REVOLUTION HARMONY
We Are
feat. Serj Tankian, Ihsahn, Devin Townsend
©2013
ZERO DEFEX 'Caught In A Reflection' (out today) Zero Defex was formed in Akron/Kent, Ohio (USA) in 1981. The band initially germinated at JB’s in Kent, a pub known as the early stomping ground of Devo, The Waitresses and Joe Walsh. Guitarist/lyricist Tommy Strange approached Mick Hurray asking if he wanted to start a punk band. Sharing the rampant angst of the time, Mick said he wanted to play drums and wanted to play them "real fast". Mick suggested friends Jimi Imij as vocalist and Alan Litt on bass.
The band began rehearsing at Garbage Inc., a record store in downtown Kent. The name Zero Defex was inspired by an Akron rubber factory’s quality-control poster, picturing two duelling cowboys and the slogan 'High Noon for Zero Defects'. They played with a few more bassists, namely F-Rank N’ File and Johnny Phlegm, before finding permanent bassist Brad “No Sweat” Warner through an advert in the Northeast Ohio Scene magazine. With the line-up solidified, Zero Defex began playing every weekend at The Dale, an Akron Irish-themed pub with kindred Cleveland bands The Dark, The Agitated and The Offbeats. Highly responsible for the regional development of the fertile hardcore scene was local artist Vince “Cannibol” Packard. As chance would have it Vince was hit by a car, received a small injury settlement, and used the stipend to cover hall rentals and expenses in order to bolster the local hardcore scene. Zero Defex began playing many venues/houses throughout Northeast Ohio and hosted national acts such as The Misfits, MDC, DRI, The Dicks and The Meat Puppets. Significantly, two of Zero Defex’s early gigs in rural Ohio towns Dover and Wadsworth ended with the band being escorted out of town by the police. Zero Defex's music has been released on 7" vinyl by Get Revenge Records, based in Knoxville, Tennessee. The band’s music is also featured on the vinyl compilation 'The New Hope', a collection of Northeast Ohio hardcore bands released in 1983. Their song 'Drop The A Bomb On Me' appeared on a nationally released compilation called P.E.A.C.E/war that is still in print. By 1983 the band members began moving on to other things. Tommy Strange moved to San Francisco and formed Strawman, as well as touring Europe with the band Songs For Emma. Vocalist Jimi Imij remained closest to hardcore with his bands PPG and Plasma Alliance. Drummer Mick Hurray plays guitar/bass in celtic rock band The Mickeys, while Brad Warner became a Zen Buddhist priest and author, writing the Hardcore Zen book about his journey from punk to monk. In 2005, Zero Defex experienced a powerful rebirth when CD Truth guitarist Jeff Hardy joined the band. They were even name-dropped the following year in the film 'American Hardcore' (Sony Pictures Classics), which documents the history of American punk rock from 1980 to 1986. With Hardy on board, the band recorded their first CD titled '0DFX'. Two songs from this release were used in videos by the Ralph Nader 2008 presidential campaign, and can be found on YouTube. In 2011 at a hometown show in Akron, the band was pleased to welcome Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe on stage as a guest vocalist. Now, 2013 finds the band stronger than ever as they sign a worldwide deal with Revolution Harmony for their new album 'Caught In A Reflection', out 6 May.  Founding member Mick Hurray comments on their new album: "Like it or not, 'Caught In A Reflection' is a burst of musical energy, like the sound of a machine... running without oil." Bassist Brad Warner affirms: "The first Zero Defex CD in 2008 was a summation of what we'd done in the past. 'Caught In A Reflection' is a much more eclectic package. The hardcore shouters are still there. But we've also got a beatnik jazz number, a folk-rock tune, a psychedelic freak-out and much more. This is the sound of the vibrant, active, fully alive band we've become since we reunited in 2005. I think it will go to #1 on the charts on several planets." TRACK LISTING: 01. Abuse Of Power 02. Turn It Red 03. Competition 04. ROTC 05. Away From My Desk 06. Anymore 07. Armageddon MUSIC VIDEO 08. War Zone 09. National Sacrifice Zone 10. Target Earth 11. Tactical Force Unit #5 12. Proper Attire 13. Soldier Boy 14. Devilstrip / May 4, 1970 15. Outro ZERO DEFEX online | Wikipedia | via Brad Warner | Website | Twitter | YouTube All-Star charity single feat. Serj Tankian, Ihsahn, Devin Townsend Vancouver-based non-profit record label Revolution Harmony was launched in 2011 by British music lecturer/journalist Ray Holroyd. After founding the non-profit Grade 9 Records in 2008 and growing the label over three successful years, Holroyd decided to expand upon what he had originally established as a means for his students to sell their music and donate the profits to charity, and Revolution Harmony was born. Revolution Harmony acts as a two-way channel, providing an outlet for artists to release their music worldwide and earn money from it, and providing an inlet for the label profits from that music to be redirected to charities that restore harmony between all people, animals and the environment.
Revolution Harmony's debut All-Star charity single 'We Are' features vocals from Serj Tankian (System Of A Down) and Ihsahn (Emperor), as well as guitar solos by Devin Townsend. Composed, arranged, programmed and produced by Ray Holroyd in Vancouver, the complex international studio project was recorded in North America, England, Norway and New Zealand, then mixed by Rohan Onraet (Slipknot, Machine Head) in London, and mastered by Ted Jensen (Green Day, Muse) in New York. The single also features Stefan Loh (We Claimed Sentience Once - signed to Revolution Harmony) on guitars, and additional vocals from the young up-and-coming UK singer Abbie Johnson. The lyrical theme in 'We Are' is based on the concept behind Revolution Harmony, which is essentially the belief that musical harmony has the power to inspire a revolution towards societal harmony. The single is dedicated to Nelson Mandela and the memory of Lucky Dube, regarded as South Africa's Bob Marley, and will be released worldwide on Mandela Day (18 July), with all proceeds donated to Buskaid, a charity that provides free music lessons and instruments to children in the townships of South Africa.  Ray Holroyd (photo by Hayley Holroyd)
Ray Holroyd comments: "Revolution Harmony is a dream come true, it's the perfect harmonious marriage of my two callings: making music and making a positive change in the world! 'We Are' is the first milestone for Revolution Harmony, and to share it with three of my musical heroes, Serj, Ihsahn and Devin, who all believe in my vision, is deeply heartwarming and humbling. These musicians are overflowing with talent and compassion, and I am eternally grateful and monumentally honoured to have had them contribute to my cause by singing and playing on a piece of my music. The goal for these All-Star charity singles is to raise significant funds for various smaller charities, by making/selling creative and meaningful music that features rare collaborations by inspirational artists."
Holroyd continues on why he chose Buskaid as the charity to receive all the proceeds from their debut single: "I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, down the road from the Khayelitsha township, and was so incredibly fortunate to have lived in an environment where I had the privilege of playing and learning music from a young age. I feel that it is absolutely vital to provide the same opportunity to all underprivileged children. Life in the townships is unbelievably difficult, and music literally saves lives! Also, imagine how many phenomenally talented musicians are going unnurtured and therefore unnoticed, simply due to the lack of opportunity. My whole life has been about music, in fact I've never even had a non music-related job, and none of it would have been possible without my childhood music education in South Africa. I could just as easily have been born down the road in Khayelitsha and would not have had the opportunity to study music, so I made it my mission a long time ago to do whatever I can to ensure that music education is available to all children and youth, regardless of their location or financial situation. Buskaid does this every day, and for that they have all my gratitude and they will have all the proceeds from this single too, in order to continue their life-saving work!"  Serj Tankian (photo by Robert Sebree) Serj Tankian speaks about his involvement with Revolution Harmony: "It has been an absolute honor being involved with the Revolution Harmony project to bring much needed financial aid to Buskaid in South Africa. Music has saved my life and has the potential to create positive change in all those young kids struggling to make themselves heard and to survive." He continues on the single itself: "The song is a musical collage of complex yet moving colors intertwining genres and vibes."
 Ihsahn (photo by Bjorn Tore Moen) Ihsahn adds: "I have followed this song since it was basically just a MIDI file and love how it has grown into this massive piece of music, so it was very easy to get inspired for lyrics and vocal lines." He continues on his support for the cause behind the single: "Knowing how music has shaped and enriched my own life, and how privileged I have been to be able to follow that passion, I really appreciate Buskaid's work to enable young people to follow that same path. Like most, my involvement in charity has been very generic, like signing up for donations to some of the global organizations, but Revolution Harmony has given me the opportunity to contribute with something personal, together with people who share my passion for music. I'm honored to be part of this." He concludes: "With our different backgrounds I think this just underlines the message of the song; a deep passion for music that goes beyond how we are typically isolated and divided."
 Devin Townsend (photo by Wessel De Groot) Devin Townsend reflects on his experience: "I met Ray while he was working at a guitar magazine in the UK. He was very generous with his position there and had convinced me to guest on his charity project. I am happy to contribute and to be involved with the other musicians. I hope the goals he has for the benefit of people in need come to fruition, and I wish everyone involved the best of luck. Please do what you can to help people less fortunate than yourself, it is rarely easy, but it is a testament to the human spirit."
 Rosemary Nalden, founder of Buskaid, affirms: "There is no doubt at all in my mind that Buskaid continues to transform lives in South Africa. This transformation takes many different forms, and can affect the lives of youths and children alike. I had wondered, with all the changes which are taking place in South Africa and globally, whether teaching music to children in a township would become a sort of quaint anachronism. Far from it! Children of all ages continue to flock in, and I wish you could come to the music school any day of the week and see the crowds of kids. At the moment we can get through this year, just, but when our money runs out we shall close, that is the stark reality. We're also often teaching 110 kids in a space built for 35, and I have the plans drawn up and permission to extend, but no money. This is a dream which we must make into reality. Any money from Revolution Harmony which can support this will be so very very welcome!"
WE CLAIMED SENTIENCE ONCE debut single 'The Long Road Home' free download (out today)We Claimed Sentience Once (WCSO) is the new solo project from British guitarist Stefan Loh. After founding tech-metal band Exist Immortal in 2010, recording two releases and playing numerous tours, Stefan's mounting frustration with the expressive limits of the genre finally overcame him. In 2012 the guitarist bowed out of the band he had started, in pursuit of harmonic happiness without rules, and WCSO was born. The sole purpose of the project is to soundtrack his own personal thoughts and experiences through the musically-liberating instrumental medium known as "Absolute Music". Although Stefan launched WCSO in early 2012, it wasn't until recently that he began to gain momentum and refine his distinctive sound of heavily-layered yet minimalistic instrumentation, where each part has its own space to breathe within the piece as a whole. The streaming of demo track 'Even Through The Clouds I See The Starlight In Your Eyes' last year resulted in an overwhelmingly positive response, as well as a great deal of collaborative offers from artists in a multitude of genres. Now, almost a year after inception, WCSO's highly-anticipated debut single 'The Long Road Home' is released worldwide on 15 April as a free download, with debut album 'The Weight Of Your World' out in late 2013. Stefan Loh speaks about his debut single: "I come from a background of heavy music, it's what I've done since I first picked up an instrument, from fumbling my way through Killswitch riffs to touring with Exist Immortal. 'The Long Road Home' is definitely the heaviest track on the WCSO record, it's the only one with significant metal influences and full-on riffing. I chose to release it as my debut single since it bridges the gap perfectly between what I've been doing for the last few years and what I'm doing now. It's been a bit of a weird change switching from insane tech-metal to ambient instrumentals, so this is a sort of transition piece. I pretty much wrote and recorded this song in one night while I was frustrated with another song, a very happy accident! It's not without meaning though, it's written for and dedicated to a very important person in my life who truly brings out the best in me and inspires me to improve myself and the things I do, every day."  Revolution Harmony founder Ray Holroyd comments on WCSO: "My relationship with the visionary Stefan Loh began in 2009 when he was actually a music student of mine, which is how I first discovered his vast talent. After graduating, Stefan's band Exist Immortal went on to become my very first signing to Revolution Harmony, so he's actually been involved in the label since before there even was a label. Most recently though, he's worked on our artist Gmanwolf's debut single, and is also currently working behind-the-scenes on other projects of ours. All this has made Stefan a vital part of our family, which gives me even more pleasure and pride to introduce the latest inspirational project from this prolific musician: We Claimed Sentience Once!" WE CLAIMED SENTIENCE ONCE online | Facebook | Twitter DECO PILOT release acoustic video for 'This City' Produced/Directed by Vibol Moeung | Recorded/Mixed by Ariosto Arata
Vocals: Jose Lopez Portillo Guitar: Juan Lopez Portillo Keyboard: Giancarlo Bonfanti Bass: John Franklin Inspired by the synth-pop revival of the late 2000s, Deco Pilot combine their rock influences with more atmospheric sounds in order to create a unique and energetic extravaganza of delayed guitars, stylish melodies, dance rhythms and soaring vocals delivering infectiously catchy hooks. Formed in early 2011, the London-based quartet boasts a truly international line-up, featuring Mexican-Spanish brothers Jose Lopez Portillo (vocals) and Juan Lopez Portillo (guitar), Mexican-Italian keyboardist Giancarlo Bonfanti, and bassist John Franklin from Sweden. 'This City' EP was recorded/mixed by Eduardo De La Paz, mastered by Grammy Award nominee Robin Schmidt (Razorlight, Keane, etc.), and released worldwide on 11 February 2013 via Revolution Harmony. DECO PILOT online | iTunes | Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube American hardcore punk legends ZERO DEFEX sign to Revolution Harmony, release free single/videoZero Defex was formed in Akron/Kent, Ohio (USA) in 1981. The band initially germinated at JB’s in Kent, a pub known as the early stomping ground of Devo, The Waitresses and Joe Walsh. Guitarist/lyricist Tommy Strange approached Mick Hurray asking if he wanted to start a punk band. Sharing the rampant angst of the time, Mick said he wanted to play drums and wanted to play them "real fast". Mick suggested friends Jimi Imij as vocalist and Alan Litt on bass. The band began rehearsing at Garbage Inc., a record store in downtown Kent. The name Zero Defex was inspired by an Akron rubber factory’s quality-control poster, picturing two duelling cowboys and the slogan 'High Noon for Zero Defects'. They played with a few more bassists, namely F-Rank N’ File and Johnny Phlegm, before finding permanent bassist Brad “No Sweat” Warner through an advert in the Northeast Ohio Scene magazine. With the line-up solidified, Zero Defex began playing every weekend at The Dale, an Akron Irish-themed pub with kindred Cleveland bands The Dark, The Agitated and The Offbeats. Highly responsible for the regional development of the fertile hardcore scene was local artist Vince “Cannibol” Packard. As chance would have it Vince was hit by a car, received a small injury settlement, and used the stipend to cover hall rentals and expenses in order to bolster the local hardcore scene. Zero Defex began playing many venues/houses throughout Northeast Ohio and hosted national acts such as The Misfits, MDC, DRI, The Dicks and The Meat Puppets. Significantly, two of Zero Defex’s early gigs in rural Ohio towns Dover and Wadsworth ended with the band being escorted out of town by the police. Zero Defex's music has been released on 7" vinyl by Get Revenge Records, based in Knoxville, Tennessee. The band’s music is also featured on the vinyl compilation 'The New Hope', a collection of Northeast Ohio hardcore bands released in 1983. Their song 'Drop The A Bomb On Me' appeared on a nationally released compilation called P.E.A.C.E/war that is still in print. By 1983 the band members began moving on to other things. Tommy Strange moved to San Francisco and formed Strawman, as well as touring Europe with the band Songs For Emma. Vocalist Jimi Imij remained closest to hardcore with his bands PPG and Plasma Alliance. Drummer Mick Hurray plays guitar/bass in celtic rock band The Mickeys, while Brad Warner became a Zen Buddhist priest and author, writing the Hardcore Zen book about his journey from punk to monk. In 2005, Zero Defex experienced a powerful rebirth when CD Truth guitarist Jeff Hardy joined the band. They were even name-dropped the following year in the film 'American Hardcore' (Sony Pictures Classics), which documents the history of American punk rock from 1980 to 1986. With Hardy on board, the band recorded their first CD titled '0DFX'. Two songs from this release were used in videos by the Ralph Nader 2008 presidential campaign, and can be found on YouTube. In 2011 at a hometown show in Akron, the band was pleased to welcome Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe on stage as a guest vocalist. Now, 2013 finds the band stronger than ever as they sign a worldwide deal with Revolution Harmony for their new album 'Caught In A Reflection', out 6 May. Founding member Mick Hurray comments on their new album: "Like it or not, 'Caught In A Reflection' is a burst of musical energy, like the sound of a machine... running without oil." Bassist Brad Warner affirms: "The first Zero Defex CD in 2008 was a summation of what we'd done in the past. 'Caught In A Reflection' is a much more eclectic package. The hardcore shouters are still there. But we've also got a beatnik jazz number, a folk-rock tune, a psychedelic freak-out and much more. This is the sound of the vibrant, active, fully alive band we've become since we reunited in 2005. I think it will go to #1 on the charts on several planets."
Mick continues on their signing to Revolution Harmony: "For so long musicians have talked about 'one world'. Thanks to Revolution Harmony, now the music business has a model to follow suit." Brad adds: "Getting signed was often the death knell for hardcore bands in the past. They'd end up on labels that didn't know what they were about and didn't care to find out. Revolution Harmony shares the values Zero Defex has always stood for. We're proud to rock out on this label."  Revolution Harmony founder Ray Holroyd speaks about Zero Defex: "I still can't believe that I've actually signed Zero Defex to our label, it genuinely blows my mind! These guys were part of the original hardcore movement, when it was truly revolutionizing music and the industry, and all while I was probably still wearing diapers! When you consider the context of popular music in the early '80s, it's unfathomable how deeply cutting edge and pioneering these bands were. Over three decades later, Zero Defex haven't lost an ounce of rebellious energy and have in fact gained tons of maturity, all resulting in an album that boasts great songwriting with an even greater musically/lyrically uncompromising stance. 'Caught In A Reflection' will see the band empowering a whole new generation of underdogs the world over! Many of my own personal beliefs about society and music were born in early hardcore, and I'm therefore eternally grateful and honoured that these living legends are now part of the Revolution Harmony!"
ZERO DEFEX online | Wikipedia | via Brad Warner | Website | Twitter | YouTube 
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