Taproot Debuts New Album’s Lead Single; New Tour Schedule Announced

Courtesy: THC Music/Amplified Distribution

A month after announcing it will release its first new album in more than a decade, Taproot premiered the first single from that album this week.

The band debuted its new single, ‘VIP – V\C\T\M PLAY’ Monday. The song, which is available to stream and download is the first preview of the band’s forthcoming album, SC\SSRS. The record is scheduled for release Sept. 29 through THC Music/Amplified Distribution. The record will be the band’s first new music since the release of its album, The Episodes, in 2012.

Taproot’s new album will feature a revamped lineup from the band, of sorts. Original drummer Jarrod Montague has returned on this record. New guitarist Taylor Roberts also provides his talents to the record alongside Richards and longtime bassist Phil Lipscomb, who has been a member of the band since its formation in 1997.

The musical arrangement featured in Taproot’s new single boasts all of the intensity and fire of the aggro-rock compositions for which the band had come to be known throughout the course of its existing albums. Front man Stephen Richards’ familiar distinct vocal delivery style is as present as ever here, as are the sharp guitar lines and that equally distinct sound from the drums.

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the news release announcing the song’s premiere. The lyrics provided with the song on the band’s official Bandcamp page hint at a theme of someone dealing with another person who is a toxic personality. That is just this critic’s interpretation.

Courtesy: THC Music/Amplified Distribution

In other news, Taproot has announced a new tour schedule in support of its new album. The tour is scheduled to launch Sept. 29 at The Machine Shop in Flint, MI, where the band will host a record release show. Tickets for the concert are sold out, as are tickets for a second show at the venue Sept. 30.

Tickets for a third scheduled date Oct. 30 at The Machine Shop are available here.

Following the band’s brief “residency” at The Machine Shop, it will head to The Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, IL on Oct. 6 and The Forge in Joliet, IL Oct. 7. Dates through the rest of October and into November are also included in the band’s tour, which is noted below.

Fri 9/29 – The Machine Shop | Flint, MI – SOLD OUT w/ Heartsick | Lift the Medium

Sat 9/30 – The Machine Shop | Flint, MI – SOLD OUT w/ Eva Under Fire | See This Through | Never the Crash

Sun 10/1 – The Machine Shop | Flint, MI – with Eva Under Fire | Heartsick
etix.com/ticket/p/7556754/taproot18-flint-the-machine-shop

Fri 10/6 – The Apollo Theatre – Belvidere, IL- w/ Smile Empty Soul | Heartsick | Finding Ghosts
https://www.ticketweb.com/event/taproot-the-apollo-theatre-ac-tickets/13044905

Sat 10/7 – The Forge | Joliet, IL- w/ Smile Empty Soul | Heartsick
https://www.ticketweb.com/event/taproot-the-forge-tickets/13047315

Fri 10/13 – EPIC Event Center | Green Bay, WI- w/ September Mourning | Heartsick
https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7467383/taproot-green-bay-epic-event-center

Sat 10/14 – The Blue Note | Harrison, OH- w/ September Mourning | Lift the Medium, Xero Hour
https://www.cincyticket.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=6170

Fri 10/20 – The KING of CLUBS | Columbus, OH-w/ September Mourning | XFACTOR1 | Artifax
https://wl.seetickets.us/event/Taproot/538999?afflky=TheKingofClubs

Sat 10/21 – The Winchester Music Tavern | Lakewood, OH- w/ September Mourning | Brothers At Arms
https://bit.ly/TAPROOT_216

Fri 11/3 – Wally’s | Hampton Beach, NH w/ Eva Under Fire
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/01005E7B0FDABC20

Sat 11/4 – The Gramercy Theatre | NYC, NY- w/ Eva Under Fire
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00005E7BE2474039

Fri 11/17 – Elevation | Grand Rapids, MI
https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7187497/taproot-grand-rapids-the-intersection-elevation

Sat 11/18 – The Eclectic Room | Angola, IN
https://www.ticketweb.com/event/taproot-album-release-tour-the-eclectic-room-tickets/13087705

Before Taproot launches its upcoming tour in support of its new album, it will also perform at a pair of festivals Aug. 18 and Sept. 7-10 respectively. The band’s Aug. 18 performance is at the Northwoods Rock Rally in Glen Flora, WI. The September schedule is at the annual Blue Ridge Rock Festival in Alton, VA.

Montague will appear on the band’s “reunion show” at this year’s annual Blue Ridge Rock Fest. Dave Coughlin (Sponge), who has handled drumming duties for the band since 2013, will handle drumming duties on the rest of the band’s tour.

In other news, Taproot is also scheduled to release a new compilation record, titled Best of Besides May 5. Pre-orders for the 17-song record, which features remastered demos and rarities, are open.

More information on Taproots’ new album, compilation record, and live dates is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://Officialtaproot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaprootMusic

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

The Lonely Ones Debuts New Single, The Way Out’; Announces New Live Dates

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

The Lonely Ones returned Friday with its latest single.

The band premiered its new single, ‘The Way Out‘ to kick off the weekend. Its premiere comes more than 7 months after the premiere of the band’s then latest single, ‘Gettin’ High.’

The musical arrangement featured in ‘The Way Out’ is a rich, deeply emotional melodic hard rock composition. The pairing of its guitar and bass lines works alongside the drums and vocals to lend the whole to comparison to works from the likes of Shinedown, Three Days Grace, and Sevendust.

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the press release announcing the song’s premiere. No lyrics are available with the song, either. From what can be deciphered sans lyrics to reference, the song seems to center on the all too familiar topic of a broken romantic relationship.

In other news, The Lonely Ones’ tour with September Mourning and Magnolia Bayou has been extended. The initial run was scheduled to run through April 23 in Akron, OH. Now the tour is scheduled to run through May 1 in Natchez, MS.

The schedule for the new dates is noted below.

2022
March 12 – Mankato, MN – The What’s Up Lounge VIP Available
March 13 Watertown, SD – Goss Opera House (Supporting Blacktop Mojo)
April 2 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz VIP Available
April 7 – Westland, MI – Token Lounge
April 8 – Battle Creek, MI – Music Factory
April 9 – Huntington, WV- The Loud
April 10 – Louisville, KY – Zanzabar
April 15 – Cheviot, OH – Legends
April 16 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall VIP Available
April 22 – Marietta, OH – Adelphia VIP Available
April 23 – Akron, OH – Empire VIP Available
April 27 – Memphis, TN – Growler’s
April 28 – Nashville, TN – Mockingbird Theatre
April 29 – Huntsville, AL – Sidetrack’s
April 30 – Ocean Springs, MS – The Juke Joint
May 1 – Natchez, MS – Locust Alley
May 26 – Joliet, IL – The Forge VIP Available
May 27 – South Bend, IN – Cheers Pub VIP Available
May 28 – Madison, WI – Bratfest

VIP Upgrades are available for select shows

Along with its new single and ‘Gettin’ High,’ The Lonely Ones has also risen to fame through the release of its singles, ‘Dyin’ All Night Long,’ ‘Flash Gordon/The Hero,‘ ‘Change The Station,’ ‘Real Big Trouble, ‘Eternal Sadness,’ and ‘The Lonely One.’

More information on The Lonely Ones’ new tour plans is available along with all of the band’s latest news at The Lonely Ones’ official Facebook page.

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/phispicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

The Lonely Ones Announces New Live Dates

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

The Lonely Ones has lots of live dates coming up.

The band announced Wednesday, it will close out 2021 with a pair of performances in support of Sevendust. The band is scheduled to perform as support for Sevendust Dec. 29 in Orlando, FL and on Dec. 30 in Mobil, AL.

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

After taking a little time off to rest and recharge, the band will tentatively head back out on the road for another string of live dates beginning Jan.2 in Sauget, IL. The band’s January live run is scheduled to run through Jan. 16 in St. Joseph, MO and features performances across the Midwest.

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

The Lonely Ones will take some more time off to rest up again following its January tour before heading back out on the road again in April. The band’s April run, which is another run through the Midwest, is scheduled to launch April 8 and to run through April 23 in Akron, OH.

The Lonely Ones’ upcoming live schedule is noted below. Tickets are available here.

With Sevendust

Dec 29 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live
Dec 30 – Mobile, AL- Soul Kitchen

2022
Jan. 2 – Sauget, IL – Pop’s
Jan. 4 – Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall
Jan. 5 – Omaha, NE – Reverb
Jan. 7 – Salt Lake City – The Royal
Jan. 8 – Green River, WY – Green River Island Pavilion
Jan. 9 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater
Jan. 11 – Phoenix, AZ – Rebel Lounge
Jan. 14 – Colorado Springs, CO – Sunshine Studios
Jan. 15 – Denver, CO – Herman’s Hideaway
Jan. 16 – St. Joseph, MO – Cafe Acoustic
April 8 – Battle Creek, MI – Music Factory
April 9 – Huntington, WV- The Loud
April 10 – Louisville, KY – Diamond Concert Hall
April 15 – Cheviot, OH – Legends
April 16 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
April 22 – Marietta, OH – Adelphia
April 23 – Akron, OH – Empire

The Lonely Ones’ upcoming dates with Sevendust follow an extensive summer/fall tour that launched Aug. 19 in Indianapolis, IN and wound down Oct. 16 in Winchester, VA.

The Lonely Ones has risen to popularity through a handful of singles. The band released its most recent single, ‘Gettin’ High‘ in July. It debut followed that of the band’s other singles, ‘Dyin’ All Night Long,’ ‘Flash Gordon/The Hero,‘ ‘Change The Station,’ ‘Real Big Trouble, ‘Eternal Sadness,’ and ‘The Lonely One.’

More information on The Lonely Ones’ new tour plans is available along with all of the band’s latest news at The Lonely Ones’ official Facebook page.

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/phispicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Ra Announces New Live Dates

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Ra announced a new string of live dates this week.

The band announced Wednesday it will launch “The Intercorrupted Tour” Aug. 20 in Madison, WI. The tour, which is scheduled to run through Aug. 29 in Louisville, KY, is in support of the band’s latest album, Intercorrupted, which was released March 19 through Wake Up! Music. The label is also home to A Killer’s Confession.

Awake At Last, who recently premiered its new single, ‘Armageddon‘ and its lyric video,’ will serve as support alongside Reddstar for the majority of the tour. The Lonely Ones, September Mourning, and Sunflower Dead will share time on stage at Ra’s Aug. 27 show in Marietta, GA, while September Mourning will serve as support on the Aug. 29 show. The band’s Aug. 28 concert is at the Metal in the Mountains concert festival in Pipestem, WV.

More information on Ra’s new tour is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://raband.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialRA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RATHEBAND

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Houston Open Air Festival Lineup Announced

Courtesy: Ashton-Magnuson Media/Danny Wimmer Presents

The lineup for the 2016 Houston Open Air Festival has officially been announced.

Organizers with the Houston Open Air Festival have revealed the lineup for the 2016 Houston Open Air Festival.  The lineup will feature 35 bands over two days.  That list includes: Deftones, Slayer,Chevelle, The Cult, Ministry, Alter Bridge, Ghost, Anthrax, Pierce The Veil, Of Mice & Men, Sevendust, Baroness, Hellyeah, Chevy Metal, Buckcherry, Nothing More, The Amity Affliction, Max & Iggor Cavalera: Return To Roots, Avatar, letlive., Jim Breuer and the Loud & Rowdy, Texas Hippie Coalition, Young Guns, Starset, Sick Puppies, Skindred, Neck Deep, Sons Of Texas, KYNG, Twelve Foot Ninja, Gemini Syndrome, The Word Alive, Dinosaur Pile Up, September Mourning, and more.  Avenged Sevenfold and Alice in Chains have been named as the festival’s headliners.

A rolling discounted Early Bird pre-sale for Weekend General Admission tickets begins this Tuesday, May 17^th at 12pm CDT/1pm EDT.  A very limited quantity of tickets will be available during this pre-sale.  They can be purchased online at http://www.HoustonOpenAir.com and will only be available while supplies last.  Their prices are noted below.

 

Early Bird #1: $89.50

Early Bird #2: $99.50

 

VIP weekend tickets will also be available at a cost of $234.50.

Public on-sale tickets will go on sale Friday, May 20^th at 12pm CDT/1pm EDT.  They will also be available for purchase online at http://www.HoustonOpenAir.com.  Their prices are listed below.

 

 

Weekend GA: $109.50

Single-day GA: $69.50

Single-day VIP: $129.50

VIP Weekend: $234.50

 

 

VIP tickets include: VIP entrance lanes into venue, access to VIP-only area featuring dedicated bar, beverage and food options (for additional purchase), VIP-only viewing area of Main Stage, dedicated restroom facilities, and a VIP-only commemorative laminate.

A portion of all proceeds from ticket sales for the festival will go toward aiding the Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund.  The Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund was established by Houston’s mayor Sylvester Turner in order to accept donations for flood relief in the Houston community.  This includes aiding victims of the flooding that stemmed from recent storms that hit the region.  More information on The Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund is available online at http://www.houstonrecovers.org.  Danny Hayes, CEO of Danny Wimmer Presents, spoke with the media recently.  He discussed the timing of the festival’s announcement in relation to the city’s recovery from said storms as well as the motivation for teaming with Mayor Turner in his recovery efforts.  “Houston Open Air has been in the works for almost a year now,” he said.  It’s awkward to announce a major music festival in a city that has experienced such recent hardship and, in fact, we delayed our announcements out of respect for what Houston has endured. But at the same time, our festivals are about highlighting the strengths (or sometimes the needs) of our host city. There’s no more important way to do that right now than to support Mayor Turner’s efforts to help Houston recover from this spring’s flooding and we will be incorporating this message throughout our launch campaign.”

Danny Wimmer is the founder of Danny Wimmer Presents.  He shared his thoughts on the logistics of the concert’s location, its lineup, and more in his discussion with the press.  “Houston is one of the country’s biggest rock markets and, when combined with the impressive food scene happening here, it’s a natural location for a DWP festival,” he said.  “We’re thrilled to have such a diverse first-year lineup that includes Avenged Sevenfold, Alice In Chains and Chevelle. With the inclusion of an incredible food experience and the Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Row, we are kicking off a powerhouse experience that will live in the market for many years to come!”

The Houston Open Air Festival’s band lineup is just part of what audiences have to look forward to this year.  There will also be a special food and drink experience for fans who attend.  This includes the Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Whiskey Row and a massive Gourmet Man Food Experience  The brands featured in the Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Whiskey Row include: Jack Daniel’s Black Label, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve.  The complete lineup and menus for the Gourmet Man Food experience will be announced soon.

Houston Open Air is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, producer of: Louder Than Life, Chicago Open Air, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Monster Energy Fort Rock, Monster Energy Aftershock, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, Northern Invasion, Monster Energy Rock Allegiance, Rock on the Range, and more.  It is sponsored by: Monster Energy, Jack Daniel’s, El Jimador, Fxck Cancer’s Dyin2Live, NRG Park, and SoHo Concessions, and more to be announced soon.

NRG Park is the home of the NFL’s Houston Texans and the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  It is located at One NRG Park in Houston, TX.

More information on the Houston Open Air Festival is available online now at:

 

 

Website: http://www.HoustonOpenAir.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/houstonopenair

Twitter: http://twitter.com/HouOpenAir

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.