Monthly Archives: January 2014

POPMATTERS PREMIERES MISS SHEVAUGHN & YUMA WRAY’S NEW TRACK “COYOTE”!

MISS SHEVAUGHN & YUMA WRAY TO RELEASE THEIR SOPHOMORE STUDIO ALBUM LEAN INTO THE WIND MARCH 25TH!

NATIONAL “HONEYMOON TOUR” KICKS-OFF MARCH 6TH IN LONG BEACH, CA FOLLOWING MISS SHEVAUGHN & YUMA WRAY’S MARCH 1ST WEDDING IN PASO ROBLES, CA!

Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray were on a train traveling to get treatment for Miss Shevaughn’s recently diagnosed cervical cancer in early 2013. “We decided three important things on that train ride,” says Yuma Wray, “We decided to set a date for our wedding (March 1, 2014), to push ahead with the already booked spring tour and to write this album not knowing at all what the future would bring.”

Lean Into the Wind, the second full-length album from hard touring rock band Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray is the product of a year plagued by the chaos of friends passing, illness, depression and self-doubt, but also one of adventure, travel, friendship and the kinds of life events that ultimately help us to cut through the noise.

“We had a pretty emotional year, I don’t think you can assign one emotion to something as complex as a series of songs, emotion shouldn’t be a stylistic choice. Unless you’re sedated, no one exists like that. Sometimes you feel happy or angry or inadequate, this album captures every nuance of what we were feeling last year,” explains Yuma Wray.

For the two songwriters settling, for the moment, in California seems to have had more than just a slight effect on their music. Many of the dreamy guitar and vocal textures harken back to the days of the Flying Burrito Brothers or the Byrds’ Sweetheart Of The Rodeo period. Lean Into The Wind is as twangy as it is fuzzy – striking a perfect balance between the jittery, noisy heyday of the late sixties and the more subdued, experimental sounds of the early seventies.

The album opens with a nod to those sounds, and introduces the rich three-part vocal harmonies that are woven into the fabric of the album. “Drifter’s Compass” is a manifesto of sorts. “It’s a kind of defiant anthem for the underdogs and artists who create outside of the mainstream because they just simply must, “ says Miss Shevaughn.

“This is the hardest part of living, right past the point of giving in, don’t need your prayers or your permission, just need a road without an end” – “Drifter’s Compass”

The band has undergone rapid evolution since 2012’s We’re From Here – hundreds of shows and over 100,000 miles on the road will do that. “The last album catalogued our transition from an intimate duo to playing with other musicians as a band. Lean Into the Wind was written over months and road tested with all four band members contributing to the final recording,” says Yuma.

Fans describe Miss Shevaughn’s voice as “mesmerizing.” She’s drawn critical comparisons to Emmylou Harris and Joni Mitchell. On Lean Into the Wind she also explores a more forceful, gutsy side of her voice. “One of my favorite moments on the road with these new songs was when an audience member, who was about my dad’s age, ran up after the show, embraced me and blurted out ‘Janis Joplin lives!’” recalls Miss Shevaughn. But the singer is just as likely to rip into a fuzzed out slide guitar solo or saturated rock organ hook.

And that’s the thing with this band, on stage and in the studio they’re a whirlwind of creative activity. Yuma Wray, aside from having developed an easily recognizable “less is more” guitar sound that’s been praised for creative soundscaping and chunky Jimmy Page inspired riffs, has come into his own vocally on this album. He has branched out, tackling duties on keys and flute as well as the vocal harmonies that wend their way through the record. Drummer Ben Tufts, from Washington D.C. also contributed vocal harmonies, mandolin and bass. Additionally, guest musician Ikey Owens (The Mars Volta, Jack White’s Buzzards) played piano on the raucous, bluesy “Bleed Me” and Philly-based artist Bile Greene wrote “Blue Dream.”

This record, that celebrates those who travel the outskirts and explores the push and pull between creativity and destruction, hope and despair, ends much as it started, with a statement of defiance, spirit and perseverance. Lean Into the Wind invites the adventurous to time travel with the band through the past, present and several imagined futures. Whispers and roars fill these songs – yet each tune, in it’s own way, has a thin veneer of that California sunlight that streams golden just before the sun sets over the mountains.

Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray’s new album Lean Into The Wind will be available on CD and digital formats on March 25th via Seven Dead Arson Records.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MISS SHEVAUGHN & YUMA WRAY’S NEW TRACK “COYOTE” VIA POPMATTERS!

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MISS SHEVAUGHN & YUMA WRAY 2014 SPRING “HONEYMOON TOUR” DATES

3/6 – Alex’s Bar – Long Beach, CA

3/7 – The Press Restaurant – Claremont, CA

3/8 – TBA – Phoenix, AZ

3/9 – The Lost Leaf – Phoenix, AZ

3/11 – Cowgirl BBQ – Santa Fe, NM

3/12 – Adobe Bar – Taos, NM

3/14 – Bufalo Bob’s Chalupa Wagon – Austin, TX

3/15 – Cherrywood Coffee – Austin, TX

3/21 – The Nick – Birmingham, AL

3/23 – Hendershot’s – Athens, GA

3/24 – Eddie’s Attic open mic – Decatur, GA

3/25 – The Basement (new faces showcase) – Nashville, TN

3/27 – Emerald Lounge – Asheville, NC

3/28 – Slim’s Downtown – Raleigh, NC

3/29 – Common Market – Charlotte, NC

4/2 – IOTA – Arlington, VA

4/11 – Grand Victory – Brooklyn, NY

4/12 – The Bus Stop Music Cafe – Pitman, NJ

4/16 – Bossy Grrl’s Pinup Joint – Columbus, OH

4/17 – TBA – Dayton, OH

4/18 – Southgate House – Newport, KY

4/19 – TBA – Louisville, KY

4/20 – Melody Inn – Indianapolis, IN

4/22 – Acorn Theater – Three Oaks, MI

4/24 – Woodruff’s – Ypsilanti, MI

4/26 – Kingman Island Folk & Bluegrass Festival – Washington DC

4/30 – The Frequency – Madison, WI

5/02 – Frank’s Power Plant – Milwaukee, WI

5/3 – Ritual Cafe – Des Moines, IA

5/9 – The Pioneer Inn – Nederland, CO

5/14 – Cowgirl BBQ – Santa Fe, NM

5/19 – Pappy & Harriet’s – Pioneertown, CA

5/23 – Trillium Cafe – Hood River, OR
(more dates to be announce soon)

Here’s what people have been saying about Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray:

“On their latest album, Lean Into the Wind, Americana rockers Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray go all Flying Burrito Brothers with a SoCal-influenced set of new songs. [The track] “Coyote” tells you everything you need to know about what this super fine band of players has up their sleeves this go-around. Killer harmonies, warm countryesque textures, and the winsome voice of Miss Shevaughn, who channels her very own Emmylou Harris on this gorgeous tune.” – POPMATTERS

“Achingly beautiful folk blues.” – Steve Wildsmith/ THE DAILY TIMES

“Think back on the material Daniel Lanois produced for Emmylou Harris – this music is by turns ethereal, haunting, lonely, ferocious and bluesy, painting American landscapes in pure black and white. The harmonies are smooth and go places you wouldn’t normally expect. Frisby’s alto has a world-weary and strongly emotional feel. She is, to be sure, a great singer.” – CONNECT SAVANNAH

“A fifteen song collection of Americana music, We’re From Here seamlessly jumps from sparse folk tunes to fuzzy guitar filled garage rock. Miss Shevaughn’s haunting vocals weave through the sonic landscape provided by Yuma Wray, and when it is his time to sing the contrast is powerful. Their music is more than just songs, each tune is a story and as story tellers it is up to Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray to bring these tales to life.” – Chris Martin / ATLANTA EXAMINER

“We’re From Here is a stunning and audacious debut – this record sounds like they’ve made an Oscar winning movie based on the Great American Novel. Miss Shevaughn joins Emmylou Harris and KD Lang in the realm of the great female American storytellers. She is a force of nature, and Yuma Wray provides the perfect home in which to raise her stories. Forget about genres and categories, this is great music.” – Tony Conley / ROCK GUITAR DAILY

“ Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray’s We’re From Here is a classic American road trip story, with the duo expanding its sound from sparse folk balladry to psychedelic swamp stomp.” – SUN JOURNAL

“We’re From Here, the new album from Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray, is a folk-drenched look into questions of contentment, laments over new beginnings, and self-acceptance, with Miss Shevaughn sounding an awful lot like Joni Mitchell as she tells her passionate tales.” – CHARLESTON CITY PAPER

“Their blend of country, folk, rock, and blues is a thing of beauty.” – MUSIC. DEFINED.

“Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray have put together a record that is simply stunning in its scope and in the sheer size of its sound…. this is a tremendous debut.” – WHEN YOU MOTOR AWAY

“Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray’s 2011 was spent on the road living out of their Honda Element, searching out their sound and cataloging their experiences and thoughts. Their time on the road was not wasted as the result is Americana personified – an amalgamation of elemental roots music into songs of real substance a soundtrack for a journey on the rural routes and black tops.” – BEAT SURRENDER

“Warm heart and fuzzed out soul come together on Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray’s new album We’re From Here.” – JESTER JAY MUSIC

“Nostalgic and reminiscent, We’re From Here is packed full of personality. Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray are both masters at merging musical genres and as a result, the album is original and full of songs that aren’t like anything else.” – SHOW ME SOMETHING DIFFERENT: UK

“Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray snake a highway around Americana, folk and good old rock & roll. It really is fabulous music making and bursting with talent, imagination and character. I could listen to it all day.” –UNDERCOVER

“Miss Shevaughn & Yuma have seen the U.S. and they sing about it with heartfelt soul and just the right amount of indie charisma. There’s nothing stuffy or snobby about their music. It clearly shines through as honest and poetic.” – John Powell / YOU HEAR THIS

“If I had a million dollars, I would pay Miss Shevaughn to sing me to sleep every night for a year. We’re From Here is one of the best albums that’s come my way this year.”  – ADOBE & TEARDROPS

“Featuring an eclectic mix of instruments including – but not limited to – guitar, banjo, mandolin, percussion, glockenspiel and lap steel, this duo has a bigger sound than most listeners dare to imagine. Strength in voice and instrumental ability drives their songwriting excellence.” – THE VERMONT CYNIC

“Unique, honest and compelling storytelling.” – YOUNG MANHATTANITE

“The word “sprawling” certainly applies to We’re From Here, the new album by Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray. The duo spent the year on the road (29 states, 125 shows) and the new songs reflect their experiences and evolution.” – THE PROVIDENCE PHOENIX

“Ever since I have gotten my ears on this excellent work of Americana and folk, I haven’t been able to stop listening. A voice that captivates, Miss Shevaughn has to be one of the most passionate vocalists I’ve heard. Add in the mysterious Yuma Wray and his magical guitar skills, these two seem to be the perfect mix for creating music that has the power to make the burliest of men weep.” – THE RECORD STACHE

FOR MORE INFO ON MISS SHEVAUGHN & YUMA WRAY:
http://www.missshevaughnyumawray.com
https://twitter.com/yumawray
http://tillthewheelscomeoff.tumblr.com/

FOR MEDIA & INTERVIEW REQUESTS:
Tony Bonyata
Pavement PR
p: 262.903.7775
e: bonyata@wi.rr.com
https://pavementpr.com

ALARM MAGAZINE PREMIERES SILENT LIONS’ NEW SONG “RUNNIN’ ME DOWN”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “RUNNIN’ ME DOWN” VIA ALARM!
 
SILENT LIONS’ SOPHOMORE EP THE COMPARTMENTS OUT NOW!

Conceived in Toledo, OH with a home base in sister city Detroit, Silent Lions are the sinister twosome of heavy-soul. Dean Tartaglia simultaneously plays effected octave bass, sampled synths, and manipulated atmospheric vocals, all while drummer Matt Klein grooves and thrashes beside him, often providing soulful singalong melodies and harmonies. The duo’s live shows sound as thick and creamy as they do on record. Their music has been tagged as “spooky soul,” “chill punk” and “Hall and Oates stoner rock.”

Silent Lions’ upcoming sophomore six-song EP, The Compartments, is a deeper exploration into genre manipulation. From hip-hop to stoner rock, Silent Lions create moments of lo-fi chaos out of hi-fi clarity. With their unofficial third member Zach Shipps (Electric Six) producing, The Compartments takes enough risks to turn your head, but never strays from SiLi’s visceral, trademark, super sub bass and drum sound.

Dean started making his mark nationally with Detroit local legends The Sights, touring the U.S. and Europe supporting Tenacious D. Silent Lions are proud to continuously share bills with some of the best new artists in the scene (Mr. Gnome, Jamaican Queens, Bad Veins).

Silent Lions’ The Compartments EP will be available January 14, 2014 on vinyl, digital & CD formats through the band’s own label, Nah Collective.

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HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SAYING ABOUT SILENT LIONS:

Channels Prince, Janis Joplin and Suicide’s Alan Vega (to name just a few) while drawing fresh connections between new wave, lo-fi indie rock, dance music, Detroit glam punk, and G funk. Singer/bassist/sampler Dean Tartaglia and drummer Matt Klein approach genre-bending with an almost demented sense of freedom that gives their music an art-damaged edge while sparking it with an air of celebration. None of the style manipulations ever sound contrived, and familiar ingredients fall together in audacious but unobtrusive ways. – ALARM

Captivating. – POPMATTERS

An urgent explosion of psych-drenched garage rock — 100% emotion, 100% libido —  you couldn’t call it anything other than “f**king rock and roll.” – INDIE SHUFFLE

Fronted by drums and bass, with a barrage of pedals and effects, Silent Lions are a refreshing new group for the local scene, one that shows signs of genre-pushing experimentation, original instrumentation & songwriting, and rightful confidence in the idea that Toledoans will embrace not just what’s good, not just what’s weird, and not always what’s new – but always what’s hard working and different.  – TOLEDO.COM

Sludge-funk trouncing murk-pop. – METRO TIME DETROIT

Silent Lions are re-setting the mold for what an “indie band” can do. – TOLEDO CITY PAPER

These guys really have a sound all their own. Everyone should be listening to this band. – HIP IN DETROIT

Silent Lions create a solid, heavy and distinct sound, one that’s fully rounded in all the right places. The band uses a variety of different effects, pedals and echoes to achieve this sound, and the result is a sonic assault on the senses. – DAYTON CITY PAPER

FOR MORE INFO ON SILENT LIONS:
http://silentlions.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/SilentLions

FOR MEDIA AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS:
Tony Bonyata
Pavement PR
p: 262.903.7775
e: bonyata@wi.rr.com
https://pavementpr.com

ROLLING STONE PREMIERES THE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES’ NEW SONG “END OF THE WORLD”!

Classic San Francisco garage band reunites with new EP
By John Gentile

Although they were fairly inactive in the Nineties and 2000s, the Flamin’ Groovies have reformed with founding member Cyril Jordan, early member George Alexander and mid-period Groovie Chris Wilson. The band played a few shows this year, including stints in Japan and Australia, and now they’re headed out on a North American tour.

The tour precedes a new six-song EP due out in early 2014. “End of the World,” the first song from the release, is the first Jordan/Wilson penned tracked in over 30 years, and it picks up where they left off. “The song came together in the studio,” says Jordan. “The basic track was cut 20 minutes after I showed it to the guys. This was the way we cut originals in the past.”

“End of the World,” like the band’s best tracks, blends proto-punk energy with power-pop melody. A certain rawness permeates the band’s dedication to pop rhythm, making it sound like it could have been recorded today or in 1972. Considering all the bands that have been influenced by the Groovies, this music is timeless.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/flamin-groovies-at-the-end-of-the-world-song-premiere-20131105

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  • tour dates

    • 03/22/24 THEE SINSEERS in Los Angeles, CA at The Belasco
    • 03/23/24 THEE SINSEERS in Riverside, CA at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
    • 04/18/24 THEE SINSEERS in Phoenix AZ at Crescent Ballroom
    • 04/19/24 THEE SINSEERS in Phoenix AZ at Crescent Ballroom
    • 04/20/24 THEE SINSEERS in Tucson, AZ at 191 Toole