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John McDonough’s New Concept EP “We’ll Answer The Call” Tells the Amazing True Story of Joe Rantz

John McDonough’s new concept EP, ‘We’ll Answer The Call,’ tells the story of Joe Rantz, the Washington Husky rowing team, and their epic bid to win the Gold in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.

Ever hear of Joe Rantz? His remarkable story has inspired a book, a movie to be directed by George Clooney, and now a riveting concept EP by John McDonough. Joe Rantz was part of the 1936 University of Washington eight-oared crew team who won the Olympic Gold Medal. The EP will be released on June 17, 2022.

Through 5 songs, ‘We’ll Answer The Call”, tells a tale of survival and self-determination. When Rantz was just four years old, he lost his mother to throat cancer. Later as a young teen, due to growing tension with his step-mother, Rantz lived alone in a half-finished cabin in the woods all the while attending school.

I am so obsessed with this story I flew to Seattle to see the Husky Clipper. The Husky Clipper is the original and restored eight man boat that was used to win gold in Berlin, and is now hanging in the University of Washington boathouse. It’s a beautiful boat and a true piece of art. It was a very moving experience for me to see it, and the last song on the EP is sung from the point of view of this boat.” – John McDonough

About John McDonough

John McDonough is a singer/songwriter from Chicago, Illinois whose shows span six decades of hits combined with unique and moving originals. John’s acoustic guitar work, passionate vocals, and personal lyrics result in a modern singer/songwriter sound rarely heard. Before relocating to Chicago in 2020, John had spent 25 years performing in and around Austin, TX. He played to the rowdy crowds of 6th street, the dinner crowds of the suburbs, and everything in-between. Ten years ago John retired from psychotherapy to focus solely on music, and in that time has released five CD’s of original music, played over 500 gigs, performed in eleven major music festivals, several times appeared and performed on local and national radio, and embarked on successful tours throughout the United States. ‘Dream’s and Imagination,’ ‘Surrounding Colors,’ and ‘Can You See Me Now,’ released between 2014 to 2019, all received great reviews and airplay throughout Europe and the United States, with all three releases spending six consecutive months on the Americana Music Association Record Chart.

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In 2021, John released an acoustic CD titled ‘Second Chances.’ ‘Second Chances’ consists of fresh, acoustic arrangements of his favorite songs from previous releases, and was nominated for Album Of The Year by The Josie Awards and Blues And Roots Magazine. John has drawn comparisons to Elton John, Harry Chapin, and Van Morrison for his vocal abilities while his emotional story telling has been compared to the songwriting styles of Damien Rice and James Blunt. John is very excited to release his new concept EP, ‘We’ll Answer The Call,’ June 17th, 2022. This EP tells the story of Joe Rantz, the Washington Husky rowing team, and their epic bid to win gold in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. He is also very excited to get back into Roxie, his small RV, and tour the United States.

For more information, please visit John McDonough’s website.

Hip-Hop

Free Zoey breaks chains and beats with ‘ICESP!CE’

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Free Zoey, freshly released from prison and determined to tell his story on his terms. His latest single, “ICESP!CE,” is a statement and a declaration. Right off the bat, “ICESP!CE.” seizes you with its vitality. The beat seems confident, hitting the sweet spot between street grit and club bounce. Zoey treats it like a revelation that’s been waiting to emerge, and now that the mic’s in his hand, he squeezes it out one breath at a time.

What distinguishes Free Zoey is the feeling behind each word. You can hear the hunger in his cadence, the scars of battles fought and lost, and the conviction that comes only from weathering the kind of struggle others typically associate with headlines. But instead of being left behind, he’s forging ahead, and “ICESP!CE” is the sound of that stride.

Zoey is a breath of fresh air in the genre of new music as she angrily dispenses the truth with sharp lyrics that slice the bullshit. He owns it, learns from it, and flips it into motivation. And when the song threatens to be too heavy, he sprinkles in the playfulness that makes it bounce. It’s that juxtaposition of ice and spice that draws you in.

“ICESP!CE” is an arrival. Free Zoey is banging on the table, pulling up and bringing his flavor. Whether vibrating in the whip or blasting it in the headphones, this track makes you move your body and spirit. With this release, Free Zoey shows he’s the wave real, down to earth, no filter. “ICESP!CE” is just the start, and if this is the heat, he’s coming out the gate with the rap game, which should prepare itself because Zoey is only warming up.

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Album Review

Eric Schroeder drops a riveting dare into his emotionally charged new album “Cat’s Game”

Eric Schroeder

Eric Schroeder, a distinguished innovator within the indie rock-pop sphere, born and raised in San Diego, has unveiled his ambitious latest album, “Cat’s Game,” a masterful project that deftly explores intricate emotional landscapes. Comprising ten meticulously woven tracks, traverse through landscapes of confessional intimacy, introspection, and sonic defiance that revitalizes classic rock ‘n’ roll aesthetics. Recorded at Mant Sounds under the expert production of Rob Schnapf and engineered by Matt Scheussler, this striking new album premieres today and signifies a potential shift in the contemporary rock narrative.

As a pivotal player within San Diego’s eclectic music scene, Eric Schroeder adeptly navigates the dynamics of chaos and clarity, and “Cat’s Game” showcases his most sophisticated orchestration to date. Collaborating with a tight-knit ensemble featuring Matt Scheussler (bass), Jake Richter (drums), and Aidan Finn (keys), Schroeder breathes life into every lyric, wrapping each composition in swirling authenticity and unfiltered emotional gravity.

Commencing with the soaring rock gem High And Low,” listeners are immediately plunged into the heart of Eric’s introspective lyricism, capturing a spectrum of euphoria tinged with unintentionality, where moments of sorrow transmute into uplifting sentiments. The follow-up singleEmily floats a unique form of bittersweet poetry, allowing audiences to resonate with a profound longing through emotive acoustics and nostalgic melodies. Furthermore, the slow-burning Don’t Wanna Let You Go effectively merges vulnerability with assertive musical grit in one unforgettable, gut-punching anthem.

Tracks like As I Sit Here In My Car and I’ve Got Problems demonstrate Schroeder’s exceptional proficiency in turning everyday occurrences into deeply relatable stories, marrying lyrical poetry with infectious grooves and cinematic soundscapes. Meanwhile, Leave Me Sleeping arises as a notable highlight, functioning as a haunting lullaby drenched in longing and lucid dreamlike clarity, further underscoring his capacity to encapsulate solitude in a captivating sonic framework.

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Mid-album highlights, such as My Big Brother,” “Slipstream,” andSummer In The Psych Ward,” explores the chaotic interior of memory and identity, enhancing the psychological dimensions of Schroeder’s artistry. Finally, the closing track, The Road To Recovery,” presents an achingly beautiful exhale, a tender, tremulous resolution to a defiant, emotionally rich album.

Cat’s Game” is a crucial addition to any rock enthusiast playlist, reminding us of the enduring significance of music in contemporary culture. The album is an immersive manifesto of emotional honesty, dynamic storytelling, and fearless creativity. Eric Schroeder doesn’t just participate in this artistic endeavor; he is rewriting the rules with his enchanting vocal delivery. His rare gift for transmuting vulnerability into visceral musical encounters cements his reputation as a mesmerizing songwriter, a burgeoning force in today’s evolving music landscape, poised to make a significant impact.

 

For more information about Eric Schroeder, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Eric Schroeder’s Album Cat’s Game on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Eric Schroeder | Instagram

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