Category: New Music

The Grace of a Dragonfly

New Music

British hard rock band “Lionheart” first appeared on RadiJohan in 2017 with their cover of Chris Deburgh’s Don’t Pay The Ferryman.

Formed in 1980 but failing to make any headway, the band split up in 1986. Thirty years later they resurfaced, appearing as part of a seven-act line up at the three-day Rockingham 2016 melodic/hard rock festival, held in Nottingham. Following that event, the band decided to continue working together.

Since then Lionheart have released three albums, Second Nature (2017), The Reality of Miracles (2020), and, this past week, The Grace of a Dragonfly (2024).

The latest Lionheart single tells the story of “Operation Dynamo” when, between 26th May and 4th June 1940, hundreds of thousands of allied soldiers were evacuated from Dunkirk with the aid of hundreds of “little ships” ranging from merchant fishing boats to yachts. 

“Little Ships” by Lionheart is new this week on RadiJohan.

The Strumbellas Hit RadiJohan with New Single “Holster”

New Music

Canadian rock band “The Strumbellas” released their new album “Part Time Believer” last week. The album includes previously released singles “Running out of Time” and “My Home is You”, as well as “Hold Me” which recently featured on RadiJohan.

Formed in 2008 and releasing their debut album, 2012’s “My Father and the Hunter,” the two-time JUNO award-winning alternative band have steadily released follow-ups, from 2013’s “We Still Move on Dance Floors” to 2016’s Platinum-certified “Hope,” which featured the 5x Platinum-certified single “Spirits,” and 2019’s Rattlesnake, which included Gold-certified single “Salvation”. “Part Time Believer” is the band’s fifth album.

The single “Holster” by The Strumbellas is new this week on RadiJohan.

The Dutch are Direct and DI-RECT are Dutch

New Music

DI-RECT are a rock band from The Hague (Den Haag) in the Netherlands. Formed by four teenagers in 1999 they have been particularly successful in their home country with all of their studio albums, except their first, making the top 10 on the Dutch album chart. Two of these, “All Systems Go” (2005) and “Daydreams in a Blackout” (2014) topped the chart. Many of their singles have also charted, with “She” (2003) and “A Good Thing” (2007), hitting number 2. However, the Top spot has thus far eluded the band.

In 2009 DI-RECT survived what is often the death knell for a band, a change of lead singer. Tim Akkerman left the band and the remaining band members searched for a new frontman in a nationally televised contest, “Wie is Di-rect” (Who is Di-rect). After eight episodes current lead singer Marcel Veenendaal was chosen to replace Tim.

DI-RECT’s latest single has just been released. “My Blood” is new this week on RadiJohan.

A Polite F/U on RadiJohan.

New Music

“Foghat” are an English rock band formed in London in 1971. The band began back in 1971 when “Lonesome Dave Peverett” and Roger Earl decided to leave “Savoy Brown” to start a band of their own. Over the years, Foghat has earned eight Gold Records, one Platinum Record and one Double-Platinum record.

“I Don’t Appreciate You” is the third single from Foghat’s first new studio album in seven years, Sonic Mojo, which has already topped the “Billboard” Blues Albums chart this year. According to the band’s drummer and founding member, Roger Earl:

This song was written about the most obnoxious people in our lives, but in the most polite-ful way! And as our lead singer Scott Holt says when he announces the song onstage, ‘it is the most polite F/U song you will ever hear!’”

“I Don’t Appreciate You” by Foghat is new this week on Radijohan.

“Billy Joel Returns with Captivating New Single ‘Turn The Lights Back On'”

New Music

Billy Joel has unveiled his first new single in 17 years with yesterday’s release of “Turn The Lights Back On.” It’s a classic Billy Joel-style song that incorporates the hallmarks of Billy’s signature sound.

Billy Joel (75) is one of the most influential artists of all time and, arguably, a storyteller without comparison. He has sold over 160 million albums around the world, has garnered many awards during his career, including six Grammy awards (out of 23 nominations) and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Billy Joel’s new single “Turn The Lights Back On” is new this week on RadiJohan.

Silent Tiger Shows Potential with “Twist of Fate”

New Music

The band “Silent Tiger” was formed in 2018 by guitarist Jean Funes and drummer Joel Mejia from Honduras, along with American vocalist David Cagle. Their primary goal is to create melodic hard rock music. Influenced by bands like Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, and Scorpions, Silent Tiger has set high standards.

Their debut album, “Ready For Attack,” was released in 2020, and they recently followed up with “Twist of Fate” in November 2023. While they may not have reached the level of their influences yet, “Twist of Fate” contains all the essential elements for fans of melodic rock music.

Silent Tiger’s single “Another Destination” is new this week on RadiJohan.

Dion Still Aims To Please

New Music

If you take an active interest in music, and weren’t born yesterday, 84 year old Dion should not need an introduction. Anticipation has been building for the release of his new album “Girl Friends” which is due out in March.

One of these girl friends in “Danielle Nicole” who used to be part of a band called “Trampled Under Foot” with her brothers, but she went solo in 2015. At RadiJohan we first encountered Danielle in 2018 when we featured the title track from her second album, “Cry No More.” Dion calls her “one of the greatest singers on the planet.”

Dion’s and Danielle’s duet “I Aim To Please” is taken from Dion’s forthcoming album and is new this week on RadiJohan.

The Emergence of a New Supergroup?

New Music

Liam Gallagher (Oasis) and guitarist John Squire (The Stone Roses) have released a joint single called “Just Another Rainbow.” It’s the Manchester musicians’ first collaboration.

Gallagher and Squire have a history that dates back to 1988, when a 16-year-old Gallagher, accompanied by his older brother Noel, saw “The Stone Roses” play at a live music venue in Manchester. It was a “life-changing”experience for Liam which ultimately inspired him to join local band “the Rain,” which ultimately became “Oasis.”

Gallagher and Squire have indicated they are planning more for 2024. “Just Another Rainbow” is new this week on RadiJohan.

Magnum’s Last Waltz?

New Music

British rock band Magnum have just released their 23rd studio album titled “Here Comes The Rain.” The release comes shortly after the unfortunate passing of the band’s founding guitarist and songwriter, Tony Clarkin, after a short illness.

Known for their unmistakable signature sound, Magnum have consistently delivered a unique blend of classic rock and melodic hard rock, carefully seasoned with some progressive elements since their debut album “Kingdom of Madness” in 1978, creating a distinct musical experience. “Here Comes The Rain” continues in the proud Magnum tradition, offering ten tracks that serve as a fitting finale for Tony Clarkin, the musical maestro.

“Blue Tango,” the new Magnum album’s first single, is new this week on RadiJohan.

 

A Brief Introduction to Overpass

New Music

Four piece Birmingham band “Overpass” was formed in 2020 and have been gradually lighting up the Indie rock scene in the UK. Despite the band not having an EP or an album under their belt, they have captured the attention of many by touring relentlessly. Their debut EP, From the Night, is set to be released in February.

Beautiful, a song “Overpass” has been performing live in concert, will no doubt be on the EP and is new this week on radiJohan.