tag:kingnever.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=3News2024-03-20T18:07:48-07:002022 King NeverMembers of the band King Never discuss their albums, writing process, etc.Members of the band King Never discuss their albums, writing process, etc.King NeverfalseKing Nevermatt@kingnever.comtag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/73696452024-03-20T18:07:48-07:002024-03-20T18:12:30-07:00Gig Announcement - 2nd annual Rock the Farm<p>Join us on May 4, 2024 at 7 p.m. for the 2nd annual Rock the Farm concert at the McCabe Family Farm in Loomis, CA. We have an hour and fifteen minutes of original music prepared, including two new songs. This is a unique opportunity to see us perform in a relaxed and intimate setting.</p><p>This is outdoor event, so dress accordingly, and bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket.</p><p>Address and parking instructions will be emailed one week prior to the event to those who have RSVPed. RSVP <a class="no-pjax" href="/rockthefarm" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="RockTheFarm">here</a>.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/72746912023-08-15T11:15:00-07:002024-03-20T18:04:04-07:00State Fair Wrap-up and Videos<p>Our gig at the California State Fair last month was a ton of fun. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us. The venue's staff was ultra-professional and helpful which made the whole experience a joy. We hope to be back next year!</p><p>Here's a video from our performance. Sadly our camera died halfway through our set.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VHCbCwfa7-U" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VHCbCwfa7-U?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>And here's a fancy multi-camera video recording from our Rock the Fair concert.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="O66aQzu6AuM" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O66aQzu6AuM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/72459442023-07-14T19:00:00-07:002024-03-20T18:09:15-07:00Gig Announcement - California State Fair<p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/675402/3de5e03c6502faef593726b7b23786c5ec81a94b/original/state-fair.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>We are happy to announce that King Never will be playing at the California State Fair in Sacramento, CA on Monday, July 24th from 5 to 6 pm. Join us for an hour of music at the Sky River Casino Promenade Stage. The concert is free, but a ticket is required to enter the fair. Ticket link <a class="no-pjax" href="https://kingnever.com/shows" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Shows"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">here</span></a><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">Hope to see you there!</span></p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/72251912023-05-15T09:00:00-07:002023-07-11T17:14:15-07:00Big Thanks<p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/675402/2ac8f2dc9d4a13fc0f62fae7c465d09b7d15ec3e/original/img-0694.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span>Big thanks to everyone who came out to our inaugural Rock the Farm concert! We had a great turnout and it was such a magical night. We played a number of new songs, which is always fun…and a little nerve racking!</p><p>We recorded the concert (video and multi-track audio) and are working on editing/mixing the full concert to release on YouTube in the near future.</p><p>If you live in the Sacramento, CA area and somehow missed this event, be sure to sign up on our email list. This is the best way to ensure you don't miss out again. Social media platforms are not a reliable way to stay in touch as the powers that be are always changing the algorithms and not everyone will see our posts.</p><p>Until next time!</p><p>Matt</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71812442023-03-30T10:20:10-07:002024-03-19T20:28:43-07:00Gig Announcement - Rock The Farm<p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/675402/e1fc20c2e31216ebff1693bbd6fd02c7a318af6f/original/rock-the-farm.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Join us on April 29, 2023 at 7pm for a house concert at the McCabe Family Farm in Loomis, CA. We have an hour of music prepared, including songs that we've never played live before! </p><p>This is outdoor event, so dress accordingly, and bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket.</p><p>Address and parking instructions will be emailed one week prior to the event to those who have RSVPed. <a class="no-pjax" href="/rockthefarm" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="RockTheFarm">RSVP here</a>. </p><p>Hope to see you there!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71167192020-10-05T08:00:00-07:002022-12-29T12:16:13-08:00Just Released! Our New Single.<p>Early in the COVID-19 crisis, the world was quiet and contemplative. My family and I enjoyed many quiet evenings around our bonfire - roasting marshmallows, watching the placement of the stars and planets change throughout the evening, and listening to the wind and distant thunder. </p>
<p>On one of these quiet evenings, the idea hatched to record some ambient guitar compositions, harkening back to the early days of King Never. Since rehearsing and recording with the band was on hold due to the various stay-at-home orders in place, it seemed like just the remedy for a restless creative soul. </p>
<p>Shortly after the first guitar loop was recorded, some lyrical fragments began to develop. Then, a simple reverb-drenched guitar figure took form…and then a melody. Soon it became clear the piece needed bass and drums to be complete. </p>
<p>While we may have bent the rules a bit to get the recording done, the end result was worth it. </p>
<p>I hope you enjoy our new song, “<a contents="World Gone Quiet" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/track/world-gone-quiet" target="_blank">World Gone Quiet</a>.”</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/675402/71bc72587f5b79b1aa5ba81c5bbd27270ddcd24b/original/wgq.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114222020-04-19T17:30:00-07:002022-12-05T07:07:32-08:00King Never Podcast #22 - Stick In The Mud<p>On this episode of the podcast, Nick and Jordan join me as we discuss the writing and recording process of our new single, “Stick In The Mud.”</p>
<p>Listen in.</p>28:07King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114232020-03-16T10:57:37-07:002022-12-05T07:06:07-08:00Our new single is out now!<p>Today is the day. Our new single <a href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/track/stick-in-the-mud" target="_blank">"Stick In The Mud"</a> is available now on all major music sites. This is our first release with the new lineup.</p>
<p>Click the play button below to listen now.</p>
<p>Let us know what you think.</p>
<p> </p>
<center><iframe frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=415920811/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=333333/minimal=true/transparent=true/" width="450"></iframe></center>
<p> </p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114252020-01-01T20:37:47-08:002022-12-05T07:07:33-08:00Happy New Year!<p>A heartfelt Happy New Year to you and yours from Nick, Jordan and me!</p>
<p>It’s amazing how quickly a year can go by. While there wasn’t much overt activity with the band in 2019, there was a lot going on behind the scenes. In 2020, we plan to get out and play some local shows and release new music.</p>
<p>To that end, I spent the last few days of 2019 completing the final guitar and vocal overdubs for our new single. Nick and Jordan have given their thumbs up and now it’s off to mastering. We look forward to sharing the song with you in the coming month or so.</p>
<p>In the meantime, subscribe to our email list to make sure you don’t miss the release date.</p>
<p>As always, thank you for your continued support!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114262019-04-13T13:35:39-07:002022-11-30T21:03:00-08:00A Quick Spring Update<figure class="sqs-block-image-figure
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<p>Hello there. It’s been a while since our last update. So, here we go!</p>
<p>We are completely moved into our new rehearsal space/studio and loving it! We’ve been hard at work rehearsing weekly since the beginning of the year — learning and relearning old songs and writing some new. I’ve somehow convinced both Jordan and Nick to sing some background vocals which have been a great addition to our sound. </p>
<p>This weekend, I’ll be dialing in drum sounds in anticipation of recording one of our new songs. We can’t wait to share it with you when it’s done.</p>
<p>Stay tuned for more!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114272018-12-03T18:00:00-08:002022-12-03T20:41:36-08:00An Empty Room...<p>...Full of possibilities.</p>
<p>We are all set to move into our new rehearsal space and start working on new material. The new space is a definite upgrade from my garage, and we'll have plenty of room to stretch out - physically and sonically. Great things are on the horizon.</p>
<p>In the meantime, be sure to add our version of "<a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/track/we-three-kings" target="_blank">We Three Kings</a>" to your Christmas playlists on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/we-three-kings/406736918?i=406736919" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4w5EvbGi2NyLUVRLkvcY9B?si=epE8clWGSSGCUKRwSKtHbQ" target="_blank">Spotify</a>.</p>
<p>Thanks for your continued support!</p>
<p> </p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114282017-08-22T08:00:00-07:002022-12-05T12:16:16-08:00Some Mentions From Around The Internet...<p>Greetings! Here's a brief recap of some press <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/album/all-these-things">All These Things</a> has been garnering around thee ole Internets.</p>
<p>Most notably, our first review of All These Things was published on the <a href="http://werksman.blogspot.com/2017/05/king-never-all-these-things.html" target="_blank">Here Comes The Flood</a> blog. Here's an excerpt of what Hans Werksman had to say...</p>
<blockquote>The band doesn't use many words, but make sure that each one of them counts. With shifting time signatures and vocals on the brink of straying off pitch <em>All These Things</em> is a required taste, but like any good music it puts up both a challenge and invitation to dig deeper into the subject matter.</blockquote>
<p>The song <em>And The Rain Came Down</em> was featured on the <em>Ju Ju June</em> episode of the <a href="http://isthisthingonpodcast.com/2017/06/is-this-thing-on-independent-music-podcast-ju-ju-june/" target="_blank">Is This Thing On? Podcast</a>. Nick Tann, the host, had some VERY nice things to say about the song and the band in general. Thanks mate!</p>
<p>If that wasn't enough, Mr. Tann was heard to say<strong> "...absolutely bloody gorgeous..." </strong>in reference to <em>Breaking Through</em> (featured on the <a href="http://isthisthingonpodcast.com/2017/07/is-this-thing-on-podcast-summer-special/" target="_blank">Summer Special</a> episode).</p>
<p>The excellent <a href="http://downthelinezine.com/reviews/king-never-all-these-things/" target="_blank">Down The Line</a> blog published a positive review of All These Things, only bemoaning the brevity of the EP. Believe me, I wish there was more too!</p>
<blockquote>I can hear everything from early U2 to emo in each song, all blended cleverly into a coherent whole. The only problem with this is the length: only three songs leaves you wanting more.</blockquote>
<p>And finally, big thanks to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/prettyinnoise" target="_blank">Pretty in Noise FM</a> and <a href="http://www.adobeandteardrops.com/2017/06/morning-music-roundup.html" target="_blank">Abode and Teardrops</a> for sharing a King Never track with their listeners.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114292017-05-29T08:30:00-07:002022-12-03T12:36:46-08:00All These Things Released!<figure class="sqs-block-image-figure
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<p>While it's always exciting to release new music, this release is mixed with more than it's fair share of sadness. It's hard to believe Karl passed away almost 3 years ago. His contribution to these songs was (and is) substantial and powerful. His bass easily shifts from dissonant staccato bursts to smooth arpegiated grooves and bouncy synth-like pulses. He is deeply missed.</p>
<p>You can listen to <a href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/album/all-these-things"><em>All These Things</em></a> right now and download directly from <a href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/album/all-these-things" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a>. We really like <a href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/album/all-these-things" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a> because downloads are encoded from 24-bit files, not 16-bit like everywhere else, and you get to name your price. Free? $50? Yes. Whatever you want. The album will also be available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and the like. However, it appears because of the Memorial Day holiday here in the States, availability on some sites has been delayed.</p>
<p>This EP would not have been possible without the support of Karl's brother, and photographer extraordinaire, Derrick. It was Derrick who allowed me to mine Karl's computer for essential missing bass tracks. I'm forever thankful.</p>
<p>Nick's drumming is as solid as ever. He easily shifts between time signatures - never over playing and always keeping things interesting.</p>
<p>And what can I say about Rick Law's album cover? Simply stunning. Perfectly encapsulating the mood and setting of the album.</p>
<p>I hope you enjoy the new tunes.</p>
<p>- Matt </p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114302017-05-15T20:38:47-07:002022-12-03T12:48:54-08:00EP Release Date!<p>Our new EP, entitled <em>All These Things</em>, is set to be released on May 29, 2017. The master has been approved. The cover art looks fabulous. Everything is ready to go!</p>
<p>As a way of saying "thank you" to our faithful email list subscribers, we will be releasing the album to them on May 22, 2017. If you are a subscriber, be sure to check your inbox on the 22nd for a download link. If you are reading this on our website, chances are you haven't subscribed yet, but it's an easy fix. Just fill out the SUBSCRIBE form located below (in the page footer).</p>
<p>Right now, we are reaching out to podcasters and bloggers to see if we can get some featured reviews or plays. If you have a favorite podcast or blog that reviews music, please let us know! If you happen to be a podcaster or blogger let us know too - the EP is available <strong>now</strong> for you guys!</p>
<p>That's it for now! </p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114312017-01-01T08:00:00-08:002022-12-03T12:50:19-08:00Win a King Never T-Shirt!<p>How about a contest to help ring in the New Year? </p>
<p>Fill out the form below for your chance to win a fabulous King Never T-Shirt! One entry per person, please.</p>
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<p>You'll receive an email confirming your entry to the contest and subscription to our email list. You can unsubscribe at any time, but the list is totally innocuous. We promise. </p>
<p>The winner will be selected randomly on January 15, 2017 and contacted via email to claim their prize.</p>
<p>Ready? Let's do this!</p>
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<fieldset class="form-item fields name required" id="name-yui_3_17_2_1_1483067492675_39514">
<legend class="title"> Name <span aria-hidden="true" class="required">*</span> </legend> <label class="caption"> <input aria-required="true" class="field-element field-control" data-title="First" maxlength="30" name="fname" spellcheck="false" type="text" x-autocompletetype="given-name"> <span class="caption-text">First Name</span> </label> <label class="caption"> <input aria-required="true" class="field-element field-control" data-title="Last" maxlength="30" name="lname" spellcheck="false" type="text" x-autocompletetype="surname"> <span class="caption-text">Last Name</span> </label>
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<label class="title" for="email-yui_3_17_2_1_1483067492675_39515-field">Email Address <span aria-hidden="true" class="required">*</span> </label> <input aria-required="true" autocomplete="email" class="field-element" id="email-yui_3_17_2_1_1483067492675_39515-field" name="email" spellcheck="false" type="email"> <label class="title" for="select-yui_3_17_2_1_1483069744558_13682-field"> T-Shirt Size <span aria-hidden="true" class="required">*</span> </label> Select your t-shirt size. All shirts are black 100% preshrunk cotton with two color printing. Available in men's and women's cut. <select aria-required="true" id="select-yui_3_17_2_1_1483069744558_13682-field" name="select-yui_3_17_2_1_1483069744558_13682-field"><option value="Men's Small">Men's Small</option>
<option value="Men's Medium">Men's Medium</option>
<option value="Men's Large">Men's Large</option>
<option value="Men's Extra Large">Men's Extra Large</option>
<option value="Women's Small">Women's Small</option>
<option value="Women's Medium">Women's Medium</option>
<option value="Women's Large">Women's Large</option>
<option value="Women's Extra Large">Women's Extra Large</option> <optgroup label=""></optgroup> </select> <input class="button sqs-system-button sqs-editable-button sqs-button-element--primary" type="submit" value="Enter"><p>Thank you! You are entered in our contest and will be subscribed to our email list.</p>
</form>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114322016-12-19T16:19:05-08:002022-12-03T20:29:23-08:0037. Remixed. Remastered.<p>Here’s the short version. <em>37</em> has been remixed and remastered! The new mixes feature additional keyboard and guitar parts that didn’t make the original release but were recorded during the original sessions. I believe these new mixes are truer to our vision for the EP. So what happened? Keep reading.</p>
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<p>The long version.</p>
<p>Finishing an album (or EP) is a strange thing. You are simultaneously excited to share the new songs, but also just a tad bit sick of them. There really becomes a point of time when you decide it’s time to move on because you’ve nickel and dimed every mix decision to death and lost all objectivity months ago.</p>
<p>Such was the case in 2013 with <em>37</em>. The band was picking up steam. We had gigs booked and were networking heavily with other local bands. We really wanted physical product to sell at our shows that showcased our lean and mean approach to our live set. And that’s where I think we went astray. We felt rushed, and as a result, became too reductionist in our approach to the mixes. We should have let things simmer a little longer to see what treatments best served the songs.</p>
<p>Some time after Karl’s passing, the idea of remixing <em>37</em> took root. I worked in earnest on these mixes for months. Revisiting EVERYTHING. Changing EVERYTHING. EQ. Compression. Level. You name it. But then, Nick and I started working on our new songs and the remixes went back on the shelf.</p>
<p>About three months ago, I found myself needing a distraction from mixing these new songs. I pulled out a copy of <em>37</em> and put it on. Generally, I liked what I heard, but right away I was disappointed with the drum sounds, particularly the snare. Scott had such a great sounding drum kit and my mixes really didn’t do it justice. Next, I noticed Karl’s bass tone. Live, he almost always used a phaser and his tone was thick, meaty and chewy. Not so on the EP. And the bass tones on my remixes weren’t much better. I decided right then and there to keep the good stuff from the original mixes and only change the things that really bothered me. Along the way, and to my surprise, I discovered some forgotten tracks “hidden” within the mix files that really brought a couple of the songs to life.</p>
<p>Every song has at least one new part added that was omitted from the original release. Some are very subtle, some aren’t. I’ll let you discover all of them for yourself, but I want to mention three of my favorites. 1) The Fixx influenced vocal delay line (a la <em>Red Skies at Night</em>) on the chorus of <em>Push & Pull, </em>2) Karl’s Moby-esque piano track on <em>Change, </em>and 3)<em> </em>my sustaining feedbacked guitar duringthe outro of <em>Upside Down Girl. </em>Totally worth the price of admission. </p>
<p>Now on to the nerdy, engineering stuff.</p>
<p>How did I address the lackluster snare sound? Well, the main culprit was my overuse of the bottom snare mic. Simple fix. I muted it. Second, was the snare reverb. I was never really happy with my reverb options for snare (sorry Logic and Lexicon), so I went searching and found Valhalla’s excellent VintageVerb plugin. The 80's plate algorithm sounds just like what a reverb should sound like on snare.</p>
<p>What about Karl’s bass sound? Even though we recorded both a dry and wet version of Karl’s bass tracks, we only used the dry version for the original mixes. Karl and I felt his phased out bass tone was too much - the phasing effect totally washed out the attack of his bass. We tried mixing the dry and wet tracks in various combinations and tried every modulation plugin I owned, but nothing replicated the magic that happened live with his BOSS GT-10B multi-effects processor (with phaser set to stun!). When it came time to work on his bass tone for the remixes, I knew I needed to nail the phaser effect. Luckily, I had recently picked up the SoundToys PhaseMistress plugin and the first preset I tried on Karl’s bass track was exactly what I was looking for. Thick, meaty, and defined. Perfect.</p>
<p>By the time you read this, the new mixes should be available in all the usual places for downloading and streaming. If you are a collector and must have the original mixes, there are still a few copies of the CD available at <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kingnever6" target="_blank">CDBaby</a> and <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://kingnever.bandcamp.com/album/37" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a>.</p>
<p>I really hope you enjoy the re-mixes.</p>
<p>Now…back to the new EP.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114332015-12-07T17:09:07-08:002022-12-05T07:07:33-08:00It's Feels Good To Be Back!<p>Our first house concert on December 5, 2015, was awesome - a lovely backyard venue and a friendly crowd of 40+ people. We could't have asked for a better night for Jordan's first gig with us. Even the temperature was warmer than expected! On the spur of the moment, Jordan poured some liquid nitrogen (!!!) into our host's pool for an impromptu "smoke" show. The combination of the smoke, the pool lighting, and the ambient guitar looping at the beginning of <em>Introduction</em> really set the mood for the rest of our set.</p>
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<p>We posted two short videos from the show <a href="https://youtu.be/Vb2M5ePELLs" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/GgRfwZ-w104" target="_blank">here</a>. Heck, even the sound is great! </p>
<p>So now with this gig under our belts, it's time to shift gears and get back to the work of finishing vocals and sundry guitar parts for our upcoming EP.</p>
<p>As always, thanks for your continued support!</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>P.S. Don't forget to download our take on the classic Christmas song, <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://kingnever.bandcamp.com/track/we-three-kings" target="_blank">We Three Kings</a>. It's FREE.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114342015-11-25T19:32:29-08:002022-12-05T07:07:33-08:00What?!? A gig?<p>Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the States and there is plenty to be thankful for - family, friends, our health, the RAIN, and of course, music. It's true that our EP project is progressing more slowly than anticipated but our planned trajectory was diverted by an unforeseen gig. Yes, a gig! This, of course, necessitated finding a new bassist and getting him up to speed. Quickly.</p>
<p>Please welcome my good friend Jordan Reading into the King Never fold. Truthfully, Jordan has been a part of the extended King Never family for quite sometime. Most notably he played bass on our Christmas single <a href="http://music.kingnever.com/track/we-three-kings">We Three Kings </a>from a few years ago.</p>
<p>What about the gig, you ask? Well, it's a house concert and could be cancelled because of rain! Ha. But, it will likely go off without a hitch, and honestly, I've been curious to try this whole house concert thing. Especially since we have the perfect yard for just such a thing. </p>
<p>Hmmm....</p>
<p>As you gather with friends and family this holiday season, would you be so kind as to mention King Never? We really need your help getting the word out as we approach the release of the new EP.</p>
<p>As always, thanks for your continued support. </p>
<p>Matt</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114352015-10-14T18:00:09-07:002022-12-05T07:07:33-08:00Drums, drums, drums!<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_12661">Hello there! I'm happy to report that Nick's drums have been recorded for all three of our new songs. We just finished recording drums for the last song last weekend and it sounds great!</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_12664">I posted a couple videos to our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/kingnevermusic" target="_blank">Youtube</a> page, and if you listen carefully, you can hear a teaser of one of the songs in the background as Nick is tracking drums.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_12670">And yes, we recorded in my garage...it's the only space in my house with vaulted ceilings and it really makes a difference with drums. </p>
<figure class="sqs-block-image-figure
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<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_12676">By the time you read this, I'll hopefully have the basic guitar tracks recorded for a song or two. Then I'll start tackling the vocals or maybe circle back around and add some additional texture guitar parts or loops. Regardless, I've got my guitar cabinet mic'ed up and ready to rock!</p>
<figure class="sqs-block-image-figure
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<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_12682">As always, thanks for your continued support.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_12685">Matt</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114362015-08-11T09:52:09-07:002022-12-05T08:39:00-08:00Dodgy Lyrics and Re-Voiced Chords<p>Work is progressing nicely on our new three song EP. Finally. I got a bit bogged down with lyric writing paralysis, but that has passed. Two songs are ready to go and the final song is well underway. Yesterday afternoon I spent some quality time working on the final song, tentatively titled <em>It Doesn't Have To Be (</em>yes, a horrid, whiney name). Of any of our songs to date, this one has been re-worked the most. It started life back when Scott was still drumming for us and underwent at least two major re-writes with different, yet similar chords, and some dodgy verse lyrics that never seemed right. Another major re-write happened when Nick joined. I changed the chords again and Karl recorded what will be the final bass line. My guitar part was getting closer, but still wasn't THE PART. Well, that is, until yesterday afternoon. I re-voiced a few chords and simplified the others and was left with the distinct impression that Karl would really dig what I came up with. So...the verse lyrics still need help, but now that the music feels right, they will come quickly.</p>
<p>If you are subscribed to our email list (and if not, why not?), you'll notice we've switched to MailChimp for list management stuff. Hopefully the switch was seamless and nothing blew up in cyberspace.</p>
<p>Thanks for your continued support.</p>
<p>Matt</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114372015-02-16T20:23:38-08:002022-12-05T08:21:27-08:00Gone But Not Forgotten<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/675402/8f950653d1014627e1c310ffdfd747f17907dcb8/original/mg-8489.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I’d be lying if I said Karl’s passing didn’t knock the wind out of my sails. For me, it was two deaths in one - the death of a friend and the death of the music we created together. This really hit home at Karl’s funeral. His brother Derrick and friend Morris set up Karl’s rig - his lefty Schecter bass, Fender amp, and BOSS effects. Everything was ready to go, but Karl was gone. I can’t believe it’s been 7 months already. In the months leading up to the discovery of Karl’s illness, we spent a considerable amount of time as a band working on a new song tentatively called <i>It Doesn’t Have To Be</i>. We were also in, what I like to call, the “train wreck” phase of a song called <i>Over Me. </i>During this period, I emailed Karl the rough demos I created while working on the melodies and lyrics for the songs. In turn, Karl sent back versions with his bass parts overdubbed on top of my raggedy guitar parts, dodgy singing and lyrics that seemed to be in a constant state of flux. BUT, with his bass added, the songs seemed more complete and well…song like. We were making progress.</p>
<p>As his health deteriorated further, Karl emailed me an audio file unassumingly called <i>song2</i>. It had an undeniable vibe to it and I knew it was the beginning of a great song. I overdubbed some guitar parts and sent it back, to which he replied, “oooh that was policey, love it :D.” Yep, Karl got it. He always did.</p>
<p>Karl started chemo around this time and it was hard on him - physically and emotionally. One day, he emailed that he had gotten some “new blood” and hoped to flesh out the chorus for <i>song2</i>. Sadly, he never got the time.</p>
<p>In the short month or two leading up to his death, I listened to these songs over and over again, always thinking Karl was going to beat cancer and we would pick up where we left off. I still needed to finish lyrics, but I couldn’t bring myself to put pen to paper. Unconsciously, I probably knew.</p>
<p>So when Karl passed, I tried to let the songs go. They weren’t the songs I had come to love without his bass playing. But still, I knew he had recorded his bass parts, and I secretly hoped Nick and I could somehow finish the songs.</p>
<p>I eventually asked Derrick if he would poke around on Karl’s laptop to see if his raw bass tracks were there. The mp3s I had were just too rough use, thanks to the “demo” nature of my parts and the programmed drums. Unfortunately, Derrick’s searches turned up nothing based on the song titles I knew.</p>
<p>Still hopeful, Derrick and I got together a few weeks ago and began to pour over Karl’s computer. There were easily a hundred or more different songs on his hard drive. None of the names were familiar to me, but I opened up the most likely candidates<i>. song2, policey, demo1, demo1a, demo2, demO, idea1, never, </i>and<i> new. </i>None of them were OUR songs. But then I got lucky - <i>02 Audio Track-1, 03 Audio Track-6 and 04 Audio Track-1 </i>turned out to be the bass parts for <i>Over Me! </i>Perhaps not wanting me to camp out all night, Derrick let me take Karl’s laptop home to continue the search.</p>
<p>Within two or three hours of getting home, I discovered that <i>02 Audio Track-6 </i>and <i>Has2Be </i>were the bass tracks<i> for It Doesn’t Have To Be. </i>And the project named <i>complexities </i>contained the individual bass tracks for <i>song2.</i></p>
<p>So what does this all mean?</p>
<p>I now have in my possession all the bass tracks Karl recorded for three new King Never songs…and Nick and I plan to finish them. We will finish them as a duo, honoring Karl’s substantial contribution to the band.</p>
<p>We hope you’ll stay tuned as we bring these songs to light.</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p> </p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114382014-09-19T20:17:50-07:002022-12-05T08:21:53-08:00RIP Karl Lane<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/675402/2ad69e342315af8f67d0dbecb91df58698d1b5b4/original/vernon-lane-fair-oaks-ca-obituary.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />If you've been following our Facebook or Twitter feed, you've already heard the terrible news. For those of you that haven't heard, I am sad to say that our bassist and friend Karl lost his fight with cancer on August 11, 2014. His passing leaves a huge emptiness in the band. Karl's obituary can be read <a href="http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Vernon-Lane&lc=4917&pid=172083700&mid=6082703&locale=en_US">here</a>.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114392014-06-20T20:28:08-07:002022-12-05T08:31:22-08:00Sometimes...<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/675402/41d9d369a21e507e018a84d508f0419b8c06b3e9/original/mg-8066.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Sometimes life kicks you when you are down. Sometimes life just kicks you. As some of you may have already gathered, our bassist Karl has been having health issues the last few months, but only recently has the full extent of it been known. I'll let Karl fill you in....</p>
<blockquote><em>This is what's on my mind.. Those that know me in real life know that my health has been up and down for some time now, I just didn't know the extent of it until I went to the ER last week to see why my 'shoulder' was in so much pain, 13hrs hours later I'm admitted since the dr's were 99% sure it's Cancer, so that's where im at now, King Never is kind of on hold from gigs, and I won't be doing much else besides what the army of dr's wants me to do to get thru this. I know I'll be ok, but I admit this all scares me. So much on my mind, but dwindling energy will cut this short. Life seems so different when you're not sure how long you may or may not have left of it. Anyway, I start chemo in 2 weeks, had surgery already, tumor is completely removed, it spread slightly to my lung, hence the 'shoulder' pain, chemo should zap that. I want to thank my family for helping me thru this, my mom first of all for having to take care of me again, then my brother and my sister in law, I love those two, more than I can say, then my Dad, my best friend. Thanks to my friends for visiting and calling whil I was in the hospital, I love you guys/gals. Ok done being all emo, figured I should update the friends I haven't gotten ahold of, nothing personal, just hard to do while sleeping 15-20hrs a day. Ok friends, goodnite, I never could have imagined in a million years, the outpouring of love and support I've gotten. Thank you.</em></blockquote>
<p>I can't really think of anything to add except to please keep Karl in your thoughts and prayers. Specifically, pray for healing. Karl is an incredibly gifted musician and a wonderful person.</p>
<p>Matt</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114402014-04-02T20:44:26-07:002022-12-05T08:39:44-08:00Some Upcoming Gigs<p>This Friday night, April 4th, we return to the Boardwalk in Orangevale, CA. If you plan on coming to the gig, let us know. We can save you $2 at the door if you purchase tickets from us before the show. We had a great turnout last time we played the Boardwalk and we hope to do the same this time. Friday, April 18th, we return to San Francisco for a show at 50 Mason Social Club. If you show up in your favorite 60's garb, you'll save $2 off the cover charge. Don't ask us why it's 60's garb, because we don't know!</p>
<p>We hope to see you at one of the shows!</p>
<p>Thanks for your continued support.</p>
<p>- Matt, Karl and Nick</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114412014-03-13T16:32:37-07:002022-12-05T08:40:58-08:00IMPORTANT! Gig cancellation....<p>We will not be performing at Marilyn's On K tonight due to some health issues. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114422014-03-12T08:00:59-07:002022-12-05T12:19:25-08:00What Are You Doing Tomorrow Night?<p>Tomorrow night we return to Marilyn's On K in Sacramento, CA. If you haven't seen us live yet, this would be the place to do it. The sound is excellent! A big thanks to the people of San Francisco for the warm reception they gave us last month. What a great first out-of-town gig for us. We are looking forward to our next SF gig on April 18th.</p>
<p>We started hashing out two new songs in rehearsal this week and hope to start working them into our set...soon! Good things are on the horizon.</p>
<p>Thanks for your continued support.</p>
<p>- Matt, Karl and Nick</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114432014-02-07T19:25:52-08:002022-12-05T08:43:18-08:00San Francisco Gig Announcement and More!<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_20590">Hello again. Our first gig with Nick on drums at the Press Club in Sacramento last month was awesome! By all accounts, it was our best gig yet! We couldn't have been more pleased.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_20593">Not content to stop there, we played at the venerable Boardwalk in Orangevale on February 1st. This was probably our biggest show yet, attendance-wise. Thanks to everyone that came out.</p>
<figure class="sqs-block-image-figure
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<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_20599">This Sunday, February 9th, we are playing at the Milk Bar in San Francisco! We are really excited to be expanding our geographic reach. If you live in the city, please come out and support us for our first gig away from home.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_20602">That's all for now.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_20605">- Matt, Karl and Nick</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114442014-01-14T08:00:43-08:002022-12-05T08:43:43-08:00Gigs, gigs and more gigs!<p>Well, okay. We've got exactly three gigs on the calendar as of today. More to come, undoubtedly. First and foremost, come see us on January 15th at the Press Club in Sacramento, CA. The show starts at 9pm. We should hit the stage "a little before 11pm" or so we've been told. This gives you plenty of time to go home after work, eat dinner, take a nap and be ready to rock!</p>
<p>If you can't make that show, consider seeing us on February 1st at The Boardwalk in Orangevale, CA. It's a Saturday, so a little friendlier for those of us that like to keep reasonable hours during the week. We are pre-selling tickets for $10. It's $12 at the door. Yikes! So save yourself $2 and respond to this email.</p>
<p>2014 is beginning to look like a great year for King Never. We've got some plans...so stay tuned.</p>
<p>And as always, thanks for your continued support.</p>
<p>Matt, Karl and Nick</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114452013-12-23T08:00:29-08:002022-12-05T08:45:35-08:00End of Year Update<figure class="sqs-block-image-figure
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<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_25236">Well, here we are again. The end of yet another year.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_25239">A couple of quick items of grand importance.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_25242">1) Download our Christmas song, "<a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/track/we-three-kings" target="_blank">We Three Kings</a>." Share it with a friend or two.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_25248">2) Come to our January 15, 2014 gig at the Press Club in Sacramento, CA. This will be our first gig with Nick on drums. We are very excited. We think we sound better than ever. Come judge for yourself.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_25251">3) Enjoy some egg nog or your favorite winter drink. ’Tis the season.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_2_1477275336739_25254">- Matt, Karl and Nick</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114462013-10-15T20:17:06-07:002022-12-05T08:46:56-08:00ProgNaut review of 37<p>Another nice review of our EP <a href="http://music.kingnever.com/album/37" target="_blank">37</a>. This time from <a href="http://prognaut.com/reviews/king-never.html" target="_blank">ProgNaut.com</a>.</p>
<blockquote>King Never - 37 (October 15, 2013)<p>The Review:</p>
<p>“37” is an interesting five song teaser EP from the Sacramento, California based alternative rock group KingNever. And although they categorize themselves as alternative progressive rock I hear much more of the 80s' alternative bands in their compositions than anything I'd call progressive rock. Yet on the odd occasion I do hear flashes of Adrian Belew style guitarwork peppered throughout.</p>
<p>The music is influenced by bands like Police, The Fixx, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, and Radiohead; and even some of the later period albums from the band Spirit can be detected in tracks like “Push And Pull” and “Mr. No”.</p>
<p>For the most part the accessible compositions are sedate melancholy ballads; a bit on the short side, but with an infectious hook. Solid songwriting.</p>
<p>At the time of the recording the members included: Scott Gontjes (drums, vocals), Matt McCabe (vocals, guitar, Moog Taurus bass pedals), and Karl Lane (bass, keyboards). Since then drummer Scott Gontjes has departed leaving the two remaining members to audition for his replacement.</p>
<p>Recommended for fans of 80s' alternative rock.</p>
<p>Reviewed by Joseph Shingler</p>
</blockquote>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114472013-10-06T19:57:17-07:002022-12-05T11:52:13-08:00Back In Business!<p>Yes, we are back in business! After auditioning five drummers, Karl and I are happy to announce that we've selected Nick Baranski as King Never's new drummer! Nick brings the right balance of finesse, musicality and personality to the mix. We aren't wasting any time - we start rehearsing tomorrow and hope to be back gigging in short order.</p>
<p>Karl and I want to publicly thank Marcel, Mando, Gil and Jim for auditioning. You guys rock. Thanks for making our decision a hard one!</p>
<p>In our downtime, Karl and I have been working on a few new song ideas and we look forward to fleshing things out with Nick's input.</p>
<p>Stay tuned!</p>
<p>Matt</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114482013-09-12T20:44:14-07:002022-12-05T11:50:27-08:00September Update<p>Well hello! I just realized we are nearly halfway into September and haven't yet sent out an update. HELLO!!</p>
<p>First things first. Karl and I made the hard decision to cancel the gigs we had booked in September while we search for a new drummer. We felt that the pressure of impending gigs was rushing our decision making process. We want to find the drummer that is the best fit for the band. Who can argue with that?</p>
<p>And regarding that search for a new drummer, it continues. We've already auditioned two drummers and have another audition set for next week. A few others have expressed interest, so we'll see how things develop.</p>
<p>Thanks for hanging in there with us. We hope to be back in action soon!</p>
<p>Matt</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114492013-08-18T19:41:21-07:002022-12-05T11:48:55-08:00The Show Must Go On!<p>We live in interesting times. We closed out July by having our drummer Scott quit the band. This was quite a shock as we had accomplished a lot in the last year. Namely, we released an EP and played a number of well received shows. I think we all felt that the momentum was just starting to build.</p>
<p>Not to rest of our laurels, Karl and I immediately started the search for a new drummer. Tomorrow we begin auditions! Hopefully we'll have some good news to announce in our September email!</p>
<p>In other news, Karl and I were guests on the <strong>ArtistFirst Radio Network</strong>. It was a fun interview and you can listen to the archived audio <a href="http://www.artistfirst2.com/ArtistFirst_Special_2013-07-31_King_Never.mp3">here</a>.</p>
<p>We have two shows coming up in September for the Sacramento area. Be sure to check the calendar and come on out and see us!</p>
<p>As always, thank you for your continued support!</p>
<p>Matt and Karl</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114502013-07-27T20:22:19-07:002022-12-05T11:50:40-08:00ArtistFirst Radio Network<p>Karl and I will be the featured guests on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 5 p.m. PDT (8 p.m. EDT) on the ArtistFirst Radio Network. Who knows, you might learn something new about King Never! Stream the show online at <a href="http://www.artistfirst.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>www.artistfirst.com/</a>.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114512013-07-02T12:48:21-07:002022-12-05T11:53:53-08:00Moving Forward (or "The July Update")<p>June was a good month for King Never. We played two shows, including our album release show at Marilyn's on K in Sacramento, CA. We had a great turnout and had people coming from as far as Chico and San Francisco (you know who you are!) to help us celebrate the release of <a href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/album/37" target="_blank"><em>37</em></a>. For July, we have one show lined up on the 10th at the Powerhouse Pub in Folsom, CA. The show was organized by the radio station 98 Rock, which is pretty exciting. We start the night off at 8:30 pm and will be playing a short 30 minute set. We hope to see you there. If you can't make it, be sure to check our <a href="https://www.kingnever.com/">website</a> for mid-month updates for upcoming shows.</p>
<p>We've been busy writing new material for a new project of undetermined length. Will it be an album or EP? Not sure. So far we have four new songs in the works. Lyrics and arrangement change from week-to-week, but the foundations are solid. Really solid.</p>
<p>If you haven't downloaded your copy of our new EP <a href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/album/37" target="_blank"><em>37</em></a> yet, what's the hold up? Seriously. We are quite proud of the project and want to share it with EVERYONE!</p>
<p>As always, thanks for your continued support.</p>
<p>Matt, Karl and Scott</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114522013-05-23T20:40:31-07:002022-12-05T11:54:07-08:00Down The Line Review<p>The first review of our new EP! Thanks <a href="http://downthelinezine.com/reviews/king-never-37/" target="_blank">Down The Line Magazine</a>!</p>
<blockquote>King Never - 37 (May 18, 2013)<p>Fans of crafty electric guitar and bands like Porcupine Tree, Belew-era King Crimson and The Police will want to check out this King Never EP. It’s a straight-shooting representation of what this tightly-knit trio can do on stage. Until I get the chance to see it happen in Chicago, I’ll be spinning 37. I’ve been a fan of Matt McCabe’s playing and songwriting an embarrassingly long amount of time, but for good reason. This set finds him making yet another forward push against the boundaries.</p>
<p>- Jeff Elbel (Down The Line)</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114532013-05-04T18:06:10-07:002022-12-05T11:55:39-08:00New EP and album release show<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/675402/60ffb959340e364c7170cbaec9d17abd1bb98bc0/original/37-cover-hi-res.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Yes, the vicious rumors are true - we've released a new EP entitled <em>37</em>. The EP features four new songs plus a remake of a classic King Never song. We think you will like it! The EP is available for download now or you can pre-order the CD for only $4. Here's what Jeff Elbel (Big Takeover Magazine) had to say about it...</p>
<blockquote><p>"Fans of crafty electric guitar and bands like Porcupine Tree, Belew-era King Crimson and The Police will want to check out this King Never EP. It's a straight-shooting representation of what this tightly-knit trio can do on stage."</p></blockquote>
<p>Download the songs now or pre-order the CD <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/album/37" target="_blank">here</a>. The pre-order price for the CD is $4. Once we receive the CDs from the manufacturer (around May 20th), the price goes up to $5.</p>
<p>You can also download the EP from <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/37-ep/id643092834">iTunes</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/37/dp/B00CLS17JW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1367715705&sr=8-2&keywords=king+never+37">Amazon</a> and many other download stores.</p>
<p>To celebrate the release, we are having a CD release party on June 22nd at Marilyn's on K in Sacramento. Please join us is you can. It promises to be our best show yet!</p>
<p>As always, thank you for your continued support!</p>
<p>Matt</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114542013-01-31T20:45:54-08:002022-12-05T11:56:32-08:00Blue Lamp Gig<p id="yui_3_17_2_1_1477928490596_27070">Thanks to everyone who came out to the Blue Lamp in Sacramento, CA. It was great to meet many of you. We played a quick 30 minute set and it felt really good. We've uploaded a couple of videos from the show to our YouTube page, including this one...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="mBq1dDeTToo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/mBq1dDeTToo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mBq1dDeTToo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_1_1477928490596_27076">Work is progressing on our EP. We are taking our time to make sure we get it right! So far so good. We hope to have things wrapped by by early Spring.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114552012-11-27T19:10:33-08:002022-12-05T11:59:54-08:00In The Studio and A Successful First Gig<figure class="sqs-block-image-figure
intrinsic
"><a class="sqs-block-image-link
" href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/580593a6d482e93165f4c1b7/580d6bc22109d3aa944cf3f9/580d6c202109d3aa944cf65b/1477274656824/IMG_1112.jpg?format=original"><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/580593a6d482e93165f4c1b7/1477278181180-5CIOA0NCYYWDYNP4EFCP/IMG_1112-300x224.jpg?format=1000w" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_1112" /> </a></figure>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_3_1477275336739_10618">We are excited to announce that we've begun recording a new EP. Currently, five songs are slated for the project, including four brand new songs and a remake of a King Never fan favorite. Drum and bass tracks are already done and I'm plugging away on the vocal and guitar tracks. So far things are sounding great!</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_3_1477275336739_10621">Rewinding to October, I'm happy to report that our first gig went off without a hitch - despite the fact that I was crazy nervous. Thanks to everyone who came out to see us. We've uploaded a bunch of video clips to our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/kingnever411" target="_blank">YouTube</a> page as proof of what went down. To get you started, here's our first song of the night....</p>
<p><iframe data-embed="true" frameborder="0" height="315" id="yui_3_17_2_3_1477275336739_10609" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/azSeXSMDh7I?wmode=opaque" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_3_1477275336739_10630">Stay tuned for more! And as always, thank you for your continued support.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114562012-10-20T12:59:58-07:002022-12-05T12:00:10-08:00Gig Announcement and Some Thoughts<p id="yui_3_17_2_3_1477275336739_15124">I'm pleased to announce our first gig on October 27, 2012 at 8pm at the <a href="http://ourcoz.com/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=53&extmode=view&extid=5296&date=2012-10-27&return_to=L2luZGV4LnBocD9vcHRpb249Y29tX2pjYWxwcm8mYW1wO0l0ZW1pZD01MyZhbXA7ZGF0ZT0yMDEyLTEwLTI3">Cozmic Cafe</a> in Placerville, CA with <a href="http://toomuchfiction.com/" target="_blank">Too Much Fiction</a> and <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/mikejameshippiefolk" target="_blank">Mike James</a>. It's $6 at the door.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_3_1477275336739_15136">In preparation, we've been practicing like crazy the last couple of weeks. We've even managed to add three new songs to our set, including our first song written together as a band.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_3_1477275336739_15139">The gig was a bit of a surprise. Our rehearsal studio mates, <a href="http://toomuchfiction.com/" target="_blank">Too Much Fiction</a>, graciously asked us to open for them. Honestly, I would have been quite content to practice a few more months before gigging, but sometimes a little push is just what is needed.</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_3_1477275336739_15145">This gig is a big step for King Never and for me personally. First off, up until now King Never has only existed as a studio project - but now it's a band! Secondly, these songs have never been performed live before! And finally, I've never fronted a band before! Talk about CRAZY! What am I doing? Lucky for me, Karl and Scott are solid musicians and I'm confident we will rock - we know the songs, we sound tight and I mostly sing on pitch!</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_3_1477275336739_15148">So, all that being said, won't you come out and cheer us on?</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114572012-07-20T18:41:17-07:002022-12-05T12:00:25-08:00A New Beginning<p>It's funny how the best laid plans have a way of going awry. Well actually, it's not funny, it's really annoying. Anyway... I'm happy to announce that King Never is now a three piece band with the addition of Karl Lane on bass and Scott Gontjes on drums. We are busy learning the songs from <em>Possibilities</em> and are looking forward to working on some new tunes together as a band.</p>
<p>Lots of exciting things are on the horizon!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114582011-05-15T20:21:31-07:002022-12-05T12:01:37-08:00Uncertainty, Podcasters and Pumpkins<p>If you would have asked me in January where I would be living in May, I would have replied, "Much closer to my bandmates." Well, things haven't quite worked out and I'm still two and a half hours away. My big plans for King Never in 2011 have been delayed, but I'm still hopeful!</p>
<p>I've been using this period of uncertainty to refine my guitar rig and work on new material. So far, I've finished one new song and am close to finishing a second - I just need to finish those pesky lyrics. I'm pleased with the direction of the new material and look forward to fleshing out the arrangements with the band.</p>
<p>In other news, did you know you can download any (or all) of King Never's albums for "name your price"? It's true. Pay nothing or pay something. Go on over to <a contents="Bandcamp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a> to start downloading.</p>
<p>Oh. I would be remiss not to thank the wonderful Nick Tann for playing King Never on episode 80 of his excellent <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://isthisthingonpodcast.com/2011/05/is-this-thing-on-podcast-80/" target="_blank">Is This Thing On? Podcast</a>. Give it a listen. Nick plays some great indie music and is a very entertaining host.</p>
<p>Interestingly, Nick compares our song <em>Sorrow</em> to the Smashing Pumpkins. He is the second podcaster to make this reference, so there must be something to it! Ironically, I've never been a fan of the Pumpkins and have been known to use Billy Corgan as an example of a singer with poor vocal quality. You know what they say about kharma!</p>
<p>Thanks for your continued support and interest in King Never!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114592011-04-11T15:00:42-07:002022-12-05T12:01:48-08:00Rathole Radio Podcast<p>Thanks to the <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://ratholeradio.org/" target="_blank">Rathole Radio</a> Podcast for playing our song <em>Sorrow</em> on <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://ratholeradio.org/2011/03/ep48/" target="_blank">episode 48</a>! Give it a listen and learn why Billy Corgan was mentioned in the same sentence as King Never. Intrigued?</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114602011-03-31T22:22:39-07:002022-12-05T12:02:00-08:00AMPed New Music Weekly Podcast<p>Thanks to the <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://musicpodcasting.org/home/" target="_blank">Association of Music Podcasting</a> (AMPed) for playing our song <em>Sorrow</em> on episode <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://castroller.com/Podcasts/AmpedNewMusic/2199617-AMPed%20Show%20273" target="_blank">273</a> of their New Music Weekly Podcast. Good stuff.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114612011-02-13T18:15:52-08:002022-12-05T12:02:14-08:00Sonic Dissonance Review<p>I'm not sure when this review from <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://sonicdissonance.com/KingNeverPossibilities.aspx" target="_blank">Sonic Dissonance</a> was published, but here you go.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>King Never - Possibilities</p>
<p>After days of internal debate, I came to this conclusion about King Never's new album, <em>Possibilities</em>. For me, it's like a Bomb Pop.</p>
<p>Seems to me there are two basic types of Bomb Pop eaters. Of course there's those that are die-hard with red-white-blue colored treats, they love every last bit of the popsickle. Then there's people like me that may only really prefer one of the three flavors. It's not that I won't eat the white or blue parts, I'd just rather have more of the red.</p>
<p>Occasionally, I'll run into similar feelings toward an album. Enter King Never.</p>
<p>As a whole, <em>Possibilities </em>will make a lot of people happy. The rhythms and grooves are smooth, the lyrics are quotable and Matt McCabe's vocals are fluid enough to garner some well-deserved attention. The die-hards (not unlike die-hards for any other band) will quickly become engrossed in the new songs, possibly proclaiming them to be King Never's best work to date.</p>
<p>As a King Never newbie, I can't attest to the difference between <em>Possibilities </em>and any of King Never's prior work dating back about 15 years. I can, however, tell you that the guitar work on Possibilities is my cherry end of the Bomb Pop. McCabe does a solid job of drilling out some electric work. For me, it's that electric work, with some semblance of ambient rhythms that keeps me listening.</p>
<p>Much like the frozen treat, I'll continue to listen and enjoy on some level the rest of the album. I just can't find myself engrossed in the rest of <em>Possibilities</em>. It's easy to recognize the talent and understand how and why the songs fit together, but it falls just short of personal intrigue.</p>
<p>What does it all mean? It means that McCabe and King Never have won me over enough to keep listening, even if it is sporadically just to get a guitar fix. Much like the Bomb Pop, I'll continue to open my ears to King Never's work even if the album as a whole isn't necessarily the best flavor for my personal soundtrack.</p>
<p><em>Recommended if you like The Fixx, Brian Eno, Porcupine Tree.</em></p>
<p>- Sonic Dissonance</p>
</blockquote>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114622010-12-18T01:15:00-08:002022-12-05T08:50:27-08:00King Never Podcast #21 - Merry Christmas<p>Just a quick podcast about our new Christmas single, <a href="http://kingnever.bandcamp.com/track/we-three-kings">"We Three Kings."</a> Get a bit of background about how and why we chose the song, hear a clip of us practicing, and finally, hear the finished product!</p>
<p>Merry Christmas and thanks for your support of King Never.</p>6:34King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114632010-12-02T04:54:00-08:002022-12-05T12:02:44-08:00Artist First Radio Network...again!<p>In case you missed my interview on the <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://www.artistfirst.com" target="_blank">Artist First Radio Network</a> on November 30, 2010, you can listen to it right <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://66.49.193.35/ArtistFirst_Special_2010-11-30_King_Never.mp3" target="_blank">here</a>. DJ Scott asked me some great questions! He also played a bunch of tracks off of <a href="http://kingnever.bandcamp.com/album/possibilities-2"><em>Possibilities</em></a> and our new Christmas single, <a href="http://kingnever.bandcamp.com/track/we-three-kings"><em>We Three Kings</em></a>.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114642010-11-06T03:52:52-07:002022-12-05T12:02:53-08:00Down The Line Interview<p>The October 2010 issue of the magazine <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://www.downthelinezine.com/2010/11/04/issue-8-is-ready-for-download/" target="_blank">Down The Line</a> features a nice write up and interview with me. Among other things, author Steve Russ and I discuss my musical background, influences, and plans for King Never.</p>
<p>Russ had this to say about <em>Possibilities</em>...</p>
<blockquote><p>This is one of those albums where you can use the “alternative” label and it actually applies. This is definitely an alternative to the mainstream. The songs are so well crafted, the layers so fluid and smooth, this becomes one of those discs that you wish you had come upon even sooner!</p></blockquote>
<p>If you are hankering for a little more insight into the how and why of King Never, I think you will find the interview enlightening and entertaining.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114652010-10-11T22:38:08-07:002022-12-05T12:05:54-08:00Music Videos!<p>Thanks to <a href="http://www.geraldbenesch.net" target="_blank">Gerald Benesch</a> for making these music videos for our songs <em>The City</em> and <em>Gravity</em>. They turned out great!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="kUbfRXFbydY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/kUbfRXFbydY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kUbfRXFbydY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="90xjx-pLNwk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/90xjx-pLNwk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/90xjx-pLNwk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114662010-09-22T01:34:25-07:002022-12-05T12:10:19-08:00King Never Podcast #20 - Introducing The Band!<p>Welcome to our first ever video podcast! I'm an audio guy, so hopefully this will work. If you've been following King Never's Twitter and/or Facebook feeds, you've probably deduced that King Never is no longer a studio project. Yes, I've put a band together. Joining me are bassist Jordan Reading and drummer Evan Parandes.</p>
<p>Watch the video for more!</p>2:34King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114672010-09-02T00:57:51-07:002022-12-05T12:08:01-08:00Down The Line Review<p>The print and online magazine <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://www.downthelinezine.com/" target="_blank">Down The Line</a> reviewed <em>Possibilities</em> in their July issue. Although you can download an electronic version of the magazine <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://www.mediafire.com/?bpplzlldgmrfy15" target="_blank">here</a> for free, they were kind enough to grant permission for a reprint of the review right here...</p>
<blockquote>
<p>King Never – Possibilities <span> </span></p>
<p>2010 KingNever.com <span> </span></p>
<p>Some of you might remember an <span>underground Christian alternative band called <span>Able Cain back in the 90s. Matt McCabe, the <span>guitarist for Able Cain, went on to form King <span>Never. That was just a bit of background for <span>you. King Never has released several albums. <span>The most recent release Possibilities<span> </span>is “A <span>concept album featuring ambient, alternative <span>and progressive rock songs that chronicle<span> Sonja's journey of self‐discovery and spiritual <span>awakening.” Don’t let the fact<span> </span>they decided to<span> put “ambient first in the list fool you<span> </span>– this<span> album does frequently rock. Songwriting and <span>recording qualities are both very high from <span>beginning to end. In fact, you don’t have to<span> take my word for it – you can listen to the <span>entire album<span> </span>on their website before you<span> decide to purchase it. And you will decide to <span>buy it (hoping my Jedi mind trick skills are still <span>up to snuff). For influences, McCabe lists<span> everyone from The Police to King Crimson to<span> The Choir. If you like music in that arena of <span>alternative rock, you will also like this album. <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p>– Matt Crosslin</p>
</blockquote>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114682010-08-28T22:40:15-07:002022-12-05T12:08:11-08:00Artist First Radio Network<p>In case you missed my interview on the <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://artistfirst.com/" target="_blank">Artist First Radio Network</a> on August 26, 2010, you can listen to it right <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://66.49.193.35/ArtistFirst_Special_2010-08-26_King_Never.mp3" target="_blank">here</a>. DJ Corey asked me some great questions - most of which I answered! Honestly, I only dodged one question. He also played a bunch of tracks off of the new album.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114692010-07-10T02:56:46-07:002022-12-05T12:09:40-08:00King Never Podcast #19 - Nemo! (The Man Behind The Artwork)<p>In this episode of the podcast, I interview Nemo of <a href="http://www.artbynemo.com" target="_blank">artbynemo.com</a>. Nemo is the guy who drew the album cover for <em>Possibilities, </em>so it seems only fitting to have him on the show! Thanks for listening!</p>21:40King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114702010-06-12T19:55:09-07:002022-12-05T12:10:35-08:00Thanks!<p>These podcasts recently played some King Never tracks.... Thanks!</p>
<p><a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://corsolameta.blogspot.com/2010/05/b-hag-running-episode-2-realistic-goals.html" target="_blank">B-HAG Running Podcast</a> played <em>All Is Well That Ends Well</em> on episode #2.</p>
<p><a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/minutia/2010/05/21/episode-13--grae-drake-the-music-of-king-never" target="_blank">Milk of Minutia</a> played <em>Gravity</em> and interviewed me on episode #13.</p>
<p><a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://isthisthingonpodcast.blogspot.com/2010/06/is-this-thing-on-podcast-number-34.html" target="_blank">Is This Thing On? Podcast</a> played <em>Hotel Desolation</em> on episode #34.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114712010-05-17T15:00:43-07:002022-12-05T12:12:33-08:00King Never Podcast #18 - The End of The Road<p>It's the end of the road, folks. On this podcast, I release the final two songs from <a href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com/album/possibilities-2" target="_blank"><em>Possibilities</em></a>! It's been a long journey, but we are finally there. For a limited time, the entire album is available for "pay what you want." Pay nothing or pay something. It's up to you. My hope is that you will download the album and share it with a friend or two. Help spread the word.</p>
<p>Thanks for listening.</p>9:40King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114722010-05-16T01:44:08-07:002022-12-29T11:29:15-08:00More Podcasts<p>Thanks to the following podcasts for playing tracks from the new King Never album.</p>
<p><a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://isthisthingonpodcast.blogspot.com/2010/05/is-this-thing-on-podcast-number-30.html" target="_blank">Is This Thing On?</a> played <em>Gravity</em> on episode #30</p>
<p><a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://www.marvelnoise.com/2010/05/03/marvel-noise-episode-117/" target="_blank">Marvel Noise</a> played <em>Down Low</em> on episode #117</p>
<p><a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://michaelangel.podOmatic.com/entry/2010-05-03T17_41_33-07_00" target="_blank">Michael Angel's Cosmic Grab Bag</a> played <em>Hotel Desolation</em> on episode #163</p>
<p>Did I miss anyone? I hope not.</p>
<p> </p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114732010-05-02T15:00:00-07:002022-12-29T11:31:43-08:00King Never Podcast #17 - The Next Batch of Songs<p>In this episode of the podcast, I release two more songs from the forthcoming album. The songs can be downloaded <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com" target="_blank">here</a> for free for a limited time. If you like the songs, please share them with a friend or two. Help spread the word!</p>
<p>Thanks for listening.</p>8:40King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114742010-05-01T00:31:38-07:002022-12-29T11:31:56-08:00What's This? More Podcasts Playing King Never?<p>Thanks to Lucy for playing <em>Gravity</em> on episode #169 of the <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://hitmakerspodcast.com/?p=675" target="_blank">MMA Hit Makers Podcast</a> and Watch With Mothers for reviewing <em>The City </em>on the <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://isthisthingonpodcast.blogspot.com/2010/04/is-this-thing-on-podcast-number-28.html" target="_blank">Is This Thing On? Podcast</a> episode #28. To bad they didn't like the squeaky bit.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114752010-04-16T03:33:34-07:002022-12-29T11:32:10-08:00Two More Great Podcasts<p>These two great music podcasts recently played <em>Gravity - </em><a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://www.dalecast.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dalecast!</a> episode 726 and <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://michaelangel.podomatic.com/" target="_blank">Michael Angel's Cosmic Grab Bag</a> episode 153.</p>
<p>I really appreciate the support and interest podcasters are taking in the new tunes. Please take a moment to listen and subscribe to the podcasts to show your support for what they are doing for King Never and indie music in general.</p>
<p>If you have a favorite music podcast and think my music would be a good fit, let me know!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114762010-04-12T21:57:29-07:002022-12-29T11:33:58-08:00King Never Podcast #16 - Three More Songs<p>In this episode of the podcast, I release three more songs from the forthcoming album. The songs can be downloaded for free <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com" target="_blank">here</a>. If you like the songs, please share them with a friend or two. Help spread the word!</p>
<p>Thanks for listening.</p>9:26King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114772010-03-29T17:37:06-07:002022-12-29T11:34:13-08:00Is This Thing On?<p>Many thanks to Nick Tann from the excellent (and funny) UK-based <a href="http://isthisthingonpodcast.blogspot.com/2010/03/is-this-thing-on-podcast-number-25.html">Is This Thing On? Podcast</a> for playing <em>The City</em> on episode 25. Nick is the first podcaster to play a track from the forthcoming King Never album <em>Possibilities </em>and I really appreciate his support.</p>
<p>Cheers mate! We're going international.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114782010-03-02T13:00:48-08:002022-12-29T11:35:23-08:00King Never Podcast #15 - Introducing...<p>To celebrate the one year anniversary of the King Never Podcast, I am releasing two songs from the new album. This episode features a commentary track for those songs. I discuss the meaning behind some of the lyrics and my inspiration for the lyrical imagery. Both songs can be downloaded for free <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com" target="_blank">here</a>. If you like the songs, please share them with a friend or two. Help spread the word!</p>
<p>Let me know if you like the commentary track idea. I have a few more songs to release over the coming months and will continue the commentary if you guys find it interesting and informative.</p>
<p>Thanks for listening.</p>5:47King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114792010-01-30T03:39:04-08:002022-12-29T11:35:45-08:00Help for Haiti<p>CD Baby will donate $1 toward Haitian earthquake relief for every CD and album download sold. Not so coincidentally, every King Never album is available through CD Baby right <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/KingNever" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114802010-01-23T03:24:31-08:002022-12-29T11:36:24-08:00King Never Podcast #14 - Stuck In Traffic<p>A quick update on the status of the album and ideas for future podcast episodes. This podcast was recorded while I was stuck in traffic. What fun!</p>4:22King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114812009-12-20T22:34:53-08:002022-12-29T11:38:11-08:00King Never Podcast #13 - Merry Christmas!<p>Just a quick podcast to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. To celebrate, from now until January 1, 2010, I am offering all King Never albums as FREE downloads. Truthfully, it's a "pay what you want" deal, but it's okay to enter the big zeros! Get your songs <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kingnever.bandcamp.com" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>Thanks for listening.</p>
<p>Intro music: “Fragments” from <em>Orphans, Misfits & Fragments</em> by King Never. Outro music: “The Quiet Hour” from <em>Lullabies & Sleepless Nights</em> by King Never.</p>
<p>Thanks for listening.</p>2:26King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114822009-09-13T03:32:07-07:002022-12-29T11:39:18-08:00King Never Podcast #12 - "Sorrow" and Limited Edition Ideas<p>In this episode, I talk about the song "Sorrow" - the last song that needs to be recorded for the album! Among other things, you'll hear a couple of different versions of the resonator/dobro/acoustic guitar part for the song. Let me know which version you prefer. I also ask for some ideas on what to include in a possible limited edition "bundle" of the album. Suggestions please!</p>
<p>Thanks for listening.</p>4:28King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114832009-09-01T15:00:45-07:002022-12-29T11:40:19-08:00King Never Podcast #11 - The Song That Almost Drove Me Crazy<p>In this episode, I discuss some frustrating "issues" that came up while recording the song “All Is Well That Ends Well.” As always, thanks for listening. Intro music: “Fragments” from <em>Orphans, Misfits & Fragments</em> by King Never. Outro music: “The Quiet Hour “ from <em>Lullabies & Sleepless Nights</em> by King Never.</p>
<p>As always, thanks for listening.</p>6:42King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114842009-08-10T23:36:16-07:002022-12-29T11:41:10-08:00King Never Podcast #10 - Down Low and On Location<p>In this episode, we are on location for an interview with vocalist Kristy McCabe. We discuss the process in which we wrote and recorded the background vocals for “Down Low” and you'll hear a short sample of what we came up with. Should you decide to follow through with my suggestion to recommend King Never to Pandora.com, <a href="mailto:suggest-music@pandora.com">click here</a> to send your email.</p>
<p>As always, thanks for listening.</p>
<p>Intro music: “Fragments” from <em>Orphans, Misfits & Fragments</em> by King Never. Outro music: “The Quiet Hour” from <em>Lullabies & Sleepless Nights</em> by King Never.</p>5:44King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114852009-07-26T22:45:12-07:002022-12-29T11:41:21-08:00Unfiltered Podcast<p>Thanks to Jared Weseman of the <a href="http://jaredweseman.com/" target="_blank">Unfiltered</a> podcast. The podcast features tech and political news plus the latest in independent music. Episode #11 featured the King Never track <em>Upside Down Girl</em>! Check it out!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114862009-07-15T22:57:34-07:002022-12-29T11:42:01-08:00King Never Podcast #9 - Update<p>It's been awhile. In this episode, I bring you up-to-date on what's been happening in the world of King Never.</p>
<p>As always, thanks for listening.</p>
<p>Intro music: “Fragments” from <em>Orphans, Misfits & Fragments</em> by King Never. Outro music: “The Quiet Hour” from <em>Lullabies & Sleepless Nights</em> by King Never.</p>4:50King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114872009-05-26T04:36:17-07:002022-12-29T11:43:09-08:00King Never Podcast #8 - Background Vocals Needed<p>In this episode, I ask for help recording background vocals for “Hotel Desolation.” Yes, this is your chance to really get involved with the new album. Download “Hotel Desolation” here (download expired) to record your vocals. Align this mp3 file at beat one in your sequencer and set the tempo to 125 bpm. You should hear 4 clicks before the song begins. Record at either 16 or 24 bit (44.1kHz).</p>
<p>Here are the lyrics:</p>
<blockquote><p>Checking in to.... Checking out of this life. Welcome all ye feeble minded. Checking in to.... Checking out of this life. Hotel Desolation.</p></blockquote>
<p>Drop your mp3 mix of the track with your background vocals in the "DropBox" below. If I like what I hear, I'll ask you for a full bandwidth version via email.</p>
<p>Thanks for listening!</p>
<p><a href="http://soundcloud.com/kingnever/dropbox" target="_blank">Send me your track</a></p>5:42King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114882009-05-18T15:00:04-07:002022-12-29T11:43:50-08:00King Never Podcast #7 - Option A or B for The City<p>I'm back and I need your help. I've re-worked the verse vocal melody for the song “The City.” Take a listen and let me know if you like option A or B.</p>
<p>As always, thanks for listening.</p>
<p>Intro music: “Fragments” from <em>Orphans, Misfits & Fragments</em> by King Never. Outro music: “The Quiet Hour” from <em>Lullabies & Sleepless Nights</em> by King Never.</p>4:52King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114892009-04-21T04:17:53-07:002022-12-29T11:44:27-08:00King Never Podcast #6 - Re-working "Introduction" vocals<p>In this episode, I introduce (haha) a new vocal line for the song “Introduction.” I also talk briefly about my vocal recording chain. Be sure to write down the link to download a pre-release version of “Introduction” for FREE.</p>
<p>Intro music: “Fragments” from <em>Orphans, Misfits & Fragments</em> by King Never.</p>
<p>Thanks for listening.</p>3:12King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114902009-04-06T16:37:48-07:002022-12-29T11:45:08-08:00King Never Podcast #5 - Side Tracked "Gravity" Guitar<p>This episode is a little different. It's more of an off the cuff audio diary as I set up to record the chorus guitar part for the song “Gravity.” Compelling? Complete rubbish? Let me know.</p>
<p>Thanks for listening.</p>5:19King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114912009-03-23T21:52:49-07:002022-12-29T11:45:41-08:00King Never Podcast #4 - Introduction Drums<p>In this episode, I talk about the drum tracks for the song “Introduction” and how a distorted room mic can be used as an asset.</p>
<p>Thanks for listening.</p>3:36King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114922009-03-16T16:25:40-07:002022-12-29T11:46:17-08:00King Never Podcast #3 - Beautiful Shimmery Guitar Magic<p>In this episode, I talk about beautiful shimmery guitar magic as it relates to the song "Hotel Desolation." As always, you'll hear a couple of audio samples of the song in progress. I also ask for your help describing the sound of King Never.</p>
<p>Thanks for listening!</p>3:54King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114932009-03-09T17:04:07-07:002022-12-29T11:46:58-08:00King Never Podcast #2 - Gravity Bass<p>Welcome to Episode 2 of the King Never Podcast! In this episode, I talk about the bass line for the song "Gravity". Specifically, I demonstrate how the new drum track caused me to rethink the original bass line.</p>4:54King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114942009-03-02T20:52:10-08:002022-12-29T11:47:40-08:00King Never Podcast #1 - Hello!<p>Welcome to the first episode of the King Never Podcast! In this episode, I describe what to expect in future podcasts and provide a brief history of King Never. I also give an update on the status of the new album. To top it off, you'll hear a brief clip of the song "The City"<em> </em>(working title) to hopefully peak your interest.</p>
<p>Thanks for listening and let me know what you think!</p>3:42King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114952009-02-10T00:44:46-08:002022-12-29T11:47:54-08:00King Never on Twitter<p>If you need more frequent King Never updates, like on an almost daily basis, follow "kingnever" on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/kingnever" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. I make it a point to post anytime I'm in the studio working on new material.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114962008-12-20T07:10:32-08:002022-12-29T11:48:30-08:00Almost in time for the Holidays!<p>Good news! <a href="http://www.finleysound.com/kingnever/agnv1.html" target="_self">Ambient Guitar Noise: Volume 1</a> (on CD) is back in-stock and available once again from <a href="http://cdbaby.com/cd/kingnever2" target="_blank">CDBaby.com</a>.<br><br>I really tired to get the CD pressed in time for Christmas, but the bad weather the last week or so delayed the shipment. If you order the CD right now, it might arrive in time. Or, just call it a New Years gift!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114972008-10-12T02:19:09-07:002022-12-29T12:10:26-08:00Drums? Done! Really.<p>Back on April 27, 2006, I reported that drum tracks from the next King Never album were done. Well, they were. Then, they weren't. About a month ago, I decided to bring in a real drummer (not me) to re-record all the drum tracks.<br><br>I decided to use San Francisco based drummer <a href="http://jakewood.net/" target="_blank">Jake Wood</a> for the task. Yesterday, we tracked drums for six songs in Jake's studio. Jakes plays with a ton of finesse and really zeroed in on the feel of the songs.<br><br>As you might imagine, I'm going to re-record a lot of my bass and guitar tracks to make sure everything really locks together. Time to get cracking!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114982008-08-14T01:42:12-07:002022-12-29T12:10:37-08:00King Never on Facebook<p>Visit King Never's page on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/King-Never/20696770535?ref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and become a fan!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71114992008-06-16T02:56:16-07:002022-12-29T12:10:51-08:00Free Music!<p>I just started selling King Never's music on <a href="http://amiestreet.com/_l/cdbaby" target="_blank">AmieStreet.com</a>, and to kick things off they are giving my fans (you!) $5 to download my music.<br><br>All you have to do is click on the link below to get $5 to download my music.<br><br><a href="http://amiestreet.com/_l/cdbaby" target="_blank">http://amiestreet.com/_l/cdbaby</a><br><br>Tell a friend! Free is good.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115002008-06-15T00:25:46-07:002022-12-29T12:11:03-08:00Truth to the Rumors?<p>Yes. Construction has started on the new studio! Read all the details <a href="http://www.finleysound.com/mfm" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>
<p>I'm toying with the idea of christening the studio by recording Volume 3 of my Ambient Guitar Noise series, or perhaps finishing the as of yet unfinished rock (-ish) album. Regardless, I am hopeful that having a proper space to write/record will increase my musical output!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115012008-03-31T01:01:44-07:002022-12-29T12:11:22-08:00Not Really New (but sort of)<p>I just switched over to a new html editor for the King Never site. There are a few minor tweaks with the design and layout, but nothing major. If something looks funky, let me know!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115022008-02-16T02:28:11-08:002022-12-29T12:11:34-08:00More airplay - Beyond the Lakes<p>Just wanted to thank Jerry Nelms and Namdar Mogharreban from the radio show <strong>Music from Beyond the Lakes</strong> (<a href="http://wdbx.org" target="_blank" title="WDBX">WDBX</a>, 91.1 FM, Carbondale, Illinois, USA) for spinning <em>The Quiet Hour </em>from <em>Lullabies & Sleepless Nights</em>. Here's what they had to say:</p>
<blockquote>We begin our second hour with this coolly electric guitar ambience by Matt McCabe, who goes by the name King Never. </blockquote>
<p><br>Coolly? I'm sure that's a compliment.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115032008-01-30T23:21:51-08:002022-12-29T12:11:48-08:00Outsight Radio Hours<p>Thanks to Tom over at <a href="http://www.new-sounds.com/" target="_blank" title="Outsight Radio">Outsight Radio Hours</a> for playing Beautifully Broken on the 1/27/08 show. Outsight features an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, "experimental guitar work" - who could that be? - and is a great listen. If you are bored with commercial radio, check it out.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115042008-01-01T19:11:20-08:002022-12-29T12:11:59-08:00Happy New Year!<p>Happy New Year everyone!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A big thanks to all the podcasts, radio shows, and publications that featured King Never throughout 2007. And of course, a big thank you to everyone who purchased a CD or downloaded a song or two. I really appreciate all the support and interest in my music.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If all goes well, I hope to have a new King Never album out sometime this year. A couple of the songs are completely finished, while the remainder are nearly complete (as in a little lyric tweak here, a little bass overdub there, etc.). Vocals continue to be a big stumbling block and I'm not really sure what the final direction will be. Will I sing? Will I not sing? Time will tell.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The album chronicles the life and spiritual journey of a fictional character by the name of Sonya. I have no idea what the album will be called, but I know what it sounds like! It's definitely a little more rock oriented than my previous efforts, but there are still hints of ambient, prog and new wave thrown in.</p>
<p>Thanks for checking in and Best Wishes to you and yours in '08!</p>
<p>Matt</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115052007-12-04T04:57:08-08:002022-12-29T12:12:19-08:00ruKus radio<p>Just wanted to thank Moe over at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/rukusradio">ruKus radio</a> for playing <em>Circular Drone</em>, from Orphans, Misfits & Fragments, on Episode 3 of his show. Plus, he's requested more King Never for future shows!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115062007-11-10T06:22:53-08:002022-12-29T12:12:37-08:00Braincast<p><em>Almost Asleep</em> (from Lullabies & Sleepless Nights) was featured on eposide #93 of the German podcast <a href="http://braincast1.blogspot.com/">Braincast</a>. The podcast is in German, so I have no idea what it's about, but I sure appreciate the exposure. Thanks Arivd!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115072007-10-02T06:12:33-07:002022-12-29T12:12:55-08:00BiP_HOp Generation<p>Thanks to Philippe Petit for spinning tracks from Lullabies & Sleepless Nights on his radio show - BiP_HOp Generation on Radio Grenouille in France.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115082007-08-15T19:19:45-07:002022-12-29T12:13:29-08:00AGNv1 Sold Out!<p><a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/580593a6d482e93165f4c1b7/580d6bc22109d3aa944cf3f9/580d6c172109d3aa944cf64d/1477274647508/agn.html?format=original">Ambient Guitar Noise: Volume 1</a> is sold out. The album is still available for digital download. If you must have a CD, drop me an <a data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact">email</a>. I am starting a list of interested parties and will consider pressing additional copies if the demand is there. Thanks to everyone who bought a copy!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115092007-08-09T04:21:18-07:002022-12-29T12:13:40-08:00DELETED!!!!<p>A couple of weeks ago, I tracked guitars for "Hotel Desolation". I was really happy with the results. I was finished. Another song in the can. Just one small problem. Today when I opened up the session I got that nasty message - Audio file "main gtr#08" not found. Audio file "main gtr#09" not found. Etc. Etc. Etc.</p>
<p>For some reason, I deleted all the tracks <strong>BEFORE</strong> backing up the session. I'm not really sure what I was thinking. Very frustrating. Luckily, a rough mix survives on my iPod so I can figure out what I did and hopefully duplicate it.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115102007-08-05T16:25:55-07:002022-12-29T12:13:55-08:00King Never in the Top 10!<p>King Never's song <em>Fragments</em>, from Orphans, Misfits & Fragments, is currently #10 on <a href="http://www.isonliveradio.com">ISON LIVE RADIO INTERNATIONAL NETWORK</a>'s World Indie Top 40 Countdown (up from #28 last week). Thanks to everyone who has requested the song. Keep it up!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115112007-07-29T04:03:46-07:002022-12-29T12:14:14-08:00SOLD OUT - almost!<p>Just a quick heads up.<br><br>King Never's debut album, Ambient Guitar Noise: Volume 1, is almost sold out. There are only 7 copies left and when they're gone, they're gone. So, if you've been sitting on the fence, now is the time to buy a copy!!<br><br><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/kingnever2">CDBaby</a> has the remaining copies.<br><br>The album will still be available as a download from iTunes, but I won't be pressing more CDs. Personally, I love CDs, but most people seem to be downloading my music these days.<br><br>Thanks for your continued support!<br><br>Matt</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115122007-06-16T00:36:54-07:002022-12-29T12:14:29-08:00Fevered Brain Radio Review<p>Thanks to <a href="http://www.thefeveredbrainofradiomike.com/">The Fevered Brain Radio Network</a> for playing a track and writing this short review of <em>Lullabies and Sleepless Nights</em>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span class="style9">Review of Lullabies & Sleepless Nights (</span><a href="http://www.thefeveredbrainofradiomike.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=439&Itemid=1" target="_blank"><span class="style9">RadioMike #143</span></a><span class="style9">, May 2007)</span></p>
<p><span class="style9">KING NEVER is one of those less and less rare projects that is difficult to describe, although the subtitle fairly does it, Ambient Guitar Nights, Volume 2. Ambient guitar doesn't cross our ears very often so it’s unusual and pleasant to hear when it does. This is music that you could do just about anything with. Mix it into a New Age music show or do what we did: Mix it in to your already eclectic collection. Contemplation music is probably an apt description.</span></p>
<p class="f-lp"><span class="style9"> — Mike Perazzetti (</span><a href="http://www.thefeveredbrainofradiomike.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=439&Itemid=1"><span class="style9">The Fevered Brain Radio Network</span></a><span class="style9">)</span></p>
</blockquote>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115132007-05-16T00:44:44-07:002022-12-29T12:14:45-08:00Hotel Desolation<p>I've been stuck in a hotel room for the past 6 weeks (out of town training for the day job). There's something about staying in a hotel for more than a couple of nights that just sucks the life right out of you. But, wait! Here's the good news. I had plenty of time to work on new material, especially vocals. I still have quite a bit of work to do, but there is definitely forward motion on a new King Never CD.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115142007-05-05T00:47:30-07:002022-12-29T12:15:05-08:00Desperate for Theme Song<p>Thanks to the guys over at the <a href="http://aycliffepodcast.com/">Aycliffe Podcast</a> for using Desperate as their theme song.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115152007-04-08T00:59:00-07:002022-12-29T12:15:15-08:00Hey Podcasters!<p>I've uploaded a bunch of King Never tracks to the <a href="http://podsafemusicnetwork.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=535519aef9cf61552e971ed992b907b4">Podsafe Music Network</a>. Royalty free music for your podcast! Download and use!</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115162007-04-02T00:53:42-07:002022-12-29T12:15:28-08:00AmbientMusicGuide.com Review<blockquote>
<p>Review of Lullabies & Sleepless Nights (April 2007)</p>
<p><span class="style9">I don't know whether "purist" is the word but Californian ambient guitarist King Never takes pride in choosing the riskier path of recording his tracks live, with no further editing or overdubs. With his electric guitar, effects and loop machines he creates a seductive and surprisingly broad palate of nocturnal sounds on Lullabies And Sleepless Nights. It's beatless and mostly gentle, shifting between tonal and slightly dissonant. There's the odd burst of jagged distortion just in case, I presume, you've nodded off too early. This is often impressive and eerily beautiful stuff and not just for guitar fans by any means. Rating 3.5/5.</span></p>
<p class="f-lp"><span class="style9">- </span><a href="http://www.ambientmusicguide.com/" target="_blank"><span class="style9">AmbientMusicGuide.com</span></a></p>
</blockquote>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115172007-03-31T01:03:06-07:002022-12-29T12:15:39-08:00Session Work<p><a href="http://www.karenjoybrown.com/">Karen Joy Brown</a> just released her new album <em>Fabulous Junkyard</em>. Why am I mentioning this here? Well, I added some ambient guitar loopage, electric guitar and minimal drums to a handful of tracks. I also tracked some of Karen's vocal overdubs, mixed and mastered the project. Karen classifies her music as Acoustic Folk Pop. Check it out.</p>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115182007-03-18T05:20:03-07:002022-12-29T12:15:50-08:00e/i Magazine Review<blockquote>
<p>KING NEVER Lullabies & Sleepless Nights: Ambient Guitar Noise Volume Two (March 2007)</p>
<p><span class="style6">One man, a guitar, and a signal processor. Judging by what’s on display here, Matt McCabe is an ardent disciple of the Frippertronics school, a self-made string-stylist whose compact instrument rack belies a measure of cool guitar craft that is, surprisingly enough, little seen in this optimizing age of the laptop. Lullabies & Sleepless Nights repudiates the software varnishing of chaps such as Fennesz or Orem Ambarchi, guitarists who prefer their axes bleed into amorphous drones that actively sap the essence of their origins. Shifting motifs and moods often within the same piece, exercising a measure of compositional restraint even when he strikes out with playfully anarchic phrases, McCabe is more fearless than his colleagues, judiciously experimenting with tonal color but unafraid to let his guitar be guitar. His mimesis is somewhat obvious—Fripp & Eno, Andy Summers’ first album on Private Music—yet Lullabies’ influences hardly diminish its resultant brio. “First Light” is one of the charmers, a distant cousin to F&E’s “Evening Star,” McCabe draping a loop of fading luminescence behind a moaning chord bending to and fro in the breeze of twilight. “Beautifully Broken” and “The Quiet Hour” use ascending/descending electronic figures that make for some sad but lovely time passages, elegant preludes so inviting that the stunted bulldozer lurches of “Interrupted” seem uncharacteristically jarring but are well in form within the music’s context. It is at this point that McCabe splits the disc in two: hereafter, he repeats the odd cacophonic bleat (“The End of Never,” “Almost Asleep”) amidst loopscapes that soar between contemplation (“Chaos of Day Fades to Night) and geographic isolation (“Night of a Thousand Worries”). Small discography notwithstanding, McCabe’s minimalist glossalalia impresses enough to nearly eclipse that of his spiritual forebears.</span></p>
<p class="f-lp"><span class="style9">— DARREN BERGSTEI</span><span class="style6">N</span><span class="style9"> (</span><a href="http://www.ei-mag.com/" target="_blank"><span class="style9">e/i Magazine</span></a><span class="style9">)</span></p>
</blockquote>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115192007-03-11T03:42:00-07:002022-12-29T12:16:00-08:00Hypnagogue Review<blockquote>
<p>Review of Lullabies & Sleepless Nights (2007)</p>
<p><span class="style14">King Never (aka Matt McCabe) offers up an uneven and intermittently interesting batch of guitar-based ambient pieces on Lullabies & Sleepless Nights. The work here range from sweeping drifts that exemplify McCabe’s eloquent playing to assaults of twitch-inducing noise that simply try too hard to be edgy. It takes King Never three tracks before the CD garners any real attention. The combination of “Beautifully Broken” and “The Quiet Hours” presents the first sign of McCabe’s gentler hand and sense of easing layers together in intriguing patterns. It’s when he settles back, as in these tracks and the highlight (for me) of the disk, the warm drift of “Chaos of Day Fades to Night,” that King Never is at his best. The aggressive stuff works best in “Almost Asleep” where fuzzed-out guitar-rock power chords hammer down across a hypnotically wavering, mellow drift—but it works because it’s well placed and not constant.</span></p>
<p class="f-lp"><span class="style14">- Hypnagogue</span></p>
</blockquote>King Nevertag:kingnever.com,2005:Post/71115202007-03-06T01:19:10-08:002022-12-29T12:16:13-08:00small WORLD Podcast<p>The <a href="http://smallworldpodcast.com/?p=570">small WORLD Podcast</a>, featuring music from <em>Lullabies and Sleepless Nights</em> and an interview with me, is now available for your listening pleasure! Zip on over to the small WORLD to subscribe or download it <a href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3?http://smallworldpodcast.com/mp3/smallworld030507.mp3">here</a>.</p>King Never