Saturday, June 6, 2026

"Gonna Be Alright"

Chaser

Southern California melodic punk band CHASER return with Gonna Be Alright, a new 2-song 7” arriving May 29, 2026. Featuring a reimagined version of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” alongside a newly reworked version of the fan-favorite “My Promise,” the release captures the uplifting spirit and emotional sincerity that have become central to the band’s identity.

While the band is still working toward its next full-length album, Gonna Be Alright serves as a special release created to bridge the gap before an extensive summer touring run across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Vinyl copies of the 7” will be available exclusively at CHASER live shows.

“We are so excited to share this release,” the band says. “While we’re not quite ready for a new full-length yet, we wanted to put something really cool out before our tours this summer. These songs came out amazing and we know people are going to sing along with them at the shows.”

The first single, CHASER’s energetic punk interpretation of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” is out now. Built around soaring melodies, driving rhythms, and the band’s trademark emotional urgency, the track preserves the optimism and warmth of the original while giving it a fresh melodic punk energy.


“When my son was born, the first song I sang to him in the hospital was Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds,’” says bassist Jesse Stopnitzky. “So we reimagined it as an upbeat punk rock version, adding our thumbprint while preserving its message of positivity, hope, and unity, which are the ethos of our band and live shows. Built for summer, this high-energy nostalgic singalong is a feel-good reminder that everything’s gonna be alright. It seems we can all use some good vibes right now.”

The second track, “My Promise,” arrives May 29 alongside the official release of the 7”. Originally appearing as an acoustic song on the band’s 2010 album The Big Picture, the song has been transformed into a soaring melodic punk anthem while maintaining its deeply personal core.

“I wrote ‘My Promise’ for my daughter when she was born in 2006,” explains vocalist Mike LeDonne. “It’s a heartfelt song about protecting the ones you love and always being there to guide them through life. Twenty years later, this reimagined melodic punk version captures a new perspective on parenthood. The lyrics and message are as pure today as they were then.”

Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Paul Miner at Buzzbomb Studios in Orange, California, Gonna Be Alright also showcases visually striking artwork from two celebrated artists in the punk scene: Mark De Salvo and Samuel Lucas. Each side of the 7” features completely different artistic styles while remaining connected through themes of hope, light, and positivity.

“We wanted the artwork to feel completely different from each other stylistically, while still capturing the same emotional thread,” says the band.

For “My Promise,” Mark De Salvo created a hand-painted canvas piece using warm colors against a darker palette to reflect the song’s heartfelt emotional weight. Meanwhile, Samuel Lucas brought bright, vibrant tropical imagery to “Three Little Birds,” capturing the uplifting spirit of the song while subtly paying homage to the original music video by depicting the wolf and pig as allies rather than enemies.

Homegrown in the heart of Southern California, CHASER — comprised of Mike LeDonne (vocals), Jesse Stopnitzky (bass/vocals), Bill Hockmuth (guitar), and Davey Guy (drums) — have spent years building a reputation as one of melodic punk’s most positive and emotionally resonant live acts. Since 2018, the band has toured extensively throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States, appearing at major festivals including Brakrock Eco Fest, Music 4 Cancer, Envol Macadam, Jera On Air, Punk Rock Holiday, and Punk In The Park, while completing multiple headline tours overseas.

Known for their uplifting and unifying performances, CHASER continue to connect with audiences across punk, hardcore, metal, and rock through songs rooted in resilience, sincerity, and community spirit.

With Gonna Be Alright, the band delivers exactly what its title promises: a timely reminder of hope, connection, and finding light through music together.

Follow CHASER:

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Friday, June 5, 2026

It's Donut Time!

Chief Clancy Wiggum


TGIF! Today happens to be National Donut Day! "Yes" that greasy, yet hard to resist confection that people consume in mass quantities gets it's due.

So who better to represent than donut connoisseur Police Chief Clancy Wiggum straight outta The Simpsons.

Of course he got them at Springfield's local Lard Lad Donut's.

As Chief Wiggum would say: "Donuts. Is there anything they can't do?"  

Today's Secret Word is: Grease!

National Donut Day on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Donut_Day   

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Michael's Musings

"The Wild Boys Are Calling"
Michael Shinafelt


"They tried to break us, looks like they'll try again

Wild boys (wild boys) never lose itWild boys (wild boys) never chose this wayWild boys (wild boys) never close your eyesWild boys always shine" - Wild Boys, Duran Duran 
It's Pride Month come on get happy!
Current Mood: F#ck this sh!t, I'll be a stripper
Female Trouble, discuss 
Started watching Heated Rivalry, I know, I know, better late then never. Yep, it's as hot as I heard it is.
The final episode of Hacks was amazingly perfect in every little way.
His face was obscured but I knew he was looking at my chest, that's all
Pride Month Pro Tip: "Smile Like You Have A Naughty Secret" - Michael Shinafelt "Yes" this quote is from a column I wrote
Went to the 25th Anniversary Screening of David Lynch's Mulholland Drive at Hollywood Forever Cemetery as a VIP guest...resplendent!
Woman Crush of the Week - Gay Icon and ally Madonna, can't wait for "Confessions 2" to drop July 3rd!
Are you a whore in jail? Think about it, but not too much...
"I love working with women and making out with women" - Malin Akerman
Three words: Stop! That! Train!
Did anyone else fantasize about Armand Assante in his Little Darlings era? Raise your hand ✋
I'm going to be the guy with the most cake
Eat Cake With Me Here -

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Hump Day & Chill


"I saw the sign, 

And it opened up my eyes, I saw the sign" - Ace Of Base, The Sign

Indeed, I saw the sign and it was an epiphany of sorts. Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge to push in the direction you need to go.

Thus you know what? I'm gonna Hump Day & Chill now, think about it, but not too much...

The Sign by Ace Of Base on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqu132vTl5Y

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Happy Pride Month!

Pride!
Michael Shinafelt

Wishing everyone a Happy Pride Month from the dressing room at Rough Trade in Silverlake, CA

Pride on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_Month  

Monday, June 1, 2026

Celebrating Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn & Me

Today is Marilyn Monroe's 100th Birthday. While she did not reach the milestone her legacy still shines bright.

Here I am with a framed copy of her on the cover of a 1982 Life Magazine. This hangs in my living room adjacent to the dining room table.

Marilyn has always been more than an icon to me, she is one of my favorite actors. Her performances are timeless and so is she.

So let's raise a glass in memory of the legend that is Marilyn...

Thanks for all the amazing memories!

Marilyn Monroe on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marilyn_Monroe

Sunday, May 31, 2026

About Last Night...

Last night was the 25th Anniversary Screening of David Lynch's Mulholland Drive at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The cemetery also happens to be where Mr. Lynch now resides.

The evening was perfection with all the Lynch fans out in full force and to top it off there was a full moon.

Yours truly resided in the VIP section with my friend Scott in tow. Here are some photos from the event.

"It'll be just like in the movies. We'll pretend to be someone else" - Betty Elms 


The Full Moon


RIP David Lynch

Myself & Scott 

Hollywood Forever on the WWW -
https://hollywoodforever.com/