New Band Spotlight: Amber Wild

Love or hate Kiss’ 1997 album “Carnival of Souls”, “I Will Be There” is one of its underrated deep tracks. It’s a ballad Paul Stanley wrote, pledging a fatherly vow of faithful presence and support to his son, Evan. As one might surmise, if not expect, the two of them bonded over music. Paul taught Evan to play guitar and Evan lived and toured with his father throughout his life.  

Twenty-seven years later, Evan is all grown up and making his own way in the music world with a band called Amber Wild. During the pandemic, Evan had an insatiable itch to be in front of people on stage. When the restrictions were lifted, he connected with his fellow bandmates: Marshall Via (guitars and vocals), Jake Massanari (bass), and Thomas Lowrey (drums). Together they developed their sound in the Los Angeles club circuit and had a festival debut at Aftershock in Sacramento. They were even invited to play the final nights of KISS’ End of the Road Tour! 

To speak more about their sound, heavy metal/hard rock new site, Blabbermouth.net, praises them as “the right amount of familiar and fresh, crafted with fiery twin guitars, thunderous drums, and raw vocals filtered through a kaleidoscope of influences” in light of their two singles–”Breakout” and “Silver”–that were released in October 2023. Evan, and no doubt his bandmates, were born and bred with a love and dedication for music across the decades, making their influences broad and numerous. If you feel the same way, this band is up your alley! I feel “Breakout” and “Silver” elicit traces of Thin Lizzy, The Darkness, Green Day, and Kiss, of course. Personally I also see hints of Paul in Evan’s stage mannerisms when I watch live performance clips from Instagram. Others have even commented that he has his dad’s voice. 

The rest of their influences are to be discovered very soon and throughout the summer! Another single titled “Getting Started”, dropped May 8th, seems to draw on Tom Petty and the Beatles while not being too stark a contrast from “Silver” and “Breakout”. Two more singles will release between June and July and a full EP will drop in September. So this post or blog may be updated accordingly. Evan seems pretty vocal through is social media stories about his many faves and inspirations too.

To follow and support Amber Wild, they’re active on all social media as @amberwildband and release across all music platforms. As of this writing, a small selection of merchandise is available for pre-order at amberwild.store. More still, share them with other music lovers you know! They’re sure to tour beyond LA if/when the interest and fanbase is large enough!

“Turn the Lights Back On” For Billy Joel

As a classic rock lover, I’m amazed at the longevity that the greats have maintained. Some of them either started or found their stride in the nineteen-sixties and seventies and are still going strong in their sixties and seventies. When it comes to bands, Bon Jovi’s debut was released forty years ago. KISS just (more or less) retired their live concerts after a fifty year stint. Lynyrd Skynyrd reaches their sixtieth milestone this year and Pink Floyd hits that point next year. The Rolling Stones have everyone beat with an active span of seven decades! What’s kept them going for so long?! Whatever their answers may be if you asked, surely some degree of meeting expectations plays some part, be it with expectations associated with popular demand, reinventing their sound, relevance, lineups, new generations of fans, or just contractual obligations.  

However, one great, who has been adamant about retiring the music-making juggernaut, has unexpectedly released new material! Singer-songwriter Piano Man, Billy Joel, first hinted at the prospect December 19th, 2023 during a Madison Square Garden residency. The buzz picked up in the latter half of January when a teaser posted on his TikTok account, announcing February 1st as the release date of a new single titled “Turn the Lights Back On”.

A backgound canvas on Spotify also teased the upcoming release. Photo mine.

The single comes thirty-one years after his last pop album, River of Dreams–which even ended quite neatly with a track named “Famous Last Words”, as if to close the book on his writing career at the time. Then over the following years, Joel has gone on various records saying he was not interested in putting out any more work. According to a New Yorker article, he wanted to call it quits altogether in 2010 for a combination of age, health, and personal reasons. That is until the 2012 Hurricane Sandy relief concert seemed to kickstart a revived interest in him. The aforementioned MSG residency started in 2014.

Yet, for all the refreshed interest in his shows and existing content over the decade, new music has always seemed like another matter. He told Billboard in 2007 that he “doesn’t rule out the possibility…” He just didn’t have the motivation nor “the compulsion to write songs in pop form” at the time.  Then, Joel told the New Yorker in 2014 that he felt he’s “had his say,”  [and] he’s “not crazy about going into a recording studio and doing that kind of life again, or taking on another project where there’s other people involved, arrangers and orchestrators and conductors and producers…” As recently as 2017, he briefly discussed the matter again with Stephen Colbert on late night television, again reiterating how he feels that he’s said all he can say and adding that the twelve albums he’s released (to date) is a “nice, round number”. 

However, he admitted to Rolling Stone at one point that he has “a lot of music that no one’s ever heard and no one may ever hear if I don’t decide to do something with it.” Perhaps he’s made up his mind, found some fresh motivation, and something new to say now.  He just hopes he didn’t wait too long to turn the lights back on, as his new song lyrics go. The single has a classic Billy Joel vibe, reminiscent of his style on earlier albums, like Cold Spring Harbor, Streetlife Serenader, or Turnstiles: simplistic, clean vocals, piano-driven, and even a touch romantic. Yet, the sound is still fresh. Better late than never, but fans couldn’t love it more! 

As of this early February writing (just hours after the single dropped), there’s no definite indication as to whether a full-fledged album or project is in the works following the release of “Turn the Lights Back On”. What is known though is that Joel will debut the song live at the Grammys on February 4th. (Check out this “story of the year” clip for more details about his comeback!) He will also tour this year with guests like Stevie Nicks, Sting, and Rod Stewart. This same tour will also take him to Cardiff, UK this summer. Additionally, the Madison Square Garden residency is slated to conclude July 25th.  

Billy Joel is one of the classic rock greats who are still going strong in some way and he’s one of my personal favorites! As vocal as he’s been about not stepping back into the music business, many fans–myself included–can hardly believe he’s decided otherwise, even if it is just for a single right now! It’s nice to hear the good old Piano Man in a new way after all this time! The song is now available everywhere music is streamed or purchased! A vinyl pre-order is also available from his website store.

A music video for “Turn the Lights Back On” was released on February 15th, comprised of real and AI-generated “flashbacks” of the Piano Man throughout the decades. He’s also made appearances with Colbert again and Howard Stern to talk about his new song and his return.

Sources:

Billboard article

New Yorker article

Rolling Stone article

Making Playlists with a Spotify Alchemist

Listening to music has been one of my constant habits and hobbies and I’ve always had an affinity for playlist creation, even before Spotify made them as easy and awesome as they are now. If I had another life or could restart my professional life, I’m sure I could be a pretty good radio/music DJ.

My Spotify Wrapped/Me in 2023 results identified me as an alchemist. “Listening is your laboratory.” The description declares about me. “You create your own playlists more than other listeners do…” Looking at my library, I have fifty-five original playlists as of this writing and thirty-eight Spotify-curated ones! I don’t know if I should be ashamed to admit that a lot of my days don’t start or end without one of my playlists! 

The best summation I think I can give for why I have so many is that playlists make it easy to access and organize my listening interests. I’m constantly adding and changing my library too! For instance, several lists are dedicated to one artist or band I love. Others are seasonal or thematic, like for Christmas, trick-or-treating, love songs, breakup songs, or my favorite Disney tunes. A few were created for specific purposes, like wedding receptions, bridal showers, working out, sleeping/relaxing, or volunteering with preschoolers at church. 

As an audiophile and “Spotify Alchemist”, what I love, I love a lot and I’m always looking for more! So, I wanted to share some of my secrets to exploring music and playlist-making. 

• Nothing is wrong with playlists focused on one band/artist/genre, but broad or creative themed lists can be pretty fun–like pump up jams, girl power, road-trippin, or decade party. Brainstorm and add songs you associate with the idea you decide to work with. 

• I also like using the smart shuffle or recommended options. Both of these operate with Spotify’s AI/algorithm programming to make suggestions it thinks will fit based on your tastes and selections. To activate smart shuffle, tap the shuffle icon twice. A star or diamond shape will appear next to the criss-cross arrows. The recommendations show up when you customize a playlist. You can either touch “add to this playlist” at the top or scroll through the options at the bottom of the list. 

• I might incorporate any deep cuts I know if they fit the playlist theme. Deep cuts are basically the “other” songs on an album that were not released as singles. If you aren’t familiar with a complete album though, you’ll need to take some time to listen through.

• I sometimes find music through friends, family, or other media. This is fairly self-explanatory, and a good way to include and connect with others too. Here’s how it might look in “real-time”:
  • My sister is a Swiftie who’s rubbing off on me. (Taylor was number three out of my top five artists this year.) 
  • Once, a little girl in preschool requested “Spidey music”–or music from the Disney Junior show, “Spidey Amazing Friends”. 
  • At some point, my Instagram feed started showing me reels from new or little-known music artists. This is how I discovered Spin and Deskjobs, bands with songs that were that were number two and number four of my top five this year.
  • If I hear a song on the tv or radio that piques my interest, I’ll identify it with Shazam, open it in Spotify, and save it on a list. While watching the finales of “The 100” and “Lucifer” a couple summers back, songs performed by Scala & Kolacny Brothers caught my attention. 

• Some of my “discoveries” go to their own playlist at first. I’ll listen to it every so often to decide if I’m going to keep them or where in regular rotation they may fit. It might also be a playlist of cool, misfit songs as well. 

My top songs

My top artists

I hope these tips help music lovers cover new ground and better acquaint casual users with Spotify’s potential. It’s been one of the easiest platforms to explore, create, and curate audio media! 

Happy holidays and happy listening! 

Empire of the Sun is Alive

Do you enjoy unique music? Cool, we do too, so perhaps you’ve heard of Empire of the Sun! If you have, awesome, you’ll be right at home with this article, if not then prepare to have your mind blown! Empire of the Sun is a “project” that has super odd music and even weirder musicians and costumes. So why do we love their music so much? They are good, plain and simple.

Their new album Ice on the Dune releases in June. For those of you who can’t wait for the CD release and who want the single “Alive” right this moment, you can have it! Just pre-order the album from iTunes and you will get the single right now. We were surprised that the music duo already have a brilliant music video out for this single. Go ahead and enjoy this bizarre and entertaining video that we hope is a good indication for what their entire new album will be like!

CLICK TO WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO!

Option 22 Brings Us The Change

Option 22 is a brilliant band composed of multi-talented artist. Their latest album, The Change, introduces listeners to a collection of songs that are not only a pleasure to listen to, but that contain important messages for us all! The album cover is calming and gives you a sense of the type of music that is on the album. One of the most interesting things about this album that really sets it apart from others, is it’s ability to entertain while still telling a story.

There is not one song on the album that won’t have you singing along and thinking about it’s message. The band is comprised of some very talented people. Lori McKinney is vocals and drums, Jordan Furrow is drums and guitar, Brandon Dunn is bass, keys and guitar, and Robert Blankenship is guitar, didgeridoo, shamisen, banjo, bass, and keys! With a band that talented, it’s no wonder The Change is such an inspiring album. The opening song on the album is Some Say, and we get the feeling that “many” will be saying that they love this album! One thing is for sure, The Change by Option 22 is a sure hit, and a favorite of everyone at Toast Pop!

Alphabeat Beta Session

It’s rare that an artist or band will sound as good as they do on their recorded albums. Alphabeat is one of those bands that is just as “fantastic” in person as on their records. The latest Beta Session featuring them is proof of that. Highlighting songs from their new album Express Non-Stop and their other albums, The Spell & This Is Alphabeat, the session was a hit!

With a rapidly growing following of fans from all around the world, this was a brilliant way to let all of their fans in on their live music! Already receiving rave reviews from Perez Hilton, the Beta Session featuring Alphabeat is sure to spread like wildfire. Their style of music and well, style in general, is unique and catching the attention of many, including Taylor Swift, who has admitted to loving their music. Quit depriving yourself and watch the entire Beta Session with Alphabeat now.

CLICK TO WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO!

Alphabeat Express Non-Stop

If you are a fan of music from the 80s and early 90s then you may have heard of the band Alphabeat. If not, then it’s about time that you have! Alphabeat is a band that is prominent in this day and time but chooses to model their music and style after the trends of the 80s. With a unique sense of fashion and super catchy beats, Alphabeat is taking the world by storm.

Their new album, Express Non-Stop will be available at the end of the month. While their fan base grows every day, and the media is scooping up more information on the band, they are all still very down-to-earth people with their own individual styles that make Alphabeat something truly unique. With the release of their new single still fresh out, Love Sea is gaining the interest of new and old fans alike, creating quite the buzz around the new album. This group of friends who love music, style, and just having fun doing what they love, is just as excited as the fans about the new album.

CLICK TO WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO!

Chris August & Group1Crew – He Said

Chris August and Group1Crew recently partnered to create a beautiful piece of music for all to enjoy. It’s message is beautiful and holds truth on many levels. It is a constant reminder that we are never alone, though at times it may seem that way. Topping charts, both Chris August and Group1Crew have become hit sensations in the Christian music category. Teaming up for their newest hit, He Said, all artist involved were able to create a fantastic song. The musical talents of these musicians have graced audiences everywhere, now including Toast Pop. Enjoy, and remember no matter how tough things get, you aren’t going through it alone!

CLICK TO WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO!

Sophie Koh – Oh My Garden

In the world of music it’s pretty hard to find new talent. Sometimes that new talent, isn’t really new, but just hasn’t hit it big yet. For those of us here in the United States, we miss out on a lot of artist who aren’t shown to us. That’s right, we hear what is advertised to us for the most part. However, if you are lucky enough to be someone who listens to Indie music, you may have perhaps herd of Sophie Koh, a very talented Australian artist. To celebrate the release and pre-order of her new album, Oh My Garden, an awesome new music video has been unveiled for her song I Understand. If you haven’t herd of her, don’t miss out any longer, we have a really cool song by her right here for you to enjoy. Don’t let this simplistic song and video fool you, the song is very emotional and meaningful, and the video is breathtaking if you give it the chance and watch it all the way to the end. It literally is one of the coolest music videos we have seen in a very long time. It doesn’t take millions of dollars in flashy lights and computer animation to make a memorable music video, and that is proven true here. It just takes thought. So that you don’t get your mind completely blown by the water effect later on in the music video, we have included the behind the scenes and making video for you to enjoy.

CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO 1!

CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO 2!

Didi Benami Gasoline

New artist and their talent never ceases to amaze us. One new artist making an impression on the music industry is Didi Benami. She just recently released her new single, “Gasoline”. With inspiring and thought-provoking lyrics this song is already making its way across the internet and onto the iPods of many. We are always excited when we find out about an artist who somehow slid under our radar, and Didi is no exception. The lyrics say you can’t fight fire with gasoline, how true. Lyrics are just as important as the voice in my opinion, yet Didi has both, fantastic lyrics and a beautiful voice. Don’t miss out on getting her new single, we know we didn’t! For more information or to show your support pay a visit to Didi’s website. Also don’t forget to buy the single which is available on both iTunes and Amazon!

CLICK TO WATCH & LISTEN!