Out of Desperation and Ashes - Detroit Still Rocks!

Detroit has garnered the anointed name of Rock City, most notably from the hit song by KISS. As of late the city has gained the notoriety of being bankrupt. 

The pictures of the dilapidated buildings that used to house the blue collar factories and motor-works that made Detroit one of the best working class cities in the world makes one wonder is there anything left of worth in the Motor City. Still, Detroit has never been known as a soft town and it's citizens have survived incredibly bad times in the past, but what about now? Is the City of Detroit still the Rock City it used to be or has the calamity that has befell its finances hurt the Rock and Roll pedigree that it had?

There have been rumors that the city is remaking itself into an artistic mecca for the States. Graffiti artists have been reclaiming the pale walls of despair and spreading a colorful message of hope and revitalization. 

This all leaves one to wonder... What is the state of Rock and Roll in Detroit today? There have been great Rock Icons that have called Detroit home and for good reason, but are there still some up and coming Rockers ready to carry the torch or has the talent dried up for Detroit? Well, let's take a look and see...

If you are looking for some evidence that Detroit Motor City still Rocks, then you need go no further than 5th Way. With growling guitars and lions roar vocals these Detroit sons have got the sound to play along side the new greats such as Five Finger Death Punch. With songs like "Stomping Ground" these guys prove they can Rock with the best of them!

They even have an inventive meaning to the name of their band: 

FIFTH - The interval or three tones and a semitone, embracing five diatonic degrees of the scale; the DOMINANT of any key. 

WAY - Regular course; habitual method of life of action; plan of conduct; mode of dealing. 

FIFTH WAY - The Fifth Way of conduct; a way of life expressed through music. THE DOMINANT FORM OF ROCK!!!

These guys are definitely worth checking out. 

Reverbnation                                              Facebook                                                  On the Web

If you are looking for some straight forward good old storytelling Rock and Roll then you have to listen to Ty Stone. This guy has a huge following and the chops to pull off a great show, just check out his video for "Anywhere but Here."

Kidd Rock is even advertised Ty's  CD, "American Style," on his website. Ty has become a real voice for a recovering Detroit; joining other artists to collaborate on projects promoting the resilience of  the cities citizens, and raising funds for its charity projects.

He seems very dedicated to spreading the word both musically and in other ways that Detroit may be down but you can never cut the Motor City out.

Now I realize that these are only two examples, but if the rest of the artists in Detroit are even half as determined as these two then we can safely say that Rock City is not going to give up its title easily.

Hell, I have not even mentioned how well the bad boy Kid Rock is still Rockin' the world, and the Motor City Madman Ted Nugent is also still going strong. As long as there are musicians willing to fight to keep the city Rocking Detroit Will Still Rock!

Ty on the web                                               Facebook                                                           Youtube

Gene Simmons, Arrogance, Rock & Roll, and depression.

As of late the comments that Gene Simmons, aka the Demon, have made on suicide and depression have been broadcast around the globe. Mix those words with one of the most loved comedians known in modern day history hanging themselves and you have one huge PR nightmare for "The Hottest Band in the World." Hell even the straight man of Mötley Crüe, Nikki Sixx, has chimed in. Now radio stations are banning KISS songs and I imagine it is causing problems with the tour.

Many people seem to be rightfully pissed off by the remarks and are writing it off as Gene being an arrogant asshole. Have never met the Demon himself I cannot presume that that is the case but his words seem to paint an interesting portrait. 

I must say at this point that I have been a huge KISS fan for a long time, yet in the shadow of the comments Gene said about suicide ("have some dignity and jump!”) I have put away my kiss collectibles, which used to have a prominent place on my living room shelves. At this point I am not sure if I am overreacting  or justifiably upset.

Arrogance seems to be inherent in the world of Rock and Roll, from the tirades and bad attitude of Axel Rose who thinks he is Guns and Roses, to Gene's characterization of the Demon. I have been quite surprised by the attitude of several of the Rock stars, even the ones I have respected in the past.

I have met musicians such as Bruce Kulick who seemed genuinely bored to meet his fans, to  Eric Singer who was amazingly personable and excited to meet his fans. Many of the personas of Rock Idols on stage are out right arrogant, you don't have to look too far to see that in pretty almost all popular styles of music. The Lead singer from the Headstones, Hugh Dillon, once refused to talk to Ed The Sock on TV because Ed was a sock puppet. Now whether you call that arrogance or just plain hilarious it paints a good picture of someone with a strongly defined view of self importance. Even members of the Canadian Iconic group The Tea Party  were observed on Much Music answering fan questions as if they were stupid questions.    

Hell even members of the one band that I have called my favorite Rock and Roll band for many years has shown some evidence of the Diva disease that is arrogance. Doug Pinnick, from the horribly under appreciated band King's X was quite rude to me when I met him. 

So where do we stand on the stupid, self important, or damaging quotes of people who live in a world that rewards unreal perception of self-idolization? Is the backlash against Gene and KISS warranted? The hell if I know but I can tell you that my KISS memorabilia will not be thrown out, still they will not see the light of day until I can come to terms with the anger I feel about the words said.

As far as Depression and Rock and Roll... Depression has been the spark that has ignited many excellent songs and have made many Rock and Roll Icons very rich. It almost seems like the beast that the creative must strike a deal with in order to become productive. Some even had to kill themselves to become icons; take Kurt Cobain for one. Still, it would make more sense to encourage the depressed artists that struggle in this world to have some hope to continue to create instead of telling them to "have some dignity and jump!”

For those of us who are struggling with depression and feel that it would be better to end it all instead of enduring another day of pain and disappointment, I really don't know what to say. I am too upset that I can't seem to have some dignity and jump.

                                                                                                                    Kevin Sweeney 

New Music Video from Tools of My Therapy

Here is the second music video from the Industrial Metal group Tools of My Therapy.

Check it out and tell us what you think.

Some Selfish Self Promotion

Hey there all of you readers, please indulge me while I do a little Self Promotion. The Artistic wing of Yeneews is online. There you can find a variety of artwork from military art, to music based art, and just some fun stuff. Please check it out and let us know what you think.

For you musicians out there if you like what you see you can contact us via email about album artwork, posters, or just some fun images made specifically for your band.

If you are interested in the military based artwork please let us know also because we have many more images than what is posted online.

Well that is it for now. Thank you for indulging this small commercial and now back to your regularly scheduled program.

                                                                                                        Kevin Sweeney - Yeneews Studios

http://2-kevin-sweeney.artistwebsites.com/

                                                                                                 

Catching Up

It has been quite surprising to find out that there is a lot of very good musical talent out there that does not get the press coverage that they deserve, well that is what we are here for. So, here is a bit of catching up on many of our favorite groups.

The music industry has been a blessing to some and a curse to others; for some reason many excellently talented individuals and bands are completely overlooked. My first real experience noticing this phenomenon was with a little band from Texas, King's X.

They were one of the first bands to create the heavy grunge sound, but never received the fame that Soundgarden, Nirvana, or Alice in Chains gained. They are still one of the most underrated bands out there to date.

If you like well crafted songs by talented Rock musicians you should check this power trio's stuff out.

Metal Offerings

OK, this next one does not fit the unsung ideal but
what other band do you know whose fans head-bang themselves into a brain injury during a concert? Only the Metal Man-god Lemmy and crew can attest to such a deadly onslaught of pure metal intoxication.

On Friday 25 July Motörhead will be in Moscow, while look for them on the grandest stage of all Metaldom in August. On the first of August they will grace the stage of Wacken Open Air! So get your ass to Germany you headbangers and show those horns!

While you are on your way to the massive metalfest crank up Motörhead's  newest offering "aftershock."

If you are one of our South American fans and you can not get to the wonderland that is Germany, do not fret for our favorite Venezuelan Thrashing metalheads KRAPTOR are touring the hell out of South America. They will be in Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Columbia in August alone. They will be bringing with them KUZAR to join in the mosh pit mania that is their energetic live show.

Hey KRAPTOR make sure to take some pics and vids to show us poor unfortunate few that will not be able to thrash along with you, though we can not be with you in the flesh we will be with you in spirit.

If that is not enough KRAPTOR for you then: Este sábado 16 de agosto estaremos en "El Teatro Bar" de Valencia en un evento que será 100% dedicado especialmente para maníacos del Thrash Metal!! Preparados para la INVASIÓN THRASH? Nos vemos en el mosh!! Keep thrashing!

For our non-Spanish literate the above means on August 16 KRAPTOR we will be at "The Theatre Bar" of Valencia in an event that will be 100% dedicated especially to Thrash Metal maniacs! Preparations for THRASH INVASION? See you in the mosh! Keep thrashing!

For those of us who live in the Great White North that need a new metal infusion to get them through the summer, let me introduce you to The Worshyp.

Just to show why you should check them out... This Canadian metal band gained the intrest of none other than Jimmy DeGraso, ex drummer for the Thrash originator Megadeth, to lay down the drum tracks on The Worshyp's "Evil Abounds" album. 

You can find their stuff on bandcamp. So if you are interested in joining in the adoration of the religion that is Heavy Metal check out The Worshyp.

Rock and Roll Offerings

The Kingstonian Rocker Greg Ball and his band have finished recording a new album with "more balls," at The Tragically Hip's Bathouse studio. Fans of Greg are eagerly awaiting the release of the new songs. If you are biting at the bit to hear what he has been up to check out Station 14's video Ball's In The Bathouse; it will give you a brief glimpse of Ball's balls all close up and personal. 

To see Ball and his balls live keep a ear to twitter. Greg Ball is no Nudist Priest but if you like your rock and roll with clothing on and emotionally raw rather than literally naked, check out Kingston Ontario's Greg Ball on line and when he is around town at the Pan Chancho or any of the other venues in Kingston.

Supervega has been busy as of late performing gigs all over France and most recently at the Hard Rock Cafe Hard Rock in Nice. If you can go catch them live, from the videos their shows look great.

Would you like Will Black to play your home town, click HERE! He is currently booking venues for his 2015 tour which will take him across Canada, UK, and the U.S.A. Check his stuff out, especially if you like your favorite music artist to actually take time out for their fans. I can not say enough about the lengths Will Black goes to in order to reach out to his followers. He is truly a fan based musician!

The Trio from the UK that began with the great song "I Can't Stand" has been releasing more stuff on YouTube; such as the tracks "Peacemaker," and "Watch Me Burn." These young rockers are ones to watch. 

Punk Rock Offering

These Dublin Punk Rockers are all that and a bag of chips, damn it! Hell, they even hit the radio and I don't mean literally with baseball bats, rather they are on the airwaves with Dan Hegarty's The Alternative on RTE 2XM and 2FM. They have even been embraced by the Irish Metal Nation at Metal Ireland, so stop listening to those sucky pop/hip hop fucks and listen to Rat Neck you Punk ass Lilly livered slacker.

Final Comments

There are many more other than these few artists that are mentioned here, so get the word out; tell the world that there are innovative and awesome groups out there in the garages, bars, and on line. Broaden your music horizons and experience the sounds around you. Break away from the top 40 that is constantly bombarded over the airwaves and fund the local talent that is rocking in your back yard. Oh and support the bands you like! For all you closet rock stars keep Thrashing, keep Rockin', and don't give a shit what the nay sayers say.  

                                                                                              Kevin Sweeney - Yeneews Records

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Get Dangerously Close!

There is a small island many call paradise that a very talented Canadian singer calls home. Hamilton, Bermuda is where Will Black hangs his hat, while he works toward sending out the good old Rock and Roll vibes across the net.

 It does not look like living in paradise has hampered this rocker; no rather it seems to have positively influenced his productivity. He has been a veritable fountain of Rock and Roll with his Weekly Dispatches, stream-able gigs, and new album.

 They say the proof is in the pudding, well in this case the proof is in the music. A self touted fan of Classic Rock artists such as Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and The Rolling Stones, he has compiled a very well crafted collection of songs on his newest effort.

Dangerously Close sounds and feels down to earth and close to the heart. It reminds me of many of my favorite old albums. From the smooth ballads such as "Holy Love" to the partying Rock anthems such as "Pretty Garden" this album is a bonfire of an album. Songs such as "Forever Was Never Enough" gives you the impression that Will has the possibility of high heights in the music industry. The tracks on this album are far better than most of the crap that is playing on the radio these days.

 He is taking a break from his island home and returning to North America later this year. Until then you can find him on his website www.willblack.com, Facebook, or Youtube unless you are fortunate enough to visit Hamilton, Bermuda, and if that is the case go to Hogpenny Restaurant/Cafe. It is Will's favorite place to Rock Out, other than those gorgeous white sandy beaches.

You Should be Tempting Fate!

Tempting Fate is a Metal band that combines several different styles of Hard Rock into one great package.

In the vocal range these guys cover everything from Grind Core to Post Punk and wrap it up nice and heavy.

As for the music it is a sweet mix of the classic heavy beat and various levels of distortion. 

The heavy bass groove and cool guitar riffs give off a smokin' hot sound.

Tempting Fate Music

If this sounds at all interesting you have to check out their CD Illusions. I highly recommend it, it is some great metal!

These four guys from the depraved city of Hollywood LA has managed to gather a strong following in Los Angeles through their live performances. During the past three years they have been featured at showcases such as the Sunset Music Festival, spreading the Tempting Fate message.

Hopefully we will be finding them breaking out of LA and touring the rest of the world. In the meantime go to their bandcamp site and download Illusions FREE. These guys seem to understand that as long as they get their music out there the fans and money will follow, so spread the news. Get all your friends to download the album and get everyone Tempting Fate!

Tempting Fate - Illusions

Below is a video for their single "Filthy"

Tempting Facebook                        Tempting Bandcamp                                        Tempting Twitter