Ryder hail from Queens New York, with a great rocking sound. With James Ryder on vocals and guitar, backed up by Max Knight on lead guitar, and a tight rhythm section of Rod Viquez on bass and Nick Bavaro on drums. A not unusual story of a dangerous woman, intoxicating men with her kiss, but done with a great hook line and attitude a plenty. There is something about hairy ass rockers which attracts this kind of woman. I’m sure the rest of the male population just dream of them. I cant see a bank clerk going out of an evening and getting intoxicated by a Queen viper , but, alone in his bedroom, well that’s a different story, and songs like this no doubt help to fuel the fantasy. I am a sucker for wah wha lead, and this song is swimming it, creating the overall edge of switchblade rock n roll which is needed in these days of overproduction. It’s timeless but packs a modern punch. A must for the aficionado of hard rock. If Ryder ryde into your town, and you are partial to a great rocking tune or two, get down and see them.

Hailing from Southsea (Portsmouth), this a two piece rock combo consisting of Matt Thompsett, vocals and guitar and Matt Winterman, drums. They say they are influenced by Muse, Queens Of The Stone Age and Biffy Clyro, but I can hear a lot of Robert Fripp in the clever guitar work. There are also some clever syncopated rhythms going on too, which sends it into a proggy area. Matt Thompsetts eye rolling antics on the video also bring to mind a certain Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, also great purveyers of prog. So I think he has been studying a lot more historic classic bands than he is revealing at the moment. I would like to see how this pans out live , as even the originators of two piece prog rock Tractor had to add a bass player and keyboards once they took to the stage. This is very fuzz laden, which makes up for a lack of bass player, with many layers of guitar making up the sound, which also features as many key changes as you can shake a stick at. I find myself looking forward to Matt almost shouting IS – THIS – THE – END toward the end of the song and I find this is a good measure of a song, when part of it resonates enough for you to look forward to it. The rest follows naturally once you are hooked. I would certainly recommend it to fans of prog old and new

Ok, take us back to the beginning. How did you two meet and start the band ? Anthony: Troy and I met in 2014 at our company’s year-end celebration. Axis, Troy’s wife/manager, was part of the organizing committee. We had our respective bands at the time. Axis introduced us to Troy. So, whenever Troy’s band drummer would be unable for a gig, he would invite me to serve as their session drummer. Troy: When I saw him perform at the yearend party, I was genuinely impressed! It was a no-brainer when The Thinkers was created; he’s the one and only drummer I can think of. In 2017, I wanted to be a solo artist when I felt that my band at that time was nearing its end after 13 years of being active in the scene. In 2018, when I released my first solo single on all digital streaming platforms. But then I realized that to promote that song—and my future songs—is to have a live band to back me up. And boredom as a solo artist is kind of starting to grow on me. So, I formed The Thinkers! Then the pandemic happened; all plans were halted—no gigs, no recording, no rehearsals, stuff like that. We stopped everything. But it was also during that time that I had the idea to make it a “real” band—not just a backup band—but a band with a new set of songs (all in English), a new sound, a different image. I set up an online meeting, and they agreed to the idea. Then that was it. The rest is history. What are your biggest influences? Troy: The Beatles. Nirvana. Oasis. Radiohead. Smashing Pumpkins. Basically, 90s alternative/rock music (except The Beatles). Those were our formative years; we were young and just starting to listen to various types of music. So, it remained with us, and we're now combining that music and bands to create The Thinkers' own “unique” sound. Anthony: I go for The Beatles also, and mostly rock bands from the 90's, i.e. Pearl Jam, The Smashing Pumpkins, Oasis, and Nirvana too. How did you start playing music ? Anthony: Since I was a grade schooler. I used to play the snare drums in a marching band back where I grew up. My first official band was formed in 2001, when I was in high school. So, you can say I have been playing the drums for more than half of my life. Troy: I think it’s just a natural progression because I grew up in a musically inclined family. So as a kid, I was surrounded by my father and other relatives who sang and played musical instruments no matter what the occasion was. And growing up in the 90s, where music of all types was very much alive, instinctively I was fascinated with what was happening, and it attracted like-minded kids in school, and we bonded listening and talking about different kinds of music. I also formed my first band in high school with those kids/friends, and from then on, I can’t stop “being in a band." I was hooked! There are only 2 of you, so how do you get your sound? Do you have any sort of special equipment? Anthony: Nope, there's no special equipment. Nothing fancy, really. We usually tag along a session bassist, especially for large crowds or a venue that requires thicker sound, as well as during studio recording sessions. For smaller stages, a dual amp for Troy is the way for the sound to be fuller and more satiated. Troy: As a duo, we try to keep things simple, particularly the music. During recording sessions, we have a team to assist us with additional instruments (bass, keyboards, additional vocals.). On live shows, we keep things as raw as possible. Now that we're a duo, Anthony and I would find ways to put up a Thinkers-style performance. But if time allows, we usually hire a session bassist. As a result, we are forced to put all our energy into our performance. Loud and hard enough to fill in the "gaps." As for the equipment, I simply connect my guitar to two amps and a few effects pedals and sing as loudly as I can. What is your process for writing songs? And for Anthony, how do you contribute as a drummer of The Thinkers ? Anthony: All compositions are collaborative efforts. Of course, Troy gives the melody; I apply whatever I think best suits the groove. I try to keep the beat as basic as possible but still give it the punch of a 90s rock band. Troy: I just fiddle with the guitar without any intention of writing. Just looking for the right chord pattern, waiting for an idea to come fall from the sky. Haha! And when I feel something different with that chord pattern, then I officially start from there. I try to incorporate a melody around it, humming and singing in gibberish. By the time I form the basic song structure, I will try to find the right lyrics to the melody. Music comes first before the words—that’s usually the case. But there are situations where I would create the melody and lyrics at the same time. Mood is a big factor also. When inspiration hits strongly, it’s easier to write. But the main point is that, as a songwriter, I must write regardless of my mood. What plans do you have for 2025? Troy: We will release a full-length album in 2025. We'll release physical copies on vinyl and are hoping of releasing it also on cassette tapes too. We're currently listing down and working out which tracks to arrange and include on the album. Live shows to promote the songs are also a non-negotiable part of the plan. Of course, the continuity of international radio airplay. Anthony: Yes, releasing a full-length album is the plan; we've been targeting the release since our formation. Other plans on the track still included performing live shows, radio airplays, campus tours, and playing outside the Philippines! It's a dream! (fingers crossed). How do you discipline yourself as an individual and as part of The Thinkers? Troy: As a songwriter, I push myself to write at least two poems a week just to keep my imagination and wordplay in shape. Then I aim to finish a song within a week. There are weeks that I’m able to write more than that, but not all the time—sometimes it's zero. But regardless, I strive to stick to a routine. I need to work so that the "muse" may emerge and whisper some form of inspiration to me so that I can complete the song. As for collective discipline, we comply with the band's basic rules, so we have structure— punctuality plays a big part in the band, that's one. Anthony: Axis is such a slave driver that we tend to behave all the time. JK! Kidding aside, time management and dedication to your commitment as a member are the keys. One thing that I have been consistent and committed to ever since I joined a band is that I see to it that I arrive on time (or earlier). That's a good practice.

With "Slipping Away" Tremendous has delivered a dazzling new Single. The song opens with a bold, shimmering vocals, a nostalgic call to mind the glittery swagger of the '70s, but there's a modern twist that sets it apart. The production is lush and expansive, with every layer of sound adding to the track’s cinematic feel. It’s the kind of song you can imagine echoing through a neon-lit city at night, where dreams feel just a little bit closer. In an era where musical influences can often feel derivative, "Slepping Away" Is an exciting glimpse into an artist unafraid to draw from the past while creating something entirely their own.  The single comes out on the 13th of December so make sure you get over to Spotify and follow Tremendous so you get to hear the song as soon as it comes out!

Tell us about your latest release. Our latest studio album, Orgone Unicorn, came out in July on the US label, Lasers Edge. It was recorded in my studio in Portugal in Sept 2023. It features mostly really long and diverse tracks with sitar, violin, sometimes very proggy other times experimental. We even had a long jam track with drum machines that was pretty exciting. We also recently (Nov 2024) released a DVD of our performance from the Crescendo Festival in France in 2022. A fantastic pro shot DVD. What was the recording process like? Was it in a studio or do you do it all yourselves? Orgone and our album before, Everyone is Evil, were recorded in my own professional studio in Portugal. The process is we all set up in the live room of the studio, discuss an idea of style and choose a key to play in and off we go and we play. All these tracks were recorded totally live in the studio and only very minimal changes have been made afterwards. I set up all the mics and the recording template and for most of the songs on this album, Larry Lush helped me with the engineering. He also played on the record as well. How do you guys write the songs? We make totally improvised music so we do not write music, really. We choose a key, a direction, a rhythm and just see what happens. That is our approach. What were your main influences while writing? Our main influences are the people in the room as the musicians change in each jam and each day. Also, the studio sits in an amazing and inspiring location on the mountain side in Portugal with incredible views.. We always try to explore new ideas and directions like having some jams with drum machines. What is your favourite song on the new release and why? That is a tough question.. I really like the opening track Skin Walker and the CD2 bonus track, David Grahams Wormhole Ride. Skin Walker is a bit like the band Tangle Edge from Norway and features a very tight drums and bass that is a bit repetitive but gave a structure that allowed the rest of us to really go in different fun directions. David Grahams Wormhole ride was the very first jam of the studio session and just a nice spacey track.. It is only on the CD and not on the vinyl version of the record. It is a very good solid album release. I am proud of it. How did you come up with the name of the release? Sometimes, a strange name comes to you. I had been listening to Space Ritual by Hawkwind a lot and they have a song called Orgone Accumulator. I like the word Orgone and the meaning (Esoteric, unexplained energy) and Unicorn, something very different just came to me. Have you got any gigs or a tour coming up where people can hear the songs live? We have our 20th anniversary next year and will play 2 concerts in Copenhagen on April 11-12th to celebrate. Lots of old members will come and play to celebrate. It will be a very special evening for sure. In May we will play the Spaceboat in Hamburg for the 10th time, also a special occasion of sorts. In July 4-5th, we play two festivals in northern Germany. Sept, we have a small tour with dates in Denmark, Germany, Italy and Holland at the moment.. Going to be a great year but you will not hear any of the songs from Orgone as we play totally improvised music and every concert will be totally different. Check out our web sites below.. http://oresundspacecollective.com http://oresundspacecollective.bandcamp.com http://drspace1.bandcamp.com   http://doctorsofspace.bandcamp.com http://www.spacerockproductions.com   Http://blackmooncircle.bandcamp.com Http://auralhallucinations.bandcamp.com https://estudioparaisonasn.wixsite.com/my-site

Tell us about your latest release We recently released our cover of the Bee Gee classic ‘Tragedy’ and we’re really happy with how it turned out! It was originally released as a pre-order special back in 2022 for our debut album ‘Look At Me Now’, but we’ve re-mixed it for this release and you should all DEFINITELY check it out! We also recently released a new. Music video for our track ‘Not Your Mannequin’. The video features ourselves as puppets prancing around and we had so much fun making the video. We have some more sneaky releases planned before the end of the year so keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming Christmas miracle. What was the recording process like? Was it in a studio or do you do it all yourselves? We do everything in house. Freddy, who is the bassist and backing vocalist in the band , also takes care of all the production. For our latest releases we rented a rehearsal room and recorded drums ourselves whilst everything else is done in Freddy’s home studio, aside from the occasional recordings we had to go out and do “in the field”. How do you guys write the songs? The process for our last album was the best process to play on our strengths. Kitty and Freddy would flesh out demos in their own time and then send the tracks over to each other to finesse/write over. This started out of necessity over COVID but we found it was the best way to get the most out of our song writing. We would go over fine details/discrepancies in person, but the bulk of it was done this way. What were your main influences while writing? It’s usually whatever springs to mind really. We try and go with the flow so as to not limit ourselves so we could be influenced by anything – could be a story, a film, a little melody, whatever flows our boats. This has allowed us to get pretty whacky with our song writing and our album ‘Look At Me Now’ is a great example of this – it’s truly an eclectic mix of genres and influences. What is your favourite song on the new release and why? As cliché as it is, we can’t really pick a favourite. Especially off our last album, where every song is so different it all depends on our mood. There are definitely songs that will become staples in our live sets and songs that we might struggle to play live in the future, but that’s not out of picking favourite as much as it is due to practical reasons. How did you come up with the name of the release? Our latest video ‘Not Your Mannequin’ has a very clear message and the song title encapsulates that message perfectly. Plus it meant we were able to play with puppets for the video which is always a plus. Have you got any gigs or a tour coming up where people can hear the songs live? We don’t’ have many shows lined up in the near future, but we’ll definitely be down for shows across the country in 2025. Keep your eyes peeled to see if we’re playing in a town near you!

Tell us about your latest release My new single "Back To Start" dropped on Oct 18th of this year. It's a song about coping with all the craziness going on in this world. What is your recording process? Was it in a studio or do you do it all yourself? This latest single, as well as my next two, we're recorded at Castle Studio just outside of Nashville and produced by Dove Award winning producer, Kene "Ghost" Bell. It was an awesome experience and the band brought in to back me were world class musicians who have worked with some the biggest artists there are. How do you write the songs? Most of my songs are written from my own life experiences. I try to write real and relatable. What were your main influences while writing? As far as the songs, they were influenced by all the things happening in my life. What is your favourite song on the new release and why? Out of the three I recorded with Kene, I love them all, but my next single "Olivia Smiles" is very special. It is about my daughter and her battles with depression and anxiety and her attempted suicides and as a dad,  just longing for her to smile and find happiness again. How did you come up with the name of the release? "Back To Start" ...the phrase just kindbof came out as I was writing and I wrote the restbofbthe song around it with the idea of the world  getting to start fresh. Have you got any gigs or a tour coming up where people can hear the songs live? I have I Christmas show Dec. 14th in Ohio with Broken Bottle Productions and then I will take the rest of the holiday season off to spend time with my family and regroup and hit it again in '25.

Tell us about your latest release My latest release is my EP “ a northern perspective ”, which came out in December 2022! It’s a collection of some of my songs that I’ve written over the past few years, a lovely little run of tunes that I wrote. What was the recording process like? Was it in a studio or do you do it all yourself? I record everything at home in my home studio! It’s great cause I’m able to take everything at my own pace, work on stuff in either huge long day chunks, or little short half an hour sections - it’s flexible and works well alongside my other work that I do. I really enjoy producing tracks, finding ways to create and keep things fresh - it’s always lovely to create. How do you write the songs? Most of my songs are written around my own personal experiences, my thoughts and feelings on things - a lot of my songs are extremely written from my own world view, reflective of my surroundings and experiences. I usually sit down and work on chord progressions, and often the words flow easily, but sometimes you’ve gotta work harder on some tracks.. but the most difficult part sometimes is naming a song! What were your main influences while writing? Mostly as I said before, my own personal experiences - things that I encounter, that I see and how I feel towards them. I think it’s rooted in my love of folk music, singer-songwriters from the earlier age of contemporary music, musicians like Bob Dylan and Neil Young. A lot of the more indie/punk/grunge influence definitely comes from 90’s alternative rock, another genre that I love! What is your favourite song on the new release and why? It’s so hard to choose. It’s like asking a parent their favourite child! I think that maybe “ waterlines ”, it’s one of the oldest tracks I’ve got and is energetic, punky, angsty. Always a fun one to perform. How did you come up with the name of the release? It’s actually a Coronation Street quote. One of my old bandmates said I should call my EP it (a long time ago!) and it stuck! Pretty apt for me, too, being from the North of England. Have you got any gigs or a tour coming up where people can hear the songs live? I’ve got a bunch of shows coming up towards the end of the year, and not only that, I’m putting on a load, and performing in some of the bands I’m in. You can find it all on the website of the label I run, Bread Records .

Chaos Reigns delivers spades on their latest EP, Sweet Violence.  From the very first note, the listener is hit with a sonic barrage that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.  The band’s tight instrumentation, relentless drumming, and ferocious guitar work set the tone for what is a no-holds-barred sonic assault. Tracks like "Snakes & Branches" and "Graveyard Shift" are relentless in their pacing, with blistering riffs and shouted vocals that tackle themes of disillusionment, rebellion, and societal frustration.  It’s clear that Chaos Reigns is not here to play nice—they’re here to make a statement. The production on this EP maintains that gritty, DIY feel that hardcore fans will appreciate, while still allowing each instrument to cut through the mix with clarity.  There’s a sense of urgency that permeates every song, from the chaotic, thrash-inspired breakdowns to the high-speed riffs that leave little room to breathe. Track List:- False God Graveyard Gods Violet Delights Snakes and Branches Sins of Success The Lotus King (Ft Mike Chapman) Check out the EP nw on Spotify

Guitarist Dave Hanson is returning to the stage at the Blues Bar in Harrogate on the 30th of January for his first live performance in over six years. After a hiatus of over six years, Hanson's highly-anticipated performance promises an evening of masterful guitar skills that will captivate audiences, bringing his exceptional talent and passion for music back to the spotlight. Hanson's setlist will showcase songs from his critically acclaimed albums; Almost Horizontal and Everybody's Got a Right To Be Free, but will also pay homage to blues legends such as Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, Tony Joe White, and Chris Rea with his soul- stirring covers that honor the genre's rich heritage. The band features Hanson on vocals and guitar, and be accompanied by long-time associates Steve Hanley on drums, Martin Longhawn on keyboards and Matt Baxter on guitar as well as new bassist Sam Jackson. And if that hasn't already tickled your interest, the gig will be free so that everyone has an opportunity to experience the magic of live blues music in an intimate setting. “I’m excited to dust down the Stratocaster and get back on stage after what feels like an eternity. I’m looking forward to performing songs from the second album which was released in Lockdown live on stage for the first time” says Dave Hanson. Event Details: Date: Thursday January 30th, 2025 Time: 9 PM Venue: Blues Bar, Harrogate Admission: Free entry

So, I’ve been looking back over your previous videos, which put over a hard rocking party kind of girl, and band, but on your new single, Hittin The Free Road , the sound seems to have mellowed leaning more toward a southern rock kind of vibe,and your image has changed a bit too, bringing in some country elements. Is this a change of direction, or is it just for this single? I think there has been elements of southern rock in our previous singles with the guitar riffs and big choruses, so we’ve just kind of leaned into it a bit more as we really enjoy that element of our music and wanted to push ourselves musically and spread our wings a bit. I think it is just showing natural progression within the band, we’re still a hard rocking party kind of band and I don’t think we’ll ever lose that fun/rebellious side but maybe that can be coupled with now wearing cowgirl boots and hat as I’m in no rush to take them off haha! You’ve been playing since you were fifteen,I presume that means playing in a band - when did you first start to learn, and did you have ambitions to be a rock star then, or did you just feel the urge to play? That’s right, I started playing guitar around 11/12 and I initially just wanted to play along to what I was listening to. I spent hours and I mean hours on guitar hero and my Grandad turned around and said maybe you should spend all these hours playing an actual guitar and it got me thinking. Once I had a few riffs under my belt, Spoonman (Soundgarden), In Bloom (Nirvana) I started jamming with other musicians and playing at open mic nights and I was bitten by the bug and wanted to see how far I could go with live performance. Did you start playing electric, or did you start out on acoustic? I started out playing Classical Guitar and completed ABRSM grades to the highest level, I could already read music as I’d played flute from the age of 8 and my music teacher encouraged me to go for Classical guitar as not many people did it and she thought I was capable, I thank her for that now as I definitely would not be the player I am today without that solid background knowledge behind me. What was your first guitar? A ¾ sized nylon string green and black, nothing fancy but I loved it and still have it to this day. When you were first learning to play who were your main influences? Slash, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Metallica, Nickelback. Who has been added into that influence field in the last ten years, as I think as an artist you continue to listen to other artists and a certain few resonate enough to influence. Joanne Shaw Taylor, Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, Korn, Band Of Skulls. Who introduced you to the hard rock genre, or did you just pick up on it naturally and think yeah that’s the groove for me? My parents always played it in the house and car growing up but then my Uncle got me into the heavier stuff through my teenage years and a lot of the bands he used to play in the car I used to go home and listen to and have never stopped listening to. This is the second single of 2024, is there an album planned, or in the making?, And if there is, is it going to be in the same groove as this single. The album is halfway now and we will be heading back to the studio to complet it in the new year. It’s going to be Loz Campbell that I can promise but as for southern country rock there will always be elements but I’m wanting to keep options open to not limit my colour palate so to speak when writing. I notice when you play live you really like to connect with your audience, not only from the stage but mingling in the crowd. Do you feel this enhances your performance, or is it just a need to up close and personal to your fans? I do enjoy having a wander, people seem to enjoy it and I love seeing people smile. I like to let some people strum my guitar I think it helps to bond us and fans, we’re all people that love music and I’ve never been into being an untouchable figure that some people parade around pretending to be, I’ll always sit down and have a beer and a chat or let them strum my guitar over the barrier. It’s also an extra way for them to remember the band, for example if they were to see us on a festival line up, they might so to their mates “oh she let me play her guitar one time”. You have done some great supports, which was your favourite, and why? It’s so hard to pick one because yes we have done some great support slots and I am so grateful! I have to say Marco Mendoza was great to tour with and so friendly. What equipment do you use? I have a 1975 Gibson limited edition (thin) Les Paul. PRS SE custom (which I have used for most of the recent recordings), super badass distortion pedal is currently my favorite pedal and a 4x12 Marshall cab and a 100 DSL head. What influences your lyrics, obviously being on the road influenced the single, but is there a topic, or topics which pull you back again and again? I try and keep it fresh and never over do a subject so sometimes I can have periods where I don’t write because nothing has happened to influence me. I never force it. Do you write the lyrics first or the music? Usually I hear both at the same time and it hits me like a wave and I have to quickly grab a guitar or make a voice note if I am out and about. Do the band contribute to the song writing, or do you come in with the finished article. I approach the band with songs and then we go through together and rearrange and hone them before going into the studio. Thanks for answering these questions Loz, and I’ll be sure to come along to a gig if you play Manchester way. And good luck with the single and whatever other projects you have lined up. Many thanks Andy, look forward to seeing you at a gig!

Tell us about your latest release The latest album is called “ Choose ”. It was recorded late 2023 and released early last year. What was the recording process like? Was it in a studio or do you do it all yourself? I write the music and lyrics, then I record a demo at home. After that I go to a studio. Sadly I don’t have hundreds of thousands to spend on the kind of equipment that can produce a broadcast quality product. Even now I still get some bloggers/critics claiming they would have promoted my songs if they had been recorded in a professional studio, even though they were. I guess some people are never satisfied (or they still can’t tell a studio recording from an amateur recording!) How do you write the songs? They always start with a melody. How I get melodies in my head varies. For example, it can be just from hearing something else while I’m driving, or can wake up humming something. I’ve lost count of the weird types moments they come to me. Once I have the melody, I start noodling on guitar to try and get some kind of chord progression. It all flows from there. What were your main influences while writing? I don’t consciously think of other bands or styles while I’m actually writing, but bands I love include Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Queens of the Stone Age, Radiohead, Tool, even The Beatles and Cat Stevens. More recent acts have included Nothing but Thieves and Twelve Foot Ninja. What is your favourite song on the new release and why? The opening track (No Replay) is my favourite. It’s typical of the kind of vibe I enjoy singing and playing live. How did you come up with the name of the release? After writing the lyrics I realised that each song was about choices I had made over the last 15 years or so. Originally I was going to call it “Choices” but that sounded a bit cheesy to me. I decided that life is constantly demanding we choose a path to take, so that became the title. Have you got any gigs or a tour coming up where people can hear the songs live? Sadly I do this by myself , so the only live shows I play are with cover acts.