Introducing: Avriel & The Sequoias

Another facet to the talented Avi Kaplan of Pentatnoix 

"Rustic and grave, it's a gorgeously somber and symphonic slice of introspective chamber/indie folk that's sure to stay with you."- PopMatters

Avriel & the Sequoias and PopMatters have teamed up to release the gorgeous new video for "Fields and Pier." The track is a first listen from the upcoming debut EP, Sage and Stone, set to drop June 9. "Fields and Pier" pays homage to the wild and beautifully unkempt world Avriel grew up in: "For the video, I wanted to show how my music is deeply connected to nature," he explains. "The strings are represented by the way the leaves tremble in the Northern California wind, the steady finger-picking is represented by the sun-kissed fields of Oregon and the cello by the slow, steady current of the Smith River." Watch the video on PopMatters HERE.

Sage and Stone is the debut independent release from the multi-talented and multifaceted Avi Kaplan, Grammy Award-winning performer and arranger of a cappella phenoms Pentatonix. Sage and Stone is inspired by and purposefully presents the full spectrum of Avi's folk palate without ever abandoning his talent for lush, layered vocals, intricate arrangements and tasteful acoustic performances. It's evident in every note on Sage and Stone, that Avriel Benjamin Kaplan has a reverence and respect for folk music that goes well beyond his years. Songs like "Fields and Pier" and "Sage And Stone" recall the sounds of modern indie folk artists like Iron & Wine and Bon Iver, while tracks like "Song For the Seeker" and "Sweet Adeline" draw clear inspiration from legendary artists such as Simon & Garfunkel and John Denver.

Avi's upbringing - in Visalia, CA, near Sequoia National Park - plays an integral part in his story and is a heartbeat in this new music: the majestic Sequoia trees are where he found inspiration and escape, and where he first discovered music in its most organic and truest form. Sage and Stone simply - and profoundly - pays homage to where Avi's passion for music was born, and is a stunning introduction to this different and exciting new chapter of his musical journey. It is honest and humble. It is thoughtful and unrestrained. It is Kaplan at his core - passionate, emotional, inspired and unapologetically vulnerable.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube

Model Behavior???

Constant Craving
Heidi Klum

Well now, here's a rare sighting, a super model dining on a to go bag from McDonald's. Yep, you read this correctly and your eyes are not playing tricks on you. While making a mad dash from the airport one Ms. Heidi Klum was photographed scarfing down on a bag full of grub from the famous fast food chain. Say that three times fast, I dare ya!

Since I have been dieting hard core for the past week, and by dieting I mean eating healthy etc...not starving myself. OK, back to what I wanted to say, I felt all sorts of hunger pangs and somewhat jealous that Heidi was eating junk food and still looks amazing. While I being a mere mortal eating such would look like Violet Beauregarde from Willie Wonka minus the blue hue if I noshed a nibble of what she was having. 

File this under: life is not fair, unless you are Heidi Klum.

Now if you'll excuse me I need to get back to my smoothie before I head out to my spin class. 

Heidi on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/heidiklum/?hl=en 

Sometimes We All Go A Little "Reckless"

Taylor Momsen
Photo:
Taryn Becker

They're Pretty! They're Reckless! Get it? Got it? Now Carry on!

The Pretty Reckless have dominated the rock charts over the last 8 years garnering four number one singles along the way. Their brand new single, “Back To The River” finds the band experimenting with a classic southern rock and blues sound and features Gov’t Mule’s legendary guitar virtuoso Warren Haynes.  “We had this great southern rock track called Back to the River, we recorded the whole thing live and left sections open for some lead parts.  I think it was our guitarist Ben who said, we should call Warren Haynes.  We did, he said yes, and we're thrilled he did because he raised the song to a new level.  His playing is extraordinary.” says lead singer Taylor Momsen  

“Back To The River” has already been added at WMMR Philadelphia, the biggest rock station in the country.  Stream the song here: http://bit.ly/2piJ5Lh 

   

In addition, the band have been nominated for two Alternative Press Music Awards for Artist Of The Year and Best Hard Rock Artist.  The fourth annual APMA’s will broadcast live July 17 from Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena where the band will also perform. Fans can visit www.altpress.com/vote to cast their votes.

“Take Me Down,” which was nominated for Rock Song of The Year at this year’s iHeart Radio Music Awards was the first #1 rock single from their latest album Who You Selling For. This milestone marked the fourth consecutive #1 for the band, who broke records as the first female-fronted band to have three chart toppers in a row with “Heaven Knows,” “Messed Up World” and “Follow Me Down” (all from 2014’s Going To Hell) - a feat that has not been accomplished since The Pretenders in 1984, over 30 years ago. 

The Pretty Reckless performed the song on CONAN here:  http://teamcoco.com/video/the-pretty-reckless-02-28-17?playlist=featured-videos

The Pretty Reckless’ extraordinary third studio album Who You Selling For features the bands #1 rock hit  “Take Me Down.”  Produced by longtime collaborator Kato Khandwala,Who You Selling For expands the band’s sound to encompass soul, blues and rock and roll. The songs were written by front woman Taylor Momsen and guitarist Ben Phillips. Momsen’s dark lyrics and raw, charismatic vocals are on full display and the band delivers at full intensity with a level of musicianship that raises the bar.

Huffington Post says, Who You Selling For is a fire-breathing monster of a record that offers adrenaline-rush stompers (“Oh My God”), revolutionary rockers (“Living in The Storm,”“Take Me Down”), breathtaking ballads (“Who You Selling For,” “Bedroom Window”) and pretty-gritty R&B (“Wild City” is like taking a step back into 1970s Motown). 

TPR will continue to tour throughout the year in support of the album.  They kick off the tour this week with upcoming shows with Soundgarden & various festival shows including Rock on The Range, Carolina Rebellion and Northern Invasion in the US as well as Europe. Additional tour dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Pretty Reckless official website:www.theprettyreckless.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theprettyreckless/?fref=ts

Twitter:https://twitter.com/TPROfficial

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tprofficial/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrhJmM3H7eyxrevc4lpRIw 

Full routing is as follows:

April 25                           Boston, MA                          Paradise Rock Club

April 26                           Washington DC                    930 Club

April 27                           Richmond, VA                      The National

April 29                           Jacksonville, FL                   Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville

April 30                           Fort Myers, FL                     Monster Energy Fort Rock

May 2                             Mobile, AL                            Soul Kitchen

May 3                             Atlanta, GA                          Fox theater w/Soundgarden

May 5                             Virginia Beach, VA               Lunatic Luau

May 6                             Concord, NC                        Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion

May 7                             Chattanooga, TN                 Track 29 Revelry Room

May 10                           Indianapolis, IN                   Farmer’s Bureau Ins Lawn w/Soundgarden

May 11                           St. Louis, MO                      Delmar Hall

May 12                           Council Bluffs, IA                 Rockfest

May 13                           Somerset, WI                      Northern Invasion

May 15                           Peoria, IL                             Exposition Gardens

May 16                           Peoria, IL                            Exposition Gardens

May 17                           Detroit, MI                           Fox Theatre w/Soundgarden

May 19                           Sayerville, NJ                     Starland Ballroom

May 20                           Camden, NJ                        WMMR – BBQ – BB&T Pavillion

May 21                           Columbus, OH                    Rock On The Range

May 24                           Wichita, KS                         The Cotillion Ballroom

May 26                           Pryor, OK                            Rocklahoma

May 27                           San Antonio, TX                  River City Rock Fest

May 28                           Dallas, TX                           BFD  

Michael's Musings

Throwback:
Revenge Of The Nerd
Michael Shinafelt

It's Thursday and time for another dose of whatever I feel like saying. This weeks column may be a tad foggy with a a 100% chance a sinus issues.

That's correct my sinuses have had havoc brought unto them by the Santa Ana Winds blowing all sorts of lovely things around the City of Angels. Let me tell you it's no fun and makes me count to ten way more than usual throughout the day because I am so damned irritable!

OK, now that I got that out of my nasal passage let's do it!

Feud on FX ended this past week, I must say the final episode was masterful

Quote of the Week: "The Kardashians look like turds with frosting"

There is a band with the name Palm Springsteen, brilliant!

Juan Pee Pee. All you hardcore Law & Order: SVU fans know what I mean.

I like big butts and I cannot lie

Starbuck's slogan for the Unicorn Frappauccino should be: Shit the rainbow

Mike Clifford's video for his cover of Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World" dropped this week, if you need to smile check it out after the jump. PS I'm in it.

T.G.I.F! Thank God I'm Fabulous!

My Twitter bio reads - Proud Muslim Lesbian. Wanted to see if you are paying attention.

No more printed paper towels or napkins!

A friend informed me this week you can have pot delivered to your door. The more you know.

I know you are going to judge but the last ten episodes of Pretty Little Liars is now down to eight left. Yes, I am starting to feel empty.

Misery loves company, thus join me at:

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt    

Kiefer Sutherland Talks "The Talk"

I Wanna Be A Cowboy...
Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland is going to talk on "The Talk." But can he walk "the walk?"

Momentum continues for Kiefer Sutherland’s music career when he visits CBS's "The Talk" this Thursday, April 27 as a performer and lead guest. "The Talk" airs at 2pm EDT / 1pm CT. CLICK HERE for local listings.

Sutherland will chat about his debut album DOWN IN A HOLE and upcoming North American and European ‘Not Enough Whiskey 2017 Tour.’ Many shows have limited tickets available and additional dates have been added through September. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

When Sutherland wraps up the North American leg May 27 in Asbury Park, N.J., he’ll jet ‘across the pond’ to play more than 20 shows throughout Europe.

DOWN IN A HOLE includes 11 co-written tracks by Sutherland and producer Jude Cole. Reviewers applauded Sutherland’s vocals, guitar licks and songwriting style when he performed more than 70 dates in 2016.

Recently, Sutherland performed “Can’t Stay Away” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Calling Out Your Name” on “The View.” Sutherland also graced the cover of Guitar Aficionado, Goldmine Magazine and Collectible Guitar issues.

Keep up with Sutherland on the road by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or connect with Sutherland by following him on Twitter and Facebook.

NOT ENOUGH WHISKEY TOUR 2017:
April 30 Stagecoach Festival - Indio, Calif.
May 02 Belly Up - Solana Beach, Calif. (SOLD OUT)
May 03 Roxy Theatre - Los Angeles, Calif.
May 04 Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, Calif.
May 06 Mississippi Studios - Portland, Ore. (SOLD OUT)
May 07 Tractor Tavern - Seattle, Wash. (SOLD OUT)
May 09 Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, Utah
May 10 Fox Theatre - Boulder, Colo.
May 12 Choctaw Event Center - Grant, Okla.
May 13 3Ten - Austin, Texas
May 14 Gruene Hall - Houston, Texas (SOLD OUT)
May 17 Terminal West - Atlanta, Ga.
May 18 Singin' River Live - Florence, Ala.
May 19 Exit / In - Nashville, Tenn.
May 20 Fubar - St. Louis, Mo.
May 21 Thalia Hall - Chicago, Ill.
May 23 The Birchmere - Alexandria, Va. (SOLD OUT)
May 25 Bowery Ballroom - New York, N.Y.
May 26 Stephen Talkhouse - Amagansett, N.Y. (SOLD OUT)
May 27 The Stone Pony - Asbury Park, N.J.
June 01 Skraen - Aalborg, Denmark
June 03 Rockefeller - Oslo, Norway
June 04 Debaser Strand - Stockholm, Sweden
June 06 Mojo - Hamburg, Germany
June 07 Heimathafen - Berlin, Germany
June 08 Technikum - Munich, Germany
June 10 WUK - Vienna, Austria
June 12 Gloria - Cologne, Germany
June 13 Gibson - Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
June 14 La Cigale - Paris, France
June 16 013 - Tilburg, Netherlands
June 17 Melkweg - Amsterdam, Netherlands
June 18 Rockhal - Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
June 20 Bierkeller - Bristol, UK
June 21 Worthy Farm - Pilton-Somerset, UK
June 21 O2 Academy - Birmingham, UK
June 22 Islington Assembly Hall - London, UK
June 23 Trucker & Country - Interlaken, Switzerland
June 25 Glastonbury Festival - Pilton-Somerset, UK
June 26 Manchester Gorilla - Manchester, UK (SOLD OUT)
June 27 SWG3 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Aug. 11 Boots & Hearts Festival - Oro-Medonte, Canada
Sept. 23 Bourbon & Beyond Festival - Louisville, Ky.

Life Hack, Lady Gaga

When In Doubt, Gaga It Out!
Lady Gaga

I have been battling what I think are allergies for the past few days, but could indeed be a cold, I can't quite get a handle on it. Last night was the best nights sleep I have had in a week. I woke up feeling refreshed and then as if on cue the coughing started it and was relentless. It is starting to wane now, we shall see where it all lands.

Which brings me to this image of Lady Gaga performing at Coachella, as you can tell I am a fan of Lady G and this capture is great. It's colorful, exciting and gave me something to focus on during one of my hacking fits this morning. They should package her as cough syrup she made tossing up a lung a more pleasant experience. 

So if you ever need relief from a cough and have nothing available, I give you this life hack tip: focus on Lady Gaga. The more you know...!

Gaga on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ladygaga/?hl=en 

The Blood Of Unicorns

Unicorn
Katy Perry

Apparently Katy Perry is a certified Unicorn. You heard me correctly, Katy like many, except myself, was eager to try Starbuck's Unicorn Frappuccino. Well that happiness quickly turned to disgust as she snapped an Instagram photo of herself spitting out the less than delightful concoction with this caption:

"I couldn't handle drinking my own blood" 

She then sprouted four legs and a horn in the center of her head and gored the staff at Starbuck's in a rage that could only come from a pissed off Unicorn cannibalizing one of their own. OK, kidding on that one. 

This brew has been so publicly reviled why does anyone still have curiosity in actually trying it?! Just looking at it makes me want the hurl!

Now aren't you happy?

Katy on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/katyperry/?hl=en