Sha-La Music has announced the upcoming release of 'Better Day,' a new Digital 45 by US roots rocker DownTown Mystic, set to drop on October 18, 2024. This release, which will be distributed worldwide via The Orchard/Sony Music, marks the artist's third and final offering for 2024, signaling a continued evolution in their signature 'vintage yet modern' sound.
The 'Better Day' Digital 45 comprises three tracks, including 'Love Light' and 'Tomorrow's Clown,' and features the rhythm section from Ian Hunter's Rant Band - drummer Steve Holley and bassist Paul Page. This release serves as a preview of DownTown Mystic's forthcoming album 'The Wish,' slated for release in 2025, and showcases the artist's commitment to pushing the boundaries of their roots rock sound.
Robert Allen, the writer and producer behind DownTown Mystic, explains the inspiration behind the title track: 'I wanted to put out a positive vibe and Better Day was the perfect song to do that.' Allen also notes the influence of Tom Petty on the track, which features a 12-string Rickenbacker guitar as a nod to the late musician's iconic sound.
The release of 'Better Day' comes on the heels of a successful year for DownTown Mystic, marked by the well-received 'Rock'n'Roll 4 The Soul' album and its companion 'Acoustic Sessions' EP. These releases have garnered significant airplay in Europe and across College/Non-commercial/AAA Radio stations in the US, indicating a growing audience for the artist's unique blend of classic and contemporary rock styles.
Sha-La Music's strategy to focus on building DownTown Mystic's presence in the US market appears to be paying dividends. The release of the 'AmeriKarma' album last year caught the attention of Non-com Music Programmers and has led to over 3 million streams, establishing the artist as a notable presence in the indie rock scene.
DownTown Mystic's music, influenced by bands like Buffalo Springfield and Rockpile, has found resonance not only with radio audiences but also in the world of television and film. The artist has become one of the top sync-licensed indie acts, with music featured in over 240 TV shows and films, further expanding their reach and influence in the industry.
The success of DownTown Mystic underscores the ongoing appetite for rootsy, melodic rock that bridges the gap between classic and contemporary sounds. As streaming platforms continue to democratize music distribution, artists like DownTown Mystic are finding new avenues to reach global audiences while maintaining an independent spirit.
For the music industry, the success of DownTown Mystic and Sha-La Music's strategic approach highlights the potential for independent artists and labels to carve out significant niches in both domestic and international markets. It also demonstrates the continued viability of rock-oriented music in a landscape often dominated by pop and hip-hop.
As DownTown Mystic prepares to release 'Better Day,' the music world will be watching to see how this latest offering resonates with fans and critics alike, and what it might signal for the future of roots rock in an ever-evolving musical landscape.
