Multi-platinum and Grammy nominated alternative rock band, Papa Roach have released their new album, The Connection (Eleven Seven Music) today. Produced by rock veteran James Michael (Sixx:A.M., Halestorm) and John Feldmann (Panic at the Disco, The Used, Escape the Fate), the album was recorded at the band’s hometown studio, The Red House in Sacramento, CA. Although the band has seen more than 10 years of success including highlights such as 10 million in album sales worldwide, 2 Grammy nominations, an MTV VMA nomination, 10 Top 10 rock hits, 7 Top 10 alternative hits, the Most Played Alternative Song of the Decade (BDS), over 260 million online plays, 6.3 million combined fans, a hosting gig on MTV’s Scarred and countless sold out shows, the writing and recording process for the their 6th studio effort, and first since leaving major label Interscope, proved to be a tough one – even for pros. The Associated Press recently spoke with frontman, Jacoby Shaddix regarding his battle with substance abuse and an emotional suicide attempt during the making of The Connection.
Shaddix also underwent surgery in mid August to remove nodes from his vocal cords after being forced to exit early from this summer’s Uproar tour. The band documents Shaddix’s road to surgery in part 2 of their video series that gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at their album process. Click here to watch the video.
The Connection’s lead single, “STILL SWINGIN'” is a middle finger in the air that reminds critics and doubters of Papa Roach’s hit-making abilities as it currently sits at #3 on the active rock chart and has clocked over 1 million total views on Youtube. The track was also recently licensed by MLB and Fox Baseball. The track is equal parts classic Papa Roach with big hooks and an anthemic chorus, coupled with modern electronic elements; a song that at one time captures the hard rock band’s signature sound while exhibiting their contemporary edge.
In keeping with the theme of “connection,” the band will be live chatting with their fans tonight beginning at 6pm PST using the innovative new technology at www.lifetime.fm/paparoach. Using Lifetime.fm, the band will talk to fans on 3 of 9 available video chat seats as fans rotate in and out of the remaining 6. Fans will have the chance to directly chat with the band and/or other fans, which will enable a higher level of interaction than standard chatting. The band has also partnered with Spotify and TuneWiki to launch a contest allowing fans to share their favorite lyrics. Papa Roach is the first artist to use the TuneWiki application in this manner to connect with fans. One lucky winner will receive a handwritten version of the lyrics they share, a signed copy of the album and $100 music gift card. To enter the contest, fans can go to https://www.facebook.com/paparoach/app_208195102528120.
With a bevy of global promotional responsibilities to gear up for their album release, the band will perform for a worldwide live stream and take questions from fans at youtube.com/presents on Oct 23rd at 4pm EST, joining a list of the biggest names in music including Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift. This also marks Shaddix’s triumphant return since pulling off the main stage of Uproar due to vocal issues. MX2 also recently featured “Into The Connection With Papa Roach Hosted By Matt Pinfield,” which can be heard here.
Known for their electrifying and explosive live shows, Papa Roach have become the common denominator for some of the most successful rock tours in recent years and have critics worldwide hailing them as “the best live band.” With their feet firmly planted in over 10 years of multi-format success, Papa Roach’s Time For Annihilation…On the Record and On the Road (Eleven Seven Music, August 2010) debuted as the #1 Independent Rock, #23 Top 200, #4 Hard Rock and #5 Alternative Album on Billboard’s charts. The album’s singles, “Kick in the Teeth” and “Burn” both remained in the Top 5 at the active rock radio format for over 8 weeks straight, joining 8 additional Top10 hits throughout the band’s career with songs such as “Last Resort” and “Scars.”
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