The Story Behind a Song

Rockin’ Engine - Broken Angel

Rockin’ Engine’s involvement with Minds Behind The Music started out with a simple conversation on Twitter with one of the members of the organization. 

We came across one of the tweets saying they were searching for artists to send songs for consideration for a music video production. Turns out that our song Broken Angel really caught their attention, and we were then contacted in order to plan the eventual project. 

However, what started out as a typical music project became something way bigger than we expected. After a few exchanges with the organization, we were put in contact with some of the most talented artists around the world and we were fortunate enough to have none other than Ric Sanders to collaborate on our rock ballad, adding the most beautiful string section to this track. 

We eventually shot the music video in our hometown (Ottawa, Canada) and sent our footage to the Minds team, for them to edit and add their twist. When we first watched the end result of this production, we had goosebumps all over. We couldn’t believe how beautiful and emotional this song became, and we are absolutely proud of the result. Here’s the story behind the song…

The Song

Broken Angel: This song is based on a true story from someone I (Steve O Leff) met a few years back. In this one, I describe the absolute horror and pain that this person had to go through as a child, and even as a young adult. However, we are offering hope and love to this person, hoping it can prevent her from taking her own life. In real life, I was lucky to be able to bring back hope into her spirit and guide her to a better life, one of love and compassion.

On another note, we are currently working on our new EP which will consist of five songs, based on a classic horror movie concept. This album will definitely be our heaviest one yet, musically inspired by some of the greatest metal bands out there such as Gojira and Lamb Of God. 

We plan on hitting the studio in early 2022 and hope to make our album release in fall of the same year. We are also planning on shooting at least two new music videos with Dark Moon Productions, and we can assure you that they will be out of this world! 

We’re looking forward for the live scene to get back to normal again so we can start expanding our horizons and perform anywhere we can. In the meantime, catch us on social media to stay updated on our upcoming work. Thank you all for your amazing support!

Find out more about Rockin' Engine HERE

The fundraising album is available HERE

The Video

Reign of the Hated

PUNK IS BACK!
by Anthony Hurney

Reign of the Hated is an upcoming punk / metal band hailing from New Jersey, USA. They have just released their debut EP 'Manic Psychosis' which features tracks such as 'There for You' and of course the title release 'Manic Psychosis'. Frontman Cain and bassist Ophelia advocate for positive mental health awareness and support anti-bullying campaigns in all forms, and this is clearly presented within their music and social media presence.

I managed to approach Reign of the Hated earlier today and here is what frontman Cain had to say about the band and their debut EP release...

"I have always had a passion for metal music since the age of 13 and after first hearing the band 'Children of Bodom', I instantly knew that I wanted my own metal band and started working on my vocal techniques in around 2007. My girlfriend made the suggestion that I use the name 'Reign of the Hated' and I started to perform some acoustic sets here and there. It wasn't until after the pandemic started that the band officially came together. Upon recovering from a near fatal experience with COVID-19, I was struggling to find a line-up for the band so Ophelia agreed to help me, and since June 2020 we have been writing songs together."

It was great to catch up with Reign of the Hated and hear their story about how the band was formed. It is clear that they use music as an outlet to talk about their life experiences and things that have affected them and the people close to them.

Since the release of the debut EP, the band hopes to perform at various music festivals throughout 2022 with a keen goal to be represented by a record label. Most of all, Reign of the Hated wishes that their music touches fans and aims to help listeners relate to their music.

Their sound is edgy and emotional and I couldn't help pick up on a range of influences from artists that have inspired me over the years such as Deftones and Mudvayne to name but a few. When I asked the band what influences them the most, they told me that their music is strongly driven by life, love but also the stories of their fans too. For Ophelia, her main inspiration is her late Grandfather who sadly passed away during the pandemic, he too was a keen musician which she took much inspiration from, later ending up using her talents to help Cain in the band.

Reign of the Hated are an upcoming metal band from Port Reading in New Jersey and are not to be missed!

You can follow them on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/OfHated

You can also access their debut EP 'Manic Psychosis' on major streaming services now.

Article by Anthony Hurney The Coherent Alliance (@COHERENT_MUSIC) / Twitter

Beautiful - Track Review

Check Them Out!

Wintergreen’s latest album is called “Framed”. They come from a background of protest and anger - not surprisingly, hailing from Stockport, Manchester, which they call a “devil-forsaken satellite town”.

They have mellowed since the 90’s, and the track I want to talk about is “Beautiful”. It starts with heavily processed drums, then goes into the main theme: “You couldn’t be more beautiful, you couldn’t be more beautiful … to me”. 

The vocals are placed just right, and the build-up of the song creates a lush atmosphere. If you want to get on the Wintergreen train, connect with them on Twitter: @Wintergreenband - and sample a part of their world. Pleasure to meet you, Michael, Pete & Grant - I look forward to listening to more of your music! 

Haakon - AKA Hawk - wears multiple hats. He creates healing music.

@mancient_com on Twitter, is a healer and a priest with his own church. http://mancient.one is one of his websites.

Time Traveller - Album Review

New Album From Matt Jaffe

Matt Jaffe’s latest album is called Kintsugi. For those unfamiliar with the term, it is a Japanese expression for “using imperfections to create perfection” - such as taking a cracked pot and healing the breaks with gold.

This review centers on another one of his releases, though, which was the first I heard from the San Fransisco-based songwriter. It is called Time Traveller, and in it, you will hear both floating pads - Matt was discovered by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads at 16 - and guitars that lift you up from your chair and onto the dancefloor. For me - I am a monk with a foundation in Christianity, Buddhism and other traditions - the lyrics spoke. Loudly. 

The relaxed way Matt sings this song, with lines such as “Dinosaur to Fossil, skeleton to dust, do what you want to…”, made it a pleasure to review this track. Especially since it is offset with such a great production! 

Connect with Matt on Twitter - @MattJaffeMusic - and check out what the buzz is all about. You won’t regret it! 

Haakon Rian Mancient Ueland has a long name. And a beautiful dog. He creates healing music, and comes from Norway. You can read about him on his site, http://earthhouse.church

Mindful Alternative Rock to Raise Awareness

CASSETTE Releases Passionate New Single

Imbuing Alternative and Rock genres with a unique and sensory musical outlook, up-and-coming musical collective, with a consciously driven and responsible musical identity and brand, CASSETTE is raising the most critical issue of today, using their rich and dynamic musical talents. 

Stressing upon the need for change within attitudes, activities, and behaviors on an individual as well as societal level, CASSETTE is rallying for the need for planetary change on the global level. Utilizing their musical platform for the greater good, the band’s new single, aptly titled “News Reports” empowers listeners to act consciously for the youth of today, leaders of tomorrow. The stirring single, which has Alternative and Rock undertones, is dominated by captivating vocals, hip hooks, and moving lyricism. Bound to spark a burning need to act responsibly within listeners, “News Reports” showcases all that the band has to offer and more. 

The single focuses strongly on the need to start looking after our planet and the cruciality of Media acting as a formidable pillar to raise awareness as well as spur action from society and affect people’s consciousness. The motivation for writing News Reports remains the collective’s honest and sincere concerns for the health of the earth, and the need to act today to ensure life for future generations, supporting youth who are calling out for change. 

“The belief that most people on the planet are willing to change and care about the earth for our future generation…is an influence. Music and the media can support and promote the issue of our planet’s health,” says the band regarding their new single.

Visit their YouTube channel here CASSETTE MUSIK - YouTube