Everlast to Release New Album, Songs of the Ungrateful Living 10/18

Erik "EVERLAST" Schrody is set to release his first album in three years, "Songs of the Ungrateful Living" on October 18th on his own Martyr Inc. Records. This will be the first release on the label, in partnership with EMI Music. Full of Schrody's trademark gritty style, the album is awash in the beats and blues that have made EVERLAST a Grammy winner, a chart-topper, an Emmy nominee and a musical trailblazer for multiple generations.

The first single, "I Get By," set to impact Modern Rock radio on August 23rd is an anthem for our troubled times. Sings EVERLAST, "I voted for change and it's kind of strange that's all I've got in my pocket." EVERLAST is not afraid to address the issues facing the world today, both political and personal. "Little Miss America" looks at the state of fame, reality TV and our country. "Little Miss America," he asks, "where'd you get that scar?" On "Long Time" the big issues become more personal, documenting the struggles that are familiar to everyone.

"The music industry has changed tremendously over the years," explains EVERLAST. "This album is particularly important to me to help express the current chaotic human condition we're all dealing with. With this in mind I made the decision to take control of the situation and start my own label. ‘Songs of the Ungrateful Living' is the first album on Martyr Inc. Records in partnership with EMI. Musically and lyrically, this album reflects the diverse musical explorations and personal ebb and flow that I have experienced in recent years."

"We couldn't be more excited to be in business with EVERLAST. His music has been an anthem for millions of fans and ‘Songs of the Ungrateful Living,' is sure not to disappoint," remarked Michael Harris EVP/General Manager EMI Global Label Services/Caroline Distribution.

Although there have been albums in between, "Songs for the Ungrateful" is the spiritual follow-up to his 1998 breakthrough, the multi-platinum Whitey Ford Sings the Blues, an eclectic mix of rock, blues, country, pop and hip-hop, which topped the Billboard charts and sold more than 3 million copies on the strength of its crossover hit, "What It's Like."

In 2000 Everlast penned the song "Put Your Lights On" won a Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal Grammy for his collaboration with Carlos Santana, "Put Your Lights On." More recently, Everlast was recruited by Nancy Miller, creator and executive producer for the TNT series "Saving Grace," starring Holly Hunter, to create the show's theme song, for which EVERLAST was nominated for an EMMY. EVERLAST is also a member of the rap super group La Coka Nostra who have received major accolades and recognition as one of today's hottest hip hop groups. Among the many artists with whom he's collaborated are Willie Nelson, Snoop Dog, Madonna, Cypress Hill, Cee-Lo, Billy Gibbons, Swollen Members, Dilated Peoples, Run DMC, Kurupt, Limp Bizkit, X-Ecutioners, , Prince Paul, Daz Dillinger and KRS-One.

The Valley Stream, LI-born rapper emerged as a member of Ice-T's Rhyme Syndicate for his 1990 solo album, Forever Everlasting, then formed the pioneering rap group House of Pain with friends DJ Lethal and Danny Boy. Signed to legendary dance and hip-hop label Tommy Boy Records, the group went multi-platinum with their self-titled 1992 debut which produced the legendary rap classic "Jump Around."