News: The Evolution of Standby Records- New Look. New Sounds. New Bands. New Era.‏

Long-standing independent record label Standby Records has officially re-launched, ushering in a brand new era for the label that has long been known as a launching pad for some of the biggest names in rock (Black Veil Brides etc).

With a new look, new logo, new website, a new vision for the future and a slew of exciting new artist signings, Standby Records is poised to shake things up within the music industry as they move to redefine themselves and expand beyond the world of heavy music.

While breakout acts OUTLINE IN COLOR, LIGHT THE FIRE and THE RELAPSE SYMPHONY remain on the roster, they are now joined by British alt rockersSECRET COMPANY, San Jose, CA indie/alt 5-piece DEMON IN ME, Canton, OH alternative/electronic 4-piece I FIGHT FAIL, Dallas, TX rock trio PSEUDO FUTUREand JESSE SMITH & THE HOLY GHOST, featuring Jesse Smith, a founding member of seminal metal-core band Zao. The band's self-titled LP was released last week.

Smith says, " I've thrown the good work at this project. After writing, recording, and self-financing, it's good to find a label home. We are excited to work with Neil Sheehan and the staff of Standby Records for a push on our first proper release."

A music video for Jesse Smith & The Holy Ghost's first single ("826") off the albumrecently premiered on Revolver Magazine. Another track ("The Mountain") is streaming on Billboard.

Catch Jesse Smith & The Holy Ghost on tour now with He Is Legend.

Label founder and CEO Neil Sheehan says, "Everything evolves. Standby has been a voice for the glam rock, goth rock and metal scene for over 8 years; but as in life, everything evolves and we excited to bring a new look and sound to the new era of Standby Records. We will continue to strive to discover and develop new artists that haven't been afforded the opportunity to get their message and music to the masses. We hope you will find some of your favorite new bands and artist through the new era of Standby Records."

Check out a teaser video about the relaunch of Standby Records here.

New/Upcoming releases from the NEW Standby Records:

Out Now

JESSE SMITH & THE HOLY GHOST- SELF-TITLED

Available Now in the Standby Records store and on iTunes.

Hailing from the small town of Parkersburg, West Virginia, Jesse Smith of Jesse Smith & The Holy Ghost has lived the all too familiar "ups" and "downs" of the music business for the last 20 years. As a founding member of the seminal Christian metal-core band Zao, Jesse went on to sell thousands of records, tour the world with some of the biggest names in metal, and influence the sound of countless major heavy acts.

"Over the years I have struggled to find my place as a songwriter," explains Jesse. "I'm a fan of heavy music, but I've always been into all types of stuff. When I began writing these songs, I just wrote from the heart, with no preconceived notions of what they would turn out to be but it’s been an amazing experience creating music and art with so many dear friends,” Smith says. “These songs are straight-up what I was looking to do. When I began, I wasn’t sure who I was, but now I know.

Smith and his live band - drummer Brandon Joy, bassist Ralph Moyers, and guitarists Breyer White and Dakota Walker, also had the opportunity to hone their chops and test new post-classic alt rock material live as they took to the stage at renowned festivals like Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Delaware’s Dewey Beach Music Festival and Cornerstone Festival, as well as headlining and support gigs throughout the East Coast and Midwest backing artists like He Is Legend, Sleepwave, Filter, Saving Abel, Trapt, and more. The band's first EP sold well over 1000 copies quickly in 2013 which truly spoke to Jesse that he was on the right path so over the next few years, he painted the portrait of his life in his music as he developed as an artist and a person.

The group tracked the new album at Michael Seifert’s Ante Up Audio (Dave Matthews Band, Fountains of Wayne) with Brandon Zano producing and engineering. With a release date set and tours running through the end of 2016, the future is bright.

UPCOMING JESSE SMITH & THE HOLY GHOST TOUR DATES (W/ HE IS LEGEND

7/11 - Toledo, OH @ Ottawa Tavern

7/14 - Valparaiso, IN @ Big Shots

7/15 - Crest Hill, IL @ Bada Brew

7/19 - Erie, PA @ Basement Transmissions

7/20 - Webster, NY @ Harmony House

7/21 - Wareham, MA @ 3065 Live

7/22- Harrisburg, PA- Federal Taphouse

7/23 - Vineland, NJ @ The Oak Tavern

7/24- Morgantown, WV- 123 Pleasant Street

7/25 - Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar

7/26 - Raleigh, NC @ Southland Ballroom