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If you are familiar with THE ISLEY BROTHERS, then you know Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, CHRIS JASPER, an integral member of THE ISLEY BROTHERS during the 1970s and 1980s—their gold and platinum years—from the 3+3 (1973) to Between the Sheets (1983) albums. These were the years when THE ISLEY BROTHERS were a self-produced, self-contained group.

If you are familiar with THE ISLEY BROTHERS, then you have heard the music of CHRIS JASPER, who was primarily responsible for writing, arranging and producing all of THE ISLEY BROTHERS music during this time, including such beautiful love songs as “For The Love of You” and “Between the Sheets” and uptempo funk such as “Fight the Power.” His arrangements and instrumentation as a classically-trained musician, and his expertise on the keyboards and synthesizers, are the foundation of the legendary “Isley Brothers Sound.” When the six members of THE ISLEY BROTHERS disbanded (1984), Marvin and Ernie Isley joined CHRIS JASPER and formed ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY. Without this crucial musical component, THE ISLEY BROTHERS were no longer a self-produced, self-contained group.

CHRIS JASPER brought his “unique sound” and musical talents to ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY, and topped the charts singing lead vocals on “Caravan of Love” (1985), a song that was covered by English recording group, the Housemartins, an international #1 pop hit. “Caravan” was also used in commercials as part of a Dodge Caravan advertising campaign. He was also awarded a CEBA Award For Excellence for a Miller Brewing Company commercial. The music for that commercial formed the basis for “Brother to Brother” from the “Different Drummer” album, which supported the anti-apartheid struggle going on in South Africa at that time. His music has also been used in radio and television commercials, including “Who’s That Lady” (Swiffer) and “Between The Sheets” (L’Oreal).

When ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY disbanded (1987), CHRIS JASPER brought his “unique sound” to his own solo projects, topping the charts with “SuperBad,” a song promoting the value of education.  CHRIS JASPER has continued to write songs and produce his own R&B and Gospel music, as well as other artists, for his independent record label, Gold City Records.

CHRIS JASPER’s music has been covered and sampled by hundreds of new and established recording artists, including Whitney Houston, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Fantasia, Will Smith, Alliyah, Queen Latifah, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Natalie Cole, Jaheim, Kendrick Lamar, and the list goes on and on.  His music has also been used in many movie and television soundtracks.

In 1992, CHRIS JASPER, along with the other members of THE ISLEY BROTHERS, was inducted into the ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME and in 2014, received a GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. In 2015, CHRIS JASPER received the German Record Critics Lifetime Achievement Award (“Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik”). In 2016, Chris was awarded the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award. Chris also received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award and numerous ASCAP awards.

BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION

Chris Jasper was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 30, 1951, the youngest of seven siblings. While growing up in Cincinnati, Chris studied classical piano starting at the age of 7 years old. After graduating from high school in Cincinnati, he moved to New York to study music composition at the Juilliard School of Music.

Chris received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in music composition from C.W. Post College in New York, where he studied under noted jazz pianist and composer, Dr. Billy Taylor. He subsequently received a Juris Doctorate degree from Concord University School of Law.

THE JASPER/ISLEY CONNECTION

The Jasper and Isley families lived in the same apartment complex in Cincinnati, Ohio. Chris’s older sister, Elaine, married Rudolph Isley. The three older Isley brothers, Rudolph, O’Kelly and Ronald, formed a vocal trio (“The Isley Brothers”) and relocated to Teaneck, New Jersey.

While temporarily living in New Jersey as a teenager, Chris and the two younger Isley brothers, Marvin and Ernie, formed a band, “The Jazzmen Trio”, that played locally in New Jersey. Chris played keyboards, Ernie played drums and Marvin played the bass. Along with Chris, Ernie and Marvin also attended C.W. Post College in New York. While in college, Chris, Marvin and Ernie played on the older Isley Brothers recordings, including “It’s Your Thing”.

THE ISLEY BROTHERS YEARS

In 1973, Chris, Marvin and Ernie brought the songwriting and musical component to the older brothers vocal trio, making The Isley Brothers, a self-produced, self-contained six-member group. Their debut release as a 6-member band on their CBS-associated label was the 3+3 album.

Although all 6 members of the Isley Brothers are credited as songwriters on the music from this era, this was a business arrangement and does not reflect the creative reality. Chris was the primary songwriter/musician, producer and arranger of The Isley Brothers music from 1973 (“3+3”) through 1983 (“Between the Sheets”), with contributions by younger members Ernie and Marvin Isley. Chris’s arrangements and instrumentation as a classically-trained musician, and his expertise on the keyboards, synthesizers and other instruments, have been credited as the foundation of the legendary “Isley Brothers Sound.” In 1984, the 6-member group disbanded due to internal problems.

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ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY

In 1984, Chris, Marvin and Ernie formed Isley-Jasper-Isley, a self-produced, self-contained trio, with Chris as the lead singer of the group, continuing his role as the primary songwriter/musician, producer and arranger. Isley-Jasper-Isley recorded 3 albums on their CBS-associated label, and earned recognition with their #1 hit, “Caravan of Love”. “Caravan” was covered by English recording group, the Housemartins, who made the song an international #1 hit.

SOLO CAREER

In 1987, Isley-Jasper-Isley disbanded and Chris embarked on a solo career. Chris formed his record label, Gold City Records, and released two albums as a CBS-associated label. His debut single, “Superbad” reached #1 on the R&B charts. Eventually, Marvin and Ernie returned to record under the Isley Brothers group name, and Chris continued his solo career, releasing a total of 15 solo albums to date, including 4 urban contemporary gospel CDs.

Chris has also produced a number of artists for his Gold City label, and has worked with such notable artists as Chaka Khan, writing and producing a song for her CK album (“Make It Last”). Chris’s music has been covered and sampled by numerous new and established recording artists, including Whitney Houston, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Fantasia, Will Smith, Alliyah, Queen Latifah, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Natalie Cole, Jaheim, Kendrick Lamar, and the list goes on and on.

Chris works closely with his son, Michael Jasper, who released his debut album “Addictive” on the Gold City label at the age of 16 in 2010. “Addictive” was written and recorded by Michael, and co-produced by Chris. In 2017, Michael released “Make It” from his forthcoming CD “Dreams.” Chris and Michael are currently working on a film score for an original screenplay by Michael Jasper.

Chris has received numerous gold and platinum albums and music industry awards, including the BET lifetime achievement award and many ASCAP awards for his songwriting. In 1992, Chris, along with the other members of The Isley Brothers, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and in 2014 received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2015, Chris received the German Record Critics Lifetime Achievement Award (“Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik”). In 2016, Chris was awarded the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chris and his wife of 36 years, Margie, live in New York.

DISCOGRAPHY

ISLEY BROTHERS YEARS

3+3 (CBS) 1973

Live It Up (CBS) 1974

The Heat Is On (CBS) 1975

Harvest For The World (CBS) 1976

Go For Your Guns (CBS) 1977

Showdown (CBS) 1978

Winner Takes All (CBS) 1979

Go All The Way (CBS) 1980

Grand Slam (CBS) 1981

Inside You (CBS) 1981

The Real Deal (CBS) 1982

Between The Sheets (CBS) 1983

ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY YEARS

Broadway’s Closer to Sunset Boulevard (CBS) 1984

Caravan of Love (CBS) 1985

Different Drummer (CBS) 1986

SOLO PROJECTS

Superbad (Gold City/CBS Associated) 1988

Time Bomb (Gold City/CBS Associated) 1989

Praise the Eternal (Gold City) 1992

Deep Inside (Gold City) 1994

Faithful & True (Gold City) 2002

Best of Chris Jasper…With Love (Gold City) 2003

Amazing Love (Gold City) 2005

Invincible (Gold City) 2007

Everything I Do (Gold City) 2010

Inspired (Gold City) 2013

Thank You Jesus (Gold City) 2014

The One (Gold City) 2014

The Essential Chris Jasper (Gold City/Sony Legacy) 2015

Share With Me (Gold City) 2016

Dance With You (Gold City) (July 2018)

For The Love Of You (Gold City) (October 2019)

PRODUCTION

Title/Artist/Label

Vicious & Fresh (Liz Hogue) (Gold City/CBS) 1989

Out Front (Out Front) (Gold City) 1995

Brotha 2 Brotha (Brothaz By Choice) (Gold City) 1998

Make It Last (Chaka Khan “CK” album) (WB) 1989

Addictive (Michael Jasper) (Gold City) 2010

Harvest For The World (Average White Band) (Average Enterprises) (2017)

Make It (Michael Jasper) (Gold City) (2017)

FOR BOOKING AND MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

GOLD CITY MUSIC

Telephone: 914-533-5096/Fax: 914-533-5097/Email: GoldCityMusic@GoldCityMusic.com

Chris Jasper’s Official Website: ChrisJasper.com

Chris Jasper on Facebook: Facebook.com/Chris.H.Jasper

Chris Jasper Fanpage: www.Facebook.com/CHJasper/Twitter: @RealChrisJasper

Gold City Music Website: GoldCityMusic.com/

Gold City Music Facebook: Facebook.com/GoldCityMusic

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Known as the “KING of GROWN FOLKS MUSIC” and a Southern Soul / R&B cultural influence, AVAIL HOLLYWOOD released his recent album under Nlightn Records titled STILL KING, which is available for streaming and downloads worldwide. Following the immense success of his chart topping award-nominated “Twenty Five n Up” single and “Drinking Again‘” single, AVAIL HOLLYWOOD has also released numerous videos and has received over 2 million streams and counting to date with his music. 

 

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Leah Zion (Leah Sletzion) is an American-Eritrean Soul Pop singer/songwriter from the musically-vibrant city of Atlanta. Her music takes charge to empower the world, spread a positive message, and to move people through her lyrics – “Your words can be gold to your headspace”. Zion’s soulful flare is hard to miss in songs like “Hard to Lose” and “One By One”, and she easily gets listeners singing along to her catchy melodies and lyrics. From her early childhood, she has been influenced by popular artists such as Alicia Keys and Rihanna, and since moving to California, Zion has found new inspiration from Ariana Grande, Sia, Bebe Rhexa, and Adele. Leah Zion’s debut self-titled EP is set to release November 3rd, and she’s thrilled to bring her sound to the pop world.

Press Release

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Pairing dynamite vocals with quotable lyrics a la Ariana Grande, soul-pop star Leah Zion is making a name for herself in the music world with the debut self-titled EP that fans are already loving.

October 24th, 2019

As the world of pop music becomes increasingly diversified, Leah Zion, the Atlanta-born, California-living, Eritrean singer-songwriter takes hold of her place in the industry. The soul-pop artist matches powerful vocals to words of empowerment and inspiration, all while delivering anthemic melodies and infectious beats. Zion’s personal experiences have shaped her emotional writing process as she explores the life of an aspiring pop artist, and after over a year of professional songwriting, she is finally set to release her debut EP, “Leah Zion”, in mid-November 2019.

“It’s my dream to spread positive messages through my music and help those who are struggling in their lives,” spoke Zion on her direction as a singer. “I plan to keep creating different sounds, melodies, ways to say what I want to say and truly grow as an artist throughout the process.”

The musical stylings and lyrical themes on “Leah Zion” have stark influences from Zion’s childhood favorites, like Alicia Keys and Rihanna, as well as modern pop stars like Ariana Grande, Sia, Adele, and Bebe Rhexa. The EP, produced by award-winning music producer and engineer Arty Skye, will be available on all major digital streaming services.

Zion’s first single from the EP, “Hard to Lose”, has already been receiving positive feedback for its memorable chorus and catchy melody.

For more information contact:

Roxanne Shweky
roxanne@skyelab.com
(212)-789-8942 

Connect:

https://twitter.com/LeahZion2

https://www.instagram.com/thee_leah_zion/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChnrjE9OdVO94aKcHyS-8lg?view_as=subscriber

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Armonite is the instrumental rock musical collective led by composer Paolo Fosso. In May 2018, Cleopatra Records released their new album, “And the Stars Above”, which has been presented in Japan with a 5 concert tour.

With the track ‘Blue Curaçao’, Armonite have been awarded an Honourable Mention both in the Instrumental and Performance categories at the International Song writing Competition 2017 from a top level committee including Tom Waits, Lorde, Bastille, Billy Cobham, Ziggy Marley, Don Omar, and Keane.

Their previous album, “The Sun is New each Day”, was produced in 2015 by former Muse producer Paul Reeve with mastering at the Abbey Road Studios in London. The album includes guest appearance by Colin Edwin of iconic UK prog-rockers Porcupine Tree.

Armonite performed at Expo 2015 Milano for “The Water Rooms” Official Launch organized by UNESCO. After their performance in Bettmeralp, Switzerland, March 2016, at an elevation of 2,000 meters (6,500 ft), the band toured UK in mid-July.

Armonite has also published the videos of a few soundtrack renditions from the most popular video games and movies: Game of Thrones, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, The Exorcist, Suspiria, Skyrim, Final Fantasy, Halo, Metal Gear Solid, The Witcher, and many others…!

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For more information:

Website: http://www.armonite.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armonitemusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/armonitemusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armonitemusic
Bandcamp: https://armonite.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/armonite
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Armonite

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.

11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

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JAVAUGHN NAWLEANS AKA J.N. BORN JAVAUGHN WILLIAMS STARTING WRITING AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA. JAVAUGHN NAWLEANS GREW UP IN NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANA BUT LISTENED TO EAST COAST HIP HOP. JAVAUGHN GREW  UP IN ONE OF THE MOST NOTORIOUS HOODS IN NEW ORLEANS TO WHERE AT ONE TIME IT WAS NOT SAFE TO BE OUT AT A CERTAIN TIME. JAVAUGHN NAWLEANS FELLOW PEERS WAS DRUG DEALERS AND SOME IN AND OUT OF PRISON WHICH WAS TURNING OUT BAD FOR J.N. BECAUSE BY DEALING WITH THESE GUYS HE GREW UP WITH HE WAS GETTING CAUGHT UP IN A BUNCH OF B.S. JAVAUGHN NEVER THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO BE A RAPPER HIS DREAM WAS TO PLAY FOOTBALL BUT ONCE HURRICANE KATRINA HIT HIS LOVE FOR PLAYING WENT AWAY. JAVAUGHN BATTLED DEPRESSION FOR A FEW YEARS AND QUICKLY STARTED WRITING LYRICS TO EXPRESS HISSELF. AFTER BEING TOLD HE HAD A TALENT HE STARTED WRITING MORE AND MORE. AFTER GOING BACK TO NEW ORLEANS JAVAUGHN LOOKED FOR A STUDIO TO RECORD BUT COULD”NT FIND ONE SO HE DECIDED TO GO GET HIS G.E.D. AND LATER THEN ENROLLED IN A COMMUNITY COLLEGE. JAVAUGHN THEN RAN INTO A OLD HOMIE THAT BOOKED HIS FIRST STUDIO TIMETHEN THERE HE MET CAS MAJOR A LOCAL PRODUCER AND HAVE”NT LOOKED BACK. JAVAUGHN RELEASED A COPY OF LOCAL MIXTAPES IN THE CITY BUT COULD NEVER GET RADIO PLAY AND A PUSH. HE LATER SIGNED TO A LOCAL LABLE BUT COULD NEVER RELEASE A SOLO PROJECT BECAUSE THE LABLE WANTED HIM IN A GROUP. AFTER GETTING OUT OF THAT DEAL J.N. DECIDED THAT HE WAS GOING TO MAKE THE MUSIC HE WANT AND DO IT HIS WAY. JAVAUGHN NAWLEANS FAVORITE RAPPERS ARE T.I.,THE GAME,JAY-Z,JADAKISS,STYLES-P,FABOLOUS ANDN NAS. ONCE THE RAP GAME CHANGED TO WHERE EVERYONE SOUNDS LIKE FUTURE OR YOUNG THUG JAVAUGHN NAWLEANS FEEL LIKE HIS DYNAMIC STYLES IS NEEDED

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“SHAOLIN’S FREESTYLE” is the first single off the up and coming mixtape titled “NALA” by Dubai based creative, ekay (lowercase e).

Her new release via Rogue City Entertainment is a sultry soulful ode to the Wu-Tang Clan where the female might intertwines with the ruckus of love.

ekay is an unconventional artist that dubs herself as a neo soul rap-head and credits the likes of De La Soul, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and the Roots as some of her early influences. Born into Hip Hop and raised as a spoken word poet, ekay uses a freestyle approach when creating music and draws inspiration from her raw emotions as well as color. Her creative approach and conceptual projects showcase her soulful sounds, strong lyricism and visual narratives.

Follow ekay on Social Media and Click Here to download/stream “Shaolin’s Freestyle”:

www.instagram.com/reallyekay
www.twitter.com/reallyekay
www.facebook.com/reallyekay

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BARLEY STATION has become a top Indie recording artist scoring #1 and top 10 songs on a myriad of charts, both indie and mainstream in the US such as FMQB, New Music Weekly, National Radio Hits, The Independent Music Network and overseas on the European Indie Charts with songs that cross into multiple genres.  It is about making music for the  love of art in musical form. 

The mellifluous sounds of Barley Station can be detected not only in their intricately written lyrics,
 but also in their sound  with layers of real, organic harmonies, driving rhythms, and contagious melodies.
 Although the band pulls a distinctive  Alternative vibe, in terms of genre, most reviewers, fans, and radio claim that the Barley Station signature is a genre crossover blend of Americana, Country, Pop, Folk, and even Rock/Alternative which is authentic and original.

The band’s founder and frontman, Randy Wayne Belt, cultivated his artistic edge through Musical Theater and Acting. Randy has also picked up the pen, not only as a songwriter, but also as a Music Journalist and is also, contributing writer for Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine. His work has also been published in American Pride Magazine, Indie Habit, and A.V.A. Live Radio.

 Awards

In 2013, Barley Station were nominated for “Best Country Artist” and “Best Folk Artist” for AIMA (Artists In Music) Awards followed by their nomination in 2014 for “Best Country Artist” and “Best Composer/Songwriter” also at AIMA. The band was a contestant in the 2013 Texaco Country Showdown and has been interviewed internationally by numerous radio and magazine publications, including an extensive interview with the Entertainment Vine. The band has also been featured and performed live on FOX 2 News, and The Dave Glover Show on 97.1 FM in their home base area of St. Louis, MO.

Throughout 2015 they won ‘Best Video’ award for ‘Younger Summer Memories’, and multiple ‘Best Song’ awards from the Akademia Music Awards for ‘10 Nights’ and ‘Younger Summer Memories’.

In 2017, Barley Station was submitted for nomination for the Americana Music Awards in the ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best Artist’ categories.   

 Press Quotes

“This group always brings top drawer tunage”

– Music Is Truth (Station), Indie Music People

“Barley Station is a rare breed of band that successfully combines all of your favorite genres into a unique sound of their own.”

– Jan Ostegard, Entertainment Vine 

“Rootsy alternative country at its best… ‘I Found You’ will find itself at home in any country music fan’s collection.”

– Eric De Fontenay, Music Dish Journal

“They blend alternative country and rootsy folk-rock into a style that has all the pop appeal of the classic Jayhawks records, but remains earthy and resolutely unpolished. It’s a win / win for me, and I’m sure they’d appeal to both No Depression readers and fans of first generation country rock”

– Leicester Bangs (UK)

“Barley Station has an addictive “twang” about their music that, honestly, I never knew I liked. In fact, I had to make a new category in the Genre section for Country just for them.”

-Marsbands.com

“this group is not one to get labeled into one specific genre of music. I say kudos to them for branching out and making music they want to make.”

– Maxim Daniels, IT’s All About That Music

“it’s clear that this is a band that is going in a consistent, forward direction and show no signs of stopping.  “Double Star” is brilliant in its Immaculate Conception, composition, and imagery that is evoked when listening but it is also just a small piece of the pie when you consider the capacity and the quality of music that the band has already produced and recorded.”

-CA Marshall in Starlight Music Chronicles Magazine

Contact

For Press or Bookings please email:  PR@barleystation.net

Website:https://www.barleystation.net/

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Los Angeles, California (October 18th, 2019) – DJ, music producer, singer, and songwriter, Tommy Kristo, officially launched his first single “Take Me Bakk”, which will be part of his album El Dorado, planned to be released in 2020 by his label Tommy Kristo Recordings.

Tommy Kristo now is building his career as a singer, looking to reach the American and international market as a new electro-pop artist. He wants to showcase all his experience and knowledge in music with a proposal full of modern and fresh electronic sounds, making it a whole sensorial experience.

Tommy was born in 1989 in La Palma, California and raised in a humble family. At an early age, he was curious about art and creativity. He developed his passion while learning to play different instruments, a hobby he used to calm stress, to find himself, and to express all the emotions of a rebel teenager.

He has always been a natural artist and a visionary. At the age of 10, he started his band with which he began producing songs expressing his feelings, connection with others, and how he saw the world around him.

During his professional career, Tommy Kristo has had the opportunity to record singers, rappers, and different bands, with whom he has shared the same enthusiasm for music at all levels and genres.

For more, visit:

tommykristo.com

Subscribe to YouTube & Tommy Kristo Vevo

Follow Tommy Kristo on:

Facebook: facebook.com/tommy.kristo.7

Instagram: @tommykristo

Twitter: @KristoTommy

Media Contact:

zulma@theinnovativepeople.com

John Legend performs live “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley at 2017 Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony

1,229,174 views

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Born to an outlaw biker father and 16 year old mother, R.W. Roldan came of age in the Los Angeles of the 60’s and 70’s. His family spent a few years homeless, prompting him to join the navy at 17. His young life was full of hard circumstances and difficult environments but Roldan always seemed to soften things with his easy knack for storytelling.

Upon returning to California from his time abroad, R.W. worked all around the San Fernando Valley, immersing himself in the blues and Americana scene. He gravitated towards music and poetry, appreciating contemporary wordsmiths like Dylan and Dr. Seuss as much as American treasures such as Yates and began crafting his own indelible blend of country blues folk rock – a sound that lands somewhere between Hank Williams and Cowboy Junkies.

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R.W. now splits his time between his house in the Topanga hills and a newly-purchased dwelling that once belonged to Fatty Arbuckle in Silverlake, where he’s building a studio in the basement. It was professed to be haunted for the past 12 years, but R.W. found it a suitably creative environment to craft the songs on his official solo outing, Can You Feel This, due out August 17th.

The new LP puts Roldan’s adept storytelling front and center, backed by his easy going guitar, mandolin and dobro chops. Tracks like “Big Skies” and “Falling Star” paint an authentically haunting, nostalgic panorama of Los Angeles, while laidback ballads such as “Lauryn’s Song” reveal a sweeter side to the man. It’s all melted in the sweet butter sauce of producer Max Allyn who recently signed R.W. to his AllsWell Records imprint out of Nashville. 
Can You Feel This is out now on all platforms. Vinyl and other merchandise is available at AllswellRecords.com

Press…https://www.nashvillemusicguide.com/r-w-roldan-presents-new-music-to-awaken-your-soul-can-you-feel-this/

Video

Socials…https://www.instagram.com/r.w.roldan/

https://www.facebook.com/rwroldanmusic/

Website…https://www.allswellrecords.com/artists/rw-roldan