Kerry Kompost Formerly of Mars Hollow to Play at Celebr8

This other bit of "Hollow" news, a follow-up to my previous post, is that on the Kerry Kompost side, things are looking bright. Kerry left these messages on his Facebook page:

"Ridiculously happy to announce I will be appearing at Celebr8 Prog 2012 --THE prog event of the year -- with VERY special guest and friend Matt Brown lending his vocal, keyboard and songwriting skills to the mix. We'll be playing original p...rogressive-pop and perhaps a cover or two -- can you spell X-T-C? :) VERY special thanks and a basket of gratitude to Geoff Banks and Jon Patrick aka Twang for allowing Matt and I the privilege of coming to the UK to take part in this incredible event. Shit --I gotta practice! See you soon, good people."

 

Later in the day he announced this other bit of news:

"In other cool news -- this day just keeps getting better! -- I've got an offer to produce my solo album from someone whose music completely changed my whole approach and outlook. I mean, this guy blew my mind wide open and ever since I heard his music back around 2000 or so, my own imagination has taken radical turns. Assuming I can get either a label or a Kickstarter thing going, perhaps I can make it happen. The possible producer's name? Mike Keneally. :) "

Best of luck, Kerry!

Touchstone Replace Mars Hollow at Celebr8 2012

Two bits of news have come out these past few days in the continuing saga of the Mars Hollow break-up. First bit of news is the title of this post. Here is the press release:

 

"With just about a month to go before the doors open for Celebr8 2012, we're pleased to announce that our very good pals Touchstone have been added to Sunday's bill. Wow !!

Touchstone have replaced Mars Hollow who have unfortunately had to pull out.

Also added to the bill is Gary Chandler of Jadis, supplementing the Sunday bill with an acoustic set. On the Saturday 07/07 Matt Stevens will be playing in the bar in advance of IQ's Subterranea set - the only performance of Subterranea in the London area this year !

And let's not forget all the other great bands playing - Pallas, Sean Filkins, Dec Burke, Magenta, The Tangent, Tinyfish, and headlining Sunday 08/07 off the back of their awesome Map of The Past album it's only the amazing It Bites !!!"

The second bit of news will be posted later today.

Ray Bradbury Is No More

Though this is not directly Prog related, the sad news came this morning that Sci-Fi author Ray Bradbury died in Los Angeles, California, after a lengthy illness, at the age of 91.

Sci-Fi has been a staple of prog music almost from its beginnings ("Get'em Out by Friday", is a sci-fi themed song if ever there was one), and Bradbury's novels and short stories have inspired many a musician.

It is also fitting, though, that Bradbury chose a headstone that reads "Author of Fahrenheit 451".

Rest in peace.

Riverside Signs Worldwide Deal with InsideOut Music

RIVERSIDE Photo by Anna Panasz

Riverside havs now signed a worldwide deal with InsideOut Music. And they are working on a new album to follow-up 2009's excellent "Anno Domini High Definition" and last year's great "Memories in My Head" EP.

Poland's Progressive Rock stars RIVERSIDE have signed a new worldwide deal with InsideOut Music, and the band is currently working on a new studio album for release in early 2013. The upcoming album is the much-anticipated full-length follow-up to 2009's Anno Domini High Definition, which entered the charts at No. 1 in Poland and attained Gold status in the band's home country.

RIVERSIDE has this to say about the new deal:

"We're very pleased that we'll keep collaborating with InsideOut/Century Media. We've overcome many difficulties together and we hope that the new contract, signed at the moment when we start another decade as a band, will help us to grow more, and will make us able to reach a larger number of listeners with our music. The new album is on the way. I believe it will be a new beginning for RIVERSIDE."

Thomas Waber, founder and label manager of InsideOut Music, adds:

"RIVERSIDE is one of the most important bands on InsideOutMusic and in the current Progressive Rock scene. Therefore I am extremely pleased to be able to renew and continue the relationship with our friends from Poland!"

You can follow the band's recording process of the new album by visiting their online blog here:
http://www.riversideband.pl/en/news/studioreport

A in the studio video interview with the band directly can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9105B_gCrF0

Elf Project Release "The Great Divide"

US based heavy proggers Elf Project release their second CD:

10T Records is excited to announce the pending select market release of the new full length CD by ELF PROJECT, entitled “The Great Divide,” on June 11, 2012, with an official street date of July 17, 2012. 

Hailing from the greater New York area, the Elf Project sound has really been enhanced and refined on “The Great Divide.” While still working from a foundation of 70′s era progressive rock, the band has infused a strong dose of classic power trio hard rock into the sound. Carl Schultz (lead vocals, bass, keyboards), Mike Cappadozy (guitars), and Dave Wayne (drums) successfully merge their influences into an infectious and decidedly driving sonic assault that never sacrifices melody.

Many have cited a clear RUSH influence in the band’s music and fans of that classic Canadian outfit are sure to find much to their liking on “The Great Divide.” Layers of melodic vocal harmonies sit atop a solid foundation of propulsive rhythms while tight, chunky guitar riffs and lush keyboard washes percolate throughout the mix. The music is full of unexpected twists and turns, from bright, hook-laden vocal-oriented pop stylings to complex proggy instrumentals.

“I was really pleased to hear the growth that Elf Project bring to this release,” says 10T president, Steve Carroll. “”Where the band’s previous CD was more of a studio project for Carl with guest musicians, this one is very much a whole band effort and it shows right from the start. The musicianship is super tight and energetic, with stellar, crisp production throughout.”