Ike Reilly to perform holiday show and host food drive in hometown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 30, 2015

   

Ike Reilly to Perform Holiday Show and host food drive in hometown

 

Libertyville Township Food Pantry will be on-site to collect items from fans as they arrive at venue

                           

Show is Monday, December 28th at Mickey Finn’s in Libertyville, IL

Indie rock raconteur and singer-songwriter Ike Reilly (along with his band The Assassination) will perform his second show this year in Reilly’s hometown of Libertyville, IL.  After playing the “biggest show in rock ’n’ roll history” this summer in Libertyville, Reilly and the band will return Monday, December 28th to Mickey Finn’s for another all-ages show tied to a food drive for Libertyville Township Food Pantry.  Reilly has been on tour in support of his critically acclaimed album, Born On Fire, since it was released earlier this year on Rock Ridge Music/Firebrand Records.

 

“I was really surprised at how fast we sold out this summer and I thought if we could do it again it would be great   to do something for people right around here who needed help,” says Reilly.

 

The Libertyville Township Food Pantry has over 60 families a week that use the pantry and over 335 families registered this year. All the families are residents of Libertyville Township. Libertyville Township Supervisor Kathleen O’Connor said: “I’m ecstatic about this show. This is a beautiful example of neighbors helping neighbors.” The businesslike-rock and roller O’Connor also revealed that right now her favorite Reilly song is “Do The Death Slide.” “I absolutely love ‘Do The Death Slide,’” O’Connor said.

 

“Reilly’s show this summer was totally epic,” said Mickey Finn’s owner Brian Grano.  “It was all-ages, and we had kids as young as 10 years old mixing it up with adults, teens, college kids and even a table of octogenarians. It was an incredible performance and an incredible vibe of unbridled rock and community.  I can’t believe its gonna go down again so soon. I hope everybody who missed it this summer gets to come in this time.”

 

Tickets go on sale Friday, December 4th and are $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door.  Opening for Reilly will be Church of Cash.

 

David Carr from the New York Times said: “Ike Reilly is a kind of natural resource, mined from the bedrock of music. All the values that make rock important to people—storytelling, melody, rage, laughter—are part and parcel of every Ike Reilly show I have ever seen. One of the best touring acts in the country, Reilly’s band takes it as a personal challenge to upend and amaze every room they play in.”

 

Press praise has been extensive over the years.  Chicago Magazine praised Reilly’s “outlandish storytelling, underdog combativeness, and slapstick humor,” Cincinnati City Beat lauded the “scuffed and noir-ish tales of modern life. …fusing dirty R&B grooves into his swaggering Pop/Roots sound… Ike Reilly’s most amazing accomplishment over the past decade is that every new album is his best ever and yet the new one in no way ever diminishes the greatness of his existing catalog.”  Stereo Subversion called Reilly a “genre-bending journeyman” and a “rough-around-the-edges Americana troubadour.”  And The Big Takeover appreciated Reilly’s “wordy but focused storytelling in his lyrics, his rock & roll sneer and his rough-edged folk rock sound.”

 

Minneapolis City Pages said, “Equal parts punk rocker, poet, and blue-collar barfly, Reilly’s stories are as bizarre and filthy and honest and pure as the people who come out to his shows. His songs reach out and grab people, shake them by the collars, make them jump up and down.”  Chicago Tribune admired that Ike “merges his affinity for folk-punk narrative and anthemic guitar chords with hip-hop’s vocal cadences and rhythmic drive.”  Philadelphia Inquirer enjoyed his “street-poet swagger, audacious humor, and industrial-strength hooks.”  PopMatters.com called him “the best songwriter in America… Hilarious, unsettling, raw… but mostly just rocking.” USA Today hailed Reilly as “never less than original… ferociously intelligent… always worth listening to.” And Los Angeles Times described Reilly’s music as “…barroom rock narrated by a wiseguy who’s as comfortable regaling PhDs and poets as he is pimps and porn stars.”

ABOUT ROCK RIDGE MUSIC:

 

Rock Ridge Music is an artist management company and independent record label with worldwide distribution through ADA (WMG). Founded in 2004 and with offices in Nashville, TN and Washington Crossing, PA, Rock Ridge Music is focused on artist development at every level. Committed to providing a creative, nurturing environment for artists, RRM works collaboratively to meet an artist’s needs, allow the growth of their art and build long-term, sustainable careers.

 

ABOUT FIREBRAND RECORDS:

 

We are living in an era of significant protest. In recent years, people around the world have surprised each other with their courage, strength, and willingness to stand against injustice – and where there has been protest, there has been music. Firebrand Records gives a platform for such voices. Born from these times, the joint-venture between Ryan Harvey (Riot-Folk Collective) and Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine/The Nightwatchman) serves to release music that inspires, informs, and blossoms from these moments. We know that music alone does not change the world, but we recognize that it is an integral part of the movements that do.

 

www.ikereilly.net  |  @ikereilly  |  www.facebook.com/ikereilly

Martha’s Trouble to release two holiday singles in October

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2015
 
MARTHA’S TROUBLE TO RELEASE TWO HOLIDAY SINGLES IN OCTOBER
Martha’s Trouble offers their most anticipated holiday work yet with the arrival of two digital singles, “River” and “White Christmas,” in October 2015.  The new singles follow the success of two independent holiday albums, Christmas Lights (2002) and This Christmas (2008).
In 2002, Christmas Lights was selected for USA Today’s Top Holiday albums of the year list because of the distinctive voices of lead acoustic guitarist-singer Rob and percussionist-singer Jen. Now in 2015, Martha’s Trouble’s rendition of “River” (a cover of the Joni Mitchell song)  is a gorgeous must-have for your holiday collection, along with the duo’s own take on the classic “White Christmas,” which was made famous by Bing Crosby.
Says Jen, “The spin we put on this song is so relaxing, it will put everyone in the Christmas spirit and will keep you feeling this way for years to come.”
Listeners will immediately recognize the Martha’s Trouble signature sound of folk and country twang, which has been praised by some of the most influential and well-respected music critics of our time. Martha’s Trouble has been listed and featured in Billboard MagazineUSA Today, AOL Music, XM Satellite Radio and Performing Songwriter. All of it is part of a dream that is still in the works – a dream that Jen and Rob keep on dreaming.
The name Martha’s Trouble comes from a story in the Bible about two sisters, Martha and Mary. Jesus came to see them one day, and Martha was running around, trying to clean up and prepare food while Mary was hanging out at Jesus’ feet. The story says Martha was “troubled” because Mary wasn’t helping. The story, the duo says, is a reminder to stop and smell the roses, to keep an eye on 
the bigger picture and the important things in life.

Steve Forbert to release “Compromised” on November 6th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2015

 

STEVE FORBERT TO RELEASE COMPROMISED ON NOVEMBER 6th

 

Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert is set to release his 16th studio album, Compromised, on November 6, 2015, via Rock Ridge Music (with distribution through ADA). Recorded in Woodstock and Cape Cod and produced by Forbert along with John Simon (who helmed Forbert’s breakthrough sophomore album, 1979’s Jackrabbit Slim), Compromised is anything but what its title suggests. Its aggressive, roots-rock stylings are reminiscent of Forbert’s 1992 album The American in Me.

 

From the rambling piano and horn-driven swing in “Big Comeuppance” to the seductive twang in “Devil (Here She Comes Now)” to the ironic romanticizing of Altamont in “Welcome the Rolling Stones,” Forbert has followed his muse to the hilt. “It’s all about the songs,” Forbert acknowledges, “and the songs are about the inspiration. For me, if you have the inspiration, then you have to make the commitment to getting the song as good as you know it should be. Then making an album—a finished product—is your next challenge.”

 

Compromised collaborators include bassist Joey Spampinato (NRBQ), drummer Lou Cataldo (The Freeze), pianist/trumpeter Kami Lyle, and keyboardist Robbie Kondor, the latter of whom played on Forbert’s classic 1978 debut, Alive on Arrival. “I recorded with the band that did the Arrival and Jackrabbit anniversary tours with me in 2013 and 2014,” Forbert says, “where we played those albums in their entireties. It just seemed natural to say, ‘Okay, we’re going to rehearse for this tour — but let’s record an album together, too.’  And it was great reconnecting with John Simon again after all this time.”

 

Compromised seems to be a fairly ironic title, given the nature of its contents. “If people ask me why it’s called Compromised, well, that’s the first song on the record, and it’s pretty true to my style,” Forbert admits. “But to put it simply, I’ve been dealing with the changes we’ve all been going through and what we live with in life today. Clearly, we’re going through something new because of the digital revolution. We have so much intensity in the air now — that cliché of too much information.”

 

In today’s overload-of-information age, Forbert recognizes the value of having a “calling card” song in his arsenal — “Romeo’s Tune,” his indelible pop hit that reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. “That song took on a life of its own,” he says. “Did I become a household name? No. But you write the songs, and you record the songs. As long as you have the inspiration, you keep on going.” A testament to his songwriting prowess, Forbert’s songs have been recorded by several artists, such as Keith Urban, Marty Stuart, and Rosanne Cash.  His 2002 tribute album to Jimmie Rodgers (entitled Any Old Time) was nominated for a Grammy in the best traditional folk category in 2004. Born in Meridian, Mississippi, Forbert was inducted into the Mississippi Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

 

Forbert plans to tour in UK and Scandinavia in September and October, with some US dates planned in November and December after Compromised is released (see below for tour schedule).

 

STEVE FORBERT TOUR SCHEDULE:

2015:

9/19 – Mamaroneck, NY / SOWE Music Festival

9/23 – Glasgow, UK / St. Andrews in the Square

9/24 – Perth, UK / Inchyra Arts Club

9/25 – Edinburgh, UK / The Pleasence Theatre

9/27 – Stockholm, Sweden / Bryggarsalen Restaurang & Konferens

9/28 – Orebro, Sweden / Scandic Grand

9/29 – Oslo, Norway / Buckleys

9/30 – Bergen, Norway / Madam Felle

10/2 – Malmo, Sweden / Folk å Rock

10/3 – Skebobruk, Sweden / Skebobruks Pub

10/4 – Uppsala, Sweden / Kulturoasen

10/6 – Manchester, UK / Richard Goodall Gallery

10/7 – Sheffield, UK / The Greystones

10/8 – Thorner, UK / Thorner Victory Hall

10/10 – London, UK / Nells Jazz & Blues

10/11 – Milton Keynes, UK / The Stables

10/12 – Belfast, UK / Errgile Inn

10/14 – Cardiff, UK / The Globe

10/15 – Bristol, UK / St. Stephens, Bristol

11/6 – Cambridge, MA / Club Passim

11/14 – West Kingston, RI / Courthouse Center for the Arts

11/18 – Portland, ME / One Longfellow Square

11/20 – Albany, NY / The Linda

11/21 – Beacon, NY / The Towne Crier Café

12/4 – Kennett Square, PA / The Kennett Flash

12/5 – New Hope, PA / New Hope Winery

2016:

1/8 – Atlanta, GA / Red Light Café

1/9 – Jacksonville, FL / Mudville Grille

1/23 – Evanston, IL / SPACE

1/24 – Ft. Wayne, IN / One Lucky Guitar

1/28 – Stevens Point, WI / Sentry Theatre (w/Leo Kottke)

1/29 – Green Bay, WI / Meyer Theatre (w/ Leo Kottke)

1/30 – Madison, WI / The Barrymore Theatre (w/ Leo Kottke)

3/4 – Vienna, VA / Jammin Java

3/11 – Pawling, NY / Daryl’s House Club

3/12 – Ithaca, NY / The Dock

www.steveforbert.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Steve-Forbert/238877199547846

www.twitter.com/steveforbert

www.youtube.com/user/forbertmusic

Christian Lopez Band performing on Mountain Stage and Music City Roots this fall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2015

 

CHRISTIAN LOPEZ BAND PERFORMING ON MOUNTAIN STAGE AND MUSIC CITY ROOTS THIS FALL

 

West Virginia-based Christian Lopez Band will be performing on public radio multiple times this fall:  the group is set to play on the acclaimed, long-running NPR show Mountain Stage on October 25th (radio airdate TBA; the show broadcasts nationally) and on the highly-regarded Music City Roots on November 18th.  Also on tap: Christian and Co. head to Nashville for United Talent Agency’s showcase during the Americana Music Festival on September 18th.  Additionally, they are confirmed to perform on Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, TN, on September 17th.

 

Christian Lopez Band is in the midst of promoting its debut album, Onward, which was released May 19th via Blaster Records.  (For a full list of confirmed upcoming tour dates please see below or visit: www.christianlopezband.com/tour/.) Produced by Dave Cobb (Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell), Onward features ten songs written by the band’s 19-year-old namesake, which tackle themes of love, perseverance, coming of age and an appreciation for where you are in life.  The lone cover on the album is a spirited version of the public domain Gospel song “Oh Those Tombs” that was later popularized by Hank Williams. The video for “Leaving It Out” so impressed CMT that they premiered the clip in August on the music-intensive CMT Pure;  a live performance clip of the song “Goodbye” also aired around album release on the channel.  A video of an acoustic version of one of the album’s tracks, “Seven Years,” is set to premiere at The Bluegrass Situation this week.

 

Press support for Onward has been strong:

American Songwriter:  “Put any preconceptions on the shelf and it’s easy to see that Christian Lopez has a rich career ahead of him. It’s a concept he alludes to in the disc’s forward looking title and proves on every song of this impressive first effort.”
Stereo Subversion: “…it’s Lopez’ acoustic guitar and his soulful voice that pulls deeply on the heartstrings and shines brightest. …[His music] can be revelatory; a much-needed salve for all of the lacquered up bruises brought on by contemporary country and Music Row. …In a noisy realm of new bands and artists, Lopez could be a standout just based on his songwriting ability alone.”

Alternate Root: “There are guys twice Lopez’ age making records that are only half as good. Preternaturally wise and notably talented, this is a kid to watch.” – Top 25 Artists of 2015

 

Lopez hails from the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, where he was influenced by the Appalachian bluegrass tradition, jam bands, and his father’s deep record collection (which included the folk rock sounds and great songwriting of artists such as Jackson Browne, and James Taylor). Lopez was also young enough to soak up the energy of Americana roots revivalists The Avett Brothers and Old Crow Medicine Show.  It was these fiery, acoustic bands that inspired him to trade in his electric guitar for an acoustic.  Lopez began writing songs as a teen and began touring before he was old enough to drive.  Music and performances from Christian Lopez Band have been featured in television and online ad campaigns for Belk’s and West Virginia state tourism.

 

Christian Lopez Tour Schedule:

9/10/15 – Washington, DC / The Hamilton (w/ Corey Smith)

9/11/15 – Cambridge, MA / The Sinclair (w/ Corey Smith)

9/12/15 – New York, NY / Bowery Ballroom (w/ Corey Smith)

9/17/15 – Knoxville, TN / WDVX Blue Plate Special

9/18/15 – Nashville, TN / The High Watt (United Talent Agency Americana Showcase)

9/20/15 – Washington, DC / CureFest DC

10/9/15 – Spencer, WV / West Virginia Black Walnut Festival

10/14/15 – Boardman, OH / Quaker Steak and Lube (w/ JD Eicher)

10/15/15 – Pittsburgh, PA / Pittsburgh Winery (w/ JD Eicher)

10/16/15 – Brooklyn, NY / Living Room (w/ JD Eicher)

10/18/15 – Basking Ridge, NJ / House show (w/ JD Eicher)

10/22/15 – Lansdowne, PA / Lansdowne Folk Club

10/23/15 – Washington, DC / The Hamilton (w/ American Aquarium)

10/25/15 – Charleston, WV / Mountain Stage, Culture Center Theater

10/29/15 – Martinsburg, WV / Shepherdstown Opera House

10/31/15 – Raleigh, NC / Belk – NC State Tailgate

11/18/15 – Nashville, TN / Music City Roots

 

Handy links:

 

Website – www.christianlopezband.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/Christianlopezband

Twitter – @Clopezmusic

EPK – www.christianlopezband.com/onward-epk

Christian on his live show – https://vimeo.com/120864467 (pw: Lopez1)

The Bluegrass Situation – “Morning Rise” premiere

Country Weekly – “On The Edge” feature, ran January 2015