Video Premiere: Nick Kizirnis – “The Distance”

Last time we heard from Nick Kizirnis he had just released a video for his single “Slipping Away” from his new solo album, The Distance, back in January 2020. Then of course the world closed its doors! For a guy that has a musical resume most could only dream about, including recently recording with The … Read more

Video Premiere: DANA – “Blueteeth”

TFN is excited to premiere this new video from Columbus, Ohio’s DANA! The featured song, “Blueteeth,” showcases the band’s style of experimental indie rock that is full of nervous energy that builds as the track progresses and then hits you with feverish bursts. You can hear DANA’s influences in this track for sure which includes … Read more

Video Premiere: Cricketbows – “Ohio Valley Springtime”

TFN is excited today to participate in the Cricketbows roll out of their new record, Raised On Rock And Roll, which is officially out on April 20, 2021. The newest video single from the album is today’s premiere with “Ohio Valley Springtime.” The Dayton, Ohio band is a throwback to the days when classic rock … Read more

Video Premiere: The Fragiles – “Garden Of Cleaners”

TFN is excited today to premiere a new video from Philadelphia’s The Fragiles. The track, “Garden Of Cleaners” is off of their new album, On And On, which was just released last Friday on Living Lost Records. Animated and filmed by main band contributor David Settle, “Garden Of Cleaners” features hand-drawn animations over videos shot … Read more

Video Premiere: Kyleen Downes – “Give Up The Ghost”

We just introduced you to Dayton, Ohio’s Kyleen Downes on Wednesday in our Artists of the Week feature and now we are super excited to premiere her new video today for the rocking “Give Up The Ghost!” The track is the excellent opening song on her recently released album Come On Sit Down. The video … Read more

Video Premiere: Smug Brothers – “If You’re Free”

I think everyone can agree that COVID-19 has changed just about every aspect of our life. Countless industries have been impacted and had to adapt while the art of making music has not been immune. That brings us to today’s video premiere from Dayton, Ohio’s Smug Brothers! After a highly productive 2019 that saw the … Read more

Video Premiere: Rick Rude – “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere”

TFN is excited today to premiere this new video from New Hampshire’s Rick Rude. The track is their version of Neil Young’s “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere,” which can be found on the new release Look Out For My Love: A Neil Young Covers Album to Benefit RAICES. Their track is a highlight from the compilation and should also get you geared up to hear some more new music from the band!

The compilation features 18 tracks from different indie musicians, that not only includes Rick Rude but Lung, Halfsour and Adult Mom (which contributed an excellent version of “Harvest Moon.”) All funds raised by this compilation will be donated to RAICES which is a nonprofit that provides free and low-cost legal and social services for immigrants.

You can find more information on RAICES at their website: www.raicestexas.org If you like what you see and hear make sure you skip over to Bandcamp and grab this compilation.

Rick Rude Website
Rick Rude Facebook

Video Premiere: Frontier Folk Nebraska – “Walking In Latonia”

Cincinnati’s Frontier Folk Nebraska have been cranking out quality rock n roll since their debut back in 2011. The group is celebrating their latest and just released record, Freaks, with several tour dates, a record release party on November 29th at the Southgate Revival in Newport, Kentucky and today’s video premiere for album track “Walking In Latonia.”

“Walking In Latonia” was filmed on location in the band’s hometown with guitarist Travis Talbert’s three you old daughter, Ellison roaming wild and free in the place the band grew up. The song’s driving guitar keeps this mid-tempo burner going and when the chorus comes up, “I’m walking in Latonia – got boots on my feet,” you can connect the feeling with your own home town roots.

Frontier Folk Nebraska wear all their emotion on their sleeve here and that’s exactly what you will get with their new album Freaks. Their hard working sound is meant to be turned up! Make sure you watch the video then pick up a copy of the new album. Their current tour dates are listed below along with links to their album order and band info.

Freaks Tour 2019
11.22 Loose Cobra Tolono, IL
11.23 Law Office Yorkville, IL
11.29 Southgate House Revival Newport, KY Freaks Release Party!
12.13 North Second Tap & Bottle Shop Hamilton, OH
12.14 Blind Bob’s Bar Dayton, OH

Frontier Folk Nebraska Bandcamp
Frontier Fold Nebraska Facebook

Video Premiere: Dany Laj And The Looks – “Hold For Love”

TFN is excited today to premiere Dany Laj and The Looks new video for “Hold For Love” off of the bands latest record Everything New Is New Again. Shot in the landscape of northern Ontario’s biggest city, Sudbury, the video gives you a taste of the mining town airs of where Laj is from.

“Hold For Love” is a great power pop track that highlights Dany Laj’s knack for the hook. This guitar driven song is a good representation of Dany Laj and The Looks overall sound and the video showcases their hard working delivery. The video was directed and edited by Joseph Golinski and the camera work was by bass player Jeanette Dowling.

The band is gearing up for another road trip starting this Friday that has dates across Canada and the USA. TFN highly recommends checking them out! You can find all their current tour dates below.

Make sure you also snag a copy of the album – You can find a vinyl copy of Everything New Is New Again HERE at Yeah Right! A CD copy HERE from Transistor 66 and a digital version at their Bandcamp page HERE.

Dany Laj & The Looks Tour Dates
11/08 – Townehouse Tavern – Sudbury, ON
11/09 – The New American Pub – Sault St-Marie, ON
11/10 – The Apollo – Thunder Bay, ON
11/12 – 156 Parkview St – Winnipeg, MB
11/14 – The Slice – Lethbridge, AB
11/15 – The Palomino – Calgary, AB
11/16 – Pat’s Pub – Vancouver, BC
11/17 – Lucky’s Liquor – Seattle, WA
11/22 – The Grizzlar – Edmonton, AB
11/23 – Amigos – Saskatoon, SK
11/25 – Apollo – Thunder Bay, ON
11/26 – Uptown VFW – Minneapolis, MN
11/27 – Mary’s Place – Rockford, IL
11/29 – Lyric Room – Green Bay WI

Video Premiere: Smug Brothers – “Every One Is Really Five”

The Smug Brothers have had a busy year already with the release of February’s Attic Harvest and July’s All Blur And Spark. Well, the group is not ready to close out 2019 yet as today’s video premiere for “Every One Is Really Five” is the debut single from their forthcoming eighth full-length record, Serve A Thirsty Moon, which is due out on November 8th via Gas Daddy Go! Records in conjunction with the first Local Music Day in Dayton, Ohio on Saturday, November 9th.

If you are wondering why Smug Brothers have had a creative surge in 2019 they will tell you that it was propelled when longtime members Kyle Melton (vocals, guitar) and Don Thrasher (drums) added Scott Tribble in 2018. Scott brought with him a pedal board, some guitars, various keyboards and a creative mind. Now the band has added one more change for Serve A Thirsty Moon as the Smug Brothers have become an official four piece with the studio debut of new bass player Kyle Sowash.

Serve A Thirsty Moon will offer 21 tracks with a 40-minute run time so there will be plenty of new music for fans to dig into. Make sure you get your first taste of their bigger sound when you play the video today and make sure to check out Smug Brothers Bandcamp page HERE when the album is released next week.

Video Premiere: So It Was – “The Hour (Live At Candyland)”

Louisville, Kentucky’s So It Was released their self-titled debut earlier this year and today TFN is excited to share this premiere video with you, along with SofaBurn Records, that features one of the album’s tracks captured live at the Candyland Recording Studio. If you know the band or the tune, you already are familiar with the soft delivery that So It Was offers, as “The Hour” highlights singer Daniel Lobb’s Sufjan Stevens type vocal.

What this video adds to the story is that now you can visually see the passion behind the music which includes the intricate guitar of Lobb, the intense concentration of flute from Alexis Marsh, and the flowing piano of Dan Dorff, Jr. as he just drifts along perfectly with the music. It is a session video that makes you feel like you are in the studio and as a music fan – that is where you want to be!

Photographer Michael Wilson and engineer Mike Montgomery (R. Ring) captured the session, along with producer Daniel Martin Moore, so if you even questioned the talent behind the scenes – don’t! So It Was and “Hero” have all the makings of your new favorite late-night track, as it will set the tone for your tomorrow with its freshness of the world just after a storm vibe. It is the perfect reset that new starts are made of!



So It Was Website
So It Was Facebook

Video Premiere: Smug Brothers – “Today Is Always Today”

Smug Brothers have been busy in 2019. The Dayton, Ohio based band released the excellent Attic Harvest earlier this year and now TFN is excited to premiere a new video today for “Today Is Always Today,” which is off their new record All Blur And Spark.

The best news – All Blur And Spark is available today! You can read all about the new album in our Headphone Approved review HERE. You also can then head over to their Bandcamp page HERE and pick up the new album on limited edition CD or digital download.

Smug Brothers Website
Smug Brothers Facebook
Gas Daddy Go! Records

Video Premiere: Jess McAvoy – “Do What You Want”

Happy Valentine’s Day Fire Note readers! Let us introduce you to the talented singer/songwriter Jess McAvoy. The video premiere today for her new song, “Do What You Want,” is the perfect play for a day where there is so much pressure to be a certain way, buy specific things and maybe even take things a bit too serious.

“Do What You Want” is about finding two people in a relationship, just for the enjoyment of each other’s company. It’s ok to live in the moment and feel good today no matter where it might eventually lead. These are great tips to remember on Valentine’s Day.

It also helps that the message comes in the form of McAvoy’s catchy bluesy vocals as “Do What You Want” sways with its guitar swagger structure. Jess really says it best when she sings “there’s only this moment, don’t you want to own it.”

Well, TFN hopes you enjoy your day and make sure you share this video with all your serious friends! If you live in the area, you can also check out Jess McAvoy live on March 1st in Los Angeles at The Study. More info on Jess McAvoy can be found at the links below.

Jess McAvoy Website
Jess McAvoy Facebook

Video Premiere: A Delicate Motor – “Man On Fire”

A Delicate Motor is the sound composition project of Cincinnati Ohio native Adam Petersen. Originally a solo, loop-based songwriting effort from Petersen, A Delicate Motor now consists of drummer / producer Ben Sloan (WHY?, Lazy Heart, Naytronix), guitarist / bassist Stephen Patota (The Happy Maladies, Lazy Heart, Naytronix), vocalist Libby Landis, vocalist / guitarist Brianna Kelly (Soften) and vocalist / pianist Rachel Mousie. This ensemble released their latest full length, Fellover My Own, mid last year on SofaBurn Records.

In today’s TFN video premiere, you get to enjoy A Delicate Motor’s artistic vision in single “Man On Fire.” You can see how all of their talents join together to create their unified sound while still having a focus on individualized components. The track is a wave of note perfect intensity that has a multitude of sonic peaks. Before you check out the video make sure to read below what Petersen had to say about “Man On Fire.”

“Man On Fire derives from living experience, from inward turmoil. It is a sober acknowledgement of how raw emotional reaction can reveal the ugly shadow being within each of us. This piece reminds me to be patient and gentle with the shadow, the inner child, whom although he sometimes flares, needs to be held and loved. “I find it colder than a man on fire making stupid faces. Pardon my explicative guile, I’ll shut me down for a little while.” – Adam Petersen

If you like what hear make sure to head on over to SofaBurn and pick up a physical copy of Fellover My Own.

A Delicate Motor Website
A Delicate Motor Facebook
SofaBurn Records

Video Premiere: Xuan – “We Were Just Talking”

Xuan (pronounced “Swan”) Nguyen is a singer/songwriter from Dallas, Texas. She grew up in the burbs of Big D but being the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants helped influence an exploring life move to Viet Nam where she hosted a TV show. She then traveled around Southeast Asia and Australia before making another move – this time to Ireland!

She started writing songs in Ireland but it was after she moved back home and connected with Salim Nourallah (producer Old 97s, The Damnwells, Rhett Miller) at an open mic that got things rolling. He invited her to record at his studio which turned out to be her debut, Have Some Fun.

Have Some Fun is not out till November 16th via Palo Santo Records but TFN is giving you a premiere look (and listen) with her new video for album track “We Were Just Talking.” The video follows Xuan in the development of a new relationship and shows how it is not always easy. I don’t want to ruin it but it does have a happy ending!

Beyond the fun video, Xuan’s infectious indie pop voice makes this upbeat song stick in your head with her Jay Som meets Juliana Hatfield type of delivery. Everything about this video and track will have you wanting to hear more so make sure you check out Xuan’s social media and pick up the record on November 16th!

Xuan Website
Xuan Facebook
Palo Santo Records

Video Premiere: Romeo Dance Cheetah – “The Air Guitar Song”

At some point, we have all done it. A sweet rhythmic head toss, a powerful pelvic thrust, a double handed slide complete with a power chord strum in perfect synchronization. That is right – the AIR GUITAR!

Today’s video premiere of “The Air Guitar Song” from Romeo Dance Cheetah takes things to an entire different level because he is the real deal and the 2010 US National Champion of air guitar. In fact, the video today features some of the best air guitars in the world today, which hold multiple national and world titles. You want some official air guitar? Just watch the video now!

How do you achieve this guitar greatness?! Well, the World Air Guitar Competition is taking place this weekend in Oulu, Finland. Also, “The Air Guitar Song” video will be seen by all during the Oulu Finland Music Video Festival which runs in conjunction with the competition. It is going to be a great weekend!


Now, Romeo Dance Cheetah is not stopping with this video. He is launching his music career with the debut release of his comedy rock album, Magnificent Man on October 27th. Think Darkness drinks with Ween and then gets totally crazy with Tenacious D. Yep – that is Romeo Dance Cheetah!

Clearly, TFN wishes Romeo and all the competitors luck this weekend as the purpose of the Air Guitar World Championships is to promote world peace. According to the ideology of the Air Guitar – “Wars would end, climate change stop and all bad things disappear, if all the people in the world played the Air Guitar. This is why the whole universe is invited to play the Air Guitar for world peace at the end of the competition.”

With that said, TFN completely endorses giving it your best Hendrix, Prince or Slash right now. World peace and a Flying V can’t be stopped!

Romeo Dance Cheetah Website
Romeo Dance Cheetah Facebook

Air guitarists featured in the video:
Matt “Aristotle” Burns (USA) 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 US Champ, 2016 World Champ
Kareel “Your Daddy” Blumenkrants (RUS) 2015 World Champ
Nanami “Seven Seas” Nagura (JPN) 2014 World Champ
Eric “Mean Melin” Melin (USA) 2013 World Champ
Justin “Nordic Thunder” Howard (USA) 2011 US Champ, 2012 World Champ
Craig “Hot Lixx Hulahan” Billmeier (USA) 2006, 2008 US Champ, 2008 World Champ
Zac “Mr.Magnet” Monro (GBR) 2001, 2002 World Champ
Nicole “Mom Jeans Jeanie” Sevcik 2017 National Champ
Jason “Lt. Facemelter” Farnan 2013 National Champ
Dan “Bjorn Turoque” Crane star of “Air Guitar Nation” the movie and host of the World Air Guitar Championships
Multiple air guitarists from the world-famous French Air Band “Airnadette”
Air guitarists from around the US, Taiwan, England, France, Japan, Russia…etc.

Video Premiere: American Monoxide – “Sciatic Nerve”

We have the perfect video premiere today for our TFN readers that love music which lives on the edge. Tucson, Arizona’s American Monoxide brings you a lo-tech spastic jam called “Sciatic Nerve,” which will instantly get into your head with its groove and repetitive spoken title.

American Monoxide is actually the solo home recordings of Dimitri Manos. He is hard to place in one genre and offers mostly instrumental mixes which range from dance to trash to noise to novelty. The entire record is a fascinating listen but I think this video spotlights his focus and why you should check out American Monoxide!

“Sciatic Nerve” sticks with you visually as it feels like the alternate universe version to the Beastie’s “Sabotage.” It has a lot going on for only running 1:30 and that’s what makes it fun. What’s in the bag? Why is he smoking a cigarette now? Why did he just throw his hat? All questions with no answers – I guess you just need to enjoy the track and let your mind fill in the blanks!

American Monoxide Website
American Monoxide Facebook
PIAPTK Records

Video Premiere: Moa Holmsten – “You’re Missing”

Here is a twist today for you. A Bruce Springsteen cover from a Swedish recording artist that previously fronted a heavy metal band. Sound interesting? – you bet.

Moa Holmsten is the artist we are talking about and this video premiere for “You’re Missing” is from her recently released record of all Springsteen covers titled Bruised Arms & Broken Rhythm on Fill In The Blank Records. If you know any Springsteen history, this song was actually cut in 1994 and then revived and rewritten after 9/11, for his powerful 2002 album, The Rising.

With the help of Tony (the producer and co-creator of the album) this video pairs with Holmsten’s haunting and delicate vocals with his art project that was made several years ago filming himself when he was heartbroken. The song, the video and voice all connect with a core emotion we all have experienced which pulls you into the track.

With great starting material, “You’re Missing” is a solid representation from the record which features other great takes on “Dancing In The Dark,” “Badlands,” and “Born To Run” to just name a few. I have always been a sucker for covers and this project from Moa Holmsten takes a huge risk tackling Springsteen but I will tell you that she not only succeeds but will have you humming along to her versions in no time.

Moa Holmsten Website
Fill In The Blank Records

Trailer Premiere: Linear Downfall – “Sufferland”

I know – The Fire Note is not a movie site so why do we have a trailer premiere today? Well, the easy answer is that the film Sufferland was created by the Nashville experimental band Linear Downfall as an accompiment to their full length album of the same name that is set to release on November 6th.

The film is described as, “A walk through the many compartmentalized landscapes in the mind of a tormented girl who is under the control of a tormented man,” and was chosen to be a part of the 2015 Nashville Film Festival. It will not take you long into the trailer to feel and hear the intesity of this film and record!

The cool thing about this duel release project is that Linear Downfall did everything. They wrote, directed, edited and even built the sets at their house for this film. The trailer is intense and I will warn you that cutting meat will never be the same! It also won’t surprise you to know that a couple of influences for this film were David Lynch and Federico Fellini.

If this seems a bit far out for you it is important to know that this is not Linear Downfall’s first rodeo. The band has self-released three albums and one EP, extensively toured the U.S., and joined the Flaming Lips with their side project called the Electric Würms. Linear Downfall will be touring the film with a list of screenings across the US to promote the release and upcoming tour. Watch the trailer and then below you can hear “The Question,” which is also part of the project. Enjoy!



Linear Downfall Website
Linear Downfall Facebook

Video Premiere: Company Of Selves – “Presidential Model”

After just featuring Fleeting Youth Records last week in our Indie Does It Best: Five Labels You Should Be Supporting and talking about their focus on indie, punk and garage genres, the label throws us a new one – escape rock from New York’s Company Of Selves.

The band’s debut record, Butterfly Handlers & Memory Travelers, is out this Friday and today TFN is premiering the video for “Presidential Model.” You only need to watch the video once to get a good feel of Company Of Selves – Their music (and video) is a mind bend! If you like that edge of rock, Company Of Selves is for you as “Presidential Model” pulses with an intensity that is about a woman beginning to awake from a world of mind-controlled imprisonment that is based on a book written by Brice Taylor. Deep stuff for a Monday I know but think of it as the perfect jolt to shake out the weekend cobwebs.

The band itself is comprised of a crew of friends that have been playing around New York for some time and is led by the multi-talented Christopher Hoffman. He currently plays in several other bands and also is a songwriter, composer, cellist, as well as working with such artists as Marianne Faithfull, Ryan Adams, Iron & Wine, Craig McDean and Michael Pitt.

The music and video today speaks for itself as I think the track is very Eels meets the apocalypse. You really can’t go wrong with that combo – so check it out and then head on over to Fleeting Youth and pre-order your copy today HERE!

Video Premiere: My Dead Air – “Easy To Believe”

My Dead Air is the moniker of musician Dan Ballard which was a member and guitarist of the band Until June. The group had success overseas with a #1 hit in Europe but never strummed the right chord here in the US. Ballard would like to change that with My Dead Air as he now is 100% committed to his once side project.

Today’s video premiere is for the track “Easy To Believe” which is off of his new self-released album The Thief Who Knows My Name. As you will see, the live in the studio video works for My Dead Air’s soft delivery as the laid back track shows his influences that include My Morning Jacket, Harry Nilsson, Glen Campbell and Bon Iver.

“Easy To Believe” really is the perfect beginning of a late night soundtrack that comes complete with low lighting and the occasional out of focus camera shot. Ballard’s effortless playing here is highlighted by his hypnotic vocal and the top end quality of musicians he has surrounded himself with as each individual artist here has a small solo moment within the song.

The Thief Who Knows My Name already hit the streets on August 14th so if you like what you hear (and see) make sure to support My Dead Air with an album purchase!

My Dead Air Website
My Dead Air Facebook

Video Premiere: Brian Lopez – “Static Noise”

“Quiet is the new loud” is a phrase that always circles back around in the music scene from time to time. Those simple words capture the true essence of today’s video premiere from Brian Lopez. His Jeff Buckley meets Thom Yorke sounding vocal will instantly grab your ear as his hush delivery and calm demeanor … Read more

Video Premiere: Matthew Squires And The Learning Disorders – “A Strange Piece”

Austin has been a hotbed for the singer-songwriter all the way back to the times of Willie Nelson, so it is no surprise these days when a voice comes along from that time zone that makes you take notice. Today’s video premiere highlights this as Matthew Squires and the Learning Disorders offer up the heartfelt … Read more

Video Premiere: Dive Index – “Push And Shove” feat Isaiah Gage

Dive Index is an electro-acoustic collaborative project headed up by producer Will Thomas. Their new album, Lost In The Pressure, features vocals by Isaiah Gage and Simone White which gives the record two distinct feelings. Dive Index’s new video, “Push And Shove,” represents one of those feelings as it pairs a mid-tempo groove with subtle … Read more

Video Premiere: Whitewash “No Sunglasses”

In the world of “I want everything now,” waiting for a song to kick in may be beyond our current society’s attention span but remember what your parents always said – “good things come to people who wait.” Living by these words pays off in Whitewash’s new video for “No Sunglasses” off their recently released … Read more