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Now available on Apple Music, iTunes, and from all major retail and streaming sites around the world is the new blues rock album "On Fire," from guitarist and singer-songwriter Tom The Suit Forst. The digital album, previously released on CD in Q4 2016 through the artist's web site www.TomTheSuitForst.com, was produced by Grammy Award-winning guitarist Paul Nelson. The album features the song "Going Home" for which a video was produced and released on Vevo and You Tube in December. The album also features the song "Women of the World" with a new video going to You Tube on January 21, 2017, in commemoration of the Million Women March on Washington DC. The song asks the question of how much better off the world would be if women had a chance to run things. The lyrics were written by the late Gary Youell, a long time friend of The Suit. The video is to be dedicated to Gary, who like Tom Forst, a long time ardent and passionate supporter of women's rights. "On Fire" on Apple Music iTunes "On Fire" on Spotify
From director Aidan Gerety of Factory Underground and Stateside Visuals comes a new video for Factory Underground recording artist Tom The Suit Forst's song "Going Home." The video, which launched last week is now available on You Tube and Vevo.
"Going Home" has been described as mix of country and blues, also contains classic elements of Americana. Performed by The Suit on acoustic/electric dobro, with marching drums provided by Big Thursty of the Jason Gisser Band, the song is a relatively somber song compared to the upbeat blues-rock sounds of his new album "On Fire." The video, which contains the lyrics of the song set against images of the American Civil War, is stylized to resemble to vintage footage of the period. It's dark imagery culminates with the image of a Civil War firing squad, which does not spare the viewer from the sad ending.
Gerety stated that he wanted to capture the feeling of the song, which was for him "a reflection of fate in the face of a dangerous and uncertain future," a fitting narrative for this time in American history, with people so deeply divided over political lines. There is no political message to the idea - we are all in this together which ever side of line you're on. As the song says, "You're Going Home when he says Come."
With the exception of "Going Home" which was released this past month on iTunes, Spotify, and streaming/retails sites around the world, the full album of "On Fire" has only been available on physical CD. A CD and poster bundle have been selling through the artist's website www.TomTheSuitForst.com and by emailing TheSuitOnFire@gmail.com The decision to offer the physical album first was as much a nod to a more classic time in the record industry as The Suit wanting his work into the hands of his loyal fan base as early as possible. For those desiring to have the album in digital form, fans can look for the rest of the album on iTunes in January.
What's next for Tom The Suit Forst? "We are looking at an idea for a video of "Women of the World," a song from my album that is about the idea of letting women have a chance to rule the world for a change. I thought about putting that out on Election Day - in hindsight that wouldn't have quite made sense.... but from what I understand January 21 is the day of a Million Women March on Washington DC, so you might see a video for the song then!"
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.
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
IN ASSOCIATION WITH SRG RECORDS (SONO RECORDING GROUP)
Presents
EDISUN - "PINS AND NEEDLES" (Official Video)
WORLD WIDE FEATURE RELEASE
The latest music video from alternative rockers EDISUN, "Pins and Needles" from their incredible album "Collision," released by Factory Underground in association with Sono Recording Group (SRG Records) on July 31, 2015. This album of nine new songs has been distributed world-wide through ILS Music Group, 3rd party aggregate to Universal Music Canada and Caroline Music US and International.
Directed by John Shyloski, the video was produced and edited on-location at Factory Underground Studio in Norwalk, Ct. The song "Pins and Needles" was recorded at the Factory Underground, with executive production by Claude Villani, production by Charley Drayton, with mixing and mastering by John Shyloski. "Pins and Needles" was written by Ethan Isaac and Joel P Kelley, and published by Echo The World (ASCAP) copyright 2015.
Edisun, whose career trajectory started with their 2011 self-titled debut album sending tracks "Medicate" and "Wide Awake" to the Top 40 of Mediabase Active Rock radio chart, first rose to national prominence after becoming the first hard rock band to tour front-line military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan performing for American troops in the Second Gulf War. Invited guests of Armed Forces Entertainment and the USO, Edisun were featured on ABC World News Tonight, in the pages of Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, and several other major newspapers--before they completed demos for their first album.
While the road to rock stardom is seldom an easy journey, no rock n roll band ever expects their first tour as a band to be in an active war zone, a Blackhwak helicopter for a tour bus, and Kevlar body armor worn in 100 degree desert heat. For Edisun, this is exactly how it happened for them--and according to Edisun vocalist: "an experience that changed all our lives, and part of the reason we are still playing music to this day." Edisun has to date performed for US soldiers in 25 countries, and are active supporters of veterans causes such as Wounded Warriors.
