SONG OF THE DAY: Irish SINGER /SONGWRITER PADJO DOLAN RELEASES "HAZEL EYES"

Singer /Songwriter Padjo Dolan releases his latest effort " Hazel Eyes" today( September 24th). The track is one of the first offerings from Padjo as an independent artist outside of a band. Dolan creates an upbeat track with evocative lyrics and a catchy melody. Donna Bissett lends her vocals to harmonise the chorus. The energetic pop/rock song looks about taking chances in life, which is certainly the case here. The song opens with an atmospheric intro before exploding into an upbeat chorus. 

Dolan says of the song; “The track encapsulates everything I love about rock music and demonstrates exactly what I am about as an artist”

There are also a ton of great musicians involved in this track. Aside from Patrick Dolan (aka Padjo Dolan) on guitar and vocals, there’s also Cian Boylan, Conor Brady, Dave Hingerty, and Robbie Malone involved in the project. Having so many talented creatives involved in Hazel Eyes gives it the energy and spontaneous feel that only a group of musicians can give!

Padjo started making music as a solo artist in 2019. Before this, he was in many different bands where he cut his teeth writing music and performing live. Following his decision to take his music to the next level, the world stopped with the COVID pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns. Interestingly, this major worldwide event had a deep effect on the artist’s songwriting. As he was composing his new music during the lockdown, he felt a deep need for freedom and of course a lot of extra energy, which was infused in this new project.


Words transcribed by Anselm Anderson

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PARADOX 's CHARLY STEINHAUER INTERVIEW: "This is Champions League and makes every song more valuable"

 

German Thrashers Paradox return with their eighth studio album "Heresy 2-End of a Legend" via AFM Records this Friday, September 24h. The Rambling Man grabbed an opportunity to speak with lead singer Charly Steinhauer about the new album, the return of some old members. the concept behind the album, and modern-day music. Click below to read the full interview;

Hello, How are you? Could you introduce yourselves to the readers?

Hello to all readers, My name is Charly Steinhauer and I am the singer and guitarist of the German melodic thrash band Paradox, which I founded in 1981. I'm also the songwriter and producer for the band. Right now I'm feeling very comfortable as the hard work on the new album is over. It's always a relaxing time when you just have to wait for a new album to be released.

Paradox has a new album, entitled “Heresy 2- End Of A Legend” on September 24th via AFM records. What can you tell me about the release, and what can readers expect from the release?

Heresy II - End Of A Legend is our eighth studio album. It's the longest and most versatile album from Paradox. The listener gets a consistent continuation of Paradox's own style, which combines power, speed and thrash metal elements. 

The album is not for just one run, because it includes 13 titles and has a playing time of 75 minutes.  It grows bigger and bigger over time and there is a lot to discover. It's an exciting journey and offers a lot of atmospheres.

I understand this is seen as a sequel to your 1990 classic “Heresy”, What is behind the decision to create a follow up now? 

Heresy II is not a direct sequel. It contains an independent story, but it is written by the same lyricist Peter Vogt, who was also responsible for the "HERESY "1989 story. The title Heresy II was chosen because the story is thematically related and also takes place in the middle ages. The subtitle "End Of A Legend" means the end of the Heresy series and not the end of Paradox. There won't be a Heresy III story. 

Peter, with whom I was in contact over the years, suggested the story concept to me in 2015, but at that point, I was already busy with the previous album "Pangea". Then in 2019, I started the songwriting process for HERESY II.

What are the main differences do you find between the two albums thirty years on?

As a songwriter, I definitely didn't want to copy myself, but rather expand the Paradox style. Heresy 2021 should definitely sound different than Heresy 1989. Everyone would have said we want to rest on old laurels and only use the name to be successful. We do not need that. Paradox doesn't have to prove anything to anyone after 40 years of existence.

 If you pick out a song, the old school fan immediately hears which band is playing here. So the biggest difference is how the band has evolved over the years, but the Paradox style is still the same. With all of its trademarks.

This album sees a change in personnel with guitarist Christian Munzner and bassist Olly Keller returning after a one-album break, as does the return of drummer Axel Blaha, who last played on “Heresy”. What impact does this have on the album and, furthermore, what is it like to have them back?

When you hear what Christian Münzner has conjured up with his solos on this album, you can hear what impact it has. This is Champions League and makes every song more valuable. The same counts for Olly Keller and Axel Blaha. I wrote all the songs by myself, but only with these musicians do the entire album sound like that.

It is a dream to be able to work with such good musicians and I hope that they will stay with the band for a long time to come. The chemistry couldn't be better and we haven't had a disagreement over the past few years. As friends, we also spend time together outside of the band.

They aren’t the only ones to make a return. Lyricist Peter Vogt is back to contribute with the lyrical concept. Could you elaborate further on what the concept is for the new album, and what can you tell me about the work Peter Vogt contributes to the band’s music?

Peter Vogt is not involved in the musical direction of Paradox, but all of the song titles and the album titles are his work. In contrast to Heresy I, which is based on a true story, Heresy II is a fictional story.

So in 1244 at the siege of Montsegur, two Knights were tasked with removing the ‘Cathar Treasure”. It was thought by many to be an actual treasure when in fact it was only a token of their belief. 

This story chronicles what might have transpired, it tells of the dangerous journey these two disparate groups endured, how through visions they are told of the myth of Christ and that the real Messiah was in fact John the Baptist. In fact, our modern Pope wears the ring of John, the Fisher of men.

What was the writing process going into the studio to make this?

I composed the music for the songs in five months between July 2019 and December 2019. Then I sent a singing demo for Peter without texts and then he put the words in the right place. 

First, the drums were recorded. At the same time, Christian Münzner was working on the solos and then Olly Keller recorded his bass tracks here in my studio. After all the instruments had been recorded, I worked on the vocals for another three months.  In the end, I mixed the album and Hannes Grossmann took care of the mastering.

The album has a fresh feel to it with pummeling drums, tenacious riffs and soaring melodies that give an impression of early Metallica. What was your thought process when planning the album? Did you want to make an “Old-school thrash “ album like this?

Oh, thank you! I see it as a compliment that you call the album old school. Then we probably managed the balancing act between old school and new school very well.

No. Before the songwriting process, I didn't think about how the album should sound like. I just knew it should sound different than Heresy 1989.  When I compose a song I let my creativity run free. I don't have thought about how long the song should be or how it should sound. I just know before whether it should be a faster or a slower song. 

So I choose a click track at a certain tempo and play the guitar until I have an idea of a riff that I like.  Then I record this riff and work on the harmonies. It's a pretty complex work process.

You have of course released a few singles in anticipation of this album. They are called “Mountains and Caves”, “Priestly Vows” and “The Visitors”. What can you tell us about those singles, and how they play a part in the album?

"Priestly Vows" was our first single and also the first song I composed for the album. We wanted to choose a song that is fast but also includes rhythm changes and reflects all facets of Paradox. "The Visitors" was the second single and, like the third single, "Mountains And Caves", should be more dedicated to old school fans.

Selecting a single was not so easy for us, because "Escape From The Burning", "A Man of Sorrow" or "Burying A Treasure" would also have worked well as a single.

I understand you recorded the album yourself with mastering done by Hannes Grossman at MordorSound Studio. What was the reasons behind producing the album itself, and what was the recording process like?

“HERESY II - End Of A Legend” was by far the toughest Paradox album. Not only because of the extra length, but also how it was worked on. In the end, my batteries were completely empty and it took me a few weeks to get out of this burn-out.

The reason why we decided to mix the album ourselves is partly that we bought new equipment and are now able to do it. 

The second reason ... why should we pay several thousand euros if I can do it just as well by myself. The band thought I could do it. At first, I had doubts, but then I tried. It is my first mix for international production and I am satisfied with the first result.  I have to gain experience and learn to make the next album sound even better. 

Of course, we would have liked to have Andy Sneap (to whom I lent my amplifier for the Sabbath production in the 80s) for the production, but that is priceless in our status.

Travis Smith was behind the amazing cover work. What do you feel his artwork brings to the music, and what was it like to work with him?

At first, it wasn't easy to approach Travis Smith, but when I got in touch with him, Travis turned out to be an extremely nice person. He is a very, very professional artist who always has ideas for the product. He listens to the music and visualizes the atmosphere perfectly. We would love to work with him again anytime.

Paradox first formed forty years ago in 1981, how does the band remain revigorated all these years, and do you see a big change in the landscape between when you started to now.

Of course, times have changed. Today more than 100 CD`s come onto the completely oversaturated market every month. In the 80s, top-class albums were released all the time and today you have to look to find one. The lifelessness and superficiality of today is a big problem. The free download offers to destroy every band which is forced to make a living from it. The musician doesn't earn any more money, but the quality is still required. That cannot work permanently. That does not fit together. Look at all these internet trolls who have made it their business to leave bad comments to speak an ugly language as well. 

Back in the 80s, there was a lot more solidarity among heavy metal fans. I miss that very much.  It's fun to be creative and I still have the passion for it, but I don't expect great success and luckily I don't have to make a living from it.

And finally, what next for Paradox.

Well, we'll just wait and see how the new album is received by the fans. Then we decide how and to what extent it will continue. I still have the fire for more Paradox music. I'm not running out of ideas and I already have a clear idea of the direction for the next album.

Thank you for the interview! Horns up!

Interview conducted by Anselm Anderson

Heresy II- End Of A Legend will be available this Friday (September 24th) via all major streaming platforms 

SONG OF THE DAY: PRANA SONGBIRD FT RANDY STEPHENS - THE RIVER

 

French Creole singer Prana Songbird returns with "The River" featuring Blues guitarist Randy Stephens. The track was published via Sony Orchard Music and produced by Grammy Award-winning Thomas Marolda (Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart). 

Having toured recently throughout Florida with her tribute show the Company of DIVAS, Songbird has also recently featured as the lead actress in the film Love, Song and Power. She now returns to the airways with Randy Stephens to deliver another mammoth performance with "The River". Prana's powerful and wavering vocals soar over blues guitar, bass, drums and dazzling keys. The song leaves you feeling warm inside as it finishes with an extensive solo. This soul song manages to strike the listener right through the heart, as Prana develops her vocal range and power.

words by Anselm Anderson

For further reading on Prana Songbird, click here

 song OF THE DAY: PRANA SONGBIRD FT RITCHIE SAMBORA- LISTEN LIKE IT'S GOSPEL | Rambling Man's Reviews (anselmanderson.blogspot.com)

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EP REVIEW: BASTETTE- EXPOSED.

 

Wigan's own female-fronted Rock band Bastette release the sophomore EP Exposed this Friday (September 17th) via RPM records.

The pop/rock act combines gritty lyrical content, powerful melodies and pop stylings to create a five-track EP that covers themes such as love, betrayal, control and manipulation. The EP was produced by Gareth Nuttall at The Lounge Recording Studio in Wigan.

The opener "Stand Back" is a dark pop track with a strong message behind the track. Vocalist Catherine Kenyon sings over pounding drums and an eerie electronic ambience. Next up is "Talk About It", a gritty track with Kenyon sounding like a defiant woman in the face of adversity.

Bastette writes original songs with raw passion and empathy to drive such aforementioned issues to the listener. Kenyon comes across as a competent frontwoman unafraid to open up. The vocalist's relatable and evocative timbre is sung from the heart over a sonic rock guitar sound.

No more so than the malignant "Sick And Twisted",  and the equally haunting melodies of "Rollercoaster". And finally, "Poison" completes this short outing for the Lancastrians. Kenyon's intimate vocals stretch across an edgy rock track that shows pop stylings in the chorus. The upbeat electronic background is in stark contrast to the humbled melodies of the lead singer. Overall, Bastette lay themselves bare with a release that tells us more about their spirit and resolves.

Words by Anselm Anderson

'Bastette Exposed' is out Friday 17th September. Pre-order it here: https://bastette.bigcartel.com/

Click Here to read more about the album,https://anselmanderson.blogspot.com/2021/06/brit-rockers-bastette-premiere-new.html

'BASTETTE EXPOSED' TRACKLIST:

1. Stand Back
2. Talk About It
3. Sick & Twisted
4. Rollercoaster
5. Poison


BASTETTE LIVE:

25th September - LIVERPOOL, Grand Central Hall (w/ Massive Wagons)
20th November - MANCHESTER, Rebellion (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
26th November - BIRMINGHAM, Engine Room (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
9th December - BLACKPOOL, The Waterloo (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
10th December - NOTTINGHAM, Rough Trade (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
11th December - BRADFORD, Nightrain (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
12th December - HULL, Old School House (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
18th December - READING, Purple Turtle (w/ Marisa and the Moths)

BASTETTE IS:

Caroline Kenyon - Vocals/Songwriter
Sam Newiss - Lead Guitar
Eoin Kelly - Rhythm Guitar
Paddy Duffy - Bass
Rob Hirst - Drums

CONNECT WITH BASTETTE:

Official Website: https://www.bastette.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bastette
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BastetteMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bastetteuk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bastetteuk
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bastetteukofficial

"Sick and Twisted"

"Rollercoaster"

ALBUM OF THE WEEK- SHAW DAVIS AND THE BLACK TIES- RED SUN REBELLION

 Blues trio Shaw Davis and The Black Ties return with their third studio album Red Sun Rebellion, released via Sony Orchard Music. The outfit has revitalized the usual stripped-back blues with an edgy rock sound, heavily influenced by bands like Rage Against The Machine, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. The nine-track record was produced by Grammy-award winning producer Paul Nelson (Johnny Winter). 

The album starts with the upbeat lead single "Higher", a good choice for radio airplay sees Davis improve his vocals to harmonize over a bombastic riff. Next up is "Heart To Steal" with another uptempo track that shows how far the performers have grown in the past three years. The swinging rhythmic patterns give a raw sense of a boogie-blues number. Davis sounds like he is in his element with incendiary guitar licks and breaks that signal the band's new direction.

Davis, bassist Patrick Stevenson and drummer Bobby Von Stone have drastically honed their skills and taken heed from their influences. Each track is a knowing nod to the aforementioned bands with a touch of themselves added to the equation. "Black Flagged" is one such example with the resonant overtones of RATM wringing out on guitar. Davis plays the guitar like a wild axeman, as Von Stone gives equal measures on drums.

The album takes a break from all the heavy guitar play on the slow burner "If I Stay This Way" and  "Straight Ahead" And finally, the soulful "Too Far Gone" wraps up a welcome return for Shaw Davis and The Black Ties.

Overall, Red Sun Rebellion showcases the evolution of an underrated guitarist and a talented band of musicians. Davis has developed an ear for exhilarating riffs and wholesome songs to whet the appetite of any eager rock act looking for something fresh.

Words By Anselm Anderson

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"Higher"

"Promised Land"

 

HANNAH SCHZDE MUSIC INTERVIEW: " I wanted to move people through sound and lyrics just like all of my favourite music artists are able to do!"

The Rambling man got the opportunity to speak with Mexican singer/songwriter Hannah Schzde about her latest single "Shine", Musical influences, and the singer's Instagram blog about gardening. You can read the full interview below;

Hello, How are you? Could you introduce yourself to new listeners? 

Hi, I’m doing well and I’m very excited to be doing this interview with Rambling Man! My name is Hannah Schzde, pronounced “Sheez-dae”, and I’m a bilingual songwriter and violinist born and raised in Mexico City and now based in Boston, MA.

 How would you describe your sound? 

My music sounds like an ideal road trip playlist: it has a little bit of every genre, from acoustic sounds and emotional string arrangements to electrifying, danceable beats with an indie feel. 

What inspired you to get into music?

Music has always been an important part of my life, not only as a performer but also as a listener. I have always known I wanted to move people through sound and lyrics just like all of my favourite music artists are able to do! 

What are your influences on your career?

My influences are as eclectic as my music! I find inspiration in the music of Selena, Lady Gaga, Arianna Grande and bands like My Chemical Romance, The Punch Brothers, Electric Light Orchestra and Snarky Puppy. Violinists Regina Carter and Emilie Autumn and soundtrack composers such as Koji Kondo and Danny Elfman are also a big influence in my music, among many other artists!

 You have released a new music video for “Shine”, Could you explain the making behind it, and the message you hope to tell with the track? 

Of course! The music video for “Shine” was filmed in Tampa, Florida earlier this year. My husband was the videographer and I did all the editing. I wanted to portray my most natural self in this music video with no makeup, messy hair and all! After all, “Shine” is a song about self-love and setting free from beauty standards, so I thought this was the best way to reflect the meaning of the song. 

Dancing and moving in whichever way felt natural to me really. It set me free when filming this music video and I just hope to inspire everyone to find freedom in being their true selves as well! 

There is a unique combination between Ukulele and Violin. What impact do you feel the instruments have on the song, and would you say you were somewhat of a Multi-Instrumentalist?

 I love mixing instruments in unconventional ways and I am really glad that this song provided the opportunity to do that. Even though the violin is my main instrument, I also play ukulele, mandolin and piano, so I guess I can be considered somewhat of a multi-instrumentalist.

 

The ukulele in the music video is actually the same one I used in the recording. I bought this ukulele from a friend a few weeks before the lockdown last year and it was the best decision I could have made! After recording a few YouTube ukulele covers,  I eventually wrote the ukulele loop for “Shine” without knowing it would be one of the main focus points of the song and the music video.

 I understand you moved to America to pursue a Music degree. What was it like for you to come to a new country to study the subject, and how has that shaped you as a person and performer? 

Moving to the United States has been the greatest adventure of my life. When I first moved here my main goal was to graduate from college because, after experiencing many setbacks in my home country, I knew that once I had my degree no one could take it away from me and it feels really good to have accomplished that important milestone. Since graduating college, I’ve also had the privilege to record and perform with many different local music artists, orchestras and ensembles, as well as with poets, dancers and musical theatre productions. I also found a place in the indie music scene of Boston and was able to travel to many different cities in the U.S. to perform in all kinds of venues. At this point in my music career, I’ve grown in a way that I never even imagined and I can’t wait to see what the following years bring. 

You have an eclectic taste in Latin, Western Music, jazz and pop. Are these styles you always wanted to implement in your music? 

I’ve always enjoyed listening to all kinds of music and I can’t limit myself to just one genre, not only as a music consumer but also as a musician myself. I find satisfaction in discovering how different music genres can interconnect and I like expressing my own intersectionality through that fusion of styles. 

You have performed as a violinist at some prestigious venues in Boston, such as The Sinclair and Oberon to name but a few. Is there a difference between performing to a crowd as a violinist, as to perform to a crowd singing? 

I think that, in comparison to the violin, singing involves a lot more vulnerability because it uses an instrument that is not an outside object but an intimate and unique mechanism inside our body. For the longest time, I was shy to hear my voice amplified through a microphone, but as time goes by I’m finding myself more and more comfortable singing to others and I’m very excited to unlock my vocal abilities even further! 

You have an Instagram blog based on your hobby of caring for plants. Could you tell me more about that, and in a world where mental health is always under the spotlight, How important do you feel this is to you and your music? 

“Tierra Everyday”, previously called “Create Life Not Trash”, is my own urban gardening journal where I share updates on my summer garden and the veggies and herbs I grow and harvest. I like to call it “urban gardening” because my garden is pretty much a patch of dirt on the side of the street.

however, that’s what I love about it the most! 

Plants have taught me that growth is possible under any circumstance, especially if there is patience, love and care. I think gardening can be very therapeutic because it is 100% hands-on and I really believe that dedicating time to something out of love rather than responsibility is freeing in itself. On the other hand, gardening can also teach us a lot about persistence and dedication because outdoor plants need to be watered every day and taken care of constantly. It can also be a lot of work sometimes but the results are always worth it! When working on music, gardening allows me to step out of the studio to breathe fresh air and admire the magic of nature which, at the same time, has always been a great inspiration in my lyrics as it can be heard on my latest single “Shine”. 

Live venues are back…Can we expect Hannah Schzde to perform at more venues with your new music any time soon? 

I don’t have any solo shows planned at the moment but there will definitely be more opportunities to see me perform live next year! 

And finally, what is next for Hannah Schzde?

I’m currently working on my next single! I am planning on releasing it at the end of September and there will also be a music video for it, so stay posted in all my socials @hannah.schzde!

Interview conducted by Anselm Anderson.

If you enjoyed this interview, click below to read the review of "Shine" below;

SONG OF THE DAY: HANNAH SCHZDE- SHINE | Rambling Man's Reviews (anselmanderson.blogspot.com)

You can also follow the blog here to receive daily updates of music news, reviews and interviews from the world of rock.

SONG OF THE DAY- BRENDA CAY- DRUNK ON COUNTRY SONGS

 

Country singer Brenda Cay returns with her third single "Drunk On Country Songs", released today (September 3rd). The follow up to "Alone With You" and "Wherever You Are" is a fun poke at a night out in a local bar. The singles show how the pandemic hasn't stopped Cay from doing what she loves the best, following the critically-acclaimed release of her 2020 EP Fragile Like A Bomb.

Marland-native Brenda cay grew up alongside the eastern Shore, originally starting off as a CPA.  Brenda Cay has now established herself as a reputable songwriter and artist in Music City, USA. Brenda focuses on Country music and her songs are woven with subtle hints of pop, rock, and R&B .Brenda was nominated for Song of the Year in 2019 at the Josie Awards for her single, “Joe,” in the Americana/Bluegrass category.

"Drunk On Country Songs" is a parody of drinking away your sorrows in a country bar. Cay sounds whimsical, as she uses clever wordplay to express her troubles. Cay croons over twangy guitars and sparkling piano keys to deliver a fun country song for any playlists that need refreshing.

Words transcribed by Anselm Anderson

For further reading on Brenda Cay, Click Here

SONG OF THE DAY: BRENDA CAY- ALONE WITH YOU | Rambling Man's Reviews (anselmanderson.blogspot.com)

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