obvious he was the go-to guy. What he did was even better than the one before. From there, the next logical step was the comic. He took the themes from the album, the visual landscape from “Desert Trip” and made it a metaphoric science fiction story that I could never have thought of, while retaining the essence and the meaning of the songs. That’s art.”

"Dear Illusion" Comic Book

Photo Credit: © Scott-Doubt

Known over the last ten years as a one-man band, on "Dear Illusion",the multi-instrumentalist shares the spotlight with a horn section, The Devil Horns, as well as 7-time UK Blues Awards Drummer of the Year, Wayne Proctor (A.A. Williams, Oli Brown, King King, Ben Poole). Proctor also mixed and mastered the upcoming record.

"I had a version finished right before the pandemic started,” says Steve. “It was slated for release in April 2020. There was no point in releasing it then, so I decided to wait. The sad context of the pandemic resulted in additional time for me to offer my fans the album I’m sure will meet their expectations for my 25th anniversary as a recording artist. I am proud of the work."

"Ultimately, the results that we collectively achieved with the album, ended up reflecting both maturity and introspection. Overall, I feel like the album is telling that no matter what happens, you should give it everything you got and move on, be the best person you can be, and no matter what, the sun will rise again. Don’t dwell on suffering, and don’t forget about it, either. Even treat misfortune as a friend, slap it on the back and say, Thanks for teaching me.”

ALBUM TRACK LIST

01 - All About The Love (3:53)
02 - Keep It Together (4:11)
03 - Everything You Got (3:22)
04 - Dear Illusion (4:15)
05 - Steal The Light From You (4:09)
06 - Don't Let The Truth Get In The Way (Of A Good Story) (5:03)
07 - Follow Your Heart (3:22)
08 - So It Goes (2:49)
09 - She Gives Lessons In Blues (3:51)
10 - Until The Next Time (3:04)

Photo Credit: © Scott-Doubt

Photo Credit: © Scott-Doubt

ALBUM TRACK BY TRACK

All About The Love
Music by S. Hill, Lyrics by J. Parlett, S. Hill
This one is a mash-up of styles and recordings as the verses were recorded in France and the rest of the song comes from a version I recorded at home. Lots of unique styles are mixed together. One of three songs played as a one-man band on the album, with two different horn sections from two continents!

Keep It Together
Music by S. Hill, Lyrics by J. Pilgrim, S. Hill
Wrote the music on harmonica, which doesnʼt happen often. I hate to explain or analyse my songs but this one, to me, now sounds like it is about Covid and trying to deal with it and the aftermath. The way it was written is another story. I asked my friend and writing partner Johnny Pilgrim to send me synonyms of Feeling Good. He sent a bunch, and I made the verses out of those and came up with the rest of the song the very same day, as I was recording the demo. I had no idea what it was about at the time. The vocal on the album was recorded on that day, as well as the harmonica, guitars, and bass.

Everything You Got
Music and Lyrics by S. Hill
Just a positive song. You get what you give. Simple message but always true and you can never hear it too often. I like that it has a lot of riffs even before the vocals kick in. Killer groove by Wayne Proctor on this one. There are two different guitars exchanging lines in the solo, a 55 Les Paul Jr and my old 66 Tele.

Dear Illusion
Music by S. Hill, Lyrics by J. Parlett, S. Hill
I'd had the verse’s melody and chords for a while when I finally wrote that one, with the help of my long-time lyric collaborator Joshua Parlett. I was heartbroken like never before when we wrote it, and it came easily. Itʼs about realising that the person you are in love with is not what she was pretending to be and coming up with the terms that you were in love with an illusion, as this person never really existed.

Steal The Light From You (Bigger Star)
Music by S. Hill, Lyrics by J. Parlett, S. Hill
Written when I came back from California in 2016 and started out as an acoustic number that was supposed to go with the rest of the songs that became the album that came out last, Desert Trip. Recorded many aborted versions through the years until this one. It has a different feel from what Iʼm used to do and a cool retro vibe.

Donʼt Let The Truth Get In The Way (Of a Good Story)
Music by S. Hill, Lyrics by J. Pilgrim, S. Hill
Wrote that one after Trump grabbed power and we were suddenly faced with the concept of abstract truth. It also deals with social media addiction, and the notion that there must be an absolute truth.

Photo Credit: © Jean-Sébastien-Désilets

Follow Your Heart
Music by S. Hill, Lyrics by J. Pilgrim, S. Hill
I came up with the music after being invited to a Christmas concert with the choir in which my mom sings! I canʼt remember which song I nicked the chords from, but we played it that night. I worked on it for a while and abandoned it for three years. I was looking for an extra track for the album and went through my stuff to find it. It needed better drumming. I decided to ask Wayne Proctor, who I met many times over the past ten years, most notably when I toured the UK opening for King King in 2018. He did such an excellent job that he ended up playing on six songs as well as mixing and mastering the album. Nice heartfelt lyrics from my old friend Johnny Pilgrim.

So It Goes
The line So It Goes comes from the classic Kurt Vonnegut novel Slaughterhouse Five. Every time someone dies the author writes So it goes. I guess it stuck with me. The chorus and melody basically came by itself. For months I kept hearing it in my head. Eventually I came up with the verses and melody for the whole song and then I sent that to Johnny Pilgrim who came up with the story and these amazingly touching lyrics.

She Gives Lessons In Blues
Music by S.Hill  Lyrics by J. Parlett, S.Hill
This one is kind of a follow up to Emily, from Solo Recordings Volume 3. Not written about the same person but who cares? It seemed to make sense to me at the time and that name sounded better than the other options I tried! Based on a true story. Another one played as a one-man band (with overdubbed lead guitar and horns).

Until The Next Time
Music and Lyrics by S. Hill
I don’t often write on piano, but it always sounds a bit different from when I do it on guitar. I'm incredibly happy with how this one turned out. Harmonically different, even though it's still just a variation of the old I-IV-V and I like that. I love finding new ways to play the same old chords! Different guitar sounds on this one too, as I'm using a guitar with an integrated preamp, a copy of Jerry Garciaʼs Tiger guitar.

Photo Credit: © Scott-Doubt