Something that's been said many times in the last few years - even the last decade or more - is that rock and roll is in sharp decline. Others claim that it's dead. But rock and roll, and it's offspring metal and all the various forms spun off from that, is far from a forgotten trend. In fact, I'm excited to report that there is a new generation bringing it back. No, this isn't about "grandpa rock" or the growing legions of disgruntled Boomers and Gen Xers disgruntled by modern music, and who languish in the the old days on "heritage rock" stations. Led Zep, Foreigner and Boston may not be filling stadiums or flooding the radio waves any more, but new stuff - GOOD stuff -- is out there! You just have to look for it. Important note: Bands like Def Leppard, Journey, Heart, Cheap Trick and many others ARE still touring AND filling stadiums! (Although - news flash - Journey announced 60 dates of a tour next year, and then said they'll be calling it quits after that.)
For years, we've been hearing that rock and metal are being kept on life support, but nothing is further from the truth. It would seem that there is a new influx of rockers who embody the eternal spirit of the music. And I'm not just talking about the veterans who've taken it upon themselves to continue making new music into their 40s, 50, 60s; and in the case of some like the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and Heart, well into their 70s and 80s! Take for example, Les Paul - not the guitar, but the musician they're named for, a true guitar pioneer. Les appeared on Rock Rips in 2008 with Peter Frampton on a cover of Atlanta Rhythm Section's hit "So Into You" at the age of 93. So please, take heart and let me introduce you to 3 acts that are taking Rock and Metal to new places.
First, and a favorite on the Rock Rips channel, is The Warning. Three young ladies from Mexico who learned how to play on their video consoles playing Rock Star, and got right into covers of Metallica - you know, not the easy stuff - and also sought out teachers for their respective instruments. Dani (Daniela), Pau (Paulina) and Ale (Alejandra) Villareal Velez are now aged between 20 and 25 and have 4 studio albums to their credit. They continually defy categorization, ranging from typical rock and metal songs like "Enter Sandman," or their own "Choke" and "Sick," to name a few of their harder rockers; to genre-bending releases such as "More," "Error," and "Money." And as is so often seen in modern music, they work with other bands such as Band-Maid from Japan, and explore the media with things like the animated video for "Animosity." And they're still growing in their abilities - for example, Pau has taken on more vocal duties and is showing off her range in songs like the cover of "Loser." If they come to a city near you, see them and hear them. Meanwhile, check out their YouTube channel.
Next witness for the defense is Dominic Richard Harrison, or as he's known professionally, Yungblud. At just 28 years old, Yungblud bears the badges of his generation - ADHD, comfortable with the camera, endless thirst for new kinds of music, sexually fluid, and high energy reminiscent of his elder peers such as Aerosmith, in their time. He's collaborated with Halsey, Marshmello, and Travis Barker. Most recently the Brit teamed up with Steven Tyler on a live medley of Ozzy Osbourne's work at the VMAs, and now all of Aerosmith for a series of songs, the first of which is "My Only Angel." Ozzy was his mentor, so it was only fitting he paid tribute at the VMAs earlier this year. Yungblud is another one to watch as he develops his singing, songwriting and acting careers. If heavy metal was an Olympic event, I can't iamgine anyone else lighting the torch. Yungblud also supports emerging artists, and hey, that's our mission, too. Read more about him at the Yungblud website.
Finally, let me re-introduce you to Royale Lynn. Originally from Ontario, Canada, she now makes her home in Nashville, Tennesee, the "country music capital of the world." Sure, you could file her under Country, but she's also Rock, Metal, and even Disco - all with a country flair and just enough twang to remind you of her roots. In a June interview with Raised Rowdy (see article here), they begin with a summary of her life to date: "Royale Lynn wasn’t where she was meant to be. So she fixed it." At age 31, she's the oldest of the three mentioned herein, but she's got a long career ahead. Go visit her website now to learn more.
All three of these remarkable artists are featured on the Rock Rips chart today, right now. Go and check them out!
