Pioneering outfit Issues have broken their nearly four-year silence to share a farewell statement to their fans and announce a string of three final USA shows in January 2024. The run will include shows in Anaheim, Chicago, and the band’s hometown Atlanta, and will mark their first shows since 2019.
Purchase tickets from here: issues.ffm.to/farewell
Official statement from the band: "Issues has been a central figure in our lives since 2012. We’ve played countless shows, toured almost every continent, met thousands of people, and made so many friends in our peers and travel companions. The importance of this band to our lives cannot be overstated. So many of you were right there with us.
"2020 hit us as hard as it could possibly hit a band. Tours canceled after we paid the deposits, new album cycle cut short, and the last any of you guys heard from us was when we fired our singer. All of these were incredibly traumatic experiences, not only for us, but also the fans to whom our music means the most. Life changed for the three of us after 2020 in significant ways that made making Issues our full time job impossible, but it doesn’t feel right to end our story in tragedy. We feel very strongly that the legacy we want to leave be a positive one.
"These shows are the final chapter in a long history of pushing the limits of composition, musicianship, and culture in every way we could. We want them to contextualize our body of work over the controversy and member changes and gossip and bullsh*t and to stand as a monument to the three real muff*ckas still standing, the music we’re so proud of, and the fans still with us. If this band has ever meant anything to you we want you to be proud of being a part of this too. Proud of the gigs you’ve seen, the tattoos you got, the friends you made. So we’re putting this sh*t to bed in true Issues fashion. Very, very loudly."
Final shows:
Jan 19: Anaheim, CA, House Of Blues
Jan 20: Chicago, IL, House Of Blues
Jan 27: Atlanta, GA, The Masquerade
Adored by fans across the globe, Issues have spent the past decade-plus breathing much-needed life into a scene that had gone stale in the wake of emo’s second wave. According to Kerrang!, Issues are one of the 22 Artists Shaping the Future of Rock, alongside Foo Fighters, Twenty One Pilots, and Fall Out Boy. Artist of the Year, Best Vocalist, Best Live Band (AltPress), and Best New Talent (Revolver) winners and nominees, the celebrated Atlanta quartet never failed to deliver on the swelling momentous hype throughout their tenure. Soulful R&B hooks, neo nü-metal bounce, prog-rock smarts, and active rock are swirled together in passionate ceremony, bridging the gap between the theatrical shimmer of The 1975 and the heavy syncopation of Meshuggah with energetic ease. Hints of classic funk, jazz fusion, and modern pop swagger weave between pulsating rhythmic punch and guitar driven riff rock, without a moment of incoherence. Issues have mastered the art of the mashup, a genre unto themselves. Roughly three years before the release of their final album Beautiful Oblivion, Headspace was the Number 1 Alternative Album in North America, following the success of the band’s self-titled debut, which cracked the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 in February 2014.
Fans can expect more surprises from the band and special guest announcements leading up to their final shows. For more information on Issues, be sure to follow them at the links below.
Instagram
TikTok
Spotify
Twitter
Facebook
Photo Credit: Frank Dursthoff
Building on their legacy, Any Given Day are set to transcend boundaries with their upcoming album Limitless due for release on 26th January via Arising Empire.
True to its name, Limitless explores themes of boundless potential and unbridled creativity. The album promises to be a groundbreaking addition to their discography, featuring tracks that push the limits of metalcore with innovative sounds and profound lyrical depth. Fans can expect a collection of songs that not only resonate with the band's signature energy but also venture into new, uncharted territories of musical exploration. Limitless is poised to redefine the genre, offering a limitless experience of musical prowess and emotional depth.
To celebrate the announcement, Any Given Day have released the title-track, watch the video here: https://youtu.be/F1wEN142m6E
Pre-order Limitless here: https://arisingempire.com/limitless
The band comment on the album: "Our new album Limitless is infused with a new vibe of positivity and energy that we've honestly never felt before. – like we shook things up but still stayed true to ourselves. This album really represents a leap into uncharted waters, ditching the formulaic for a sound that is fresh and unbound. It reflects the boundless spirit and heart we've put into every melody and lyric. Limitless is the perfect word for this new adventure – it's what you'll feel in every track and every line we've poured our hearts into for this album. We can't wait for you to hear it."
On the single, they continue: “'Limitless' isn't just the title-track of our new album! This song is like our anthem of self-belief and never giving up. You should always believe in yourself, never let negativity stop you and have the guts to shape your own destiny with determination and courage. It's all about overcoming obstacles, grabbing opportunities, and showing that you've got unlimited potential. This song is basically a celebration of the human spirit kicking butt!”
Limitless is available on CD, limited coloured vinyls and a special fan box, together with unique merch options.
Formed in 2012, Any Given Day ignited interest with their 2014 debut My Longest Way Home (Official German Album Charts: #28). They continued to prove they were more than just an internet phenomenon with 2016’s Everlasting (Official German Album Charts: #14). The band went on to share stages of every size with the likes of Caliban, Bury Tomorrow, Trivium, and Suicide Silence, receiving euphoric reactions and rapidly growing their fanbase.
On their 2019 full-length Overpower (Official German Album Charts: #19), Any Given Day perfected their unique blend of unruly brutality, compelling melodies and unbelievable catchiness. Surrounded by the great musicianship of his fellow band mates, one-of-a-kind vocalist Dennis Diehl handles both growls and clean vocals, putting many others to shame with his distinct, epic vocal lines. The album is packed with pummelling, in-your-face modern metal and epic arcs of suspense, all wrapped up in an uplifting message.
Any Given Day are:
Dennis Diehl | Vocals
Andy Posdziech | Guitar
Dennis Ter Schmitten | Guitar
Michael Golinski | Bass
Leon Stiller | Drums
For more information:
http://www.instagram.com/anygivenday
https://www.tiktok.com/@anygivendayofficial
http://www.facebook.com/anyxgivenxday
https://twitter.com/anyxgivenxday
https://anygivenday.eu
Limitless tracklisting:
01. Get That Done
02. Unbreakable
03. Limitless
04. Come Whatever May
05. Apocalypse
06. Shockwave
07. Best Time
08. My Way
09. H.A.T.E. ft. Annisokay
10. Broken Guardian
11. Shadow Walker
Photo Credit: Fabrice Gagos
Genre-defying sister duo ALT BLK ERA have revealed a lyric video for 'Oggy', taken from their debut EP Freak Show.
Check out the lyric video for 'Oggy' here: https://youtu.be/qJ5UmkUvHvk
Stream 'Oggy' here: https://www.altblkera.com/oggy
Stream Freak Show here: https://earache.lnk.to/FreakShow
Nyrobi comments:
"There are so many people we know who feel silenced or ostracised for being who they are. We wanted to miss that nonsense and show up loud and proud. There's no better way to do it than with an Oggy chant!"
The lyric video concludes what has been an impressive 2023 for the band, who have made debut appearances at Bearded Theory, Dot To Dot Festival, Glastonbury (Shangri-La Truth Stage), Boomtown and Reading & Leeds Festival, played shows with Lord Of The Lost (O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire), Witch Fever and ZAND, and performed at Spotify's misfits 2.0 Anti-Prom.
ALT BLK ERA have also been announced for next year's Download Festival.
ALT BLK ERA are so much more than two sisters making music: they are two alternative people who understand what it feels like to live life outside of the edge of social norms. The girls want to build safe spaces and a community for alts and their allies, which is reflected in the diversity of their following.
The alternative scene has given ALT BLK ERA the space to express themselves - allowing them to bring elements from all of their musical loves and influences, where they can push and merge musical boundaries.
Each song on Freak Show demands a different level of understanding from the listener. The EP addresses fears, hopes and the remembrance of souls lost to the pressures of social conformity. It’s also a defiant celebration of the here and now, urging us to accept and embrace the young alternatives who are yet to rise.
ALT BLK ERA are:
Nyrobi - vocals
Chaya - vocals
ALT BLK ERA online:
Instagram || TikTok
Freak Show tracklist:
1. I’m Normally Like This
2. Misfits : SOLAR
3. Freak Show
4. Oggy
5. Misfits : LUNAR
Photo Credit: Jonathan Vahid
New England extreme metal powerhouse, Escuela Grind, have announced their new EP DDEEAATTHHMMEETTAALL, to be released 12th January 2024 via MNRK Heavy.
Recorded with Will Killingsworth, mixed by the GRAMMY-winning Kurt Ballou (High on Fire), and mastered by Nick Townsend (Cheap Trick, Dr. Dre), the EP houses four new songs including the lead single, 'Ball and Chain' (streaming now), and 'Meat Magnet', featuring a guest appearance by Napalm Death vocalist Barney Greenway.
Pre-order and/or pre-save DDEEAATHHMMEETTAALL now here: https://escuelagrind.ffm.to/ddmm
The video for 'Ball and Chain' was directed by Michael Jari Davidson (Alice in Chains) and recorded at a recent festival performance in Mexico City. Watch here: https://youtu.be/GT7h3_w35zc
"'DEEAATHHMMEETTAALL is the third installment of our EP series where we dive into the genres that most influence this band," offers Escuela Grind vocalist Katerina Economou. "Finishing this trilogy has been years in the works. We are so excited to release these songs as they are perhaps the best reflection of our live performance. The stage has honed these hectic songs to perfection. Originally we were going to have three songs on this EP, but we wanted to create another track that had a huge build-up. This eventually developed into this brutal song, 'Ball and Chain', that marks the point in our live shows where we have a wall of death every night. Lyrically, it references death metal tropes of murder and revenge, but with a decidedly feminine angle."
Escuela Grind's DDEEAATHHMMEETTAALL EP is the crown jewel in a themed trilogy of releases, including the duo of 2020 EPs PPOOWWEERRVVIIOOLLEENNCCEE and GGRRIINNDDCCOORREE, which saw the band espousing its unique takes on the respective underground music sub-genres. DDEEAATHHMMEETTAALL delivers the first new Escuela Grind music since the release of last year's celebrated full-length LP, Memory Theater, hailed by The New York Times as ''an opus of extremity", "witheringly intense yet righteously life-affirming" by SPIN, "the heaviest Escuela Grind have ever sounded" by Decibel, both "a masterclass in punishing, invigorating grindcore" and "a fascinatingly intellectual take on the genre" by Revolver, and "a multifaceted album that goes beyond 'fast and faster' simplicity" by Metal Hammer.
Fresh off U.S. spotlight tour dates with Baroness, Escuela Grind are currently in the midst of a European tour with extreme metal legends, Napalm Death, who have taken the young U.S. band under their proverbial wing in 2023. Inarguably one of the hungriest young groups in music today, Escuela Grind has engaged in a seemingly unending live gauntlet since the September 2022 release of Memory Theater, relentlessly trekking the globe to bring its eye-opening energy and sound to welcoming music fans the world over.
2024 Escuela Grind tour dates are expected to be announced soon.
For more information on Escuela Grind:
Facebook || Website || Twitter || Instagram || MNRK Heavy
Escuela Grind DDEEAATTHHMMEETTAALL tracklisting:
1.) Ball and Chain (Watch VIDEO)
2.) Punishment Ritual
3.) Abyssal Plane
4.) Meat Magnet (w/ Napalm Death's Barney Greenway)
About MNRK Music Group
MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, with recording, music publishing, and management divisions operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists and works with some of the greatest musical talent including The Lumineers and Pitbull, the music publishing catalog of Chuck Berry, plus premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. The company’s music department services Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning producers. Its catalog across divisions consists of 54,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits.To learn more visit mnrk.com.
Faithful truth seekers Dogma have celebrated the release of their self-titled debut album today via MNRK Heavy, with a new video for album track 'Made Her Mine'. The video sees frontwoman Lilith seduce a young nun; enveloping her in passion.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/jtOir5BJKlE
Order the album here: https://ffm.to/dogmaalbum
Frontwoman Lilith says, "On our debut album, we unveil a raw and unapologetic narrative, shedding light on the struggle against imposed faith, unfair censorship, and the liberation from illogical beliefs. It's a journey through lost innocence and a rebellion against archaic constraints. 'Made Her Mine,' depicted in our music video, is a bold statement, capturing the defiance against societal norms. It's about breaking free, embracing our truth, and challenging the restrictions imposed upon us."
Lilith further elaborated, "Additionally, the uncensored version of the album artwork stands as a daring reflection of the omnipresence of lust within humanity, irrespective of any condition. It serves as a bold visual testament, unmasking the truth that lust is an inherent part of our nature, free from any imposed limitations such as fake morality and illogical beliefs."
Dogma beckon us to embrace rebellion and unleash our carnal desires. They cast aside the chains of modesty, conjuring a tempest of sensuality that demands unwavering attention and passionate participation.
Previously, Dogma has released the singles & videos for 'Carnal Liberation', 'Forbidden Zone', and 'My First Peak'. Be prepared, for this revelation serves as a harbinger of the impending unveiling of Dogma's debut album. As they forge their sonic arsenal in the crucible of creative passion, they challenge conventions and summon the faithful to join their unyielding crusade.
Indulge in the auditory and visual splendour offered by the sisterhood, unraveling the enigma that is Dogma.
Dogma are:
Lilith – vocals
Lamia – guitar
Nixe – bass
Abrahel – drums
Dogma online:
http://www.officialdogma.com
http://www.facebook.com/theofficialdogma
http://www.instagram.com/officialdogma
http://www.twitter.com/dogmatheband
About MNRK Music Group:
MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, with recording, music publishing, and management divisions operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists and works with some of the greatest musical talent including The Lumineers and Pitbull, the music publishing catalog of Chuck Berry, plus premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. The company’s music department services Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning producers. Its catalog across divisions consists of 54,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits.
Tracklisting:
1. Forbidden Zone
2. Feel The Zeal
3. My First Peak
4. Made Her Mine
5. Carnal Liberation
6. Free Yourself
7. Bare to the Bones
8. Make Us Proud
9. Pleasure From Pain
10. Father I Have Sinned
11. The Dark Messiah
The Dialectic are the epitome of pure American heavy metal and their new EP, Crawl To The Throne, is quickly going to propel them into the upper echelon of the genre. This Texas-based unit could be best described as Lamb of God meets Whitechapel and this dynamic sound is clearly evident on their blistering, new single, 'Harvest The Young'. This track’s new video (see below) perfectly captures the song’s powerful lyrical content covering how the government looks upon soldiers as expendable assets. Crawl To The Throne is out now on all digital service platforms.
Check out the 'Harvest The Young' video here: https://youtu.be/kuu3HgT3ma0
Mitch Howie (vocals) states: “The EP’s concept immediately started to dive into the pursuit of opening eyes to governmental corruption and politicians spilling innocent blood for corruption, without getting their hands dirty themselves. Every song follows this theme.
"The writing process for this EP started out almost immediately after the official release of our last EP, A Falsehood Defined. We strived to put more emphasis on crafting faster, more aggressive sounds that we leaned into on the last EP, but with a more raw feeling in the lyrics. We shifted our lyrical content towards subjects that really matter to us (military, government, deep state corruption) and began to make sure the whole EP really followed those subjects. The other songs quickly followed suit and the ideas really fell into place once the title track. 'Crawl To The Throne' was written, and the lyrics had a certain emotional feel.
"The final track, 'My Kindred,' is almost like a finale to the EP's concept, which is actually about watching the world burn with your child. It is basically talking to a child and telling them not to listen to what they tell you, because every statement should feel like a lie. From what we've seen, we know that blindly trusting and following your government leads to a path of certain bodily harm and/or mental destruction, which ties into the song, 'Harvest The Young.’ If you read the lyrics, they will string together the whole story for you. For me, it's goosebump city.
"We have soldiers go to war and destroy their bodies for the government’s financial gain. Only to crawl back home to be handed a piece of metal, just to be quickly tossed aside so that the new generations can follow suit.
"This EP is about the cost and reward (or lack thereof) of going to war to fight for a government that doesn't even know your name."
The Dialectic online:
https://www.facebook.com/thedialectictx
http://www.thedialectic.us
https://www.instagram.com/thedialecticofficial
Crawl to the Throne tracklist:
1 Obey
2 Murder Machine
3 Harvest The Young
4 Crawl To The Throne
5 My Kindred
Photo Credit: Janis Hinz
Dynamic alt-metallers Emil Bulls have announced the release of their much-anticipated new album, Love Will Fix It, on 12th January 2024 via Arising Empire.
Pre-order / pre-save here: https://arisingempire.com/lovewillfixit
Check out the video to recent single 'Whirlwind Of Doom' here: https://youtu.be/Ack8VSXmGEU
This album marks a bold step forward in their musical journey, blending their established sound with innovative elements that promise to captivate both long-time followers and new listeners. Their commitment to evolving their music keeps their style fresh and engaging, ensuring a strong connection with their audience.
The band's vibrant energy and trailblazing performances highlight their readiness for a groundbreaking future. Love Will Fix It is not just an album, it's a manifesto of healing and unity, echoing the transformative power of love and music. The album's themes resonate with hope and reconciliation, mirroring the title's promise of mending and unity through melodious anthems and powerful lyrics.
Kicking off with the Love Will Fix It Tour EU 23/24, starting 2nd December 2023, Emil Bulls are set to embark on a journey of musical exploration and audience connection. The tour serves as a prelude to the album release and is poised to showcase a revolutionary evolution in their sound. This new album will unleash a whirlwind of emotions, blending the raw energy of metalcore with lyrical depth that speaks of repairing, hope, and the power of love. Stay tuned for UK dates to be announced.
Witness the electrifying ascent of Emil Bulls as they redefine alternative metal, leaving a lasting impression in the music world. The band invite fans to experience this transformative power firsthand on their headlining tour.
Join in celebrating Emil Bulls' limitless potential, where their music goes beyond mere entertainment to become a source of inspiration and emotional connection. Love Will Fix It is more than an album, it's a musical journey into the heart of what unites us all.
Emil Bulls are:
Christoph von Freydorf | vocals
Stephan Karl | guitar
Andy Bock | guitar
Pascal Theisen | bass
Fabian Füss | drums
For more information:
https://www.instagram.com/emilbullsofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/EmilBullsOfficial/
https://www.tiktok.com/@emilbullsofficial
https://www.emilbulls.de/
Love Will Fix It tracklist:
01. Backstabbers
02. The Devil Made Me Do It
03. Happy Birthday You Are Dead To Me
04. Levitate
05. Whirlwind Of Doom
06. The Ghosts That You Have Called
07. Love Will Fix It
08. Sick
09. She Ain't Coming Home No More
10. Dreams And Debris
11. Oceans Of Grief
12. Together
Photo Credit: Kathrin Riedo
Shimmering psychedelic rock trio Dirty Sound Magnet have unveiled their new music video for 'Insomnia', the closing track on their new album Dreaming In Dystopia, out now via Wild Thing Records.
Watch the video for 'Insomnia' here: https://youtu.be/rFFwM8IpO20
With the release of Dreaming In Dystopia, Dirty Sound Magnet have solidified themselves as one of the most inventive and adventurous vintage rock bands in the scene, with a formidable touring schedule to match. Comprised of longtime friends and band members Stavros Dzodzos (guitar, vocals), Marco Mottolini (bass, backing vocals), and Maxime Cosandey (drums, backing vocals), Dirty Sound Magnet have entered a new era with their latest album, exploring themes of chaos and introspection with a blend of the rock sounds the members know so well, and atmospheric, kaleidoscopic arrangements that incorporate new textures and genre influence.
Order Dreaming In Dystopia here: https://ffm.to/dsm_dreamingindystopia
Previously released as a single in the leadup to the album, the 'Insomnia' video is an eight-and-a-half minute psychedelic rock epic, beginning with a delicate, dream-like ambient soundscape that slowly builds as vocals and drums are layered in, then shifts to a heavy, distorted bassline, where the music video begins. The oscillating bassline becomes the throughline of the song, as each different chapter unfolds. While the song’s most literal interpretation deals with insomnia and music arising from sleepless nights, the music video, directed by Maxime Cramatte, shares a different interpretation.
The 'Insomnia' video opens in a dystopian, industrial landscape, with a low, grinding bassline and searing, reverberating guitar licks as the protagonist works as a mechanic. He finds himself looking at a billboard which asks, “Looking for the answers in life?” and the line between real and imagined quickly blurs, and the protagonist enters a dream world. In essence, the video depicts not only 'Insomnia' but the theme of the album at large.
“‘Insomnia’ is a song with multiple layers of meaning,” explains Dzodzos. “On one hand, it’s about that uncanny feeling when the entire world is asleep and you’re awake. On the other, it’s as much about chasing sleep as it is for ideas and inspiration.
“The music of ‘Insomnia’ is the result of years of experimenting and jamming,” recalls Dzosdzos. “As far as I can remember, we’ve been trying to bring it all together. We knew that the song had the potential to become one of our epics, though even as a complex instrumental track, it was still missing something. Fast forward to two years ago when I was dealing with an entire summer of sleepless nights. From that experience, we got the idea to connect a gentle ballad about insomnia to that instrumental first written a decade ago. With lyrics now in place, things finally clicked.”
With 'Insomnia' being such a long term project for the band, it only makes sense that the music video would in itself be such an ambitious creative project. Dzosdzos explains, “We wanted the filmmaker Maxime Cramatte to give us his own interpretation of the song. So we gave him carte blanche and he came up with something totally different. In the end, his underdog story echoes the story of Dirty Sound Magnet: ‘Follow your dreams no matter how impossible they may seem, magic can always happen.’”
Tracklist:
01. Melodies from Distant Shores (4:19)
02. Dreaming in Dystopia (3:42)
03. The Tragedy of Men (3:37)
04. Lonely Bird (3:59)
05. Utopia (4:28)
06. Flowers, Angels and Chaos (4:37)
07. Lost My Mind (3:39)
08. Insomnia (8:25)
About Dirty Sound Magnet:
Switzerland’s Dirty Sound Magnet are an unstoppable, unbreakable force of rock. The uniqueness of their mesmerizing music and kinetic live performances has won audiences the world over. Their show is unpredictable; shamanic stage presence, rock star charisma, instrumental prowess, poetic vocals, tantalizing dynamics. As teenagers hailing from Fribourg, Stavros Dzodzos (guitar, vocals), Marco Mottolini (bass, backing vocals), and Maxime Cosandey (drums, backing vocals) devoured hundreds of albums, while rehearsing with great intensity. Their passion rapidly turned into an addiction and total dedication to their art, crafting a sound that has been likened to a fusion of Led Zeppelin's energy and instrumental virtuosity, Iggy Pop's raw energy, and The Doors' mysticism, additionally imbued with modern psych influences of bands like Tame Impala and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. This stylistic pedigree, along with thought-provoking lyrics reflecting contemporary social turmoil, Dirty Sound Magnet have created their own distinct musical formula.
In only a few short years since the band's formation, Dirty Sound Magnet swiftly established themselves within Europe’s burgeoning psychedelic rock scene, extensively touring the continent throughout 2017 to 2020. Since the release of the band’s third and most successful studio album DSM-III, Dirty Sound Magnet have performed over 130 shows, including sold-out tours in the UK, Germany, and Mexico, won the Swiss Live Talents award for ‘Best Swiss Rock Band’ for the second time, previously taking it home for the band's 2017 debut album, Western Lies.
Dirty Sound Magnet's music is in a constant state of evolution, and their upcoming record, Dreaming In Dystopia, due on October 20, 2023, via Australian label Wild Thing Records, is a testament to their artistic progression.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube
Hunter Oliveri, the 17-year-old talent recently tipped by Ones to Watch, has released a video for his new single ‘Spiraling Out', out now via Spinefarm.
Check out the video for 'Spiraling Out' here: https://youtu.be/AqplJRVGyO0
Stream 'Spiraling Out' here: https://HunterOliveri.lnk.to/SpiralingOut
"'Spiraling Out' is a song that carries multiple emotions, thoughts, and feelings," Oliveri explains. "It's about what it's like when your feelings become overwhelming or unmanageable. You start to feel a spiral of negative emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. And sometimes, it can feel like being caught in a cycle of stress, anxiety, or despair. It's like you're losing control of everything and things are getting worse. However, the song is about recognizing these emotions or feelings, and working against them or trying to fight off the negative and trying to stay positive. It reminds you that you have to look for the best in every situation to work to try and stay happy."
It's a deeply self-aware song from a teenager who is still making sense of himself - who he is, what he stands for, where his life is going. He doesn't arrive as the next ready-made rock star action figure cast in plastic. There is an unquestionable realness about the way he makes sense of life through his music. But he exhibits a surety of mind beyond his years, to create music that connects and inspires, and that will stoke the growing fire of rock's recent renaissance.
Oliveri released 'DUMB', his debut single for new label Spinefarm, in September with support from BBC Radio 1's Rock Show and Future Artists.
The two songs offer an introduction into the heart of an artist about to be everywhere in 2024.
So what else do you need to know about Hunter Oliveri, whose previous single 'Kids' was tipped by Pigeons + Planes?
His are songs that channel the alternative and grunge blueprint of his musical heroes - think Chris Cornell and Soundgarden, Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins - imbued with the playful opaqueness of Kurt Cobain's lyricism and the easy slacker hooks of Weezer.
Like all of Oliveri's music, it speaks to the messiness of growing up. It sounds exactly like that, too. He simply writes what he knows.
There are songs about partying too hard and songs about loving too much; songs about last night’s headrush highs and the morning-after's anxious comedown. There are songs for when you need the comfort of relatability, and there are songs for when you want to simply say "f*ck it all."
They are the product of the humble authenticity of someone who's grown up in a place no different to a million others the world over. You’ve likely never heard of Paso Robles, CA, and you likely never will again. There’s sunshine, strip malls, and vineyards that outnumber venues ten to one, where the nearby underground music scene of San Luis a few miles down the road is more accessible than anything resembling the bright lights of LA two hours to the south, or San Francisco the same distance north. "It's a boring city, but we make the most of it," Oliveri shrugs. "We'll go skating, or hang out and smoke. And anyway, it's fun to go moshing in someone's basement."
It’s no surprise, then, that Oliveri is used to creating more interesting scenes than those that existed outside his window. As a kid, he would do so in the stories he dreamt up in his bedroom. "I like writing stories about worlds I'd want to live in," he says, "which made my own world seem so much bigger."
Such creativity inevitably morphed into songwriting in his early teenage years - though music had long since embedded itself within him. "I was probably four years old when I first heard 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' around my parents’ house," he recalls of music's omnipresence in his life. "I never knew the name of the song but every time I heard it, I'd be like, sh*t, it's that song. It would give me this majestic feeling.”
He laughs that his mom holds a video recording of her son gamely plucking through a rendition of a Metallica song (to Oliveri's mind, it was ...And Justice For All epic 'One') at his Kindergarten graduation performance. His dad - an avid fan of Korn and Tool - meanwhile tells him that his parents met at Woodstock; not the peace-and-love of Woodstock '69, but, more aptly, the confusion-and-chaos of Woodstock '99.
A chance meeting with a local producer’s father while in a coffee shop with his grandpa aged 14 would be the first domino to fall in the story of Oliveri's rise to prominence. The rest is a history still to be written. "I've been so incredibly lucky, but I've manifested this, too," he says. "I've always known writing music would be my life. I just had to make it happen. It was hard to find kids around my city that play instruments and want to be in a band, but I’ve been writing songs every day in my bedroom since I was maybe 13 years old. It takes me to a different place."
Those songs are anthems for those disassociated with the world on their doorstep, the soundtrack to growing up marooned between a digital world that for Oliveri speaks of with distain as "rotting people’s brains," and a real one that’s more f*cked up by the day.
"I want to bring people into my world through my music," he adds. "I want people to feel something when they listen to my music, and to relate to me, and for me to be a friend and an outlet for them."
And as for everything else?
Well, he'll figure it out as he goes. Why not join him for the thrill ride?
For more information:
https://www.instagram.com/hunteroliveri/
https://www.tiktok.com/@hunteroliveri/
