A new record label with strong Tucson ties is in the works.

Proclaiming "We believe in the transcendent power of rock 'n' roll," Seth Olinsky (from the experimental folk-rock band Akron/Family) introduces us to Lightning Records, more of an arts and music collective than a traditional record label.

Olinsky and conceptual artist Ali Beletic started Lightning Records to focus on sharing music and other art with a like-minded group of musicians, adventurers, surfers, dirtbike enthusiasts and builders, racecar enthusiasts, premier coffee roasters, fashion and product designers.

Though Olinsky and Beletic live in Los Angeles, they say the spirit of the project comes straight out of the time they spent living in Tucson, where Olinsky began performing his Cy Dune side project and Beletic created large-scale sculptural works with a strong connection to the desert.

"Both the land and the community there were so inspiring, the perfect place to dream and make music and art, and the most amazing community to get inspired by and share inspirations," Olinsky says.

• Photo from shutterstock.com
• ATLANTIC CITY - FEB 26: Ray Davies (L) founding member of The Kinks, performs with Bill Shanley at the Borgata Casino February 26, 2010 in Atlantic City, NJ.

The remaining members of The Kinks might reunite this year, according to Uncut magazine. Ray and David Davies caught up in London last summer and they discussed the possibility of reuniting the British rock band. The timing couldn't be better because 2014 marks the band's 50th anniversary. The Kinks frontman Ray Davies told British tabloid that the reunion is, "as close as it’s ever been to happening.”

Nothing lasts forever.

Tonight is the last in-store concert at 7 p.m. at Toxic Ranch Records, 424 East Sixth Street.

There will be a live performance by Lenguas Largas, The Resonars and Discos. $3 cover for this all ages show. Toxic is offering 30% off all non-local discs through Jan. 6.

I walked in to Toxic Ranch Records for the first time seven years ago. I was a freshman at Tucson High School and I was very ignorant when it came to the local music (and everything under the sun). The only bands I knew personally were guys I went to school with. I knew some of the guys from Cool Shades and various bands that don't exist any more. But Toxic was the place where I discovered a whole new world of punk and local comic scene.

We are giving away Battleme merchandise because it's Friday. You can win a medium shirt, CD, LP and Battleme sticker if you are the first person to email us after reading this post. You have to come down to the Tucson Weekly HQ to claim your prize or you can't win. This is for locals only!

Good luck!

• Photo from shutterstock.com
• Travis Barker performing with Blink 182 at the Molson Amphitheater on August 17, 2011 in Toronto.

Travis Barker, Blink-182 drummer, announced that he is currently writing a memoir. The 38 year-old musician originally played for The Aquabats, toured the world with Blink-182, collaborated with some of the best in the music industry, started a clothing company, founded a record label and survived a horrific plane crash. Barker should have more interesting stories than the amount of tattoos that cover his body. The book is expected to release in the fall of 2014.

Here's the official announcement:

This wuz my Christmas Eve present 8 years ago yesterday. My kids are my best production I’ve ever been a part of. Better than any album, beat , clothing or anything I’ve had a hand in making period. My 3 kids changed my life in so many ways and actually saved my life. Being sober for over a year has been the best awakening I’ve ever had too. I got a memoir I’ve been workin hard on and it’s turning out awesome . Its been very therapeutic for me to get this all out and into a book and hopefully it can inspire a grip of people and help many as well. It’s comin out Fall 2014 and I can’t wait to share it with ya’ll . Anyhow ….enjoy your Christmas, your kids , your family/ loved ones and holidays. Much love & continued blessings to all of u. #Blessed #Family My motto will always be hash tagged #NobodycaresGoharder (after all we only live once right) Also I’m picking the winner of my 65 Cadillac right after the holidays for those asking. Good luck to all~. #werethebarkers

We just received word that The Pizza Underground, Macaulay Culkin's new band, will be making an appearance on Monday, March 10 at 191 Toole (the space that once hosted the latest location for Skrappy's), 191 E. Toole Ave.

• Photo courtesy of the Stateside Tucson Presents Facebook event page.

The band hasn't released an album or a single song, but that isn't stopping them from booking shows across the nation. The good people at Noisey interviewed the band and released their first (offical) music video earlier today: