A Review Hail Your Highness’ Upcoming Single, ‘Dandelion’
A little pop rock, a little shoegaze, and a lot of energy. Dandelion is the latest release from Michigan sisters known by the alias 'Hail Your Highness'. The song features walls of distorted guitars and lively drums percolating through the fuzz like a recollection of bits and pieces of a fond memory. Impassioned vocals provide the right mix of angsty attitude and soaring emotional highs to bring the best elements of their predecessors, namely Paramore and My Bloody Valentine, into the 2020's.
Artist Spotlight: Sixsun
Recently, my work day started like usual. Logging in to my computer and looking for some music to get me going. Nothing from my usual suspects of playlists sounded good, so I scrolled through until something caught my eye. Spotify recommended an EP by an artist called Sixsun. Intrigued, I fired up the playlist and began to work. However, I quickly found myself distracted by what I was hearing. The song “Spaceman,” the EPs titular track, caught me by surprise. I immediately shared the song on Instagram because I just wanted other people to hear the song.
Rocking out and Rising Up: An Interview with Dream Phases
Rocking out and Rising Up: An Interview with Dream Phases
Chappell Roan Performs at Ketuckiana Pride in Louisville, KY - Gallery
Chappell Roan Performs at Ketuckiana Pride in Louisville, KY
An Evening with Kitty Coen at The Basement
Tucked away on 8th Avenue South in Nashville, TN sits a music venue hidden almost under the street it sits on. It’s almost hard to find if you don’t know what you’re looking for. With immediate parking for ten, and larger parking lots adjacent it, The Basement in Nashville is one of the most intimate venues around. I would guess the entrance foyer, stage/standing room and bar to be around 40’x20’. There is also a private area to the rear for artist’ staging. Seated at the front door, you’ll be asked to show tickets and ID’s prior to entering.
A Conversation with Macedo
Ballad had the chance to sit down and chat with the wonderful and super creative Ladies of Macedo. Michelle and Melissa are twins with a nostalgic sound, inspired by their father who was also a musician. Macedo has a new single out June 27th “Optimistic” and the song and video are a nod to the past, with a very modern and unique fun sound. The ladies finished each other's sentences and thoughts so I'll credit both of them with the answers.
Greta Van Fleet Get Homecoming Show
Standing to the side of the stage, waiting to shoot the first three songs, the music started. Not the hard rock that is normally associated with Greta Van Fleet, but an orchestral piece accompanied by a light show playfully dancing off of the large curtain that covered the stage. The music and lights continued to build until in a grand crescendo, the curtain dropped.
BM “After The After Party” Takes L.A. Behind Closed Doors
The stage lights dimmed and the crowd erupted. Soon after, a single figure emerged from the wings, jumping out to a waiting crowd. BM rises, instantly capturing the attention and excitement from the audience.
Review: Liily EP by Liily
A week ago, alternative rock/post-punk/dance-punk band Liily released their much anticipated follow up to 2021’s TV or Not TV.
During Ballad Magazine’s recent interview with the band, they discussed how this new album was the result of mercilessly trying different techniques and the influence of several producers who gave them a new found energy. After one week of listening, I can honestly say that this album brings an entirely new energy that gives the band such a great sound while still feeling familiar. The energy feels raw and passionate. It seems to have taken the energy that was already present on past releases and cranked it up to a new level.
Liily Discusses Newly Released Self-titled EP
This week, Ballad Magazine had the opportunity to talk with rock/post-punk band Liily. Ballad Magazine Editor-in-Chief April, and contributors Lucas and Adam sat down with the band to discuss their upcoming self-titled EP that drops today. This EP marks the band’s first full release of music since 2021’s TV or Not TV.
Frank Viele - “Lo-Fi Goodbye” Review
When you think of Americana, folk or blues, a New Englander may not be who comes to mind first. Not with Frank Viele. The Milford, Connecticut native has won numerous awards (New England Music Award for Songwriter of the Year 2x, and Male Performer of the Year among others) for his efforts over the past few years, and he is out now with his latest single and video for “Lo-Fi Goodbye”. Oftentimes touching on themes of love, life’s struggles and the human experience, his soulful vocals bring depth and emotion to his songs.
Experiencing Riverbeat Music Festival in Memphis, TN
I began my four hour drive like any time behind the wheel before it, with a playlist. However this time, it was consistently populated with artists I either had not heard of or had only listened to but a few times. The Riverbeat Music Festival in Memphis, TN lay at the end of my GPS, and served as a launchpad to introduce my ears not only to the local sounds of the city but also the southern rock, blues, and R&B music of the south.
Review: “Try Again” by Sunnsetter
The newest single from Sunnsetter, titled “Try Again,” drops today on all streaming platforms. Sunnsetter is the project of Ontario-based producer and mixing engineer Andrew McLeod.
Cage The Elephant: A Tamed Return
2024 has brought many surprises for us all. One highlight in the American rock sphere has to be the release of Neon Pill, the sixth installation from the band from southern Kentucky, Cage The Elephant. Remaining mostly silent through the pandemic years, Cage’s return not only marks a breaking of that silence, but also a new chapter for the group.
From Ashes to New at Baltimore Soundstage
From Ashes to New show in Baltimore, MD featuring accompanying bands: Point North, Ekoh, Elijah, and Phix
Nothing More and Wage War Bring North American Tour 2024 to GLC at 20 Monroe
Metal fans from all over the state of Michigan recently descended on GLC at 20 Monroe for a double-billed show that brought top metal acts Nothing More and Wage War.
Cypress Hill Takes on Tempe, AZ
Cypress Hill brought their high-energy performance to Tempe, AZ on Cinco de Mayo, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. As the elder statesmen of Hip-Hop, Cypress Hill proved that age is just a number as they commanded the stage with their timeless sound.
Billie Eilish’s New Release ‘HIT ME HARD AND SOFT’ - Is it Her Most Mature Sound to Date?
‘HIT ME HARD AND SOFT’ sees Eilish embracing more live instrumentation and vulnerable songwriting. On the opening track, SKINNY, she appears to be at direct odds with her sophomore album ‘Happier Than Ever’.
Up Close and Personal- Southern Kentucky’s Unique Atmosphere for Musicians and Fans
Freshly relaunched with Brian Mefford and Sean Stevens in 2023, White Squirrel Brewery sought to recapture the same crowd that they loved and loved them back. They painted a vision of crafting originally brewed recipes for their passionate followers and giving a “community living room” of sorts for everyone to enjoy.
The Strumbellas
The Strumbellas, no matter what you call them—alternative, folk, pop, with a dash of modern country (I hear it, don't care what you say)—whatever their sound is, it's a good time.