August 2017

ONI Releases Metal-Charged Cover of Linkin Park Classic, “A Place For My Head”

Unmatched technical progressive metal band ONI have publicly cited Linkin Park as a longtime influence, and after the recent untimely death of vocalist Chester Bennington, the band decided to enter the studio to record a cover track and pay homage to their fallen musical hero. Right now, you can stream ONI‘s metal-charged cover of the classic Linkin Park track, “A Place For My Head”, here: https://youtu.be/fGiXU-JrIQ8

ONI frontman Jake Oni says: “Linkin Park was the first band that introduced me into heavier music, which ultimately lead me down my path of metal. His voice and lyrics affected so many people, especially me. The world will not be the same without Chester Bennington. We decided to record this cover as a tribute to Linkin Park and Chester. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans.”

ONI recently wrapped up tours with Devin Townsend Project, Gojira, Deafheaven and Code Orange, and have even more exciting touring plans scheduled for the fall, to be announced soon. Stay tuned for more information forthcoming.

Take a look at ONI‘s recent music video for “Spawn and Feed”, viewable now via ONI‘s Facebook page and YouTube channel. The video features footage taken from 23 concerts in 13 countries across Europe during the band’s tour with Children of Bodom earlier this year. “Spawn and Feed” is cut from ONI‘s breakout Blacklight Media/Metal Blade Records release, Ironshore.

Ironshore, which hit stores in November 2016, can be ordered now via www.metalblade.com/oni and/or streamed via Spotify. Ironshore was produced by Josh Wilbur, primarily recognized for his work with top metal artists Lamb Of God and Gojira. Upon release of the album, ONI undoubtedly introduced the metal world to the wonders of Xylosynth, which you can witness first hand via this superhuman playthrough for the track “Barn Burner” here.

ONI is:

Jake Oni – vocals

Martin Andres – guitar

Chase Bryant – bass

Johnny D – Xylosynth

Joe Greulich – drums

Brandon White – guitar

novak law

Warped Tour Spotlight -Jule Vera

I had the the chance to check out this band on Warped Tour and to say I was impressed was an understatement .This is a band to watch out for because one day you will be able to say I remember before they became famous . You might want to start to make plans because it just might happen sooner then later . Their energized performance and meticulous attention to music performance makes one think of bands years in advance of them. In school terms them blew out the bell curve. The songs , soulful delivery and rocking attitude of the really kicks things up in high gear and I look forward to seeing a full performance

Jule Vera is a young female-fronted alternative band from Alabama. Influences like The Killers, Queen, and No Doubt, help the raw, pop melodies and emotional lyrics fit in a rock/pop groove. Since their start in 2013 they have played with artists including American Authors, Wild Cub, Terraplane Sun, and David Cook. In 2014 they also won Best Emerging Artist at Summerfest in Milwaukee.

The words JULE VERA put together means “Young Truth,” that is appropriate for the pop group who chose it . JULE VERA rocketed from talent competitions to Alternative Press’ “100 Bands You Need To Know.”

JULE VERA is a small town band with a massive appeal, balancing an ambitious thirst for smart pop music with an emotional palette defined by authenticity and drive.

Lead singer is Ansley Newman ,guitarist is Jake Roland and bassist is William Stacey along with guitarist Austin Jones and drummer Kyle “Hogarth” Horvath to complete the act. The band hails from Opelika, Alabama (population: 28,000), nurtured by the state that gave us legendary icons like Hank Williams Sr., Nat King Cole, and Sun Ra .

Jule Vera earned a deal with Sony/ATV publishing as well, and were handpicked by the prestigious High Road Touring booking agency, home to Wilco and Lucinda Williams. Veteran artist manager Chris Allen, who was instrumental in the development of heavy hitters All-American Rejects, Plain White T’s and All Time Low, represents Jule Vera.

APMA’s Red Carpet , Where The Stars Meet The Fans

Fans waiting their time on the redcarpet

Cleveland, Ohio- The Alternative Press Music Awards is a once in a life opportunity for both the artists and the fans and both parties make the most of this event. The event is for fans of all ages, the young and the young at heart .I had the opportunity to work the red carpet again this year but this time I wanted it to be different .Instead of the same red carpet photos how about some images of the fans reaction and the artists reaction to meeting one another .

I met and spoke at length with fans from Connecticut and Michigan who with a bit of irony were both named Meaghan and one Cassie thrown in the mix as well for good measure .

fans with I The Mighty — Fans with I The Mighty

I saw lots of smiles and hugs and even some tears of joy so I think allowing the fans access to the res carpet is a wonderful idea . The current state of the world is full of negativity but the release and pleasure we get from music is almost priceless so to make a shining moment is someones life will always be a good thing .

A fan does a selfie with Sleeping With Sirens

I spoke with Cassie Marie from Griswald CT who stated her favorite part of the AMPA’s was the drum off and her favorite bands were Dance Gavin Dance and Too Close To Touch .

This was just a precursor to more extensive coverage of the Alternative Press Music Awards with more come on the next weeks . Let us know your favorite moments in the comment section below.

VENOM INC to play AGORA BALLROOM on September 7th

*Regardless of your take on black metal forefathers Venom, they are the undisputed originators of extreme metal as we know it. Almost 40 years after their inception, the revitalized 1989-1992 line-up of guitarist Jeff “Mantas” Dunn, vocalist/bassist Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan and drummer Anthony “Abaddon” Bray have returned with a monster of an album.

*VENOM INC. was born during an impromptu live set at 2015’s Keep it True Festival in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany. The on-stage reunion was a rousing success amongst Venom fans and music industry personnel alike, and although it was originally only set up for fun, Dolan began receiving numerous show offers for VENOM INC. from booking agents around the world. What started as a live set to celebrate Venom‘s legacy immediately turned into a serious reunion discussion. The rest is history.

*VENOM INC is: Jeff “Mantas” Dunn, Anthony “Abaddon” Bray and Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan