Tom Keifer (lead singer of 80s rock band "Cinderella") and Geno Bisconte (comedian and host) join Ralph Sutton this week and they discuss Tom's difficulty in school growing up and learning some crazy alphabet called "ITA", Gene Simmons' relationship to Cinderella, writing and producing for the band, whether there is any chance of a reunion with the band, Tom's vocal chord paralysis and how he overcame it, Tom's new album "Rise", his Firsts and so much more!
July 30, 2019 -- Timing, as the saying goes, is everything. And when you’re a career artist like TOM KEIFER, you know exactly what it takes to get to the pinnacle and just how precarious it can be once you reach the top. After years of touring and growing with his solo band, KEIFER feels the timing is right for a new record with #keiferband.
KEIFER with #keiferband--Savannah Keifer, Tony Higbee, Billy Mercer, Kendra Chantelle, Jarred Pope, Kory Myers—are ready to RISE to yet another peak in their ongoing music journey with the September 13 release of his second solo album on Cleopatra Records.
Preorder on all formats, including CD (digipak), vinyl (in your choice of red, blue, or green) and digital, which will include an instant download of the first single, “The Death Of Me.”
A video for “The Death Of Me”—written by KEIFER and his wife Savannah, and directed by Vicente Cordero--was released today. Though TOM KEIFER has faced many ups and downs all throughout his storied career, his unyielding resilience can be found well within the grooves and lyrics of the song. “We created ‘The Death of Me’ to inspire people not to give in to or be defeated by the seemingly insurmountable lows that we all sometimes face, but rather to Rise and overcome them,” he says.
His creative renaissance is fully on display via the eleven tough ’n’ tender tracks that comprise RISE.
Produced by TOM KEIFER, Savannah Keifer, and Kyle O’Connor, RISE scales renewed sonic heights. From the tasty slide work that stamps “Touching the Divine,” the nontraditionally arranged, heavy, dark jam of “Untitled,” the breakneck thrust of “All Amped Up” to the tender coda of “You Believe in Me,” RISE signifies the ongoing evolution of the former Cinderella frontman as a person, songwriter, and bandleader. It’s the aural portrait of an artist who, to borrow a phrase, is still climbing
“When this band came together, we all felt a bit like broken souls, each with our own unique story,” he explains. “If you ask anyone in the band, they would all say this band came along at just the right time. Every human who walks this planet faces challenges and extreme adversity they have to overcome. As a band, we feel fortunate to be able to face those things together. There is a piece of every band member in the ‘The Death of Me’ as well as throughout the entire RISE album.”
The common thread to each song on RISE is the intuitive interplay between each member of #keiferband, a tight but loose collective that’s spent the last six-plus years on the road honing their live craft together in support of KEIFER’s critically acclaimed 2013 solo debut, THE WAY LIFE GOES. RISE is the studio-bred equivalent of a band just now realizing the full scope of its powers. “We were trying to capture the feeling of what people have witnessed live with this band,” KEIFER explains. “There’s an off-the-rails, real live feel to RISE — and that’s what we were going for. It shows a real kind of angst and reckless abandon that we tried not to polish too much. And when we pull it back on the ballads, it’s more about the emotion, the soul, and making people feel something in a different way.”
“To me, the perfect rock and roll record is perfectly fucked up,” KEIFER says with a hearty laugh. “You try to make each record interesting and different. I don’t ever want to make the same record twice, even though there’s a common thread between them. Everything doesn’t have to be perfectly in place, but there is a balance you try to strike. Sometimes there may be something about it that’s technically not ‘right,’ but there’s a vibe, an energy and an attitude to it that I always try to preserve.”
THE WAY LIFE GOES - DELUXE EDITION was released October 20, 2017 on Cleopatra Records, which is an expanded compilation of his debut album chocked full of special artwork and bonus content, including the long-awaited studio recording of The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends,” which KEIFER performs at all of his concerts, plus a powerful new take on the Cinderella classic “Nobody’s Fool,” newly recorded as a duet with Lzzy Hale of Halestorm.
Upon its initial release, THE WAY LIFE GOES garnered rave reviews. To wit:
“A collection of 14 blues howlers, Stones-y rock and, yes, big ballads, the album calls to mind Cinderella but with an even more rootsy undercurrent.”
-- Rolling Stone
“…14 songs that stay true to form – killer blues-rock playing and tones, hooks galore, and strong songwriting. If you’re a fan of harder-edged rock and long to hear genuinely enjoyable new tunes, it may be just the thing; the opener, ‘Solid Ground,’ offers pure Keifer guitar and vocals with a feel reminiscent the Stones’ Exile On Main Street while the remaining tracks are, much like his life the last 15 years, an up-and-down ride.”
-- Vintage Guitar
“...the record features such vital, vibrant guitar tones and parts that are immediate and honest. They also have that cool, interlocking, layered quality that made so many classic rock albums so, well, classic. Keifer flat-out knows how to play vibey guitar parts with ungodly tone, and fans of the Stones, Zeppelin, Steve Marriott, and early Aerosmith should definitely take notice. And, although you wouldn’t wish hemorrhaging vocal cords on anyone, this guy is singing better than ever to complement his great 6-string parts.”
-- Guitar Player
In touring news, TOM KEIFER and #keiferband have been on a vigorous trek ever since the 2013 album release, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. Their next batch of headlining dates start July 30 in their hometown, Nashville, TN today at The Cowan. Dates are already confirmed through the end of 2019, with more to be added in the coming weeks, and are already being planned for 2020.
Here’s the complete track listing for RISE:
1. Touching The Divine
2. The Death Of Me
3. Waiting On The Demons
4. Hype
5. Untitled
6. Rise
7. All Amped Up
8. Breaking Down
9. Taste For The Pain
10. Life Was Here
11. You Believe In Me
Check out TOM KEIFER and #keiferband at any of the following tour stops:
DATE CITY VENUE
Tues 7/30 Nashville, TN The Cowan
Fri 8/2 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre
Sat 8/3 Derry, NH Tupelo Music Hall
Mon 8/5 Englewood, NJ Bergen PAC
Thu 8/8 Hopewell, VA The Beacon Theater Hopewell
Fri 8/9 Greenville, SC The Firmament
Sat 8/10 Winder, GA Innovation Amphitheater
Thu 8/15 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
Fri 8/16 Dallas, TX Gas Monkey Bar & Grill
Sat 8/17 Houston, TX Warehouse Live Ballroom
Wed 8/21 Scottsdale, AZ BLK Live
Fri 8/23 Montclair, CA The Canyon
Sat 8/24 Ojai, CA Ojai Libbey Bowl
Sun 8/25 Pasadena, CA The Canyon at The Rose
Tue 8/27 Sacramento, CA Crest Theatre
Thu 8/29 Las Vegas, NV Count’s Vamp’d
Fri 8/30 San Juan Capistrano, CA The Coach House
Sat 8/31 Big Bear Lake, CA The Cave
Fri 9/6 Leesburg, VA Tally Ho Theatre
Sat 9/7 Cherokee, NC Cherokee Blue Ridge Run
Fri 10/11 Knoxville, TN Cotton Eyed Joe
Sat 10/12 Versailles, OH BMI Indoor Speedway
Tue 10/15 Flint, MI The Machine Shop
Thu 10/17 Warrendale, PA Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
Fri 10/18 Niagara Falls, NY Seneca Niagara Event Center
TOM KEIFER DELUXE EDITION OF DEBUT ALBUM, ‘THE WAY LIFE GOES,’ SET FOR RELEASE OCTOBER 20 ON CLEOPATRA RECORDS
WITH NEWLY RECORDED BONUS TRACKS OF CLASSIC BEATLES COVER AND “NOBODY’S FOOL” DUET FEATURING HALESTORM’S LZZY HALE
TOM KEIFER once sang, "You're only going once around the ride."
He's proving that theory wrong with the highly anticipated release of THE WAY LIFE GOES - DELUXE EDITION, an expanded compilation of his critically acclaimed solo debut album, THE WAY LIFE GOES, chock full of bonus content and special artwork.
THE WAY LIFE GOES - DELUXE EDITION is finally set for release October 20 on Cleopatra Records. Pre-orders are now available on Amazon and on Cleopatra’s website. The package will include the original album that has been remastered by Richard Dodd (Kings of Leon, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum). It also has two brand new studio tracks recorded in Nashville by three-time Grammy® Award-winner Vance Powell (Jack White, Chris Stapleton) with KEIFER and his bandmates (#keiferband: Tony Higbee, Billy Mercer, Paul Simmons, Paul Taylor, Savannah Keifer, and Kendra Chantelle). Fans will finally get to hear the long-awaited studio recording of The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends,” which KEIFER performs at all of his concerts, plus a powerful new take on the Cinderella classic “Nobody’s Fool,” newly recorded as a duet with Lzzy Hale of Halestorm.
"The reason that I picked up
guitar, the reason that I sing the way I do, was all because of that guy,” said Hale of KEIFER’s influence on her at a young age. The two first performed “Nobody’s Fool” live together in Atlantic City, NJ in September 2013.
"I remember the first time seeing Lzzy perform live at the House of Blues show in Atlantic City and being absolutely floored by the power of her voice and performance,” KEIFER continues. “She's an amazing artist and has been a great inspiration to me as well."
There will also be a bonus DVD with music videos, tour clips, and “The Way Life’s Goin,’” a 30-minute documentary produced by Tammy Vega (KEIFER’s longtime official photographer) about the creation of the bonus tracks, exclusive interviews with the band filmed during the new recording sessions, and live footage.
THE WAY LIFE GOES - DELUXE EDITION will be wrapped in an all new six-panel digipak designed by artist David Calcano (creator of the Fantoons comic strip series) with 20 pages of one-of-a-kind unique illustrations depicting each song.
As KEIFER explains, "Everything from the new artwork, documentary, videos and bonus tracks contained in the DELUXE EDITION is a sum of all the amazingly talented people who came into our world as a result of the initial release. The two bonus tracks were specifically chosen and recorded as we felt them both to be special collaborations that came about while touring for THE WAY LIFE GOES.”
New band members Jarred Pope (drums) and Kory Myers (keyboards/vocals) join the #keiferband lineup in 2017. Writing has begun for a follow-up to THE WAY LIFE GOES with recording slated for Fall 2018.
Upon its initial release, THE WAY LIFE GOES garnered rave reviews. To wit:
“A collection of 14 blues howlers, Stones-y rock and, yes, big ballads, the album calls to mind Cinderella but with an even more rootsy undercurrent.”
--Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone
“…14 songs that stay true to form – killer blues-rock playing and tones, hooks galore, and strong songwriting. If you’re a fan of harder-edged rock and long to hear genuinely enjoyable new tunes, it may be just the thing; the opener, ‘Solid Ground,’ offers pure Keifer guitar and vocals with a feel reminiscent the Stones’ Exile On Main Street while the remaining tracks are, much like his life the last 15 years, an up-and-down ride.”
--Ward Meeker, Vintage Guitar
“...the record features such vital, vibrant guitar tones and parts that are immediate and honest. They also have that cool, interlocking, layered quality that made so many classic rock albums so, well, classic. Keifer flat-out knows how to play vibey guitar parts with ungodly tone, and fans of the Stones, Zeppelin, Steve Marriott, and early Aerosmith should definitely take notice. And, although you wouldn’t wish hemorrhaging vocal cords on anyone, this guy is singing better than ever to complement his great 6-string parts.”
--Matt Blackett, Guitar Player
“THE WAY LIFE GOES marks the first release of any kind by Keifer since Cinderella’s last record, 1994’s STILL CLIMBING. In many ways, it picks up right where the band left off. The first single, ‘The Flower Song,’ echoes ‘Maggie May,’ the familiar grit in Keifer’s voice approximating Faces-era Rod Stewart; but for the most part the album replicates the blend of pounding hard rock, soaring ballads and blues and country tinges that characterized Cinderella’s sound beginning with LONG COLD WINTER.”
--Shaun Brady, Philadelphia City Paper,
“’The Flower Song,’ his premiere solo offering, smacks of the Black Crowes/the Faces.”
--Katherine Turman, Village Voice (NY)
Here’s the complete track listing for THE WAY LIFE GOES - DELUXE EDITION:
DISC 1: CD
1. Solid Ground
2. A Different Light
3. It’s Not Enough
4. Cold Day In Hell
5. Thick and Thin
6. Ask Me Yesterday
7. Fool’s Paradise
8. The Flower Song
9. Mood Elevator
10. Welcome To My Mind
11. You Showed Me
12. Ain’t That A Bitch
13. The Way Life Goes
14. Babylon
BONUS TRACKS
15. Nobody’s Fool feat. Lzzy Hale
16. With A Little Help From My Friends
17. Nobody’s Fool (Piano Version)
DISC 2: DVD
Chapter 1) The Way Life’s Goin' (Documentary)
Chapter 2) Solid Ground (Music video)
Chapter 3) The Flower Song (Music video)
Chapter 4) It's Not Enough (Music video)
Chapter 5) It's Not Enough (Lyric video)
Chapter 6) Album Promo
Chapter 7) Cathouse Live
Chapter 8) Count Vamp'd Las Vegas
Chapter 9) Farm Rock Chicago
Check out TOM KEIFER at any of the following tour stops:
DATECITYVENUE
Sat 9/23 Hopewell, VA Beacon Theatre
Sun 9/24 Big Flats, NY Tag’s Summerstage
Thu 10/5 Irving, TX The Pavilion at Irving Music Factory
Fri 10/6 Lexington, KY Manchester Music Hall
Wed 10/11 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
Thu 10/12 Derry, NH Tupelo Music Hall
Fri 10/13 Chester, PA The Block at Harrah’s Casino
Sat 10/14 Warrendale, PA Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
Fri 10/20 Little Rock, AR Arkansas State Fair
Sat 10/28 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium
Fri 11/3 Galveston, TX Lone Star Rally at Saengerfest Park
Legendary Irish guitarist Bernie Torme called into The GuitCast podcast to talk about his new album 'Blackheart', the current state of the music industry and just what happened to that 'Desperado' project with Twisted Sister's Dee Snider.
Torme, who's early career included stints with Ian Gillan (Deep Purple), Ozzy Osbourne and Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), is assisted on 'Blackheart' by fellow musicians Chris Powell (Shark Island) on bass, Ian Harris on drums. Recorded in his home studio, the new album embraces the digital age of recording yet Torme cautions against paying too much attention to whats on the computer screen saying: "The prob is...in the past you could only hear things...visualization on screen has been incredibly problematic because people tend to lock in on problems that really have been on every record forever and no ones noticed."
Exploring new business models, Torme utilized pledgemusic.com campaigns to finance his last two albums. Torme states: "I thought initially it was a stop-gap but doesn't seem the business is in any way shape or form sorting itself out". While some established artists like Torme have found success using this method, he urges caution to those who might think it a cure all for the struggling music industry saying: "It's a new model that's been great for me. I would think it would be hard for a completely unknown".
Speaking on the excess of his 'Desperado' project with Twisted Sister front man Dee Snider, he recalls: "So, we recorded it, everyone is thinking 'great album'. A couple of tracks were played to the [at that time] CEO of Electra who said 'yeah, this is great"...a week later later he said "drop it". He continues: "That was at the height of the 80's, at that time every album had to cost an absolutely enormous amount of dollars or it wasn't a 'proper album'..."I think that album cost $400k or $450k." As to the work going into the album he states: "I think at the end we had about 85 songs, it was insane." 'Desperado' was ultimately released after an 8 year delay.
Concluding his record label experience he sums up with: "I've said it before & ill say it again, those people deserved Napster!"
For the full interview visit www.GuitCast.com. The GuitCast is a weekly podcast bringing you the latest news & gear reviews related to the guitar world along with interviews with the biggest names in guitar.
Guitarist and singer Tom Keifer of Cinderella fame sat down with Shawn and Corbs from The GuitCast to talk about his latest album; The Way Life Goes. In this, all cards on the table interview, we get an all access, backstage pass to Tom's writing process, country influences, experience with producers and session musicians, personal views on Spotify, and his vintage gear arsenal.
Tom Keifer speaks openly with The GuitCast about 'The Way Life Goes'. When asked about the writing process, his reply spoke volumes; “I always try to draw on new inspirations and those things can come to you at anytime. Usually it’s when you are not trying, a lot of times it’s when you are traveling. Long drives can spark ideas, a lot of times on planes; for some reason that feeling of movement can open up a hypnotic state and you start to get ideas. That’s usually how a song starts for me.” Tom goes on to speak about his filtration process and how he doesn’t really even start to take notes or work on an idea until it has stuck with him for a time. “If that initial spark or idea goes away then I just figure it wasn’t interesting or memorable”.
The no rush, let it happen, spirit proves to be a winning formula for a successful album. Even if it was 10 years in the making, the best things in life are well worth the wait. Be sure to check out the whole interview on The GuitCast to get the full scoop on this great record, a bit of Tom’s gear, and more things Tom Keifer.
In episode 114 of One On One With Mitch Lafon, Mitch is joined by The Voice of the Rock, Cinderella's TOM KEIFER.
Tom sits down with Mitch to discuss his latest album The Way Life Goes, touring and working on new material, the future (if any) of CINDERELLA, the failed SONY Cinderella album deal, using songs demoed with Cinderella on his The Way Life Goes album, Cinderella's use of various drummers including Cozy Powell, Kevin Valentine (who also ghosted on KISS' Psycho Circus album) and Kenny Aronoff, working with producer Andy Johns, Cinderella's Still Climbing album and much more.
On making The Way Life Goes: "Started working on this record unbeknownst to me that it was a record. The attitude was really let's just make some music. Fuck the lawyers. Fuck the labels. Let's just go record some shit."
This episode is co-hosted by FIREHOUSE guitarist, Bill Leverty.
"Jeff LaBar (Cinderella) tells us about his early days and early bands. He explains how he got the gig in Cinderella, and the recording of Night Songs, Long Cold Winter, Heartbreak Station – and how the changing musical climate affected Still Climbing. He also discusses Tom Keifer’s vocal problems and their failed recording contract with Sony in the late 90’s. He also talks about his new solo EP One For The Road, and the recording process for it. He also shares that he’s heading back into the studio to record the follow-up for Rat Pak Records."
In episode 34 of One On One with Mitch Lafon. Mitch is joined by co-hosts Russ Dwarf (KILLER DWARFS) and Mark Strigl Of Talking Metal. This episode features interviews with Twisted Sister's JAY JAY FRENCH, Cinderella's JEFF LABAR and KIX's Mark Schenker.
In our first interview Twisted Sister's Jay Jay French discusses the band's upcoming performance at Heavy Montreal, the band's touring schedule and philosophy, releasing new music, The Pinkburst Project: benefiting the Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, and much more.
Our second interview is with '80s guitar God, Jeff LaBar from Cinderella. Jeff talks to Mitch about his new One For The Road album, talking on lead vocalist duties, working with drummer Cozy Powell and producer Andy Johns on Cinderella's Long Cold Winter album, the future of Cinderella and more.
We close out the episode with a great chat with KIX bassist, Mark Schenker. Mark discusses working and touring with KIX, their new album Rock Your Face Off, making new music and much more.
Follow RUSS DWARF on TWITTER: @RussDWaRf and his band the KILLER DWARFS: @KillerDwarfs
Follow MARK STRIGL on TWITTER: @Strigl and Talking Metal: @talkingmetal
Follow Mitch Lafon on Twitter: @mitchlafon
KEEP LISTENING TO ONE ON ONE WITH MITCH LAFON for you chance to win a pair of tickets to Skid Row in Montreal (on August 19th)
This Episode of One On One With Mitch Lafon is brought to you by the Heavy Montreal Festival taking place August 9th and 10th at Parc Jean Drapeau in beautiful downtown Montreal (Quebec) Canada and this year Features performances by Metallica, Slayer, The Offspring, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Twisted Sister, Exodus and many more!
In episode 32 of One On One with Mitch Lafon. Mitch is joined by co-host Russ Dwarf (KILLER DWARFS). This episode features interviews with SKID ROW's Rachel Bolan, Cinderella's Eric Brittingham and Franz of Grim Skunk. Rachel discusses the band's new album "Rise Of The Damnation Army - United World Rebellion Chapter Two", dressing up like Lady Gaga, whether or not the band likes money, the incredible Johnny Solinger and more. In his interview, Eric talks about his new band, Devil City Angels, which also includes Poison's Rikki Rockett, Tracii Guns and singer Brandon Gibbs as well as writing music for the band's debut album, touring plans, what's next for Cinderella and more. Grim Skunk's Franz talks about the band's INDICA label, their history and playing at HEAVY MONTREAL.
Also, listen back to our interview with rising Canadian star Jeremy Widerman of the band MONSTER TRUCK in episode 31 for your chance to win a pair of tickets to 2014's HEAVY MONTREAL FESTIVAL.
Follow RUSS DWARF on TWITTER: @RussDWaRf and his band the KILLER DWARFS: @KillerDwarfs
Follow Mitch Lafon on Twitter: @mitchlafon
KEEP LISTENING TO ONE ON ONE WITH MITCH LAFON for you chance to win a pair of tickets to Heavy Montreal (Aug 9th & 10th in Montreal) and a pair of tickets to Skid Row in Montreal (on August 19th)
This Episode of One On One With Mitch Lafon is brought to you by the Heavy Montreal Festival taking place August 9th and 10th at Parc Jean Drapeau in beautiful downtown Montreal (Quebec) Canada and this year Features performances by Metallica, Slayer, The Offspring, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Twisted Sister, Exodus and many more!
