Soundsphere’s favourite interviews: Recent Episodes

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A collection of Soundsphere’s best and most exciting interviews...

As Indi Hartwell gears up to face NXT’s Thea Hail in the TNA Knockouts TV Championship Tournament, we asked her about her time in TNA, her plans for the TNA Lockdown pay-per-view, and her viral moment between her and former Wyatt Sicks member Dexter Lumis (Samuel Shaw).

https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/indi-hartwell-talks-tna-championship-gold-lockdown-dexter-lumis/

When Stacey Haber talks about her life, it sounds like three or four full-time careers running in parallel. She’s a music lawyer, publisher, Chief Legal Officer to multiple companies, theatre-maker, former New York City judge, sample-clearance pioneer, and Fringe regular. At 64, instead of slowing down, she’s premiering a new show at the Edinburgh Fringe: Cereal Entrepreneur.

https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/the-art-of-never-retiring-inside-stacey-habers-cereal-entrepreneur/

As Humber Street Sesh 2026 barrels toward Hull Marina with over 100 acts across 11 stages and an expected crowd of up to 15,000 people, its co-founder Mark “Mak” Page is brutally honest: this festival is not guaranteed to exist next year. “It’s not a given, it’s not a case of like miss out this year, maybe come back next year. We need your support now.”

This year’s Sesh isn’t just another date in the city’s cultural calendar – it’s the product of financial risk, community faith, and two and a half decades of obsession with grassroots music. Across a long, candid conversation, Mak opens up about the real costs of putting on a festival like this, why metrics aren’t everything when it comes to picking bands, and what he wants emerging artists to finally understand about treating themselves like a serious proposition.

rickysaints #wwesmackdown #wweraw

Sitting across from him over Zoom, it’s hard not to be struck by the mix of calm confidence and restless energy. This is a man who talks about success the way some people talk about survival, not as a nice-to-have, but as the only logical outcome of years of risk, graft, and self-belief. Saints has already carved out an impressive run in WWE: multiple title reigns in NXT, standout performances on SmackDown, and pay-per-view bangers opposite the likes of Trick Williams. Yet, despite the accolades, he speaks like someone still climbing, not someone who’s reached the summit. “I feel very accomplished,” he says early on, reflecting on this current chapter of his career, “but I still… there’s still a lot that I want to do.”

https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/interview-ricky-saints-on-betting-on-himself-becoming-wwes-next-great-heel/

After becoming the first British woman to hold the TNA Knockouts World Championship, Soundsphere spoke to Xia Brookside after she cemented her reign by defeating rival and former tag-team partner Léi Ying Lee in a no-disqualification match on an episode of Impact! Brookside discussed her career, her title win, and the upcoming TNA Lockdown pay-per-view that returns in August 2026.

More: https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/xia-brookside-on-being-the-first-british-tna-knockouts-world-champion/

There are wrestling books that are basically just lists: matches, belts, towns, a few wild road stories. Dan Spivey’s book, The Dangerous Truth isn’t one of those.

From the first few pages, it hits with a very different energy. It’s bleakly funny, self-deprecating and brutally honest about the years lost to drink and drugs, the broken relationships, the chaos of the business. At one point in our chat, he sums up his old lifestyle with a single, savage line: “I probably snorted a couple of Rolls Royces in my day, you know.”

He’s not boasting. He’s almost bewildered that he’s still here. Spivey hit rock bottom at 56 (he's 73 now). That, he says, was when everything changed. “I finally hit rock bottom with my drugs and alcohol, I was 56 years old when I had a spiritual awakening, and started a road of sobriety.”

The book came later, and it wasn’t about ego or legacy. It was about making that wreckage mean something. “[The] Reason I wrote the book is people wanted me to tell my story and… if this book and my story helps anybody get sober, then it was worth the time and effort of it.” You can feel that purpose running through the pages, but there’s something else threaded through it too, a quieter story that sneaks up on you.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Ken Anderson looks like he’s having the time of his life again – and he’ll tell you straight away, that’s because he is. For a guy who’s lived through the extremes of WWE, carried the top belt in TNA, and now juggles training the next generation with hosting his own Mic Check podcast, that sentence says a lot. It’s not just about being back in the ring – it’s about where and how he’s doing it.

https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/ken-anderson-on-finding-his-voice-in-wwe-comedy-and-psychology-in-modern-wrestling/

There’s a particular kind of grin that spreads across Stu Grayson’s face when he talks about Mystery Wrestling. It’s not just pride, though there’s plenty of that, it’s something closer to mischief. The kind of mischief that comes from knowing the audience has no idea what’s coming, and that’s exactly the point.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/stu-grayson-on-mystery-wrestling-brodie-lee-the-dark-order-and-his-bond-with-evil-uno/

On screen, in the world of JCW, we see a towering figure in black, red-tinted sermons to the camera, eerie roll calls and cryptic messages about “Red Love.” It looks, at first glance, like a brilliantly unhinged wrestling gimmick: a cult-adjacent preacher, a strange sidekick in the form of Mr. Wiggles, and an ever-growing list of names who’ve made the Red Roll Call.

But sit down with Father Bronson—as we did, somewhat nervously, over a screen from the UK—and the language of “gimmick,” “character work,” and “promos” doesn’t just fall away. It’s rejected, dismantled and thrown back at you. “You’re using words like promo and vignette,” he says, eyes locked forward. “I think you might be under the wrong impression. You might think that this is an act… that red love doesn’t fuel the fibers of my being, because it truly does.”

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

For over three decades, the Hardys have been the glitch in pro wrestling’s system – the weird kids from North Carolina who grew up on trampolines, DIY rings and alternative culture, and somehow dragged all of that into the mainstream. They were the ones in fishnets and baggy cargos while everyone else was in trunks, the outcasts who became icons.

For more, visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

There’s a particular kind of chaos that makes pro wrestling feel like home: big personalities cutting bigger promos. That’s Juggalo Championship Wrestling (JCW) right now – and right in the middle of that whirlwind is Jasmin St. Claire.

For more: https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/inside-jasmin-st-claires-world-of-jcw-metal-and-deep-conversations/

There’s a particular kind of world-building that only really happens when someone has lived inside their obsessions long enough to breathe them back out as art. For Braydon Hill, better known as Zeruel, that world is stitched together from late nights with Soulsborne games, Metroidvanias, dark hip-hop, manga, anime, and the echo of his mother’s voice he grew up singing along to.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

When two-time Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman first read the script for the indie film, “Tuner,” he was surprised how Academy Award-winning documentary director Daniel Roher (“Navalny”) had navigated his first narrative fiction thriller. When two-time Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman first read the script for the indie film, “Tuner,” he was surprised how Academy Award-winning documentary director Daniel Roher (“Navalny”) had navigated his first narrative fiction thriller. Having spent his life playing piano and taking legendary roles like “The Graduate” and “Midnight Cowboy,” Hoffman had attended the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music, and actually hoped to become a concert pianist. “The role of a piano tuner immediately resonated with me on a personal level,” he said. “This was the first time in over 50 years of doing this, a guy came up to me and said, I wrote this for you,” he acknowledged during a press chat. Hoffman plays veteran tuner Harry Horowitz, a gifted man who is well-versed in fixing pianos. Later, at a private screening at Black Bear Pictures in Los Angeles, the seven-time Academy Award nominee told the audience: “Somehow Daniel knew that (in real life) I played the piano.” He continued: “Daniel sent me a script, and I liked it very much. I told him it was very well written….I was in Europe, and he flew over to London on his own dime, and we just talked….What particularly struck me was the original way the story evolved into a heist genre; it felt fresh and compelling.” Hoffman said he was “shocked” because he had never met anyone like Roher before, who had worked on many layers of the crime-romance.. For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

After joining TNA Wrestling, the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion, Cedric Alexander, has allied with The System and become the new X-Division Champion after unseating Leon Slater.

Soundsphere sat down with Cedric Alexander to discuss his new home, faction, and championship reign. More importantly, we discussed his upcoming title defence against several other wrestlers at Slammiversay in an Ultimate X match – which is arguably TNA’s signature match, for its signature championship.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/interviews/cedric-alexander-tna-x-division-champion-slammiversary-ultimate-x/

There are conversations you have with artists where you can tell, within minutes, that the music isn’t a product – it’s survival. Talking with Tim De Gieter of Doodseskader is exactly that. We’re here to talk about the band’s latest record, The Change Is Me – a release that feels like it’s been dragged out of the darkest corners of the mind, but somehow still points toward something like hope. Not the flimsy, Instagram-ready kind, but the uncomfortable, honest, “this might never be perfect and that’s okay” kind. For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

There’s a particular kind of electricity that only exists when wrestling leans all the way into the weird. Not just spooky lighting and jump-scares, but genuine psychological horror – the kind that stays with you after the show ends, the kind that bleeds into real life grief, legacy, and art. Right now in TNA, that electricity has a name: The Righteous – Vincent and Dutch – locked in a sprawling, reality-bending feud with Matt and Jeff Hardy that’s already pulled in multiple versions of the Hardys themselves, threatened to tear open the “Broken Universe” once again, and constantly circles one towering shadow: the late Windham Rotunda, known to millions as Bray Wyatt. Over the course of our conversation, it becomes clear that this isn’t just another storyline for The Righteous. It’s a meditation on horror, creativity, grief, and the people they call “the Many” – their fans, their believers, and everyone who sees something of themselves in the madness.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

TNA Wrestling's AJ Francis has managed to combine his love of music and wrestling into one persona. Be it within WWE or TNA, Francis has often been a highlight of any stable he's been part of, but after falling out with his last two tag-team partners, the leader of First Class is now going solo — and he's looking forward to it.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/aj-francis-talks-tna-making-music-going-solo/

Is London still the centre for music journalism?

Music journalism is an extremely competitive field. A platform for creatives to show off their talents from creative writing to cultural analysis on an array of multimedia platforms. On the surface, it may seem there is equal opportunity to kickstart a music journalism career in the UK – the constant emergence of up-and-coming bands to underground gigs and all between. However, is there a divide in the North and South of England regarding opportunity?

More here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/dr-simon-a-morrison-on-the-music-journalism-north-south-divide/

There’s a moment, tucked away in Lyra Valkyria’s story, that says more about her journey than any championship ever could. It doesn’t happen under the bright lights of WrestleMania, or with a title belt raised high. It happens in a small venue in Bray, Ireland, when she’s just starting out, waiting for her cue to step through the ropes. “I’ll never forget doing matches in Bray in Ireland, and the fear that I had of, like, I’m getting in next, you know, when I was just starting out, and honestly, that fear was way scarier than standing behind the curtain at WrestleMania.”

More at: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

90salternative #00srock #a ‘

A’ have just announced details of their first studio album in over 20 years, PRANG. The alt.rock faves will follow-up 2005’s Teen Dance Ordinance on May 22 via Cooking Vinyl, with vocalist Jason Perry explaining of their mindset in putting it together: “There’s a messiness to it that allows our personality to come through — which is where the magic really happens. I don’t want anyone to put on an ‘A’ record and think it sounds like it was hard work making it. Life’s hard enough – there has to be fun in making music.” Get your limited-edition hand-signed copy of PRANG with K! x ‘A’ sticker Jason adds that, “By the end of ‘A’ in 2005, I felt like we didn’t have anything to say anymore. Now, I really do. We had to go and live a life. We’ve seen massive lows that we’ve helped each other through. This album is gratitude – gratitude for friendship, for still making music, for still being alive.”

When Lizzy Rain hit WWE NXT, she didn’t arrive like a polished pop act. She came in like a riff: loud, raw, and unapologetically herself. A product of the UK indie wrestling scene—where she was known as Rayne Leverkusen—and a lifelong devotee of ’80s heavy metal, Lizzy has fused grit, theatre, and emotion into one of NXT’s most compelling new characters.

Now, with a North American Championship challenge in her sights and a potential rivalry with Tatum Paxley looming, she stands at the centre of a new British wave crashing onto WWE’s US shores, alongside names like Mason Rook and Tristan Angels. For Lizzy, it’s not just about success—it’s about staying true to the outsider spirit that got her here in the first place.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

progresswrestling #aewdynamite #hull

Alexxis Falcon is the current Progress Wrestling Women's World Champion and is set to defend her title against the winner of the Super Strong Style 16 Tournament.

Soundsphere sat down with Alexxis Falcon to discuss her time as champion, her journey to becoming a professional wrestler, and her pride in representing the city of Hull each time she walks to the ring.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/alexxis-falcon-on-progress-wrestling-hull/

zachbraff #scrubs

Zach Braff couldn’t be happier that his goofy “Scrubs” character, J.D. Dorian, has sprung back to life –the heartwarming comedy series has returned after 16 years. The sitcom’s original cast members, Donald Faison (who plays Christopher Turk), Sarah Chalke (Dr. Elliot Reid), John C. McGinley (Dr. Perry Cox) and Judy Reyes (head nurse Carla Espinosa) are also in the reboot.

More here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

braywyatt #thejesusandmarychain #markcrozer

There’s a moment, somewhere between Coachella and WrestleMania, between Oxford and Brooklyn, between a Brooklyn library job and a stage in front of 80,000 people, where Mark Crozer will look up and think: How the hell did I get here? He says it with a kind of gentle disbelief, the same way he talks about almost everything – from playing bass in The Jesus and Mary Chain to accidentally soundtracking one of WWE’s most iconic modern characters, to making the most honest record of his life in Homecoming. “I still can’t really believe that’s what I do,” he admits of his life as a touring musician. “Just flying around the world… it sometimes seems ridiculous. You spend 22, 23 hours getting to somewhere like Singapore, you play for an hour, and then you leave. And even that hour is uncertain – it can be incredible, or it can be a total mess. But that’s the job.” For a man who doesn’t consider himself a rock star – “I just work with people who are in that business,” he laughs – his story is stacked with the kind of moments most musicians secretly rehearse in their heads as teenagers. Only for Crozer, they didn’t arrive until his mid‑30s, when a certain cult Scottish shoegazing alt-rock band came calling. For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

vampiro #jcwlunacy #wcw

When I connect with Vampiro over Zoom, we’re already on brand before the interview even begins. His camera won’t work. Settings are broken, logo showing, no face. The man who spent decades wrapping himself in darkness, ritual and theatricality is now literally a disembodied voice. Somehow, it fits. We’re speaking ahead of what’s being billed as his final match at JCW StrangleMania – a farewell wrapped in Juggalo chaos, underground mythology and punk spirit. It’s happening in Las Vegas, at a casino, with a crowd that has followed him through generations, evolutions and reinventions. Physically, he’s hurting. Mentally, he’s buzzing. “My body is kind of a mess,” he admits. “I’m extremely limited on what I can do now, physically, I just can’t really, really do much, but my mind, I’m so excited.” [0:01:51] That tension – between a battered body and a still-burning mind – runs through his entire story. As we talk, it becomes clear that this last match isn’t just about one more pop from the crowd. It’s about loyalty, ritual, culture and, maybe most of all, authenticity.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

As we catch up in 2026, Rich Fownes looks almost disarmingly at ease. No grimy backstage, no dim corridor outside a venue, no chaos humming just off-screen. For a man whose life has been built on high-volume, high-impact noise – Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, Bad For Lazarus, a surreal spell inside the Nine Inch Nails universe – it’s strangely fitting that the most honest version of him so far emerges from a quiet domestic setting. “I am simply very content and happy right now,” he says, half-smiling. “And that feels like something I don’t even want to say, because it makes me feel so insecure… contrary to all the lyrics.”

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

There’s a particular kind of artist who always seems to stand at the threshold – between mainstream and underground, horror and heart, performance and confession. Over the last decade, David Dastmalchian has quietly become one of those figures: a shape‑shifting actor, writer and creative force who can slip from billion‑dollar blockbusters to deeply personal indie work, without ever losing sight of who he is or who he’s speaking to.

Now, as he steps into one of pop culture’s most iconic villain roles – M. Bison in the upcoming Street Fighter film – Dastmalchian does so carrying a lifetime’s worth of darkness, recovery, curiosity and compassion. It’s the same emotional DNA that runs through his haunting new comic Through, and the same energy that’s made him, however reluctantly, a kind of modern horror icon. Someone put it to me recently that David is “the actor that brought goth to the mainstream and gave hope to millions of weirdos to find success and confidence within themselves.”

He laughs when I repeat that to him. There’s gratitude there, but also a palpable discomfort. “It’s humbling. I don’t know if I agree,” he says. “I’m just a guy out here trying to do what he’s done, and I don’t want really anyone looking at me for any sense of example, because I make so many mistakes…” Still, as we talk, it becomes clear that underneath all the genre trappings and iconic roles, there’s something very simple driving him: the hope that a story, told honestly enough, might make someone feel less alone.

For more, visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/interview-street-fighter-star-david-dastmalchian-finds-inspiration-to-move-through/

There aren’t many artists left who can genuinely say they’ve seen every side of the music industry and still sound hungry. Midge Ure is one of them. From Slik, Rich Kids and Visage, through fronting Ultravox at their most ambitious and co-writing one of the most recognisable charity singles of all time, to a long and winding solo career, Ure’s story is woven into the fabric of British music. He’s been a chart star, a bandleader, a solo artist, a charity organiser, a producer, a survivor.

Yet as he prepares to head out on a substantial UK tour and release Just Words, a new project built around two distinct musical worlds – eight vocal songs and eight instrumentals, fused into one record – he doesn’t sound like someone easing into legacy mode. He sounds like an artist deliberately throwing himself into the deep end again.

There’s excitement in his voice. There’s also something else: nerves.

“No matter how often you’ve done this, and how many records you put out, it’s still flying by the seat of your pants,” he admits. “You’re not sure anyone’s going to like it or not, or get it or not, and especially after a 12-year period.”

For a musician of Ure’s stature to admit that is oddly reassuring. It’s not that the fear goes away; it just becomes part of the fuel.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

tnawrestling #tatumpaxley #tna

As of March 2026, Rosemary is currently involved in a dark, cinematic storyline in TNA Wrestling focused on the resurrection of her former "Demon Bunny" partner, Allie. After spending years apart following Allie's storyline "death" in 2019, the two have reunited for a quest involving the collection of the "Seven Deadly Sins" to restore Allie to life. For more on this story, visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

robzombie #mötleycrüe #john5

There’s something uniquely fitting about talking to John 5 while he’s stood up and in motion. Even offstage, he radiates the restless energy of someone who would rather be playing than doing almost anything else, except for talking to us about how excited he is, of course! Right now, life is moving pretty bloody fast for the guitar legend who has performed with countless rock, alternative and metal greats, including Rob Zombie, David Lee Roth and oh yeah, Mötley Crüe!

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/spotlight/john-5-precision…-joy-of-the-riff/

altmetal #alternativerock #phoxjaw

Dreem Weapons, one of the newest alternative metal bands in the UK, fully admit that their creative journey is fuelled by a lot of caffeine and approximately four hours’ sleep per night. In the space of a handful of months, the geographically scattered five-piece has rehearsed one weekend at a time. Members of Dreem Weapons, including vocalist Danny Garland, also known for his work in the band Phoxjaw, are dotted across the UK. Rehearsals happen once a month.

They are writing some of the most technically demanding material of their collective careers. There is no room for winging it. After years fronting the proggy, metal powerhouse of Phoxjaw, Dreem Weapons is more of a reset for Danny. “It feels like this band is just about making music,” Danny explains. “We’re not interested in being part of any scene. It’s about the art and the music.” That ethos runs through everything they do. For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

This unique five-piece made up of experienced musicians from all corners of the UK, have already defied all odds to bring this band to life. Self-sufficient, the band are heading out to new areas of the UK to bring this vison to life in support of ‘Angels Of Rain’ releasing February 27th 2026.

The UK tour will be visiting … 5th March - Islington Mill / Salford 6th March - Dive HU5 / Hull 7th March - Mist Rolling Inn / Nottingham 8th March - Dead Wax / Nottingham

Soundsphere’s exclusive PROGRESS Wrestling interview with Shotzi Blackheart ahead of Women’s Super Strong Style 16, discussing her GCW deathmatches, UK wrestling, and horror-inspired persona.

When PROGRESS Wrestling announced that Shotzi Blackheart would be entering the first-ever Women’s Super Strong Style 16 tournament, it was a historic moment for British wrestling.

For those new to the British scene, PROGRESS Wrestling has been central to British wrestling since its founding in 2012. Known for its wild crowds and talent pipeline that has helped launch stars onto global stages, Super Strong Style 16 has long been its flagship tournament. This year’s Women’s edition represents a landmark evolution for the promotion, and Shotzi Blackheart is front and centre of the tournament.

“This is pretty awesome,” she says, speaking ahead of her participation in the Women’s Super Strong Style 16. “It’s such a historic tournament, so it’s fantastic that women’s wrestling is in the spotlight for PROGRESS 2026. I’m completely humbled. I feel so good just to be a part of it.”

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/progress-wrestling-exclusive-shotzi-blackheart/

tnaimpact #tnawrestling #nxtna

Total Nonstop Action broadcaster, Tom Hannifan gives Soundsphere his views on modern wrestling journalism, his favourite UK talent and much more in this revealing interview about TNA's new AMC era, the NXT/WWE partnership and his own career.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/tom-hannifan-talks-tnas-top-uk-talent-the-key-to-rosemarys-longevity-the-future-of-leon-slater/

Chris Jericho is set for an incredible year in 2026. Here, he chats to Soundsphere's Dom Smith about his plans for the rest of it, ageism in music and wrestling, his happiness and much more!

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/spotlight/chris-jericho-discusses-fozzys-plans-for-2026-his-own-reinvention-as-an-artist-and-musician/

tnaimpact #tnawrestling #amc

Ryan Nemeth is an American professional wrestler, actor, and writer, known for his work in TNA (Total Nonstop Action) Wrestling as "The Hollywood Hunk," and as the brother of fellow wrestler Dolph Ziggler (Nic Nemeth). He's wrestled under various names like Briley Pierce, held titles in OVW and FCW, and gained recent prominence in TNA, especially after teaming with his brother, experiencing success like pinning Jeff Hardy.

Key Aspects of His Career:

Early Career: Trained at Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) and Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), winning tag team championships in both. Ring Names: Known as Briley Pierce (WWE developmental) and Ryan Nemeth (main roster/indies).

TNA Wrestling: Joined TNA, finding significant success, including tag team gold with his brother. Recent Success: Felt his success was growing with TNA's partnership with AMC and growth in viewership, as noted in early 2025. Brotherly Bond: His partnership with his brother Dolph Ziggler (Nic Nemeth) was a successful experiment in TNA.

Rick Maguire of Pile chats to Soundsphere's Dom Smith about the impact of the band's earlier material, the power of protest songs and much more!

Soundsphere’s Christina Brennan chats to actor, director and comedian Kevin Smith about the 25th anniversary of his iconic film Dogma (1999).

It’s been twenty-five – or as Kevin Smith jokes, “twenty-six, but like the Catholic Church, we stretch our truth a little” – years since the release of Dogma. The film’s brilliant and eye-catching blend of theology, satire, and slapstick first satirized Catholic theology, and scandalized the devout, and delighted cinephiles in equal measure.

Now returning to cinemas for its anniversary release, Dogma remains a lightning rod for debates about faith on film and the limits of free speech. When I catch up with Smith over Zoom, he’s relaxed and sipping from a giant mug emblazoned with “Clerks Forever” (a nod to the film that cemented his place in indie cinema history). He’s just wrapped a U.S. tour celebrating Dogma’s re-release, and though he’s older and mellower, he’s still the same compelling storyteller he’s always been.

More here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/interviews/kevin-smith-on-faith-satire-and-25-years-of-dogma-1999

Princess Goes is a band that defies easy labels. Rooted in the art-rock tradition associated with New York, the trio crafts music that blends synth-driven textures with a theatrical sensibility that reflects their shared history on the theatre stage, both as a trio and as individual musicians. More here:

https://www.soundspheremag.com/spotlight/inside-the-world-of-princess-goes/

Have a Nice Life are on Mancunian soil. A touchstone moment in their 25 year existence, Outbreak Fest provides the setting for their long-awaited, yet inevitable encounter with an artistic home from home.

Full chat here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/gaining-a-second-life-have-a-nice-life-discuss-manchester-tiktok-ai/

Bush's Gavin Rossdale talks 90s nostalgia and present day inspirations with Soundsphere's Océane Adams.

Read more at https://www.soundspheremag.com/

greetdeath

“Pain and loss. Everyone feels it; it’s a very human thing. At the end of the day, we’re lucky to lose people we care about.” Interviewer: Dom Smith This quote comes from Logan Gaval of Greet Death, a Michigan based shoegazing/slowcore leaning rock band formed by two lifelong friends. Logan Gaval and Harper Boyhtari debuted this band in 2011, and they return this month with their third album, Die in Love. Their first album in six years. Release is set for Friday, June 25th, 2025. In this album they tackle the difficult sides of humanity- living knowing that we will one day die, and loving, knowing that we will one day lose it all. Yet despite these deep themes, it’s their most uplifting album yet.

“It is our duty to experience loss and people don't like hearing that. But yeah, life is hell. I'm sorry if I'm the first person to tell you that, and it's difficult, but it's still worth doing. There's still joy to be had.” Greet Death is a diverse group in terms of genres, covering shoegaze to classic rock. They’ve toured with Say Anything, Low Animal and Clearbody, and Prize Horse. Coming up this fall, they will be joining Nation of Language as a supporting act. To mix with all these different bands, Gaval attributes it to necessity. “I think that's not really something that's our design. We don't get a ton of opportunities to open for bands, so the reason why the support tours that we get are so different is because when we get an offer, we pretty much have to say yes, right? You know, our influences are pretty eclectic. And I think it has a mixture of shoegaze, and classic rock like Guns and Roses.

And then it has a mixture of Nirvana and modern such as Cloak Room. I don't know, earlier Spirit of the Beehive. So, I don't know. I mean, I think we do a lot of things. I think maybe that's why. But I do think the actual answer is because we don't have a lot of opportunities.” Photo credits: Kat Nijmeddin Gaval used to define success as being measured by the dollar, although he admitted that in that regard, the band is an abject failure. For a long time, he thought that he couldn’t consider himself a real musician unless he was making all his money from touring. “Since we put out New Low, I’ve reprioritized a lot of things... I think the true measure of success is whoever is having the most fun. If having fun were dollars, then I’d probably still be a failure. So, I’m trying to have the most fun out of making music, because it’s unbelievable what we’re able to do and it’s a huge blessing... “What makes everything worth it is performing for people who care... I’m incredibly lucky to get to trudge through hell to bring our music to people that care.” After years of touring, the band has seen firsthand how deeply their audience connects to their music.

Themes of home and alienation, love and death, all through a lenses of humour and catharsis, make this a secure safety blanket for fans. “I wanted to try to write something less fatalistic, because I feel some kind of responsibility to help,” says Logan. “I'm a blue, angry, lonely, confused person. And so, every time I try to write happy songs, they come out hella bad. So, this is a journey that I've been on ever since New Low, trying to write a happy song, an uplifting song that doesn't have some tinge of, like, nihilism or pessimism. Some people would say it's not important. I would strongly disagree. The words you put into the world are important, the sound of the words and the meaning of the words.” Die in Love's Cover Art, credits: Olivia Sullivan Illustration, Keeley Laures Gaval said that he pushed away any expectations for the album before its release. It’s a lie he tells himself to avoid any disappointment, but as a human, there are still things he hopes fans take away from the album. “I would like a lot of people to hear the record and enjoy it. I’m so close to the project, at this point I can only hear mistakes. I hope that Pitchfork reviews it positively, so that more people will hear it and connect with it, and then more people will join the Greet Death subreddit.”

Although there are currently no scheduled UK tour dates, Gaval promises to UK fans that the band is on their way. “What I'd like to leave everyone with is, try your best to get rid of your delusional perspective of what success is, because it's straight up not real and you're going to be broke no matter what. So, if your idea is like, ‘All I want is to tour all the time and make all my money through music and have a career in music,’ the things that you're going to have to do and the kind of person you're going to have to become to get to that point... you basically have to be a bug.”

Nothing hits harder than life, as they say, and the series of bloody-knuckle bouts to get to the release of Yours, With Malice led to some deep introspection by YOUTH CODE regarding who they are, what they’ve accomplished and their next steps.

“I think a lot of people’s stories during the pandemic were about self-reflection, but the ironic thing is we were already in a state of reemergence and re-imagination of self before the rest of the world was forced to do it,” says Ryan George. “We took time and began to workshop and demo vocals on some of the material we had. We never stop writing and are sitting on a mountain of tracks that we can rework and tweak. Not having deadlines surrounding us and in no hurry to get our material out there, all of a sudden the partnership with Sumerian arrived. That sort of ignited a fire and got us to where we are now.”

These last few years of self-reflection found YOUTH CODE stewing in a simmering cauldron of bile and vitriol as Yours, With Malice is clearly their most intricate, well-crafted and blood-thirsty release to date and their first offering for Sumerian Records.

Sumerian Vice President Julien O'Neill adds: "YOUTH CODE have long been a commanding voice in both electronic and heavy music, and we are incredibly honoured to welcome them to Sumerian Records with the announcement of their latest release, 'Yours, With Malice'. We believe this marks a powerful new chapter in their already illustrious career and are excited for what the future will bring for both new and longtime fans alike."

While some of the sounds and references on Yours…come from classic 90s influences such as Nine Inch Nails’ classic Broken/Fixed duality, the untouchable middle period Ministry era that spawned The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste, in addition to a plethora of others like Front 242, Cabaret Voltaire, and Portion Control, the core attack has not changed much for the Los Angeles-based duo.

If the music of YOUTH CODE is the sketchy, yellowing passenger van luring in unsuspecting listeners, then the melodies on Yours… are the out-stretched hand of unlimited candy that growing legions won’t be able to resist. Sara Taylor shares: “I started exploring more melodic vocals on our record with King Yosef [the 2021 collab A Skeleton Key in the Doors of Depression], but I’ve always felt somewhat insecure in my voice… At the same time, Eartha Kitt had a gravelly voice and she was the epitome of a vocalist that ably captured attention – she understood the song and how to make the most of it with what she had.”

What has changed is YOUTH CODE's attention to detail and their hyper focus on execution in songwriting, two things that can only come from the wellspring of knowledge found in a band that has been at it for more than a decade. The group began in 2012 as a project between partners George and Taylor, inspired by the classic sounds of New Order, Depeche Mode and the hardcore punk that soundtracked so much of their youth. What emerged was a demo cassette that led to a 7” release on Angry Love, the first band unrelated to the legendary Psychic TV to be released on that label. A self-titled album followed, then 2014’s A Place to Stand EP, and 2016’s Commitment to Complications LP, all while touring with a diverse groups like Chelsea Wolfe, HEALTH, Skinny Puppy, and more, in addition to arena shows with My Chemical Romance and main stage appearances with Nine Inch Nails. Heaps of press accolades followed before the pandemic hit, and now, in 2025, YOUTH CODE return with their magnum opus.

The 10 song “Microtonic”, recorded with long-term band collaborator Alex Greaves and featuring guest appearances from Sydney Minsky Sargeant of Working Men’s Club and Olivesque of Nightbus, is unquestionably a bold leap for the group, who have embraced a fuller spectrum of tones and atmospheres. “I felt very constrained writing a certain type of music to fit the genre [we were known for] but something lifted and I felt more free to create what I want,” says Ryan.

“And what I seem to be doing at the moment is a lot of electronic music – taking influence from different spans of electronica, from dance music to ambient and more experimental sources.” Bdrmm’s trademark sound hasn’t disappeared by any means, the band’s more guitar-heavy beginnings a blueprint and influence on many of the groups breaking through in the here and now, a time when shoegaze is enjoying its strongest revival since its inception in the 80s, but those guitars are now incorporated into a broader, more expansive and varied sonic palette. “Microtonic” follows 2023’s “I Don’t Know”, an album that arrived to critical acclaim with the likes of Consequence calling it “one of their most enticing successes yet” and Rolling Stone UK describing it as “a chaotic, thrilling evolution”.

The lead single “It’s Just A Bit Of Blood” was also playlisted on BBC Radio 6 Music, and Brooklyn Vegan made the record their Album Of The Week saying that “I Don’t Know” saw them “not only avoid the sophomore slump but deliver a second album that is miles better their debut.” “Microtonic” will be available on digital, CD, classic black LP and on indie stories exclusive coloured LP. You can pre-order the album now via Rock Action: bdrmm.lnk.to/microtonic

The Horrors are a band that you cannot pin down to one genre, and bassist/producer Rhys Webb confirms that. “I certainly don’t believe in any musical boundaries, and I think that’s always been the ethos of the band, and there’s never any limits, or rules or any right or wrongs of what we should do.”

More here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/the-horrors-rhys-webb-talks-about-the-new-record-night-life-in-store-shows-and-20-years-of-the-band/

bowlingforsoup #jaretreddick #wembley Bowling For Soup are Wembley bound! They've headlined festivals, sold out shows the world over, and have never been more popular in their three decades as a band; Now the Texan pop punk legends are headlining a show at one of London's most famous arenas for the first time.

Bowling For Soup will hit the stage at OVO Arena Wembley on the 13th of December 2025. "BFS" will be bringing all the hits - Girl All The Bad Guys Want, 1985, High School Never Ends, Phineas & Ferb and so many more. They're also bringing a fantastic supporting cast of Wheatus (who will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album) while cover superstars Punk Rock Factory will get the party started. It is set to be a perfect pre-Christmas night out for rock and pop punk fans of all ages.

Tickets will go on general sale at 10am on Friday 31 January and will be available from: AEGPRESENTS.CO.UK | AXS.COM | TICKETMASTER.CO.UK

Here's Bowling For Soup frontman Jaret Reddick on the excitement of their upcoming first London arena headline show: "Wembley…What can I say?!? When we first started playing the UK in 2000, you could never have told me that one day, we would be headlining the coveted Wembley Arena! More over, that it would take us 30 years to get there!! I don’t have a bucket list anymore. My dreams have all come true. I have a beautiful family, I’m still making people smile, and the future is bright. But let’s just say there is a little part of me that still has some things to mark off…Wembley is at the top." Prior to the OVO Arena Wembley show, Bowling For Soup will be in the UK in February 2025, finishing the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of their celebrated hit album A Hangover You Don't Deserve. The tour, which is almost completely sold out, is playing arenas and venues all across the UK. Full details and last tickets for that tour are available from the Bowling For Soup official website: https://www.bowlingforsoup.com/

When Stin (bass) spoke with Soundsphere in June 2024, the band were preparing for a highly-anticipated set at Outbreak Festival. Now, in the run-up to a 3 month tour spanning North America and Europe, Soundsphere is joined by Luther Manhole (guitar) and Raygun Busch (vocals). Contrary to his name, Manhole joins the Zoom call in what looks like a cozy home studio. Then comes Busch, right on time, adjusting his vertical iPhone frame as he moves from one room to another.

While Cap’n Ron (drums) remains MIA, Stin is busy mixing and mastering the band’s upcoming collaborative project. As anticipated, there’s a stark contrast between band and sound. Both Manhole and Busch emanate a conversation-between-friends dynamic that, if I were to stereotype, speaks to a Midwestern friendliness. Based in Oklahoma City, the band formed out of a “bad movie night.” The quartet had previously played in separate bands across OKC’s small independent scene, but Chat Pile is the first to gain major success. The band’s relationship with Oklahoma is a complicated one; over the decades, it has grounded and grinded them in simultaneity. Manhole: “Some people have to stay, right? A lot of people relate to this. You live in a place that sucks but you also kinda love it.” For a band whose identity is centred around Oklahoma, particularly the things about it which “suck”, love manifests in curious ways. Take, for example, their striking record sleeves; signifiers of authority - detention centres obscured by pylons, a colossal Christian cross overlooking a retail park - provide psychogeographical insights into America’s ‘Bible Belt’.

Chat Pile’s music seeks to unearth the darker histories beneath these conservative landscapes, scoring ideological resistance under a brutal concoction of noise rock and sludge metal. Lyrically, Busch explores the breakdown of the social contract, its trickle-down effects on the average citizen. Systemic failures are often elaborated through gruesome depictions of the human body, packaging the quotidian violence of American life - both symbolic and physical - into microscopic case studies. It’s impossible to talk about the band’s style and purpose without referring to cinema, Busch being a devout cinephile. One of his ‘truth about life’ films, Killer of Sheep (1979), expresses a similar sentiment in relation to Black life and its fungibility. Systems of racism, exploitation, and cultural displacement, as inherent to America as cowboys and milkshakes, are laid bare in relation to burgeoning Black fatalism. Prominent cinematic influences also include Mike Leigh, forgotten B-Movies, and of course, horror cinema. With Killer of Sheep, it’s clear how, exactly, Chat Pile has transposed similar ideas into sonic form. The role of social masking is one such idea, all mainline projects - excluding This Dungeon Earth (2019) - including a mask-related song. “It’s a word I like,” Busch confirms, “a motif I enjoy, and it has many meanings - societal masks, literal masks, horror masks.”

More here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/spotlight/this-is-all-so-fleeting-chat-pile-talk-empathy-success-and-upcoming-projects/

Happy Holidays to all of the Epic community! Major thank you to Armando, Steven and Luke for speaking with Oceane Adams for this podcast. Epic: The Ithaca Saga will be available on all streaming platforms this Christmas, don't forget to listen! Check out previously released sagas and follow Jorge on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2kdmTOXncgNHSuYVMhdd5I?si=Ht2bSnjyRomuGn-MJj6KBw You can check out my written Epic pieces and other works on Soundsphere here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/author/oceane/ Luke's twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/Lukeholtofficial Luke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lukeholtofficial?lang=en Steven's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevendookie Armando's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elnegroficialpr?refer=creator_embed Album Art by @artofzwist

eightiesmatchboxblinedisaster #rock #alternativerock

Buy a ticket to the PSYCHIC CINEMA and you’ll find ten dreams to decode. Ten fragments to articulate the human condition. Its paranoia and exhilaration. Its beautiful contradiction. Ten shots at understanding the complexities of one's own identity and purpose. Sym had his 1st acting experience this year, playing a frantic Headmaster in a new Troma movie, Eating Miss Campbell. Seeing himself be someone else onscreen was weirdly profound and has guided his songwriting, generating mental images of a life experienced through music. A vivid collage of worries and celebrations, obsessions and dreams. Take your seat and watch it unfold into an intimate yet widescreen snapshot of a chaotic life in Britain today. Cos in your dreams, anything goes - but hard truths lurk in those ludicrous visions. And maybe decoding your demons and desires keeps you one step ahead of the past, allowing it to be recast it as a pedestal of power, a signpost to progress and happiness, to peace and love.

“Primitive Ignorant is my need to unravel and examine my sense of Britishness and belonging; via people and music, politics and football; from failure to celebration. Coming from a different country and growing up in an aspirational family on a London estate, seeing the world with bands and now, as a parent, newly transplanted to Manchester, where it all feels different again. New scenery, people and music to reframe how I view myself and how I’m seen by others. Always the same, always different.” – Symren Gharial

The same is true of PSYCHIC CINEMA’s musical heritage. The first album had help from friends like Joe Talbot and Mick Jones. This time, Sym has overcome frontman anxiety to step up to the mic for most of the vocals. His touchstones remain - always bass first - but every great record he assimilates expands what Primitive Ignorant can be. Lately that’s been Young Fathers, Yves Tumor, Nadine Shah, Algiers, Ghostpoet, Ghost Town, Weatherall, Ashnikko, Warmduscher and Viagra Boys. And, as always, Sandinista and Iggy Pop (who inspired both POWER and the album’s cover snap by Mr Steve Gullick, a nod to Lust For Life’s sleeve).

For more visit: https://primitiveignorant.bandcamp.com/

In our latest Band Spotlight, Dom chats to Miami-based shoegaze and alternative rock standouts Palomino Blond (Carli Acosta and Peter Allen) about the band's forthcoming album, 'You Feel It Too' (out October 4th via Kanine Records).

Find out more about the band below:

Palomino Blond are an up-and-coming independent rock band that’s both a product of and an alternative to their native Miami locale.

The trio of Carli Acosta (guitar/lead vocals - they/them), Emma Arevalo (drums/vocals - she/they) and Peter Allen (guitar - he/him) will release their sophomore album You Feel It Too on October 4, 2024, on Kanine Records (Surfer Blood, Blushing). It’s a dynamic collection heavily influenced by both ‘90s alt-rock and the not-as-obvious sounds of their surroundings.

With a DIY ethos and lots of big guitars, Palomino Blond have gone from heroes of the house-show circuit to darlings of the regional cognoscenti. With a stout, multi-dimensional sound whose prism spans grunge, shoegaze and dream pop, they’ve got all the right influences. But, while Palomino Blond are acolytes of the ‘90s, their music is no basic redux. Instead, they’re part of a surging young class that’s bringing new blood, perspective and verve to give the classic alternative rock aesthetic a distinctly 21st century resonance.

About the album:

The 11-track You Feel It Too isn’t just Palomino Blond’s most extensive work to date but also their most honed. There are some heavy emotions in here, but they’re woven in a dynamic duality of heavy and heavenly. Lush reinterpreting Siamese Dream might sound like this. It doesn’t completely escape its surroundings either. Miami bass sounds and electronic music influence sneaks in, with synths and electronic drum samples found on “It Kills Me,” “Machine,” “Automatic” and “Plain View.”

You Feel It Too was produced by Palomino Blond along with engineering from Ryan Haft (Jacuzzi Boys, Wrong, Torche), Jonathan Nuñez (of Torche) and the band themselves – mastered by Dan Coutant (A Giant Dog, Jawbox, Fiddlehead). Taken together, these songs are a deep swim in thick, plush waters at once cradling and crushing. Dive in, get swept, maybe even succumb for good.

Find out more about the band below:

Palomino Blond are an up-and-coming independent rock band that’s both a

For more on the band, visit:

https://www.instagram.com/palomino_blond/

https://palominoblond.bandcamp.com/album/you-feel-it-too

minecraft #blacklitedistrict #rock

Music saved Kyle Pfeiffer’s life.

Growing up in the shadow of his family's struggle with addiction, including the tragic loss of his mother to an overdose when he was just nine, Kyle himself battled through depths of addiction that few could comprehend. But amidst the turmoil, his alter ego, Blacklite District, emerged as a beacon of light, bringing balance to his chaotic world.

Hailing from suburban Chicago and finding his footing in Spearfish, South Dakota, Kyle's journey with music began earlier than most in his small town. "I got my first drum set when I was seven," he reminisces, thanks to his grandma's Fleetwood Mac VHS tape that sparked his obsession. Ozzy Osbourne's 'No More Tears' became his solace during those years of grief. "That song became my refuge," he reflects. "I've been hooked on music ever since."

By his teenage years, Kyle was fully immersed in the art and business of music, studying its nuances and navigating the industry's changing landscape. He fused his love for rock with influences from rap and EDM, experimenting with sound and honing his craft.

Blacklite District's rise was meteoric, marked by chart-topping hits like "With Me Now" in 2014 and "Cold As Ice" in 2018, Tracks like "Falling" and "Wishing Dead" continued to captivate audiences, showcasing Kyle's evolution as an artist.

An avid collector of Pokémon memorabilia and a Minecraft enthusiast himself, Kyle discovered a unique channel through which he could connect with his audience: gaming. Collaborating with Minecraft content creators, he unleashed creative music videos, propelling him to fame with the 2018 hit "Cold As Ice." The track amassed over 100 million streams and peaked at number 35 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart. This fusion of gaming culture with his music transformed his live performances into vibrant festivals, where gaming, meet-and-greets, and music seamlessly intertwined.

Blacklite District's rise was meteoric, marked by chart-topping hits like "With Me Now" in 2014 and "Cold As Ice" in 2018. Tracks like "Falling" and "Wishing Dead" continued to captivate audiences, showcasing Kyle's evolution as an artist. In 2021, Kyle took a reflective turn with autobiographical tracks like "Live Another Day" and "To Live Is To Suffer," delving into his personal struggles and triumphs.

His 2022 release entitled 1990 was a return to his Rock roots, and at the close of that year, he added more tracks, making it 1990 XL. Added tracks like “Worldwide Controversy” and “I Gambled and I Won” showcase songs of both trauma and triumph, displaying a clear evolution to Blacklite District’s sound, while still providing a sonic journey for new and old fans alike. “I’d like to do this with all of my previous projects,” he explains. “Adding more songs as an XL edition. It’s a nice way to show how far I’ve come.”

Now, in 2024, Kyle returns with renewed vigor, promising an authentic experience for both new and returning listeners. With his music as his compass, he embarks on a new chapter, staying true to the credo that has guided him from the beginning: to provide genuine and compelling music for all who tune in.

Check out this interview here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

When Soundsphere last spoke with AWOLNATION, ‘Sail’ was the sleeper hit of 2011. The career of frontman and founder Aaron Bruno was changed forever, giving way to a smooth wind of success that has been maintained since. Catching up with Soundsphere in 2024, Bruno is preparing for another transformative period; one in which AWOLNATION is perhaps no more.

Read the full feature here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/spotlight/aaron-bruno-comments-on-awolnations-success-the-phantom-five-and-growing-up-as-an-artist/

In this brand new interview, we chat to Music Venue Trust's Mark Davyd about the organisation's goals for the brand new Cohort tour, and much more.

Ahead of the release of his EP ‘Dead Forever’, the enigmatic, genre-bending alt rock/metal artist, Kid Brunswick, will embark on the inaugural MVT Cohorts tour, coming to Key Club in Leeds on August 10th. The fourteen-date tour will also include gigs at Grassroots Music Venues in Dundee, Stoke-on-Trent, Huddersfield, Swansea and Southampton before ending at Camden’s Underworld on August 21st.

The MVT Cohorts tour, organised by the charity Music Venue Trust (MVT), is a new initiative aiming to combat the shrinking tour circuit. Increased costs of touring, including fuel, accommodation and transport, and uncertainty about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on ticket sales, are forcing artists, agents and managers to reduce the financial risks associated with playing extensive nationwide tours. As a result, tours are focusing on major cities and missing out Grassroots Music Venues in hundreds of towns, rural areas and smaller cities across the country; established grassroots venues are no longer being offered touring artists; music fans are no longer able to see their favourite artists, or discover new ones, without travelling to the major cities.

The MVT Cohorts project will underwrite the costs of the shows, ensuring that both the artists and venues receive a guaranteed fee, removing the financial uncertainty that comes with extending tours in the UK to reach secondary and tertiary markets, thereby allowing the artists to diversify their tours and play outside the major cities and the venues to programme diverse and varied gigs.

Speaking about the tour Kid Brunswick said “These days, the high costs of everything make it challenging to plan tours beyond major cities, which is really frustrating. Musicians should have the chance to perform nationwide, and fans should be able to enjoy live music without travelling long distances to major cities. Thanks to Music Venue Trust, I've been able to perform in smaller towns I wouldn't have reached otherwise. This tour is amazing, I’m extremely grateful to have this opportunity to play nationwide.”

For future tours MVT will organise Grassroots Music Venues into ‘Cohorts’ - networks of venues each with its own distinctive identity, facility or approach but which all share a common theme and goal to support touring artists and development. A ‘Cohort’ might denote a group of venues that specialise in certain musical genres, reflect venues with a unique production style, such as seated atmospheric or small capacity, or have specific audience demographics that are underserved. Each ‘Cohort’ will form a preset and agreed touring opportunity which artists, agents, managers and promoters can tap into to support tours reaching those areas currently being left behind, helping to prioritise places and communities most in need of cultural investment.

Mark Davyd, CEO and Founder Music Venue Trust, said “Everyone in the grassroots sector is talking about the huge decline in artist touring. This is the essential lifeblood of grassroots music venues, and Music Venue Trust is determined to show that the enthusiasm for live music, especially new and original live music, is still as strong as ever. We’ve got to fight back against the concept that live music will only be available in major cities in huge arenas at prices out of reach to most music fans. I’m often asked what music fans can do to support the campaign to keep music live in our communities. Here’s the answer: Get out and see an MVT Cohorts show and let’s prove to the music industry that live music still belongs to all of us.”

MVT Cohorts x Kid Brunswick tour dates:

5/8 Beat Generator, Dundee

6/8 Ivory Blacks, Glasgow

7/8 The Cluny 2, Newcastle

8/8 Bootleg Social, Blackpool

10/8 Key Club, Leeds

11/8 Rebellion, Manchester

12/8 Exchange, Bristol

13/8 Parish, Huddersfield

15/8 The Sugarmill, Stoke

16/8 Sin City, Swansea

17/8 The Horn, St Albans

18/8 The Joiners, Southampton

20/8 The Forum, Tunbridge Wells

21/8 The Underworld, London

Music Venue Trust is a UK registered charity which acts to protect, secure, and improve the UK's Grassroots Music Venues.

Created in January 2014, Music Venue Trust aims to secure the long-term future of GMVs in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, whether they are iconic venues such as Hull Adelphi, Exeter Cavern, The 100 Club, Band on the Wall, King Tut’s, and Clwb Ifor Bach, or lesser-known venues that are equally important to their geographical or musical community. These venues play a crucial role in the development of British music, nurturing local talent, providing a platform for artists to build their careers and develop their music and their performance skills.

MVT works to gain recognition of the essential role these venues fulfil, not only for artist development but also for the cultural and music industries, the economy, and local communities. The geographical spread of GMVs provides access to live music, for both performers and audience members, in many locations that do not have alternative cultural venues. The charity provides advice to the government, the cultural sector, and the music industry on issues impacting GMVs and is the nominated representative that speaks on behalf of the Music Venues Alliance, an association of venues from across the UK.

True to name, Peter Hook & The Light (formed in 2010) illuminates a catalogue left to collect dust. With the colourful electronics of New Order came resistance to the band’s past life as Manchester’s finest post-punks. Upon splitting for good in 2007, Hook sought to reverse this trajectory through The Light. Consequently, the atmosphere of their shows is one of pure celebration; from Ian Curtis to Tony Wilson, Rob Gretton to Martin Hannett, Factory folklore comes positively to life.

More here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/peter-hook-talks-substance-longevity-and-his-favourite-new-order-lp/

leeds #thehowlandthehum #indierock Dom Smith talks to Sam Griffiths about moving on from the old version of The Howl and The Hum, to form something new, and beautiful on the new album 'Same Mistake Twice'. We talk Sam's personal, and artistic inspirations, and much more.

The Howl & The Hum, the project helmed by Leeds-based songwriter Sam Griffiths, have released the bracing & honest new single ‘No Calories In Cocaine’; the second track taken from the much-anticipated second album, ‘Same Mistake Twice’ which will be released on 6th September via Miserable Disco. A searching, confessional slice of alt-folk that conjures the bleak, lo-fi introspection of Bill Callahan before erupting into Flaming Lips-fuelled synth-pop delirium, ‘No Calories In Cocaine’’s nervous energy and short but sweet runtime belie the struggle, pain and chaos of a tumultuous few years for Griffiths. As a follow up to The Howl & The Hum’s 2020 debut, the awkwardly titled ‘Human Contact’, ‘Same Mistake Twice’ is Griffiths confronting all the monumental and life-changing challenges that have since been thrown his way. From the original incarnation of the band breaking up in front of his eyes to living through the pandemic and wrestling with the uncertainties of a creative future, ‘Same Mistake Twice’ is 12 tracks of Griffiths’ most direct and disarming work to date.

Unafraid to air his anxieties in public, Griffiths explores the idea of image, including the ones we project and the not-so-secret impressions that others have of us, as he ultimately asks of himself; am I a good person? As somewhat blatantly evidenced in ‘No Calories In Cocaine’, the answer is a complicated ‘no’, but the strength behind asking questions like that marks that crucial first step towards redemption, liberation and regrowth. Having worked with like-minded songwriters Elanor Moss and Matthew Herd (Seafarers) alongside producer Joseph Futak (Tapir!, Lilo), Griffiths’ channels the frank, raw energy of the likes of Big Thief and Phoebe Bridgers through the self-reflective candour of country greats such as John Prine and Townes Van Zandt to create a work of staggering musical highs and lows that serves as the perfect companion to his captivating tales of late night euphoria and everyday existential dread. In being honest to a fault, Griffiths’ finds kinship and comfort in the chaos of modern life; because, at the end of the day, haven’t we all made the same mistake twice somewhere along the way? ‘Same Mistake Twice’ is set for release September 6th 2024. Sam Griffiths (The Howl & The Hum) on ‘No Calories in Cocaine’: “

This is a song about the lengths we go to lie to ourselves. It was partially written on the stagger-back from a night out, with some lines taken from actual excuses I had given myself, and the dawning realisation that maybe some of my reasoning wasn’t as solid as I thought.”

Live Dates: 13 NOV | Gorilla, Manchester 14 NOV | King Tut’s, Glasgow 15 NOV | Leeds Irish Centre, Leeds 16 NOV | O2 institute 3, Birmingham 18 NOV | The Lantern, Bristol 19 NOV | Lafayette, London 21 NOV, Muziekgieterij, Maastricht 22 NOV | Luxor, Cologne 24 NOV | Trix Club, Antwerp 25 NOV | Paradiso Tolhuistuin, Amsterdam 26 NOV | Das Bett, Frankfurt 28 NOV | Hole 44, Berlin 29 NOV | Molotov, Hamburg

Image: Stewart Baxter

span #massdistraction #london

Rock band SPAN return with long-awaited reunion through 2024, including their first and final UK show in over 20 years at the O2 Academy Islington, London.

By arrangement with SJM Concerts and Solo Agency, tickets go on sale this Friday (19 July) at 10am BST via https://tix.to/spanldn. SPAN was widely known for their energetic live performances and catchy rock anthems. They were one of the most popular rock bands in Norway from the early 2000s and dominated live venues and festivals both at home and abroad.

SPAN recently made a comeback with two concerts at Rockefeller in Oslo, both of which sold out instantly. On Monday 23 September, they will play their first and final show in the UK in 20 years at O2 Islington Academy, London. The early 2000s was a golden age in Norwegian rock. SPAN had spent 10 years on the road both in Norway and the UK, when they released their debut album Mass Distraction in 2004. The album went gold in Norway and was well received by both fans and critics. SPAN was hailed as a Norwegian success story with an international appeal. This was confirmed by record deals with Island Records in the UK and Interscope in the US. Mass Distraction was produced by Foo Fighters producer Gil Norton and mixed by Kevin Shirley, who has produced everything from Aerosmith to Iron Maiden. SPAN spent way too many hours in the rehearsal room to become the tightest rock band on the scene. And even though the Norwegian cred-police had their reservations with the band’s lack of tattoos and their stellar work ethic, hundreds of sold out shows with screaming fans spoke for itself. Everyone had their own opinions about the band, and they got a lot of press coverage, both home and abroad, in magazines like NME, Rolling Stone and Kerrang.

After 15 years of sweaty backstages, thousands of miles in the van and too many signed boobs, the band split up in 2005. Now they are doing a reunion through 2024 - and doing their very last round in the ring, ending for good in Trondheim, Norway in October.

Find out more here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/span-reflects-on-first-and-final-european-tour-in-two-decades/

BrayWyatt

Acclaimed artist Kyle Scarborough speaks to Dom Smith about his music taste, approach to tattooing, and creating the concept for what would eventually become The Fiend in WWE, with his friend Windham Rotunda. Here, Kyle shares some of his favourite memories of working with Bray, and we also get his thoughts on the WWE at present, including Uncle Howdy and The Wyatt Sicks.

Kyle also goes into the creative process behind more of his work, his opportunities in AEW with Malakai Black and The House of Black + so much more.

For more on Kyle's work, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/kyleascarborough

https://www.instagram.com/scarborough.studio/

Highly Suspect, the trailblazing rock outfit comprised of Johnny Stevens [vocals, guitar], Ryan Meyer [drums, vocals], Rich Meyer [bass, vocals], Matt Kofos [guitar], and Mark Schwartz [keyboards/guitars], are gearing up to unleash their latest opus, LP As Above, So Below. Known for defying conventions and embracing their own sonic instincts, this forthcoming album promises to continue the band's tradition of pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo within the rock genre.

With As Above, So Below, Highly Suspect invites listeners on a sonic journey that blends their trademark gritty guitars, haunting piano melodies, and off-kilter synths with a newfound sense of introspection and exploration. This album is poised to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike with its raw energy and thought-provoking lyricism.

To celebrate the news of forthcoming As Above, So Below, Highly Suspect is unveiling the first single, "Summertime Voodoo." "If my life is a book, then this album is the first chapter that truly addresses the central conflict," says Johnny Stevens. *"The recognition of an ego, the problems its caused - and the birth of its death. “As Above, So Below.” If I’m being real, I hit rock bottom again. After another close call with death, I feel wide awake. I don’t know how the book ends yet, but I’m very engaged in the plot now. I’d rather it not end at all.

For the past few years I don’t think I gave a shit one way or the other. Like Thom once said - “for a minute there I lost myself.” - “Summertime Voodoo” is the introductory paragraph to this chapter.

We didn’t know which song to put out first, so this time, instead of trying to guess which one sounds most like a single, we just decided it makes the most sense to start at the top of the story."*

In addition to the new track, Highly Suspect will embark on a select series of tour dates across the United States this summer. These highly anticipated shows promise to be electrifying experiences, as the band will play the entire As Above, So Below LP from front to back at these intimate shows. Find more information and tickets HERE.

HIGHLY SUSPECT LIVE
July 24 - Memphis, TN - Growlers
July 25 - St. Louis, MO - Delmar Hall
July 26 - Chicago, IL - Outset
July 27 - Flint, MI - The Machine Shop
July 29 - Detroit, MI - El Club
August 1 - Asbury Park, NJ - The Stone Pony
August 2 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall Of Williamsburg

LukeBlack #Goth #Eurovision

London based Serbian artist Luke Black releases new single ‘Winter Dahlia’ - it’s taken from debut album Chainsaws In Paradise out now.

An eerie, snaking alternative-pop cut ‘Winter Dahlia’ employs all of Luke’s trademark theatricality - operating at the intersection of symphonic arena rock, and late-night club absolution. The themes it tackles are macro; the titular flower is used as a vehicle for examining climate change, and humanity’s lack of urgency in recognising it, as Luke explains:

“Winter Dahlia" delicately unveils the poignant anomaly of a flower blossoming out of season, subtly alluding to the impact of global warming and the impending end of the world. The tender bloom in winter serves as a metaphor for our delicate Earth, while the voices of children echo a plea for help from future generations, softly chanting, "hurry up if you want to be saved."

The ‘Chainsaws' musical era began when Luke landed in London in 2019. Seeking an outlet for a musical drive that felt stagnant and dissonant, he instantly found collaborators in the likes of producers Shurk (Solardo, Zand), Majed and alone.nowhere. Luke developed a creative family in the people he met in clubs and underground gigs in dark, pulsating corners of the city. Though battling negative inner voices, he was quickly inspired by his surroundings, developing a sound and artistic vision that was as expansive as London felt.

For the creative aspects of the project, Luke has teamed up with Vasso Vu, Furmaan Ahmed and Marija Iva Gocic who have worked with the likes of Ashnikko, Caroline Polachek, PC Music. With them he has built a glossy-industrial image that speaks so directly to his upbringing and poised-pop approach to hardcore music

Luke would spend nights recording the blueprints of the album in his shoebox studio bedroom - paper thin walls muting his ability to scream his deepest thoughts into the pop-shielded void so forcing him to pivot emotional strife into the hardcore production of the record.

This element of wrestling with the everyday is vital in the strong bonds Luke has established with his exponentially growing fanbase online, many of whom feel disenfranchised. Whether that’s Shrek watchalongs after the film entered Luke’s referential lexicon, or open-hearted spaces for emotional outlet - it’s a refreshing and conscious step towards solace and strength in community in an evermore isolating world.

Luke came to wider attention after an exhilarating appearance at the 2023 Eurovision song contest in Liverpool representing Serbia, which caught the attention of NME, Popjustice, The New York Times, The Evening Standard, The METRO, BBC and more.

This was an unexpected opportunity, which kickstarted 6 months of intense work for Luke. An independent artist, he acted as creative director, and effective project manager for the performance, leaning on relationships he’d established since his move to London to study and subsequently work in music.

Not one for doing things the traditional way - Luke’s recent live explorations range from live performances on prime time Serbian TV, supporting GO_A at Indigo @ O2, a tour in China, to a mind-blowing techno-opera medley at Berghain, as well as a euphoric sell-out shows at The Lower Third and Amazing Grace in London, and a sold-out homecoming show at Dom Omladine in Belgrade.

Chainsaws In Paradise - the debut album from Luke Black - is out May 24th. It was written by Luke Black, and co-produced with Shurk; mixed and mastered by Shurk.

Luke Black Online
Spotify / Youtube / Twitter / TikTok / Instagram / Discord / Website

Live Dates
4 June - Bristol - The Louisiana (UK)
6 June - Manchester - The Lodge (UK)
7 June - London - Oslo (UK)
11 June - Warsaw - Hydrozagadka (POL)
13 June - Helsinki - Kuudes Linja (FIN)
18 June - Vienna - B72 (AUT)

juliechristmas

By the time Julie Christmas released her debut solo album ‘The Bad Wife’ in 2010, the Brooklyn visionary ws already one of the most lauded voices in alternative music. Her piercing pipes, as previously heard in noise rockers Made Out of Babies and post-metal supergroup Battle of Mice, earned critical acclaim. Then, that goodwill was consolidated by her first standalone statement and now she returns with album two. ‘Ridiculous and Full of Blood’, a heart-on-sleeve chapter-by-chapter storybook of the conflicting elements of her own character, is the most comprehensive declaration of this musician’s talents yet, spanning from alt-pop to post-metal with a staggering array of talent onboard. Guitarist/ vocalist Johannes Persson (Cult of Luna), drummer Chris Enriquez (Spotlights), bassist/ producer Andrew Schneider (Kenmode/Unsane), guitarist John LaMacchia (Candiria) and keyboardist extraordinaire Tom Tierney were all paramount in bringing these new, genre-smashing tunes to life.

“I want people to hear the sad heroine, vile villains, dreamy characters at play, squalor, madness, longing, challenge, triumph, beauty, and love” Christmas says of ‘Ridiculous and Full of Blood’. “This story is a little different, it isn't all fairytale. It speaks to how human nature defies categorisation. The kindest person commits immeasurable acts of cruelty, the monster loves their friend. We are all like that.” The words all communicate their core personality’s worldview, extending from thoughts as small as her fascination with birds, to opinions on grand topics like religion and warfare. Even the album’s title was penned as a tongue-in-cheek description of how Christmas views herself. “I’m not evolved enough as a human to hide the way I feel. It’s all in there. Music is the place to put it all so you don’t explode. If you are throwing yourself into life it can and should get wild!” she explains.

Although Christmas took 14 years to make a full-length follow-up to ‘The Bad Wife’, there’s no doubting that this successor is more than worth the wait. Its impossible-to-pigeonhole songs are destined to not only reinforce the love fans already have for this peerless creative; they’ll certainly win over countless newcomers, as well.

Julie Christmas live dates: 26/06

UK Leeds Brudenell Social Club 27/06

UK London The Garage 29/06

FR Clisson Hellfest 01/07

NL Utrecht Tivoli Pandora 02/07

DE Cologne Gebaude9 03/07

DE Berlin Frannz 05/07

DK Roskilde Festival 09/08

NO Oslo Oya Festival 10/08

CZ Jaromer Brutal Assault 15/08

UK Bristol Arctangent Festival

‘Ridiculous and Full of Blood’ track list:

Not Enough
Supernatural - YouTube
The Ash
Thin Skin
End of the World
Silver Dollars
Kids
The Lighthouse
Blast
Seven Days

Links: www.instagram.com/julie_christmas_official/ https://juliechristmas.bandcamp.com/

goth #ghostbc #thesistersofmercy

Ben Christo discusses working with The Sisters of Mercy for 20+ years, his love and respect for Chris Catalyst (who he worked with as a part of Ghost), as well as TSOM and his solo projects including Diamond Black and more. Following their triumphant return to North America with last year’s 19-date tour that saw sold out shows in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, plus six other cities, THE SISTERS OF MERCY (TSOM) have announced a run of 26 shows this Fall that include such legendary venues as New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, Los Angeles’ The Greek, San Francisco’s The Masonic and Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom among others. Having not performed in North America in over 14 years, last year’s tour was met with resoundingly deafening praise. OUTBURN said Los Angeles’ Palladium was “alive with the hypnotic sounds of The Sisters of Mercy… an unforgettable night that was extraordinary, and it was one to take everyone’s breath away.” Brooklyn Vegan praised of their sold-out NYC show at King's Theater, “Eldritch relishes the spotlight, and the genuinely adoring crowd ate it all up,” while The Aquarian added about that show, “Eldritch’s voice was a gritty and growling baritone – a fine match for the dark setting.” As recent live reviews have attested, the band’s current lineup is the strongest in years, with Andrew Eldritch (vocals) accompanied by Ben Christo (guitarist, backing vocals, bass) who has been with the band for nearly 20 years, the return of Chris Catalyst (who was previously with TSOM from 2005 to 2019) as duty nurse for the ubiquitous Doktor Avalanche, and Kai (guitarist, backing vocalist) who also leads the British-Japanese rock and alternative metal group Esprit D'Air. An iconic force in underground music, TSOM has been defining, defying and denying numerous subgenres of rock and roll for over four decades. Their unique blend of punk-psychedelia, metal, dance beats and guttural growls has mesmerized the masses for several generations. Add to this a cinematic light show and a set list of huge hits, deep cuts and acclaimed new tunes and you’ve got the recipe for a killer night. Formed in Leeds in 1980, TSOM, while named after a Leonard Cohen song, took inspiration from luminaries such as Bowie, Slade and The Velvet Underground. But their closest sonic bedfellows are The Stooges, Motörhead and Suicide, the influence of which imbued the band with a distinct sound of its own compared to others in the post-punk era. 1987’s Floodland was a massive breakthrough for the band, featuring epic tracks such as “Dominion,” “Lucretia My Reflection,” and, of course, 10+ minute opus “This Corrosion,” all three of which can still be heard on dance floors to date. 1990’s Vision Thing featured a harder, more metal-influenced sound yet retained their trademark drum machine pummel and lyrical ambiguity. The disingenuous nature of the music industry in the ‘90s left Andrew Eldritch with a distaste for the record business, shifting his focus to performing live in lieu of releasing recorded music. Yet, while TSOM have not released an LP since Vision Thing, their popularity and impact has only grown stronger over time, with their erudite rock and roll cacophony influencing countless bands over their tenure.

Grassroot music venues are the beating pulse of any music scene worldwide. On the surface, it’s a small, dimly lit room with a stage that creaks with every note, but to artists, it’s Woodstock, it’s the Pyramid stage, it’s an opportunity to project their music to anyone that will listen. As Friedrich Nietzsche once said, ‘without music, life would be a mistake’, so why are we seeing so many venues closing their doors for their final times, and what is being done to help?

Within the last year, 22 million people saw music events in grassroots venues, resulting in it bringing in over £500 million to the British economy. Despite this, the profit margin was a mere 0.2% as running costs sat at £499 million, yet night after night up and down the country, venues still continue to host the backbone of music with no support apart from the love of this sadly diminishing craft.

In April 2023, Jeremy Corbyn’s ‘Peace and Justice Project’ launched the ‘Music for The Many’ campaign to help protect these venues and demand that the government create funding and support to help save the futures of the venues at risk. Music For Many has three demands in order to help secure the future of these grassroot venues:

Have a grassroot venue fund to ensure that all communities have access to opportunities in the music industry.
Tax corporate sponsors of larger music venues.
Invest in grassroots music venues to secure the sustainable long-term futures of the music venues.

disabilityempowerment #disabilityawareness #disabilityadvocacy

In March 2024, Wellcome Collection will present ‘Jason and the Adventure of 254’, a major solo exhibition by Jason Wilsher-Mills (b. 1969, UK). Showcasing his largest and most personal commission to date, this free exhibition will be a joyful and subversive exploration of the body, drawing on the artist’s experience of becoming disabled as a child.

Reimagining the gallery space as a hospital ward, Wilsher-Mills’ immersive installation of sculptures, illustrations and interactive dioramas will challenge the cultural and societal perceptions surrounding disability, medicine and the human body. Through a kaleidoscope of colours and a touch of magic realism, the exhibition will also be a celebration of family, his working-class background and the opportunities he received through hospital education, inviting audiences to explore childhood memories and creativity through the artist’s trademark humour.

‘Jason and the Adventure of 254’ will delve into the transformative moment of Wilsher-Mills’ diagnosis of an autoimmune condition, triggered by contracting chickenpox at the age of 11. Paralysed from the neck down until the age of 16, and unable to physically explore the wider world around him, the artist came to inhabit an interior world filled with action heroes, TV shows, films, comics, books and his own vivid imagination.

The exhibition’s title alludes to 2.54pm at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, on 1 August 1980, when he witnessed his parents being told of his diagnosis at the end of his hospital bed. He can pinpoint this exact moment in time as it coincided with British athlete Sebastian Coe winning the gold medal in the 1500 m race at the 1980 Summer Olympics, which was being shown on the ward’s TV at the same time. In the exhibition, visitors will step into the physical manifestation of this memory, encountering a mesmerising dreamscape where a monumental figure lies in a hospital bed watching TV, surrounded by oversized plastic toy soldiers delivering the virus, inflatable germs that hang in the air and a 30-metre illustrative wallpaper depicting significant episodes from the artist’s life.

The exhibition will also feature a series of nine lightbox dioramas which distil Wilsher-Mills’ childhood memories of this time, both before and after his diagnosis. Throughout the space visitors will be invited to activate different scenes inspired by his working-class background and his experience as a young person. In ‘Mum as Mermaid’ (2024) the artist recalls a family holiday to the seaside where he imagined his mother as a mermaid surrounded by bioluminescent jellyfish, while ‘Hippo Scare’(2024) depicts a childhood encounter with a hippopotamus at a zoo in Manchester, which Wilsher-Mills credits with the beginning of his creative awakening as an artist.

The installation will be supplemented by sketchbooks of pen-and-ink drawings – a practice Wilsher-Mills has returned to for the first time in 30 years – which are then reconfigured in layers using an iPad to become the eventual work. They are inspired by encounters with anatomical studies in Wellcome’s historic collections, which evoked memories of the artist’s own hospitalisation. After the exhibition, the sketchbooks will be acquired into Wellcome Collection.

Alongside the exhibition, Wilsher-Mills will take over Wellcome Collection’s atrium from 20 May to 8 September 2024 with works from the series ‘Jason and his Argonauts’. This will include his monumental sculpture ‘I am an Argonaut’(2021). Originally installed in Folkestone and taking inspiration from William Harvey (1578–1657), the Royal Physician credited with the first description of the human circulatory system, the work is a reflection of Wilsher-Mills’ own experience of disability. It contrasts medical imagery with the social model of disability: “the understanding that people are disabled by barriers in society, not by their impairment or difference” (Scope, 2022).

Jason Wilsher-Mills is a disabled artist born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, now living in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. The son of a coal miner, he is the youngest of eight children and grew up on council estates in Wakefield. He was the first in his family to go to university, and studied painting at the Cardiff School of Art and Design.

taiwan #deathmetal

Dom chats to Joe Henley (frontman of Buddhist death metal band, DHARMA) talks moving to Taiwan and being part of a thriving metal and punk scene.

More coming to Soundsphere magazine in the coming days...

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

slowjoy #emo #alternativerock

Esteban Flores talks to Dom Smith about the inspirations and ideas behind 'Mi Amigo Slow Joy', alongside the emotional connection he has with the music.

Slow Joy, the solo project of Dallas based, New Mexican born Chicano artist Esteban Flores, releases his latest single, the urgent and anguished “King Cowboy”.

Along with the single, Slow Joy exclusively premiered the official music video via Under The Radar today, watch HERE. “King Cowboy” is the second track from Slow Joy’s forthcoming new EP Mi Amigo Slow Joy – set to be released on June 7th via Mick Music. He will be hitting the road with his band in June for a North American tour that includes headline shows, festival sets at So What?! Festival in Fort Worth, TX and Ohio Is For Lovers Festival in Cincinnati, OH, and opening for beloved Nashville based American emo band Free Throw in the US and Canada. New single “King Cowboy” looks at the consequences of existing in a capitalist society, including challenging economic realities. The song represents Flores’ foray into telling personal stories from the perspective of a character. “With ‘King Cowboy,’ I didn't want to critique the American Dream in a way that was preachy,” he says. “So I thought it was interesting to put yourself in a character and say, ‘I'm the King Cowboy,’ which is such a ridiculous term to say.” It’s also the second song to be released ahead of Mi Amigo Slow Joy and follows the Foo Fighters-meets-Pixies single “Pulling Teeth,” which was released last month with news of the new EP – listen HERE and watch HERE. The new EP was produced by Mike Sapone (Oso Oso, The Front Bottoms, Grouplove) and follows 2023’s Wildflower EP. Flores first started releasing singles under the moniker Slow Joy in 2020 and by 2022 the project gained momentum via a pair of singles – “Crawling” and “Soft Slam” – that accumulated millions of views on TikTok and secured impressive playlist placements. These early singles featured a sensitive combination of soaring space rock, noisy shoegaze, and dynamic post-rock. Flores originally started writing music to help him process the death of his mother and after his early success, continued to hone his craft. The new EP reflects lyrical and sonic growth that Flores attributes in part to working in the studio with Sapone. In addition, the EP’s visuals and title reflect his Hispanic heritage and culture – something very important to Flores. “Naming it Mi Amigo Slow Joy is like, ‘Hey, this is rock music. It’s serious, and it's important, and it's me.’ And one thing that is me is being a Mexican-American person, and being proud of that culture, and showing it off.” Look for Mi Amigo Slow Joy on 7th June 2024 via Mick Music.

The word ‘success’ is an undefinable mystery, as the word changes definition depending on who you are speaking with and what point of life they are in. However, few could look at the career of David Dastmalchian and think that he has not been successful, as the films he has starred in are staples in the cinematic history of many people’s viewing lives. David is an inspiring man with an admirable dedication to his work and craft. Any piece of work with his name on it is worth looking into. From the anxious chaos of his turn as Thomas Schiff in The Dark Knight, or the heroic comedy of Polka-Dot Man in Suicide Squad, and the creative intensity he brings to roles like Piter de Vries in Dune, or Jack Delroy in Late Night With The Devil. It is hard to imagine someone of his distinction ever struggled with something as common as addiction, but everyone has their own story of dark times, and David shares his with Soundsphere, and how alternative music helped him through it.

Read more at: https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/late-night-with-the-devil-star-david-dastmalchian-shares-his-love-for-the-dark-heavy-sounds-of-failure-and-nine-inch-nails/

Photo credit: J. Konrad Schmidt

Cafe Indie in Scunthorpe is a not-for-profit.

They work to provide work experience, training and youth work support to young people aged 16-25. Our cafe is staffed by young volunteers, giving them the chance to develop job skills and improve their prospects. It works too – over 60% of our volunteers go on to secure paid employment. We also host a daily drop in for children aged 13-18 and work with a vast array of community groups to address social issues, serving as a springboard for community development.

https://cafeindie.org.uk/

Hull's Chiedu Oraka reflects on a mega run of shows at SXSW 2024 in Texas The only type of Rap that can be curated if you’ve grown up in the 01482.

And if you haven’t, well you’re about be taken on an incredible journey. Joe the Third is spinning the beats. Stepping back, rapping along with his brothers, feeling the groove.

Deezkid, if the crowd was a box of play-doh then Deez is the kid that mashes all the colours together into a giant ball, and plays with it to his heart's content. And then there’s Chiedu Oraka, the Black Yorkshire mayyyyyyyne. Throwing kung-fu kicks and beasty bars into the Austin air and the audience is just lapping it up, as if it’s the English Breakfast section at an all you can eat buffet.

More at:

https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/interviews/hulls-chiedu-oraka-reflects-on-a-storming-set-at-sxsw-in-texas/

With their new album ‘NATURAL MAGICK’ topping the Independent Album Charts and the first London date of their April/May UK Tour now sold out, Kula Shaker announce a second night at London’s Electric Ballroom on Saturday 27 April 2024.

The full list of April/May UK Tour, including the second London show is:

22/04/2024 Cardiff ,Tramshed
23/04/2024 Bexhill, De La Warr Pavilion
25/04/2024 Wolverhampton, The Wulfren
26/04/2024 London, Electric Ballroom
27/04/2024 London, Electric Ballroom (*new show)
29/04/2024 Newcastle, Boiler Shop
30/04/2024 Glasgow, SWG3 TV Studio
01/05/2024 Leeds, O2 Academy
03/05/2024 Manchester, O2 Ritz
04/05/2024 Bristol, Marble Factory
05/05/2024 Bournemouth, O2 Academy

Tickets for all shows via gigsandtours.com ticketmaster.co.uk kulashaker.co.uk

Just back from a sell-out tour of Japan, frontman Crispian Mills adds, ”Gracing the charts again means so much to us and our fans.”

These days, as anyone who has seen them in the flesh could tell you, Kula Shaker’s live shows are less like gigs than bona-fide happenings… communal gatherings of like-minded souls where the bilateral flow of positive energy feels powerful enough to levitate the Royal Albert Hall.

This same kinetic energy curses through every second of ‘NATURAL MAGICK’, the band’s 7th studio album, which finds the reunited original four members of Kula Shaker casting their most powerful spells yet — in no small part due to the return of keyboard wizard Jay Darlington from a decade with Oasis and various Gallaghers, therefore reuniting the band’s classic line-up (Crispian Mills: guitar/vocals; Jay Darlington: Hammond organ/ keys; Alonza Bevan: bass; Paul Winter-Hart: drums).

halifax #thehazyjanes #welcometocylindercity

Dom Smith chats to The Hazy Janes' frontman Ellis Best about the band's new EP, and the accompanying comic book, 'Welcome To Cylinder City'. In this revealing interview, we go in-depth on the characters and ideas that led to the creation of the new music, and explore the possible future of Cylinder City as a Universe for Ellis to create.

For more information visit:

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Ben Leftwich goes in-depth on his York roots, new album 'Some Things Break' and much more. Here, the artist pays tribute to those that got him here, defines what success means to him, and looks towards an exciting 2024, with some tour dates on the horizon.

Find out more here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

sxsw #sxsw2024 #vibes

Kofi Smiles chats to Vital Powers about his experience performing at SXSW 2024 for All The Vibes!

For more coverage visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Dom catches up with Raven Numan who talks about forging her own musical legacy, working in the studio with Ade Fenton to craft new single, 'My Reflection' as well as visual inspirations and more.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

linkinpark #chesterbennington #greydaze Grey Daze is the origin story of one of the most recognisable rock voices in a generation, although little is known about them in the UK until now. With the recent announcement of their first ever UK tour, Meg Barton had the chance to sit down with Sean Dowdell and Cris Hodges of Grey Daze to talk about their recent albums and reminisce on memories with co-founder, Chester Bennington.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

theblackcountry #postpunk #punk

Headshrinkers are the four piece piece new wave punk band consisting of Garran on Vocals, James on Guitar, Xavier on Bass and Scarlett on drums. The band are quickly becoming renowned for the way they effortlessly mix together unflinching poetry set atop confrontational searing lead guitar riffs, thunderous, driving bass-lines and pummelling drums and for their frantic, full-force live shows with frontman Garran’s captivating, visceral performances. The band were formed in 2019 and were built on a vision of wanting to capture the nuisances of everyday life within their music. Despite being a relatively new band, Headshrinkers have been quick to build a name for themselves within the scene, they were featured in new music promoters ‘This Feeling’ Big in 2021‘ list, as well as being named as Brum Radio‘s Band of the Year 2020.

New Model Army's Justin Sullivan opens up about the creative forces behind new album, 'Unbroken', and discusses the band's ability to have succeeded (and thrived) for 40+ years outside of music's mainstream.

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

crawlers #poppunk “It goes from Tool-inspired baselines to piano ballads, to pop songs to folk music. It sounds like a bizarre and eclectic mix but we have made it work. Listen to the album and you will understand,” Harry Breen from the band Crawlers sits and chats to us about their debut album - The Mess We Seem To Make - and the band's influences and the definition of success. “Feeling a bit anxious but also very excited. It is so weird because we have been sat on this album for like, three or four months already just waiting for it to go out into the world for everyone to hear it,” Harry Breen, drummer of Merseyside rock four-piece - Crawlers - says the morning of their debut album release - The Mess We Seem To Make. Excitement levels are high as the initial album reviews roll in and Crawlers sit on revel on this piece of art they have finally unleashed into the world. He joins us on his own without the other members but fuels and feeds us with an in-depth and passionate insight into the creation of this debut record. “Hopefully everyone loves it as much as we do,” he adds. Asking what the feedback on the record has been like so far - despite it only being out for twelve hours at the time of the conversation, Harry elates: “The reviews have been great, and all the fans love it because they are so dedicated. But it is nice to hear that even like new people are listening, which is great.” With the release of something you have worked hard on, it is only right to celebrate. “We did not have anything planned for a while, we had not thought of it but we said in the group chat the other night that we are gonna go to Amy’s (guitarist) for a nice little family meal,” Harry discusses. The band are about to head on a support slot with Canadian rock band Mother Mother - so their release week schedule is packed, yet there is still space for celebrations.

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

lowlives #spinefarm #grunge

Luke Anthony Johnson (Amen, No Devotion) and Lee Downer (The Defiled) have been in bands that courted a lot of controversy over the years.

Through the anxiety and stress that came with those groups, the pair eventually found each other and found a "safe space" to create raw, gritty alternative rock that is as much catharsis for them, as it is for listeners.

In this interview, we go in-depth with Lowlives in 2024, discussing the delay to the forthcoming debut album, being signed to Spinefarm by Daniel P. Carter, and some funny tour moments.

For more visit:

https://www.instagram.com/lowlives

https://www.spinefarmrecords.com/473/artists/lowlives

Dom Smith sits down with one of his favourite YouTubers, Sounds Pretty Grim to discuss the creation of the channel, personal motivations, goth and spooky culture and much more.

https://www.youtube.com/@SoundsPrettyGrim

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Sybil Bell talks to Dom Smith of Soundsphere about the creation of Independent Venue Week, and how that inspired Independent Venue Community, alongside her love for Hull and the North of England's creative scene.

https://independentvenueweek.com/us/

https://independentvenuecommunity.com/

health #ratwars #healthband

Jake Duzsik discusses HEALTH's brand, alongside his own personal development in this revealing interview ahead of the 'Rat Wars' album release.

Full feature coming soon to: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

badwolves #alternativemetal #dieaboutit

Doc Coyle goes in-depth on his thoughts about Bad Wolves' forthcoming record, 'Die About It' and discusses how he feels the band fits into the modern alternative metal landscape.

https://badwolvesnation.com/

DirtySanchez

Mathew Pritchard is a man whose career looks drastically different now than it did at its onset. Rising to notoriety 20 years ago with stunt and prank show Dirty Sanchez, Pritchard is now widely visible as a vegan chef and triathlon athlete. With this year seeing the launch of vegan supplement company SWYD Supplements and the third Dirty Vegan book, Dirty Vegan: Fast and Easy, Pritchard sat down with Soundsphere’s Dom Smith to reflect on his career and personal growth, anxiety and how he maintains motivation.

https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/mat-pritchard-discusses-success-sobriety-and-his-perspective-on-fame/

Jami Morgan of Code Orange chats to Dom Smith about the hidden depths of 'The Above', and working with the likes of Billy Corgan on 'Take Shape'. For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

nonpoint #numetal #alternativemetal

Rasheed Thomas of US alternative metal overlords, Nonpoint chats with Dom Smith from Soundsphere about the band's legacy, and coming over to the UK for a tour! --- South Florida-based rock band Nonpoint, has been captivating audiences with their energetic sound and passionate performances for over two decades. Formed in 1997, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of what modern rock can be, combining heavy metal, nu-metal, and hard rock into a unique and powerful musical force. Over the course of their 20-year career, Nonpoint has released several critically acclaimed albums and garnered a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the industry. Throughout their career, Nonpoint has been celebrated for their signature sound and powerful lyrics, which often tackle social and political issues. Their hard-hitting sound and emotional live performances have earned them a dedicated fanbase, as well as recognition from the music industry. Nonpoint has received multiple award nominations and has been praised by publications such as Rolling Stone, Revolver, and Alternative Press.

Nonpoint is: Elias Soriano (Lead Vocals) Robb Rivera (Drums) Rasheed Thomas (Guitar /Backing Vocals) Adam Woloszyn (Bass) Jason Zeilstra (Lead Guitar)

Fresh off the success of his song ‘Hard Labor’, which has been heard on radio all over Europe and has just been featured in Bafta winning editor / screenwriter Will Gilbey’s new action-thriller film Jericho Ridge, new Liquid Ltd single ‘I Walked’ is a soulful hip-hop meets Americana track that reflects on the Montreal artist’s life journey, from struggles to enlightenment in consciousness. Liquid Ltd, aka Stephen “Liquid” Hawley has soared to the Top of the Pops with Bran Van 3000’s smash hit ‘Drinking In LA’ and with ‘I Walked’ has teamed again with Brooklyn’s Billboard number one charting, Emmy nominated producer Rench to bring a powerful portrait of desire facing the reality of inner-city life and concrete meeting the dirt road. “If you want the highs! Better know the lows”, Liquid proclaims with a sounded foundation, as ‘I Walked’ carries the weight of his highs and lows in life so far. The contemplative song is sure to have you deep in thought and get under your skin with its gritty rap bars and restrained rustic troubadour lilt. “It’s a song of the miles travelled, escaping conflict and pain and being forced at a young age to make life-changing decisions”, says Liquid. “It is a story of consciousness in consequences in the battle of bad and good”, he adds. The video for ‘I Walked’ was shot by Liquid and Francis DiSalvio (F6 image) in the infamous Fattal artist compound in St. Henri and Liquid’s own neighbourhood NDG (Notre Dame De Grace) or Our Lady of Peace in the West End of Montreal. “It’s a marginalized community layered with many cultures from Irish to Jamaican and where I have lived since hitchhiking to Montreal at 16 years old”, reveals Liquid. “I wanted to capture the feeling I felt when I was 16 years old. The highs and lows, bad and good and the struggle to find a way in the maze”, he explains. So, take the steps and walk with Liquid Ltd in ‘I Walked’ and enjoy a richness of emotion that will bring a fire to your spirit and hope to despair and meet you there!

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Soundsphere's Dom Smith sits down with Theo Polyzoides from King Nun to discuss the band’s creative inspirations behind ‘LAMB’, and how the creative development of the record has pushed him in new ways as an artist. London-based grunge upstarts KING NUN today announce their highly anticipated new album ‘LAMB’, set for release on respected independent label Marshall Records, 29th September 2023.

Fans can pre-save/pre-order – HERE The announcement is accompanied by the band’s latest video ‘But We Live On The Beach’ – HERE. ‘LAMB’ (produced by the band’s very own Caius Stockley-Young at The Marshall Studio) sees the London quintet take us on a journey that embraces vulnerability and authenticity. With a poignant blend of introspection and raw emotion, this is a collection of vibrant, hook-laden tracks that delves deep into the human experience; with a healthy dose of existentialism, confronting one’s terror, as well as social and emotional threats and anxieties head-on. The album encapsulates the struggle to remain true to oneself in a world that often demands conformity and detachment. This powerful indie-punk, grunge opus serves as a profound metaphor for that delicate part of us susceptible to cynicism, trauma and emotional pain. Yet, it is precisely this vulnerability that emerges as the most beautiful aspect of our being, rising to the occasion with resilience and grace. In a society where the prevailing response to challenges is often to become cynical and mask our emotions, ‘LAMB’ offers a refreshing alternative. It speaks directly to the struggles faced by many, highlighting that true solutions lie not in aggression or escapism, but in embracing our shared humanity. By retaining our naivety, optimism, and trust, we can carve a path towards a brighter and more compassionate future. Speaking on their new album, vocalist and enigmatic frontman Theo Polyzoides comments: “LAMB is about vulnerability. It’s about being true to yourself. It’s about retaining the part of you that is naive and optimistic and trusting, in the face of a world that will turn you into a fucking android if you give it even an inch.” exclaims Polyzoides.” “So, LAMB is a metaphor for that Achilles heel, the part of you that is susceptible to trauma, emotional pain… all of these things,” he expands. “that’s the thing that rises to the occasion and is the most beautiful part of us… I think that, actually, if we all just tried to retain a bit of humanity, we’d probably make a better future.” Through its evocative melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and fearless exploration of the human psyche, this album stands as a testament to the power of vulnerability, positivity and the enduring strength found within each of us. This interplay of light and shade can be found expertly showcased with the band’s latest single ‘But We Live On The Beach’. “In direct contrast to how bright and optimistic the song sounds, lyrically, this is one of our bleakest songs.” remarks Theo. “It's about being surrounded by friends who are all developing substance issues, when you come home to a 24/7 rager that goes on for weeks on end. In this song; ‘the beach’ is an analogy for a party. The chorus is a desperate plea which is to say; "No, I don't want any part of this, we LIVE on the beach, this isn't a holiday anymore, it's become habit, the novelty is gone and it's getting scary now."

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/ ‘LAMB’ will arrive 29th September 2023 via Marshall Records.

Ahead of Hull’s annual Freedom Festival celebrations, Lucy caught up with Berlin art-rock royalty Otto and Astrid, before their upcoming show Otto and Astrid’s Joint Solo Project debuting on Friday. The dynamic Euro-pop duo talked their favourite Hull slang, their songwriting process, and the best kebabs they’ve ever eaten. An interview that will certainly make you laugh, Otto and Astrid are not to be missed at this year’s festival.

Otto and Astrid’s Joint Solo Project takes place on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of September at 8:00pm at Humber Street’s Social.

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

https://www.freedomfestival.co.uk/

https://ottoandastrid.com/

baileyspinn #tiktok

Viral TikTok sensation Bailey Spinn talks to Dom Smith about their experience in the music industry as an artist, the songwriting process and the trials and tribulations of creating viral content!

For more information visit:

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

https://www.instagram.com/baileyspinn

publicimage #sineadoconnor #jahwobble

Jah Wobble (John Wardle) comments on his new album his attitude to touring, and the importance of being a good human being during this in-depth chat with Soundsphere's Dom Smith.

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Known for forming Public Image Ltd with Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon and Keith Levene, Wobble's collaborations have since included Brian Eno, Bjork and Sinead O'Connor, and his groundbreaking and innovative bass playing has cemented his place in music history. He is also a published author of several books on a variety of subjects.

urbanheat #goth #postpunk

Jonathan Horstmann of Urban Heat sits down with Soundsphere's Dom Smith to discuss the band's viral hit, 'Have You Ever?', the possibility of touring the UK, and much more.

For more information visit:

https://www.urbanheatband.com/

WWE and AEW star Joseph Rudd (Erick Rowan) goes deep on his favourite heavy bands (including the likes of Ghost, Paradise Lost and many more), and whether he believes in guilty pleasures when it comes to music. More here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Kamtin Mohager has an open and honest discussion about Heavenward's significance when it comes to his extensive musical back-catalog with the likes of Teenage Wrist and The Chain Gang of 1974.

Kam goes in-depth with Soundsphere's Dom Smith on new tracks from the album, including 'Be My Blues', alongside sharing his passion for bands including Placebo, and My Vitriol and Silverchair and how they influenced the record as a whole.

For more information visit:

https://www.instagram.com/heavenwardband

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Richard Patrick of Filter goes in-depth about the band's new album, 'The Algorithm', and discusses his friendships with future tourmates Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie, alongside his former Nine Inch Nails partner, Trent Reznor.

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

https://officialfilter.com/

Ahead of WWE's Night of Champions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, WWE's Mustafa Ali opens up about his favourite artist J.Cole, and why the artist's music means so much to him.

WWE Night of Champions airs LIVE in the UK at 6pm BST on Saturday, May 27th on WWE Network

The words “Stay Humble Or Be Humbled” have regularly adorned the front of Nita Strauss’ t-shirt. It isn’t just a mantra but a mindset to keep yourself grounded even when things are going well. And things certainly are going well for the Los Angeles native rocker… “My boyfriend actually has a clothing brand called Beverly Kills and he’s the one that makes that shirt. I like that attitude, because I think if you’re not humble the world will find a way to make you humble,” said Strauss in an interview with Soundsphere’s Dom Smith.

It’s an impressive way of thinking for a 36-year-old that has not just rubbed shoulders with, but taken to the stage with some of the biggest names in rock and metal. Not content with a role as a touring guitarist, Strauss has struck out as a solo artist in her own right and we’re not just talking her stint in Iron Maiden all-female tribute band The Iron Maidens. In 2018, Strauss launched her debut solo album ‘Controlled Chaos’, a title that seems at least in retrospect, to explain the nature of its production. Five years later and not only has the world changed, but so too has the professional outlook of one of the busiest guitarists in the game ahead of her sophomore release. “If you listen to my first album which I self-produced, self-engineered, I recorded every instrument. My boyfriend played the drums and I even engineered the drums, which is terrible because I’m not an engineer and I don’t know how to engineer drums, I looked it up on YouTube and it shows!” “I’m proud of it, I’m proud of the stomping of feet and smashing your head into the wall of making ‘Controlled Chaos’, but I think this upcoming record really shows a lot of evolution as an artist. I was really able to take a step back, take a deep breath and allow the collaborative process to happen with different outside writers, collaborators, guest vocalists, a guest guitar player and embrace that collaborative spirit. Rather than just saying this is my thing and I don’t want anybody to tell me how to do it.” Arguably Strauss’ rise to the top came to pass when she became the legendary shock-rocker, Alice Cooper’s, touring guitarist....

https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/nita-strauss-talks-her-solo-album-working-in-the-studio-with-alice-cooper-and-more/

Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey star Amber Doig-Thorne opens up about her role as Alice in the film, as well as her future in horror movies and beyond.

https://www.instagram.com/amberdoigthorn

Heart Attack Man's Eric Egan takes time out from touring to chill with Dom Smith and talk about the "coming of age" record that is 'Freak of Nature'

Starting on May 25th, Heart Attack Man will be bringing their new music on the road for the Freak Of Na-Tour. The six week run features Arm’s Length, Super American, and Photocopy. It includes stops in Detroit, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nashville, LA, and more, before wrapping up with two sold out hometown shows in Cleveland. Tickets across the country are selling fast, with Chicago already upgrading to a bigger room due to demand. For a full list of upcoming dates, please see below or visit: www.heartattackman.com.

Heart Attack Man write the soundtrack to “figuring it out.” Rife with intricate riffs, gleefully catchy choruses, robust rhythms, and a whole lot of outcast charm, the Cleveland band—Eric Egan [vocals, guitar], Adam Paduch [drums], and Ty Sickels [guitar]—turn all the awkwardness of growing up into undeniable and unpredictable anthems, teetering on an axis of punk, rock, and pop. After racking up tens of millions of streams and earning acclaim from Brooklyn Vegan, FLOOD, UPROXX, Alternative Press, and more, the group tell a different kind of coming-of-age story on their 2023 third full-length, Freak Of Nature.

“The overarching theme is growing up,” says Eric. “I spent my entire twenties just feeling completely out of place. It was like I hadn’t found my people yet. In early adulthood, I went through a lot of shit mentally. With Freak Of Nature, I’m embracing the fact I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, but it’s okay.”

The band initially buzzed out of the Midwest with 2014’s Acid Rain EP. Logging countless miles on the road, they consistently dropped fan favorite releases, including The Manson Family [2017], Fake Blood [2019], and the Thoughtz & Prayerz EP [2021]. Cleveland.com hailed the latter as “some of the band’s absolute heaviest tunes to date,” while Brooklyn Vegan summed it up best as “killer.” Along the way, “Pitch Black” piled up 1.7 million Spotify streams followed by “Leap Year” with 1.3 million Spotify streams and counting. Moreover, they canvased the country on tour with the likes of Neck Deep.

After bonding over a shared love of Motion City Soundtrack, Eric linked up with Lil Aaron [Lizzo, Blackbear, Kiiara] in Los Angeles. Who said nothing good goes down in the DM?

“Even though we come from different lanes, we both have the same sense of humor and a similar attitude,” he goes on. “I’d bring ideas, and he would help shape them. It was a true collaboration. I learned how Aaron channels his creative energy and how to maintain momentum. We clicked, and I was accepting all of this new energy and goodness into my life.”

Fittingly, they introduce this phase with the first single and title track “Freak Of Nature.” Co-written with Nick Wheeler of All-American Rejects, it hinges on an upbeat riff, giving way to a hypnotic bridge and infectiously irreverent refrain, “I’m a freak of nature.”

“The record started to become its own thing after we wrote this one,” he recalls. “There’s an overarching method to all of the madness. Musically, we’re levelling up. We allowed ourselves to grow.”

Whether or not you’ve figured your life out, Heart Attack Man will ultimately be with you, holding your hand every step of the way.

“I’ve grappled with complex feelings of isolation, loneliness, and freakiness, and it’s an up-and-down rollercoaster,” he leaves off. “In the end, you need to hold on and trust the process. If I was talking to myself ten years ago, I was in a completely different place. It’s better now. Things do work out. For us, this is a new start, and I’m happy about it.”

Freak Of Nature Tracklisting:

Practiced In the Mirror
Freak Of Nature
Like A Kennedy
Late To The Orgy
Stick Up
God Called Off Today
C4
9 On Your Bedside
Clown School
See You On The Other Side

Pre-order Freak Of Nature - HERE + Pre-save HERE

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Therapy #HardColdFire #therapymusic

Andy Cairns of Therapy? discusses the band's enduring legacy, the success of early records like 'Troublegum', and the influences around new album, 'Hard Cold Fire' --- Northern Irish rock outfit, THERAPY? announce their colossal new studio album ‘Hard Cold Fire’, a spiralling, hypnotic melange of grunge-rock and towering melody that sees the trio steadfast and reinvigorated. ‘Hard Cold Fire’ is set for release 5th May 2023 via Marshall Records. Resilience and survival have become vital watchwords for Therapy?.

Enduring over three decades as the musical, cultural and social landscapes have shifted around them, the trio have forged and retained a powerful and lasting connection with a dedicated fan base around the world, doing so by putting their emphasis on the music, solidifying a hard-won reputation as forward-thinking writers and a fierce live proposition in the process. As Therapy?’s fourth decade finally gets underway in earnest, sixteenth album ‘Hard Cold Fire’, written and pre-produced during an unprecedented time for music, is hefty, compact, and accessible, a distillation of everything that has made them what they are - hewn from County Antrim basalt, still possessed of their stoicism, but casting a renewed focus on catharsis and healing. “One thing we did decide when we were eventually able to rehearse, was that we didn't want to make a lockdown record,” says vocalist and guitarist Andy Cairns, “because people have been through enough. “When we began to rehearse the songs, we realised there was an empathetic quality to them. We wanted to make something that was a bit more relatable, and less standoffish and claustrophobic - which we have a history of, and it stands in places - but we wanted to make something more approachable and open.” “We wanted this album to be one that felt good to play live, almost a release after this period of stasis, but then also not dwelling on the whole situation - we’re moving forward, and we wanted that energy to be there,” adds bassist Michael McKeegan.

The serrated, chugging riffage, churning low-end and propulsive rhythms that are hallmarks of the band’s sound are all present and correct, but met with a new-found sense of resolution and release, as most readily displayed on the one-two punch of their first single, ‘Joy’. “Well, 'Joy' started with a term from 'Waiting for Godot', by Samuel Beckett,” confesses Cairns “this wonderful line: 'habit is a great deadener'. I just love that word, 'dead-en-er'. It's an amazing word. People get themselves into these habits, and the next thing you know, their life is over and they've only lived in a very small circle of experience, often through choice, which is scary.” Working once more with renowned producer Chris Sheldon (Feeder, Biffy Clyro, Foo Fighters), a consistent good-luck charm for Therapy? dating back to 1994’s breakout album Troublegum, the band decamped to the newly opened Marshall Studios in Milton Keynes toward the end of 2021, working furiously to put the album down in its final form. “We know Chris. We've got a similar mindset, a similar outlook in life, a similar sense of humour,” McKeegan says.

“It works well, and it's a very easy, collaborative environment. There's no agenda to making the album, apart from 'let's make this absolutely brilliant'. “He's excellent at getting the performance out of you, knowing when to push a bit harder, knowing when something doesn't need to be over-complicated. There's an enthusiasm and a connection with him that really does bring something to the band, and to the vibe we have together.” While ‘Hard Cold Fire’ represents the next milestone in the band’s ongoing journey, it sits at the front of a long body of work, veering between noise-rock, discord and sparse, groovy experimentation, and million-selling, mainstream-friendly pop and noirish, cinematic vistas. For long-time fans, this new offering will reward an attentive ear in terms of musical flourishes and Cairns’ trademark lyrical substance, but as a finished product, the band has set out to create something that stands alone, and ‘Hard Cold Fire’ achieves just that. “There's a reinvigorated feel to the band, as though things are moving forward,” adds drummer Neil Cooper. “I'm very excited about people hearing this. It's not just about turning up and performing. Everyone's so invested... we're unbelievably lucky, some bands don't get that privilege, and I appreciate that. We're in a fantastic place.”

crawlers Mark Threlfall opens up about his time tour managing for Crawlers, some career highlights with his former band Milestones, and more!

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

https://theblackcase.com/

CradleOfFilth #DaniFilth #EdSheeran

Dom Smith sits down with UK heavy metal icon Dani Filth to talk through Cradle of Filth's impact on heavy metal culture over the last two decades, what he thinks of the band's connection to the pop world, and collaborations with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon.

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

https://www.cradleoffilth.com/

Mark Threlfall talks about his work as a tour manager for Crawlers, his tips for emerging young musicians and artist managers looking to break into the industry, and so much more.

https://theblackcase.com/

For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

DCD2 / Fueled By Ramen artist nothing,nowhere. has announced his new album VOID ETERNAL, which will be released worldwide on 31st March. The Vermont-based artist has also shared the single THIRST4VIOLENCE (FT. FREDDIE DREDD & SILVERSTEIN) which is available now on all streaming platforms and joined by an official music video created by Gabor Toth (@gabxtoth) – watch it HERE.

nothing,nowhere. is the musical endeavor of Vermont songwriter, singer and guitarist Joe Mulherin, and VOID ETERNALis his boldest offering yet; 12 tracks that journey into the darkness—a path that he walks down as far as it will go. Commenting on the new collection Mulherin noted, “I want to be what bands like Linkin Park were to me. I want to provide that level of inspiration and comfort and I want to be a safe haven to a kid who is struggling. I made it exactly how I wanted to with zero outside influence. This is the purest expression I could put down in audio form. This is the music that made me, and I want to return the favor.”

Speaking on THIRST4VIOLENCE he added, “I learned to channel my sadness into positive aggression. I hope people listen to this track while bettering themselves. Working out, taking a drive to blow off some steam, just getting out and getting shit done.”

Shane Told of Silverstein remarked on THIRST4VIOLENCE saying, “It feels amazing to repay the favour to Joe, after his appearance on my song ‘Live Like This’ last year. I’ve been a big fan of his work for a long time and this song only took things to another level. It’s such an honour to be part of another game changing record.”

Available for pre-order today, VOID ETERNAL was recorded in nothing,nowhere.’s self-built studio - a restored barn overlooking the woods of Vermont - and mostly created in isolation, only inviting in former Counterparts’ guitarist Blake Hardman, engineer Brody McKeegan, producer Taylor Morgan, and a few other close friends. The album features the previously released singles CYAN1DE featuring Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, M1SERY_SYNDROME featuring Buddy Nielsen of Senses Fail, and MEMORY_FRACTURE. Furthermore, VOID ETERNAL also sees nothing,nowhere. collaborating with Underoath, Static Dress, SeeYouSpaceCowboy, and Will Ramos of Lorna Shore for some of his most aggressive and in your face songs to date.

nothing,nowhere. is set to play Download Festival this June, and will support the mighty Fall Out Boy this October and November around the UK and Europe. Joe packed out venues on his own UK and European headline tour at the end of 2022, and has just wrapped some more headline shows in Australia. Next up is a full-scale North American spring tour, alongside Wage War and Spite For tickets and more information on nothing,nowhere.’s upcoming live dates, visit www.nothingnowhere.net.

ANX13TY
TRAG3DY (FT. WILL RAMOS OF LORNA SHORE)
PSYCHO_PSYCHIATRY (FT. SEEYOUSPACECOWBOY)
CHR0MAKILL3R
SUICIDE_PACT
THIRST4VIOLENCE (FT. FREDDIE DREDD & SILVERSTEIN)
CYAN1DE (FT. PETE WENTZ)
ER4SER
F0RTUNE_TELLER (FT. STATIC DRESS)
M1SERY_SYNDROME (FT. BUDDY NIELSEN OF SENSES FAIL)
VEN0M (FT. UNDEROATH)
MEMORY_FRACTURE

Three years and a global pandemic after their last album, UK-based electronicore pioneers Enter Shikari are back with all guns blazing with their new album A Kiss For The Whole World. The album, releasing 21st April, harkens back to the question posed by their 2020 album Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible: “Is this a new beginning, or are we close to the end?” I sat down with band members Chris Batten and Rory Clewlow to talk about the recording process of their new album, their experiences during lockdown, and how COVID affected their approach to new music.

For more information visit:

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

https://www.entershikari.com/

JohnRobb

UK punk rock icon and Louder Than War founder, John Robb sits down with Dom Smith to discuss his new book, 'The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth', the cult status of The Membranes, and the "art" behind writing about music.

For more information visit: https://membranes.bandcamp.com/merch/the-art-of-darkness-the-history-of-goth-john-robb

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Ian Winwood talks openly and honestly to Dom Smith about his book, 'Bodies: Life and Death in Music', being a "rockstar" on the page, and his issue with modern music journalists working too hard to please PR teams.

For more information visit: https://www.faber.co.uk/author/ian-winwood/

Dom Smith sits down with Algiers' Franklin James Fisher and Ryan Mahan in the midst of their mammoth European and United States tour dates to discuss their genre-defying new album 'Shook' and all the ways that its development pushed them as artists.

For more information visit:

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

https://algierstheband.com

GlenMatlock #SexPistols #blondie

Former Sex Pistols member, Glen Matlock talks openly about his new album, 'Consequences Coming', as well as his thoughts on new bands like WARGASM, and how he has developed personally through his musical journey.

http://glenmatlock.co.uk/

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Callosum Studios' Jason Baker has been creating masks, and props for WWE for many years now, and he has been integral to the development of Bray Wyatt's Firefly Fun House project, alongside masks for Finn Balor, Triple H and bands including Code Orange and Slipknot. Here, Dom Smith talks to Jason about his creative process, the lore of Bray, and how he feels about the legacy of his mentor, Tom Savini.

https://callosumstudios.com/

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

North Yorkshire post-punks, The Rosettas have had a whirlwind year, wracking up streams, and fans from around the world.

Dom caught up with the band for a video call about how it's all gone down.

For more information on the band visit:

https://www.facebook.com/therosettas

https://www.instagram.com/therosettas

indiefolkcentral #hull

Hull-based indie-folk artist Brodie Milner opens up about his new music ('Tragicomedy'), and reflects on his inspirations from the area and beyond, musically and otherwise.

Check it out below... https://linktr.ee/soundspheremag https://linktr.ee/brodiemilnermusic

HundredReasons #britrock #alternativerock

As Hundred Reasons embark on (what maybe) their own Glorious Sunset, promoting the new album of the same name, Dom Smith reflects with Colin Doran and Larry Hibbett on just what the band means to them, and to so many others in the world of British alternative rock, and beyond.

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

https://www.hundredreasons.com

Full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEsnWBQ6pOI

Ketamine Kow chats about their name, what it's like to be championed by bands like Sleaford Mods, and bands they love in the Hull music scene!

For more information visit: https://www.instagram.com/ketaminekow

Jess Douek of Mallavora discusses living with Fibromyalgia, gender identity challenges and the importance of image and exposure in the modern music industry.

Follow Jess, and Mallavora here:

https://www.mallavora.co.uk/

https://www.tiktok.com/@jess_mallavora

Trap metal artist n0trixx opens up about their creative process and how DID impacts that, alongside new material and creating an open and supportive community online.

https://linktr.ee/n0trixx

https://linktr.ee/soundspheremag

allelitewrestling #aewdynamite #aewrampage

Dom Smith catches up with AEW Music Producer, Mikey Rukus to discuss his creative process behind reworked themes for AEW Symphony: Series 2, including Jade Cargill (with Dale and Zane Oliver), and more.

For more on Mikey visit:

https://twitter.com/MikeyRukus

For more on Soundsphere visit:

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

coheedandcambria #mybrothersbloodmachine Coheed and Cambria frontman Claudio Sanchez is interviewed by (Soundsphere Magazine's) Corban Skillånder about their latest sci-fi concept album Vaxis II - A WIndow of the Waking Mind, his ongoing "The Amory Wars" series, and the upcoming comic book "My Brother's Blood Machine".

For more information visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Audio and Interview: Corban Skillånder

SHOW ME THE BODY open up to Dom Smith about their values and beliefs ahead of releasing 'Trouble The Water'.

https://linktr.ee/soundspheremag

Soundsphere's Dom Smith chats to "The Gent" Luke Trainer about his persona, and "taking souls" in the cage!

https://www.bellator.com/event/301

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

KIDBOOKIE #coreytaylor #wheatus

Kid Bookie talks to Dom Smith about the relationship he has with the likes of Corey Taylor, FEVER 333, and more, alongside discussing his new EP, forthcoming album, and collaboration with Wheatus.

https://linktr.ee/soundspheremag

BELLATOR287 #mma #bellator

Justin Gonzales sits down with Dom Smith ahead of Bellator 287, and his fight with Andrew Fisher, to talk about the things that inspire and motivate him.

https://www.bellator.com/event

Dom sits down with Billy Corgan to discuss his legacy in wrestling, and the recent success in NWA.

Details coming to Soundsphere magazine: https://linktr.ee/soundspheremag

fozzy #richward #chrisjericho

Fozzy guitar legend, Rich Ward opens up to Soundsphere's Dom Smith about how he has changed and developed as a musician, his relationship with Chris Jericho, and gives some advice to young, and emerging guitarists.

https://linktr.ee/soundspheremag

Riley Breckenridge discusses the evolution of THRICE through the years, from 'The Artist in the Ambulance', to 'Horizons / East'. https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Dom chats to Janine Shilstone about finding hope through creating music as VUKOVI, and the importance of the band's fans, and support network. We also go deep on the new album, 'NULA' and the graphic novel that will spring forth from that.

https://linktr.ee/soundspheremag

Dom catches up with Tom Hudson from Pulled Apart By Horses to reflect on the band's legacy, lessons from the music industry, the development of 'Reality Cheques' and more. https://linktr.ee/soundspheremag

Luis Vasquez of The Soft Moon opens up to Dom Smith about how 'Exister' will draw a line under self-destructive behaviours for the artist, and lead to more confidence and self-belief.

https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/luis-vasquez-on-the-self-acceptance-and-perseverance-that-led-to-exister/

Dom Smith catches up with Archers of Loaf vocalist, Eric Bachmann to discuss the band's legacy, their early success, and new album, 'Reason In Decline'. https://linktr.ee/soundspheremag

Lee Jennings joins Dom Smith from Disneyland to talk about the band's new material, creative direction, and more!

http://www.tfpcoffincrew.com/

https://linktr.ee/soundspheremag

Arrow de Wilde and Henri Cash reflect on their earlier material, what it was like to perform with Nick Cave at All Points East, and loads more. https://www.starcrawlermusic.com/

allusinlove #alternativemusic #alternativerock

Allusinlove and Allusondrugs' member, Jason Moules talks to Soundsphere's Dom Smith and gives his honest thoughts on his former bands, his new solo material, and modern "alternative" music.

For more information visit:

https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/leeds/jason-moules-allusinlove-shares-the-art-of-pulling-pork/

KelleyJones #thesandman #thesandmannetflix Kelley Jones is a highly regarded and much celebrated artist primarily known for his work on Batman, Deadman, Swamp Thing and The Sandman for DC Comics. Kelley has worked extensively for DC Comics, with an impressive catalogue at Dark Horse Comics and Marvel Comics. Jones is known for his unique horror style and is considered one of the best artists in the comic book industry. Kelley Jones has won multiple Eisner awards, a Harvey Award and an Inkplot Award for his various stories over his celebrated career.

https://linktree.com/soundspheremag

https://twitter.com/kelleyjonesart

Alicia Atout gives us some key journalism tips for young people, and stresses the importance of networking to get work!

Find out more about SOUNDSPHERE here: https://linktr.ee/soundspheremag

All Alicia's links are here: https://linktr.ee/AliciaAtout

LIFE frontman, Mez Sanders-Green opens up about the challenges of creating the band's new album, 'North East Coastal Town', and talks honestly about what life is really like for the band, with thousands of streams and loads of BBC Radio 6 Music plays.

For more information visit:

https://www.lifeband.co.uk/

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Doni Blair, bassist for The Toadies opens up about the band's foray into comics and the MCU, touring 'Rubberneck' after 25 years, and the potential of UK shows.

For more visit:

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

https://thetoadies.com/

Dom had a wonderful chat with Ryan Shuck of Orgy, Julien-K and Dead By Sunrise (with Chester Bennington), about personal change and development, alongside his new-ish role in Adema, the possibility of touring the UK and more.

For more information visit:

http://www.soundspheremag.com/

https://www.facebook.com/officialadema

Adam Davison chats to James and Matthew Veck-Gilodi about writing new music, personal inspirations and SO MUCH MORE.

For more information visit: https://deafhavana.com/

Max Caster talks about how he comes up with his raps in AEW, the success of The Acclaimed, wrestling fans and rap music, plus some of his musical influences, including Atmosphere, and The Cure. For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Justin Warfield walks Soundsphere’s Dom Smith through New York City to talk through his new material, ‘Everything To Me’, and securing a job as VP of A&R for Downwrite, a creator economy platform which allows fans, companies, and content creators to commission original songs from artists and the future of She Wants Revenge. https://www.justinwarfield.com/history https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Alter Bridge's Mark Tremonti opens up about recording 'Mark Tremonti sings Frank Sinatra', supporting the National Down Syndrome Society, and offers up some tips for young people looking for support.

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Raven #WWE #ScottLevy

WWE, ECW, TNA AND WCW legend, Raven reflects on his physical and mental health, why he doesn’t watch wrestling anymore, and his favourite comic books including Sandman, and The Darkness.

For more information visit: http://www.theraveneffect.com/site/

Stirring hearts and shredding guitars, Indonesia’s Voice of Baceprot (often abbreviated to VoB) are one of the most exciting rock bands on the planet. Jay Mitra spoke with the girls via Zoom about what success means to them, some of the challenges they’ve faced and how their school counsellor introduced them to metal music. Their advice for other Muslim musicians struggling against the stigma of playing rock? “Be brave and be yourself.”

https://www.soundspheremag.com/

https://www.voiceofbaceprot.com/

AEW’s Malakai Black goes deep with Dom Smith from Soundsphere to uncover his favourite festivals including Download in the UK and Sonisphere in Europe, and talks us through a few of his favourite artists including Cruel Hand, Carpenter Brut, Cradle of Filth and…Cascada?