Monday 8 February 2016

Former Trans-Siberian Orchestra / Mickey Hart Vocalist Tim Hockenberry to Release Self-titled Debut Album of Original Music March 4th 2016



San Francisco, CA - Tim Hockenberry is a versatile multi-instrumentalist singer and songwriter whose voice is reminiscent of Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, and Tom Waits. He is releasing Tim Hockenberry, his self-titled debut album of all original music, worldwide on March 4th, 2016. He is also a gifted interpreter of well-known cover songs, and you only need to hear a few bars of Hockenberry singing I Left My Heart In San Francisco to understand that this is an artist who has a refreshingly authentic approach to great songs.

Tim gained international fame when he performed and made it to the semi-finals (last singer standing) on America’s Got Talent in 2012, where he was a favorite of judge Howard Stern. Stern declared Tim’s semi-final performance of John Lennon’s Imagine, with Tim on the piano accompanied by a cellist, “the most moving we’ve had from a singer in a long time.” The sparse arrangement won Stern over, who gave him a standing ovation and said the singer deserves “a place in the finals.” Sharon Osbourne described his performance as “very true” and “refreshing,” adding, “I thoroughly enjoyed it.” Howie Mandel said he could listen to Tim Hockenberry sing “all night long.”

Tim Hockenberry is best known for his engaging and intimate cover versions of a variety of well known hits, and for some 20 years he’s made his living singing them in concert halls, living rooms, private events, and clubs. It never really mattered what Tim sang; he was beloved by his fans. He hadn't performed his own songs much, except for once-in-awhile occurrences. But that all changed when he met up with vocalist and producer, Natasha Miller.

In 2014 Tim didn’t have a manager, so he and Natasha entered into a formal agreement and began a complete reshaping of his musical direction—moving from covers to more of Tim’s own compositions. “I had heard a couple of Tim’s originals and thought they were ‘hit’ material,” says Natasha. “I asked him if he had more. Not only did he have more, they poured out of him, almost on demand.” Tim began writing more new songs, and they went back and looked at others he’d already done but put aside. With a couple more written by his sons, there were enough for a full-length recording.

The first track, “Me and You,” was written by Tim with his 19-year-old son Maxx on Christmas Day in 2012. “If the Sky Was to Fall” was written with his youngest son Jack, who was 17 at the time. Meanwhile, about the same time Tim and Natasha began working together, she enlisted her brother Justin Miller to play with Tim in his live band and help shape a new and different sound for his shows. That was the turning point—it was Justin himself who did the production, arrangements and played most of the instruments on the entire project... “We all got excited and motivated and started on what would become a year-long project,” says Natasha. “It’s been so much fun!”

Tim’s songs became Justin’s canvas for painting nuances–sounds both bold and subtle that spoke to the personality and content of each song itself. Stories Tim was telling through his songs became more vivid and alive in Justin’s interpretation and imagination. The common threads throughout are Tim’s vocals and writing. Each song charts its own unique journey from the first moment to the end. From pizzicato violin, yodeling, and the klezmer-sounds of the accordion to the speech-like tones of the Hammond B3 and the Deep-South wailing of the slide guitar—the songs travel through many layers of what is categorized these days as Americana. Mostly acoustic, always authentic.

Born on June 13, 1962 in upstate New York, Tim’s family moved a few times during his childhood. He graduated in 1980 from Owatonna High School in rural Minnesota in a small town south of Minneapolis. Tim's musical odyssey began when he sang in the choir, and then taught himself to play the piano while fervently playing the trombone as well. He eventually moved to Northern California and he has been a mainstay in the entertainment industry ever since, having become known for his covers of Sitting on the Dock of The Bay or Christmas by the Bay. Tim Hockenberry splits his time between Charleston, South Carolina and San Francisco, California, where he has become a beloved part of the Bay Area’s rich arts culture.

Over the past few years Tim Hockenberry has shared the stage with many legendary performers including Bonnie Raitt, Steve Miller, and Robert Cray, to name a few. Tim has established himself as a very compelling and important artist in the Bay Area music scene. In addition to touring with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, Tim has performed at high-profile venues all over northern California, including The Fillmore, Great American Music Hall, Bimbo's 365 Club, The Napa Valley Opera House, The Luther Burbank Center for the Performing Arts, Feinstein's at the Hotel Nikko, and 142 Throckmorton Theater. He has also headlined at a multitude of festivals including the Robert Mondavi Summer Concert Series, the Clearwater Jazz Festival, and the Mill Valley Arts Festival.

For More Information and Tour Dates please visit Tim’s website: www.timhockenberry.com

Kilimanjaro & Live Agency Presents: Myth City & I Cried Wolf - London & Birmingham Live Showcase



Myth City and I Cried Wolf will be kicking off their year with two local co-headline showcases at The Boston Music Rooms in London on the 1st of March, and Birmingham O2 Academy 3 on the 2nd of March.

MYTH CITY have only been on the scene for just under a year but in their short lifespan, they already have a growing list of achievements to their name. With a string of well received single releases such as ‘Call Them In’ and ‘Vendetta’, as well as going out on tour with Fearless Vampire Killers and opening for Enter Shikari, the Birmingham based 4-piece have paved their own path to a very bright and very noisy future.

Oxfordshire’s five-piece hurricane I CRIED WOLF (Crooked Noise Records) bring you quirky, distinctive music hitting the boundaries of alternative rock, metal, and hardcore with force. Their explosive five- track EP ‘Hollow Heart’, which was released in August 2015 and produced by Sam Winfield (Bring Me The Horizon, Dry The River), is rich with anthemic vocal lines, killer grooves, and a smorgasbord of unique riffs.

London Tickets
Birmingham Tickets

JON BUNCH SITS DOWN FOR HIS LAST INTERVIEW WITH WASHED UP EMO PODCAST HOST, TOM MULLEN



New York City, NY - February 8, 2016 | 2016 has been a trying year for music enthusiasts with the loss of some undeniable legends like David Bowie, Glenn Frey, and Lemmy Kilmister to name a few. The punk/alternative/emo world was hit yet again, with the loss of, Jon Bunch. Bunch was the former frontman for the 1990s emo band Sense Field and later Further Seems Forever, War Generation and just before his death, Lucky Scars. Lucky Scars, under the moniker Johnny Scars, released their debut EP, Rock and Roll Party Foul, on Spartan Records just last year. Spartan Records Founder, John Frazier had this to say about the late musician,

"Before I even knew Jon, he was a friend - his voice, somewhere in the great abyss, told me time and time again that everything was going to be alright. Like many people, meeting Jon was a dream come true for me. I had placed him on a pedestal because his words and music helped shape my view of the world. As a fan, he gave me hope and validated me throughout the times in my life when I needed it the most. As a friend and label owner, he put his trust in me to be a part of something that was very special to him. I'll be forever grateful for the opportunities I had to know Jon - as a fan, admirer, advocate, and friend. RIP, Jon. Your spirit will be truly missed, but as you've told me many, many times before, there's a light up ahead..."

In support of the band's debut release, Tom Mullen the Founder and Host of Washed Up Emo interviewed Bunch on his career, his future, and his latest release. Little did Mullen know, this would be Bunch's last interview. Mullen had this to say about this pivotal interview and how impactful his chat with Bunch really was:

"I will never forget that the first thing Jon did when he picked up the phone for the podcast. He asked about my life and took the time to find out more about Washed Up Emo before the interview even started. I was blown away at how humble he was but also so proud of his life's work. It's an honor to be able to present a small slice of Jon when someone listens back that I'm sure many friends and family know so well.

This podcast is supposed to be evergreen. You can listen in 5 years or in 10 years and know a good chunk of that band or era and some context to the scene and a way to look back but also look ahead. Jon was that last point to a T. He was so happy talking about the history but also his new music and what was next. Sadly, this was the last interview Jon did. I can only hope those close or those who have no idea who Jon Bunch was take and learn something from one of the most important voices in not only the independent scene but music in general. I am eternally grateful Jon took the time to talk with me about his life that will thankfully live on in aural form so someone can stumble upon Jon's music forever."

Bunch harped on his future plans and the memories he would have created as a musician:

"I think the important thing is for guys like me is to create new memories and to live new memories, to have new shows and meet new people and bring along old friends. I like thinking back of all the old Sense Field days, and at the same time...I really don't think of it too much, until I start to thinking of it. The goal is to create new parties and new shows and new music...keeps the future hopeful."

To hear the full interview, fans can head to WashedUpEmo.com or itunes.com/washedupemo.

Fans and musicians from all over the world are continuing to pay tribute to the late musician and honor him since his passing. Washed Up Emo and Spartan Records chatted with several musicians including, Chad Gilbert - New Found Glory, Blair Shehan - The Jealous Sound, Chris Carrabba - Dashboard Confessional, Jeff Caudill - Gameface, Eric Richter - Christie Front Drive, and Bob Nanna - Braid about Bunch, head to WashedUpEmo.com now for more stories. In addition, friend Casey Jones created a Go Fund Me to raise funds for Jon's 12-year old son Jack. The fund is being established with the future cost of Jack's higher learning as its primary objective. Second, Jon's family will need assistance with funeral-related expenses. Finally, Jon's mother conveyed that her son always had a passion for helping kids in need and so a portion of the proceeds will be allocated to a children's charity of the family's choosing.

Richy Nix Releases "Fear Me Now" EP Featuring Muzzy, Zardonic & More



Windsor, Canada - Hybrid electronic / rock / hip-hop artist Richy Nix has released a new EP, Fear Me Now, featuring remixes from Muzzy, Zardonic as well as a VIP from Richy himself. Listen to "Your Time Is Over" (Muzzy Remix)" now:



Muzzy had this to say about remixing Richy's track "Your Time Is Over":

"I’ve never really remixed a metal tune, if that’s what you can even classify it as, and for me, I know it’s electronic music mixed with metal, but I’ve never remixed something that wasn’t mixed like a dance track would be. I really wanted to find a way to make it work with my sound and with Drum n Bass in general. I think it came out quite nice. It was really fun to take on something new like this and I’d love to do it again."

"Fear Me Now EP" is available for streaming or purchase at: FiXT | iTunes | Amazon | Google | Spotify About Richy Nix:

Richy Nix’ music, a hybrid mixture of hip-hop, metal, and electronic rock, represents the willingness and ability to create something both aggressive and beautiful out of the most unlikely circumstances. Hailing from Windsor, Ontario, Richy’s music is like a phoenix risen from the ashes of the life that he saw constantly crumbling from underneath him. He is ferocious at moments, and beautifully melodic at others. He is a musical force not to be reckoned with.

IMMOLATION to support Marduk on UK dates



Yonkers NY’s unique death metal masters, Immolation are very pleased to announce that they will be supporting black metal veterans Marduk on their upcoming May UK dates. The 4 date run commences with a performance at London’s infamous extreme music event, Incineration Festival (also with Marduk) on May 8th, culminating on May 11th with a final show at The Fleece, Bristol.

Commanding frontman and bassist Ross Dolan said of the announcement:

"We are very excited to be returning to Europe, supporting and sharing the stage with our good friends and metal brothers in Marduk. We have toured with the Marduk guys many times before in the past and are looking forward to a great tour with some great people. It will be a good one for sure, see you all in May!"

You can purchase tickets for the Immolation / Marduk dates here:

8th May – Incineration Festival, London
9th May – Manchester, Sound Control
10th May – Glasgow, G2
11th May – Bristol, The Fleece

Immolation are currently working on a brand new studio album which is due for release this summer via Nuclear Blast. Stay tuned for more details…

Immolation are now a name long synonymous with the extreme music scene, they have been delivering some of the most unique and creatively dark, death metal the underground has witnessed over the past 25 years. They continue to push the boundaries and remain a vibrant force for the future of a genre that they helped define. Ever since their debut album ‘Dawn of Possession’ (Roadrunner) was released in in 1991, they have continued album after album to refine and hone their most identifiable style, creating some of the darkest and most adventurous death metal the scene has ever heard. With such classic albums as ‘Here In After’, ‘Failures for Gods’, and ‘Close To A World Below’ (Metal Blade), as well as their more recent critically acclaimed releases, ‘Unholy Cult’, ‘Harnessing Ruin’, ‘Hope and Horror’(ep) and ‘Shadows In The Light’ (Listenable/Century Media), the band has developed into one of the premiere extreme acts of our time.

The next stage in Immolation’s evolution was their signing to Nuclear Blast and release of their NB debut record ‘Majesty and Decay’ (2010). The record not only far surpassed their previous releases musically, but also started a new chapter in their career.

PROTAFIELD RELEASE 'POST APOCALYPTIC' NEW VIDEO FOR SINGLE '=PURE'



British Punk-Industrialists PROTAFIELD, have just released an explosive music video for their new single ‘= Pure’ which is taken from their latest album ‘Nemesis’. Protafield deliver a boldly diverse sound, one that helped catapult ‘Nemesis’ into the mainstream, but also features a guest line up unlike no other.

Hailing from South Wales - UK, Protafield's Jayce Lewis spent months making a music video with ‘Man of Steel’ D.O.P Keefa Chan, hiring an open cast for a month, bikers, trucks and a car armed with machine gun’s the solo artist was adamant on raising the levels in music and music video making.

See the video here:



“When I saw bands beginning to put out lyric videos, that’s when I thought things were going wrong, I was so tired – LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!! Of seeing bands in a warehouse, or in a field… then these computer CGI lyric video’s came from nowhere, and that was it…..What’s happened to creative imagination?” says Jayce Lewis

“This video almost killed us making it everything is real, the fire, the speed, Petrol bombs, the numerous near 90mph collisions, the carnage.. this is what Music videos should be about, when I saw these lyric videos popping up, It really saddened me that creative inspiration was being cheapened, F*ck that!!”

‘Nemesis’ is Out Now via Caroline International (Universal Music Group)