Category Archives: News

Dumb and Dumbest Episode #320: Interview with Upstate Records Founder Mario Cangemi

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Considering the ever-changing landscape of the record business, it’s tougher than ever to run a DIY record label. Episode #320 is streaming now and its an interview with Upstate Records Founder Mario Cangemi! Dumb and Dumbest is hosted by Matt Bacon (Dropout Media, Ripple Music, Prophecy Productions) and Publicist Curtis Dewar (Dewar PR), in addition to the podcast, Matt and Curtis host The Music Marketing Challenges, low-cost, super high-value private training to bands and artists. Get hands-on practical experience to market your band like a pro today! DM Matt or Curtis at the links below for detailsContinue reading →


EXCLUSIVE VIDEO PREMIERE: Oooth – “Stand Up”

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Ghost Cult has teamed up with South African Rockers Oooth, fronted by renowned drummer, musician and entrepreneur Jason Oosthuizen to debut their brand new music video, ‘Stand Up’! The anthemic and decidedly Punk Rock track was written on a previous tour while the band was stuck on the highway, not being able to get to their next destination due to a riot in Cape Town. The track will be released on all digital platforms on Friday 7th February 2020 at the link below. Check out the clip right now! Continue reading →


Machine Head Shares Behind The Scenes Video for their New Song “Circle The Drain”

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Machine Head has shared a behind the scenes video for their presumed next single, “Circle the Drain”. The video goes through the genesis of the track started in 2018, from Robb Flynn singing demos into his phone’s voice records, to tracking the song at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland with Zack Ohren, to the moment when former members Phil Demmel and Dave McClain quit the band and more. Also revealed in the video, Naveen Koperweis (Entheos, ex Animosity, ex Animals As Leaders) recorded drums on the track, which Robb originally intended to be a duet with a female singer, such as Floor Jansen of Nightwish, and has a very melodic chorus. Continue reading →


Slipknot’s “Tortilla Man” Shares Unmasked Photo in Slovenia

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While Slipknot continues to avoid answering the question: Who is “Tortilla Man”, he can’t help show his face and leave other clues about his identity. When Slipknot visited Postojna Cave, the most extensive cave system in Slovenia naturally made of limestone, percussionist M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan, drummer Jay Weinberg, and “Tortilla Man” appeared out of costume. Several photos from their visit can be seen below. Ghost Cult shared the news that a YouTuber broke the news last fall ahead of every other music site covering the band that “Tortilla Man.” is really multi-instrumentalist Michael Pfaff. Pfaff played keyboards with Crahan in the band Dirty Little Rabbits and is also a member of the Iowa-based duo The Snacks. Included in the image gallery is a picture of the page in the Postojna Cave, the unmasked photo of the band, and the visitors’ book signed by the three members of the band, with the middle signature appearing to contain the word “Pfaff”.

Speaking of masks, over at Lambgoat they recently created 12 AI-generated masked metal bands that might just give Slipknot a run for their money.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Exploring Birdsong – The Thing With Feathers

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Much like fellow English act Sleep Token, the buzz surrounding Liverpudlian trio Exploring Birdsong has been protracted and fed by the odd single release to whet the appetite of those who like their Prog quirky and melodic. Finally, the wait is over with new EP The Thing With Feathers (Long Branch Records), inspired by iconic poets Emily Dickinson and Seamus Heaney and the first elongated effort from the band.Continue reading →


Strawberry Girls Book Tour Dates with Andrés, Amarionette, and Dwellings

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Strawberry Girls released their recent album Tasmanian Glow (Tragic Hero Records) last fall to much acclaim. Now they are heading out on tour to support the album with “The Tasmanian Glow Tour”. The 31-city tour, kicking off in Los Angeles. Joining Strawberry Girls are label-mates Dwellings, along with Andrés and Amarionette. In 2018, Strawberry Girls teamed up with Andrés to release the pop-inspired song, “Party Nights.” Also, Kurt Travis (Vocals, Amarionette) and Zac Garren (Guitar, Strawberry Girls) shared the stage together as members of Dance Gavin Dance from 2007 to 2010. All the dates are below and on sale now!Continue reading →


The Black Dahlia Murder Reveals Details for “Verminous” Album, Lyric Video and Pre-Orders Go Live

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The Black Dahlia Murder has shared the new details for their brand new album, Verminous, releasing on April 17th via Metal Blade Records. The band shared the lyric video for the title track, which you can see below. They also made their pre-orders and bundles live, some of which have already sold out! Tickets for the bands’ upcoming North American tour with Testament, go on sale this Friday, February 7th! Continue reading →


BACON BLOODY BACON: Matt Bacon on What Is PR?

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This is perhaps the most basic and most important piece of band advice I can give a group looking to drop their next release – get PR. It’s really that simple. It can seem expensive I know but it is almost worth it. If you don’t hire PR, no matter how big you are, it’s going to be very hard to find someone who is willing to covering your band. So in this article, I wanted to breakdown what music PR is, why it matters, what to expect and of course how to not get ripped off. These are the keys to any band trying to take advantage of their brand, grow in the scene and get the press coverage that it will take to elevate their band to a whole new level. Continue reading →


Soundgarden Claps Back in the Lawsuit over Chris Cornell’s Royalties and Final Songs

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In a story we first reported and have been following, according to a published report by Rolling Stone, the surviving members of Soundgarden have denied Vicky Cornell’s claims that the band is withholding royalties of Chris Cornell’s from her and also denied her claim that she is the sole owner of several recordings Cornell worked on before his death in a new court filing. Cornell died from suicide on May 18th 2017. According to the report, “The motion, filed Tuesday and obtained by Rolling Stone, is a response to a lawsuit Vicky Cornell filed last December against her late husband’s former bandmates, Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd, and the band’s business manager, Rit Venerus. Vicky accused the band of withholding royalties from the Cornell family to force her to turn over a handful of recordings made before Cornell’s death.” Continue reading →