News

Nashville's Tom Galloway Releases Debut Solo Album August 17, 2018 12:59

Nashville singer/songwriter Tom Galloway has been a staple in the southeastern music scene over the past decade. While many know Galloway as the frontman of rock bands Mama's Love and Maradeen, his latest work portrays a fresh yet diverse look into the artist's catalog. Cross Currents represents Galloway's first full-length solo release, featuring previously released tracks such as "Old Black Dog," "Our Due Time," and "Red Whiskey & Wine." Combining the sounds of americana, alt-country, and southern rock, Cross Currents provides a tasteful blend of nostalgic, conspicuous tracks that make for an excellent listen from start to finish. Find out for yourself and stream the album in full below. 

Born in Georgia, raised in Texas, and currently a songwriter in Nashville, Galloway combines roots of folk, bluegrass, classic country and rock, to form a unique blend of expression and storytelling. Developing his craft for years, strong hooks and captivating lyrics have been the mission. Galloway has been the frontman and principal songwriter for the rock bands Mama's Love and Maradeen, touring extensively across the country. 

We recently had a chance to catch up with Galloway, who provided some extensive background info on the new release and latest step in his already decorated career:

"I wrote most of these songs at our family cabin up in North Georgia between my move from Athens to Nashville. It's hard not to be affected by the feel of the Appalachian country writing up there alone. It's definitely my favorite place to write. The sound of the nearby river was always running low in the background and that was the initial inspiration for the album title. I was also reflecting on the current that was pulling me to Nashville during that transitional time. 

The album also has aspects of loss and redemption and the cross relationship between dark and light. "Poorhouse of Sin," probably the darkest tune, is followed by "Lean Into the Light" which is probably the most positive song, yet they're both beautiful to me in different ways. The crossing of genres too became interesting as the album progressed because I set out to make a singer/songwriter Americana album, but there are a lot of different sounds going on with some interesting sections and driving rhythms.

It's hard for me to define the genre, but we really tried to give the album its own sonic atmosphere. There are sections that are thick with layers but also exposed sections, and I guess it's all based on serving and building each song. The songs are diverse, but I do think we were able to maintain a cohesive characteristic to the album, which is good.

One of my favorite parts of the record is the very last minute, because every band member and guest musician trade licks over a climactic swing as the record fades out.We thought a lot about the track order as well because we wanted a lot of the songs to kind of flow into each other, for the whole album to hold up together as one piece...so I'm serious when I say you need to spark up that doobie, put on some headphones, and let it roll from start to finish."

Stream Tom Galloway's Cross Currents in its entirety here:


Win Tickets To See TAUK + Maradeen At Zydeco (3/6) February 27, 2017 21:02

-
Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
-
Live & Listen is pleased to partner with our friends at Zydeco in Birmingham for an evening with one of the jam scene's most dynamic acts, TAUK, on Monday, March 6th. TAUK's high energy, all-instrumental blend of funk, hip-hop, progressive rock, and jazz is second to none, and this is a Monday night you won't want to miss.  Providing direct support is Nashville's Maradeen, who is fresh off of an opening gig for Bon Jovi at Philips Arena and continues to turn heads across the southeast.  Share this post directly from our Facebook page for a chance to win a pair of tickets to Monday night's show.  Make sure your settings are set to 'public', so we can see it on our end. For all of the latest updates and official details on this show, head over to the official Facebook event page.
-
 
-
Watch TAUK perform "Waver" at Terminal West in Atlanta on 04.16.16 here:
-
-
-
Official Bio: TAUK
-
On their third studio album Sir Nebula, TAUK tap into their singular chemistry to elevate and expand their all-instrumental blend of funk, hip-hop, progressive rock, and jazz. Revealing both their refined musicality and unbridled creativity, the Oyster Bay, New York-bred rock-fusion four-piece (guitarist Matt Jalbert, bassist Charlie Dolan, keyboardist/organist Alric “A.C.” Carter, and drummer Isaac Teel) push into new sonic terrain and build entire worlds within each richly textured soundscape.
 
From the hazy atmospherics of “Time’s Up” and soaring riffs of “Program Select” to the urgent rhythms of “Shenanigans” and sprawling melodies of “Where You Are,” Sir Nebula finds TAUK introducing a cosmically inspired element to their music. “The album ended up taking on a more ambient kind of vibe than anything we’ve done before—there’s a spaciness in the songs that lets you get lost in the sound,” says Dolan. And while the album is endlessly hypnotic, TAUK also deliver the dynamic tension-and-release jams that have helped earn them a devoted following while drawing critical acclaim (the Washington Post, for one, praised TAUK for “creating a hard-charging, often melodic fusion that—thanks to a penchant for improv—offers limitless possibilities”).
 
Throughout Sir Nebula—the follow-up to their 2015 live double album HEADROOM—TAUK allow a more free-form, instinct-guided approach to steer their music into bold new directions. “With this record, we felt more comfortable in the studio and got to a new level where we were able to constantly feed off each other, so there was a lot of spur-of-the-moment improvisation that really helped shape the album,” says Jalbert. Adds Carter: “We made a point of trying to express ourselves freely and take risks even when that felt challenging and scary, instead of holding ourselves back and possibly taking something away from the songs.” At the same time, TAUK sharpened their songwriting to craft more intricately layered arrangements and powerfully intense grooves.
 
As with their past four releases, TAUK created Sir Nebula in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning producer/mixer/engineer Robert Carranza (The Mars Volta, Ozomatli, Jack Johnson, Taj Mahal). But in a departure from their previous work, the band made the album in one concentrated period rather than spacing the recording sessions out in between tours. Holing up at the Solar Powered Plastic Plant in Los Angeles, often pulling 12-hour workdays, TAUK ultimately found the revamped recording process hugely beneficial. “Everything just happened so naturally this time around,” says Jalbert. “I can’t think of one moment where it felt like anything was forced. We were all just completely focused and in the same mindset, which made it this incredibly fun and smooth experience.”
 
TAUK’s creative connection traces back to childhood, when longtime friends Dolan, Jalbert, and Carter formed their first band in seventh grade and held practice in their school basement. After playing together in various projects over the years, the trio brought Teel into the fold in 2012, cementing the final lineup. “We gelled pretty quickly as friends and as musicians, and now there’s a connection onstage that’s unspoken,” notes Teel. “You just feel it from the energy within the band and from the response coming from the crowd—all these people in the same exact headspace.”
 
Since their formation, TAUK have shared stages with an impressive list of bands (including Widespread Panic, Umphrey’s McGee, Lettuce, and Tim Reynolds & TR3), in addition to appearing at festivals like Electric Forest, Bonnaroo, and The Allman Brothers’ Peach Music Festival. That rigorous touring schedule has gone a long way in strengthening their chemistry, according to Carter. “We’re doing 140 shows a year and we pretty much live with each other, so there’s a healthy respect and trust and love happening there,” he says. “We all have a common goal and an understanding that this is something we’re compelled to do, and that’s definitely brought us close together.” It’s also helped TAUK develop a reputation as a masterful live act: “TAUK is unstoppable,” raved Live for Live Music. “If you haven’t see them, dear God, go.”
 
Now on the road again (with upcoming dates including a two-night stint at the Brooklyn Bowl and spots on the Hangtown Music Festival, North Coast Music Festival, and Catskill Chill Music Festival), TAUK also have plans to widen their output by composing scores for film and television. In the meantime, the band is focused on instilling their live show with the same kinetic energy and boundless passion that powered the making of Sir Nebula. “Growing up together as musicians and collectively going on this journey—that’s what makes this experience really special,” says Jalbert of TAUK’s continued evolution. “It’s like everything we’ve learned over the years has been funneled into this band, and now it’s taking shape in a really exciting way. We all love what we’re doing, and the band just feels like home.”
-
-
Official Bio: Maradeen
-
Maradeen is an American rock band based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Founded by guitarist, Whit Murray, in the summer of 2014 with keyboardist, Kaitlyn Connor, and bassist, Sterling Miller, the band formed their initial roots as a high energy rock n roll quartet. With classical and jazz improvisation backgrounds they forged and evolved a unique and well-versed sound. In 2015 Tom Galloway moved to Nashville for songwriting and began collaborations with Murray. The band entered the analog studio "Welcome to 1979" in the spring of 2015 and recorded their first full-length LP entitled, "Mirage". The album features the initial hard-hitting rockers from the band's formative stage while revealing the new songwriting dynamic between Murray and Galloway.
=
Although the band was new to the scene at this time, the origins of Maradeen run deep. Murray played lead guitar for Galloway's band, Mama's Love, between the years of 2009-12. During this time they toured nationwide, developed a devoted fanbase, and recorded with renowned producers Tom Tapley and John Keane. Galloway continued fronting Mama's Love while Murray extended his education at The Berklee College of Music. Mama's Love had shared the stage with the progressive rock band, Afro, several times in the past which featured Connor on keys. Connor met Miller through the MTSU music program where Miller majored in audio engineering and played with bands Harrison Anvil and The Bourbon Barrel Band. A long line of history, coincidence, and mutual passion brought together the group, and they continue to make strides as they climb the mountain of music.
-
Watch Maradeen perform "Deal With The Devil" at the Georgia Theatre here:
-
-

Maradeen Selected To Open For Bon Jovi At Philips Arena January 31, 2017 16:05

Nashville-based rock quintet Maradeen is off to a hot start in 2017, and its most recent news is easily the biggest to date.  The band has just been selected as the opening act for Bon Jovi at Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA on Friday, February 10th.  This show is a part of Bon Jovi's 'This House Is Not For Sale' tour, which kicks off next Wednesday in Greenville, SC and runs through April 11th in Toronto, OR.  Maradeen released its sophomore studio album, Above The Horizon, in October of 2016.  Click here to stream the album today via Spotify.

Bands wishing to enter the 'Bon Jovi Opening Act Contest' for the March 1st - March 8th tour dates can do so by clicking here.  Deadline for submission is Wednesday, February 1st at 12:00 PM PST.

Watch Mardeen's music video for "Livin' For The Weekend" here:

-

MARADEEN is an American rock band based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Founded by guitarist Whit Murray in the summer of 2014 with keyboardist Kaitlyn Connor and bassist Sterling Miller, the band formed their initial roots as a high energy rock n roll quartet. With classical and jazz improvisation backgrounds, they forged and evolved a unique and well-versed sound. In 2014, Thomas Galloway moved to Nashville for songwriting and began collaborations with Murray. The band entered the analog studio "Welcome to 1979" in the spring of 2015 and recorded their first full-length LP entitled, Mirage. The album features the initial hard-hitting rockers from the band's formative stage, while revealing the new songwriting dynamic between Murray and Galloway.
-
In August of 2015, drummer John Rodrigue rounded out the lineup, and the band set out touring heavily, honing their ever-evolving and electrifying live show that is never the same as the night before. In May of 2016, they re-entered Welcome to 1979 Studio to begin work on their second studio album, Above the Horizon, this time with Wes Bailey (keyboardist for renowned band, MOON TAXI) in the producer role. The album is comprised of all original material written by all five members of the band. The album  - from the artwork to the songs - continues to be widely acclaimed. MARADEEN is currently on tour all across the South and up the east coast.. from Louisiana to Vermont. 
-
Praise for MARADEEN and Above the Horizon:
"MARADEEN combines hopeful, upbeat tempos with soulful guitar solos and raw harmonies. If you aren’t careful, their groovy sound might have you jumping on your bed with your air guitar before you even realize what’s hit you."  -Unsung Musicians
-
"While this is no first rodeo for the members of MARADEEN, maybe it's too soon for this project to feel disillusioned, as its lickety-split startup shows the kind of initiative and commitment most of its starry-eyed peers can only talk a good game about."  Knoxville News
-
"MARADEEN manages to deftly blend pop with classic Southern Rock and a little bit of the 1970s Laurel Canyon sound for a nostalgic album crammed with sweet harmonies.... With 10 tracks, MARADEEN has managed to breathe new life into a handful of genres that may have fallen off the radar for many."  - Innocent Words 
-
Some interesting facts on the band: 
  • MOON TAXI keyboardist Wes Bailey produced the new album Above The Horizon
  • Both of MARADEEN's studio albums were recorded at the historic, analog Welcome to 1979 studio in Nashville
  • MARADEEN has shared the stage with some of the greats: The Rhythm Devils (feat. Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead), Todd Nance, Keller Williams, The Revivalists, Moon Taxi, Earphunk, Perpetual Groove, The Apache Relay, Bloodkin, and Colonel Bruce Hampton, to name a few


Maradeen Announces 2017 Winter/Spring Tour Dates January 18, 2017 13:50

Nashville-based rock quintet Maradeen has announced its initial tour dates for 2017, which will see the band across the Southeast and up the East Coast.  The tour kicks off with a hometown show at The Basement in Nashville (TN) on January 27th, followed by a stop at Atlanta's Aisle 5 the following night (1/28).  Additional stops on this tour include Bowling Green (KY), Birmingham (AL), Chattanooga (TN), Asheville (NC), Raleigh (NC), Charlotte (NC), Harrisonburg (VA), Blacksburg (VA), Richmond (VA), Washington D.C., Bridgeport (CT), New York (NY), and New Hope (PA).  The band will perform alongside Travers Brothership in Nashville, Atlanta, and Asheville, as well as The Southern Belles in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Richmond.  See below for the complete list of tour dates, and don't miss out on your chance to catch one of our favorite up-and-coming bands in 2017!

Maradeen is an American rock band based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Founded by guitarist, Whit Murray, in the summer of 2014 with keyboardist, Kaitlyn Connor, and bassist, Sterling Miller, the band formed their initial roots as a high energy rock n roll quartet. With classical and jazz improvisation backgrounds they forged and evolved a unique and well-versed sound. In 2015, Tom Galloway moved to Nashville for songwriting and began collaborations with Murray. The band entered the analog studio "Welcome to 1979" in the spring of 2015 and recorded their first full-length LP entitled, "Mirage". The album features the initial hard-hitting rockers from the band's formative stage while revealing the new songwriting dynamic between Murray and Galloway.

Although the band was new to the scene at this time, the origins of Maradeen run deep. Murray played lead guitar for Galloway's band, Mama's Love, between the years of 2009-12. During this time they toured nationwide, developed a devoted fanbase, and recorded with renowned producers Tom Tapley and John Keane. Galloway continued fronting Mama's Love while Murray extended his education at The Berklee College of Music.

Mama's Love had shared the stage with the progressive rock band, Afro, several times in the past which featured Connor on keys. Connor met Miller through the MTSU music program where Miller majored in audio engineering and played with bands Harrison Anvil and The Bourbon Barrel Band. A long line of history, coincidence, and mutual passion brought together the group, and they continue to make strides as they climb the mountain of music.

Watch Maradeen perform "Deal With The Devil" while opening for Moon Taxi at the Georgia Theatre (08.24.16) here:


Maradeen & Bird Dog Jubilee To Play CukoRakko Pre-Party On October 6th September 20, 2016 11:53

Just in case you weren't already excited enough about the upcoming CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival, further details on the Thursday night pre-party (Oct. 6th) have officially been announced.  Nashville-based jam/rock quintet Maradeen will headline the pre-party, with direct support from Atlanta's Bird Dog Jubilee.  Both bands had been previously announced on the festival lineup, which means festival goers will have the opportunity to get a double dose of both of these hot young acts.  Make sure to head to the official Facebook event page for the pre-party for all of the latest updates on Thursday night's festivities.  

CukoRakko's Fall Fest will be held at Horse Pens 40 in Steele, AL from Thursday, October 6th - Sunday, October 9th.  The lineup this fall will feature as diverse and exciting of a lineup as we have seen from the festival, including the likes of The Heavy Pets, Funk You, Col. Bruce Hampton & Madrid Express feat. Carter Herring, Backup PlanetWinston RambleDank & Friends, The Captain Midnight Band (x2), Maradeen, Mama's Love, Dank & Friends, The Stolen Faces, Jason Bailey Band, Boy Named BanjoRoyal & Toulouse, Bird Dog JubileeSeeds?and Harkestra's Grateful Gospel Jamboree.

Click Here: Purchase your CukoRakko tickets today!

Maradeen

-

Maradeen is an American rock band based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Founded by guitarist, Whit Murray, in the summer of 2014 with keyboardist, Kaitlyn Connor, and bassist, Sterling Miller, the band formed their initial roots as a high energy rock n roll quartet. With classical and jazz improvisation backgrounds they forged and evolved a unique and well-versed sound. In 2015 Tom Galloway moved to Nashville for songwriting and began collaborations with Murray. The band entered the analog studio "Welcome to 1979" in the spring of 2015 and recorded their first full-length LP entitled, "Mirage". The album features the initial hard-hitting rockers from the band's formative stage while revealing the new songwriting dynamic between Murray and Galloway.

Although the band was new to the scene at this time, the origins of Maradeen run deep. Murray played lead guitar for Galloway's band, Mama's Love, between the years of 2009-12. During this time they toured nationwide, developed a devoted fanbase, and recorded with renowned producers Tom Tapley and John Keane. Galloway continued fronting Mama's Love while Murray extended his education at The Berklee College of Music.

Mama's Love had shared the stage with the progressive rock band, Afro, several times in the past which featured Connor on keys. Connor met Miller through the MTSU music program where Miller majored in audio engineering and played with bands Harrison Anvil and The Bourbon Barrel Band. A long line of history, coincidence, and mutual passion brought together the group, and they continue to make strides as they climb the mountain of music.

Listen to Maradeen's new single "Livin' For The Weekend" here:

Official Music Video - "She Treat Me Like a Real Man"

Bird Dog Jubilee

Bird Dog Jubilee is a 4 piece jam band from Atlanta, GA whose sound blends classic and psychedelic rock with a touch of the blues. Formed in early 2014 playing private parties and outdoor festivals, they quickly developed their own style through different influences. Bird Dog Jubilee’s use of musical improvisation and blend of musical genres sets them apart from what you see on stage today. Inspired by The Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, The Band, and Phish, Bird Dog Jubilee has crafted their own unique sound with catchy lyrics, intricate guitar riffs, and crunchy jams. Always playing a different set and using different theatrics, they will keep you begging for more.

Watch BDJ jam on Phish's "Bathtub Gin" here:

Click Here: Purchase your CukoRakko tickets today!

Click Here: Learn More About The Blueberry Jam (10/14-10/15)


CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival Reveals Final Lineup For Fall Fest August 15, 2016 11:53

Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Share this post directly from our Facebook page and tag a friend for a chance to win two weekend passes to CukoRakko.  We will announce a winner via Facebook on Monday, August 22nd at 12:00 PM CST.

CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival is pleased to reveal it's phase three artist announcement and final artist lineup for the 2016 Fall Fest at Horse Pens 40 on October 6th - 9th.  The phase three artist announcement includes a very special reunion performance from Mama's Love (Athens, GA), Dank & Friends (Atlanta, GA), Winston Ramble (Birmingham, AL), Bird Dog Jubilee (Atlanta, GA), and Seeds? (Huntsville, AL).  A variety of single-day and weekend passes to the festival can be purchased by clicking here.  CukoRakko is a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly event located at one of the South's best kept secrets, Horse Pens 40.  Kids ages 10 and under are admitted for free.  Stay tuned for details on Live & Listen's official pre-party at Horse Pens 40 on Thursday, October 6th.  

CukoRakko's Fall Fest will be held at Horse Pens 40 in Steele, AL from Thursday, October 6th - Sunday, October 9th.  The lineup this fall will feature as diverse and exciting of a lineup as we have seen from the festival, including the likes of The Heavy Pets, Funk You, Col. Bruce Hampton & Madrid Express feat. Carter Herring, Backup PlanetWinston RambleDank & Friends, The Captain Midnight Band (x2), Maradeen, Mama's Love, The Stolen Faces, Jason Bailey Band, Boy Named Banjo, Royal & Toulouse, Bird Dog Jubilee, Seeds?and Harkestra's Grateful Gospel Jamboree.

Click Here: Purchase your CukoRakko tickets today!

In preparation for the October festivities, we have included video or audio footage from each of this year's performers below.  This lineup features a variety of amazing talent from across the Southeast, including many of the regions top up-and-coming acts.  Stay tuned for future coverage and exclusive content, including our annual interview series, "The Road To CukoRakko," which will be released in early October.

The Heavy Pets

"Dewpoint" - Live at The Georgia Theatre

"Keep Me Running" - Live at The Georgia Theatre

 Funk You

"Lets Dance" - Live at Terminal West

Col. Bruce Hampton & Madrid Express w/ Carter Herring

Entire set from Echo Mountain Studios

Backup Planet

Official music video for "The Road"

Winston Ramble

"Free State of Mind" - Live at Muscle Shoals Studio

Dank

Official music video for "Get Up"

The Captain Midnight Band

"Common Law Hussy"

Maradeen

Official Music Video - "She Treat Me Like a Real Man"

Mama's Love

Listen to "Catch a Feelin'" here:

Listen to "Wake Up Woes" here:

 The Stolen Faces (Grateful Dead Tribute)

Official Music Video - "U.S. Blues"

Boy Named Banjo

Listen to "Blue Hole Bridge" here:

Jason Bailey Band

"Adventures of Shannon Ceili"

Royal & Toulouse

Official music video - "One Direction"

Bird Dog Jubilee

Covering Twiddle's "Lost In The Cold"

Seeds?

Live at Lowe Mill in Huntsville, AL

Harkestra's Grateful Gospel Jamboree

Live from CukoRakko SpringFest 2015


New Interview + Song Debut: Whit Murray and Thomas Galloway of Maradeen September 15, 2015 13:09

 

We recently caught up with Whit Murray and Thomas Galloway of Maradeen, one of Nashville's hottest young rock groups.  In just their second year, the band has quickly progressed from small local bars to well-known music venues across the Southeast. The band's debut album, Mirage, drops next Tuesday (September 22nd), and we couldn't be more excited to debut the albums opening track, "She Treat Me Like a Real Man" here in this interview.

Let’s start off by talking about the recent birth of Maradeen. Did you guys have much experience playing together before then?  Tell me about that first gig.

Whit:  Thomas and I were in a band called Mama’s Love out of Athens, GA from 2009-2012. I left the band to pursue a music degree up in Boston and Thomas continued on. We used to exchange shows with this band Afro out of Nashville. Their keys player Kaitlyn and I started jamming in Nashville and she brought Sterling along to play bass. I had met our drummer Russ Garner at a local jam in town and when the 4 of us linked up, the music came together really quickly.

Then Thomas moved to Nashville in October and he and I started writing songs. After about 3 months, we had written an album's worth and I invited him to sit in with us at one of our shows in January and he’s still coming back! Having two guitars, three lead vocalists, and three part harmonies really brought what we’d been creating to life and added a whole new level of excitement.

There was no denying that the first full gig we played, we sounded like a real band. We recorded this catalog of material in March and it's set to be released on Tuesday, September 22nd. We’re calling it, Mirage. 

Listen to "She Treat Me Like a Real Man" by Maradeen


Deciding on a band name can be tricky. A lot bands run through a couple before the right one sticks. Where did you guys come up with Maradeen?    

Whit:  Before Thomas entered the picture, the four of us recorded a three-song demo and booked our first gig at South here in Nashville. Before we could announce the show and release the music, we needed to come up with a band name. I had a buddy visiting me for the weekend and we made a huge list and kept coming back to the word Meridian.

By definition, meridian can mean: a point or period of highest development or greatest prosperity, splendor, or success. We thought this could be applicable to both the music itself and the original mantra of the band. The name would serve as a reminder to always reach as far as you can in anything you pursue.

But rather than just call it Meridian, we changed it to Maradeen to give it some originality. After settling on it, I noticed a billboard outside of my apartment for Nashville’s Mayor, Karl Dean. That must be where the name entered my subconscious and so it stuck.

The Nashville music scene is second to none, with an endless amount of music being played on any given street corner.  You guys obviously know how this works from your days in Athens.  How vital has the band’s progression been calling Nashville home?

Thomas:  There is a credibility and seriousness that comes with the town of Nashville. I feel the same way about Athens, GA. Great artists and bands have come out of both areas. I still consider Athens an integral part of my musical growth, and now Nashville has become my new home and the center for the music business machine in the South. There is such a saturation of songwriters here and opportunities to collaborate. Everyone I've met in town has a creative drive and willingness to work hard and play hard.

Who have been some of your biggest influences over the years? Are there any particular guitarists who you have modeled your style of play after?

Whit:  I grew up to classic rock and the likes of Hendrix, Clapton, and the Rolling Stones. In high school and college, Phish and the Grateful Dead and their two front men (Trey Anastasio, Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir) were a huge influence.

When I went to music school, I spent a lot of time studying jazz and blues. Players like Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, and George Benson, then Duane Allman, Albert & Freddie King, Hubert Sumlin are among some of my favorites. Too many list!

And the amazing teacher’s I’ve had the privilege of studying under. My mentor at Berklee, Richie Hart, is one of the most amazing musicians in the world and he really stressed the amount of work and commitment it takes not only in effort to be great but to merely survive as a musician.

Thomas:  The people I've played with have honestly been the biggest influences. I've had the privilege of playing with incredible players and writers over the years, all of whom I consider part of a connective musical family.  When I was 15, Classic Rock became a huge influence for me with bands like The Beatles, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, Boston, The Doobie Brothers, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Later I dove deeper into bands such as The Grateful Dead, The Band, Old and in the Way, and Little Feat. Every one of these artists inspired me with their ability to write with integrity and still reach a wide audience.  Prime examples include Neil Young, Robert Hunter, Willie Nelson, Gram Parsons, Waylon Jennings, & Tom Petty. These early classic rock and country influences still guide my writing today.

What has been your approach when writing new songs? Do you typically start with the chords or the lyrics?  How has the songwriting process worked within the band?

Thomas:  I rarely try to force or plan anything when writing a new song. I will usually hear a musical phrase at some point, with at least a rough melody and/or lyrics that inspires me enough to make a quick note or recording of the idea.  That initial cryptic influence is usually "the gift" and will be the fuel for the rest of the process to evolve. From there it's a matter of adding context and color, turning it into a full story and a complete song. In Nashville, co-writing is such an integral part of the scene. Right when I moved here, Whit and I got together and co-wrote a handful of tunes. Our goal of these collaborations was to develop and complete a full song in each session from a blank canvas.  I think Whit and my approach to songwriting have complemented each other well in the writing room. We were both pleased with the results, and once they were filtered through the talent of the band, they were taken to a whole new level.    

Much progress has been made with the band in a short period of time.  Maradeen has quickly broken out of the Nashville scene and made its way into the Southeastern circuit.  Not many people understand how much goes into the business side of a band, much less a new band.  How has that worked for this band thus far?

Whit:  When I joined Mama’s Love in 2009, they had already released a full-length album 2 years prior and had been touring pretty extensively, especially for a college band. I had no idea how much would go into getting this thing off the ground a year ago when we first started.

Fortunately for us, we’ve all been at this for so long and have had amazing support from old friends, fans, and mutual connections. We’ve been doing a lot of the booking ourselves which requires a tremendous amount of patience and persistence. We’ve taken old markets where we had previous success and just kept hitting them every 2-4 months. We’ve still got a long ways to go, but the progress has been astounding and we’re all really proud of how far we’ve come in the past year.

It’s also been refreshing to start over have the freedom to implement what worked in other projects and try and avoid things that didn’t. I feel like I’m constantly learning new ways to try and make our music more viable and appealing from a business standpoint.


How is the rest of 2015 shaping up for the band? What has you guys most excited?  Have any major goals/plans for 2016 been laid out yet?

Whit:  2015 has been an amazing first year for us. We’ve recorded and are releasing our debut LP, gone from opening to headlining some of our old favorite venues, and gotten to share bills with some of our old friends who we’ve been coming up with since we first started 8 years ago.

I’m most excited about sharing our first album with our growing audience, having one of our tracks included on the October/November issue of Relix Magazine’s sampler, and playing the Blueberry Jam with our old friends in Earphunk and the Revivalists! We have yet to play with the McLovins but are excited to link up with them too!

Our biggest goals for 2016 are continuing expanding into new markets, supporting larger acts, and signing with a booking agency eventually. We also hope to break play as many festivals as we can next Summer!

Official Website: Maradeen

Facebook: Maradeen

Instagram: Maradeen

Twitter: Maradeen 


Blueberry Jam Sessions: Sunday 11/22: Weeks Bay Plantation: Fairhope, AL August 12, 2015 11:58

Live & Listen is pleased to announce the details and lineup for our latest series of events, The Blueberry Jam Sessions.  The Blueberry Jam Sessions will be held on Weeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope, Alabama on Sunday, October 18th and Sunday, November 22nd at 2:00PM.  On Sunday, November 22nd, we are thrilled to welcome The Revivalists as our headlining act, as well as Earphunk, McLovins, and Maradeen.  Each session will feature four bands, offering a wide variety of musical talent while crossing into multiple genres, creating the feel of a one-day music festival.  Both events will benefit The WISP Foundation, aimed at raising awareness for safe and organic farming.

The Blueberry Jam Sessions will serve as our two initial events at Weeks Bay Plantation, with firm plans for a full weekend festival in 2016.  General admission and VIP tickets for both events will go on sale on Friday, August 21st and can be purchased right here at liveandlisten.com.  Kids 12 and under will be admitted for free.

Click Here: Purchase Tickets Now

Weeks Bay Plantation is currently home to LA Berry Farms, a pick-your-own blueberry farm where you can come enjoy a rejuvenating outdoor experience while nabbing some amazing little-blue-fruit packed with anti-oxidants and touted as one of the top ten healthiest foods we can eat. Not only are the berries 100% organic, they are grown with proprietary high nutritional methods. The results?  Some of the sweetest, most delicious blueberries in the south.

-

-The Revivalists-

It’s actually surprising that when The Revivalists take the stage, the entire planet doesn't hear them playing--yes, their sound is that big. It’s not just because this band - who have performed everywhere across the country - has seven members and perform with a wide breadth on instruments. It is because there is so much passion spewing out of these guys that it’s completely impossible to ignore them.

After seven years of making music together, New Orleans rock hybrid The Revivalists (David Shaw - vocals, Zack Feinberg - guitar, Andrew Campanelli - drums, Ed Williams - pedal steel guitar, George Gekas - bass, Rob Ingraham - saxophone, and Michael Girardot - keyboards & trumpet) are set to deliver their latest studio album, Men Amongst Mountains. The forthcoming release, out on July 17, is an album about growth. It is appropriate, then, that the band set out to challenge itself while writing and recording their latest batch of music.

The Revivalists cloistered themselves within the intimate confines of Bogalusa, LA’s Studio in the Country for nearly two weeks while recording Men Amongst Mountains, taking advantage of the studio’s generous acoustics by setting up in a single room and recording to tape in an effort to induce a more performance-based sensibility. New Orleans’ Esplanade and Living Room Studios hosted the finishing touches to an album which leans first and foremost on capturing authentic moments in warm, rich tones and with a distinctly raw, old-world feel.

Mirroring the broader themes which connect the individual songs on the album, the recording and instrumentation on Men Amongst Mountains represents the next step in The Revivalists’ ever-evolving depth and maturity. Like the band’s vaunted live shows, Men Amongst Mountains can and will turn on a dime. The gentle gives way to the heavy, the acoustic to the orchestral. Despair becomes hope. Fire becomes light. At times, the obstacles and troubles in our lives can make the world seem impossibly, hopelessly big. Men Amongst Mountains, ultimately, is about the journey that makes us greater than the mountains standing in our way.

-

-Earphunk-

200 shows, three trips across the United States and appearances at Electric Forest Festival, Bear Creek Music and Art Festival, and Wakarusa Music Festival. It’s been a busy 24 months for Earphunk who have seen their efforts propel them from small club stages to packed clubs and theaters across the country. The New Orleans born-and-bred quintet shows no sign of letting off the gas, and now, with the band’s third studio album release of Sweet Nasty, the band has captured the energy that has won over a rapidly growing fanbase of loyal listeners.

Recorded at the storied Studio in the Country in rural Louisiana while on break between tour stints, Sweet Nasty is Earphunk’s boldest release to date. “When you hear the album it sounds like a live show, and that’s how it should feel,” explains lead guitarist Paul Provosty, who also handled mixing duties for the record. “We wanted it to sound big – a true representation of our live show.” The Studio’s hallowed halls provided the proper backdrop for the band’s uniquely organic balance of heavy-pocket funk and reckless prog-driven guitar explosions, or “prog-funk”, as the band refers to it.

The band’s early rehearsals saw Provosty, Mark Hempe (vocals/guitar), Michael Matthews (drums), Michael Comeaux (Bass), and Christian Galle (keyboards/organ) as college students around New Orleans and Baton Rouge, LA in 2009 — there were no expectations of national tours and sold out dates. But as things quickly progressed, the option to pursue a full-time career as musicians drove the band to hit the road. “After the first few tours, we were fully vested in this together,” Hempe muses, “and when people are coming to the shows, and appreciating what we’re doing, it gives us the drive to want to step up our game, to be as tight as we can be.”

Years later, the unit’s tireless touring ethic continues to fortify their commitment. “It’s tough leaving New Orleans; this is our home. We don’t get much time back here now, but luckily as we’ve toured, fans have spread,” explains Provosty. “To do this right, you have to keep visiting every market every three or four months, and we’re committed to that. When the shows are selling out, we know our music is resonating. It’s just a matter of continuing to give this thing the room it needs to grow.”


Part of finding the room to grow is recognizing when to reach out to a few helping hands. Saxophonist and close friend Khris Royal (Rebelution, Dark Matter) had contributed his services to past Earphunk records, but for Sweet Nasty, the band was looking to create a larger section. “Everyone in New Orleans, they play with each other. Everyone sits in with one another. It’s a natural thing and that’s the vibe we wanted on the record,” says Provosty.

There are worse places to be than New Orleans when in need of a horn player, and the band had to look no further than Eric “Benny” Bloom (Lettuce, Pretty Lights). “We had been out on the road with Lettuce for a few dates in the Southeast and got to know the guys pretty well,” recalls Galle. “When Eric moved to New Orleans, it was a no brainer. We needed him on the record with Khris.” Bloom and Royal unite with the five-piece in stellar fashion, bringing a proper funk authenticity to high-energy tracks like the Zapp and Roger inspired “Phine” and foot stomping title track “Sweet Nasty.” As George Clinton once mused about the band – “Y’all ain’t your average white band!”

Although the album was recorded, the work was not yet complete. In an age where digital releases and distribution models leave artists with more questions than answers, the band sought for an alternative. The solution was found in a partnership with the emerging publisher platform BitTorrent Bundle. BitTorrent Inc, the company behind the revolutionary peer-to-peer protocol with over 170 million monthly users, describes Bundle as “a revolutionary file format that’s designed to restore digital media to its experiential core.” That’s precisely the type of treatment Earphunk was looking for with the release of Sweet Nasty, which will debut exclusively on BitTorrent Bundle on August 18th. The Sweet Nasty Bundle will be loaded up with exclusive videos, live sets, and artwork to accompany the new album to enrich the fans’ experience.

Sweet Nasty showcases an emerging band with something to prove; yet who are prepared, willing, and ready to define themselves as a premiere national act. And with it’s release locked and loaded, the next step is a familiar one for Earphunk. As the band loads the trailer for their next national trek to support the album’s release, dates and festivals are already being booked for 2015. There are no plans to deviate from this strategy; after all, it’s worked out thus far. “Our fans have done so much for us already on this journey,” explains Hempe. “We just feel beyond fortunate to have this audience and we’re just going to continue working how we’ve been working, so they can feel proud to support us.”

-

-McLovins-

 

McLovins specialize in the creation of dynamic and improvised sound, influenced by the members' disparate and eclectic musical influences. The band currently includes Jason Ott, Jake Huffman, Justin Berger and Atticus Kelly.

These young artists from Connecticut, embrace simultaneous and intricate improvisation with a more versatile front line in which all members are singing in four-part harmony, writing lyrics & music, as well as expounding on one another's musical ideas. Set list segues and fiery improvisations are a staple of the band's performances, keeping their audience always guessing what's coming next and wanting more!

In the short time the McLovins have been performing together, they have been invited to appear at an impressive number of well-established, as well as many new music festivals, and some of the most well respected venues in the North East.  These guys are constantly writing & playing music, to continue to build on their own foundation, towards a long career of Original Rock Music to their growing fan base, of all ages.

-

-Maradeen-

Maradeen is an American rock band based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Founded by guitarist, Whit Murray, in the summer of 2014 with keyboardist, Kaitlyn Connor, and bassist, Sterling Miller, the band formed their initial roots as a high energy rock n roll quartet.  With classical and jazz improvisation backgrounds they forged and evolved a unique and well-versed sound. In 2015 Tom Galloway moved to Nashville for songwriting and began collaborations with Murray.  The band entered the analog studio "Welcome to 1979" in the spring of 2015 and recorded their first full-length LP entitled, "Mirage". The album features the initial hard-hitting rockers from the band's formative stage while revealing the new songwriting dynamic between Murray and Galloway. 

Although the band was new to the scene at this time, the origins of Maradeen run deep. Murray played lead guitar for Galloway's band, Mama's Love, between the years of 2009-12. During this time they toured nationwide, developed a devoted fanbase, and recorded with renowned producers Tom Tapley and John Keane.  Galloway continued fronting Mama's Love while Murray extended his education at The Berklee College of Music. Mama's Love had shared the stage with the progressive rock band, Afro, several times in the past which featured Connor on keys. Connor met Miller through the MTSU music program where Miller majored in audio engineering and played with bands Harrison Anvil and The Bourbon Barrel Band.  Whit met Russ Garner, who was also a Berklee College graduate, at an open jam in Nashville one evening. Garner played with the Larry Mitchell Band which had also crossed paths with Mama's Love in the past.  A long line of history, coincidence, and mutual passion brought together the group, and they continue to make strides as they climb the mountain of music. 

Stay tuned to liveandlisten.com, as well as our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts for all future updates on The Blueberry Jam Sessions!

For all press related inquires, contact Jordan Kirkland