BEVERLY HILLS—Brentwood based alternative rock band ACIDIC is gearing up for their highly anticipated release of “Chronic Satisfaction,” their third full-length album, on Tuesday, September 20. The band teamed up with renowned producer John Ryan, who has produced albums for such illustrious artists as Santana, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Styx. Also, Kyle Lowder’s self-titled CD is still at the top of the charts and Lady Gaga proves she’s a lot smarter than her record label executives.

Brentwood Based Band ACIDIC

ACIDIC has been quickly gaining momentum in the rock-and-roll scene since the release of their first two albums “Ironic Dreams” in 2009 and “Getting Lucky” in 2010, which scored popular singles “No Name,” “Maybe,” and, most recently, “Strata Red,” which was named the winner of the 18th Annual Billboard Worldwide Song Contest for Best Alternative Song. In support of the upcoming album, the band is embarking on a 17-city tour, which started on July 6 in Atascadero, Calif. and wrapping up July 31 in Las Vegas, Nev.

ACIDIC is fronted by singer and guitarist Michael Gossard, guitarist Michael Thompson, bassist Ted Dubrawski and drummer Matt Whitaker. While each of the members have only recently graduated from high school, together they have established themselves as legitimate rockers with animated performances and tight musicianship, leading them to opportunities touring with Marcy Playground, Hawthorne Heights, Filter and The Higher.

ACIDIC’s classic rock-and-roll sound captured in an outfit of determined young musicians caught the attention of producer John Ryan, who is responsible for Styx’s classic hit “Lady.” Inspired, Ryan approached the band and offered to produce a couple singles with them. Ryan and ACIDIC began recording together and the veteran producer was so impressed with their initial work in the studio that he quickly decided to expand the project into a full-length album.

“Our new album is an honest, modern progression of rock-and-roll,” explains frontman Michael Gossard. “We made a rock record in a land of electro, and we pride ourselves in staying true to our genre. . . we wanted that energetic performance quality, and so we really had to be on top of our groove in the studio.” Ryan reflects that “Michael Gossard and ACIDIC bring much greater creative depth than one normally finds in bands their age. Much like Green Day, their music is evolving from raw punk-rock influences to a more sophisticated sound based on real songwriting and melody.”

“Chronic Satisfaction” kicks off with the spirited and melodic track “Uninspired,” a song Gossard describes as an “ode to nostalgia” – classic rock blended with upbeat, catchy choruses. Currently available for listening at http://uninspired.viinyl.com, “Uninspired” features Gossard’s smooth vocals floating over the melody as funky distortion effects resonate off the rock-and-roll vibes. The songs “Call for More” and “Goodbye,” written by Gossard, feature driving bass lines and complex guitar riffs. Of the creative process, Gossard shares “I like to write songs about everything that goes wrong in life. That’s the best inspiration I think, writing music that makes constructive use of that negatively influenced energy.”

A truly anthemic feature of the album is “The Brave.” Gossard wrote the song as a tribute to the military men ACIDIC performed for while touring on military bases Bondsteel, Ramstein, and Spangdahlem in Kosovo and Germany last winter. Rich with intense bass lines and drums braced against empowering lyrics, “The Brave” speaks to the “valor and courage of these men, many of whom had been on the front lines,” says Gossard. “It was incredibly inspiring to perform for them, to spend New Year’s with them and laugh and hear their amazing stories.”

Singing Sensation Lowder

Having toured with successful acts Hawthorne Heights and Filter, ACIDIC doesn’t take lightly the honor of working with experienced musicians. “Every time we tour, we become more experienced and inspired,” explains Gossard. “After we return, we find ourselves writing songs that reflect the sound and attitude of the band we just played with.” Richard Patrick, the lead singer for Filter, instilled in ACIDIC wise advice: "Learn to isolate what it is in music that the people like, and figure out a way to make it better."

Reflecting on the exciting and challenging journey of recording “Chronic Satisfaction,” Gossard shares, “It was an honor working with John Ryan. We originally came from the garage. . . our goal now is to play for as many people as possible and reach out as far as we can. Being able to work with John and learn from his years of knowledge and experience and talent, what’s not to love?” To get tour information go to Acidicband.com.

Kyle Lowder is one of the most successful and talented actors and singers on the planet. His self-titled CD is still one of the top sellers on Amazon and on iTunes. Kyle stars as Rick Forrester on CBS’s “The Bold and the Beautiful.” The extremely popular actor is currently busy promoting his music and raising his daughter Bella. Kyle’s upcoming tour dates and news and updates can be seen at KyleLowderMusic.com.

Lady Gaga is also very busy promoting her latest album “Born This Way,” which was released in May. It became the biggest one-week seller of the year and she’s gearing up for another tour. She’s most recently promoted her album on ABC’s “Good Morning America” and Fox’s “American Idol.” Gaga’s parents recently purchased Vincent and Eddie’s restaurant on Manhattan’s tony Upper West Side and it’s currently being renovated. Plans are underway to re-open this fall.

Lady Gaga On Stage

However, if anyone doubted Lady Gaga’s intellect and core value principles to her music, she fought with executives on her recent video “The Edge of Glory” to have sax man Clarence Clemons perform. Video Director Joseph Kahn wanted a younger and hipper sax player to perform in the video, but Gaga believed in her friend Clarence, who recently died. Now Gaga’s video is a part of music and American history. This is the way Gaga runs her career; she uses her core beliefs and true values to make music and create her own image, which her millions of fans love about her.

Happy birthday to my actress and filmmaker friend, Barbara Kerr-Condon!

Signing off from The Hills.

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