The suave Hillbilly Moon Explosion release their new album ‘With Monsters and Gods’ on May 13th

‘With Monsters and Gods’ The Hillbilly Moon Explosion’s new album is certainly their best. Who knew that rock’n’roll could still be so exhilarating … and musically diverse?

A half-English 4-piece hidden away in the unlikely habitat of Switzerland, they’ve honed their craft without distraction for many years. Searching for the right sound they’ve previously recorded in San Diego, Camden and Tooting, but for this album they went back to the local Swiss studio where they made their early rockabilly albums, allowing more time to get it spot on.

The line-up is chanteuse Emanuela Hutter, Oliver Baroni on vocals and stand-up bass, Duncan James on guitar and Sylvain Petite on drums; With Monsters and Gods is also embellished by Oliver’s latent piano skills. The esteemed Pete Thomas provided saxophone, he also played live with the band alongside Martin Winning on horns and Geraint Watkins on keyboards on their recent European tour.

With Monsters and Gods was produced by Oliver Baroni as the band wanted “to reflect the somewhat harder edge you get from the months on the road.” and the result “is a louder, more rock’n’roll album.”

The album concerns itself with “making friends with your demons” .The title track deals with this and ‘deep love’, while the rest of the album warns what can happen if “you’re afraid of your demons and ignore them which might lead you to Depression and Desperation and constantly being Down on your Knees.” Opening with psychedelia meets 50s sci-fi of In Space the following 13 songs are an aural treat firmly rooted in established musical styles (rockabilly, r’n’b etc.). However, with Emanuela’s vocals you get ‘this weird distinctly non-American approach to singing’ creating a unique sound.

With contributions including Spark Phillips of Demented Are Go and mariachi horns courtesy of Calexico, a song that makes you want to start throwing stuff around to and another reimagining Blondie recording in the 50’s, you have a very special album from a band that is not only at ease with themselves but one that’s at its full creative tilt and in the ascendant.

Indulge now in the band performing Call Me from the forthcoming new album, With Monsters and Gods



The band are quite an online and vinyl phenomenon, boosted by the My Love For Evermore’’ single, a duet with Sparky Phillips, who also guests on ‘With Monster & Gods’. Tattoos of My Love For Evermore have become a thing, with dozens of fans comparing photos on the band’s Facebook page. At least 30 cover-versions add to the nearly seven million of views of the song’s viral video on Youtube and the 7” vinyl sold out a remarkable seven pressings.

Much revered in France, they were recently hired to help resurrect the career of the film star and singer Arielle Dombasle. She recorded with the band an album of Hillbilly Moon cover versions, out now as ‘French Kiss’ on Universal.

Last in the UK in 2013, they straddle genres with ease, playing divergent gigs such as the Jazz Café, the Punk Rebellion Festival, Boomtown Festival, and as guests of the Swiss national team at the London Olympics. Their European tours embrace ten countries and this Spring they set out on the road again in support of this new album, which includes The Borderline in London on May 16th.

There’s something indefinable but very special about With Monsters and Gods’ that makes it irresistible. The Hillbilly Moon Explosion has created a truly honest album , a rare commodity in today’s world.

With Monsters and Gods track listing

01 In Space. 02 Temptation. 03 Depression. 04 Down On Your Knees. 05 Midnight Blues. 06 Desperation. 07 With Monsters And Gods. 08 Love You Better. 09 Black Ghost. feat Marky “Sparky” Phillips 10 Heartbreak Boogie. 11 Call Me. 12 You Miss Something. 13 Jackson. feat Marky “Sparky” Phillips 14 Rose Outside.

FREUDLP120 /CD120 Issued under license from Fredonia Entertainment.

Dist: SRD (CD & LP); The Orchard (digital)

The Hillbilly Moon Tour dates

May 6th Belfast Cathedral Quarter
16th London The Borderline

More shows to be announced soon...

MAKING MONSTERS Announce ‘Bad Blood’ EP Released 13th May 2016

Striding tall out of Northern Ireland’s second largest city with a momentum in their homeland that’s impossible to deny, Derry-based alt-rock four piece Making Monsters are extremely pleased to announce that their new EP ‘Bad Blood’ will be released on 13th May 2016 and is available to preorder on iTunes now.

The band can also reveal they will be touring Ireland on a stretch of headline dates this May in support of the new record, with a special EP launch party in their hometown on 14th May - full details below.

To celebrate the news, the band are now sharing an ethereal new video for ‘Better’ - the title track from the record which premiered recently with Daniel P Carter on the BBCR1 Rock Show and also received another spin almost immediately from Phil Taggart on the BBCR1 Introducing show - which encapsulates their otherworldly approach to alternative rock reminiscent of Rival Schools, Skunk Anansie and early Deftones material.

Watch and share:



Commenting on releasing new material, the band say: “It’s about time. This EP means a lot to us and marks a new era for the band. We've grown up, but things are still a little bit temperamental. We just can't wait to put it out there and to let everyone hear it. It’s a progression in sound; we’ve had some time to think carefully about our next release and these songs are more mature and well-crafted because of that. We’re confident there’s a bit of something for everyone in there!”

Having spent the last three years sharpening their live show on the road throughout the UK and Ireland with bands such as Young Guns, Silverstein, We Came As Romans, Max Raptor and Skindred, the band most recently finished a full UK tour with Fightstar and Arcane Roots in Oct 2015. After the release of their debut EP ‘Attention’ and three subsequent singles, they’ve already received extensive airplay on BBC Radio One, Across the Line and saw their last single ‘Nosebleed’ featuring on Kerrang! Radio.

Citing influence from the likes of Deftones, Basement, Alexisonfire, Arcane Roots, MuteMath, Taking Back Sunday and Night Verses, their diverse and uniquely organic brand of rock looks fixed to set them apart from the pack of rising hopefuls in 2016, with vocalist Emma Gallagher’s extraordinary range and diversity their ace up the sleeve.

The ‘Bad Blood’ EP is released on 13th May 2016 with further details TBA.

Making Monsters 2016 Live Dates:

2nd MAY – BELFAST, THE EMPIRE 6th MAY - PORTRUSH, DOCKERS 7th MAY - ENNISKILLEN, CHARLIES 13th MAY - OMAGH, TOP OF THE TOWN 14th MAY - DERRY, TRASH (matinee in-store) 14th MAY - DERRY, SANDINOS *EP LAUNCH* 20th MAY – CORK – FRED ZEPPELINS 21st MAY – DUBLIN, FIBBER MAGEES 28th MAY – STRABANE – DICEY RILEYS

THE JOURNEYS ALTERNATIVE PRESS MUSIC AWARDS REVEALS FIRST WAVE OF 2016 PERFORMING ARTISTS

The 2016 Journeys Alternative Press Music Awards, Fueled by Monster Energy is pleased to announce the first wave of performers confirmed to appear at this year's main event. Good Charlotte, Yellowcard, Papa Roach, BABYMETAL and Beartooth round out the first five of numerous confirmed artists. This year's APMAs, hosted by Alex Gaskarth and Jack Barakat of eight-time AP cover stars All Time Low, will broadcast live the evening of July 18 from Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH.

Formed in the mid-90s, Good Charlotte has five albums and two collaborations under their belt. The band was integral in establishing a global critical mass for the pop-punk genre. The group's 2000 self-titled debut laid the foundation with the singles "Little Things" and "Festival Song." Then in 2002 the breakthrough success of The Young and the Hopeless catapulted pop-punk into the stratosphere, and set them on the path to worldwide superstardom. After releasing two multi-platinum albums (The Chronicles of Life and Death and Good Morning Revival) and their most recent release, 2010's Cardiology, the group needed to take a breather. After a five-year break, the band released a one-off video for the song "Makeshift Love" this past November, a track with all the elements of Good Charlotte's classic sound. The band will release their new album Youth Authority via MDDN on July 15, three days before the APMAs. Currently, the brothers serve as coaches on the highly-rated Australian version of "The Voice."

At this year's show, the band will be honored with the very first "Classic Album Award", presented by Eleven Seven Music. The APMAs will salute The Young and the Hopeless, which has sold more than five million copies to date. The album featured their breakthrough singles "The Anthem," "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" and "Girls and Boys."

Good Charlotte's Benji Madden states, "AP has been such a part of our history, and has had an impact on so many other bands as well. We are excited to come and celebrate that history and be a part of the awards show. Especially, this year as we've decided to come back with GC, celebrating 20 years as a band, it means a lot to us, to be given such a special platform to reconnect with our fans, and share our new record, Youth Authority, with everyone on the big night."

Since 1997, Jacksonville, Florida's Yellowcard have always played by their own set of rules while creating an impressive legacy of pop-punk anthems, catchy choruses and of course, violin. Yellowcard are being honored with the first-ever Vans "Off The Wall" Award. This new annual award honors one special band that exhibits and inspires creative expression.

"Pure raw talent - Yellowcard is a great example of a talented group of musicians who embody creative expression and the 'Off The Wall' spirit! As Vans celebrates 50 years of heritage in music, art, street culture and action sports, we are honored to team up with Alternative Press to present Yellowcard with the "Off The Wall" award. Congrats!" says Eladio Correa, Vans Director of North American Brand Marketing.

Yellowcard vocalist Ryan Key adds, "We are truly humbled to be asked to be a part of the show and to be honored with this special award. Alternative Press has been such a huge support not only for Yellowcard, but for all the bands in this scene."

For nearly two decades, hard rockers Papa Roach have led the pack with countless top-charting singles, successful tours and millions of fans worldwide. Having undoubtedly influenced many of this year's award nominees in their formative years, the band was first honored by Alternative Press as cover stars of issue #147 (October 2000).

"We are super excited to be part of the 3rd annual APMAs," states Papa Roach vocalist Jacoby Shaddix. "The line-up this year is sick, plus, the magazine has been a huge part of keeping the American punk, rock and metal scene alive all these years. Plus, we got some tricks up our sleeves for this one. It's gonna be dope."

Japanese teen phenoms BABYMETAL have taken the world by storm with their infectious brand of pop metal! This year, the band is nominated in the "Best International Band" category. The APMAs will mark their first U.S. award show, as well as their only show confirmed in Ohio for 2016. Make sure to check out thevideo for their new single "Karate", which has amassed over four million views since mid-March, as well as their brand new album trailer. Their new album Metal Resistance hit stores this past Friday, April 1 via RAL/Sony Music Entertainment and debuted at #1 on the iTunes Metal Chart. The group will make their U.S. late night TV debut tonight on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and will be supporting the album on their "BABYMETAL World Tour 2016".

BABYMETAL's SU-METAL states, "I am extremely thrilled that BABYMETAL is nominated among a great list of other bands for "Best International Band". I am above ecstatic seeing how we have been able to connect with our fans from across the globe through our music, surpassing language barriers and just making it to far places all over the world on our tours. I just hope that we, BABYMETAL, will be able to continue to bring our music to more people worldwide, here on out."

Hailing from the home of the 2016 APMAs-Columbus, OH-local heroes Beartooth have been making waves over the past few years as a strong up-and-coming force in the metalcore scene, rapidly advancing from local basement shows to tours with bands such as Bring Me The Horizon, Atreyu, Slipknot, Pierce The Veil and Sleeping With Sirens, and performances at festivals like Rock on the Range, Reading & Leeds and Carolina Rebellion. Beartooth will release a new album later this year via Red Bull Records. The band has been nominated for three awards-"Best Vocalist," "Best Live Band" and "Artist Of The Year" presented by Monster Energy-at this year's APMAs. To date, frontman Caleb Shomo has been featured on two Alternative Press Vans Warped Tour issue covers.

Shomo says, "Pretty crazy to be nominated for three awards this year and be able to play some music live. It's always a fun time at the APMAs. Tons of good friends, good hangs, and everybody is partying their ass off!"

In addition to the award nominees mentioned above, visit the APMAs Vans Voting Site at www.altpress.com/apmasvote2016 to check out all of this year's award nominees and vote for your favorites now! Also, visit this location for more information regarding future performing artist announcements, tickets and VIP packages, honorees, presenters, pre-show parties, red carpet appearances and beyond - all being announced in the coming weeks.

Voting for the Alternative Press Music Awards opened last week, and within just 24 hours, more than doubled its first round voting numbers within the first 24 hours from 2015. Votes were cast from 128 different countries around the world (including all 50 U.S. states). Alternative Press Music Awards tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster here, and VIP experience packages are available via SoundRink- An Experience Company! SoundRink VIP packages will include limited merchandise, elite access to both the red carpet and prime indoor seating and VIP meet and greets.

In addition, the APMAs offered a select number of Monster Package tickets, which gives purchasers an unforgettable experience and the best seat in the house: a floor table amongst the stars! Monster Package ticketsalso include the same benefits offered to VIP purchasers, but will additionally offer two nights (one room) at a premier local hotel. These packages sold out within the first hour of on-sale, and because of high-demand, the APMAs may be opening up an additional small quantity in the upcoming dates through SoundRink. In addition to the VIP and Monster Packages, the APMAs will be opening up a small quantity of fully-immersive Pit Experience tickets.These tickets will include access to the "standing room only" section located on the floor, closest to the stage. Tickets for the Pit Experience will also be available through SoundRink. As previously announced, the APMAs is also partnering with PromoWest Fest (www.promowestfest.com, Columbus, OH, July 15-17), so tickets will be available via their box office through Ticketmaster as well.

Each Alternative Press Music Awards show has featured some of the greatest artists in modern music, ranging from today's biggest rock stars such as Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Panic! At The Disco and Weezer, to musical legends such as Aerosmith's Joe Perry, Slash, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Smashing Pumpkins and Ice-T. Countless renowned artists such as Rob Zombie, Blink-182, Twenty One Pilots, Taking Back Sunday, All Time Low, Motionless In White, Run of RUN DMC, Bring Me The Horizon, and beyond have appeared at the APMA's, with spectacular performances from artists including (but not limited to) New Found Glory, Yellowcard, A Day To Remember, Against Me!'s Laura Jane Grace, Motion City Soundtrack and more. Additionally, the APMA's is recognized for presenting collaborative cover performances unlike music fans have ever seen before, like Joan Jett and Slash teaming up to perform "Star Star" by the Rolling Stones, Asking Alexandria performing Duran Duran's "Hungry Like The Wolf" with Jonathan Davis of Korn, Halestorm and Slipknot/Stone Sour vocalist Corey Taylor covering Temple Of The Dog's "Hunger Strike", and many more.

Last year's event - which took place July 22, 2015 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland - was a massive victory for the music community, garnering unprecedented support demonstrated by a staggering 15.7 billion total media impressions (over seven times the impressions of the 2014 show). Last year's event also earned the title of "The GRAMMYs of Alternative Music" by TIME Magazine. The 2015 Alternative Press Music Awards achieved over 1 million views on AXS TV, and over 3 million views on YouTube. Re-live 2015's best moments via the highlight reel here.

Building upon the success of last year's event, the APMAs is thrilled to once again be supported by returning title sponsor Journeys, a leader in the teen specialty retail scene focused on lifestyle-driven branded footwear and accessories in over 800 stores across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. In addition to Journeys, the APMAs also welcomes fellow sponsors Monster Energy, CreativeLive, DW Drums, CD Baby, Disc Makers, Rise Records, Eleven Seven Music, Better Noise Records, Musicians Institute, EarthQuaker Devices, Razor & Tie, Hopeless Records, Sub City, Roadrunner Records, Fueled By Ramen, Ernie Ball, Epitaph Records, Equal Vision Records, MerchNOW, Vans and Fearless Records.

Don't miss the 2016 Alternative Press Music Awards and your chance to cast your vote for your favorite bands! Checkwww.altpress.com/apmas over the coming weeks for new announcements and information. The APMAs are produced by Mike Shea, Joe Scarpelli, Josh Bernstein, Kevin Lyman and Marc Grant.