The Mascot Theory (album release), Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts

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Brad Weier

The Mascot Theory in midair.

The Mascot Theory

The Mascot Theory, one of Madison’s musical gems, bolsters its tight Americana melodies and harmonies with a cool classic-rock vibe on its latest album, Every Sign of Life. Recorded at Sonic Ranch Studios near El Paso, Texas, with famed producer Terry Manning (whose mighty credits include Led Zeppelin, Lenny Kravitz, Big Star and ZZ Top), the record features 13 new songs and two updated versions of live staples. The spacey epic “Andromeda” and the slow-burn scorcher “Lavender Blues” are must-hear tracks that will make you fall in love with this band — if you haven’t already. Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts, a band from Rockford, Illinois, that counts both Otis Redding and Jellyfish as influences, opens.

$20 ($15 adv.).

media release: Stone After Stone Records is proud to announce the release of The Mascot Theory’s “Every Sign Of Life” album on Friday, April 26, 2024. In addition to the typical streaming sites (Spotify, Apple Music) the physical album will be available on CD as well as a special double-album vinyl record pressed on custom orange-marbled vinyl, available on the band’s web store: https://themascottheory.bandcamp.com/

The band will celebrate the release at three shows around the state of Wisconsin:

4/27/24 - The Main - An Event Space, La Crosse, WI - w/ Ghostland Radio

EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/426520486477393

5/3/24 - High Noon Saloon, Madison, WI - w/ Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts

EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/1864000860702657

5/4/24 - Gibson Community Music Hall, Appleton, WI - w/ Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts

EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/820262533447481

The pandemic-induced entertainment halt of 2020 forced the band to reflect and refocus their musical efforts. With the core foundation of prolific singer/songwriter/rhythm guitarist Erik Kjelland, Nick Fry on bass, and Paul Metz on drums, The Mascot Theory used this time off to add lead guitarist Cory Swadley to the band, who brings a strong musical swagger and reverence to the guitar gods of the past. The new album leans heavily into rock & roll-inspired grooves and mannerisms. Shortly after returning from the Sonic Ranch session, the band added keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist Brandon Jensen to round out the live sound, bringing his own flair to the group as well as covering Manning's keys/organ parts that are scattered throughout the new album. The band worked with famed producer Terry Manning (Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Shakira, Lenny Kravitz, Stax Records) at Sonic Ranch Studios near El Paso, TX and recorded 13 new songs as well as two updated versions of classic live show staple songs to record songs for the upcoming "Every Sign Of Life" album.