Showing posts with label Alternative. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alternative. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Backlash, a Live Performance Video from Factory Underground Recording Artist Brian Larney and The Town Hall Premiered Exclusively by VEVO.

Backlash, a Live Performance Video from Factory Underground Recording Artist Brian Larney and The Town Hall Premiered Exclusively by VEVO. 




The Town Hall - Backlash
When Brian Larney began recording his 5-song EP, his plan was to call it The Charm Offensive. That changed the day he stumbled across an old political button that read "America Needs J.F.K."
"It was simple, direct and America does need The Town Hall" says Larney, for whom The Town Hall is as much a pseudonym as a band name.
"I prefer playing with a band to playing solo, but it's always The Town Hall, regardless of who is on stage," Larney says. "I like to say that 'We are all the Town Hall,' myself and the audience."
Though America Needs The Town Hall isn't a political album, that it was written in this time of political divide and social upheaval by a writer as introspective and sensitive as Larney, it's little wonder that the state of the media and politics would be so reflected by his songs. Backlash was the writer's reaction to the awful and unfortunate outcome of the Dallas protests last summer: "Everyone has lost it, the crowd loses sight. There's five dead in Dallas tonight."
But not everything is so dark and moody when it comes to Larney's songwriting, which leans as much Burt Bacharach-Partridge Family as the modern, alternative groups he is often compared to as Father John Misty, City and Colour and the Lumineers. 
The video for Backlash was filmed live on stage, right here at Factory Underground Studio in Norwalk, CT. Appearing in the video are frequent collaborators Joel P. Kelley and Jeff Hatcher of the groups Edisun and After The Rush, Kenny Cash on bass, and Adam Matlock on keyboards. The video was directed and edited by Larney himself.
Next up from The Town Hall, a light hearted comedic spoof for "No End In Sight," co-directed and edited by the singer, who appears in the video as an Uber-style driver having the worst day ever. The video will be released to Vevo in September.  
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Location: Norwalk, CT, USA

Thursday, May 25, 2017

New Alt Music Album from Brian Larney "America Needs The Town Hall" in the Norwalk Hour Newspaper




A SONGWRITER'S OBSESSION

 
Brian Larney at Factory Underground Studio

NORWALK — Last summer, Brian Larney enjoyed a picnic at the beach, the details of which he still remembers vividly.

He was at the boat marina in Fairfield, not far from the Black Rock apartment he shares with his cat.

He ate a sandwich — turkey with cheese — and a side of chips with iced tea. Stuffed from his feast, he did what any reasonable person at the beach would do.

He took a nap.

But when he awoke, it hit him. He’d been struggling to name his next album and suddenly — perhaps caused by a sandwich-induced euphoria — he had it. The collection of songs he’d written as his own response to current events would be called “The Town Hall.”

“I was taking a nap after I ate a sandwich at the beach and it just came to me,” Larney said. “I wanted something identifiable and simple.”

Brian Larney at Factory Underground Studio

 By day, Larney is a software engineer at Norwalk-based Factset, a financial data and software company. But by night — and pretty much any free time he can find — he’s a guitar-strumming, piano-playing, song-writing musician who’s just released a new album through the Factory Underground recording studio and label.

The album is a solo project filled with songs written by Larney. He said the album is more “socially aware” than his previous albums, and the songs are more about his reactions to current events.
“I write all my own songs,” Larney said. “It’s my main obsession. Lately I’ve been getting more world-aware. In the past, generally it’s been broken heart crap. Loosely it’s rock. Someone once called it smart pop ... I thought they meant college rock. I think I’m a little less angular than that.”
He’s never been injured enough to find out for sure, but Larney is pretty sure he would bleed music notes in a dire situation.

“I got in a fight once with a singer and he said, ‘If I cut you, you would bleed music notes,’ and I really think that’s probably true,” Larney said.

Brian Larney at Factory Underground Studio


Larney first fell in love with music as a child in Fairfield where his father would constantly play old records. As he got older he only grew more obsessed with songwriting, and even taught himself how to play the piano by sneaking into the music room at Fairfield High School for 6 a.m. practice sessions. Eventually, the school found out and — after reminding him not to use the room outside of regular school hours — simply gave him a key to practice whenever he wanted.

“In High School I was kind of a dork,” Larney said. “I didn’t have a ton of friends. But I played electric guitar at an ongoing show my freshman year and after that it was easy. People respected people who played music. I formed a band after that and I haven’t stopped making music since.”
Even as a software engineer at Factset, a job he’s held for nearly a decade, Larney has found a connection between his work life and his music, as well as the ardent support of his coworkers.
“I know a lot of software engineers who are also musicians and I think there’s a reason for that,” Larney said. “When it doesn’t suck, it’s like writing a song.”

Larney said he’s often thought about making the leap to full-time musician and part-time regular adult, but hasn’t worked up the courage just yet.

”One day I’ll just do it,” Larney said. "I'll just stop and just do it. On tour, I always say I’m going to. It seems so easy, and the happiest time for me is on those tours where all I have to worry about is getting to the next show where I get to play again.”

Larney’s album, ”America Needs The Town Hall” is out now, and available on iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon Music and www.thetownhallband.com.

kkrasselt@scni.com; 203-354-1021; @kaitlynkrasselt
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Location: Norwalk, CT, USA

Thursday, April 14, 2016

CHE-VAL DEBUT ALBUM WATERPROOF SET FOR RELEASE FRIDAY APRIL 22, 2016; DIVERSE POP MUSIC ALBUM FROM INDIE MUSIC POWER COUPLE KENNY AND LAURA CASH.


CHE-VAL DEBUT ALBUM WATERPROOF SET FOR RELEASE FRIDAY APRIL 22, 2016


DIVERSE POP MUSIC ALBUM FROM INDIE MUSIC POWER COUPLE KENNY AND LAURA CASH.


“You’ll be hearing it in your head all day after the first listen” – The FC Beat Magazine


“They have sampled some of the best practices from 80s music and created something that is modern, exciting,and enjoyable” – Mistree Magazine
Norwalk, CT – April 14, 2016 – Described as "Johnny and June Cash meet Matt and Kim," Connecticut’s musical power couple, Che-Val, have announced their debut full length, Waterproof. The album, to be released through Factory Underground Records on April 22, showcases the indie pop group’s varied influences in ten tracks as classic meets modern.

Consisting of husband and wife, Kenny and Laura Cash, Che-Val uses retro styles and brings them into the future with cutting edge production. Laura teaches science by day, but writes and belts out emotive vocal hooks by night. Her background in pop and country is blended with Kenny’s ear for hip-hop, funk, and soul in a collaborative songwriting process. Their vision is then furthered through Kenny’s own engineering and production skills as a multi-instrumentalist Berklee College of Music graduate.



Che-Val blasted into existence with their very first single, “My Beat”, climbing to #52 on the Mediabase “Top 40” Activator chart in 2014, and self-produced video that achieved 26 thousand views. The sound of this 80s dance track is contrasted in the modern pop ballad that is “Waterproof”, which even brings in elements of a live orchestra. 


Collaboration is another key to Che-Val's sound as "The Lead" features a fresh guest spot by Bronx based rapper Rothstein while "Oh Darling" takes influence from 1970s soul, bringing in a live horn section by the Funky Dawgz Brass Band. The band’s dichotomy is further demonstrated by the two cover tracks on this album: “Classic Man" by the Grammy nominated Jidenna and “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys. Che-Val brought their personal flare into both covers with a remix of the former and a chilling a cappella take on the latter. The end result is a striking cognitive dissonance in their music that fans have fallen in love with.





 Building up their fanbase through the local community, expert use of social media, and a strong focus on the interplay of music and visuals, the band has been steadily on the rise since their inception. With each single release the band has handcrafted their personal sound and looks as evidenced in the Alice In Wonderland inspired video for “Gone Mad”, which premiered exclusively last year in Vents Magazine and resonated throughout the international cosplay community. Waterproof sees all of the band's previous work come together and is sure to cause a serious case of the earworms.

 Waterproof Track Listing:
1. Oh Darlin
2. My Beat
3. Waterproof
4. Gone Mad
5. The Lead (feat. Rothstein)
6. Don’t Give up on Me
7. Classic Man (Jidenna remix)
8. Poison (feat. Lighta)
9. Love Still Waiting (feat. Funky Dawgz Brass Band)
10. God Only Knows (Beach Boys cover)
Che-Val
Radio Contact: Brandon Day, Tinderbox Music
BrandonDay@TinderboxMusic.com, (612) 375-1113
Factory Underground Records
Official Site | Facebook | Twitter
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Monday, April 4, 2016

EDISUN BREAKS NEW GROUND ON COLLEGE AND TRIPLE A RADIO WITH NEW ALTERNATIVE SOUNDS ON COLLISION ALBUM


EDISUN BREAKS NEW GROUND ON COLLEGE AND TRIPLE A RADIO WITH NEW ALTERNATIVE SOUNDS ON COLLISION ALBUM

EDISUN THE FIRST BAND TO BE PROMOTED THROUGH FACTORY UNDERGROUND RECORDS COLLABORATION WITH TINDERBOX  MUSIC PROMOTIONS


Joel P Kelley - Ethan Isaac - Todd Budich - Mike A Russo

Even before Edisun's lead singer and his bandmates were finished putting final touches on its sophomore album Collision, released by Factory Underground Records in 2015, it was clear to everyone involved that they had a special album on their hands-- as well as an interesting marketing challenge. After nearly five years of touring the world since their 2010 self-titled debut that broke through with the songs "Medicate" and "Wide Awake," the members of the indie alternative rock band had grown far beyond the active-rock tag often assigned to the musicians' music. 

Ethan Isaac - Edisun Lead Singer

Clearly there had been tremendous growth in the band-- as songwriters as well as musicians--strongly reflected in the quality of the new album, in each of the songs, and their overall sound. But this was an album that seemed to have little in common with the current crop of bands in the so-called active-rock radio genre, that people associated with their most recognized songs. It struck people as more "alternative" and seemed to suggest the band had gone back to it's roots. 
Mike Russo and Joel Kelley on tour

"We always had more in common with bands like the Foo Fighters than bands like Five Finger Death Punch," said Ethan Isaac. "I worked at Smart Studios in Madison with Butch Vig when I was a kid. I always loved that sound-- Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog, Nirvana, Mother Love Bone, and Soundgarden. Add a little Led Zeppelin, and that's what went into creating the Edisun sound." 

"The first record though was actually pretty diverse, more than people remember. Sure you had "Medicate"and "Wide Awake"--but you also had "Silence," "Voices," "Right Beside You," and "While the World's Asleep." So it isn't that far off having songs like "Ocean Waves" and "Vampires and Wolves." I would say if anything-- it was us not chasing other bands, and just being who we are that made this record..." Ethan said of Collision.
Ethan Isaac

But of course, there is still a rock band here, and you need no other reminder than songs like "Pins and Needles," "Kill Me With Your Kiss," "Arcade," and "Secrets." 

"When we were deciding on a single to hit radio with, we chose "Pins and Needles," and we went to active-rock (through radio promotion company Radio Contraband.) We knew the track wasn't as heavy as some of the bands in that genre now, but we wanted to let the fans of "Medicate" know that Edisun had a new record out," said Marc Alan, Director of Marketing, Factory Underground Records. 

"It was a gamble that paid off-- the track went to the Top 40 of Radio Contraband's "Under the Radar" Active-Rock chart. We'll continue that momentum with "Arcade," which we think will do even better." 

Edisun - Pins and Needles (Official Video)

"But one thing we are doing differently marketing this record is a multi-pronged approach--hitting active-rock and college radio together. We recently starting working with a fine company Tinderbox Music promoting Edisun to 250 college and Triple A stations nationally. Early reports are very encouraging, with Collision in rotation on about 50 stations, and more being added every day," according to Alan.

"College radio has a lot more rock on it than people realize--but between the specialty rock shows and alternative rock shows--there is a really broad young audience that couldn't be better suited for the diverse sound on Collision," he added. 

Collision Spinning at #11 on ww.DragonnnRadio.org
University of Minnesota at Moorhead, MN

For more information: 
Brandon Day at Tinderbox Music
(612) 375-1113

Edisun "Collision" is now spinning on the following list of College and Triple A Stations: 

KTCV - Kennewick, WA
KWCW  - Walla Walla, WA
WCFM - Williamstown, MA

www.EdisunMusic.com
www.Facebook.com/EdisunMusic
www.Twitter.com/EdisunNYC
www.Instagram.com/Edisun

www.FactoryUndergroundRecords.com

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Location: Norwalk, CT, USA

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

EDISUN AND FACTORY UNDERGROUND CREW HIT THE ROAD TO AUSTIN TEXAS FOR SXSW: 4000 MILES FOR ONE SHOW, ONE MEETING AND ONE PARTY


EDISUN AND FACTORY UNDERGROUND CREW HIT THE ROAD TO AUSTIN TEXAS FOR SXSW: 4000 MILES FOR ONE SHOW, ONE MEETING AND ONE PARTY


In a surprise move, with just a few days notice to their fans, members of Factory Underground Records artist EDISUN decided to make a cross-country drive to Austin Texas to perform at the SXSW 2016 music conference. 

 According to Ethan Isaac, vocalist for the band: "We decided this so last minute--we had been offered a show that we really wanted to do-- hosted by our agent Ryan Darnell at 3Thirteen Entertainment-- and the only way to go was to drive our band bus, Virginia. 2000 miles, for one show!"

#TheRoadisLife: Edisun on the road to Austin TX


Joining Edisun for the trip was Aidan Gerety, photographer and videographer with Factory Underground Records, Billy Gardella- aka Bill Hope/Billy Blanks- a Factory Underground Studio engineer and social media marketer, and Marc Alan, Director of Marketing for Factory Underground Records. 

"With Edisun--a trip like this isnt that unusual. But for my staffers, this was their first rock n roll tour--and a chance for them to see what their valuable work at home is a part of in the real world. They really brought it hard--and Factory Underground Records really represented at SXSW. I was really proud of these guys," Marc Alan said.
Factory Underground Engineer Billy "Billy Hope" Gardella


Joining the Factory Underground and Edisun crew on the trip, another unique travel companion by the name of Zyderma HS. An all natural skin care product with anti-microbial qualities, a sample was given to the band by Chloe Valentine of Artists by Chloe, a branding PR specialist from New York City. "We actually took it with us everywhere; we had a lot of fun getting everyone to take pictures with it--Zyderma was Edisun's special VIP guest--we took it to every party at SXSW that we went to." Ethan Isaac said.


Zyderma HS Parties on 6th Street

 "It turns out the brand manager of the company loves hard rock music, and have become really valued supporters of the band. But I have to say all fun aside, the product is something I can stand behind-- all vegan, no chemicals, six ingredients, certified by PETA and the EPA--and it kills nasty little germs on the skin!!! And it's Road Tested!"  

Ethan Isaac and Zyderma HS
The road trip started with a quick trip down to Roanoke Virginia where the band and crew stopped off to visit Black Dog Salvage, home of the Salvage Dogs--Ethan and Joel's  favorite television show (DIY Network). Anyone who has seen the Factory Underground knows how much Ethan and Joel are into repurposing salvaged wood--so meeting the cast of Salvage Dogs was clearly a dream come true for the two musicians. 



        Crew of Salvage Dogs/Black Dog Salvage and Ethan Isaac 



"We didn't have time to let them know we were coming--we just rolled up in our bus and they took us in with such incredible hospitality. They loved our bus--it's a 1977 Vintage MCI--and took photos with us on board. We also got a tour of their shop and store. We really need to shout out Mike, Robert, Ted, and all the cast and crew of the show for giving us their time. You will see a lot of our time there on a video about the trip coming later this month," said Ethan. 

Virginia
                         

From there we rolled down to Franklin, Tennessee where we visited Kimbro's Cafe, Legendary Picking Parlor. They were having their regular Tuesday night songwriters open mic, so it was perfect timing--Edisun performed "Ready to Believe," and "Vampires and Wolves," as acoustic songs for an amazingly receptive audience. An incredible vibe at this venue, with so many incredible players and writers all a part of this thriving art and music scene-- we felt completely at home in Franklin.
Dirty Dog Bar, 505 E. 6th Street, Austin TX


15 hours of driving later, and 900 miles later Edisun finally arrived in Austin on the morning of March 17--about three hours before their show at the Dirty Dog Bar, 505 East 6th Street. The show was hosted by 3Thirteen Entertainment with additional sponsorship by Rock Rage Radio and Coldcock Whiskey. It was a fun show-- attending was Mike Cusanelli our radio distributor with ILS Music Group, and several of our radio promotions crew. 



Ryan G. filling in for Edisun bassist Mike Russo at SXSW


"We played at 11:45 in the morning. We were really excited about the time slot," said Joel Kelley, guitarist for the group. "It was Saint Patricks Day, so we got to play for everyone while they were still fresh and sober-- and after that it was Party-On for all of us."


Joel Kelley of Edisun Performs at SXSW

The first night of partying yielded a few surprises for the guitarist, as found himself partying with members of the rap group Wu Tang Clan. "I don't quite remember how I ended up at that party--or how I ended up on stage with them--but it was a blast!" Joel said.


Joel Kelley of Edisun with Ghost Face Killah of Wu Tang Clan



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Location: Austin, TX, USA
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