ToddStar - that's me... just a rocking accountant who had dreams of being a rock star. I get to do the next best thing to rocking the globe - I get to take pictures of the lucky ones that do. I love to shoot all genres of music and different types of performers. If it is related to music, I love to photograph it. I get to shoot and hang with not only some of my friends and idols, but some of the coolest people around today.
According to a recent press release: “Spain-based power trio GREEN DESERT WATER is pleased to present their Eerie Meadows full-length, now streaming in its kaleidoscopic entirety. The premiere comes in advance of the record’s official release tomorrow, Friday June 19th, via Small Stone Recordings. Eerie Meadows features eight immersive and engaging tracks, merging heavy psychedelia and melodies born across decades from the […]
According to a recent press release: “Carolina Liar is the project of Charleston, SC native and Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Chad Wolf. After working for legendary songwriter Diane Warren and recording in Stockholm with Max Martin — one of the biggest pop producers of all time — Wolf broke through with the 2008 Atlantic Records debut […]
According to a recent press release: “Famous Strangers is a heavy metal band from Sherwood Park, Alberta. Rooted in the classics and built for today, the band brings together four veterans of the Alberta music scene with over 20 years of collective experience. With four singles, a music video for every release, and a debut […]
According to a recent press release: “Everything Is Noise is currently streaming Drowner from Seattle blackened doom metal solo project, BLACKSTAFF, in its entirety. The premiere comes in advance of the EP’s official release Friday, July 10th. Born in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State in 2022, BLACKSTAFF is the passion project of multi-instrumentalist and […]
According to a recent press release: “Progressive metal upstarts Candor Zealot continue their ambitious 2026 singles campaign with the release of their second track, “All For You.” Rather than releasing a traditional album, Candor Zealot is unveiling six singles throughout 2026, each spotlighting a different facet of their melodic, progressive, and socially aware sound. The band aims to build momentum […]
According to a recent press release: “Tonic Breed, the long‑running Norwegian thrash and heavy‑metal project led by Patrik K. Svendsen, returns in 2026 with its most ambitious and star‑studded release to date: the new EP Name Dealer. Reinvention has always been at the heart of Tonic Breed, and this EP pushes that ethos further than ever, bringing together […]
According to a recent press release: “Following the successful release of their debut album Winners Write History in 2024, Swedish female-fronted rock band MARYLANE are set to return with their highly anticipated sophomore album, Seventh Sense, arriving July 17, 2026. Leading the release is the album’s focus track, “SEVEN,” accompanied by an official music video on that same day. Marylane is a Swedish rockband formed […]
According to a recent press release: “Texas-based Americana / classic country singer-songwriter Candace Hastings is set to release a new album, Soft Place to Land, independently on June 18, 2026. Both cowgirl and Indigenous, Hastings walks in two worlds and builds bridges between them for her and for others, writing songs that connect disparate identities and communities, exploring places, people, and […]
According to a recent press release: “Modern metal band FALSET release a new single entitled “Happy Life.” This song is from the band’s upcoming album, Day In Day Out, which is slated for release next year on January 15, 2027. FALSET plans to release several singles in the months to come to tease Day In Day Out. Sonically, Day in Day Out blends the band’s trademark […]
Venue: TD Amp Ballantyne City: Charlotte, NC Date: June 16, 2026 Review and Photographs by: James Zambon (https://jameszambon.com) Les Claypool has been a fixture in modern rock for so long that it’s easy to forget how strange the whole enterprise still is, which makes the Claypool Gold tour a well-timed reminder. The three bands took over the […]
According to a recent press release: “Rising heavy rock/metal band Who They Fear have released their new single and music video, “Whiteout,” marking the latest chapter in the band’s evolving sound and rapidly growing momentum. Combining punishing instrumentals, aggressive vocals, soaring melodic hooks, and atmospheric textures, “Whiteout” showcases the band’s ability to blur genre lines […]
Venue: Marathon Music Works City: Nashville, TN Date: June 18-20, 2026 Review and Photographs by: Jacob Smith (https://www.jhs-photo.com) I totally wasn’t ready for what I was in for with this three-night sold-out performance from The Protomen at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, TN. I had been familiar with their music for years, but never had […]
According to a recent press release: “U.S.-based Pink Floyd tribute band Floyd Nation has released their debut album Inner Light. A bold, 9-track undertaking that pushes boundaries and viewpoints, Inner Light meticulously covers the entirety of Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here before closing with a brand-new point of view, reimagining and furthering the album’s narrative with carefully crafted original tracks while retaining a powerful reverence for the multi-million-selling […]
Venue: The Fillmore City: Charlotte, NC Dates: June 17, 2026 Review and Photographs by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur (www.toddstarphotography.com) I have seen Jinjer on stages in three different states and the latest show in Charlotte, NC was the best of the trio in my opinion. With new album Duél to support and introduce the fans to, they hit […]
According to a recent press release: “Tooth & Nail Records is thrilled to welcome gracie to the roster! She will release her new album Miss Misfortunately on June 26. Today, she shares the lyric video for new single “Vendetta.” Shimmering keys set the tone for the snappy and sharp song, which gracie dubs “another feminine rage anthem.” The bright melody belies the […]
According to a recent press release: “Fault of the People – Lexi (Vocals), Richard (Lead Guitar), Stina (Rhythm Guitar), Emily (Vocals & Bass), and Joe (Drums) – is a hard-hitting metalcore band rising out of Athens, Michigan, delivering an explosive blend of brutal screams, beautiful clean vocals and layered harmonies, driving bass lines, and soaring melodic riffs. Known for their high-energy performances and genuine connection with fans, the band has built […]
Venue: Exit/In City: Nashville, TN Date: June 7th, 2026 Review and Photographs by: Jacob Smith (https://www.jhs-photo.com) This evening was nothing short of spectacular. I had high hopes coming into this show for a great time and was not disappointed. The majority of the crowd came dressed up for the night of baroque circus meets Cyndi […]
Venue: The Fillmore City: Charlotte, NC Dates: May 19, 2026 Review and Photographs by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur (www.toddstarphotography.com) Bands roll through town day after day, but on a sunny Tuesday evening in Charlotte, I found myself at The Fillmore waiting for a band I dig to take the stage to play hits, fan favorites, and showcase […]
According to a recent press release: “Nashville-based modern rock artist J NOIRE has officially signed to Vaux Records, one of the first acts to join the newly formed label created by former Rise Records founder and owner Craig Ericson. Blending elements of modern rock, pop, metal, and industrial influences, J NOIRE crafts a sound that is both emotionally resonant and sonically commanding. Drawing inspiration […]
According to a recent press release: “Hoboken rockers-for-life Glenn Morrow’s Cry For Help are releasing their latest opus Our Final Album – Vol. 1. The album will be issued July 17 on 12” LP vinyl, CD, digital download and streaming services on the venerable indie record label Bar / None which is celebrating its 40th […]
