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Butthole Surfers

The Butthole Surfers, a band that emerged in the early-mid ‘80s alongside other groundbreaking groups like The Birthday Party, Black Flag, and Minor Threat, brought a unique blend of insanity and psychedelic edge to the music scene. Their raw power had the ability to instantly captivate and melt minds, much like SWANS, Einsturzende Neubauten, and Big Black with their overwhelming sonic pressure. Sonic Youth, on the other hand, mesmerized audiences with their eclectic mix of art, pop culture, and violence, leaving fans in a state of awe and bewilderment after each performance. The Butthole Surfers, while sharing elements with these iconic bands, stood out with their insane psychedelic twist and penchant for bizarre spectacles, setting them apart in the realm of alternative music.
Now, 40 years later, The Butthole Surfers make a comeback with their first series of reissues in partnership with Matador Records, resonating with fans who believed they had a comprehensive grasp of the ‘80s indie-rock landscape. Although the reissued recordings may not fully capture the immersive experience of a live Butthole Surfers concert, listeners can still expect to be transported into a world akin to falling down a rabbit hole as vast and enigmatic as the state of Texas itself. The announcement of these reissues is set to reignite nostalgia and excitement among fans, offering a renewed appreciation for the band’s pioneering contributions to the eccentric and avant-garde music movement of the ‘80s.

Keith Wallen

Breaking Benjamin guitarist and solo artist Keith Wallen is a prolific songwriter responsible for soaring melodies and hypnotic hooks heard across modern rock radio. Keith’s self-produced acoustic and piano-driven Allies EP arrived in 2014, and his debut solo album, 2021’sThis World Or The Next, featured “Dream Away,” a song streamed 1.4M times on Spotify alone. His second solo album, Infinity Now, includes production and co-writing contributions from Kevin Thrasher (RIVALS, Jelly Roll) and work with Dan Braunstein (Spiritbox, Dayseeker) and Andrew Baylis (Sleeping With Sirens, Jelly Roll, Brantley Gilbert). Produced by Kevin Thrasher (Jelly Roll, RIVALS) and mixed by Joel Wanasek (Rain City Drive, Scott Stapp), Keith’s sophomore solo album, Infinity Now, is a progression in style, where hard rock bombast meets intimate pensiveness via engaging songs like “The Wolf,” “Headspace Holiday,” and first single, “Strings.”. His co-writing collaborations include compositions with Saint Asonia, We Came As Romans, Red, Dorothy, and Korn guitarist Brian “Head” Welch’s Love And Death. The West Virginia-born troubadour uses his solo work as a vehicle to explore his multifaceted passions, moving seamlessly from the smart pop of ‘80s favorites like The Police and Genesis to the big moody riffs of ‘90s grunge heroes like Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, and Stone Temple Pilots.

Nonpoint

Masters of, and pioneers in the nu-metal/rap-rock world, Nonpoint has quietly been the biggest and best kept secret of the rock/metal genre. Their songs and renowned performances have had music legends, from all corners of the genre and music industry, standing side stage to revel in the mayhem, to witness magic unfolding and audiences ignited. Hearing the chorus of the crowd as they recite the iconic melodies and lyrics of vocalist and frontman phenom, Elias Soriano. Watching him tentacle his iconic dreadlocks feet from the spinning and flying bodies in front of him and surrounding him onstage. Then with just a look, or wave of his hand, he makes a sea of people transform. Behind Elias, there’s roaring thunder created by co-founder and showman Robb Rivera as he flies through the air just before crashing down with unmatched force into their music. Nonpoint family, rhythm guitarist, vocalist and visual performance master Rasheed Thomas alongside the high-flying, powerhouse on the bass and Adam Woloszyn both bringing force with medusa hair whips and flying guitars; they’ve re-defined the newest incarnation of Nonpoint. Now with the addition of Jason Zeilstra on lead guitar, whose chemistry with the rest of its members has begun to create a concoction that is poised to intoxicate audiences both old and new.

Ramones

The Ramones, often credited as the pioneers of punk rock, left an indelible mark on music history. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like the Who, the MC5, and Iggy and the Stooges, the Ramones created a unique stylistic prototype that influenced a generation of musicians. With their raw and revolutionary sound characterized by pounding rhythms, downstroked guitars, and comically absurd lyrics, the Ramones became synonymous with tuneful aggression. Songs like “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “Pinhead,” and “I Wanna Be Sedated” became punk anthems, shaping the genre’s identity. Their relentless touring and commitment to minimalist fury set the stage for bands like the Clash, Sex Pistols, and Green Day to follow their lead.
Formed in 1974 in Forest Hills, New York, the Ramones initially comprised Joey Ramone, Johnny Ramone, and Dee Dee Ramone, with Tommy Ramone as their manager. Embracing a greaser rocker image and short, high-energy sets, the band quickly gained a cult following at CBGB. Their self-titled debut album in 1976 marked the beginning of a prolific career that spanned over two decades. As they experimented with their sound and lineup changes, the Ramones maintained their punk ethos, influencing generations of musicians and leaving a lasting impact on rock music. Despite the band’s eventual disbandment and the passing of all original members, the Ramones’ legacy endures through celebrated archival projects and reissues that continue to honor their groundbreaking contributions to the punk genre.

Ratt

RATT, the groundbreaking band, played a crucial role in defining Hollywood’s iconic Sunset Strip sound and scene during the 1980s. Established in 1982 by lead singer and songwriter, Stephen Pearcy, the band embarked on a remarkable journey of musical innovation. Pearcy, along with friend Robbin Crosby, initiated the transformation of their musical entity into RATT, setting the stage for an electrifying venture. Over the next year, the band honed their craft, captivating audiences in the pulsating club scene of Los Angeles.
In 1983, RATT unleashed their self-titled EP, comprising six powerful tracks. The release marked a milestone as their single, ‘You Think Your Tough’ penned by Pearcy and Crosby, gained immense popularity on prominent L.A. radio stations like KMET and KLOS. The EP soared in sales, surpassing 100,000 copies, propelling RATT into the limelight as headliners and pack-out performers. Sharing the stage with music icons such as ZZ Top further cemented their status as an unstoppable force in the industry.
The band’s pivotal moment came with their signing to Atlantic Records in 1984, paving the way for their debut album ‘Out of the Cellar.’ Boasting hits like ‘Round & Round,’ ‘Back for More,’ and ‘Wanted Man,’ the album achieved triple Platinum status in the same year. RATT embarked on a whirlwind tour alongside renowned artists like Billy Squire and Ozzy Osbourne before taking the music world by storm with their arena headlining tours across the globe. To date, RATT has sold over 15 million records in the US alone, with their first four albums achieving Platinum status and concert venues witnessing sold-out crowds. As RATT continues to captivate audiences worldwide in 2018, the legacy of their chart-topping hits and explosive performances lives on, inviting fans to immerse themselves in the timeless allure of RATT’s music.

Gary Clark Jr.

Guitarist/vocalist Gary Clark, Jr. has established himself as a versatile and innovative artist, blending blues-rock roots with a fusion of genres such as funk, hard rock, and hip-hop to create a unique and ever-evolving sound. Beginning his career by honoring the blues tradition of his hometown in Austin, Texas, Clark gained widespread recognition with his album Blak and Blu in 2012. He took bold steps by collaborating with artists like Alicia Keys and Foo Fighters, delving into political themes on his 2019 album This Land, and incorporating African music influences in his 2024 release, JPEG RAW. Born and raised in Austin, Clark’s musical journey started at a young age when he picked up the guitar at 12 and began performing in local venues. Recognized for his exceptional live performances, he quickly became a standout figure in the blues and rock scene of Austin.
Apart from his exceptional guitar skills, Clark is also a talented singer, songwriter, and composer. His diverse talents led him to compose the score for the film Full Count and to appear in the movie Honeydripper in 2007. His remarkable abilities caught the attention of legendary musician Eric Clapton, who invited Clark to perform at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2010. This opportunity paved the way for Clark to sign a recording deal with Warner Bros and release his major-label debut album, Blak and Blu. The success of his debut was followed by a Grammy Award win for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Clark continued to captivate audiences with his electrifying live performances, as showcased in his two-disc live album recorded during the Blak and Blu tour.
In the following years, Clark further solidified his place in the music industry by releasing successful albums like The Story of Sonny Boy Slim in 2015, which debuted at number eight on the Billboard charts. His collaborations and covers, including a rendition of the Beatles’ ‘Come Together’ for the Justice League soundtrack, demonstrated his musical versatility. A highlight of his career came with the release of his fifth studio album, This Land, in 2019, which garnered critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Clark remained creatively active by collaborating with various artists and delivering his innovative fourth major-label studio project, JPEG RAW, in 2024, showcasing his exploration of new musical horizons and influences.

STARSET

Visionary media collective STARSET have carved out a unique path as part cinematic rock band, part conceptual storytellers, weaving an intricate narrative through multimedia and redefining the concept of a truly immersive entertainment experience.
Led by enigmatic front man and PhD candidate Dustin Bates, the band have made a mission to take fans on a journey through music, video, AR-integrated performances, a Marvel graphic novel, and online experiences, blurring the lines of science, fact, and fiction.

In This Moment

Since coming to life in 2005, In This Moment have presided over a diehard fan base under the watch of “mother” figure and frontwoman Maria Brink—joined by co-founder and lead guitarist Chris Howorth, bassist Travis Johnson, guitarist Randy Weitzel, and Kent Diimmel. As millions convened upon the group’s otherworldly and unforgettable concerts, they quietly emerged as one of the most influential and impactful bands of the 21st century that has amassed over 1.3 billion cumulative streams to date. In addition to the Gold-selling album, Blood, the quintet have garnered six Gold and Platinum singles, followed by a trifecta of Top 25 entries on the Billboard Top 200 with Black Widow & Ritual. With a stream tally well past 250 million, Ritual elevated the group to new creative and critical peaks as well.
Along the way, they assembled their seventh full-length, the aptly titled Mother. Whereas Ritual hinted at a bluesy sonic sorcery, Mother breathes the activating mantra of an unbreakable spell, commenced on the GRAMMY® Award-nominated lead single “The In-Between.” In 2022, the band released Blood 1983, a reimagined EP commemorating the ten-year anniversary of Blood, and most recently had their song “I Would Die For You” appear on the soundtrack for John Wick: Chapter 4. The band’s eighth album GODMODE is set to be released October 27, 2023.

Ayron Jones

Guitarist & singer Ayron Jones, whose songwriting is filled with raw emotion, embodies the new sound of Seattle. Drawing inspiration from the city’s rich musical history, from legends like Jimi Hendrix to Nirvana, Jones has emerged as a gritty and genre-blending artist. His journey to success started with a strong local following in the Pacific Northwest, where he nurtured his creative vision independently before signing with Big Machine/John Varvatos Records. The breakthrough came with his debut single ‘Take Me Away,’ which not only showcased his artistic direction but also achieved remarkable success by reaching the Top 5 on Rock Radio charts. This accomplishment set a high standard for his subsequent releases, including his latest track ‘Mercy.’ The powerful lyrics and captivating melodies in ‘Mercy’ resonate deeply with the current collective consciousness, offering a message of hope and resilience amidst challenges. Jones’s upcoming album titled ‘CHILD OF THE STATE’ is highly anticipated and scheduled for release on 5/21, marking a pivotal moment in his career. As he continues to rise in the Rock World, Jones is also a trailblazer, overcoming barriers and defying stereotypes. Reflecting on his journey as a black artist in the rock industry, he acknowledges the obstacles he faced but emphasizes that his music speaks louder than preconceptions. His influence has transcended beyond Seattle, leading him to share stages with renowned artists like Run DMC, Public Enemy, Rahkim, Jeff Beck, Theory of a Deadman, Robin Trower, and Spearhead. Notably, he has had the privilege of opening for iconic acts such as Guns ’N’ Roses at the Gorge and B.B. King, showcasing his versatility and broad appeal in the music scene.

KISS

Kiss, commonly styled as KISS, was a legendary American rock band established in New York City in 1973 by the iconic quartet of Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals). Renowned for their distinctive face paint and elaborate stage attire, the group soared to fame in the mid-1970s with electrifying shock rock performances featuring fire-breathing, blood-spitting, and other theatrics like smoking guitars and pyrotechnics. Despite lineup changes, Stanley and Simmons remained the backbone of the band, joined by Tommy Thayer (lead guitar, vocals) and Eric Singer (drums, vocals) in the final ensemble.
Adopting comic book-like personas, the band members assumed alter egos such as the Starchild (Stanley), the Demon (Simmons), the Spaceman or Space Ace (Frehley), and the Catman (Criss). Kiss reached the pinnacle of success in the 1970s and became a cultural phenomenon in America. After creative divergences, Criss exited the group in 1980, followed by Frehley in 1982, paving the way for Eric Carr (the Fox) and Vinnie Vincent (the Ankh Warrior). Despite a period of commercial decline, Kiss reinvigorated their career in 1983 by shedding their makeup and costumes, welcoming a new era of unmasked performances. The post-makeup era ushered in fresh hits like the platinum-certified album ‘Lick It Up’ in 1983, capturing a new wave of fans and dominating MTV screens.
The band’s legacy endured through lineup changes and nostalgic reunions, notably in 1996 when the original members regrouped with their iconic makeup and costumes for a highly acclaimed reunion tour. With landmark albums and numerous accolades, Kiss cemented their status as one of the most significant and top-selling rock bands in history, boasting over 100 million records sold globally and a multitude of certified albums. Honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Kiss continues to be celebrated as a trailblazing force in rock music, securing a top rank among metal bands and live performers across various music charts and polls.

Crossfade

Hard rock/heavy metal band Crossfade is based in Columbia, SC, where its members reside. The group came together in the late ’90s with the merging of singer/guitarist Ed Sloan with bassist/backup singer Mitch James and drummer Brian Geiger as the power trio the Nothing. Sloan, a Columbia native, had begun taking piano lessons at eight and been attracted to grunge and heavy metal music, joining his first band, Darkchilde, in the eighth grade. By the time he began attending the University of South Carolina and majoring in computer science, however, he was looking for new musicians to play with. Geiger, also a native of Columbia, had played drums since his childhood and was a member of another local band, Celestian Slant. For James, who took up the bass after becoming enamored of the instrument at a David Lee Roth concert, the Nothing was his first band. The group added singer and club DJ Tony Byroads, who had grown up in Buffalo, NY, playing in a band called Final Wave in high school, then moved to Columbia after graduation.
The resulting quartet renamed itself Sugardaddy Superstar. While building up a local following, the band recorded in its own Sugarstar Studio. It first gained recognition beyond its region when it attracted the interest of the Los Angeles A&R company Taxi and Los Angeles promoter Chris Long (who took over as manager), leading to an L.A. showcase in March 2002. That, in turn, led to a signing to the Earshot subsidiary of Columbia Records early the next year. The band then retooled its self-released album, Cold, under the auspices of mixer/engineer Randy Staub and renamed itself Crossfade. The revised album was released by Columbia as Crossfade in April 2004; the same year James Branham replaced Geiger behind the drum kit. Its first single,

Velvet Chains

VELVET CHAINS, hailing from Las Vegas, burst onto the music scene in 2021 with a dynamic ensemble of exceptionally talented musicians from the USA, Chile, and Brazil. This stellar lineup has collaborated with renowned producers like Erik Ron, Heavy, Mitchell Marlow, and Kane Churko, elevating their sound to new heights. Embarking on tours alongside iconic acts such as SLASH Featuring MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, THE WINERY DOGS, and SAINT ASONIA, VELVET CHAINS has solidified their presence in the rock music realm. Their track ‘STUCK AGAINST THE WALL’ made waves, dominating the Active Rock Top 40 Charts for an impressive 9 weeks. The band’s latest release, ‘DEAD INSIDE,’ made a powerful debut, swiftly claiming the #2 Most Added spot on the charts in its first week.