" Country Music’s Next Rising Star ” (Billboard), Dylan Schneider , “ is proving to be all gas, no brakes in 2024” (Taste of Country) has recently released his latest EP, Bad Decisions. Finding “ storylines that make country music listeners go wild is his superpower, ” and the BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville singer-songwriter “ not only lives up to his hitmaker status, but he exceeds it ” (All Country News). “This is my favourite batch of songs that I have ever released,” says Schneider. " Bad Decisions shares my vision of where I’m heading creatively and sonically. I have a lot of different influences ranging from hip-hop to R&B to country, and with this EP, I’m able to explore all of that. This is also my first project where I co-wrote every single song, so I’m excited to play these out on the road for y’all and see what you think! ” Featuring his viral songs “Ain’t Missin’ You” and title track “Bad Decisions” that PopCulture demanded to “PLAY IT LOUD,” the six-track project includes new songs “Carhartt,” “Ruin This Town” and “Buy That Girl A Beer” that are sure to catapult his already viral resume. At only 24-years-old, Schneider has amassed a social-media following of 1.8M + fans, banked over 350M on-demand streams, and has toured alongside superstars like Florida Georgia Line, Morgan Wallen, Scotty McCreery, Nate Smith and more. Next up, Schneider joins Kane Brown on his US “In The Air” Tour. After posting a snippet of a sharp-witted chorus on TikTok, the sound went viral, racking up over 156M TikTok views, 182k user-generated TikTok videos, 55M on-demand streams and 1M YouTube views, climbing to #3 on TikTok’s Country playlist and securing placement on viral-song charts. Seeing the incredible response, Schneider immediately went back to the writing room to finish the spit-fire track – “Ain’t Missin’ You.” Boasting wily lyrics and an electric hook, the feisty song finds the “Artist to Watch” (Amazon Music, Pandora, Taste of Country) continuing to “expand the bounds of his artistry” (American Songwriter) and lean into MusicRow’s “Next Big Thing” prediction. Continuing to strongly connect, having already amassed over 3.8M TikTok views, 26,000 filter creates, 5,000 user-generated TikTok videos and 7.3M streams. Schneider gave into fan-demand again with the sultry track “Bad Decisions.” Seduced by a magnetic connection with an ex, the seductive song follows a couple who just can’t help but give into temptation. Filling out the rest of the project, Schneider delivers his most-vulnerable song to date with the autobiographical “Daddy Drinks Whiskey” that “takes one of country music’s drinks of choice and turns it into a personal story he’s finally ready to share” (American Songwriter). While the stadium-ready, supercharged anthem "Ruin This Town” showcases his “rapid-fire singing style” (Billboard), the live-in-the-moment reminder of ballad “Buy That Girl A Beer” puts his eclectic vocals and lyrical growth on full display. Finally, the insanely catchy, witty and vibrant groove of “Carhartt” flows with an unforgettable, anthemic beat about a girl who got away that's sure to be his next viral song of summer. To get your hands and ears on the EP and make your decisions, please check out: Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | X Image below (c) Peyton Dollar

American jazz fusion titans Everything Yes are set to grace the Wirral venue on Thurs 2nd May. Spearheaded by enigmatic drummer Zack Graybeal, known famously as Zack Grooves on his platforms, Sean Reeser, prolific composer, producer and tenor sax master & Cole Sipe, composer, sound engineer and magistral bassist. This powerhouse of a band brings a fresh take on the style while staying true to the roots. The extraordinarily talented 5 piece jazz fusion outfit are widely regarded as being one of the most entertaining live jazz bands in the US, led by Zack Grooves who has gone viral with his drumming prowess. Anyone who knows a thing or two about jazz will appreciate what a fantastic booking this is for Birkenhead. Jazz lovers can thank Events 471 for these top bookings, who are doing great things to place big international acts alongside local talent at Wirral venues. With an ethical approach, they are helping develop local artist and bands whilst bringing a wide and diverse range of genres to the area. With over 2,000 tickets sold across 17 events in their first year, they’re doing a fine job. Events 471’s Carrick Moran said: “ We are trying to keep our offering as diverse as possible, covering all genres, whilst giving local artists and bands the opportunity to flourish and express themselves too. In terms of these particular bookings, we’re proud to be bringing such big hitters of the jazz scene to Birkenhead! ” American jazz fusion outfit, Everything Yes, come to Future Yard on Thurs 2nd May from New York City! Led by one of the best jazz drummers in the world and viral virtuoso, Zack Grooves, the dynamic act are performing in Wirral for one night only! Buy Tickets Here

THE BREAKTHROUGH ALBUM BY THE ULTIMATE CULT BAND IS TURNING 50! Pale Wizard Records release 50 year anniversary tribute to Sparks with ‘ Kimono My House - 50 Years Later’ Featuring Phoxjaw, Krooked Tongue, Tony Reed, Sergeant Thunderhoof, Besvärjelsen and many more. Sparks first became a household name in the UK in 1974 when their iconic song ‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us’ hit number two in the singles chart. Their Top of the Pops BBC TV performance of the song is remembered vividly by everyone who saw it, bringing brothers Ron and Russell Mael into the front rooms of millions across the country that evening. After two attempts of making it big in the early 70s with Bearsville Records albums ‘Sparks’ and ‘A Woofer in Tweeter’s Clothing’, Ron and Russell Mael ditched the rest of the first Sparks line-up and moved to London. It was there that they signed to Island Records and recruited a new line-up that struck gold at the first time of asking with ‘Kimono My House’. Now, on the 1st of May 2024 Kimono My House turns 50 and Pale Wizard Records pays tribute to this most special of albums the best way they know how. Presenting ‘Sparks - Kimono My House - 50 Years Later’. The whole album re-imagined by a roster of great rock bands from around the world, including tracks from Phoxjaw, Krooked Tongue, Sergeant Thunderhoof and more. Kimono My House’, is rightly heralded as a legendary ‘glam’ rock album. Chock full of witty but complex lyrics, sparkling guitars from Adrian Fisher and complimented perfectly by the rhythm section of Dinky Diamond and Martin Gordon. However, it’s the sheer quality of the song writing, largely from Ron Mael and the soaring vocal performance of Russell Mael that surely ensures Kimono My House is heralded not only as a fan favourite Sparks album but also as one of the very best albums of the entire decade. Pale Wizard Records intend for the '50 Years Later' series to continue paying tribute to amazing albums that deserve attention, and ' Kimono My House' now joins an impressive list. In 2021 they released their first '50 Years Later' LP which was a tribute to the classic Alice Cooper album 'Killer' . This was followed up in 2022 with David Bowie’s incredibly ‘Ziggy Stardust’ and most recently with Budgie’s ‘Never Turn Your Back on a Friend’ in 2023. Pale Wizard Records is a labour of love for its co-founders Tim Hilleard and Dan Flitcroft, who release music that they love, and that they find interesting. They enlist a fantastic roster of hard-working bands from the rock scene, some of which they've shared the stage with themselves, and others of which they’ve previously admired from afar. They aim to release at-least one ‘50 Years Later’ LP per year, charting classic albums right through the 1970’s and beyond. Sparks - Kimono My House: 50 Years Later is released May 1st 2024  and will be available on CD, limited edition vinyl and all major platforms.

Brooklyn, NY's Left Circles has today released a debut LP ' Nothing Is One Thing ,' on Miserable Neighbor Records . At the bottom of the article is the video to one of the tracks on the LP, "Bleed It Out". The solo project of Brooklyn-based musician Brian Pluta (live guitarist for Space Cadet), Left Circles is not content to stay confined to one style. The hook-heavy album flies through several modes of rock, from‘90s lo-fi to Brit pop to ‘50s folk. Of the single, Pluta says, "" Bleed It Out" was written by accident. I had already gotten all the tracks together for the record, and this one just sorta slipped out while I was practicing for a show. I don't write a lot of purely positive songs, but it's like this one demanded to exist. With all the negativity thrown at us these days, it's too easy to internalize it to the point of self-defeat. This song is a little antidote. " It was mixed by Travis Harrison (Guided By Voices, Built to Spill) and features drums from Kellii Scott (Failure) and Harrison, as well as guest vocals from Matt Hock (Space Cadet, The Explosion). Brian also plays live guitar for Miserable Neighbor labelmates Space Cadet, so it's nice to see one of his band-mates from there joining him on his solo project. To find out more about Left Circles and get your hands and/or ears on the debut album, please check out https://lnk.to/nothingisonething leftcircles.com http://instagram.com/left_circles

Budapest, Hungary post-hardcore vets The Idoru will release the new LP 'Undertow' via Swedish label Black Star Foundation on April 26th. The new track + video "Sewn Shut" is the follow up to the recent singles "This Ship Will Sail" , "The King Is Naked" and "Between Good and Evil." The Idoru's musical fusion encompasses the forces of metal, hardcore, and punk rock genres, resulting in a dynamic and progressive sound. The Idoru is Tibor Szalkai (guitars), András Bödecs (vocals), Gergely Varga (guitars), Mátyás Mohácsi (bass) and Márió Szirota (drums). After a decade-long hiatus, The Idoru made a powerful comeback in 2020 with a new 3-song EP titled 'Old Songs,' Originating in 2003, the band boasts an extensive history, undertaking headlining tours across Europe and Japan. They've also shared the stage with notable acts like Ignite during their Japan tour and iconic punk band Misfits on select European tours. Over the years, The Idoru has released four albums and several EPs. Hailing from Budapest, Hungary, The Idoru emerged in 2003, founded by former members of the Hungarian hardcore band, Newborn. In their inaugural year, the band quickly gained traction with local gigs and expanded to international shows. After establishing a foundation, they embarked on their first recording venture in the fall, resulting in the release of the three-song debut EP, 'After the Storm,' during a New Year's Eve live performance. This initial collaboration with the legendary Japanese record label Alliance-Trax paved the way for their debut album, 'Brand New Way, Brand New Situation,' recorded in late 2004. By the fall of 2004, The Idoru joined the roster of the Austrian label Burning Season Records, releasing the full-length album in February 2005. After recording their third record, 'Hopeless Illusions EP,' in 2005, the band made a strategic move to Deadbutcher Records. In 2020, The Idoru partnered with the Swedish record label Black Star Foundation to release a new 3-song EP and subsequently are preparing to release their latest 10-song album, 'Undertow.' For more information on the band & the LP release, please check out: www.facebook.com/TheIdoruBand www.instagram.com/theidoruofficial www.facebook.com/Blackstarfoundationrecords

Southampton indie-rock outfit Regent, will release of their second studio album ‘ Beggars Belief’, for release on 26th April 2024. Following the recent singles “Flying High”, “Liberation” and “Oh No, I Know”, and the title track “Beggars Belief”. A political uppercut delivered with a knockout rock’n’roll punch, Regent’s timely new track is a state-of-the-nation address drenched in a seismic, feedback-scrawled score. “ You tell me something, some big fat porky pies. You think that I’m stupid, I see right through those lies. ” seethes frontman Ben Rooke on “Beggars Belief”, his patent snarl at full lick here. Sick to the back teeth of a UK Government veering from scandal to scandal and a practice of corruption and subversion becoming commonplace across the globe, “Beggars Belief” is a straight-up declaration that enough is enough. As Rooke adds; “ This track is a complete dig at the establishment and everything we believe or are told to believe… From the pandemic to wars, the cost of living crisis, to the mockery of the government, and how we the people have been treated these past few years. Corruption runs deep worldwide, not just in this country… I wanted to write a track that sums these times up .” Purveyors of an insurgent, no-nonsense brand of rock’n’roll, Regent, have forged a reputation as one of Southampton’s finest and fastest emerging acts. Compacting Rooke’s fury with a barrage of motorik beats, wormhole-warped guitars, and chugging riffs, “Beggars Belief” is one of Regent’s most bruising statements and exhilarating moments to date. Tackling widespread issues of political mistrust and economic struggles, to more introspective tracks homing-in on personal hardships to the joy to be found in relationships, Regent’s knack for relatable songs and hook-laden tunes has seen their popularity swell in recent years. They are Ben Rooke (vocals) // Chris Woolf (lead guitar) // Ed Cesar (rhythm guitar) // Luke Trundell (bass) // George Grattan (drums). To keep up with Regent as they ramp things up to an all new level in 2024 and defy expectations at every turn, you can follow them online: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Kira Mac, the UK's hottest rock sensation, is reinventing the classic genre with a modern twist. Their music bursts with the raw power of old-school rock, fused seamlessly with contemporary flair, soulful melodies, and a generous dose of rock 'n roll attitude. Now the critically acclaimed British rock band are heading out on a Spring 2024 UK tour with special guests JAYLER. JAYLER are a hard hitting energetic young rock band from the Midlands that produce a full-on energetic rock set. Inspired by Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Greta Van Fleet they leave the crowd screaming for more. Kira Mac are a diverse collective of musicians hailing from various corners of the UK, who serendipitously crossed paths in the heart of Manchester in 2018. United by a shared passion for crafting authentic music inspired by working-class struggles, they embarked on a journey to create something truly extraordinary.  Their influences span the rich tapestry of rock and diverse musical genres. Their unique talent is honed from grassroots beginnings, rooted in an unbridled love for music's eclectic and acoustic dimensions. Fronted by Rhiannon Hill’s powerhouse vocals, Kira Mac delivers a fresh take on rock 'n roll song-writing with a distinctive sound. Brace yourself for a rock revival like no other, led by the unstoppable force that is Kira Mac! An unstoppable force that is now journeying around the UK delighting their fans. To find out where you can catch Kira Mac & Jayler, Tickets are available from planetrock.com , thegigcartel.com and www.kiramac.com . Images Top: Kira Mac (c) Will Carter Below: Jayler

International Jazz Day has been recognised as an official 'International Day' declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation since 2011. The aim of the day is “ to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.” Liverpool's Capstone Theatre will celebrate International Jazz Day on Tuesday 30th April with a double bill of North West based female fronted groups, each presenting a 45 minute set of exciting and original music. Performing at the acclaimed Liverpool Hope University venue later this month will be Moore & Fairhall and Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat. Moore & Fairhall are a folk-jazz accordion and violin duo, based in Manchester. They bring together Indian Ragas, American Folk and jazz from all eras, resulting in music that is lyrical, passionate and highly rhythmic. Adam and Olivia met when they were selected for Edition VI of Serious’ prestigious ‘Take Five’ Artist Development Scheme and this duo is the result of their shared interest in a jazz approach to folk and world traditions. They have performed to enthusiastic audiences in Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle. Olivia Moore (violin) has studied in India with her guru Kala Ramnath, and is a long-established band leader, fusing her love for Indian music and Jazz in groups such as The Owl Ensemble and Unfurl. She has performed internationally with Elaha Soroor (Afghanistan), Mukesh Jhadav (India) and Alabaster De Plume. Much in demand for her intoxicating, microtonally-infected playing style, Olivia has recently worked with the Srishti Dance company and with Milapfest’s Indo Jazz Club band, with superstar Zoe Rahman. Adam Fairhall (accordion) is best known as the pianist in Nat Birchall’s acclaimed Coltrane-inspired groups, and for his trademark ‘ragtime-to-free’ eclecticism as a jazz pianist. Over the past several years he has been working intensely on his accordion playing to get closer to the folk and roots music which has always informed his approach. The result is an accordion style that incorporates ostinato baselines, innovative rhythmic bellow techniques and free-flowing melodic improvisation. Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat is a cinematic, melodic instrumental group based in Leeds, led by saxophonist and composer Emma Johnson. Since augmenting into a quintet in 2019, the band have gone from strength to strength - moving from touring as part of Jazz North's Northern Line Scheme that year, to being awarded the Peter Whittingham Development Award to record their first album, Worry Not in 2021. In 2022, Johnson was commissioned by Lancaster Jazz Festival to write new work to be performed that year, and out of this, the group developed the music into Northern Flame, their second album release which ' confirms Johnson as a singular and exciting talent ' according to All About Jazz. Their sound has been compared to a whole host of greats including Walter Smith III's In Common project and Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band. As with most jazz acts, Gravy Boat really comes to life in the live setting, with freedom and interplay at the heart of their performances, punctuated by stories and inspirations behind the music from bandleader Johnson. Gravy Boat are Emma Johnson - Tenor Saxophone, Fergus Vickers - Electric Guitar, Richard Jones - Piano, Angus Milne - Double Bass and Steve Hanley - Drum Kit. The Capstone's Theatre International Jazz Day double bill takes place on Tuesday 30th April and features performances from Moore & Fairhall and Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat. Tickets are available now via TicketQuarter . Image above (c) John Collinson

The Drifters have announced their 2024 Tour plans with over 130 UK dates, beginning this week in Middlesborough. Following the phenomenal success of their recent tours including a date at the Royal Albert Hall, The Drifters will be back on the road with a line up hand-picked by Tina Treadwell – Daughter of the legendary Faye Treadwell and owner of The Drifters name. After the passing of her parents, it was down to Tina to continue the legacy of The Drifters name. Tina’s father George started the iconic group with lead singer Clyde McPhatter, before later drafting artists such as Johnny Moore and Ben E King. Tina’s mother Faye was later responsible for bringing the group to the UK and overseeing hits such as More than a number and Kissin’ in the back row. The legendary group have previously been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, listed among the greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone magazine and have produced an incredible list of hits - including; Saturday Night at the
Movies, Come on Over to My Place, Stand By Me, Under the Boardwalk and many, many more!
 Tina is most excited that The Drifters have continued to be loved and adored by fans worldwide and that the vision her father had for the group along with the determination of her mother has seen the group survive and continue strong 65 years on. Tina is currently working with fellow recognised producers that will see the story of The Drifters be told both in the West End (London) and Broadway (New York). Until then you have a chance to hear the current singers who have the honour of keeping the legendary name of The Drifters in our minds and the music in our hearts. Tickets are available via the official tour website www.thedrifters.co.uk