Modern Day Moonshine Plow Their Allman Brothers-tinged Classic Rock Sound with Their New Single, "Fitting the Mold"

Classic rock.  Music to the ears of rock lovers everywhere.  With it's variety of styles and influences, there was a classic rock sound for every taste.  Now Ripple Music is bringing back that feeling of the heyday of 1970's Classic Rock Radio with it's ever-expanding roster of authentic, rock and roll bands.  And the latest band to forge head-first into this territory is San Francisco's Modern Day Moonshine with their Allman Brother's-tinged new single, "Fitting the Mold".

Back in the day, fans explored every facet of rock without need for clear distinctions and boundaries.  If you loved Led Zeppelin, you probably loved Lynard Skynard.  If you were a fan of Thin Lizzy's guitar attack,  there also was a Molly Hatchet.  And if you loved the blues-based rock of Free you could also lose yourself in the blues jamming of the Allman Brothers.  Modern Day Moonshine fills that space in the Ripple roster, plowing their bluesy, southern guitar-fried sound amongst the heavier tones of other Ripple bands-- and success is staring the boys right in the face.

Modern Day Moonshine's latest full-length record, Refuge, made an immediate impact on  radio charts, finding itself nestled among the likes of genre stalwarts The Black Crowes, Ray LaMontagne, and Robert Plant. Now Modern Day Moonshine looks to build on that success with the release of their latest digital single.  With it's spirited, fiery guitar, "Fitting the Mold" will harken back to those glorious days of 1970's Classic Rock, resurrect thoughts of classic Allman Brothers, and be sure to satisfy listeners who crave the variety that classic radio had in it's peak.

Released through Ripple Music, "Fitting the Mold" can be found on iTunes, CDBaby, and Ripple's own Bandcamp page.

Check it out and see what all the fuss is about.

Ripple Music Continues 1st Year Anniversary Celebration with Free Digital Compilation Album!

   

After exploding onto the scene June of last year, Ripple Music continues its path as one of the fastest growing Independent Record Labels in America!

Now, as Ripple Music moves into its second year, founders John Rancik and Todd Severin want to celebrate the enthusiasm of their music lovers (known as waveriders) with some Anniversary Specials.  As a thank you to their fans and supporters who’ve allowed Ripple to strike out and bring independent music to the world, Ripple is releasing it's first ever free digital compilation album. Free Compilation

Featuring  every band that has made the first year of Ripple Music such a success, Ripple's Anniversary album kicks off with Stone Axe, before heading down the Ripple highway of Poobah, JPT, Fen, and more.  And as a special bonus, The Anniversary Album features the world's first sneak peeks at two new Ripple releases; Grifter's self-titled debut album, and the eagerly anticipated A Different Game, from underground legends, Scotland's Iron Claw.  But the free compilation album may be available for only a limited time, so get over there quickly to get yours!

But wait, there's more.  Over at the Ripple Store, everything is still 15% off until July 4th, and every waverider who places an order will get their name placed into a drawing for a very special, last-one-of-its-kind surprise Test Pressing.

It’s all just Ripple’s way of saying thank you for allowing them to keep doing what they love, bringing the best music your way and putting the guts back into rock and roll!

RIPPLE MUSIC STORE

www.ripple-music.com

RSD Means Ripple Store Day – Special Discounts for Record Store Day Weekend

 

After exploding onto the scene June of last year, Ripple Music continues its path as one of the fastest growing Independent Record Labels in America.

Following a year that saw the signing and releasing of new and vintage material from Stone Axe, Poobah, JPT Scare Band, Fen, Modern Day Moonshine, Mighty High, Grand Atlantic, Sky Parade, and Kevin Beadles, Ripple Music followed up by adding such bands as Mos Generator, Iron Claw, Grifter, and Tripdavon to their roster, and joining with Small Stone Records to release new material from Sun Gods in Exile.  And special projects are in the works for more Poobah, Stone Axe, JPT Scare Band, and special releases from this year's Fuzzapalooza.

Now, Ripple Music will celebrate Records Store Day with their own Ripple Store Day.  As a thank you to their fans and supporters who’ve allowed Ripple to unleash all this musical mayhem onto the world, Ripple will be applying special 15% discounts on everything ordered from the Ripple Store from April 15 to April 17^th.

And when Ripple Music says “discount on everything” they mean everthing, including special collectors packages of Stone Axe I deluxe CD/DVD, vinyl and 7” single,  the new Heavy Ripples double 7” package, and the best-selling Poobah “Let Me In” double 12” LP.  In the store, you can also find classic non-Ripple albums from Ripple artists Stone Axe, Mos Generator, and JPT Scare Band.  All of which will get the additional RSD discount.

It’s all just Ripple’s way of saying thank you for allowing them to keep doing what they love, bringing the best music your way and putting the guts back into rock and roll!

"Ripple Music - a rising underground rock label." -- Sleazegrinder

RIPPLE MUSIC STORE

www.ripple-music.com

Ripple News - Modern Day Moonshine Featured on KPIG’s Fresh Pork Chops Radio Show

It’s been quite the journey for Modern Day Moonshine over the past 6 months. Since releasing their third full-length album, Refuge, in November, the band has charted on various regional radio stations, placed on the Americana Music Association charts, were tapped to open for national touring act Brian Jordan in San Francisco, have been invited to perform a showcase for an advertising firm in the Bay Area, and now have become the featured act for this week’s Fresh Pork Chops radio program on KPIG-FM 107.5 in Santa Cruz.

During a massive AAA radio campaign that has highlighted tracks “Don’t Waste” and “Unsung” from the bands’ Refuge album, KPIG gravitated toward the album so much that for the next week at 7:00pm PST, the radio station will be airing tracks from the album.

Meanwhile, Modern Day Moonshine is working feverishly to hit the road to bring the album live to fans across the country! For those who can’t wait for more Modern Day Moonshine, join the bands Bootleggers Club and get the opportunity to hear unreleased, demos, brand new, and live tracks from their immense vault of material!
 

Modern Day Moonshine - Refuge

A friend of mine has an original drawing by Bruce Burton of “The Family Tree Of American Rock.”  Here are a couple of photos of a poster made from the original drawing posted by Violator @ MuzicForums.com:

The tree is made up entirely of the names of American rockers and rock bands.  Trailblazers, such as Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley, are deeply embedded in the tree’s trunk. Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, ZZ Top, Beach Boys, James Gang and their ilk are relegated to branches and leaves.  It is a heady drawing - a wonderful artistic tribute to the breadth, scope, and growth of rock music.  

As I listened to Modern Day Moonshine’s release “Refuge” The Family Tree Of American Rock came to mind. The content of “Refuge” is as if Modern Day Moonshine (“MDM”) guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Todd Goodnough came upon the Family Tree and shook it as hard as he could. Leaves and twigs fell to the ground. Goodnough and his bandmates, bassplayer Brendan McCaskey and drummer David Burrows, then assembled a collage of twelve original tracks from the scattered debris. You have a branch of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; a bit of Bob Dylan bark; a slice of Dave Mason heartwood; a cone or two of the Doobie Brothers; a few stray needles of Allman Brothers; and some Atlanta Rhythm Section sapwood covered with “Champagne Jam.”  There is even a leaf of Brahms from the nearby Family Tree Of Classical Music Composers.

MDM generally mine the Folk/Country/Alternative Rock genre. Yet, there is also a nice soul blues ethos.  CSN&Y had a particular acoustic and electric guitar sound that was led by Neil Young and Steve Stills.  Goodnough has much of the same approach in his guitar work.  McCaskey thumps and bumps with precision and Burrows pounds out impeccable time with nicely played rolls and fills.  The notes sound like the buds of spring.  Each bursts into being and turns into a musical food factory.  Tasty stuff!

Yes, MDM’s latest endeavor is under the Ripple label.  True, The Ripple Effect is a Ripple enterprise.  Also true, I don’t get paid to do this by Ripple or anyone else.  If I didn’t like it you wouldn’t be hearing about it.  

MDM’s music on “Refuge”  definitely soars in the canopy of the The Family Tree Of American Rock. It won’t leave you out on a limb.  I guarantee it!

- Old School

Buy here: Ripple Music 

Jam Band Extraordinaire, Modern Day Moonshine’s New Album Slated For November Release

After signing on with Ripple Music in the waning weeks of 2009, the Bay Area’s Modern Day Moonshine found themselves in the scenic, serene, and solitary environs of Tres Llamas Studios, a converted ranch overlooking the Towalame River in Northern California. With no one to disturb except for the indigenous wildlife and the three llamas that roam the studio grounds, the band spent late days and even later nights laying down the basic tracks to the dozen or so songs that would eventually make up Refuge, the bands third full-length album.

Scheduled to hit the streets on November 23rd, 2010, Refuge is an album of soulful blues-based rock that features grand elements of jazz, funk, and roots-Americana. This musical diversity has made Modern Day Moonshine practically impossible to accurately categorize, and will undoubtedly leave listeners emotionally charged and excited to explore the multiple layers of the recorded sounds.

Armed with a catalog of well over a hundred songs and the experience of performing more than five hundred shows (including a two and a half years as the house band for the House of Blues in San Diego), Modern Day Moonshine are prepared for a lengthy stint on the road where no two shows will ever sound the same.

Refuge is available for pre-order at the Ripple Music Store or for digital download at Digstation/ModernDayMoonshine

"come on in and pour yourself a cup of alright"

http://www.moderndaymoonshine.com/


www.ripple-music.com

MODERN DAY MOONSHINE BEGINS FREE "BOOTLEGGERS" CLUB FOR FANS

With the release of their new studio album Refuge (Ripple Music) just weeks away, blues/soul/rock trio Modern Day Moonshine announce the launch of their free fan interactive  "MDM Bootleggers” Club

Spread across the bands' newly redesigned website and social media, the project allows "MDM Bootleggers" to access a new song every Tuesday. With a catalogue of songs reaching well into the hundreds,  the streaming mp3's will range from demos and live performances to previously unreleased studio tracks, and will feature exclusive photos and updates from the band.  Fans will be polled each month to choose their favorite tracks, with the winners being compiled into a special edition “Bootlegger Album”  that will be available as a download only.

Offered free to all MDM fans, the only “cost” to join is their word of mouth.  Operated much like the charity candy display at a gas station cash register, MDM is using the honor system of holding fans accountable to helping spread the word.  In return for their efforts, MDM Bootleggers will have access to all new material as well as contests, giveaways and free tickets to upcoming shows. 

Commented drummer David Burrows "These tunes need to be heard, and we want the fans to determine a unique album.  This is the quickest way to get them out.  We're really looking forward to hooking up our fans for helping spread the Modern Day Moonshine name."
 
Modern Day Moonshine's Refuge will see a November 23rd release through Ripple Music.

www.moderndaymoonshine.com

Ripple Music Named Label of the Month by the Next Big Thing Network

We're pleased, and quite a bit flattered, to announce that Ripple Music was recognized as the "Label of the Month" across the Next Big Thing Network! Along with front page exposure, a number of the bands on the Ripple roster have been featured in review and on the networks podcasts. Not too shabby for a label with such humble beginnings!

Within a year of creating a solid business foundation and working long days and nights to streamline the production and supply of product, label founders John Rancik and Todd Severin have begun to see the fruits of their labors taking shape. On June 22nd, the label released their first album, JPT Scare Band's Acid Blues is the White Man's Burden, and were immediately inundated with orders from across the globe. Shortly after, Kevin Beadles (You Can't Argue With Water) and Fen (Trails Out of Gloom) were released, both receiving glowing reviews and critical-acclaim, and essentially completing the "first wave" of Ripple releases.

While the "first wave" was being managed, a project fell into the laps of label in the form of a split single featuring Stone Axe and Mighty High, which created a flurry of press, positive reviews, and internet banter. This project cemented a working relationship with T. Dallas Reed (Stone Axe/Mos Generator) who has now opened his vault of music to the Ripple Music, including the re-release of the first Stone Axe album on vinyl, as well as deluxe CD. Reed also took part in the labels fifth release, the re-issue of Poobah's 1972 debut LP Let Me In, by re-mastering the original six tracks along with twelve additional tracks that never made the original cut.

This initial success has brought on partnerships with a couple of U.S. and European distributors, namely Netherlands-based Clear Spot International, who is working feverishly to support Ripple Music and the great releases on the labels roster. So far, catalog releases have been sent to Germany, Italy, Australia, Japan, Sweden, Austria, and the UK, to name just a few countries.

Now, with Wave 1a nearing completion, Severin and Rancik are concentrating on the second wave of releases, which includes the third full length album from the Americana/Rock trio, Modern Day Moonshine (Refuge), the re-release of Sketches From Silence from the Santa Barbara-based rockers Tripdavon, and the first new release in over forty years from proto-metal overlords, Iron Claw. Tack on other projects such as a new Stone Axe LP, a re-release of the first Mos Generator album with bonus material, a new Poobah album, as well as a number of single and compilation releases, 2011 is going to be a monstrous year for Ripple Music.





Follow all the Ripple Music Fun at www.ripple-music.com
and on Facebook


To read more from the NBT Network, please follow the link: The NBT Network

A Sunday Conversation with Modern Day Moonshine

Modern Day Moonshine was one of the bands that made us put our money where our mouths are.  After hearing their self-titled EP, Modern Day Moonshine, we were so impressed with their laid back, yet passionate take on an Allman Brothers mixed with Crosby, Stills, Nash, meets Neil Young, crossed with The Meters vibe, that we just had to go ahead and make them one of the first acts signed to the nascent Ripple Music Label.  With a dynamite new album coming later this year, we couldn't miss out on the chance to have the gents, Todd (guitar/vocals), Brendan (bass) and David (drums) pop on over to the Ripple Office and share their thoughts.

When I was a kid, growing up in a house with Cat Stevens, Neil Diamond and Simon and Garfunkel, the first time I ever heard Kiss's "Detroit Rock City," it was a moment of musical epiphany. It was just so vicious aggressive and mean. It changed the way I listened to music. I've had a few minor epiphany's since then, when you come across a band that just brings something new and revolutionary to your ears.

What have been your musical epiphany moments?

T:  Hendrix mix tape that I got when I was 19.  Pink Floyd mix tape too. "Flamenco Sketches" by Miles Davis soon after that.

D:  G n' R Appetite at 10.  Hendrix Band of Gypsys at 23.  Neil Young live at Massey Hall '71 when I was 27.

B:  "Stand by Me" soundtrack at 8.  Zeppelin II at 12.  Spinal Tap at 25.

Talk to us about the song-writing process for you. What comes first, the idea? A riff? The lyrics? How does it all fall into place?

T:  Its a crapshoot. Most of the time its the chord progression first. Maybe a third of the time its built around the lyrics.

Where do you look for continuing inspiration? New ideas, new motivation?

T:  Purity of nature and the flaws of society.


Genre's are so misleading and such a way to pigeonhole bands. Without resorting to labels, how would you describe your music?


B:  An organized freak out of songs with soul.  A drunken pontoon boat tour of the 60's and 70's.


What is your musical intention? What are you trying to express or get
> your audience to feel?

T:  Social and self awareness.


In songwriting, how do you bring the song together? What do you look for in terms of complexity? Simplicity? Time changes?

T:  Its all organic.  Shouldn't be contrived.  Its just gotta hit your core somehow.

D:  I've been in bands where we would pine over this kind of thing.  This band?  Not so much.  Its about the feel and whatever the tune calls for.

The business of music is a brutal place. Changes in technology have made it easier than ever for bands to get their music out, but harder than ever to make a living? What are your plans to move the band forward? How do you stay motivated in this brutal business?

D:  We stay motivated by doing the same thing we've always done:  Playing tunes.  Gigging has always been our MO, and I think tha'ts what the business is reverting back to again.


Come on, share with us a couple of your great, Spinal Tap, rock and roll moments?

D:  Getting lost on on the way back to San Diego after a gig in Mexico. Watching a 45 minute trip turn into a 4 1/2 hour trek through the finer points of the Baja Peninsula while being hungover in the cab of a pickup
truck.  We turned around when we passed the donkey pulling the produce cart.

T:  Playing a gig in Palm Springs and then heading to Joshua Tree afterwards with a bottle of whiskey.  Staying up til 5 am.  Then waking up at 8 am to 100 degree heat with no water.  Then driving 3 hours back to
San Diego to play 2 gigs that same night with super glue holding my fingers together after a late night hiking "incident."

B:  Having the guitarist from Tesla come up to me at a gig and say "Don't let this happen to you."  Apparently he was homeless or something.


What makes a great song?

B:  It doesn't suck.

T:  You tell me.

D:  Its 30+ years old.

Tell us about the first song you ever wrote?


T:  (loooooong pause):  200 songs later, I honestly don't remember. (Longer pause)  I do remember writing a Ricky Nelson style song when I was eight.  My dad showed me my first guitar chords.  And happened to be a fan.  Incidentally, the first song he ever taught me was "House of the Rising Sun."


What piece of your music are particularly proud of?

T:  All of them.  Always most proud of the newest one.

D:  Any of them.  And any off-the-cuff improv jams that we have come up with.

B:  "Robots Marching."


Who today, writes great songs? Why?


MDM: Wilco, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Radiohead.  All of them are and always have been original.  That and they all continue to evolve.

Vinyl, CD, or digital? What's your format of choice?


D:  Each one has its place.  Love the sound of vinyl.  Love being able to download on iTunes (and have it effortlessly charge a soon to be maxed out credit card).  CD's for driving.  Still waiting for cassettes to make a
long overdue comeback.


We, at the Ripple Effect, are constantly looking for new music.  When we come to your town, what's the best record store to lose ourselves in?

T:  I only go to the woods.

D & B:  Amoeba (SF or Berkeley) has just about everything.  Good vinyl selection too.


Any final comments or thoughts you'd like to share with our readers, the waveriders?

B:  "Don't change.  Have a great summer"

T:  "Clock's tickin'.  Do somethin'!"

D:  "Look up "Creed Shreds 3" on YouTube"

AMEN.

Buy here: www.ripple-music.com

Ripple News - The New Ripple Music Record Label Prepares New Releases from JPT Scare Band, Fen, Poobah, and Kevin Beadles

Hello friends!

Welcome to May and Spring is in full swing, flowers are bloomin' like crazy and the happy little elves at Ripple Music are preparing for a summer full of releases! 

We'll be seeing our first official release hitting the streets on June 22nd, 2010 in the form of JPT Scare Band's Acid Blues is the White Man's Burden. The heavily fuzzed out blues-based rock outfit has worked hand in hand with Ripple Music in the song selection and the album art to fully encapsulate the bands (in)glorious history as the unsung heroes of proto-metal. Coming on the heals of the widely acclaimed self-released album Rumdum Daddy, Acid Blues will be available in deluxe CD digipak, digital download, and multi-colored double 12" vinyl formats. The vinyl edition will also include two bonus tracks for your listening pleasure! Follow the link to hear more from this painfully obscure classic rock outfit! http://www.reverbnation.com/user/login#/jptscareband

Vancouver's beloved alienists on the path of self discovery, Fen, are preparing for the release of their fourth album, Trails Out of Gloom. The epic album of brooding and hauntingly beautiful songs will hit the streets on July 13th with the band working the road in support of the disc. Initially, Trails will be available in deluxe CD digipak and digital download formats, but plans are underway for a follow up 12" vinyl release. To hear some advanced tracks, please follow this link . . . http://www.reverbnation.com/user/login#/fen

Bay Area singer/songwriter, Kevin Beadles, also has an album available for the masses of happy and hungry music listeners. You Can't Argue With Water will officially hit the streets through Ripple Music on July 13th, 2010, featuring well crafted songs that are highlighted by thought provoking lyrics. The album will be available in CD digipak and digital download formats. For some samples of Kevin's work, follow the link . . .http://www.reverbnation.com/user/login#/kevinbeadles

Ripple Music is also proud to announce the release of the 1972 lost classic, Let Me In, from Poobah. Featuring the guitar wizardry of Jim Gustafson, Poobah has milled about in the same circles as classic rock icons Hawkwind, Blue Cheer, and Iron Butterfly. This deluxe re-issue will be available in jewel case CD, digital download, and multi-colored double 12" vinyl formats . . . and all will include bonus tracks from "lost tapes" of the Let Me In recording sessions. Look for the album this summer, and in the meantime, feel free to listen to some of the music that you have missed over the years . . . http://www.reverbnation.com/user/login#/poobah

Finally, Modern Day Moonshine has submitted the cover art and the album title for their long-awaited follow up to their self-titled EP from last year. Refuge follows the same big sky, open land path that this trio has walked for the past five years . . . but with a fresh burst of energy and a focused approach. Refuge will initially be available in CD digipak and digital download formats, but we're not ruling out a vinyl edition in the near future. 

Ripple Music has also come to agreements with the Santa Barbara modern rock outfit, Tripdavon, to re-release their latest album, Sketches From Silence, in a deluxe format filled with unreleased tracks and bonus material. And, as of this writing, the label has also come to a verbal handshake with classic proto-metallers, Iron Claw, from the UK to release their first collection of studio material since their classic self-titled 70's release. 

2010 promises to be an exciting year with a ton of great music, so tune in frequently, or simply sign up to our mailing list and get the 411 before anyone else! 

That's all for now . . . and remember, if you're not listening to it loud, you're not listening to it right!

Ripple Music

www.ripple-music.com