Heart Readies New Album, Children's Book

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A new album and a children's book based on an old album are on Heart's docket for the balance of the year.

Guitarist Nancy Wilson tells Billboard.com that she and sister Ann have been in and out of the studio during the past few months with producer Ben Mink working on Heart's first set of new material since 2004's "Jupiter's Darling." "We've done a lot of writing and we've been in the studio a couple times so far between some of the touring stuff we're doing," Wilson says. "We've got about eight songs that we really like, and we've recorded three basic (tracks) that work so far. I know it will be out this coming year, but I can't give you any more specific time frame than that."

Wilson adds that recording has been done so far in Los Angeles and in various hotel rooms during the group's tours. She also expects to log some studio time in Seattle. Song titles so far include "Hey You" and "Closer," and Wilson says the recording process has been organic. "We're recording with just a real woodshed, small acoustic element, people playing together at the same time and (in) the same room -- like what they used to call a hootenanny," explains Wilson, who hopes to debut some of the new songs live this summer. "There's no ProTools feel to it at all. We're just sitting around playing guitars together and going for a performance that is on the spot."

Heart is also planning for a fourth quarter release of a storybook inspired by its 1978 album "Dog & Butterfly," which will come with a CD that includes new versions of the title song and "Dreamboat Annie" Heart will record with Mink. "We always wanted to do a children's book of some form or another," Wilson says. "Ann pretty much did the writing, and I kind of was her editor. She made the initial drawings of the dog and I did the butterfly. She drew the characters, mostly, and I painted them. And then we had an artist come in and kind of fill in some of the other designs 'cause we're kind of busy right now. It looks really good. It's really simple."

Heart has tour dates booked into September, including nine dates opening for Journey. -- Gary Graff, Billboard

Into the Presence's Video, "Lovers," Showcased After Their Self-Titled Debut Album Release

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Into the Presence (ITP) has recorded a timeless, dynamic rock record that both hints at rock’s past and fits comfortably among today’s best guitar bands. Made up of drummer Tim Alexander and frontman/guitarist Luis Maldonado, ITP's self-titled debut album, recorded in true analog (tape machines and vintage outboard gear), has created a sweeping musical journey that is stripped down in its instrumentation but grand in its sonic landscape.

Despite their vast musical expertise, Alexander and Maldonado fought to keep the music focused. “This was not going to be a progressive note fest,” explained Tim. “We analyzed every note and got rid of anything that didn’t improve the song. This was about the basics: the songs and making you feel something.” Both Alexander and Maldonado took part in various projects before collaborating on the album. Tim gained a following performing with Primus, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer. And Luis, a well known studio/session player, was a child music prodigy who studied classical guitar in college at the age of 12. The self-titled album has been received well by critics and peers, and has been gaining quite the buzz.

Recently, ITP released a video of an acoustic version of their song, "Lovers." Keep checking their video widget for more new videos coming soon!

Astronauts of Antiquity Release "Rocket Science For Dummies"

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Hollywood, CA-June 15, 2009-The Astronauts of Antiquity sport a very unique name and to their credit the music they produce is fitting and true to their moniker.

The sound of AOA has been described as urban-electro-organica to a jazzy, neo-soulful, electronic exploration. Think of it as musical Art Nouveau in constant motion.

The meeting of India on vocals and B. Rhyan on guitars was a chance encounter at an airport one day and that moment in time spawned an alternative rock band that would eventually morph into what it is today.

The new CD Rocket Science For Dummies, an oxymoron that truly applies in every way to their creations, will tantalize the electronic-dance-mix followers and entrance lovers of pop and rock with underlying jazz tones that weave a hypnotic web in and out of their sound. India’s breathy sexy vocals invite Rhyan’s guitar licks to challenge her to push every track to new heights of mixing creativity. All of the elements blend effortlessly to make their enticing sound.

Rocket Science For Dummies refuses to be clearly defined and its appeal transcends the normal avenues of acceptance and rejection that any new release must go through. It is as though they received a pass go and no jail time to be crowned the winner. Not an easy accomplishment by anyone’s standards but their music remains so unique in and of itself, it simply defies categorization.

Visit the media rich Astronauts of Antiquity for more information and step into their world for a few minutes, only then will you understand that this life really is just Rocket Science For Dummies.