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The Day of the Beast Jun 24, 2021

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Inside Music is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.

Hot on the heels of their new album, Indisputably Carnivorous, The Day Of The Beast stops by Inside Music to talk all things heavy metal.

Every band needs something that sets them apart. For some, that thing is a lively frontman that commands stages of any size. Others find their niche in the precision of their instrumentation. But, for The Day Of The Beast, the one thing they do better than anyone else is telling stories.

Indisputably Carnivorous, the band’s brutal new record with a great name, is a compendium of all things dark. The relentlessly aggressive release channels the darkest corners of the human psyche into a macabre collection of horrific visions meant to elicit a strong response from listeners. It’s the kind of album that nightmares are made of, and we mean that in the most complimentary way possible. Indisputably Carnivorous is a brazenly imaginative and nihilistic metal record you have been unknowingly waiting for your entire life. Set aside some time to take this one in because once you start, you won’t be able to stop.

But is it enough? Competition for attention is at an all-time high, and being good is never good enough. The bands that emerge from the underground to take the world by storm have something else to offer. There is a dedication to craftsmanship that listeners can detect in every note and lyric an artist provides. That intangible “it” factor is the key to meaningful success, and lucky for The Day Of The Beast, that devotion is apparent in everything they create.

In this episode of Inside Music, host James Shotwell speaks with The Day Of The Beast guitarist Steve Redmond about the tremendous power of Indisputably Carnivorous. Steven recounts the album’s creation and the stories behind some of the group’s most infamous song titles. He also shares the story of how The Day Of The Beast joined Prosthetic Records and his advice for others hoping to do the same.

Urne Jun 22, 2021

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When the world shut down, Urne got to work. One of the most exciting bands to emerge from England in recent years the group was nearly finished with their long-awaited new album when the pandemic changed everything. Facing a lack of touring and an inability to connect in studio, the band began piecing together the final elements of their record via Skype. It was a new and challenging experience for the trio, but it ultimately proved beneficial. The change of pace allowed for greater consideration and fine-tuning, ensuring that what comes next is precisely what Urne envisioned from the start.

Serpent & Spirit (out June 25) is a compendium of struggles and grounded optimism. It's a sprawling and aggressive collection of music that channels the frustrations of life into something altogether striking, which co-founder Joe Nally discusses at length during the latest episode of Inside Music.

"I had a bit of a bad patch for a few months," explains Nally, revealing the inspiration for the album's lyrics. "I'm absolutely fine now, but I drew on those two months where I just wasn't feeling great. I took that and wrote a story based about that. The actual track listing is done like that film Memento, where it's all in a different order. Maybe one day someone will listen to the lyrics and work out which order the story goes in."
He continues, "The album is called Serpent & Spirit. The spirit is the human experience and the serpent is the evil that tricks your mind. It's about getting pulled apart and trying to find yourself within all of that. So it's almost good and evil, and throughout the album it's about a person getting pulled from the light to the dark."

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Michigander (Jason Singer) May 05, 2021

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2020 was supposed to be the year everyone knew the name Jason Singer. After years of grinding to refine his craft on stages of all sizes, Singer's career was poised to take off like never before. Michigander, his band, was riding high on a wave a fan in critical Acclaim that seem to follow wherever they went. They had songs ready to go, festival dates booked, and the highest hopes that everything would work out.

We all know what happens next. By mid-March, Michigander's plans for the rest of 2020 began going up in smoke. The record they were working on was pushed back. The festivals were delayed or canceled altogether. The itinerary that once seemed so full now only contained a single drive-in concert with Mt. Joy on the outskirts of Chicago. It was more than many had to look forward to last year, especially where music is concerned, but it was a far cry from what Singer was expecting.

When we encounter hardships in life, we often learn something important about ourselves. Many people may have taken the blows Jason was dealt in 2020 and chosen to hang up their career. Others may have allowed themselves to get angry as if the world or the universe was working against them. Some people may have even broken down in tears.

But Jason Singer is not everyone, and the music he makes with his closest friends is unlike anything anyone else could offer. Michigander speaks to our souls. Their music taps directly into your soul to talk to that little voice that is always afraid to rock the boat. They make it OK to feel whatever you're feeling and spread a message of acceptance that works to unite listeners from all walks of life. Michigander understands that we are all in this together, even if we often feel alone.

On the latest episode of inside music, host James Shotwell calls Jason Singer over zoom to discuss his career. The two dig into the newest Michigander EP, Everything Will Be OK Eventually, as well as the impending return of live music. Jason shares some of the more memorable moments of the past year, including the day he heard his song playing at a grocery store. He even hints at what the future may hold for his career. Check it out:

All Hail The Yeti (Connor Garrity) Apr 28, 2021

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For the members of All Hail The Yeti, learning they have booked an opening slot on one of the most anticipated metal tours of the fall was a sign things are slowly returning to normal. After the pandemic brought their typically relentless touring efforts to a standstill, the group spent the better part of the year without seeing one another in person. That did not stop them from creating, of course, but it did challenge their understanding of how to navigate the complicated business of entertainment.

Just take a moment to consider everything that didn't happen as a result of the pandemic. Not only did All Hail The Yeti lose countless dollars from canceled tour dates, but they also had to delay their long-awaited fourth studio album. That record, which the group almost completed before COVID-19 brought live music to a halt, has yet to see the light of day.

But here, in April 2021, the music industry is optimistic for the first time in over a year. Festivals and tours are getting announced every week, and a grown amount of artists are planning to release music before the calendar year comes to a close. That includes All Hail The Yeti, who've also begun work on the record that will follow.

In the latest episode of Inside Music, All Hail The Yeti's founding member Connor Garrity reflects on the impact of the last year on his mental health and professional outlook. He discusses how his time away from the stage has provided other creative opportunities, as well as the story behind his band's upcoming tour alongside Jinjer and Suicide Silence. He even spills a few details about the group's highly-anticipated fourth record.

Racquel Jones Apr 20, 2021

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Racquel Jones is a one-of-a-kind human. Part rapper, part painter, part model, and all heart, Racquel is on a mission to make us a more open and understanding world. Her art speaks to the need to do away with hesitation and embrace the fleeting nature of all things. She appreciates the limited time we have to do all that our hearts desire, and she hopes to encourage others to live their best lives whenever possible.

On April 24, Racquel's new album, IGNORANT, will be released. It's an absolutely powerful and mesmerizing record, covering topics ranging from the toxicity of Christianity/Catholicism, fighting against racism and sexism, as well as celebrating her accomplishments and beauty as a Black Jamaican woman in spite of her struggles. All of this is to the tune of aggressive and hypnotic beatwork, as well as catchy hooks that bring it all together. Racquel herself describes the record/her mission statement best.

In Her Words:

"The voice of the record is addressing truth; in its raw blatant pure form void of the disposition of wrong or right. It’s my voice…along with the voice of anyone who has ever felt stereotyped. It may seem at times cynical, sarcastic, provocative and uncomfortable, but the anguish is palpable by intention. It’s a voice unique, but one that anyone can understand. It’s the voice of undiplomatic gritty intelligence, relatable to all cultures, transcending pop cultural vernacular and ‘waves’. It’s the voice of powerful women made to feel powerless. It’s the voice of black kings made to feel less than human. It’s the voice of sexual freedom in the face of misogynistic false standards for women. It’s the voice of a young Jamaican woman who’s seen the world and its parallel stereotype universes in all cultures. It’s the edgy voice of Jamaica, a rebel beauty queen, a fallen preacher’s child, the only sister among three brothers, four years in art school and a bachelor of fine arts. That’s me, I’m that voice. I’m Racquel Jones. I create music that’s conceptual, but not too esoteric; intelligent but dope, relatable yet deep, revolutionary and soulful, thoughtful in its words, learned in its language, but totally accessible. That’s me and I’m baring my soul for the world to see and hear.”

Horndal (Pontus Levahn) Apr 08, 2021

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Horndal on Bandcamp: https://horndal.bandcamp.com/album/lake-drinker

The story of Horndal occurs countless times throughout history. Once a thriving town in Sweden, the local mill's closure sent Horndal on a downward spiral that irrevocably changed the fabric of a once tight-knit community. The population is less than a third as large as it once was, and younger generations often leave for places with more opportunities. Horndal is not yet a ghost town, but unless something happens in the years to come, it could quickly fade into history.

Co-founded by brothers who witnessed the town's descent, the band Horndal keeps their hometown's spirit alive through song. The metal group tells the story of Horndal through their music, offering a new version of David and Goliath; only now the giant monster is the relentlessly destructive force of capitalism. They don't know if the alone can turn the tide of the town's slow decline, but they won't let their home disappear without a fight, and that sense of enduring pride reverberates through every note they play.

Lake Drinker, the band's new full-length album, imagines capitalism as a demon that feeds on natural resources and senselessly disposes of waste. Anyone who has witnessed corporations cut down forests and drain lakes will recognize the rage that echoes throughout the music. The members of Horndal call for people everywhere to battle the monsters that threaten to displace us from our towns in the name of profit. Lake Drinker is about recognizing that common enemy and joining together to defeat it before we're too late.

In the latest episode of Inside Music, Horndal drummer and co-founder Pontus Levahn tells host James Shotwell about his work. The two share memories of their small-town childhoods and the forces that put both places on the path to decay. They also speak about how environments inform creativity and why the band is returning home for their first performance since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Pupil Slicer (Kate Davies) Apr 02, 2021

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Music Biz is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.

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Pupil Slicer is a force no one can contain. An amalgamation of mathcore, deathcore, and frenzied punk, the UK trio is taking the world by storm with their recently released debut album, Mirrors. It's a tornado of sound and angst that is sure to capture (and stranglehold) your attention.

On the first day of April 2021, Inside Music host James Shotwell connected with Pupil Slicer's Kate Davies to discuss Mirrors, joining the Prosthetic Records family, and more. The pair swap stories about reacting to criticism and struggle with the prospect of having to maintain the forward momentum of any new project. It's unclear what the immediate future holds for Pupil Slicer, but we get the feeling from this conversation that their rise to the top of the heavy music community is just beginning.

Mirrors, Pupil Slicer's debut album, is available now through Prosthetic Records.

Dead Poet Society (Jack Underkofler) Mar 11, 2021

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Riding high on the success of his band’s debut album, Dead Poet Society’s Jack Underkofler talks all things promotion on Inside Music.

The music industry at large is trying incredibly hard to ignore the reality of the present day. The world is changing faster than ever, and the methods of promotion that worked as recently as early 2020 are no longer reliable. We live in a new world that demands creative thinking that, frankly, many seem too afraid or too insecure to attempt.

But the fact remains that people still want new music, and many are hoping to discover the next song or artist that can change their lives. The musicians and labels willing to try anything to reach those curious listeners are in a position for massive success, and Dead Poet Society is doing everything they can to seize the moment.

-!-, Dead Poet Society’s Spinefarm Records debut album, hit stores in February 2021. The alt-rock release serves as the culmination of nearly a decade spent writing, recording, touring, and grinding as hard as anyone can to make the band’s name known. Its existence is a testament to what happens when people fully commit to their craft, and it’s quickly turning heads throughout the rock community while other acts sit on the industry sidelines.

In this episode of Inside Music, Dead Poet Society’s Jack Underkofler chats with James Shotwell about the journey behind -!-. He recounts how a fan in Mexico gave the band an international stage and how a move from Boston to Los Angeles put the group in a position to reach mainstream success. Jack also shares what he’s learned about promoting music in a post-COVID world. Check it out:

The Vaughns Feb 02, 2021

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Every artist we know is facing a brave new world in 2021. After a year without performances, which is how many make a living from their music, musicians must embrace today's reality or risk extinction. That story is universal, but The Vaughns have faced more than a pandemic since their last album was released, and today they're sharing that journey with us.

In this episode of Inside Music, recent Equal Vision Records signees The Vaughns chat with host James Shotwell about everything that led them to where they are today. They discuss the uncertain future of live music, processing heartache through song, and landing a deal with the legendary alternative label Equal Vision Records.

Summoning The Lich (David Bruno) Jan 26, 2021

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Have you ever heard an album and immediately knew that band was going to change the world? That's the way host James Shotwell felt the first time he heard Summoning The Lich. The Missouri-born death metal group combines heavy songwriting with expansive fantasy storytelling to encapsulate listeners inside a brutal world where anything is possible. He knew right away that he had to have the band on the show, and we're excited to share a conversation with vocalist David Bruno on today's episode.

In the age of COVID-19, listening to Summoning The Lich may be the closest any metalhead gets to an escape from their home for some time. The band's Prosthetic Records debut album, United In Chaos, arrives on February 26. Don't miss it!

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Riding high on the success of his band’s debut album, Dead Poet Society’s Jack Underkofler talks all things promotion on Inside Music.

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