From the venue:

The Sounds

For a band whose history as a band spans a little over two decades, Swedish indie rockers THE SOUNDS sure don’t sound like it. Resonating the excitement and dynamism of a band who are getting their very first hint of success, The Sounds are gearing up for the release of their sixth studio album, Things We Do For Love, a sweepingly majestic slice of Nordic indie rock that crackles and pops in all the right places. Propulsive in its latent passion, Things We Do for Love kicks off with its urgent and careening title track that strains with Johan Richter’s muscular staccato bassline that highlights vocalist Maja Ivarsson’s very distinctive assertive vocals while the guitar work of Felix Rodriguez along with the keyboards and guitar from Jesper Anderberg weave in and out of Fredrik Blond’s focused drums. It’s the sound of a band whose chemistry is inherent and natural, not calculated. The pulsating keys in “Safe and Sound” continue to propel the band forward, while the atmospheric and balladic “Changes” displays the band’s diversity and ability to effortlessly craft impactful songs. “I can’t put my finger on what it is exactly but I really like the vibe of this track,” says Fredrik of “Changes”. “It’s a simple song and all the instruments and vocals just fit together so nicely.” Formed in 1998 in Sweden, The Sounds exploded on the alt-rock scene with their wildly lauded 2003 debut Living in America and its breakthrough singles “Seven Days a Week”, “Rock’n Roll”, and the aptly named title track. Fronted by the striking Maja Ivarsson, The Sounds have continued to remain on the forefront of the music scene, releasing a handful of albums, each spawning single after single like “Tony the Beat”, “Painted By Numbers”, “Song With A Mission”, “No One Sleeps When I’m Awake”, “Beatbox”, “Something to Die For”, “Shake Shake Shake” and “Thrill”. “I can only speak for myself but I feel very proud of this one. I’m able to write songs from a different perspective this time, being a mom and all,” beams Maja, referring to her baby boy who just turned five years old earlier this year. “It’s been quite some time since we last released an album and a lot of great things have happened in between.” Gearing up for a new album and tour later this Spring, the band is excited to return to the U.S. “It’s gonna be absolutely amazing coming back to the U.S again,” she says excitedly. We’ve done almost 20 tours on American soil and we love every bit of it. It feels like coming home.” Things We Do for Love will be released on May 1, 2020 on Arnioki Records worldwide.

STARBENDERS

Hailing from the ATL, Starbenders are the half way home for misunderstood misfits, fringers and glam punks. Front-woman, Kimi Shelter and her gang have concocted a perfect alchemic blend of androgynous rock and roll power with “stuck in your brain” pop melodies. Imagine David Bowie playing 7 minutes in heaven with Debbie Harry. Shelter began working with producer, Nico Constantine (Lady Gaga , Program The Dead) in 2014 who encouraged her to start a band. Aaron Lecesne was the first call Shelter made. The duo were best of friends and had intense music crushes on each other. The genesis of Starbenders took form. Guitarist, Kriss Tokaji, entered the scene in early 2015 after the band witnessed him laying waste to a guitar at a shitty house party in the middle of no where. “We couldn’t believe our ears and eyes! Our prayers had been answered!”, beams Shelter. The dream line up crystallized in 2017 with the entrance of drummer Emily Moon. “It was the final piece to the puzzle. The band was in the middle of a transition and I thought to check craigslist of all places when I came across Emily’s ad.” shared Lecesne. After responding to the band’s cryptic email, Moon met up with them that same night. It was love at first site.