1. Maniac on Mute Circle the Earth 2:35
  2. Dead Remix Circle The Earth 2:33
  3. Pick Your Poison REMIX Circle The Earth 3:08
  4. New Religion REMIX Circle The Earth 3 minutes
  5. Hey Goodbye Circle The Earth 3:05
  6. Too Many Pieces Circle the Earth 3:50
  7. The Other Side Circle The Earth 4:06
  8. New Religion Circle The Earth 3:30
  9. Sweetest Pain Circle The Earth 3:31
  10. Dead Circle The Earth 2:37
  11. Diamonds Circle The Earth 3:43
  12. All The Way Circle The Earth 3:29
  13. Could Be You Circle The Earth 3:21
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September 2022

Music Connection October Issue

Material: Circle the Earth is a pop/rock outfit with many influences oozing out of their pores. From R&B to ‘80s/’90s rock to rap to jazz to pop, it all comes together nicely in well-written tunes that uplift and nourish the soul. Most of the songs are rock guitar-driven with nice solos complementing the rhythm section. The keys also helped bring the songs to life as Wang and Feliciano, playing off each other, added another fantastic layer of music to each song.

Musicianship: Good guitar leads, along with a solid rhythm section, kept the energygoing as Khadia, with her sultry, “Beyoncelike”voice, crooned the mellow songs and belted out the melodies when called upon. All the members of the band pitched in to make each tune blossom. Wang and her keys, in particular, were a nice addition to all the tunes.

Performance: Circle the Earth integrates many types of melodies and genres. Not only that, they incorporate dance and choreography, as well. This makes for an entertaining visual to go along with the music. McBay and Khadia are naturals onstage and they got everyone else going, but that’s not to say Wang, Feliciano and Tokaii didn’t bring it, as well.

Summary: Circle the Earth’s repertoire of songs is as diverse as the members’ ethnicity. Taiwan, Japan, Brazil and the Americas all come together to play rock, jazz, pop and hints
of country music to your soul’s delight. Songs like “Sweetest Pain” and “All The Way” keep you dancing to the music, while the hard-hitting “Dead” will make you want to bang your head. The songs are original and creative and you can feel the passion exude from all the members as each tune is played. If they weren’t rocking you out with “Dead,” they were wooing you with “The Other Side” and “Ai, Ai, Ai.” Great all-around performance. Circle the Earth are not to be missed! – Pierce Brochetti

SIR Studios Hollywood, CA

Players
: Michael McBay, bass; Sandro Feliciano, drums; Kazuki Tokaii, guitar; Sandy Chao Wang, keys; Khadia, vocals

Web: trupitch.com/circle-the-earth
Contact: Johnny Miller, 310-435-7195

Download Full Issue Here

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Circle the Earth LIve at the Vermont Hollywood

It’s always a special treat to see a band that’s capable of packing larger venues in an intimate setting. Such was the case this late summer Sunday evening at the 1200 capacity Vermont Hollywood event center.

Serving up a four course aural feast of sight and sound, things kicked off with upstarts Circle the Earth, a diverse 5 piece ensemble featuring charismatic lead singer Khadia Handon, an electrifying lead vocalist who brings everything to the stage. Hailing from Silver Springs, MD, she is the definition of a modern day artist who resonates with all generations, cultures and demographics. Her explosiveness as a performer fills venues across the country with boundless energy and a spark only a superstar in the making can offer. She has performed with such luminaries as Kanye West and Prince.

As is the case when the opener goes on so early (7:45), there were only a smattering of folks in the audience. Regardless, CTE whet the crowd’s appetite for the next course; Chicago’s own Enuff Z Nuff.

Still a force after 20+ albums, EZN still has a legion of loyal fans, and has earned the respect and acclaim of its peers and contemporaries. Opening their 45 min. set with the BEATLES’ “Magical Mystery Tour” Chip Z Nuff and company wove a dreamy sonic tapestry that included another BEATLES classic “Eleanore Rigby”.  While I was looking for a copy of the setlist for this review, I came upon Chip at the merch table where we reminisced about growing up in Chicago (also my hometown) and he kindly provided me with a handwritten list of tonight’s songs. He also informed me of the band’s new release “Finer Than Sin” is due out Nov. 13th.

Veteran hard rock guitarist Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses/Slash’s Snakepit) brought a stripped down, bluesy, power trio flavor to the now growing audience for a fast paced set of classic rock. Clarke and company fired up the crowd with “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” a song he played with GNR during his tenure.

It was now time for the main course and the joint was anxiously awaiting Daisies to hit the stage.

Dino Jelusick (Whitesnake) filled in for Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple-Black Sabbath) due to health reasons.   Dino Jelusick is a singer/multi-instrumentalist from Croatia. He is a member of multi platinum selling band Trans-Siberian Orchestra and was previously part of Dirty Shirley (with George Lynch), Animal Drive and recorded with many others. Dino has been singing, touring and recording since the age of 5. Other than being a frontman, his main instrument is keyboards but he also plays bass, guitar and drums.

Needless to say, it’s a tough act to fill the shoes of “The Voice of Rock” as Mr Hughes has righteously been designated. Guitar slinger extraordinaire Doug Aldrich came out to thunderous applause and explained the situation, without further ado they launched into a 16 song set of molten rock fury.

Since 3 members of the group, Aldrich, drummer Brian Tichy, and Hughes live here in Los Angeles this was a hometown show with many friends and family in attendance. Showcasing some new material from the forthcoming release, “Radiance” Aldrich tore up the stage with flashy technique and blistering lead runs. Stand out track from the new record “Face Your Fear” is a jolt of high voltage rock intensity.

Force of nature Brian Tichy displayed his diabolically strong command of the drum kit during his 11 minute drum solo launching sticks off the snare drum 20 feet into the air and catching them without missing a beat. Another high point of the show.

Mixed in with the D.D. originals were 3 cover songs; Creedence Clearwater’s “Fortunate Son”, Grand Funk’s “American Band”, and a super deep track from little known Scottish band The Sensational Alex Harvey Band “Midnight Moses.”

We are glad to hear Glenn Hughes has recovered and will rejoin the band soon to continue the fall tour. “Radiance” will be available on Sept. 30th on SPV records. Check http://www.thedeaddaisies.com for further news and tour dates.

Article first posted on californiarocknews.com

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New Religion

“Unique blend of modern rock.” – Top Shelf Music

“Circle The Earth blends worldwide musical genres into an eclectic rock stew.” – Grateful Web

“[Circle The Earth] synthesizes the stylings of fiery pop anthems with everything from shred-heavy hard rock and emo to hip-hop in a manner that’s sure to energize the masses at first listen.” – Remezcla

“A polished pop rock that sparkles with a bit of 80’s glam.” – The Indy Review

“[‘Sweetest Pain’] features heavy guitar solos, striking vocals and a classic, mid-2000s alt-rock sound.”

Grimy Goods

 

September 21, 2022 – Los Angeles-based multi-cultural rock band Circle The Earth has released their new single “New Religion.” The hard-hitting track is the latest offering from the female-fronted quintet produced by Ethan Kaufman (Avril Lavigne, Ryan Cabrera, DOROTHY) and co-written by Jim McGorman (Avril Lavigne, Weezer, Gwen Stefani, Goo Goo Dolls) alongside the band’s guitarist Kazuki Tokaji. PRESS HERE to listen to “New Religion,” which first premiered with mxdwn Music, who noted, “If there was ever a song to get someone out of their funk, it’s ‘New Religion,’ hands down.”

“The message of ‘New Religion’ is a simple one,” shares the band. “It acknowledges the oneness of all life, the oneness of all races, religions and ethnicities, and the basic fact that all humans have the same needs, desires, hopes, dreams, and pains, completely independent of their nation of origin, and that all true human religions and spiritual paths lead to exactly the same loving God.”

“New Religion” follows Circle The Earth’s driving pop-rock single “Sweetest Pain,” currently airing on non-commercial and college radio stations across the country. PRESS HERE to watch the official music video, which recently surpassed 1 million views.

It’s impossible to pigeonhole the sound of Circle The Earth. With a lineup featuring members from across the U.S., Taiwan, Brazil and Japan, all of whom bring extensive professional experience to their music, the independent five-piece craft a seamless combination of rock, pop, soul, hip-hop, and even emo. Circle The Earth is fronted by Khadia, a former background singer for Imagine Dragons, American Idol, and The American Music Awards who has also performed with Mya, Janelle Monae and Prince. Rounding out the band is founding member, bassist and Atlanta native Michael McBay, Brazilian-born drummer Sandro Feliciano (who has toured with Ms. Lauryn Hill and Teena Marie), keyboardist/music director Sandy Chao Wang, who grew up in Taiwan, and guitarist/songwriter Tokaji, who was born in Japan and began playing guitar at age 7. 

Circle The Earth coalesced over the course of several years, first formed in 2018, driven by the vision of McBay and an overall message of bringing people hope, love and truth in a world that can feel maddening and hateful at times. They strive to produce music as positive and uplifting as possible, with messages of unity and inclusion that emphasizes the beauty of diversity and leaves good vibes in its wake. The band officially debuted in 2020 with their single Could Be You and have also released Dead,” “All The Way,” andDiamonds, amassing almost 3 million views on their YouTube channel and over 1 million streams on Spotify. Circle The Earth has also graced the stages of such famed LA venues including The Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go and The Mint as well as a performance at NAMM, building quite the reputation for their explosive live show.

 

Follow Circle The Earth:

Website // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // YouTube // Spotify // Apple Music

 

For press inquiries, please contact:

Press Here:

Bari Lieberman / bari@pressherepublicity.com

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Circle The Earth | New Religion

I am running behind today for a bunch of reasons — some that were my own damn fault, and others that were beyond my control. I thought about leaving this roundup until tomorrow, so naturally everybody and their dog decided to drop a new tune today (if not two). So here you go. Better late than never, right? Right? Anyway, as usual, you’ll find dozens of gems here that you won’t get anywhere else. Your Tinnitist-approved tracks are tagged with a 👑. Prepare to be royally entertained (click play button below):

 

Original post on tinnitist.com

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Circle The Earth Releases New Single “New Religion”

Los Angeles-based multi-cultural rock band Circle The Earth has released their new single “New Religion.” The hard-hitting track is the latest offering from the female-fronted quintet produced by Ethan Kaufman (Avril Lavigne, Ryan Cabrera, Dorothy) and co-written by Jim McGorman (Avril Lavigne, Weezer, Gwen Stefani, Goo Goo Dolls) alongside the band’s guitarist Kazuki Tokaji.

Stream “New Religion” now below and listen HERE.

“The message of ‘New Religion’ is a simple one,” the band said in a statement. “It acknowledges the oneness of all life, the oneness of all races, religions and ethnicities, and the basic fact that all humans have the same needs, desires, hopes, dreams, and pains, completely independent of their nation of origin, and that all true human religions and spiritual paths lead to exactly the same loving God.”

“New Religion” follows Circle The Earth’s driving pop-rock single “Sweetest Pain,” currently airing on non-commercial and college radio stations across the country.

It’s impossible to pigeonhole the sound of Circle The Earth. With a lineup featuring members from across the U.S., Taiwan, Brazil and Japan, all of whom bring extensive professional experience to their music, the independent five-piece craft a seamless combination of rock, pop, soul, hip-hop, and even emo.

Circle The Earth is fronted by Khadia, a former background singer for Imagine Dragons, American Idol, and The American Music Awards who has also performed with Mya, Janelle Monae and Prince. Rounding out the band is founding member, bassist and Atlanta native Michael McBay, Brazilian-born drummer Sandro Feliciano (who has toured with Ms. Lauryn Hill and Teena Marie), keyboardist/music director Sandy Chao Wang, who grew up in Taiwan, and guitarist/songwriter Tokaji, who was born in Japan and began playing guitar at age 7.

Circle The Earth coalesced over the course of several years, first formed in 2018, driven by the vision of McBay and an overall message of bringing people hope, love and truth in a world that can feel maddening and hateful at times. They strive to produce music as positive and uplifting as possible, with messages of unity and inclusion that emphasizes the beauty of diversity and leaves good vibes in its wake.

The band officially debuted in 2020 with their single “Could Be You” and have also released “Dead,” “All The Way,” and “Diamonds,” amassing almost 3 million views on their YouTube channel and over 1 million streams on Spotify. Circle The Earth has also graced the stages of such famed LA venues including The Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go and The Mint as well as a performance at NAMM, building quite the reputation for their explosive live show.

 

Original posted on The Rock Revival

 

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Circle The Earth - Sweetest Pain (Official Music Video)

CIRCLE THE EARTH – THE SWEETEST PAIN

Is it the 2000s all over again? Sorry, but not sorry, I used to love Evanescence. Just kidding. Circle the Earth is probably for you if you like a touch of metal in your pop, just as I like whisky in my milk. Boss Metal Zone pedals and epic solos, coupled with catchy poppy choruses, might fill the void left in your life after Linkin Park tragically disbanded.

 

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Talk This Way Podcast: Circle The Earth

The Los Angeles-based alternative rock outfit Circle The Earth checked in with the Talk This Way Podcast from the studio. The group is currently working on new material and planning a few upcoming live shows. Check out the chat above for the low-down on what’s happening with the band.

Circle The Earth just released their latest single “Sweetest Pain.” The track was co-written by Jim McGorman (Avril Lavigne, Weezer, Gwen Stefani, Goo Goo Dolls) and produced by Ethan Kaufman (Avril Lavigne, Ryan Cabrera, Dorothy). It illustrates the quintet’s diverse backgrounds and eclectic approach. Anchored by front woman Khadia’s yearning vocals and lightning-bolt rock riffs and solos from guitarist Kazuki Tokaji, “Sweetest Pain” laments the emotional tumult of a romance that’s slowly disintegrating.

It’s impossible to pigeonhole the sound of Circle The Earth. With a lineup featuring members from across the U.S., Taiwan, Brazil and Japan, all of whom bring extensive professional experience to their music, the independent band craft a seamless combination of rock, pop, soul, hip-hop, and even emo. In addition to Khadia (a former background singer for Imagine Dragons, American Idol, and The American Music Awards who has also performed with Mya, Janelle Monae and Prince) and Tokaji (who was born in Japan and began playing guitar at age 7), the five-piece is rounded out by founding member, bassist and Atlanta native Michael McBay, Brazilian-born drummer Sandro Feliciano (who has toured with Ms. Lauryn Hill and Teena Marie) and keyboardist/music director Sandy Chao Wang, who grew up in Taiwan.

Circle The Earth coalesced over the course of several years, first formed in 2018, driven by the vision of McBay and an overall message of bringing people hope, love and truth in a world that can feel maddening and hateful at times. They strive to produce music as positive and uplifting as possible, with messages of unity and inclusion that emphasizes the beauty of diversity and leaves good vibes in its wake. The band officially debuted in 2020 with their single “Could Be You” and have since released “Dead,” “All The Way,” and“Diamonds,” amassing over 2 million views on their YouTube channel and nearly 750K streams on Spotify. Circle The Earth has also graced the stages of such famed LA venues including The Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go and The Mint as well as a performance at NAMM, building quite the reputation for their explosive live show.

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CIrcle the Earth Vents Magazine Interview

Vents is proud to welcome to our pages an exciting new voice on the music landscape, L.A. based rock band extraordinaire Circle the Earth; greetings and salutations, gangl Before we dive down the proverbial rabbit hole, could you all introduce yourselves to our reading audience?

Khadia (lead vocalist), Sandre Feliciano (drums), Sandy Chao Wang (keys), Kazuki Tokaji (guitars), Mike McBay (founder, bass)

 

Kudos on the recent release of your new single “Sweetest Pain”! Michael, what’s the story behind this captivating new tune?

“The Sweetest Pain” is a song written by our guitarist Kazuki Tokaji and our main outside songwriter Jim McGorman (who works with artists such as Goo Goo Dolls, Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne). The song describes some of the inevitable pains of life that are unpleasant but necessary for spiritual growth such as: relationship pains in which a sincere person opens their heart towards another person who is not yet on the same emotional level or not yet ready to be loved so deeply, the bittersweet experience of truly loving another person who is not yet ready for something so real and the inevitable pain that the sincere person feels trying to get the other person to change, to grow and to open themselves to this love, and the inevitable pain that the sincere person feels as they come to grips with the fact the person they love will likely never be ready and that they must slowly accept this fact and pull away, which can be a very bittersweet and painful process.

 

Khadia, the music video for “Sweetest Pain” is visually quite stunning and pairs brilliantly with the song itself. How much creative control was Circle the Earth given on the music video proper?

Our recent video releases for “Dead” and “Diamonds” were more expensive “concept” videos that involved multiple costume changes, etc.so for the video for “Sweetest Pain” we decided to go for a more organic “live” feeling that included much more informal backstage and behind the scenes shots that we hope will allow the fans to connect with us as a band on a more personal level. Of course, there are some exciting live performance shots included in the video as well. So the creation of the concept of the “Sweetest Pain” video was very much a collaborative decision between the band, management, and the videographers K.Haus Productions.

 

Michael, Sweetest Pain was co-written by wordsmith Jim McGorman. What sort of qualities did Jim bring to the table for this remarkable tune?

Jim McGorman is a wonderful discovery for us. He is a very gifted and experienced songwriter in addition to being a Berklee-trained guitarist who is very focused on strong hooks and memorable vocal melody as well as emotional impact. Also, his extensive experiences working with female rock vocalists, like Gwen Stefani and Avril Lavigne, and commercial rock acts like Goo Goo Dolls really makes him a perfect fit for us. Aside from that, Jim is a warm and real human being who fits in perfectly with our overall positive spiritual energy and integrity.

 

Kazuki, who was the producer on the Sweetest Pain session and what did that collaboration look like in the studio?

Finding rock producer Ethan Kaufman was another stroke of very good luck for us. Ethan is known for taking musical acts with strong potential and adding the “magic” that puts them over the top into a more marketable and modern rock sound on their recordings and this is exactly what he did with Circle The Earth. Ethan is also a guitarist as well with extensive writing and live performance experience on huge stages Gust as Jim McGorman does). Ethan took the song as it existed and re-recorded all of the tracks with a very hands-on approach and suggested very strong changes in the delivery of both the instrumental and vocal hooks that really made the recording much, much stronger and more memorable.

 

Sandro, what do you hope fans walk away with after listening to “Sweetest Pain”?

We hope that the fans walk away with a feeling of empathy and inspiration. A feeling that they are not alone in the challenges of life and also a feeling of strength and determination to push forward along with us on the road to spiritual evolution.

 

Sandy, can fans look forward to checking out Circle the Earth on the tour circuit this summer and into the fall?

We just completed recording 6 singles, produced by Ethan Kaufman, and our current plan is to continue to do local Southern California shows while releasing and promoting each of the singles and videos culminating with an EP release in late January of 2023. Hopefully that string of singles will grow our fan base sufficiently to warrant us to tour in the spring and summer of next year.

 

What are you most proud of in regards to the “Sweetest Pain” single?

The power and emotion of the song. The positivity of the message and the strength of the delivery of the vocals and instruments. The song has a strong punch to it.

 

With the release of the new single can we expect a full-length album rom Circle the Earth in the near future?

Yes, eventually. We’re currently focused on releasing a new single and video every 45 days or so, culminating in an EP release in early 2023.

 

Michael, how did Circle the Earth come together? Is there a Secret Origin story you could share with readers and fans?

I have been pursuing original music here in LA for well over 30 years. When I first arrived in LA, I was blessed to work with a musical genius named Jonathan Ivy, who was a keyboard virtuoso as well as a gifted songwriter and vocal arranger, for 1 0 years. He taught me how to put together musical projects and rehearse them. After working with him, I have a gift for choosing special musicians who have a magic combination of talent and heart. I’ve been working with Sandra, our drummer, for 10 years now, since the first day I met him. We met singer Khadia 6 years ago and she is such a perfect fit for us. Then came Sandy on keys 4 years ago and finally we met Kazuki, our guitarist, 2 years ago. Each of these people is a world-class musician but also a world-class human being whom I feel honored to work with. I would do anything for any of them like family.

 

A question for all of you: Musically, who turns you on?

The musical influences of the band include: Janet Jackson, Prince, Tina Marie, Paramore, Van Halen, Avril Lavigne, Journey, Yes, Too Close To Touch, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Rush, P!nk

 

Khadia, Circle the Earth is based out of the City of Angels, Los Angeles. How does that distinctive locale inform the music of Circle the Earth?

Los Angeles is a very unique place in that artists arrive here literally from all over the world to pursue their dreams and so the overall talent pool here is tremendous and also the level of competition here is equally tremendous. These conditions make it both easy and hard. There are literally 8 thousand musical acts here all trying to dot he same thing we are. This puts an enormous amount of pressure on us to stand out among the very crowded field here in Los Angeles.

Kazui, how is “Sweetest Pain” similar to the group’s earlier efforts in “Could Be You”? How is it different?

“Sweetest Pain” is the first single in which we feel that we have found our defining sound. We feel that we have a very good combination now with the Jim and Kazuki co-writing and Ethan producing. Our previous tracks were good, but we feel that we really have a winning combination at this point.

 

Final – SILL Yl – Question {for all of you!): Favorite movie about the music scene – This Is Spinal Tap, Almost Famous, La Bamba or Backbeat?

“Woodstock”.

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