LIONVILLE - II (Release: Nov, 30 - Avenue Of Allies)

As i said a year and a half ago i keep believing that The World Without Your Love was the best melodic rock song from 2011, actually, the whole debut album by these guys is real good so expectation for their new release were too high... and Lionville has succeeded, II is a real good AOR effort.

Stefano Lionetti shows that he's got the touch, the guy has the ability of writing good and catchy tunes while Lars Safsund shines, Pierpaolo Monti grows as drummer doing an elaborate work and Alessandro DelVecchio reaffirms as an excellent keyboardist. But there's a darkest side to this album... sound and guitar work. With a crappy and hilarious budget it's difficult to reach some quality standards, the band achieves it but sometimes deficiences in sound are notable... it would be great to listen to DelVecchio playing an acoustic piano in some tracks or finding some orchestral arrengements. The second negative point is guitar work. As in their debut album, guitar work should be more complex. Guitars sound empty, no catchy riffs, no passionate solos, no anything... actually guitars from song number one could work on song number two, three, six or whatever.
Among others Bruce Gaistch, Peter Friestedt, Robert Sall and Tamara and Bill Champlin are featured in this album. Actually Bill Champlin shares vocals with Safsund in Higher and he is completely burried by Lionsville's singer. This cut sounds more of Pride Of Lions than Lionville and with no doubt is the weakest track in the album despite Safsund vocals are great and an interesting work by DelVecchio reminding of David Paich from Toto.
We have to mention the cover of Waiting For A Star To Fall. Well, not a bad cover but can't reach the brightness of the original by Boy Meets Girl.
The rest of the album is real good with special attention to Another Day, Next to Me, One in a Million and No Turning Back, a monster ballad introducing some beautiful spanish guitar.
Awesome are backing vocals all over the album... 10 out of 10.
Another good album by a band that have just become a benchmark in the european melodic rock scene.

And now instead of blah blah blah about every song take a listen to some sounds:







Links
http://www.lionville.it/site/
http://www.facebook.com/LIONVILLEofficial?ref=ts&fref=ts

ROCK THE NIGHTS is proud to present SHE KING

Anyone following Rock The Nights knows this blog is about Rock music, i've never wrote about or interviewed an act from any other genre but it's time to make an exception. Rarely i get impressed by a newcomer but that's what happened to me when i first listened to She King. Actually, Shawnee, the spirit of She King, is not a newcomer, she has been related to music since she was a child, lately she has been touring with Glass Tiger also was featured in the Then Now Next album by the guys and now she is working hard to make her music reach a wider audience. If there's any common sense in music business big labels will be soon fighting for this woman instead of hiring all that crappy stuff.
In a world where everything sounds the same She King is a breath of fresh air... so spread the word, the name is SHE KING.

I'm Not OK (debut single)




INTERVIEW

Hi Shawnee and thank you for sharing your time with Rock The Nights...

RTN - When you started singing?
SK - I started singing when I was about 4 years my parents recall, I would stand up on picnic tables demand the attention of family and sing out loud.

RTN - Do you remember the frist album you owned?
SK - I think the first album i owned was Jewel but i listen to Melissa Etheridge since i can remember

RTN - If you could choose a song of your life, which one would it be?
SK - Song of my life would be my own song Mirror Me, you would have to listen to understand where im coming from

RTN - What are your roots and main influences?
SK - I started singing as a Shania Twain impersonator that was first job. I then joined a rock band singing Led Zepp and AC/DC cover songs in every rock bar i grew up around. My influences are Melissa Etheridge and P!nk is super hot on stage

RTN - Tell us about your feelings with the release of you first single I'm not Ok...
SK -  I'm Not Ok for me is about embracing that time in your life that everyone goes through where you feel like the whole world is coming down around you. But the trick is to embrace where you stand be strong and believe in a better day.

RTN - Now you are recording vocals for your new song...
SK - Im always recording and writing but yes i have my second single picked out and your are going to love it as much as i do, I cant wait to share it.

RTN - When a full lenght album?
SK - Right now im concentrating on my EP, Ill only show you a little at a time lol

RTN - The main problem with music industry is that most acts sounds the same. First time i listened to you i was impressed by your vocals, your voice has personality... are you free to make the music you like with She King?
SK - For me, i'm not going to lie, there is a bit of a comprising act. But the good thing is that i love all music and i wouldn't release or do anything i was not truly passionate about or else there would be no sense in my doing it. My main focus is my lyrics, I really want people to feel inspired when they listen to what i create and release, thats all i really want.

RTN - What are you thoughts about music bussiness?
SK - Depends on the day. ... lol like everything theres a balance but im happy and thankful to be apart of it.

RTN - Is what you expected?
SK - Im not sure what i expected, I kind of never really thought about it. I just have always worked hard did what i have to do and roll with the punches … so to speak

RTN - How did you and Glass Tiger decided to join forces?
SK - Alan Frew happened to be in the same studio i recorded in and heard one of my songs, he asked who i was, got into contact with me and the rest was history.

RTN - How is working with the guys?
SK - The tour was a great experience I got to meet some really great fans and learn the true art in the touring world

RTN - And how about touring with Roxette and Glass Tiger?
SK - Touring is my favourite part about what i do so for me it was awesome and Roxette puts on such a great show

RTN - Future plans for She King...
SK - 2013 is packed and I cant wait to share all the details you can keep posted on shekingmusic.com I am on my radio promo tour here in Canada promoting my debut single I'm Not Ok I am co-writing for other aritst while im still working on my EP and I will be doing shows as well as some other secret excitement i'll share soon. 







Mirror Me (sneak peak)

                                                                                                                                                                       

Links to She King music:

http://shekingmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Shekingpage/info
http://instagram.com/shekingofficial
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/im-not-ok/id563048996?i=563049004