So-Cal Night Riots, a Kings of A&R favorite have signed to Sumerian Records. The band has teamed up with MTV to premiere the official new music video for their new single, “Contagious,“. This is the first song the band has released since their tremendously successful EP Young Lore. The band won over the tastemaker rock station KROQ throwing their support behind the band via their “Locals Only” events, and critical praise from the likes of MTV, FUSE, Huffington Post, All Things Go, Nylon Guys, AV Club, FILTER + more. Night Riots is a band to watch.
Contact: jimmy.throgmorton@gmail.com

Buzz Track: Evil Eyed

American Wolf is a Dream Pop five piece from Chicago, Illinois. The band has toured the U.S on several occasions and performed with acts like Plants and Animals, Moon Taxi and Allen Stone. American Wolf has been featured in Daytrotter, Audiotree and Converse Rubbertrack live sessions. The band was also a top 12 finalist in Chicago’s Columbia College “Biggest Mouth” and won Chicago Deli Magazine’s Artist of the Month in 2013.
Contact: mgmt@americanwolfband.com

When did you consider having a career in music?

I have considered having a career in music for as long as I can remember. From a very young age, I felt like this was what I was created to do. For most of my life it just seem too far out of reach. So, two years ago I decided to take the first step in actively pursuing the career I had always dreamt of obtaining….. and here I am!

What were some of the steps that you took to help shape the craft of singing, performing, and songwriting?

I never had vocal lessons growing up, so the first step was working with a vocal coach to reverse bad habits I had developed, and improving those that came naturally. I’ve been working with a choreographer to develop a great show/performance. Singing is one thing and dancing is another, both challenging in their own way, but doing both at the same time while engaging your audience and connecting to your lyrics is a completely different beast. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication.

Additionally, I have been working in the studio with award winning writers, producers and vocalists. There is no better way to grow and develop as an artist than by learning from and collaborating with some of the best in the business! They push me.

I am also teaching myself acoustic guitar to help with songwriting, putting together a great show with my band, and finishing touches on new music to be released at the top of next year! With each new project, there are new challenges and significant growth as person and artist.

Do you see yourself acting in the future?

I absolutely do! Acting is the element of entertainment in which I have the least experience, but I believe there is a natural ability within me that just hasn’t had the opportunity to be exposed yet. I’d love to do a comedy! CONTINUE READING

Buzz Track: Into The Dark

The Graveyard Club has become a Kings favorite. In the fall of 2013, Graveyard Club recorded a batch of spooky, synth-laden 80’s pop songs in the basement of a 19th century mansion in St. Paul, MN. After the January 2014 release of their lo-fi first EP “Sleepwalk”, the quartet wrote and recorded their first album, “Nightingale” with Ed Ackerson at Flowers Studio in Minneapolis. “Nightingale” was released in September of 2014, pushing the sound established on “Sleepwalk” into new directions while retaining some of the dark, haunted appeal. The LP featured singles “The Night is Mine”, and “Into the Dark”. Graveyard Club is an artist to watch.
Contact: leanna@swimagency.com

Steve Rennie, Founder, Renman Music & Business

He was an aspiring golf pro turned law student who went on to manage one of the most successful names in modern rock. Today he is inviting the entirety of the music industry into his office for some lively, and often deep, conversation. Through his web series, Renman Live, and his coursework at Renman U, Steve Rennie is preaching the truth of the music business and trying to share all he has learned with the next generation of managers and industry professionals.

We caught up with Steve Rennie to find out what a good education really is when it comes to the music business and what people really need to know to make it.

What do you think has been the biggest pivotal moment in the industry just since you got started 36 years ago?

Definitely, without question, the advent of the internet. That changed so many things about the way we do business. It didn’t change the core of what the music business is. It’s actually much simpler than people want to make it. It’s about great songs and great performances. Without that, there is no music business. The internet hasn’t changed that. How you make the songs, distribute, promote, listen, buy, experience has changed dramatically and in that change you see all the worst instincts of the music business- fear, insecurity, politics…all of that playing. And that’s what contributed to the general anxiety of the music business. It was always there, but has been heightened by the internet. It’s hard to believe things could be crazier.

Do you think it’s harder or easier for artists to get noticed these days?

Before the internet, artists had to find a way to get the attention of the label guys. Bands started playing the Troubadour or the Whiskey and little scenes developed. The only way for business types to plug into that scene was to go to clubs. Or artists would go to lawyers or managers and try to get insider status. That’s where the action happens. They were face to face connections, eyeball to eyeball. Now with the internet, artists have new ways to make money and new ways to present themselves to the industry in a much more complete way. They have photos and videos and websites and can make a more complete presentation. They have more control over that first impression. CONTINUE READING