Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Linkin Park have been part of the ‘ Grammy Amplifier ‘ talent search competition since its inception last month, but they’re taking the next step in the process by also signing on for the ‘Centerstage Powered by Grammy Amplifier’ mentoring program. Linkin Park member and program mentor Mike Shinoda joined The Recording Academy’s Evan Green and Hyundai New Media Senior Group Manager Jon Budd at a Los Angeles press conference announcing the online platform that will provide professional mentoring services to aspiring acts discovered through the ‘Grammy Amplifier’ program. The ‘Grammy Amplifier’ program invited musicians to create a profile and upload their music at which point they could then invite their social media fanbases to vote for them as many times as possible. Those with the most votes, known as “amplifies,” would then be introduced to the program’s curators — Linkin Park, Ozzy Osbourne , Kelly Clarkson , Rza, Kaskade , My Morning Jacket ‘s Jim James, and Snoop Lion — who would then help increase their exposure by promoting the aspiring acts on their own social networks. As part of the ‘Centerstage’ program, three of the most “amplified” acts will receive awards that include a recording session with a leading Grammy producer, the production of a music video with a noted producer and/or director and the opportunity to open shows on a major tour or music festival. The winning artists will be announced during the Grammys annual SXSW party in March. For more details on the ‘Grammy Amplifier’ program, click here . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/linkin-park-new-zealand-eighth-lpu-summit/” title=”Next: Linkin Park Plan New Zealand Based Fan Summit” align=”center”]
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire The foundation at Best Buy Theater was tested last night as fans jumped to the music of The Used , We Came As Romans , Crown the Empire and Mindflow for the Take Action Tour. The crowd went crazy as Used frontman Bert McCracken and his crew took the stage. Fans sang along to well known favorites such as ‘The Taste of Ink,’ ‘Take It Away,’ ‘I Caught Fire,’ ’All That I’ve Got’ and, of course, ‘A Box Full of Sharp Objects.’ McCracken addressed the crowd about his sobriety, and his revitalized force showed onstage as he sounded flawless. They also performed tracks off of their latest disc ‘Vulnerable,’ including‘I Come Alive,’ ‘Put Me Out,’ ‘Hands and Faces’ and ‘Now That You’re Dead.’ The crowd fed off of the energy of the band and it’s no wonder why the Used have maintained such a strong fanbase and powerful presence for well over a decade. Speaking of powerful presence, We Came As Romans rocked the house as crowd surfers made their way to the front while circle pits started up in the back. Vocalists Kyle Pavone and Dave Stephens ended the set by making their way into the crowd and handing their mics to some diehard fans for their voices to be heard. Crown The Empire, hailing from Dallas, and Brazillian metallers Mindflow kicked off the energetic night. For remaining dates where you can catch the Take Action tour, go here . Check Out Photos of The Used, We Came As Romans and Crown the Empire The Used: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire We Came As Romans: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Crown The Empire: Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Liz Ramanand, Loudwire
Primary Wave Music You may not see Mystic Falls, Va., on Dead Sara ‘s current itinerary, but the band will be making a visit to the fictitious town that serves as home to the hit CW series ‘The Vampire Diaries.’ The group will perform their latest single, ‘Lemon Scent,’ on the March 31 episode. In addition, the band will get in a second song, covering the Patti Smith favorite ‘Ask the Angels’ during their appearance. No further details were given as to what brings the foursome to Mystic Falls, but the performance should definitely liven up the episode. In other Dead Sara news, the band will hook up with hitmakers Muse for dates this year. After announcing the pairing last fall, the itinerary has filled out a little further. The next leg of Music’s current 2013 U.S. arena tour launches Feb. 22 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The trek runs through a March 17 finale at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center. Muse / Dead Sara 2013 North American Tour 2/22 — Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. — Bank Atlantic Center 2/23 — Tampa, Fla. — Tampa Bay Times Forum 2/25 — Orlando, Fla. — Amway Center 2/27 — Cincinnati, Ohio — US Bank Arena 2/28 — Cleveland, Ohio — Quicken Loans Arena 3/2 — Detroit, Mich. — Joe Louis Arena 3/4 — Chicago, Ill. — United Center 3/5 — Columbus, Ohio — Schottenstein Center 3/7 — Minneapolis, Minn. — Target Center 3/8 — St. Louis, Mo. — Chaifetz Arena 3/10 — Tulsa, Okla. — BOK Center 3/12 — Houston, Texas — Toyota Center 3/13 — Dallas, Texas — American Airlines Center 3/16 — Phoenix, Ariz. — US Airways Center 3/17 — Las Vegas, Nev. — Mandalay Bay Events Center [button href=”http://loudwire.com/the-offspring-dead-sara-emily-armstrong-gone-away/” title=”Next: Dead Sara’s Emily Armstrong Performs with The Offspring” align=”center”]
Jag Gundu, Getty Images Rob Zombie has been talking about his next studio album for quite some time, but now comes word that the disc has a title and is expected this April. In addition, Zombie revealed a firm release date for his upcoming film, ‘ The Lords of Salem ,’ which will closely follow the new album. The disc, titled ‘Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor,’ is now on schedule for an April 23 street date courtesy of Zodiac Swan / T-Boy / Ume. Zombie worked closely with acclaimed rock producer Bob Marlette on the set. ‘The Lords of Salem’ film will follow in theaters April 26, though the music on the album is completely separate from the movie. Last fall, Zombie revealed of the new disc, “It’s stylistically sort of a little bit of everything. Fans of my really old stuff will love it because there’s a certain aspect of it that’s very reminiscent of that. But it is also very looking to the future. It’s hard to describe music to somebody if they haven’t heard it, but I feel like it’s the best of all the things I’ve done. I’ve finally found a perfect match between the old stuff I did and then new stuff. That’s the way it sounds to me anyway.” The veteran rocker added that he’s got a special feeling about the new record, explaining, “It seems to happen every couple of years or every 10 years or every five years or whatever, you have a moment when it all comes together. Not that the other records are bad, but not every record can be like the most inspired event in your life. But for some reason, this one feels like it. The songwriting, the sound of it, the vibe, the production — it’s special.” The album details came with the announcement that Zombie would be honored at this year’s Revolver Golden Gods Awards on May. 2. Click below for more details: [button href=”http://loudwire.com/2013-revolver-golden-gods-awards-metallica-rob-zombie-tony-iommi/” title=”2013 Revolver Golden Gods Awards Honorees and Lineup Unveiled” align=”center”]
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire Killswitch Engage ‘s reunion with former vocalist Jesse Leach is off to a rocking start thanks to the newly unleashed single, ‘In Due Time.’ The band officially posted the track online Wednesday (Jan. 30), giving their fans a taste of what the upcoming ‘ Disarm the Descent ‘ album will sound like. Leach’s ability to alternate between guttural screams and melodic singing is on full display on the track, with some powerhouse belting in the verses and a clean delivery in the chorus. As for the song itself, in some ways it mirrors the anticipation felt by Leach’s return. The vocalist sings, “ All in due time / I see the world through different eyes / All in due time / Shadows will give way to light .” ‘In Due Time’ will officially be able for fans to pick up as a single on Feb. 5, which is nearly two months in advance of the April 2 release date of ‘Disarm the Descent.’ The group recently revealed the cover art for the album, which can be seen here . The album is the band’s first with Jesse Leach since their 2002 effort, ‘Alive or Just Breathing.’ Leach reunited with the band in early 2012, taking over for former vocalist Howard Jones, who fronted the band for a full decade. Leach has stated, “To me, this is by far my best vocal performance, much thanks to [guitarist/producer] Adam [Dutkiewicz]‘s guidance and faith in my abilities. I am very grateful to be where I am in life, back in an amazing band with a record we are all excited for the world to hear.” Listen to Killswitch Engage’s ‘In Due Time’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/killswitch-engage-jesse-leach-speaks-about-how-music-saved-his-life/” title=”Next: Jesse Leach Shares How Music Saved His Life” align=”center”]
Orgymusic.com Orgy continue their return to the music scene, as the band just revealed dates for their 2013 ‘Wide Awake and Dead’ North American tour. The trek launches March 2 in Phoenix and continues through an April 2 finale in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Joining Orgy on the tour will be upstart acts Vampires Everywhere and Davey Suicide. In late 2010, Orgy’s original lineup underwent a shakeup with singer Jay Gordon retaining the rights to the name and restocking the band with new musicians. In the time since, Gordon and new Orgy members Nic Speck (bass), Jamie Miller (drums), Carlton Bost and Ashburn Miller (guitars) have sparingly toured and ducked into the studio to record the recent single, ‘ Grime of the Century .’ The band also released a video for the track last fall. In the downtime between touring, the group has been working on a new album and while details have yet to be revealed on the forthcoming disc, the return to the road is a good sign that more music may be coming from the band fairly soon. Orgy’s 2013 ‘Wide Awake and Dead’ North American Tour 3/2 — Phoenix, Ariz. — Joe’s Grotto 3/4 — Dallas, Texas — Trees 3/6 — Houston, Texas — Scout Bar 3/7 — San Antonio, Texas — Backstage Live SA 3/8 — Broussard, La. — The Stations Bar and Grill 3/10 — St. Petersburg, Fla. — The State Theater 3/12 — Jacksonville, Fla. — The Roc Bar 3/13 — Atlanta, Ga. — The Masquerade 3/15 — Jacksonville, N.C. — Hooligans 3/16 — Spartanburg, S.C. — Ground Zero 3/17 — Springfield, Va. — Empire 3/19 — Lakewood, Ohio — The Foundry 3/20 — New York, N.Y. — Marlin Room @ Webster Hall 3/21 — White Marsh, Md. — House of Rock 3/22 — Amityville, N.Y. — Revolution 3/23 — Hampton Beach, N.H. — Wally’s Pub 3/24 — Hartford, Conn. — Webster Theater 3/26 — West Chester, Pa. — The Note 3/27 — Pittsburgh, Pa. — Altar Bar 3/28 — Toledo, Ohio — Headliner’s 3/29 — Columbus, Ohio — Al Rosa Villa 3/30 — Flint, Mich. — The Machine Shop 3/31 — Louisville, Ky. — Diamond Pub & Billiards 4/2 — Lincolnshire, Ill. — Viper Alley [button href=”http://loudwire.com/alice-in-chains-2013-must-see-rock-concerts/” title=”Next: Check Out Other 2013 Must-See Rock Concerts” align=”center”]
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images Before he was ‘Alive’ with Pearl Jam , Eddie Vedder was a struggling singer just hoping to catch a break. But, as with most success stories, there’s always a link to the pre-fame days. In this case, Vedder’s pre-Pearl Jam demos have been uncovered and posted online by Antiquiet . The 13-track collection features material recorded between 1988 and 1989, with several of the songs being strictly solo efforts, while others included material recorded with San Diego outfit Bad Radio. Over time, some of the tracks that initially existed on tape have since been digitized and now the songs have turned up for everyone’s listening pleasure. Included in this collection is an early live version of what would eventually become the Pearl Jam song ‘Betterman,’ as well as Vedder’s acoustic and studio versions of ‘Homeless’ and a brief snippet of the Sam Cooke classic, ‘Wonderful World.’ Also of interest is Vedder’s take on Kenny Rogers ‘ ‘Something Inside So Strong.’ Antiquiet claims to have obtained the music from a tape that Vedder dubbed for a co-worker at his old job at San Diego Petroleum. To listen to the downloadable Vedder demos, click here . [button href=”http://loudwire.com/best-pearl-jam-songs/” title=”Next: 10 Best Pearl Jam Songs” align=”center”]