CMM : News And Notes For 5/11/17

NEWS FROM NEPTUNE "THE COLD OPEN" CASSETTE OUT NOW!!!

News from Neptune is the solo alias of Wirral-based musician David Miller, a multi-instrumentalist who has gathered a considerable stash of home-recorded material over the past decade, as well as writing and recording for a number of local projects. CMM are so excited to announce the release of his debut E.P. "The Cold Open" as a limited cassette. Miller has really carved out his own musical style that perfectly merges elements of more traditional compositions with experimental madness. The E.P. is a truly delightful and inspiring work of art and you can pick one up now at www.custommademusicva.com

WEINF RELEASE VIDEO FOR "CAREFULNESS AND OTHER BAD ADVICE"

Barcelona based indie unit Weinf have released a video for their latest single "Carefulness And Other Bad Advice" from the bands latest album “Purple Bird and Other Strange Songs” which is out now on CMM. Drawing influence from the likes of Morphine, and The Velvet Underground Weinf create the perfect eclectic mix of jazz and psychedelia. The band are playing a round of shows all over Spain throughout the month of May. Find out more at facebook.com/iamweinf

SAM ELLIOT STARS IN "THE HERO".

Here at CMM we love all things Sam Elliot. From his role as legendary bouncer Wade Garret in Roadhouse to playing "The Stranger" in The Big Lebowski it's always inspiring to hear Sam's trademark voice and see his "salty" smile. In "The Hero" Elliot plays Lee Hayden,an aging Western icon with a golden voice who's best performances are decades behind him. The film also stars Laura Prepon (That 70's Show/Oranage Is The New Black), Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad/Veronica Mars), Nick Offerman (Parks And Recreation), and Katharine Ross (The Stepford Wives). The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival back on January 21st and will open in theaters on June 9th.

KYLE CRAFT COVERS LEONARD COHEN

Last year I fell in love with Kyle Craft's debut album "Dolls Of Highland". This week Craft released this impressive rendition of the late great Leonard Cohen's classic "Chelsea Hotel #2". Reflecting on the track Craft stated. “Chelsea Hotel #2, the way Cohen delivers it, it’s through a window into another time and the further we get into this thing, the future, the more I feel like a stranger. When he died, I felt very alone…as I’m sure many people did. The song is for him, for Patti Smith, for Dylan…for everyone who inspired me to write and for a time and place that seems so foreign now.” Craft plays the Mercury Lounge in NYC on May 15th and continues to work on his next full length due out in 2018.

CMM : News And Notes For May 4th 2017

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU

With new cassette releases from Mariana Rivals, Mayflower Madame, La Terminal and Weinf we decided to break out the R2D2 cassette player and celebrate Star Wards Day in style. You can get all 4 of these from our official site at www.custommademusicva.com Make them your oficial soundtrack for the months leading up to the release of "Star Wars : The Last Jedi".

MAYFLOWER MADAME RELEASE STUNNING VIDEO CLIP FOR THEIR LATEST SINGLE "DROWN"

Oslo Norway psych/goth unit Mayflower Madame just finished up a very well received tour of the U.S. putting on captivating performances in New York City, Philly, Los Angeles, Seattle, Boise, Salt Lake City and more. They also just released this video clip for their latest single "Drown" which was directed by the immensely talented Astrid Serck. Look for a new Mayflower Madame full length later this year.

CUSHING "MELT FACES" WITH MIND BENDING "GLACIER GIRL" VIDEO

Speaking of amazing bands with new videos, Portland Maine noise rock trio Cushing have released this mind bending clip for their song "Glacier Girl". Thei latest E.P. "Curse Of Cushing" is available as a limited cassette from CMM and on CD and digital download from www.cushing.bandcamp.com The band play a home town gig at Geno's Rock Club May 19th.

DINOSAUR JR PERFORM AT THE HOUSE OF STROMBO

Dinosaur JR recently did a live session from the home of George Stroumboulopoulos while out touring in support of their latest album "Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not". The short set consisted of "Little Fury Things", "Goin' Down", "Gargoyle" and their cover of Last Rights "Chunks" which featured guest vocals from Fucked Up front man Damian Abraham.

"From the 1-2-3-4 to the 808's and beyond. Radio, television and digital. For over two decades, George Stroumboulopoulos has been playing the best records in the best order. Finding those songs that'll get you through the night. Interviews, intimate sessions and out-of-its-mind full blown house concerts. The Strombo Show and House of Strombo reflects the beautiful and the badass of Canada's diverse cultural landscape. There are no boundaries, with the gamut running from Aretha Franklin to Slayer and everything in between."

CMM : News And Notes For 4/27/17

MARIANA RIVALS "TAKE/CHROMA" CASSETTE OUT NOW

CMM are incredibly excited to release the new Mariana Rivals E.P. as a limited edition cassette. The California/Connecticut based synth pop unit deliver a pair of new tracks that are absolutely delightful. A wash of shimmering synths ring throughout the heavy groove based feel of “Take”. It’s pumping bassline and laid back rhythm are simply second to none while the mysterious yet soulful vocals put everything over the top and get you singing along in no time. “Chroma” is a bit darker and more subliminal. It’s got a heavy feel to it that builds throughout and keeps you guessing at what will come next as it’s cunning dynamics and atmospheric presence is as beautiful as it is enlightening. There’s also an underlying orchestral element to it all that I enjoy very much. A captivating pair of songs that could easily serve as the soundtrack to a universe trillions of light years away. The cassette is available now at www.custommademusicva.com or mariarivals.bandcamp.com

WEINF "PURPLE BIRD AND OTHER STRANGE SONGS” CASSETTE OUT NOW

Another new favorite of mine is Barcelona Spain based outfit Weinf and I couldn't be happier to release their new full length "Purple Bird And Other Strange Songs" as a limited cassette. The album comes off like the soundtrack to a secret David Lynch film. Drawing influence from the likes of Morphine, and The Velvet Underground it's the perfect eclectic mix of jazz and psychedelia. Weinf founder Dani Ruiz distinct voice and guitar work are nothing short of stellar and sure to draw you in for a truly exciting listening experience. Pick up a copy at www.custommademusicva.com or weinf.bandcamp.com

STIV: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A DEAD BOY COMING IN 2018

STIV: The Life and Times Of A Dead Boy is an upcoming feature-length documentary on legendary punk icon, Stiv Bators. It will be the first film ever made about the rowdy and controversial performer, and his life will be documented through archive footage, photography, music and all-new interviews with the people who knew him. Stiv Bators was one of the early American punk pioneers, and is primarily known for his work with The Dead Boys and The Lords Of the New Church. Classic songs like "Sonic Reducer" and "Ain't It Fun" continue to inspire fans and musicians from all walks of life. Acclaimed director Danny Garcia will helm the project, and already has numerous punk documentaries under his belt, such as The Rise and Fall Of The Clash, Looking For Johnny, and Sad Vacation: The Last Days Of Sid and Nancy. Following in the same gritty underground style that has become Garcia's hallmark, STIV: The documentary has a tentative release date of May 2018.

STIV - TRAILER from Chip Baker Films on Vimeo.

AURA BLAZE HARD AT WORK ON NEW ALBUM

New Jersey psychedelic rock outfit Auza Blaze are in full studio mode, working on a new album and I must say I can't wait to hear it. Their 2015 self titled debut was absolutely genius as it's rich, mind bending atmospherics matched with incredible songwriting made it one of my favorite albums of the year. Aura Blaze guru Rhode Rachel has been posting in depth updates on the record and options and philosophies on recording which I find incredibly interesting and inspiring. Check out his latest update here.

STARLIGHT (featuring IGGY POP) - A FEATURE FILM BY SOPHIE BLONDY COMING MAY 8TH FROM CLEOPATRA ENTERTAINMENT

Cleopatra Entertainment LLC, the movie division of famed indie record label Cleopatra Records, has acquired all domestic rights to Starlight, a feature film by French film maker Sophie Blondy, coming to Blu-ray and VOD on May 9th. Set in the dunes near the North Sea, a small circus company is suffering from a serious lack of audience for their shows. Spectators are rare but the magic of the circus still thrives. Each performer rehearses and performs new numbers, but this fragile balance will quickly shatter to unveil their real nature and their most obscure feelings. The circus will then become a place of romantic lust where each will use their powers to satisfy their desires. Angele, the diaphanous ballerina, her clown lover Elliot and the circus ringmaster, full of cruelty and disturbed by fits of schizophrenia on one side. Zohra in love with Elliot, haunted by an uncanny conscience on the other side. Secrets, jealousy, envy will progressively take hold of them and trigger some irreversible acts. The life of the circus will then take a whole new turn. Iggy Pop appears throughout the film as an "angel" type character. Starlight was selected and screened at Tallinn - Black Nights Film Festival (Estonia, 2013), Montreal World Film Festival (Canada, 2013), Moscow - International Film Festival (Russia, 2013), Rendez-vous with New French Cinema in Rome (2013), and at Rotterdam International Film Festival (Netherlands, 2013).