Get It Lit !

Now that the 2015 Oscars and in the books here's the follow up video from Doug Balmain's  newly released cut posted here last week. Looks like everyone was having some fun on this one.

Enjoy


PUSH THE BUTTON

This is Hot!

One of the best things about doing this blog is that I have been able to take it into many different directions. From blues to reggae, from surf to psych I have been able to bring what happens to be running through my mind at the time so others can get into it or pass. I have had the great fortune of getting many new artists looking for additional exposure.

One that I was contacted about the other day was from the promotion group that is working with the singer/songwriter Doug Balmain. I had not had the opportunity to hear his work before but am glad I have now. Today we are introducing the debut of the title cut from his soon to be released recording titled Burnin' Both Ends. It is scheduled for a March 3rd release.

It feels like everything about this EP is different from anything I’ve done in the past. It’s a much larger production and sound….it’s essentially a 10-piece band behind me. But that’s the sound I dig and grew up listening to: that big rock/soul sound with backup vocalists and horn sections. It’s more than just a style…when you bring all those pieces together well, and in the right context, you produce an energy and feeling that you can’t get any other way.

 

That’s singer/songwriter DOUG BALMAIN describing how his upcoming EP “Burning Both Ends,” set for a March 3, 2015 release, differs from anything he’s done before.

 

A rock ’n’ roller with the voice of a soul man, Balmain’s lyrics and vocals have all the power & tenacity of a man desperately fighting for what’s his while maintaining the honesty and sentimentality of a true storyteller. Rachelle Lacy of the Billings Gazette described his work by saying, “Balmain’s voice and guitar are extraordinary, and his songwriting ability is a super-power.”

 

Doug's musical diversity and eclectic range of influences are brought to light through his guitar work - which can echo with a haunting, acoustic sparseness reminiscent of the pre-war delta - flow with a rich, melodic voicing that’ll leave you thinking you've just heard The Edge and John Mayer’s unborn love-child caressing the fret board…while at other times it stabs through the heart of the song with a violent, electric wail evocative of an agitated, “Let it Bleed” era Keith Richards.

 

Not one to candy-coat his words, BALMAIN’s writing confronts life experience with an unyielding stare and attention to detail. “His is a very unique sound with stories that capture life from a different point of view,” said Marcus Walton - editor of L.A. based Music Arts Magazine. Having no formal knowledge of music, Doug relies on visceral instinct and his hemorrhaging vehemence to form his songs' compositions.

 

“Prior to this EP, I’ve never felt in my gut that I created something that truly expressed ‘me’ and who I am,” BALMAIN reveals. “But this time, I’ve created exactly what I wanted in voice that is my own. I think that energy and honesty will come through the speakers - the audience will hear and feel it for themselves and, hopefully, appreciate the songs even more because of it.

 

 After being asked what kind of music he plays, BALMAIN responds by saying, “I play rock ’n’ roll with soul in its veins.”

 
I liked the basic, stripped down sound along with the grit in Doug's voice. If this tune is indicative of this fellows output, we are due to hear a lot of Burnin' from Doug and company.

Give the man a listen and let me know what you think.

Video to debut next Monday.

Poppin' in for a peek

Damn!

I truly tried to get off my duff and begin posting again but once again found myself in the TwilightZone. (not @ rideyourpony though)

Through some travels to exotic lands and ones closer to home we have managed to both maintain a sense of order and get out of a few other ruts. I'll try to stay a little more active here with postings if I can.

The ears are always on though and there has been exceptional sounds out there.

So lets get on with the show!!