Guitarist Joel Hoekstra is streaming the track “Long For The Days”, from his upcoming solo effort, Dying To Live, from his electrifying new side project, Joel Hoekstra’s 13. Hoekstra is best known to millions of rock fans as the currrent guitarist for Whitesnake, and also known for his work with Night Ranger, Trans Siberian Orchestra and the show Rock of Ages.

“’Long For The Days’ is a song about reflection and regret over a relationship gone badly," explains Hoekstra. "It's a good old-fashioned, classic-rock style track that captures elements of some of my favorite bands (I'll let you figure them out!). Vinny Appice (drums) and Tony Franklin (bass) lay it down while Derek Sherinian (keys) provides the right sounds and parts with tasteful perfection. Russell Allen delivers one of my favorite vocal performances EVER and Jeff Scott Soto sings some amazing backgrounds to support them. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing/recording it!"

Dying To Live features an all-star cast of rockers including Jeff Scott Soto (vocals), Russell Allen (vocals), Tony Franklin (bass), Vinny Appice (drums), and Derek Sherinian (keyboards), and and will be available on Friday, October 16th.
 
Hoekstra took charge of the creative process by handling the production, song writing and arranging (music and lyrics).  The end result could best be described as hard, melodic, classic rock that is Dio'ish at its heaviest and Foreigner'ish at its lightest.

 
“Years ago, I released three solo albums that were mainly instrumental guitar music.  I wanted to put something out that showcased my production, writing and playing in the genre that I'm known for, which is melodic, hard rock, explains Hoekstra. That’s when I decided to start what I consider to be my rock side project, Joel Hoekstra's 13.” Dying To Live focuses on struggles, potential pitfalls and the art of overcoming obstacles in life to finally arrive where we are meant to be.
 
Dying To Live was conceived before Hoekstra joined Whitesnake. David Coverdale gave the album his full blessing. “David wants his players to spread their wings and fly and of course be ready to rock when Whitesnake needs them, which obviously won't be an issue.”
 
Excited how the new album turned out, Hoekstra is looking forward to the overall reaction from fans and media. “I hope everyone will give it a listen. I feel it showcases my production, writing and playing in essentially the same genre - The line-up of musicians is stellar!  I want to thank everyone for any support in advance.  Life is good!”

Dying To Live tracklisting:

“Say Goodbye To The Sun”
“Anymore”
“Until I Left You”
“Long For The Days”
“Scream”
“Never Say Never”
“Changes”
“The Only Way To Go”
“Dying To Live”
“Start Again”
“What We Believe”
“Kill or Be Killed” (bonus track digital download)

“Until I Left You" featuring Jeff Scott Soto:

“Anymore” lyric video:

Album sampler:

"Anymore" lyric video:

EPK:

 
The musicians:
Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) - guitars, backing vocals
Jeff Scott Soto (Journey, Yngwie Malmsteen) - lead vocals, backing vocals
Russell Allen (Adrenaline Mob, Symphony X) - lead vocals, backing vocals
Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio) - drums
Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder) - bass
 
Special Guest Musicians:
Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Black Country Communion) - keyboards
Chloe Lowery (Trans Siberian Orchestra) - vocals
Toby Hitchcock (Pride of Lions) - additional backing vocals
Charlie Zeleny (Joe Lynn Turner) - percussion
Dave Eggar (Amy Lee, Coldplay) – cello