Monday November 24, 2008 Source:Century Media Location: Madison, WI
The southern Wisconsin quintet, LUNA MORTIS, is about to make a huge impact on the metal scene with their epic, piercing, Century Media debut full-length offering, The Absence, which runs the gamut; encompassing everything from captivating melodies, technical precision and engaging hooks. The album, produced by the acclaimed Jason Suecof (All That Remains, Trivium), is set for a Feb. 10th North American release and be sure to visit www.myspace.com/lunamortismusic now to stream the captivating new track “Never Give In.”
Mary Zimmer (vocals) further states: “Hi everyone, just an update, we’ve uploaded one new song from our upcoming album The Absence. It’s called ‘Never Give In’ and it’s definitely one of our favorites from the new disc. We hope you’ll all enjoy the new music and we can’t wait until the album is out Feb. 10th! More new things are on the way, like photos, a new layout and our 3rd studio video from our recording sessions, so keep your eyes on our MySpace page for more to come.”
LUNA MORTIS prides itself on blurring genre lines to arrive at something both beautiful and aggressive. Their ability to capture a progressive and dark sound should appeal to metalheads regardless of their sonic inclinations. Zimmer’s approach is unlike her contemporaries with an unlimited range and dynamic scope and will quickly help set the group apart from the pack.
When you’re trying to break into the international music scene from Wisconsin you’re left to claw your way up yourself, and LUNA MORTIS did exactly that with the 2006 release of their self-produced LP, Way of the Blade. As the album made its way through the local grapevine, the band had cemented enough of a regional reputation to generate label interest. They began a period of intensive demo production and showcasing, beginning with the recording of their EP, The Answer: Does Not Exist and culminating in the opportunity to cut four tracks with Jason Suecof. These efforts ultimately found LUNA MORTIS a home at Century Media amongst a literal pantheon of some of the band’s most respected and admired influences.
Wednesday August 27, 2008 Source:PLA Media Location: Madison, WI
A Taste of Madison, the festival that attracts nearly 150,000 attendees each year, welcomes two nights of the Rock and Pop Masters (RPM) legendary hits August 30th and 31st. The RPM shows connect Still the One hit makers Orleans with John Ford Coley, David Pack (Ambrosia), Joe Bouchard (Blue Oyster Cult), Jimi Jamison (Survivor) and Pat Travers.
“You could call it a Supergroup,” said Jim Smith of About.com after attending an RPM show in Weston, FL. “The show exceeded all possible expectations. Song after song sounded as if the original band was backing the original lead singer. Best of all, these guys were having a ball.”
Orleans, a band full of acclaimed songwriters, was founded when the Hoppen brothers, Larry and Lance connected with now US Congressman John Hall and deceased drummer Wells Kelly. Throughout their 36 year career, they have acquired more than 7 million airplay spins on their major hits Dance with Me (1975), Still the One (1976) and Love Takes Time (1979). Some of their strongest society advances were made through the efforts of M.U.S.E. (Musicians United for Safe Energy) and the “No Nukes” campaign founded by John Hall, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Graham Nash. They also strongly support organizations that curb food insecurity throughout the U.S. including the Kingston areas Queen’s Galley where they headlined a benefit earlier this year. Jimi Jamison and Survivor gained stardom as Eye of the Tiger became a classic song of inspiration associated with the Rocky films. Ambrosia broke through the charts with the 1978 hit How Much I Feel and 1980’s Biggest Part of Me. Actor, singer/songwriter John Ford Coley continues to find airplay on his classic track “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight.” Joe Bouchard of the Blue Oyster Cult made his lasting impression on the music industry with the 1976 Top 20 hit (Don’t Fear) the Reaper.
A Taste of Madison located on the Capitol Square is open 2-8 PM on Saturday and noon-7 PM on Sunday. The event, which is free an open to the public, will feature 65 local restaurants and four stages of entertainment. Saturday, Orleans, John Ford Coley and David Pack will take the Magic 98 stage at 6 PM. On Sunday, Orleans will join Joe Bouchard, Jimi Jamison and Pat Travers on the 93.1 The Lake stage at 4:30 PM. The festival proceeds benefit the United Cerebral Palsy of Dane County.
Wednesday August 20, 2008 Source:Blabbermouth Location: East Troy, Wisconsin
According to the Walworth County Sunday, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department wrote 24 citations at Saturday’s (August 16) Projekt Revolution tour concert at Alpine Valley Music Theater in East Troy, Wisconsin.
The show was the theater’s last of the season.
The show’s main acts were LINKIN PARK and CHRIS CORNELL, former lead singer of SOUNDGARDEN and AUDIOSLAVE.
The citations included 18 for underage drinking, two for disorderly conduct and one each for battery, possession of fireworks, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The fifth edition of the Projekt Revolution tour got underway on July 16 in Boston. The festival-type trek also features THE BRAVERY, ATREYU, 10 YEARS, ASHES DIVIDE, HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS, ARMOR FOR SLEEP and STREET DRUM CORPS.
As with previous LINKIN PARK tours, one dollar from each ticket sold is going to the group’s charity foundation, Music For Relief, to support disaster relief and reduce global warming.
Sunday August 3, 2008 Source:Blabbermouth Location: Madison, WI
As BLABBERMOUTH.NET Rumor first reported on Blabbermouth as a rumor back on July 11, Century Media Records has now officially announced the signing of the Madison, Wisconsin-based, female-fronted five-piece metal band LUNA MORTIS. Formerly known as THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE, the group prides itself on blurring genre lines to arrive at something both beautiful and aggressive. The band’s ability to capture a progressive and dark sound should appeal to metalheads regardless of their sonic inclinations.
“All of us have been looking up to the artists on the CM roster for years, and to be a part of the family is truly amazing and humbling,” says vocalist Mary Zimmer. “We have put years of hard work into the band and it’s all finally paying off. To the fans that have been with us this far, keep expecting the same kick-ass metal. To people who are hearing of us for the first time, it’s nice to meet you and we’ll see you all out on the road!”
When you’re trying to break into the international music scene from Wisconsin you’re left to claw your way up yourself, and LUNA MORTIS did exactly that with the 2006 release of its self-produced LP, “Way of the Blade” (released under the original band name THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE). As the album made its way through the local grapevine the band had cemented enough of a regional reputation to generate label interest. They began a period of intensive demo production and showcasing, beginning with the recording of their EP, “The Answer: Does Not Exist” (also released as THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE), and culminating in the opportunity to cut four tracks with producer Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, CHIMAIRA, ALL THAT REMAINS). These efforts ultimately found LUNA MORTIS a home at Century Media amongst a literal pantheon of some of the band’s most respected and admired influences.
LUNA MORTIS is:
Mary Zimmer - Vocals
Brian Koenig – Guitars, Vocals
Cory Scheider - Guitars
Jake Bare - Bass
Erik Madsen - Drums
LUNA MORTIS' video for the song "Anemic World" can be viewed below (note: The clip was shot while the band was still called THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE).
Wednesday July 30, 2008 Source:Yarr PR Location: Madison/Portland
On Saturday, August 9, Southerly will play a solo homecoming show at Project Lodge in Madison. Southerly began as the project of Krist Krueger, a Madison, Wisconsin-based songwriter. Krueger later moved to Portland and recruited a full band, but still sings, writes and arranges the music of Southerly. Krist Krueger is also a seasoned recording engineer, record label manager and professional booking agent. He remains hands-on in all aspects of his music.
Southerly’s lush, orchestral pop is reminiscent of The National, Brendan Benson, Richard Ashcroft, and Elliott Smith. Krueger recorded the second Southerly album, Storyteller and the Gossip Columnist, with his own full orchestra and horn arrangements. The arrangements flesh out the songs, which center on Krueger’s otherwise intimate singing style. Even in his solo performances, you can almost hear the sweeping and swooning violins, horns and backing vocals that surround Krueger’s every note.
