AngelMilk Records

Angelmilk Records is both excited and honoured to announce the signing of melodic rock legend Rick Springfield to the label, for the European release of his brand new studio album Venus In Overdrive on Friday August 1.

Venus In Overdrive is Rick Springfield’s first full-length new studio work of original material since the critically acclaimed shock/denial/anger/acceptance in 2003. More upbeat and fun than the dark and introspective shock/denial/anger/acceptance, Venus In Overdrive marks a return to Rick’s pop/rock roots. Venus In Overdrive is simultaneously classic and current — and definitely the music fans have loved since Rick’s distinctive canine companion Lethal Ron first graced the cover of his classic album Working Class Dog.
“In a way, I think we should have called this album ‘Son of Working Class Dog.’ The songs explore some of the same themes, albeit from a slightly older perspective,” notes Rick. “It’s an album about love in all of its forms…good, bad, happy, sad, the kind that drives you crazy…love and all of its human failings.”

A creative collaboration between Rick and his longtime bass player Matt Bissonette, Venus In Overdrive was recorded in its entirety in only 32 days. “We were on a roll and just couldn’t stop. It all flowed so naturally. Writing and recording these songs has been the most fun I’ve had in the studio since the early 80s,” says Rick.

The first single from Venus In Overdrive is “What’s Victoria’s Secret?” Says Rick, “It’s one of those titles that was waiting to be written and Matt (Bissonette) just came up with it first. It’s about the sexualization of women and the dichotomy most men feel. As males we want that on one hand, but then it scares the hell out of us and we resist it. Mainly, we need to connect with women as human beings.” Rick also notes that there are some familiar influences in the song. “The longing, lust, and insecurities revealed that made “Jessie’s Girl” hit so close to home are there. It’s not ‘Jessie’s Girl,’ but touches some of the same places lyrically and musically.”

By contrast, the album’s title track is a different sound for Rick Springfield. With its dance and alternative influences, “Venus In Overdrive” is as contemporary as “What’s Victoria’s Secret” is retro. Still, its guitar tracks and raw sexual angst are signature Rick Springfield. “It surprises me when people use the word ‘influences’ like it’s always something from the past. Bands like The Beatles and The Who made a huge impact on my life as a musician and a songwriter, but there are some really cool things happening in music now that inevitably find their way into my psyche. ‘Venus In Overdrive’ evolved that way,” notes Rick.

Other songs on the album address different kinds of relationships, including loved ones lost. “There’s a lot of personal stuff in these songs, but we’ve tried to craft them with a universal voice. In working on this album, Matt and I discovered the similarities in the relationships with our fathers — things that were sometimes funny and maddening.” Two songs on the record, “Saint Sahara” and “God Blinked” pay tribute to Sahara Aldridge, a young girl who frequently attended Rick’s shows and who recently lost her battle with cancer. The whole band had come to love her as a member of the extended family and felt a great loss with her passing, but the songs are a celebration of her life and recognition of the people she affected in the world, making good on a promise to give her a song she could dance to.

Andrew McNeice: “To say that I am excited about this signing is the understatement of the year. Everyone that knows me and this site knows what a huge fan I am of Rick’s work over the years. I have music from Rick dating back to 1968, and he has been a constant musical influence for me since becoming a fan in 1981 (along with so many others).

This year has been a stellar year for music, with several artists delivering their best work in more than 20 years. It is therefore especially rewarding to sign this new album from Rick, as I personally feel he has also delivered his best work in 20 years and one of his best releases ever.

Venus In Overdrive is nothing short of classic Rick Springfield with a fresh updated sound and I thank Rick and his management team for this opportunity in helping him re-connect with his European fan base.”

Andy Bramhall: “Can I just say how proud Andrew and I are to be representing Rick Springfield in Europe for his latest record, we are both huge fans of his work and this record is about as radio friendly as it gets. It’s a superb effort that will have wide appeal and we both feel flattered that Rick’s Management have shown trust in our new label to get this record out…..Thank you Rick, we won’t let you down mate.”

When asked to comment, Rick Springfield sent the following message: “Signing a deal in Europe (to Angelmilk) with this, the best CD of my career is something that is overdue. We have been touring in the US, Japan and Australia for the last 10 years and look forward to coming over to Europe and getting to know you all again. Love, RS.”

The Angelmilk Records European release of Venus In Overdrive contains the following tracks (including a killer bonus track!): 1. What’s Victoria’s Secret? 2. I’ll Miss That Someday 3. Venus In Overdrive 4. One Passenger 5. Oblivious 6. 3 Warning Shots 7. Time Stand Still 8. God Blinked (Swing It Sister) 9. Mr. PC 10. She 11. Nothing Is Ever Lost 12. Saint Sahara 13. Who Killed Rock N Roll.

RICKSPRINGFIELD.COM

Tags: Rick Springfield