"Dawn Rider" Featuring Jeff Schroeder's Mastery from This Wild Darkness Out Today

 SUPERCOLLAB ROCK COLLECTIVE
THIS WILD DARKNESS
RELEASES LEAD SINGLE
“DAWN RIDER”
WITH JEFF SCHROEDER’S MELODIC FRETBOARD MASTERY

FORTHCOMING EP
THE NOTORIOUS MEMPHIS RAINS
DUE OUT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25

FEATURING: 
ARION SALAZAR, CHUCK BARTELS, JACK HUES, JEFF SCHROEDER
SCOTTI HILL, SLIM GAMBILL AND TOMMY MARZ

Above: “Dawn Rider” Single Artwork

NASHVILLE, TN (September 18, 2024) — Today, supercollab rock outfit THIS WILD DARKNESS releases lead single “Dawn Rider” off their upcoming concept EP, THE NOTORIOUS MEMPHIS RAINS, set for release on October 25, in addition to a limited edition release of vinyl.

The track is complete with a virtuosic guitar solo by JEFF SCHROEDER, the long running lead guitarist of The Smashing Pumpkins (2007-2023). Utilizing heavy momentum from the start, the acoustic guitar strums a repeating melody throughout and the gritty tone in lead singer TOMMY MARZ’s voice perfectly compliments the raw and honest lyrics of the contemplative track. The project’s lead character “Memphis Rains” is coming to the realization that his previous decisions have led him to a tough spot, and he is working through his options for his next steps. 

“Dawn Rider represents the ride and realization of Memphis's actions and mistakes. This is him trying to make a run for it but uncertain that he'll be able to escape,” MARZ explains.

STREAM “DAWN RIDER” HERE. PRE-ORDER THE NOTORIOUS MEMPHIS RAINS HERE.
WATCH / SHARE “DAWN RIDER” VISUALIZER BELOW:

United in a moment of musical brilliance, THIS WILD DARKNESS, led by musical alchemist TOMMY MARZ, is a collective born from the pure joy of creation, where legendary musicians from diverse backgrounds converge to craft something poignant and dynamic. With a lineup boasting ARION SALAZAR (Third Eye Blind), CHUCK BARTELS (Sturgill Simpson), JACK HUES (Wang Chung), JEFF SCHROEDER (The Smashing Pumpkins), SCOTTI HILL (Skid Row), and SLIM GAMBILL (Lady A), the group has harnessed their vast experiences to produce a powerful and evocative upcoming 5-song concept EP, THE NOTORIOUS MEMPHIS RAINS.

Above: ‘The Notorious Memphis Rains’ Album Artwork; Credit: Judi Perkins

The project’s title hints at the profound themes explored within the five-track collection, drawing inspiration from the historic tragedies of Memphis, TN, and West Memphis, AR. The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the death of Elvis Presley, and the haunting story of the West Memphis Three served as a foundation for Marz as he crafted the character “Memphis Rains,” symbolizing the collective sorrow of these events.

“The entirety of this project is a concept based on searching for something that you want and being willing to do whatever it takes to get it,” says MARZ, who also produced the album. “It also explores the consequences of those actions that may not be clear when you are in pursuit.”

“Tommy made it easy to be relaxed and creative,” says BARTELS as he reflects on the collaborative process. “I felt like nothing was off the table, part-wise.”

“I couldn't have been more flattered when Tommy asked me to contribute to this record and project,” shares HILL. “ It’s been so much fun!”

Nashville-based guitarist SLIM GAMBILL, known for his work with country group Lady A shouts: “Finally! I get a rock track sent to me where I get to take the gloves off!”

Beginning at a charity show, “For The Crew,” — covered by Rolling Stone, Guitar World and others — to raise money for Sweet Relief Musicians Fund in 2021, SCHROEDER, HILL, and MARZ ended the evening with a rousing jam of “Cold Gin” by KISS. This event — which raised over $15,000 for out-of-work road crew members affected by the pandemic — also highlighted collaboration between SCHROEDER and SALAZAR, as well as HUES and MARZ. These moments laid the foundation for a group that would reunite and create together over the years. MARZ and SCHROEDER have since collaborated on several tracks, charting four times on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Mainstream Radio Airplay and Digital Sales charts.

Tracklisting for The Notorious Memphis Rains:
“The Wild Darkness” 
“Dawn Rider” 
“Phantom Moon” 
“Night Drive Rx” 
“The Wild Darkness (Reprise)”