11.02.06 (MusicPortal.com) Tristeza's upcoming new dual CD/DVD release, "En Nuestro Desafio," features their trademark sonic assault on nine mesmerizing new songs. Due December 5th on Better Looking/East West Records, this seminal San Diego band noticeably loosens up on the new tracks, employing a minimalist, low-fi aesthetic throughout the entire album. It's a courageous departure from their ambient roots, and the new, less formal arrangements clearly mesh with the band - their playing sounding fresh and immediate. Few bands are willing to endure the daily hassles and repeated hardships that the dedicated members of Tristeza knowingly endeared in order to create "En Nuestro Desafio." Since recording sessions took place in Mexico, band members had to plan on at least a two-hour wait each way when crossing the border - and since they were already coming from work, the recording sessions themselves became increasingly difficult. "It was just really hard to focus on recording," long-time drummer James Lehner recalled, "and the endless trips across the border and back definitely took its toll." Plus, according to Lehner, the recording sessions themselves were turning out to be extremely difficult. "All of the band members were going through some sort of tough or serious time personally...it became hard after a while to get the urge to go though all that, just to work on the recordings." Despite the experimentation with their trademark hypnotic sound -- or because of it -- even the most ardent and hardcore Tristeza fans should applaud this stellar effort.
[Free MP3] [Permalink]

11.01.06 (MusicPortal.com) In celebration of the November 7 release of their sophomore album "Enjoy The Ride," Mercury double platinum-selling group Sugarland will wake up downtown Nashville Monday, November 6 with a live performance on ABC's Good Morning America. The special concert event will take place on The Chevy Stage at Gaylord Entertainment Center's outside plaza at the corner of Broadway and Fifth Avenues. Good Morning America will also celebrate "The 40th Annual CMA Awards," airing later that night (8:00-11:00 PM) live from the Gaylord Entertainment Center, for the first time on the ABC Television Network. "We couldn't think of a better way to kick off the CMA Awards and the launch of our new album," exclaimed lead singer Jennifer Nettles. "Get ready Nashville, we are taking to your streets!" Special guests Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora will join Sugarland that morning to perform on GMA, and later that night they'll attend the Country Music Awards, where Nettles' collaboration with Bon Jovi on the band's hit single, "Who Says You Can't Go Home," is nominated in CMA's "Musical Event of the Year" category. Additionally, Sugarland is nominated for the "Horizon Award" and "Vocal Group of the Year." "CMA is happy to partner with ABC and Chevy in bringing Good Morning America and this special concert performance to Nashville for the CMA Awards," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "We are thrilled that Sugarland, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora will be performing on The Chevy Stage, as we celebrate 'Country Music's Biggest Night.'"
[Audio] [Permalink]

11.01.06 (MusicPortal.com) After Forever, the Dutch act revolving around front amazon Floor Jansen, have signed a recording deal with Nuclear Blast Records. The band specialize in Melodic Gothic Metal and rank among the more popular bands on the metal scene in their home country. After Forever have already toured with Nightwish and appeared at practically every important festival BeNeLux-wide (such as Lowlands, Pinkpop, Graspop, Dynamo Open Air, Fields Of Rock), not to forget a steadily growing fan base in South America, France, Spain and Germany. Guitarist Sander Gommans about the signing: "After Forever has grown a lot the past years. We've done more and more shows and festivals worldwide and also experienced a lot of improvement musically. I feel that After Forever is stronger than ever as a group but also musically. This is the right time to choose a label that can help us realize our dreams! Because the core of the After Forever songs are metal-oriented, it's a natural decision for us to choose for Nuclear Blast!" After Forever have almost finished the recordings for their new, still untitled album, which is going to be released in Spring 2007. Produced by Gordon Groothedde (Dutch studio luminary), the record not only contains great new songs but also an overwhelming session with the Prague Symphonic Orchestra. A tour afterwards is already planned as well.
[Video] [Permalink]