For Immediate Release – San Francisco, CA – TectonicBeats is an American composer, music producer, and artist. He is set to release his first series of groundbreaking original singles throughout July 2021, which will then be collectively titled the NIGHTINGALE EPand released with additional bonus material shortly thereafter in August. These new tracks from TectonicBeats are an exploration of sound born out of the spirit of music and the power of technology. Known by his followers as “the synthmaster,” and for his hybridization of genres and expressive polyphonic composition, TectonicBeats is an earthquake and it’s off the Richter scale.
Born as Will Carney, TectonicBeats was conceived while Will was attending the electronic music production school Pyramind in San Francisco. He began selling his instrumental beats online and working with artists around the world including Destorm, Babatunde, and Brooklnn. Inspired by the new era in music, TectonicBeats began collaborating with labels, producers, and singers across genres from K-pop to hip hop and EDM.
In 2017 while in Los Angeles, TectonicBeats wrote and produced an instrumental EP and solo album. Then just prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 he relocated his studio to Arizona and began collaborating with Australian singer Brooklnn. These sessions resulted in all three singles that now comprise the new NIGHTINGALE EP release, a project that sees TectonicBeats weave a delicate narrative seamlessly together with colossal themes to create a vast work of art.
The title track “NIGHTINGALE” releases as a single on July 2, 2021, and is a vibrant, triumphant, and epic song that tells the story of a small hero you’d never expect and their story of survival. A story as old as time with a modern pop sound, the track takes the listener on a voyage to somewhere they’ve never been.
A hard-hitting pop song with a sensitive side, the next single “ROSEMARY” releases July 16. Delightful melodies on top of a sensational beat make this song a powerful experience. With “Rosemary,” TectonicBeats explores new musical terrain boldly and playfully in ways that reimagine everything.
The last single in the series “EXEMPLAR” releases July 30 and delivers an electric and psychedelic experience full of the sound of love and light. Following the release of “Exemplar,” TectonicBeats will assemble the tracks along with some additional material into the NIGHTINGALE EP, set for release in August 2021.
TectonicBeats crafts songs of epic scale, ornately original and striking to the imagination. Get ready for a kaleidoscope of stimulation and a universe of creativity when TectonicBeats hits the scene in the summer of 2021!
“It’s on the money.”
-Record Producer Joel Diamond
“This is great stuff.”
-Al Gomes at BigNoise
“I really love the direction TectonicBeats is going.”
-DJ Max Vangeli
To purchase or stream singles from the upcoming NIGHTINGALE EP please visit:
“The nine tracks that make up the album have a very personal, vulnerable sound, as most of the songs only feature Robert’s vocals and an acoustic guitar with some occasional harmonies from fellow singer, songwriter Mary Elise. The album begins with the autobiographical tale of “Just A Riverboat” and the beautiful graceful ballad “Holy Grail.” The delivery of the poetic lyrics of “Out Of Time” and “Wait Until The Morning” demand your attention, as Robert sings about the struggles with personal relationships. He finishes his new album with the quiet, relaxed tone of “Hear Your Voices” and recollections of his past trials of life with “Year Of Pain.”“
ROBERT STONER is a singer-songwriter from Berkeley, CA. He has written and performed music for many years, and now with the help of producer Ben Bernstein has released his debut album YEAR OF PAIN on July 9, 2021. ROBERT STONER, who also goes by Bob, wrote and recorded YEAR OF PAIN over the last year. This impressively strong debut showcases his personal and nuanced grappling with issues ranging from the specific challenges of children growing up and keeping a marriage fresh, to the trials and tribulations of our modern times.
The brother of a professional violinist in New York City, ROBERT STONER comes from a very musical family (one of his cousins even won the Tchaikovsky Competition in the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War, to great national acclaim). Despite the fact YEAR OF PAIN is his debut release, Bob Stoner is a prolific songwriter who has been writing songs his whole life, and he is already hard at work on his next release. “My songs seem to come in a pretty constant stream,” says Bob. “Songwriting to me is an ongoing process of listening, discovery, fleshing out of ideas, honing and sharpening, and trying to maintain or enhance the original creative energy through the production phase.”
Maintaining a day job as an economist means the songwriting process has not always been straightforward for Bob, but the left and right sides of his brain have fully coalesced on YEAR OF PAIN, resulting in a musical experience that is both provocative and enjoyable for the listener. He worked with Ben Bernstein at Ben Bernstein Music to produce the album, and Ben also contributed lead and electric guitar to the songs. YEAR OF PAIN also features vocal and instrumental contributions from singer-songwriter Maya Elise, and drums and percussion from Mike Stevens. Adding to the personal nature of the album is the artwork painted by Bob’s daughter Lily Stoner, who also contributed vocals on the release.
The songs on YEAR OF PAIN run the gamut from personal reflections on kids moving on in life (“Just a Riverboat”) or relationship difficulties (“Wait Until the Morning”) to commentary on the present state of ethics in the political realm (“The Principle”) and the difficulties that have become engrained in our modern era (“Year of Pain”). The song that leads off the album (“Just a Riverboat”) and the song that ends it (the title track “Year of Pain”) each hold special significance for Bob. “Just a Riverboat” reflects on the time his daughter Lily went off to college back East by way of a trip to New Orleans with friends. It was an exciting moment and an important milestone in her (and Bob’s!) life, and the New Orleans imagery provided the perfect backdrop for the song. “Year of Pain” is a song that sums up the difficult times we live in, with political dysfunction, gun deaths, and growing intolerance leading the list.
ROBERT STONER has many influences in his songwriting, but his sound is uniquely his own. This comes from his eclectic taste in music (which includes everything from classical to showtunes to folk and blues), as well as a relatively long period of time spent amalgamating these influences before his debut album. People have said his songs have echoes of Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan – “I don’t know about that, but I will take the compliment!” says Bob. YEAR OF PAIN showcases Bob Stoner’s writing in the singer-songwriter genre, but he also composes fully instrumental music for the piano and has plans to release an album of that music as well.
“This rather delightful new album opens with the magnificently dulcet, seamlessly flowing Just a Riverboat and the reflective The Principle and backs those up with the Simon & Garfunkel-esque Holy Grail, the gently upbeat Out of Time and then the beautiful summers breeze of Head in the Sand.
Next up is the psych-imbed gossamer of Wait Until the Morning, which is itself followed by the low key ballad Rain Wash Away, and then comes one of my own personal favorites, the lo-fi storytelling of Hear Their Voices, with the album coming to a close on the recounting of difficulties we have all felt recently within Year of Pain.”
“A solid set of songs for aging children come, the economist that comes from a musical background pulls it all together nicely here. Pure recidivist coffeehouse folkie stuff from a sincere folkie singer/songwriter that has taken the long way around to get here.”
“This nine track album showcases his amazing talent as a songwriter and a performer with Ben Bernstein on lead and electric guitar, drums and percussion from Mike Stevens, additional vocals by Robert’s daughter Lily Stoner and vocal and instrumental contributions from singer-songwriter Maya Elise on such tracks as Just A Riverboat, The Principle, Out of Time, Wait Until The Morning, the title track Year Of Pain and much more. This album was well recorded and produced and I am looking forward to see what is next in his career as a songwriter/performer.”
“Blues, rock, jazz and funk are fused perfectly across the captivating 10-track disc; the infectious “Mean Mutha Fucka” (with guest Max Newman), Steely Dan-flavored title track, aptly-titled “Jazzfest Time” and poignant “Errand Boy” are definite showcases for how capably Circus Mind fuses its influences into something that is the group’s own. Several of the album’s great tracks are bolstered by the incredible fret work of guest guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer; indeed the funkadelic “Are You Ready” and reflective psychedelia-tinged dreamscape “Air Waves” soar.“
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Music Monday” show features Mark Rechler, lead vocalist, songwriter, keyboardist, and band leader of Circus Mind. Based in new York, Circus Mind is entering their twentieth year and have just released their third album JOY MACHINE, a fresh explosion of sounds and flavors of the ’70s rock era with a modern twist. Like a three-ring circus, the band can slide seamlessly between rock, funk, and swampy N’awlins grooves, all while referencing some of the best bands of that era with infectious hooks that get stuck in your ear hole. Songs featured on this interview include the title track “Joy Machine” and “Are You Ready.”
JOY MACHINE was featured on the New Rock Music page of iTunes the day of release!Congratulations Circus Mind!
For Immediate Release – New York, NY – CIRCUS MIND is a New York-based rock outfit and the brainchild of ringleader Mark Rechler. The band is entering their twentieth year and are soon to release their third album JOY MACHINE, a fresh explosion of sounds and flavors of the ’70s rock era with a modern twist. Like a three-ring circus, the band can slide seamlessly between rock, funk, and swampy N’awlins grooves, all while referencing some of the best bands of that era with infectious hooks that get stuck in your ear hole. JOY MACHINE released May 21, 2021, and also features Nels Cline, Marc Ribot, Ivan Neville, Walter Wolfman Washington, Scott Metzger, and more.
Now You’re Ready!!!! Here is the Official Music Video for the first single from the Circus Mind album “Joy Machine”
Directed by George Panagakos of 525 Media
Lyrics by Mark Rechler
Music by Mark Rechler and Chris Crosby
Produced and Engineered by Chris Fasulo
The first JOY MACHINE single “Are You Ready?” features guest guitar phenom Brandon “Taz” Niederauer and had an official music video release. Both the song and video are a funky rock throwback that has roots in P-Funk, Sly Stone, and other ’70s rock and soul vibes, all flavors that CIRCUS MIND wears on its sleeve as a badge of honor, from the writing to the production. The title track “Joy Machine” features Scott Metzger (JRAD) and released as a single on May 7 with a special music video premiere. CIRCUS MIND will then gather together in New Orleans with some amazing NoLa musicians including Big Sam to celebrate the JOY MACHINE album release on May 21 with a raucous party and live performance!
Official Music Video for the title track of the Circus Mind album “Joy Machine”
Directed by George Panagakos Music and Lyrics by Mark Rechler
Produced and Engineered by Chris Fasulo
The production of JOY MACHINE began in August of 2019, but it was the Covid-19 pandemic that really set the stage for the record. While some bands took to the internet airwaves to stream performances, Rechler locked down in the studio. “Suddenly we had a ton of time on our hands and we knew we wanted to come out of this with a full album,” says Mark. “I was a man possessed and started writing like a madman!” The band started working remotely but quickly masked up and got down to business. “In a weird way, the pandemic also opened doors for us to find such amazing guests who were not out on tour and were looking to keep busy.”
The previous CIRCUS MIND release Silver Flower was voted Best Indie Album of 2006 by Newsday and put a modern take on influences such as Traffic, Steely Dan, Little Feat, and Mott the Hoople while mixing in NoLa vibe influences like Dr. John, The Meters, and The Neville Brothers. The last CIRCUS MIND single “Jazzfest Time” was released one year ago as an ode to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and featured Ivan Neville andBig Sam. CIRCUS MIND is quite versatile and has opened for national acts (Toots & The Maytals, The Neville Brothers, The Radiators) and had many notable guests sit in on their recordings and live performances (Soulive, Rebirth Brass Band, CyrilNeville).
CIRCUS MIND’s members are diverse in their influences as well as their playing. Lead vocalist, songwriter, keyboardist, and bandleader Mark Rechler plays in multiple bands (such as Falling Water), and has played, toured, and recorded with members of The Meters, The Neville Brothers, The Radiators, Soulive, The Brandon “Taz” Niederauer Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Ivan Neville, and more. Spending five years in New Orleans studying music and architecture helped influence his style and direction, and he always keeps his focus on the hook to keep his listeners wanting more and humming his tunes all day.
Bassist Chris Crosby has a serious case of spider-fingers and can solo as beautifully as any guitarist. A funkster from a family of highly respected musicians, Chris has also studied with Oteil Burbridge of The Allman Brothers Band and Dead & Company. Currently, he has also been busy playing in his brother’s Jason Crosby Band and with New York rock quartet Feverseed.
Guitarist David Berg is rooted in jazz, reggae, and bluegrass. He has toured with Dark Star Orchestra and has played multiple shows with Garth Hudson (The Band). Dave’s fluid rock style keeps CIRCUS MIND in a constant snake-like flow.
Drummer Dan Roth has been banging on things since he was a tyke, and he can’t seem to stop. He’s addicted to crosswords, motor coordination, and avocados.
With over 30 album credits to his name, percussionist Steve Finkelstein has worked with pop icons from Ray Charles and Mariah Carey as well as jam band giants including members of the Grateful Dead, TheAllman Brothers Band, and Tower of Power. Steve is also an original member and current member of the Funk Filharmonik.
“Funky junkies and sonic jokers outta New York radiate their irreverent merriment across the borders. Using their record as a vehicle of moving people’s mood to where the action and fun displace sore spots and featuring a few respectable guests, the Big Apple players spread light and laughter all around – to a fantastic effect. t’s exactly what we need right now: the joy machine to make us happy – this vehicle of exhilaration.“
“Are you ready to have a blast with Circus Mind? Their latest CD Joy Machine will supercharge your summer with funky jams, rocking guitar, and ear worms that will burrow into your mind and refuse to leave. Mark Rechler (vocals & keyboards) not only knows how to write a hook, he surrounds these melodies with a diverse blend of influences, as each track has its own flavor, and yet this album feels cohesive. Rechler’s unique gravelly voice gives the songs additional punch; he sings from the gut, I can imagine him going for broke live pushing the band forward.
The band has brought in a number of guests such as Brandon “Taz” Nierderauer, Nels Cline, and Ivan Neville among others to add a little spice to the mix. And let’s not forget the core band that is phenomenal, great players in their own right. There is not a clunker to be found here, and this CD is pure summertime fun in the sun. Crank this one up, loud!!”
Translated: “The musical influences on the work of Circus Mind come from seventies groups like Mott The Hoople, Traffic, Steely Dan and Little Feat. We hear that best in songs like “Errand Boy”, “Three Muses” or the bluesy “Nutbag” on which Marc Ribot, known for his work with Tom Waits and Elvis Costello, plays the guitar. The unsurpassed Wilco guitarist Nels Cline provides guitar work on the quietly performed rock ballad “Longing Song.”
Thanks to all these very diverse collaborations, the third album “Joy Machine” by Mark Rechler and his band Circus Mind has become a unique record in this funk, rock and blues genre.”
“This vibrantly alive and kickin’ new album opens on the ’70s guitar funk and foot-tappin’ beats of ‘Are You Ready’ and the jangling pop-psych ambiance of the title track ‘Joy Machine,’ and then backs those up with the funky ‘Air Waves,’ the soaring, horn-imbibed ‘Mean Mutha Fucka’ and then we get one of my own personal favorites, the earnest storytelling of ‘Longing Song.’
Released one year ago as an ode to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and featuring both Ivan Neville and Big Sam, the magnificently upbeat and joyous ‘Jazzfest Time’ is brought forth next and that’s backed by the free flowing ‘Errand Boy,’ the rockin’ rhythms of ‘Three Muses,’ with the album rounding out on the foot-tappin’ ‘Nutbag,’ closing on the lofi, almost-pleading, graveled-vocal outreach of ‘Troubled Times.’”
“Circus Mind’s third studio release, aptly titled “Joy Machine”, is an exuberating cocktail of jazz influenced classic rock, pimped up with a heavy-duty funk kick. Mostly it’s a good-time romp, a slide back to the past with some righteous gems on disposal. Fashioned by Mark Rechler’s love of lushy textured production and spacy, open-ended songcraft springing through top-notch musicianship, the end result is a consortium of hummable, often trippy sounding songs.”
“They start the album off with the funky, soulful all-out rock assault of “Are You Ready,” which features a phenomenal solo from guest guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer. Circus Mind deliver a southern sounding anthem with the title track “Joy Machine,” featuring some sweet blues licks from the guitar of Scott Metzger, while the smooth, laid-back jam of “Longing Song” highlighted by the addition of Nels Cline floating guitar melody. The band travel down to Bourbon Street with the help of Ivan Neville and Big Sam for “Jazzfest Time,” a tribute to the New Orleans festival. Circus Mind finish up their new album with a return to the funky beats of the instrumental “Nutbag,” which includes some stellar guitar work from Marc Ribot, along the slow blues of the album closer “Troubled Times,” featuring Walter “Wolfman” Washington and Bill Titus.”
“I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Joy Machine, from Circus Mind and it’s a funky music party. Opening with Are You Ready?, lead vocalist and keyboard player, Mark Rechler sets the pace backed by Chris Crosby on bass, Dave Berg on guitar, Dane Roth on drums and Steve Finkelstein on percussion and featuring Brandon “Taz” Niederauer with an outrageous guitar solo.”
“You might as well sit back and enjoy the deconstruction of everything. Here’s a crew making their third record in 20 years and has the big sounding 70s AOR anthemia rock thing down cold—-and it comes across as a welcome return to when straight ahead rock was the sound of the suburbs. With a guest list of pros that knows what it’s about and what to do, something purely commercial never sounded so right. Well done.”
“On Myself features eight tracks, beginning with Sheridan rolling through the poetic hip-hop-style lyrics of “Where’s The Ref?” without missing a beat. The album then moves toward an R&B direction with the smooth sounds of “Hell,” while “Like You Did” finds Sheridan stepping outside his comfort zone for this addictive alternative-pop melody. He wraps up his new album with strong, repetitive chorus of “Walk Away,” which is unforgettable, along with the mellow vibe of the album closer “On Myself.”“
A unique visual experience featuring music from the release along with some old favorites and special guests, the SHERIDAN “ON MYSELF” IDC Virtual Event was broadcast on YouTube July 2, 2021!
“Barely out of high school, this rapper is right in the Internet star pocket. Youth speaking to youth, viral is a word that comes to mind here.”
For Immediate Release – San Francisco, CA – Independent artist and music producer SHERIDAN (aka Sheridan Carter Crane) has recorded and released over 20 songs in the last two years, setting the stage for his new EP release ON MYSELF that drops worldwide in stores and online June 18, 2021. The ON MYSELF EP also features BDT Don Pablo and Drae V on the powerful and commanding track “The Don” and Anthony Kannon on the heartfelt and introspective “Walk Away.” The first single “Where’s the Ref?” releases online May 28, and SHERIDAN will also broadcast an ON MYSELF VIRTUAL EVENT release show via YouTube on July 2. The virtual event will be a unique visual experience featuring music from the release along with some old favorites and special guests.
Born in Boulder, CO, but raised a few hundred miles north of New York City in Cortland, Upstate New York, SHERIDAN is 22 years old and has spent the last four years writing, recording, and compiling a vast assortment of hip hop and pop musical compositions. All the songs from the ON MYSELF EP were recorded within a year of being written back at his home studio in Cortland, allowing you to hear exactly where SHERIDAN’s mind has been lately and what he has been dealing with throughout this crazy time in the world. He now works from his own home studio in San Francisco where he has recorded hundreds of tracks and continues to develop new material.
Exposed to many styles of music growing up, SHERIDAN is an artist with many life experiences that continue to influence his music. When he first began writing and recording sometime during his junior year of high school in 2016, he never imagined he would be releasing his own original music and songs. His first true passion was basketball, and his heart was set on playing in college and eventually the NBA. “Making music my life wasn’t something I ever planned to do,” says SHERIDAN, “but music was something my life showed me I needed.”
After the tragic loss of his mom in 2019, he decided it was finally time to put out his self-titled Sheridan Carter Crane. With a surplus of tracks to pick from, he chose a select few, including his mom’s favorites that would add to the story he was trying to tell, and filled in the blanks with new ideas inspired by the emotions he felt from her passing. Released on December 23, 2019, Sheridan Carter Crane is available worldwide on all digital platforms and has received incredible response from blogs and reviewers including Upstate Aesthetic and Not Ya Manz.
Over the last few years SHERIDAN has had multiple close friends pass away and has endured an unfortunate amount of heartbreak. In 2020, less than a month after moving to San Francisco to attend the production school Pyramind, he also had all his music equipment stolen in the moving process. Despite these setbacks, he has since rebuilt his home studio and kept his focus on family, honoring his mother, and sharing his music with the world.
SHERIDAN also continues to work on multiple other projects and for the first time ever is releasing tracks with other producers. He is also co-host of a local music podcast run by Upstate Aesthetic. The release of the new ON MYSELF EP marks an exciting milestone for SHERIDAN. Expect much more from this sensational new artist in the months and years to come.
“Overall, I just want to be seen as unapologetically being me. So whether you love it or hate it, shove it or break it…I just hope it made you feel.” -Sheridan
To purchase or stream the new ON MYSELF EP please visit:
For Immediate Release – San Francisco, CA – TectonicBeats is an American composer, music producer, and artist. He is set to release his first series of groundbreaking original singles throughout July 2021, which will then be collectively titled the NIGHTINGALE EPand released with additional bonus material shortly thereafter in August. These new tracks from TectonicBeats are an exploration of sound born out of the spirit of music and the power of technology. Known by his followers as “the synthmaster,” and for his hybridization of genres and expressive polyphonic composition, TectonicBeats is an earthquake and it’s off the Richter scale.
Born as Will Carney, TectonicBeats was conceived while Will was attending the electronic music production school Pyramind in San Francisco. He began selling his instrumental beats online and working with artists around the world including Destorm, Babatunde, and Brooklnn. Inspired by the new era in music, TectonicBeats began collaborating with labels, producers, and singers across genres from K-pop to hip hop and EDM.
In 2017 while in Los Angeles, TectonicBeats wrote and produced an instrumental EP and solo album. Then just prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 he relocated his studio to Arizona and began collaborating with Australian singer Brooklnn. These sessions resulted in all three singles that now comprise the new NIGHTINGALE EP release, a project that sees TectonicBeats weave a delicate narrative seamlessly together with colossal themes to create a vast work of art.
The title track “NIGHTINGALE” releases as a single on July 2, 2021, and is a vibrant, triumphant, and epic song that tells the story of a small hero you’d never expect and their story of survival. A story as old as time with a modern pop sound, the track takes the listener on a voyage to somewhere they’ve never been.
A hard-hitting pop song with a sensitive side, the next single “ROSEMARY” releases July 16. Delightful melodies on top of a sensational beat make this song a powerful experience. With “Rosemary,” TectonicBeats explores new musical terrain boldly and playfully in ways that reimagine everything.
The last single in the series “EXEMPLAR” releases July 30 and delivers an electric and psychedelic experience full of the sound of love and light. Following the release of “Exemplar,” TectonicBeats will assemble the tracks along with some additional material into the NIGHTINGALE EP, set for release in August 2021.
TectonicBeats crafts songs of epic scale, ornately original and striking to the imagination. Get ready for a kaleidoscope of stimulation and a universe of creativity when TectonicBeats hits the scene in the summer of 2021!
“It’s on the money.”
-Record Producer Joel Diamond
“This is great stuff.”
-Al Gomes at BigNoise
“I really love the direction TectonicBeats is going.”
-DJ Max Vangeli
To purchase or stream singles from the upcoming NIGHTINGALE EP please visit:
“This rather delightful new album opens with the magnificently dulcet, seamlessly flowing Just a Riverboat and the reflective The Principle and backs those up with the Simon & Garfunkel-esque Holy Grail, the gently upbeat Out of Time and then the beautiful summers breeze of Head in the Sand.
Next up is the psych-imbed gossamer of Wait Until the Morning, which is itself followed by the low key ballad Rain Wash Away, and then comes one of my own personal favorites, the lo-fi storytelling of Hear Their Voices, with the album coming to a close on the recounting of difficulties we have all felt recently within Year of Pain.”
ROBERT STONER is a singer-songwriter from Berkeley, CA. He has written and performed music for many years, and now with the help of producer Ben Bernstein has released his debut album YEAR OF PAIN on July 9, 2021. ROBERT STONER, who also goes by Bob, wrote and recorded YEAR OF PAIN over the last year. This impressively strong debut showcases his personal and nuanced grappling with issues ranging from the specific challenges of children growing up and keeping a marriage fresh, to the trials and tribulations of our modern times.
The brother of a professional violinist in New York City, ROBERT STONER comes from a very musical family (one of his cousins even won the Tchaikovsky Competition in the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War, to great national acclaim). Despite the fact YEAR OF PAIN is his debut release, Bob Stoner is a prolific songwriter who has been writing songs his whole life, and he is already hard at work on his next release. “My songs seem to come in a pretty constant stream,” says Bob. “Songwriting to me is an ongoing process of listening, discovery, fleshing out of ideas, honing and sharpening, and trying to maintain or enhance the original creative energy through the production phase.”
Maintaining a day job as an economist means the songwriting process has not always been straightforward for Bob, but the left and right sides of his brain have fully coalesced on YEAR OF PAIN, resulting in a musical experience that is both provocative and enjoyable for the listener. He worked with Ben Bernstein at Ben Bernstein Music to produce the album, and Ben also contributed lead and electric guitar to the songs. YEAR OF PAIN also features vocal and instrumental contributions from singer-songwriter Maya Elise, and drums and percussion from Mike Stevens. Adding to the personal nature of the album is the artwork painted by Bob’s daughter Lily Stoner, who also contributed vocals on the release.
The songs on YEAR OF PAIN run the gamut from personal reflections on kids moving on in life (“Just a Riverboat”) or relationship difficulties (“Wait Until the Morning”) to commentary on the present state of ethics in the political realm (“The Principle”) and the difficulties that have become engrained in our modern era (“Year of Pain”). The song that leads off the album (“Just a Riverboat”) and the song that ends it (the title track “Year of Pain”) each hold special significance for Bob. “Just a Riverboat” reflects on the time his daughter Lily went off to college back East by way of a trip to New Orleans with friends. It was an exciting moment and an important milestone in her (and Bob’s!) life, and the New Orleans imagery provided the perfect backdrop for the song. “Year of Pain” is a song that sums up the difficult times we live in, with political dysfunction, gun deaths, and growing intolerance leading the list.
ROBERT STONER has many influences in his songwriting, but his sound is uniquely his own. This comes from his eclectic taste in music (which includes everything from classical to showtunes to folk and blues), as well as a relatively long period of time spent amalgamating these influences before his debut album. People have said his songs have echoes of Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan – “I don’t know about that, but I will take the compliment!” says Bob. YEAR OF PAIN showcases Bob Stoner’s writing in the singer-songwriter genre, but he also composes fully instrumental music for the piano and has plans to release an album of that music as well.
“A solid set of songs for aging children come, the economist that comes from a musical background pulls it all together nicely here. Pure recidivist coffeehouse folkie stuff from a sincere folkie singer/songwriter that has taken the long way around to get here.”
“This nine track album showcases his amazing talent as a songwriter and a performer with Ben Bernstein on lead and electric guitar, drums and percussion from Mike Stevens, additional vocals by Robert’s daughter Lily Stoner and vocal and instrumental contributions from singer-songwriter Maya Elise on such tracks as Just A Riverboat, The Principle, Out of Time, Wait Until The Morning, the title track Year Of Pain and much more. This album was well recorded and produced and I am looking forward to see what is next in his career as a songwriter/performer.”
Translated:“Joy Machine” is a great album…There are no style boundaries, and if you use the saying “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” you can attest to Circus Mind that no weak link can be identified. In terms of craftsmanship, songwriting, choreography … everything at its finest. Truly a musical “joy machine”.
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Music Monday” show features Mark Rechler, lead vocalist, songwriter, keyboardist, and band leader of Circus Mind. Based in new York, Circus Mind is entering their twentieth year and have just released their third album JOY MACHINE, a fresh explosion of sounds and flavors of the ’70s rock era with a modern twist. Like a three-ring circus, the band can slide seamlessly between rock, funk, and swampy N’awlins grooves, all while referencing some of the best bands of that era with infectious hooks that get stuck in your ear hole. Songs featured on this interview include the title track “Joy Machine” and “Are You Ready.”
JOY MACHINE was featured on the New Rock Music page of iTunes the day of release!Congratulations Circus Mind!
For Immediate Release – New York, NY – CIRCUS MIND is a New York-based rock outfit and the brainchild of ringleader Mark Rechler. The band is entering their twentieth year and are soon to release their third album JOY MACHINE, a fresh explosion of sounds and flavors of the ’70s rock era with a modern twist. Like a three-ring circus, the band can slide seamlessly between rock, funk, and swampy N’awlins grooves, all while referencing some of the best bands of that era with infectious hooks that get stuck in your ear hole. JOY MACHINE released May 21, 2021, and also features Nels Cline, Marc Ribot, Ivan Neville, Walter Wolfman Washington, Scott Metzger, and more.
Now You’re Ready!!!! Here is the Official Music Video for the first single from the Circus Mind album “Joy Machine”
Directed by George Panagakos of 525 Media
Lyrics by Mark Rechler
Music by Mark Rechler and Chris Crosby
Produced and Engineered by Chris Fasulo
The first JOY MACHINE single “Are You Ready?” features guest guitar phenom Brandon “Taz” Niederauer and had an official music video release. Both the song and video are a funky rock throwback that has roots in P-Funk, Sly Stone, and other ’70s rock and soul vibes, all flavors that CIRCUS MIND wears on its sleeve as a badge of honor, from the writing to the production. The title track “Joy Machine” features Scott Metzger (JRAD) and released as a single on May 7 with a special music video premiere. CIRCUS MIND will then gather together in New Orleans with some amazing NoLa musicians including Big Sam to celebrate the JOY MACHINE album release on May 21 with a raucous party and live performance!
Official Music Video for the title track of the Circus Mind album “Joy Machine”
Directed by George Panagakos Music and Lyrics by Mark Rechler
Produced and Engineered by Chris Fasulo
The production of JOY MACHINE began in August of 2019, but it was the Covid-19 pandemic that really set the stage for the record. While some bands took to the internet airwaves to stream performances, Rechler locked down in the studio. “Suddenly we had a ton of time on our hands and we knew we wanted to come out of this with a full album,” says Mark. “I was a man possessed and started writing like a madman!” The band started working remotely but quickly masked up and got down to business. “In a weird way, the pandemic also opened doors for us to find such amazing guests who were not out on tour and were looking to keep busy.”
The previous CIRCUS MIND release Silver Flower was voted Best Indie Album of 2006 by Newsday and put a modern take on influences such as Traffic, Steely Dan, Little Feat, and Mott the Hoople while mixing in NoLa vibe influences like Dr. John, The Meters, and The Neville Brothers. The last CIRCUS MIND single “Jazzfest Time” was released one year ago as an ode to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and featured Ivan Neville andBig Sam. CIRCUS MIND is quite versatile and has opened for national acts (Toots & The Maytals, The Neville Brothers, The Radiators) and had many notable guests sit in on their recordings and live performances (Soulive, Rebirth Brass Band, CyrilNeville).
CIRCUS MIND’s members are diverse in their influences as well as their playing. Lead vocalist, songwriter, keyboardist, and bandleader Mark Rechler plays in multiple bands (such as Falling Water), and has played, toured, and recorded with members of The Meters, The Neville Brothers, The Radiators, Soulive, The Brandon “Taz” Niederauer Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Ivan Neville, and more. Spending five years in New Orleans studying music and architecture helped influence his style and direction, and he always keeps his focus on the hook to keep his listeners wanting more and humming his tunes all day.
Bassist Chris Crosby has a serious case of spider-fingers and can solo as beautifully as any guitarist. A funkster from a family of highly respected musicians, Chris has also studied with Oteil Burbridge of The Allman Brothers Band and Dead & Company. Currently, he has also been busy playing in his brother’s Jason Crosby Band and with New York rock quartet Feverseed.
Guitarist David Berg is rooted in jazz, reggae, and bluegrass. He has toured with Dark Star Orchestra and has played multiple shows with Garth Hudson (The Band). Dave’s fluid rock style keeps CIRCUS MIND in a constant snake-like flow.
Drummer Dan Roth has been banging on things since he was a tyke, and he can’t seem to stop. He’s addicted to crosswords, motor coordination, and avocados.
With over 30 album credits to his name, percussionist Steve Finkelstein has worked with pop icons from Ray Charles and Mariah Carey as well as jam band giants including members of the Grateful Dead, TheAllman Brothers Band, and Tower of Power. Steve is also an original member and current member of the Funk Filharmonik.
Translated:“Joy Machine [is] a fun and swinging album that brings joy back in these special difficult times.“
“Blues, rock, jazz and funk are fused perfectly across the captivating 10-track disc; the infectious “MeanMutha Fucka” (with guest Max Newman), Steely Dan-flavored title track, aptly-titled “Jazzfest Time” and poignant “Errand Boy” are definite showcases for how capably Circus Mind fuses its influences into something that is the group’s own. Several of the album’s great tracks are bolstered by the incredible fret work of guest guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer; indeed the funkadelic “Are You Ready” and reflective psychedelia-tinged dreamscape “Air Waves” soar.“
“Funky junkies and sonic jokers outta New York radiate their irreverent merriment across the borders. Using their record as a vehicle of moving people’s mood to where the action and fun displace sore spots and featuring a few respectable guests, the Big Apple players spread light and laughter all around – to a fantastic effect. t’s exactly what we need right now: the joy machine to make us happy – this vehicle of exhilaration.“
“Are you ready to have a blast with Circus Mind? Their latest CD Joy Machine will supercharge your summer with funky jams, rocking guitar, and ear worms that will burrow into your mind and refuse to leave. Mark Rechler (vocals & keyboards) not only knows how to write a hook, he surrounds these melodies with a diverse blend of influences, as each track has its own flavor, and yet this album feels cohesive. Rechler’s unique gravelly voice gives the songs additional punch; he sings from the gut, I can imagine him going for broke live pushing the band forward.
The band has brought in a number of guests such as Brandon “Taz” Nierderauer, Nels Cline, and Ivan Neville among others to add a little spice to the mix. And let’s not forget the core band that is phenomenal, great players in their own right. There is not a clunker to be found here, and this CD is pure summertime fun in the sun. Crank this one up, loud!!”
Translated: “The musical influences on the work of Circus Mind come from seventies groups like Mott The Hoople, Traffic, Steely Dan and Little Feat. We hear that best in songs like “Errand Boy”, “Three Muses” or the bluesy “Nutbag” on which Marc Ribot, known for his work with Tom Waits and Elvis Costello, plays the guitar. The unsurpassed Wilco guitarist Nels Cline provides guitar work on the quietly performed rock ballad “Longing Song.”
Thanks to all these very diverse collaborations, the third album “Joy Machine” by Mark Rechler and his band Circus Mind has become a unique record in this funk, rock and blues genre.”
“This vibrantly alive and kickin’ new album opens on the ’70s guitar funk and foot-tappin’ beats of ‘Are You Ready’ and the jangling pop-psych ambiance of the title track ‘Joy Machine,’ and then backs those up with the funky ‘Air Waves,’ the soaring, horn-imbibed ‘Mean Mutha Fucka’ and then we get one of my own personal favorites, the earnest storytelling of ‘Longing Song.’
Released one year ago as an ode to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and featuring both Ivan Neville and Big Sam, the magnificently upbeat and joyous ‘Jazzfest Time’ is brought forth next and that’s backed by the free flowing ‘Errand Boy,’ the rockin’ rhythms of ‘Three Muses,’ with the album rounding out on the foot-tappin’ ‘Nutbag,’ closing on the lofi, almost-pleading, graveled-vocal outreach of ‘Troubled Times.’”
“Circus Mind’s third studio release, aptly titled “Joy Machine”, is an exuberating cocktail of jazz influenced classic rock, pimped up with a heavy-duty funk kick. Mostly it’s a good-time romp, a slide back to the past with some righteous gems on disposal. Fashioned by Mark Rechler’s love of lushy textured production and spacy, open-ended songcraft springing through top-notch musicianship, the end result is a consortium of hummable, often trippy sounding songs.”
“They start the album off with the funky, soulful all-out rock assault of “Are You Ready,” which features a phenomenal solo from guest guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer. Circus Mind deliver a southern sounding anthem with the title track “Joy Machine,” featuring some sweet blues licks from the guitar of Scott Metzger, while the smooth, laid-back jam of “Longing Song” highlighted by the addition of Nels Cline floating guitar melody. The band travel down to Bourbon Street with the help of Ivan Neville and Big Sam for “Jazzfest Time,” a tribute to the New Orleans festival. Circus Mind finish up their new album with a return to the funky beats of the instrumental “Nutbag,” which includes some stellar guitar work from Marc Ribot, along the slow blues of the album closer “Troubled Times,” featuring Walter “Wolfman” Washington and Bill Titus.”
“I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Joy Machine, from Circus Mind and it’s a funky music party. Opening with Are You Ready?, lead vocalist and keyboard player, Mark Rechler sets the pace backed by Chris Crosby on bass, Dave Berg on guitar, Dane Roth on drums and Steve Finkelstein on percussion and featuring Brandon “Taz” Niederauer with an outrageous guitar solo.”
“You might as well sit back and enjoy the deconstruction of everything. Here’s a crew making their third record in 20 years and has the big sounding 70s AOR anthemia rock thing down cold—-and it comes across as a welcome return to when straight ahead rock was the sound of the suburbs. With a guest list of pros that knows what it’s about and what to do, something purely commercial never sounded so right. Well done.”
A unique visual experience featuring music from the release along with some old favorites and special guests, the SHERIDAN “ON MYSELF” IDC Virtual Event was broadcast on YouTube July 2, 2021!
“Barely out of high school, this rapper is right in the Internet star pocket. Youth speaking to youth, viral is a word that comes to mind here.”
For Immediate Release – San Francisco, CA – Independent artist and music producer SHERIDAN (aka Sheridan Carter Crane) has recorded and released over 20 songs in the last two years, setting the stage for his new EP release ON MYSELF that drops worldwide in stores and online June 18, 2021. The ON MYSELF EP also features BDT Don Pablo and Drae V on the powerful and commanding track “The Don” and Anthony Kannon on the heartfelt and introspective “Walk Away.” The first single “Where’s the Ref?” releases online May 28, and SHERIDAN will also broadcast an ON MYSELF VIRTUAL EVENT release show via YouTube on July 2. The virtual event will be a unique visual experience featuring music from the release along with some old favorites and special guests.
Born in Boulder, CO, but raised a few hundred miles north of New York City in Cortland, Upstate New York, SHERIDAN is 22 years old and has spent the last four years writing, recording, and compiling a vast assortment of hip hop and pop musical compositions. All the songs from the ON MYSELF EP were recorded within a year of being written back at his home studio in Cortland, allowing you to hear exactly where SHERIDAN’s mind has been lately and what he has been dealing with throughout this crazy time in the world. He now works from his own home studio in San Francisco where he has recorded hundreds of tracks and continues to develop new material.
Exposed to many styles of music growing up, SHERIDAN is an artist with many life experiences that continue to influence his music. When he first began writing and recording sometime during his junior year of high school in 2016, he never imagined he would be releasing his own original music and songs. His first true passion was basketball, and his heart was set on playing in college and eventually the NBA. “Making music my life wasn’t something I ever planned to do,” says SHERIDAN, “but music was something my life showed me I needed.”
After the tragic loss of his mom in 2019, he decided it was finally time to put out his self-titled Sheridan Carter Crane. With a surplus of tracks to pick from, he chose a select few, including his mom’s favorites that would add to the story he was trying to tell, and filled in the blanks with new ideas inspired by the emotions he felt from her passing. Released on December 23, 2019, Sheridan Carter Crane is available worldwide on all digital platforms and has received incredible response from blogs and reviewers including Upstate Aesthetic and Not Ya Manz.
Over the last few years SHERIDAN has had multiple close friends pass away and has endured an unfortunate amount of heartbreak. In 2020, less than a month after moving to San Francisco to attend the production school Pyramind, he also had all his music equipment stolen in the moving process. Despite these setbacks, he has since rebuilt his home studio and kept his focus on family, honoring his mother, and sharing his music with the world.
SHERIDAN also continues to work on multiple other projects and for the first time ever is releasing tracks with other producers. He is also co-host of a local music podcast run by Upstate Aesthetic. The release of the new ON MYSELF EP marks an exciting milestone for SHERIDAN. Expect much more from this sensational new artist in the months and years to come.
“Overall, I just want to be seen as unapologetically being me. So whether you love it or hate it, shove it or break it…I just hope it made you feel.” -Sheridan
To purchase or stream the new ON MYSELF EP please visit:
For Immediate Release – San Francisco, CA – TectonicBeats is an American composer, music producer, and artist. He is set to release his first series of groundbreaking original singles throughout July 2021, which will then be collectively titled the NIGHTINGALE EPand released with additional bonus material shortly thereafter in August. These new tracks from TectonicBeats are an exploration of sound born out of the spirit of music and the power of technology. Known by his followers as “the synthmaster,” and for his hybridization of genres and expressive polyphonic composition, TectonicBeats is an earthquake and it’s off the Richter scale.
Born as Will Carney, TectonicBeats was conceived while Will was attending the electronic music production school Pyramind in San Francisco. He began selling his instrumental beats online and working with artists around the world including Destorm, Babatunde, and Brooklnn. Inspired by the new era in music, TectonicBeats began collaborating with labels, producers, and singers across genres from K-pop to hip hop and EDM.
In 2017 while in Los Angeles, TectonicBeats wrote and produced an instrumental EP and solo album. Then just prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 he relocated his studio to Arizona and began collaborating with Australian singer Brooklnn. These sessions resulted in all three singles that now comprise the new NIGHTINGALE EP release, a project that sees TectonicBeats weave a delicate narrative seamlessly together with colossal themes to create a vast work of art.
The title track “NIGHTINGALE” releases as a single on July 2, 2021, and is a vibrant, triumphant, and epic song that tells the story of a small hero you’d never expect and their story of survival. A story as old as time with a modern pop sound, the track takes the listener on a voyage to somewhere they’ve never been.
A hard-hitting pop song with a sensitive side, the next single “ROSEMARY” releases July 16. Delightful melodies on top of a sensational beat make this song a powerful experience. With “Rosemary,” TectonicBeats explores new musical terrain boldly and playfully in ways that reimagine everything.
The last single in the series “EXEMPLAR” releases July 30 and delivers an electric and psychedelic experience full of the sound of love and light. Following the release of “Exemplar,” TectonicBeats will assemble the tracks along with some additional material into the NIGHTINGALE EP, set for release in August 2021.
TectonicBeats crafts songs of epic scale, ornately original and striking to the imagination. Get ready for a kaleidoscope of stimulation and a universe of creativity when TectonicBeats hits the scene in the summer of 2021!
“It’s on the money.”
-Record Producer Joel Diamond
“This is great stuff.”
-Al Gomes at BigNoise
“I really love the direction TectonicBeats is going.”
-DJ Max Vangeli
To purchase or stream singles from the upcoming NIGHTINGALE EP please visit:
“A solid set of songs for aging children come, the economist that comes from a musical background pulls it all together nicely here. Pure recidivist coffeehouse folkie stuff from a sincere folkie singer/songwriter that has taken the long way around to get here.”
ROBERT STONER is a singer-songwriter from Berkeley, CA. He has written and performed music for many years, and now with the help of producer Ben Bernstein has released his debut album YEAR OF PAIN on July 9, 2021. ROBERT STONER, who also goes by Bob, wrote and recorded YEAR OF PAIN over the last year. This impressively strong debut showcases his personal and nuanced grappling with issues ranging from the specific challenges of children growing up and keeping a marriage fresh, to the trials and tribulations of our modern times.
The brother of a professional violinist in New York City, ROBERT STONER comes from a very musical family (one of his cousins even won the Tchaikovsky Competition in the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War, to great national acclaim). Despite the fact YEAR OF PAIN is his debut release, Bob Stoner is a prolific songwriter who has been writing songs his whole life, and he is already hard at work on his next release. “My songs seem to come in a pretty constant stream,” says Bob. “Songwriting to me is an ongoing process of listening, discovery, fleshing out of ideas, honing and sharpening, and trying to maintain or enhance the original creative energy through the production phase.”
Maintaining a day job as an economist means the songwriting process has not always been straightforward for Bob, but the left and right sides of his brain have fully coalesced on YEAR OF PAIN, resulting in a musical experience that is both provocative and enjoyable for the listener. He worked with Ben Bernstein at Ben Bernstein Music to produce the album, and Ben also contributed lead and electric guitar to the songs. YEAR OF PAIN also features vocal and instrumental contributions from singer-songwriter Maya Elise, and drums and percussion from Mike Stevens. Adding to the personal nature of the album is the artwork painted by Bob’s daughter Lily Stoner, who also contributed vocals on the release.
The songs on YEAR OF PAIN run the gamut from personal reflections on kids moving on in life (“Just a Riverboat”) or relationship difficulties (“Wait Until the Morning”) to commentary on the present state of ethics in the political realm (“The Principle”) and the difficulties that have become engrained in our modern era (“Year of Pain”). The song that leads off the album (“Just a Riverboat”) and the song that ends it (the title track “Year of Pain”) each hold special significance for Bob. “Just a Riverboat” reflects on the time his daughter Lily went off to college back East by way of a trip to New Orleans with friends. It was an exciting moment and an important milestone in her (and Bob’s!) life, and the New Orleans imagery provided the perfect backdrop for the song. “Year of Pain” is a song that sums up the difficult times we live in, with political dysfunction, gun deaths, and growing intolerance leading the list.
ROBERT STONER has many influences in his songwriting, but his sound is uniquely his own. This comes from his eclectic taste in music (which includes everything from classical to showtunes to folk and blues), as well as a relatively long period of time spent amalgamating these influences before his debut album. People have said his songs have echoes of Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan – “I don’t know about that, but I will take the compliment!” says Bob. YEAR OF PAIN showcases Bob Stoner’s writing in the singer-songwriter genre, but he also composes fully instrumental music for the piano and has plans to release an album of that music as well.
“This nine track album showcases his amazing talent as a songwriter and a performer with Ben Bernstein on lead and electric guitar, drums and percussion from Mike Stevens, additional vocals by Robert’s daughter Lily Stoner and vocal and instrumental contributions from singer-songwriter Maya Elise on such tracks as Just A Riverboat, The Principle, Out of Time, Wait Until The Morning, the title track Year Of Pain and much more. This album was well recorded and produced and I am looking forward to see what is next in his career as a songwriter/performer.”
Independent Distribution Collective Blog 