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Blind Channel

Darkness which envelopes Finland is what fuels Blind Channel. The veritable coal to their roaring furnace of ambition, embracing it is the DNA that runs throughout their music. Balancing their tenacity with sincerity, ‘It’s this feeling of never being enough is what drives us forward right now,” vocalist Niko Vilhelm says. When forming back in 2013 in the city of Oulu, way up in the North of Finland, vocalists Niko and Joel Hokka, drummer Tommi Lalli, guitarist Joonas Porko and bass player Olli Matela, plus the later addition of DJ/Percussionist Aleksi Kaunisvesi – knew that it was all about going big or going home. When they were told to sing in their native tongue, they refused. It was simply never an option. The doors that closed only made them want to grab an axe to break through, The Shining style, to properly make themselves known. This is exactly what they did when they found their way onto the largest stage in Europe: Eurovision, after competing in the Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), Finland’s annual contest to discover their entry. Winning the spot, by the largest landslide the competition has seen, Blind Channel captured and enamoured the continent with the fiery nu-metal charge of ‘Dark Side’. Be warned however, Eurovision isn’t the crux of Blind Channel’s story. This stepping stone that saw them take to that hallowed stage, was just that, a gambit towards the bigger picture.
Management Backbone Management antti (at) backbonemanagement (dot) fi

Mudvayne

Heavy metal quartet Mudvayne originated in Peoria, IL, in 1996 with the members adopting unique pseudonyms like sPaG (M. McDonough) on drums, Gurrg (G. Tribbett) on guitar, and Kud (Chad Gray) as the vocalist. The band’s original bassist was later replaced by Ryknow (Ryan Martinie). Embracing a distinctive identity, the group began using eccentric makeup during their evolution. Following the independent release of their debut album, Kill, I Oughta, Mudvayne was signed by Epic Records and went on to record their major-label debut, L.D. 50, released in August 2000 after their inaugural national tour supporting Slipknot. The album achieved gold status and secured Mudvayne the inaugural MTV2 Video Award at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.
Continuing their musical journey, Mudvayne extensively toured and reissued their debut EP, Kill, I Oughta, in November 2001 under the title The Beginning of All Things to End. Subsequently, the band launched their official second album, The End of All Things to Come, produced by David Bottrill at Minneapolis’ Pachyderm Studios. Accompanied by new personas as space aliens, the band members adopted fresh aliases including Chüd (Kud), Güüg (Gurrg), R-üD (Ryknow), and Spüg (sPaG). Embarking on a European tour and later joining the Summer Sanitarium shed tour back in the U.S., Mudvayne shared the stage with notable acts like Metallica and Linkin Park. In 2005, the band unveiled Lost and Found, their third album with Epic Records. Mudvayne’s creative journey continued with the fan-driven compilation By the People, for the People in September 2007, and the release of the full-length album New Game in November 2008, followed by a self-titled effort in 2009.

North Point Worship

North Point Worship is a collective of worship leaders, song-writers, and creatives from North Point Ministries in Atlanta, GA. Their primary goal is to provide the local church with uplifting songs that glorify Jesus, encourage individuals to follow Him, and participate in sharing God’s goodness across generations. The journey of faith is depicted as a mix of triumphs and struggles, belief and uncertainty, submission and carefulness. Despite the challenges, they believe that the ups and downs of life with God form a unique and worthwhile experience worth embracing. Their music aims to prompt listeners to engage in their own spiritual wrestles, reflecting the belief in a God who is present in every aspect of life.

Royale Lynn

Royale Lynn brings a signature blend of hard rock and country to life with fearless ambition. A small-town girl turned Nashville singer/songwriter, Lynn grew up with Avril Lavigne and Breaking Benjamin in her CD Walkman and makes music with gutsy abandon and charm. Lynn’s songs resonate with folks equally cozy at Stagecoach Festival or Sonic Temple. Heralded by Billboard as “a ferocious newcomer with ceiling-scraping vocals,” Royale Lynn’s boundary-smashing amalgamation of hard rock and country demonstrates the growing appetite for her brand of genre-bending. “I know there are a lot of people who grew up in the country that love rock, and vice versa,” Lynn reasons. “I want to bring together a community of people who embrace being different and who are open to talking about mental health in small towns.” That coming together is already well underway, as evidenced by the success of self-released singles like “Six Feet Deep” (which blew up on TikTok and Instagram) and “Redneck Rockstar.” Over one million people around the world listened to Royale Lynn on Spotify alone in 2023. “Six Feet Deep” acquired over 20 million social media views between Facebook reels, Instagram and Tik Tok. It shot to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Digital Sales chart.

Eve 6

American punk-pop trio Eve 6 gained recognition in the late ’90s and early 2000s with two platinum and gold-selling albums, including Eve 6 and Horrorscope. Their chart-topping single ‘Inside Out’ propelled them to success. After disbanding post the release of ‘It’s All in Your Head’ in 2003, the group reunited multiple times with a new lineup before reforming the original trio in 2012. The highly anticipated fourth LP, ‘Speak in Code,’ was released, followed by a decade-long gap until their latest album ‘Hyper Relevisation’ in 2022.
Eve 6’s journey began when guitarist Jon Siebels and bassist/vocalist Max Collins signed with RCA Records while still in high school. Originally known as Eleventeen, the band, including drummer Tony Fagenson, took three years to prepare for their debut album, as per RCA Records’ demand to finish high school first. The band honed their skills by performing at local coffeehouses before releasing their self-titled debut album in 1998, which featured the hit single ‘Inside Out.’ Subsequent albums like Horrorscope achieved gold status, and despite facing challenges with It’s All in Your Head, Eve 6 continued to make music, culminating in the 2022 release of ‘Hyper Relevisation.’

Moon Fever

Moon Fever is a dynamic rock band hailing from Seattle, known for their high-energy, rock and roll sound. Influenced by the legendary stadium bands of the past, the band brings a modern twist to their music, creating a unique and powerful vibe. The group comprises Triston Bracht on vocals, Mitch Micoley on guitar, Dave Orton on bass, and Troy Wageman on drums. Moon Fever stands out for their seamless blend of classic rock elements, intense guitar riffs, and contemporary vocals, resulting in a truly electrifying musical experience.

Lines of Loyalty

Lines Of Loyalty maintain a high level of commitment to both their craft and their mission, delivering melodically magnetic rock anthems with unapologetic dedication and diligence. The Kenosha, WI trio—Nubz Morrison (vocals, guitar), Redo Ianni (bass, vocals, keys)—have asserted themselves as a hypnotic heavy rock force with a series of singles released in 2021. They hit the studio with producer Chris Dawson [Saul] to record in 2021, introducing Lines Of Loyalty via the single “I’m Not The One,” characterized by a thick beat, punchy bass line, and instantly chantable chorus. The word “Loyalty” is so deeply ingrained in their identity that it adorns Nubz’ face, symbolizing their unwavering commitment to their art and vision. By staying true to themselves and their music, Lines Of Loyalty are set to inspire loyalty from listeners as they continue to release more music.

Twisted Sister

Twisted Sister, a product of New York City’s early ’70s glam rock scene, was heavily influenced by the New York Dolls, Kiss’s theatrics, Slade’s pop acumen, and the shock rock of Alice Cooper. The band’s core lineup included guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie ‘Fingers’ Ojeda, vocalist Dee Snider, bassist Mark ‘The Animal’ Mendoza, and drummer A.J. Pero. After releasing two critically acclaimed albums, Twisted Sister achieved mainstream success in 1984 with their multi-platinum album ‘Stay Hungry,’ driven by hits like ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’ and ‘I Wanna Rock.’ Despite disbanding in 1988 and reuniting in the early 2000s, the band faced challenges, including the passing of A.J. Pero in 2015, leading to their final show in 2016.
Founded in 1972 by guitarist John Segal, known as Jay Jay French, Twisted Sister drew inspiration from the New York Dolls and gradually solidified their lineup with members like Dee Snider, Kenneth Harrison Neil, and A.J. Pero. With Snider’s arrival in 1976, the band found its leader and primary songwriter, infusing their glam-forward sound with an Alice Cooper influence. Their breakthrough album, ‘Stay Hungry,’ released in 1984, propelled Twisted Sister to stardom with platinum certifications in multiple countries and iconic singles like ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’ and ‘I Wanna Rock.’ Despite challenges and lineup changes, Twisted Sister left a lasting impact on the pop/hair metal scene and music industry.

Any Given Sin

Every once in a while, a singer comes along that single-handedly resets the bar for what a rock vocalist should be. Someone with such raw emotion and power that it makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Maryland-based rock band ANY GIVEN SIN’s Vic Richie is that singer. ANY GIVEN SIN spent much of 2019 generating buzz with the release of their single “Dynamite,” which quickly became the number one most spun song on SiriusXM’s Octane. The band soon solidified its position on Octane, landing the coveted Accelerator Artist title, and blazing past some of the biggest names in rock on the weekly BIG UNS Countdown. As the number two most requested song on the channel, it ended up at number twenty-nine on Octane’s Top 100 year-end countdown. The success of their first single was quickly followed up with the release of their second single, “Another Life,” which, in turn, became the number one most spun song as well. Any Given Sin recently released their third single, “Insidious.” The band has been working with some heavy-hitters in the rock world including Trevor Kustiak (Evans Blue), John Moyer (Disturbed), and most recently, Chris Dawson (SAUL, Seasons After), who produced both singles, “Another Life” and “Insidious.” Complete with epic, crunchy guitar riffs and put-a-hole-in-your-soul, massive drums, this is a true-blue American rock band with both authenticity and power.

Jimi Hendrix

James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix, was an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer known for his influential and celebrated career in the 20th century. Despite a short mainstream career of only four years, Hendrix left a significant mark on popular music history as one of the greatest electric guitarists. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame hails him as ‘arguably the greatest instrumentalist in rock music history.’ Beginning his musical journey in Seattle, Washington, he started playing guitar at the young age of 15. Joining the US Army in 1961 and later moving to Tennessee, he built his reputation on the chitlin’ circuit, playing with renowned artists like the Isley Brothers and Little Richard.
In 1966, Hendrix made his way to England under the management of Chas Chandler, where he quickly rose to fame with the Jimi Hendrix Experience and hit singles like ‘Hey Joe’, ‘Purple Haze’, and ‘The Wind Cries Mary.’ His US breakthrough came after the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, followed by his chart-topping album ‘Electric Ladyland’ in 1968. Hendrix became a global sensation, headlining iconic music festivals like Woodstock and Isle of Wight. Regrettably, his life was cut short in 1970 due to an accidental barbiturate-related incident in London. Despite his untimely death, his legacy lives on through his innovative guitar techniques and groundbreaking use of effects units that reshaped the rock music landscape.
Hendrix’s impact on music was not just limited to his lifetime but extended posthumously, with numerous accolades recognizing his talent and influence. From being named Artist of the Year by Billboard to being honored as the World Top Musician in 1969, he received acclaim for his unmatched musical prowess. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, the Jimi Hendrix Experience continues to be revered in the music industry. Rolling Stone has immortalized his studio albums and ranked him among the greatest guitarists and artists of all time, solidifying his place in music history as a true legend.

Dio

During the mid-’80s, the heavy metal quintet Dio emerged as a top U.S. concert attraction, led by the iconic singer Ronnie James Dio. Prior to Dio, Ronnie James Dio made his mark as the frontman of Rainbow and later Black Sabbath. Establishing Dio in the early ’80s, Ronnie James Dio assembled a stellar backing band, including former members of Rainbow and Black Sabbath, resulting in the melodically driven sound that set Dio apart. The band’s debut album, Holy Diver, released in 1983, instantly became a hit with MTV videos like ‘Rainbow in the Dark’ capturing the audience’s attention.
Following their successful debut, Dio continued to soar with their second album, The Last in Line, expanding their lineup and solidifying their position as arena headliners. Despite lineup changes and challenges, Dio remained a force in the heavy metal scene, highlighted by their participation in the charitable initiative Hear n’ Aid. Over the years, the band evolved with various releases, notably Lock Up the Wolves in 1990. Dio’s legacy extends beyond the band’s lineup fluctuations, with Ronnie James Dio’s resilience and musical creativity shining through in albums like Magica and Killing the Dragon, showcasing a blend of seriousness and self-awareness in his medieval-themed metal. Despite the ups and downs, Ronnie James Dio’s impact on the metal genre remains profound, immortalizing his legacy as an influential figure in the history of rock music.

Local H

Local H, the iconic alt-rock duo known for their blistering live shows and unorthodox two-piece setup, are at the top of their game three decades after they first burst onto the music scene. Frontman Scott Lucas, who covers both guitar and bass, and drummer Ryan Harding are gearing up to release their 9th studio album, LIFERS. Local H’s musical journey started with their major release in 1995, Ham Fisted, followed by the career-defining album As Good As Dead in 1996, positioning them as 90s rock elites with the hit song ‘Bound For The Floor’ becoming a generational anthem. The band continued to make their mark with the widely acclaimed 1998 concept album Pack Up the Cats, solidifying their status as genre leaders.
In the past five years, Local H has been incredibly active, releasing their 8th studio album Hey, Killer, along with EPs, live records, and unique ‘Mix Tapes’ featuring cover songs. They have been on constant tours, sharing stages with renowned artists like Toadies and Helmet, and even joining Metallica’s sold-out stadium tour. Looking ahead, 2020 holds more excitement as the band plans to tour with Soul Asylum in the Spring, coinciding with the release of their much-anticipated new album LIFERS on April 10 via AntiFragile Music.