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A Dirty Dozen with MICHAEL McBAY from CIRCLE THE EARTH

According to a recent press release: “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 on gigs 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 official 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. “Sweetest Pain” marks the band’s first release of many for Circle The Earth this year.” We get singer bassist Michael to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

On first listen of our new single “Too Many Pieces,” the overall excellent vocal delivery, song arrangement, catchy chorus, and engaging instrumental solos, I believe, are what strike the casual listener first. Then, after several listens and more careful analysis, the diehard fan will appreciate the stellar production value of Ethan Kaufmann, including the excellent blending of the vocal harmonies and the powerful delivery of the rhythm section as well as the musicality of the way Sandy’s keyboard solo segues into Kazuki’s guitar solo and the subtle atmospheric background sounds as well as the obvious strength of Jim McGorman & Kazuki Tokaji’s collaborative songwriting ability.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I was first introduced to music when the kids in my neighborhood all got instruments and started a band. I thought bass would be the easiest instrument to learn on my own since it only had 4 strings. I was introduced to the music of Sly & The Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix and Chicago, then the very first time I heard the music of Yes my soul literally came alive and I have been inspired to make music with beauty, harmony, integrity, intensity and a positive message ever since.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

I am personally influenced by the excellent songwriting and underlying message of unity of the music of Sly & The Family Stone, Simon & Garfunkel, and any and all of the music of Yes – the tangible spirituality and power of their live concerts and the quality of people that attended them as well as the inspiring level of musicianship, songwriting and positive uplifting message of their music.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Any of the classic songwriters like Desmond Child, Dianne Warren, Jack Antonoff. But we are very happy working with Jim McGorman (Goo Goo Dolls / Gwen Stefani / Avril Lavigne) and we continue to collaborate with him very successfully.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

Sandy (keys) and Mike (bass) practice martial arts quite seriously 6 days/week. Khadia (vocals) takes boxing lessons. Sandro (drums) is an amazing cook. Kazuki (guitar) practices guitar relentlessly and often unwinds with online video games.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

The music of Circle The Earth is commercial melodic pop-rock with an “edge” that features excellent vocals, quality songwriting, strong instrumental delivery, and an underlying positive uplifting message. I have actually heard Circle The Earth compared to Mötley Crüe once which I found quite surprising and initially disagreed with, but Mötley Crüe is a great band with great energy so I’m ok with it.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Generally, either Sandy or Sandro or our manager (Johnny Miller) cook at our gatherings and they are all excellent cooks. Kazuki invariably plays acoustic guitar.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Kazuki has actually shared the stage with Steve Vai (the leading virtuoso electric rock guitarist in the world). Khadia has worked with Prince, Imagine Dragons and Kanye West. For me, personally, meeting Yes was a wonderful experience.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

One of the best parts of being a musician for me, personally, is hearing a new composition fully recorded and mixed for the first time as well as the feedback from the audience when delivering a new composition live in concert for the first time. Other than being a musician, my dream job is being a medical doctor.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

“What about God?” is the one question I have always wanted to be asked by an interviewer. My answer would be that, “All true religions and spiritual paths lead to the same loving God and not one Soul will be lost.” Honestly, being interviewed about the music and message of Circle The Earth is an honor and a privilege that we have all worked and sacrificed tirelessly for, for many many, many years. There are no questions that we are tired of answering – each question is a blessing and an affirmation of all the hard work and sacrifice that all of us have put in together.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Personally, my 20 years of addiction to crack were a great mistake, however the process of recovery from that (I am well over 12 years sober now) has deepened my character, spiritual focus, compassion, humility, sincerity and determination as well as my respect and appreciation for the wonderful people in and around Circle The Earth in ways that are so profound that it brings tears to my eyes to write this. After all that I have been through including jail, homelessness, loss of employment and my medical license, multiple treatment programs, etc. to be where I am today and to have survived all of that and still have been blessed to put together such a team of beautiful people, both in and around the band, with this level of talent, character, professionalism and integrity is amazing even to me. It is only by the Grace of God that this has been accomplished.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would love to have been present during the recording of Close To The Edge by Yes. In particular during the closing outro where they are singing: “Now that it’s all over and done, called to the Seed, right to the Sun, now that you find, now that you’re whole…Seasons will pass you by…I get up, I get down. I get up, I get down. I get up, I get down.” Hearing the record Close To The Edge by Yes and experiencing the musical and spiritual intensity of it really inspired me on a very deep spiritual level from the very first time I heard it. My soul literally “came alive” as though it immediately recognized a spiritual frequency that was “brand new” and “ground-breaking” but also somehow immediately “familiar and precious.” for the first time, I realized that I was not at all alone in the search for knowledge of the one true God and The Light, that is common to all the religions and spiritual paths of the world, and I realized to what a tremendous extent music could be an integral part of seeking, sharing and delivering that Light with others.

In closing, I would like to say that all of the members of Circle The Earth (Khadia/vocals, Sandro/drums, Sandy/keys, Kazuki/guitar) as well as the team of people around the band are among the warmest, kindest, nicest, most sincere and most professional people that I have ever been blessed to work with and I don’t take a moment of any of this for granted! I (and all of us) try to push forward on behalf of everyone else – every single minute of every single day – pressing towards commercial success within a context of integrity, morality, diversity, inclusion and spiritual sincerity.

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Thanks so much for sharing another great track! And what a powerful sound! I really like the way this song reminds me especially of Muse for the intense and powerful instrumental and I really like the way you use this instrumental quite naturally, demonstrating that you have enough “Power” to sustain a frenetic and well-executed instrumental. Congratulations on yet another amazing song!”

-Natália de Mitri (Rocknbold)

 

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Circle The Earth Too Many Pieces

Female-fronted, multi-cultural rock band Circle The Earth has gifted fans with the release of their new single “Too Many Pieces” today. The official music video for the pop-rock song, produced by Ethan Kaufman (Avril Lavigne, Ryan Cabrera, DOROTHY) and co-written by Jim McGorman (Avril Lavigne, Weezer, Gwen Stefani, Goo Goo Dolls) and the band’s guitarist Kazuki Tokaji, features footage from the Los Angeles-based quintet’s recent performance at the Alzheimer’s Los Angeles Making Memories Festival alongside Los Lobos, Cut Chemist, and others.

“All the pieces fit together beautifully if we will only allow it,” shares the band of the new song. “Playing at the Alzheimer’s LA Making Memories Festival was our very first music festival performance as well as our first official performance for the City of Los Angeles,” they add. “In addition to the cause, which is so important, this was extremely gratifying for us because we were chosen by the city specifically because of the strength of our music, our energetic live performance, and our multi-cultural message of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance that the City of Los Angeles stands for.”

“Circle the Earth blew me away. Quite literally…OMG,” exclaims Brian Welch, Associate Director, Events for Alzheimer’s Los Angeles. “I wasn’t prepared for that force that hit our stage. The musicianship, the showmanship, the licks, the hooks, the looks. It was ALL there.”

Source:  FMMusic.com

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Female-fronted, multicultural rock band Circle The Earth’s newest single is a nice, fitted gift to fans that showcases some of the best aspects of their project: beautiful chords, vocals, and overall presentation.

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Source : Eat This Music

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Too Many Pieces

“Circle The Earth’s repertoire of songs is as diverse as the band members’ ethnicity…Circle The Earth are not to be missed!”
Music Connection

“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

“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

“If there was ever a song to get someone out of their funk, it’s ‘New Religion,’ hands down.”
mxdwn Music

 

Los Angeles, CA December 9, 2022 – Female-fronted, multi-cultural rock band Circle The Earth has gifted fans with the release of their new single “Too Many Pieces” today. The official music video for the pop-rock song, produced by Ethan Kaufman (Avril Lavigne, Ryan Cabrera, DOROTHY) and co-written by Jim McGorman (Avril Lavigne, Weezer, Gwen Stefani, Goo Goo Dolls) and the band’s guitarist Kazuki Tokaji, features footage from the Los Angeles-based quintet’s recent performance at the Alzheimer’s Los Angeles Making Memories Festival alongside Los Lobos, Cut Chemist, and others. PRESS HERE to listen to “Too Many Pieces” and PRESS HERE to watch the music video, produced by Caitlin Hill.

 

“All the pieces fit together beautifully if we will only allow it,” shares the band of the new song. “Playing at the Alzheimer’s LA Making Memories Festival was our very first music festival performance as well as our first official performance for the City of Los Angeles,” they add. “In addition to the cause, which is so important, this was extremely gratifying for us because we were chosen by the city specifically because of the strength of our music, our energetic live performance, and our multi-cultural message of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance that the City of Los Angeles stands for.”

 

“Circle The Earth blew me away. Quite literally…OMG,” exclaims Brian Welch, Associate Director, Events for Alzheimer’s Los Angeles. “I wasn’t prepared for that force that hit our stage. The musicianship, the showmanship, the licks, the hooks, the looks. It was ALL there.”

 

“Too Many Pieces” marks the third official offering from Circle The Earth this year, following the releases of  “New Religion” and “Sweetest Pain.” The two recent singles, also produced by Kaufman and co-written by McGorman and Tokaji, have found success on non-commercial and college radio stations across the country with the official music video for Sweetest Pain amassing over 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 the singles Dead,” “All The Way,” andDiamonds, amassing nearly 4 million views on their YouTube channel and over 1 million streams on Spotify as well as media support from the likes of Music Connection, Spectrum News, mxdwn, The Indy Review, AntiMusic, The Rock Revival, and more. 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.

 

More from Circle The Earth coming in 2023!

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2nd Annual Making Memories Festival and benefit concert to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s

Sunday, November 13
LA Historic State Park (Chinatown)

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and for the second year in a row Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is hosting its “Making Memories Festival“, which was first held in 2021 to honor and celebrate the organization’s 40 years of service in LA. The event was such a success, they’ve decided to make it annual, with this year’s celebration including Grammy Award winners Los Lobos as the headliner, plus performances by Cut Chemist, Circle the Earth, Valley Queen, and DJ Mona Lisa, plus iconic food trucks like Baby’s Burger, Yalla, Recess Truck, and more. They’ll also have informational booths on brain health and other healthy resources as part of the festivities.
Cost: $30 for online orders; $35 at the door.

 

Source: www.thrillist.com

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The SoCal Sound Interview with Heather Cooper Ortner of Alzheimer’s Los Angeles and Karen Pearson & DJ Monalisa of Amoeba Music. Recorded 10.19.22.

Host: Andy Chanley

Edited: Matt Blake

Making Memories Festival – Local Music. Local Food. Local Cause. Join Alzheimer’s LA in celebrating the 2nd annual Making Memories Festival on Sunday, November 13th, at the LA State Historic Park.

Enjoy performances by Grammy award-winning LA icons Los Lobos, appearing with Cut Chemist, Circle the Earth, Valley Queen, and & DJ Monalisa.

Tickets are on sale now! Click here for event info and to purchase.

Source: https://www.thesocalsound.org/

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Alzheimer’s Los Angeles 2nd Annual “Making Memories” Music Festival

On November 13th, the organization will host its second annual Making Memories festival featuring Grammy Award-winners Los Lobos as the headlining act.

A variety of food trucks and vendors will feed the attendees as the event celebrates 40 years of service to the Los Angeles community.

Alzheimer’s LA is thrilled to welcome the Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders at Cedars-Sinai as the Champion Sponsor for this year’s event demonstrating the strong partnership between the two organizations and their shared commitment to the people of Los Angeles.

“Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. and the most common form of dementia among older adults,” said Zaldy Tan, MD, MPH, medical director of the Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders at Cedars-Sinai. “The number of Americans living with the disease is projected to nearly triple by 2060, so it is essential that we raise awareness and continue our work to discover the cause and unlock the cure for this devastating disorder.”

In addition to Los Lobos, this year’s multicultural music and food festival will include live performances by Cut Chemist, Circle the Earth, Valley Queen, as well as DJ Mona Lisa, and iconic local food trucks Baby’s Burger, Cerda Vega, Yalla, Stop Bye Café, and Recess Truck.

Informational booths focusing on brain health and other healthy lifestyle opportunities and resources will also be part of the festivities. Joining the Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders at Cedars-Sinai is premier sponsor Zenith Media.

“Alzheimer’s Los Angeles has been part of this community for more than 40 years and we’re proud of our long history of providing care and support to families in need when facing Alzheimer’s or another dementia. This event celebrates the richness and diversity of our community and what better way to do that than through music and food?” says Susan Disney Lord, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles Board Co-Chair.

Serving on the honorary committee are local and state officials Senator Dianne Feinstein; Representatives Judy Chu, Jimmy Gomez, Lucille Roybal-Allard and Adam Schiff; Assemblymembers Adrin Nazarian, Blanca Rubio, Miguel Santiago; and Los Angeles County Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell, Janice Hahn, and Hilda Solis. With this community event, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is working to raise awareness about this critical issue and to ensure that anyone in need of help can access it.

They continue to educate the diverse population of the greater Los Angeles area about what dementia is and isn’t and fight to eliminate the stigma that perpetuates misunderstanding and creates unnecessary barriers to accessing available support and services.

“This event will help raise awareness about available support and resources within the communities most affected by Alzheimer’s disease,” comments Heather Cooper Ortner, President & CEO. “Last year’s event was an incredible celebration for families in need of some respite and fun, as well as the entire community. We knew before it was over that we would have to do it again this year!”

Alzheimer’s Los Angeles continues to meet the challenge of providing essential programs to their vulnerable clients and their caregivers. In California, more than half a million people have Alzheimer’s disease, with over 177,000 living in Los Angeles County. Experts estimate that someone in the US develops Alzheimer’s disease every 65 seconds. By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds.

Until there is a cure, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles will provide the care.   Gates open at 12 pm. Tickets are $30 each.

For more than 40 years Alzheimer’s Los Angeles has served people throughout Los Angeles County. 100% of funds raised stay local, providing free care and support for individuals and families. Low-cost training and education are also offered for professionals. Alzheimer’s Los Angeles focuses on care, support, advocacy, and local research. Alzheimer’s is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the Helpline at 844.HELP.ALZ or visit www.alzheimersLA.org

Source: dtlaweekly.com

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