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Los Angeles Life and Style, Music Albums, Music Notes

ZZ Ward Releases ‘Dirty Shine,’ Ushering a Fresh Era for the Renowned Artist.

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OUT NOW! ZZ Ward’s ‘Dirty Shine’: A Bold Independent Debut Ushering a Fresh Era for the Renowned Artist.

Los Angeles, Calif. – Today, ZZ Ward‘s highly anticipated album ‘Dirty Shine’ has officially landed on streaming platforms, released via her own Dirty Shine Records. A cinematic 11-song album, spilling over with an intoxicating cocktail of bold electronic textures, rugged hip-hop beats, fierce rhymes and pop hooks, acoustic Delta blues riffs, sensual R&B singing, and juke joint harmonica, ‘Dirty Shine’ represents a new chapter in ZZ’s career, as she embraces life as a new mother and removes the constraints of the major label system.
 
To celebrate the release, ZZ has shared a riveting Official Album Trailer directed by her brother, Adam William Ward. Capturing the essence of classic horror films, the trailer delivers a tongue-in-cheek nod to cult classics like Knives Out and Halloween, showcasing another layer to ZZ’s expansive creative realm. Continuing her ambitious endeavor to blend music and cinema, this album trailer stands as a testament to the seamless collaboration between ZZ and Adam. As seen with the thrilling music video for “On One,” their shared vision has once again manifested in a captivating amalgamation of sights and sounds.

ZZ is hitting the road to share the sounds of ‘Dirty Shine’ with fans nationwide. Kicking things off at Philadelphia’s World Cafe Live on September 6th, the tour weaves its way through a diverse range of cities and venues. Highlights include an evening at New York’s Gramercy Theatre on September 9th, a mid-tour stop in Chicago at Park West on September 16th, and a stop in Nashville at The Basement East on September 24th. After connecting with fans across the country, the tour will wrap at the Belly Up in Solana Beach on November 18th. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.zzward.com/

ZZ started singing the blues at the age of 8, inspired by her father’s record collection. At 16, seeing the similarities between blues and hip-hop, she ventured out to the clubs in her hometown of Eugene and began singing and performing with acts around town. She busked, booked her own tours, sold demos in parking lots, and slept on an air mattress at her brother’s place while hustling for shows. It wasn’t long before she became a buzzed-about artist, earning a record deal with Hollywood Records. She quickly broke into Billboard’s Top 40 with her debut release, and her sophomore album peaked at #1 on the Billboard Blues chart, highlighted by singles featuring GRAMMY-Award winners Fantastic Negrito and Gary Clark Jr.

In ZZ Ward’s fan community the phrase “dirty shine” means being your authentic self; imperfections and vulnerabilities all included. Recently, “dirty shine” became something of a mission statement for ZZ. “The concept of ‘dirty shine’ is larger than the record,” she explains. “When I put out my first album, my fans and I started saying we are ‘dirty shine.’ It was about embracing who you are—we are all dirty, a little rough around the edges. I’ve always had this vibe, but I feel like this time in my life is like ‘dirty shine’ on steroids. I can fully be myself, and nothing can stop me.”

Now, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is also a video director, record label owner, and even a milliner. Her iconic fedoras, once a source of confidence on stage, now serve as a personal expression of her newfound energy and confidence, as she handcrafts and sells fedoras directly to her fans, sharing the gift of “confidence” that these hats have bestowed upon her. By removing the influence of big corporations, ZZ has fostered a profound bond with her fan community, engaging with them directly every morning, and strengthening the connection that fuels her artistic vision.

The addition of motherhood has brought profound changes to ZZ’s life, as she discovers a new connection within the community of parents. This shift in perspective has fueled her determination, as she recognizes that her music now carries a deeper meaning beyond her own self-expression. Balancing the demands of motherhood and a music career has required ZZ to find equilibrium, but as a touring musician and a mother, she understands the importance of maintaining flexibility. With Bruce Kalmick, Why & How / Red Light Management, leading the charge on the management side, and her husband, the GRAMMY-winning songwriter Evan Kidd Bogart, always in her corner, this time of creativity and personal growth is especially meaningful.

Her third studio release, ‘Dirty Shine’ was produced by a who’s who of award-winning producers, and frequent collaborators of ZZ’s, including Oscar, GRAMMY and Emmy-winning producer/composer Ludwig Goransson (Oppenheimer, Black Panther, Mandalorian, Childish Gambino, Haim), Oscar and GRAMMY-winning producer Mike Elizondo (Encanto, Twenty One Pilots, Carrie Underwood), GRAMMY-winning writer/producer Jason Evigan (Troye Sivan, Dan + Shay), GRAMMY-nominated Dave Bassett (Elle King, Vance Joy, Alice Merton), iconic hip-hop producer S1 (Eminem, Drake, Lorde) and the alt-rock producer-duo Mark Jackson & Ian Scott (Bishop Briggs, Dorothy).

‘Dirty Shine’ by ZZ Ward
1. Welcome to Dirty Shine
2. Ride or Die (feat. Vic Mensa)
3. Fadeaway
4. On One (feat. Jean Deaux)
5. Slow Hum Hymnal
6. Dead or Alive
7. Forget About Us
8. Friends Like These
9. Baby Don’t
10. North Bank Blues
11. OverdoZZe
12. Cut Me Loose
13. Tin Cups (feat. Aloe Blacc)
14. Don’t Let Me Down

ZZ Ward – Tour Dates
Wednesday, Sep. 6 – World Cafe Live – Philadelphia, PA
Friday, Sep. 8 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC
Saturday, Sep. 9 – Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY
Sunday, Sep. 10 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
Tuesday, Sep. 12 – House of Blues Cleveland – Cleveland, OH
Wednesday, Sep. 13 – XL Live – Harrisburg, PA
Friday, Sep. 15 – Saint Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI
Saturday, Sep. 16 – Park West – Chicago, IL
Sunday, Sep. 17 – Bourbon & Beyond 2023 – Louisville, KY
Tuesday, Sep. 19 – Majestic Theatre – Madison, WI
Wednesday, Sep. 20 – Woolys – Des Moines, IA
Thursday, Sep. 21 – Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN
Friday, Sep. 22 – Madrid Theater – Kansas City, MO
Sunday, Sep. 24 – The Basement East – Nashville, TN
Monday, Sep. 25 – Delmar Hall – Saint Louis, MO
Wednesday, Sep. 27 – Buckhead Theatre – Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, Nov. 1 – Marquee Theatre – Tempe, AZ
Friday, Nov. 3 – Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO
Saturday, Nov. 4 – Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO
Monday, Nov. 6 – The State Room – Salt Lake City, UT
Wednesday, Nov. 8 – Knitting Factory Concert House – Boise, ID
Thursday, Nov. 9 – The Showbox – Seattle, WA
Friday, Nov. 10 – Knitting Factory Spokane – Spokane, WA
Sunday, Nov. 12 – Revolution Hall – Portland, OR
Tuesday, Nov. 14 – Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
Friday, Nov. 17 – The Roxy Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, Nov. 18 – Belly Up – Solana Beach, CA

https://www.zzward.com/
https://www.instagram.com/zzward/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/ZZWard/
https://twitter.com/ZZWard/
https://www.tiktok.com/@zzward
https://www.youtube.com/c/zzward

Los Angeles Life and Style, Music News, Music Notes

After Ms. Marvel and Loki, composer, pop singer A-ZAL unveils new summer pop single, “Movie Script” set to be released August 11, 2023.

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NEW YORK – A-Zal, the emerging popstar from New York, is ready to captivate audiences worldwide with his latest release, “Movie Script.” This sensational single, packed with a funky vibe and pop-infused melodies, is bound to hook listeners from the very first play. Scheduled for release on August 11, 2023, “Movie Script” is poised to become this summer’s anthem, destined to be on repeat for fans. A-Zal’s infectious melodies and relatable lyrics make it impossible not to groove and sing along to this unforgettable track.

In “Movie Script,” A-Zal’s musical brilliance shines through, showcasing his unique style and talent. With infectious rhythms, catchy hooks, and top-notch production, the song demonstrates his ability to craft music that transcends genres and leaves a lasting impact on listeners.

Pop singer, A-Zal releases new single, “Movie Script.” Also known as Atif Afzal, is a New York-based pop singer known for his soulful voice and impactful songwriting.
Pop singer, A-Zal releases new single, “Movie Script.”

A-Zal brings a fresh and unique perspective to his music. Affectionately referred to as the “American Ed Sheeran” by his fans, A-Zal has a talent for creating heartfelt and resonant melodies. His soundtracks have graced popular television series Ms. Marvel, which was not only famous in the US but gained admiration worldwide. His compositions have also been featured in Loki, NCIS: Los Angeles, and The Twilight Zone, as well as Netflix films like Resort to Love. He has collaborated with major studios and networks like Marvel Studios, CBS Network, Netflix, and Viacom18.

“Movie Script” further cements his reputation as an artist who flawlessly blends pop sensibilities with soulful elements, creating a sound that’s both contemporary and timeless. Listeners can look forward to accessing “Movie Script” on all major digital streaming platforms, ensuring that fans can enjoy the song anytime and anywhere. 

Mark your calendars and get ready to experience A-Zal’s latest musical masterpiece. For more updates on A-Zal and the release of “Movie Script,” be sure to visit his official website and follow him on social media channels –  Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok 

About A-Zal

A-Zal, also known as Atif Afzal, is a New York-based pop singer known for his soulful voice and impactful songwriting. With a childhood immersed in British pop culture in London, A-Zal brings a fresh and unique perspective to his music. He has collaborated with major studios and networks such as Marvel Studios, CBS Network, Netflix, and Viacom18.

A-Zal’s fans affectionately refer to him as the “American Ed Sheeran” due to his ability to create heartfelt and resonant melodies. His compositions have graced popular television series like Ms. Marvel, Loki, NCIS: Los Angeles, and The Twilight Zone, as well as Netflix films such as Resort to Love.

Growing up in London and receiving training from a Royal College of Music alumnus, A-Zal’s musical journey took flight after pursuing a career in engineering and working at KPMG. Since his debut in 2013, he has composed scores and soundtracks for a range of international films, including Gift, Then a Hero Comes Along and The Alternative. A-Zal’s previous music has been released by prominent labels such as Universal Music Group and BMG.

Recognized for his talent as both a composer and singer, A-Zal has enchanted audiences with his vocals in various songs. His music transcends borders, captivating listeners with its universal appeal.

A-Zal continues to push artistic boundaries, captivating fans worldwide with his evocative melodies and storytelling. His music resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his audience. A-Zal is an extraordinary artist, poised to make a lasting impact on the pop music scene. 

Los Angeles Life and Style

Super Synth Duo PIERA Opening for Super Dance Band Oingo Boingo on OCTOBER 8, 2021 7PM at The Canyon Santa Clarita.

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Music Notes

Hollywood, Calif. – Super Synth Duo will be opening for the 80’s dance sensation band Oingo Boingo at The Canyon in Santa Clarita, CA. PIERA.  L.A.’s rising super synth pop duo, following a string of exhilarating post pandemic shows, the modern-mystical, Super Synth Duo, PIERA, will be bringing an audiophile’s feast for the senses with their signature beat-driven cosmic synth-soundscapes combined with Piera Klein’s powerful, entrancing vocal styling’s and alluring stage presence.

PIERA just came off from 4 stellar shows, opening for 80s iconic synth group, Berlin, on August 7th in Montclair, and The Untouchables and Bow Wow Wow on September 3rd in Santa Clarita (both at The Canyon nightclubs in SoCal), and on September 10th headlining at The Silverlake Lounge, and was just part at the iconic Punk Museum founder, Tequila Mockingbird’s “Sunday Club”, at the Oracle Tavern in Downtown Los Angeles on September 26 as part of her annual Dada Bauhaus Masquerade Ball.

  • Super Synth Duo PIERA Opening for Super Dance Band Oingo Boingo on OCTOBER 8, 2021 7PM at The Canyon Santa Clarita.

Almost instantaneously, PIERA has carved their own niche and established themself as one of LA’s most promising pioneering new acts to watch. They are cultivating a new sound blending psychedelic, indie-synthpop, krautrock, Avant Garde, and industrial pop. With a seemingly miraculous trajectory, the overwhelmingly positive press response to release of their new their new music video “Unraveling” filmed in quarantine, and with only a few shows under their belts,

PIERA is captivating new audiences in the post-pandemic era. Within a few short months PIERA has been featured in numerous press outlets including the award-winning California Rockerand favorably compared to singer Terri Nunn, as well as seen on the cover of Arts & Entertainment section of DTLA News, in addition to many articles and blogs such as Strutter’Zine, Future Producers, Sonic Scoop, Music-News, Music Connection Magazine, and many more. Coming soon PIERA will have a special feature in Music Connection Magazine and on the Artistic Voice podcast. PIERA has already been picked up by the airwaves broadcasting nationally on more than 50 college radio stations in recent months, in addition to building a global streaming audience reaching into Europe, South America and the UK. PIERA will be doing some incredible shows for the rest of this year, The Motels at The Oxnard Performing Arts Center on October 30th, and A Flock of Seagulls at The Canyon in Agoura on December 10th. It’s apparent that PIERA is on some sort of meteoric rise.

Now is the time for PIERA, come be part of this phenomenon.

(About The Video – In 2018 PIERA went to Puerto Rico to film their video for Cosmic Reaction, some was also filmed in Joshua Tree, and some in and around the Los Angeles area. The entire PIERA album is very cosmic and mystical and sparked a desire in Klein to showcase her character/avatar waking up in different worlds – each environment in high contrast to the next, from the Puerto Rican Jungle of El Yunque to the high California desert, and back home to the rolling hills of Echo Park. The experimental psychedelic art collage was a true collaboration between friends, Piera, her best friend Adrian Arredondo, and Micah Plissner.)

Los Angeles Life and Style

Isla Shares “12 Bars” From ‘The Mediterranean Gardener’ Out August 27, 2021.

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LA Life and Style Music Notes

The Mediterranean Gardener Out August 27 on Yep Roc Records

Listen + Share: “12 Bars” | YouTube streamer

Los Angeles, Calif. – Isla has unveiled “12 Bars,” the fourth single from the forthcoming debut album, The Mediterranean Gardener, out August 27 on Yep Roc Records; listen here.

Released first as a Bandcamp exclusive, the digital-only The Mediterranean Gardener is acclaimed singer/songwriter Josh Rouse’s new solo project. With gorgeous chilled-out electronica, the nine-track album provides a refreshing musical tonic for these stressful times

Of “12 Bars” Rouse says, “It’s the only song I co-wrote on this record. Daniel Tashian is a friend and collaborator. He had been on a bar crawl the night before and he got something like nine in. We laughed at not being able to roll like we used to and came up with the concept of 12 bar blues referring to the actual nightclubs, not bars of music.”

Recorded mainly at his small studio near his Valencia, Spain home, Rouse created the instrumentally oriented set during the confines of 2020 relying on keyboards and Roland Cloud samples. It’s “a stress-free atmosphere with breezy, improvised electronica,” says Rouse. “I was really just looking for vibes that were soothing. I didn’t want anything that was aggressive.”

From the eerie Eno-like ambient opener of “Buenas Noches Baby” to the Brazilian chords and melodies of the  Jobim-esque “Color De Vida,” the album is an alluring mix of lyric and instrumental tunes that meld together so smoothly that they feel more like a whole piece of music rather than a collection of songs. Realizing the music was far from the guitar-based, storytelling style for which he’s known, Rouse felt it needed its own name and Isla was born.

Rouse was joined on the recording by Tashian, who plays keyboards and Linn drums on “12 Bars”. The album was mixed by longtime producer Brad Jones and mastered by Mike Westbrook. The distinctive album cover was designed by Rouse’s wife, artist/singer Paz Suay, who also provided backing vocals on “12 Bars” and “It’s Not Too Far.”

The Mediterranean Gardener Tracklisting:

1. Buenas Noches Baby

2. It’s Not That Far

3. Color De Vida

4. 12 Bars

5. A Sunny Day

6. For The Love of a Girl

7. Night Moves

8. Until the Sun Comes Out

9. Attention

Pre-order the album here.

Los Angeles Life and Style

Isla Shares Second Single “It’s Not That Far” ; ‘The Mediterranean Gardener’ Out August 27, 2021.

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The Mediterranean Gardener Out August 27Listen + Share: “It’s Not That Far” / YouTube streamer

Los Angeles, Calif. – Today, Isla shares the second single, “It’s Not That Far,” from The Mediterranean Gardener out August 27 on Yep Roc Records; listen here.   

  • Isla Shares Second Single “It’s Not That Far” ; ‘The Mediterranean Gardener’ Out August 27, 2021.
    The Mediterranean Gardener Out August 27Listen + Share: “It’s Not That Far” / YouTube streamer

First released as a Bandcamp exclusive, the digital-only album is acclaimed singer/songwriter Josh Rouse’s new solo project. With gorgeous chilled-out electronica, the nine-track album provides a refreshing musical tonic for these stressful times. Of “It’s Not That Far,” Rouse offers, “Originally it sounded more like David Bowie’s “Rebel, Rebel,” but when moved to the synth world, it’s melody and chords simplified and became more intimate.

Now it’s very soft and fuzzy.” Rouse’s wife, singer/artist Paz Suay, provides backing vocals on the track. Recorded mainly at his small studio near his Valencia, Spain home, Rouse created the instrumentally oriented set during the confines of 2020 relying on keyboards and Roland Cloud samples. It’s “a stress-free atmosphere with breezy, improvised electronica,” says Rouse. “I was really just looking for vibes that were soothing. I didn’t want anything that was aggressive.” 

From the eerie Eno-like ambient opener of “Buenas Noches Baby” to the Brazilian chords and melodies of the Jobim-esque “Color De Vida,” the album is an alluring mix of lyric and instrumental tunes that meld together so smoothly that they feel more like a whole piece of music rather than a collection of songs. Realizing the music was far from the guitar-based, storytelling style for which he’s known, Rouse felt it needed its own name and Isla was born. 

Rouse was joined on the recording by frequent collaborator Daniel Tashian, who plays keyboards and Linn drums on “12 Bars,” which he co-wrote. The album was mixed by longtime producer Brad Jones and mastered by Mike Westbrook. The distinctive album cover was designed by Rouse’s wife, artist/singer Paz Suay, who also provided backing vocals on “12 Bars” and “It’s Not Too Far.” 

The Mediterranean Gardener Tracklisting:1. Buenas Noches Baby2. It’s Not That Far3. Color De Vida4. 12 Bars5. A Sunny Day6. For The Love of a Girl7. Night Moves8. Until the Sun Comes Out9.

Attention Pre-order the album here.

Music Notes – LA Life and Style

Los Angeles Life and Style

Isla’s ‘The Mediterranean Gardener’ Gets Wide Release; Digital-Only Debut Album Out August 27, 2021.

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Music Notes – LA Life and Style

Listen + Share: “Until the Sun Comes Out”

Los Angeles, Calif. – First released as a Bandcamp exclusive, Isla’s digital-only debut album, The Mediterranean Gardener, will see a wide release on August 27. The first single from the album, “Until the Sun Comes Out,” is available today; listen here. Musically reminiscent of Echo and the Bunnymen and The Cure, “the song just wrote itself,” says acclaimed singer/songwriter Josh Rouse of the first single from his new solo project, Isla. The Mediterranean Gardener is a nine-track album of gorgeous chilled-out electronica that provides a refreshing musical tonic for these stressful times.  

From the eerie Eno-like ambient opener of “Buenas Noches Baby” to the laid-back grooves of “It’s Not That Far” to the Brazilian chords and melodies of the Jobim-esque “Color De Vida,” the album is an alluring mix of lyric and instrumental tunes that meld together so smoothly that they feel more like a whole piece of music rather than a collection of songs. Realizing the music was far from the guitar-based, storytelling style for which he’s known, Rouse felt it needed its own name and Isla was born. 

Recorded mainly at his small studio near his Valencia, Spain home, Rouse created the primarily instrumental album during the confines of 2020. It’s “a stress-free atmosphere with breezy, improvised electronica,” says Rouse. “I was really just looking for vibes that were soothing. I didn’t want anything that was aggressive.” Rouse was joined on the recording by frequent collaborator Daniel Tashian, who plays keyboards and Linn drums on “12 Bars,” which he co-wrote.

The album was mixed by longtime producer Brad Jones and mastered by Mike Westbrook. The distinctive album cover was designed by Rouse’s wife, artist/singer Paz Suay, who also provided backing vocals on “12 Bars” and “It’s Not Too Far.” The Mediterranean Gardener Tracklisting:1. Buenas Noches Baby2. It’s Not That Far3. Color De Vida4. 12 Bars5. A Sunny Day6. For The Love of a Girl7. Night Moves8. Until the Sun Comes Out9. Attention Pre-order the album here.

Los Angeles Life and Style

Atif Afzal (aka A-Zal) talks about his upcoming pop music album.

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Music Notes

Los Angeles, Calif. – New York based singer-songwriter Atif Afzal (aka A-Zal) is focusing on a solo pop album, called 17 & 11 Nights, slated to be released later this year.

  • Atif Afzal (aka A-Zal) talks about his upcoming pop music album. The pop album would be A-Zal’s second album after his solo world music album Celebration! – released by BMG Production Music. A-Zal’s singing tracks have been featured on NCIS: Los Angeles and two tracks for The Twilight Zone.

The album is believed to have eight to ten tracks based on all emotions and varied genres. A-Zal is currently in talks with some of the best record labels in the US. He is working with major- league music producers and world-class musicians to put his best foot forward in his debut album. A team of Grammy-nominated sound engineers and music producers are putting in efforts to make his dream come true.

A-Zal built a team that has worked with the best of artists like Justin Bieber, Prince, Jason Derulo, David Guetta and Pitbull. “I would not talk much about this album but yes, I am really excited about it. The tracks are taking real good shape as the team with me is truly talented which steps up my game,” says A-Zal.

Originally from India, A-Zal moved to the US in 2018, studied music at the New York University and composed music for one of the University’s thesis film, The Alternative. Within just 2 years in the US, he has also wrapped up composing and singing soundtracks for two popular American television series. “Lending my voice for an American television series was quite big for me. It was broadcasted on the country’s leading network CBS and it is special for any artist to be heard by millions of people.

“I have sung one track for NCIS: Los Angeles and two tracks for The Twilight Zone, and both the times, it was truly an enchanting experience,” he explains. To say that A-Zal has worked his magic in the East and the West would be an understatement.

  • A-Zal built a team that has worked with the best of artists like Justin Bieber, Prince, Jason Derulo, David Guetta and Pitbull. “I would not talk much about this album but yes, I am really excited about it. The tracks are taking real good shape as the team with me is truly talented which steps up my game,” says A-Zal.

Using his versatility and immense knowledge of music styles, he has bowled over, both, veteran and independent filmmakers in Los Angeles, New York, London, Berlin and Australia. His soundtracks for Cannes-nominated film Monsoon Shootout and That Sunday, has been critically acclaimed by global filmmakers.

The pop album would be A-Zal’s second album after his solo world music album Celebration! released by BMG Production Music, one of the popular labels around the world, in March 2020. A-Zal has also worked with Universal Music among other record labels.

  • New York based singer-songwriter Atif Afzal (aka A-Zal) is focusing on a solo pop album, called 17 & 11 Nights, slated to be released later this year.

We would all be waiting with bated breath for A-Zal’s pop album release as this promising, multifaceted singer-songwriter has bountiful talent up his sleeve.

Press release