Music Discovery Monday – 1/22/18

MUSIC DISCOVERY MONDAY – 1/22/18

Music Discovery Monday shines a light on artists that are not getting the radio attention that they deserve, while also showcasing new singles by established bands that are likely to get airplay in the future.

In addition to appearing on the embedded YouTube playlist below, all songs featured on Music Discovery Monday can be listened to individually by clicking on the hyper-linked song titles above each review.

 

 

ADAM WALDMAN – (Publisher/Editor, Hard Rock Daddy)

ANDREW W.K. – “Music Is Worth Living For”

Though many people only remember Andrew W.K. for his smash hit, “Party Hard,” the man behind the moniker has many more layers than that.  Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier knows that there is much more to life than “partying hard.”

Based on his most well-known hit, you may find it surprising to learn that he became a self-help, new age, motivational speaker in 2005.  He has lectured at a number of well-regarded higher learning institutions through the years.  That being said, he never lost his thirst for partying.

In 2007, W.K. toured as a one-man show.  Each night, he would begin his show with piano improvisation alone on the stage.  Before long, it would turn into a giant party with audience members dancing on stage, even playing instruments and singing along.

Over the past decade plus, he has continued his motivational speaking.  In 2014, W.K. delivered a keynote address entitled “Andrew W.K. and the Philosophy of Partying.”  A partying, rock and roll philosopher?  How the hell is this story not more well-known?  There is a spirit and energy to W.K. that is simply unrivaled in rock and roll (or public speaking for that matter).

Who among us doesn’t feel uplifted and energized by music?  One of my personal favorite quotes is…“when words fail, music speaks.”  W.K.’s latest song, “Music Is Worth Living For,” speaks to me in a big way.  Everyone has those days when things just seem to be going all wrong.  I was having one of those days when I heard this song for the first time.  It instantly changed my mood, and gave me energy that carried throughout the day.

Not surprisingly, this song is high-energy, uplifting, and quite theatrical.  There are so many layers to “Music Is Worth Living For” that you can discover new things with each listen.  The world is a much different place than it was when “Party Hard” was a tremendous hit.  This song may not get the same attention, but it is every bit as good…maybe even better.
 

 
VEER – “Come Clean”

After publishing the TOP 100 HARD ROCK SONGS OF 2017, I was contacted by Veer drummer, Jon Malfi.  Some of the bands that Veer will be playing with in the band’s hometown of Baltimore were featured on the list.

Because so much work goes into publishing this annual list, I was physically and emotionally spent when Malfi reached out to me.  But, as the saying goes, the show must go on!  Discovering new artists is an essential part of Hard Rock Daddy’s mission.  The work that goes on today will help to shape the 2018 edition of the list.

Will Veer be on next year’s list?  Not to give any spoilers, but it’s hard to imagine that it won’t be at this point.

“Come Clean” begins with a riff that reminds me of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”  The riff, which carries in a more subtle way throughout, sets the tone for the song to take an unexpected turn.  Transitioning from a Metallica influence to a T. Rex influence in such a seamless way is no small feat, but Veer does it with ease.

Though there are some distinct influences, there is something unique about this song that immediately grabs your attention.  The melodic hook actually has a southern rock flavor that works perfectly within the confines of the song.  From the soulful vocals to the impressive guitar work to the dynamic rhythm section, “Come Clean” is something to behold.  Expect to see more from theses up-and-comers on Hard Rock Daddy in the near future.
 

 

 

KURT ARFT – HRD Music Scout

REVOLUTION SAINTS – “Light In The Dark”

What do you get when you put three powerhouse, talented musicians together and form a melodic hard rock band?  Revolution Saints – a trio consisting of drummer/singer Deen Castronovo (Journey, Bad English, Dead Daisies), bassist Jack Blades (Night Ranger, Damn Yankees), and guitarist Doug Aldrich (Dio, Whitesnake, Hurricane, Dead Daisies).  Their latest release, Light in the Dark, is a collection of well-crafted songs that you can enjoy from the first track all the way to the last track without feeling like hitting “skip.”  That’s very rare these days.

“Light in the Dark” is a shining example of what happens when you put three experienced players together to make music that sounds so effortless.  Castronovo, with his double-edged attack of lead vocals and killer drumming, really creates an amazing backbone and voice to this track.  Blades highlights the rhythm section with his solid bass playing and harmony vocals, as well as some solo spots. Aldrich may be one of the most underrated guitar players out there, blazing a trail with his playing and creating riffs that you can hum to.  On a side note, his solo work is impeccable.

Although they have only performed together in a live setting once, it was met with thunderous applause and praise.  Hopefully their schedules will allow for them to come together for more live performances, because this is a must-see band!  I strongly encourage everyone to check them out.
 

 
JOSH TODD & THE CONFLICT – “Year Of The Tiger”

Josh Todd & the Conflict come out swinging on “Year of the Tiger”!  This fun, rockin’ tune goes from 0 to 60 immediately and never lets up.  No bells or whistles, just straight up rock n roll rebellion at its finest.

It’s crazy to think that vocalist/frontman Josh Todd and guitarist Stevie D. have so much left in the tank after carving out their musical path with Buckcherry, but these two have put the afterburners on and bring it on this track!  It’s refreshing to see established artists come out with another project and attack it with the same vigor and hunger as they have done with their already established band.  I guess it’s easy when you love what you do and believe in it.

The energy that Todd brings to this song and band is inspiring.  Always moving and attacking, JT plays his role very well, and Stevie D. once again shows why he’s one of the hotshot guitar players out there on the music scene today.  He’s underrated now, but I expect that to change, especially with his recent magazine cover on Guitar Player and feature in an awesome episode of My Favorite Riff with Nikki Sixx.

“Year of the Tiger” will cause you to bang your head and scream at the top of your lungs.  Word of caution…if you’re driving listening to this, you’re likely to end up getting a speeding ticket.

The hard-driving rhythm section of bassist Gregg Cash and drummer Sean Winchester anchor the controlled chaos on the band’s songs.

If you’re expecting Buckcherry part II, don’t. “Year of the Tiger” has a different energy, attack, and vibe.  It’s a whole other beast totally.  Respect what they have done (and continue to do) with Buckcherry, but Josh Todd & the Conflict is new and refreshing.  Their sound and energy is a combination of rock and punk that really takes things to another stratosphere.  It’s raw, it’s pure, and most of all, it’s FUN!  I can’t wait to catch these guys live, for what I expect to be an insane show.  Be sure to pick up Year of the Tiger.  You will NOT be disappointed!

 

SUBMISSIONS

To be considered for Music Discovery Monday, please e-mail a link to the song being submitted on YouTube and an artist bio to – submissions@MusicDiscoveryMonday.com