BLACK COFFEE “We Got Signed To A Major Label” [Full Video Interview]

Black Coffee formed in early 2017 after drummer Tommy McCullough introduced singer/bassist, Ehab Omran, to guitarist Justin Young. Within the first few days, these artists began songwriting and the chemistry was overwhelmingly apparent. With the release of Black Coffee’s debut album, ‘Take One’, on April 21st, the Columbus, Ohio rockers definitely possess the sound, style, confidence and work ethic that created legends in music in the previous few decades. The bands style is slightly retro rock and with the recent success of bands like Greta Van FleetThe Struts and Rival Sons they have timed the formation of the band perfectly. Black Coffee are a band that certainly appreciates a good riff and you will easily notice how they flaunt their guitarists talents within their music. Ehab Omran’s vocals pack immense power into such a small frame. He sings in a melodic manner but also at times can wail with an aggressive grit to his voice as well. The band unveiled a music video for “I Barely Know Her”. The song and accompanying video was the first taste of Black Coffee that we would receive and it sent music fans into a whirlwind. The video was filmed at the Johnstown Opera House in Johnstown, Ohio. “I Barely Know Her” was filmed, directed and produced by the extremely talented John Payne of Payne Productions, who is one of the most talented photographers in and around Columbus, Ohio. With the attitude of the years gone by and the sound of a new resurgence of the classic rock, Black Coffee parts the proverbial sea for the next generation of artists. Continue reading

Epicenter Festival Spotlight: DEAD GIRLS ACADEMY [Interview & Official Videos]

*This is part of the Epicenter Festival Spotlight segment where we help you get to know some of the non-headlining bands performing at the festival. This week we introduce you to Dead Girls Academy!*

In 2016, when the curtains closed on Vampires Everywhere, Michael Orlando sought out other avenues for his new musical vision. “I’ve had the name DEAD GIRLS ACADEMY on the tip of my tongue for a few years” admits Orlando. He then formed the post-hardcore/alternative/pop punk metal outfit with the name that had been on the tip of his tongue for years; Dead Girls Academy. He removed the spooky occult shock-rock themes and look that Vampires Everywhere! was known for, and his new band leaned closer to the post-hardcore, punk side of the spectrum, while retaining Orlando’s dark and dramatic aesthetic. Orlando adds “I’ve always been on the darker side of things in rock & roll, and the name fits the sound and overall image. Split personalities, fake friends, hangers-on, social-climbing and attention-hunting whores are all ingredients I wanted to exploit with this project. I called together Ronnie [Radke] (Falling In Reverse) and our friend Elvis Baskette (Slash, Sevendust) and we started arranging songs and melodies. Living in Hollywood, there are so many fucked up things I’ve seen, the stories in my head, I could write six novels about them all. But that’s what breeds the creative juice and you will believe me once you hear Dead Girls Academy.” His previous band had a theme and brought a dark element to the stage and his vocals also invoked darkness, with a gravely growl and ferocious screams. However; with Dead Girls Academy he has turned his vocals completely around and its much more of a pop punk sound now. You still get those dark story telling lyrics that he is known for but with a more melodic approach.  Continue reading

EPICENTER FESTIVAL Lineup Announcement!

The newly named EPICENTER FESTIVAL replaces Carolina Rebellion as the Carolina’s premiere rock and metal festival. The festival will still take place in early May on May 10th thru 12th. However, the location has changed and will now be held in Rockingham, North Carolina at the Rockingham Festival Grounds where Carolina Rebellion was originally held in its early years. The location change also brings with it some additional advantages for the festival. DWP has stated “With the move to our new site, we’re developing 140 acres into festival grounds, which will allow us to provide enhanced camping amenities, nighttime entertainment with no curfew, and expanded food and beverage offerings, all highlighted by a massive music lineup covering the spectrum of rock and alternative music.” Today the full lineup was released for the festival. We had several teasers which hinted at some acts like Tool, Korn and Judas Priest, so those headliners we certainly expected to be listed on the lineup.  Continue reading