Samuel Jack is a unique and emotive storyteller whose rugged soulful vocals command the room. Raised on Blues, Motown, soul and roots music, the London born singer spent his formative years in Johannesburg with his Father, a film director. The rich fabric of his childhood informs and oozes into the music he creates today which has been resonating with audiences across the globe.
His newest track ‘In My Head’ is a song inspired by Jack’s own experiences with mental health, a topic very close to his heart. The honest, open and very candid single exudes passionate vocals and compelling melodies. Considering himself somewhat of a ‘mental health survivor’ Jack has learnt how to successfully live with it, emerging stronger than ever before and even learning things about himself that he never realised. Jack confides, “For me, I struggled with depression and anxiety – and in my eyes, despite having a history of mental health issues in my family – I’m certain my issues were born through situation and subsequently has come to affect every aspect of my life. Romantic relationships, professional ones; it really took hold of me”.
The acclaimed singer spent years juggling two extremely high pressure and demanding careers. His work in hospitality, where he was immersed in high stress environments at Rosette and Michelin star kitchens was challenging alone; however, combining it with the exhausting lifestyle of a musician, self-funding records, self-promoting and touring across the nation, ultimately took its toll. Days and nights of this rigorous routine took him to boiling point, where he found himself thinking the only way to escape was to hurt himself.
The musician is speaking out now, publicly for the first time to shine a light on the importance of recognising and helping others with mental health issues, as it can happen to anyone at anytime. “Fuck the stigma. We’re not all crazy, we just struggle inside sometimes”, expresses Jack. ‘In My Head’ is the musician’s way of venting about his frustrations and hopes that it may be of comfort for others, reminding them that they are not alone and we are all in this together.
Then there is the b-side for the track – ‘We Are The Future’ narrates the world we’re living in, most specifically in terms of the political disposition, but in a broader sense, global issues and those in power. Showcasing Jack’s love for hip-hop and poetry, the impassioned song demands the need for change. Jack shares, “We need some new energy in the influential offices of our world and it’s not coming from the top… it’s gonna have to come from a new grassroots generation. Bottom up. I look at the kids coming into the world today and I just feel like we need to do better. We need to shout louder and work harder and make real changes to how we do things. Just stop being fucking selfish you know. We are THEIR future. We need to be the change and not stand down”.
Samuel Jack’s career has found him performing at some of the world’s biggest festivals, landing multiple TV placements on shows such as Shameless and Nashville, as well as garnering acclaim from the likes of Clash, Music Week, Live Nation’s Ones To Watch and the BBC. He continues the next chapter of his fascinating journey with ‘In My Head’ and ‘We Are The Future’ currently available worldwide.
The follow up to ONUR’s debut EP A Millennial Rhapsody has been unveiled with the new single What U Do introduced on all streaming platforms on October 10, 2019. The track now has its own music video!
For this release, the British artist partnered up with the man who’s behind Declan McKenna’s hit Brazil and who also worked with Kodaline and Snow Patrol: Max Marlow. While attending neighbouring high schools and having many mutual friends, the two only met years later at university, where Max was a music technician and ONUR a student. Out of this late-blooming friendship and several studio sessions are born a few collaborations, the latest in date being What U Do, which they wrote and produced together. With its blaring brass and chivalrous electric guitar, this laid-back, modern love story sets the mood for an explosive chorus that might inspire your next grand gesture. “The meaning and sentiment is so simple yet so effective. The affect someone has on you can be so profound, and with this song I just really wanted to highlight that. I wanted it to be grand and bold. If you’re going to lay it all on the table for someone, you might as well do it with a lot of conviction”, ONUR points out.
What U Do comes on the back of an exciting first year in the industry for the 23-year-old who has amassed over 410,000 streams since September 2018. Unveiled this spring, his debut EP A Millennial Rhapsody received raving reviews with a sold-out headline show and a very successful lead single, Beautiful Time, who put him on the radar of Spotify UK, USA, Germany and Turkey. Following successful shows in New York, LA & London, ONUR has now unveiled on November 14 the visuals for What U Do, a modern love story directed by Meg Wilford. “The whole idea of this video was to capture the good parts of what makes a special bond between two people. I really wanted to portray it in the simplest and most organic way as I could so that everyone could relate to the sentiment behind the song”, reveals ONUR whose track already received support from BBC Radio London, Spotify, 1883 Magazine, The Most Radicalist, The Idle Man, DLSO, Our Culture Mag, Topsify & so on.
“Silver Line,” from my upcoming EP, was written at a time when I began to see the parallels between my brother and collaborator, Mike, and I as touring musicians and our older brother who had toured the country as a professional golfer. For him, and for us, you log a lot of hours on the same highways probably having the same doubts, wondering if following your dreams is worth it. When you’re all those miles away from the people you care about most, it’s easy to feel like the world is passing you by. It’s the space between your ears that becomes the hardest part to navigate. In the quiet moments when doubt starts to creep in you either feed into it or you cling to something positive to keep you going. “Silver Line” is about choosing to lean on hope in those moments.”–Mattie Leon
“Hate That I Love You,” our new single, is inspired by themes of addiction, carelessness, and infatuation. The song is a slightly twisted love story which depicts the relationship between two individuals under the influence of intense, obsessive romance. We, New West, are a group that writes, plays every instrument and self produces each of our recordings. “Hate That I Love You” was particularly inspiring, as its recording served as an introduction to a new palette of sonic and lyrical avenues for us as a band. A huge part of our process includes finding contemporary mediums to express a feeling of nostalgia and this song is a reflection of that practice.
Our stories encapture the experiences and events that surround our lives on a personal level, as we often find inspiration in each other and through the individuals that are closest to us. We look forward to sharing further singles with you in the new year.”–New West
Jillian Francis has released her sophomore single and establishes a change of pace in her new empowerment anthem, “If He Loves You”. The upbeat and indie rock infused single reveals a new side to Jillian and most importantly, harnesses an empowering message of not settling for less than what is deserved. “If He Loves You” is a lyrical PSA for those who are struggling to figure out the intentions in their relationships. Although, the song is speaking about a significant other, the concept of the song expands to any relationship, friendship. She emphasizes that you should never have to guess if someone is invested and cares for you. Her debut single, “Won’t Be You”, illustrated Jillian’s power ballad influences while “If He Loves You” gives the listener Jillian’s fast paced, groovy percussion and empowering lyrics. She speaks of the red flags to look out for in a relationship, how love should be shown, and makes it apparent to not waste time on someone who isn’t willing to reciprocate the energy. The chorus repeats the lyrics “if he loves you..” after she jumps into a lively melody of taking back control of her love.
At the age of eight, Jillian discovered her love for singing and started writing her own music at fifteen. Previously working in the business side of music during the day, Jillian used her nights to build her own musical prowess in the studio. Jillian has spent the last decade perfecting her craft, knowing that she needed to find her own voice before releasing it to the world. Influenced by the thought provoking substance and emotional pull of singer songwriters of the late 60’s & 70’s, Jillian has honed her own sound. Jillian lives in her motto of not seeking applause when she performs, but eagerly anticipating the lingering silence after her final note, allowing the audience to soak it all in. Jillian is set to perform at The Elbo Room, in her Chicago hometown, on November 7th in celebration of the release of her new single. Jillian is also set to release new music at the top of 2020.
Regularly found singing into a tape recorder from the age of three, singer/songwriter Avery Robitaille grew up in the jungles of Indonesia as a missionary kid. Isolated from western and pop culture she spent most of her time writing lyrics and journaling about her dreams of touring the world. At the age of 18, Robitaille made the decision to relocate to Los Angeles to pursue that dream. While performing at an open mic night, Robitaille met Sean Baker and the two quickly realized their aligned visions and ability to translate each other’s experiences into music.
Following the release of their successful single ‘Shots’, mastered by Joe LaPorta (Imagine Dragons, X Ambassadors), alt pop duo Fever Joy is dropping their highly anticipated five-track EP, Reflections. Inspired by real life events and crafted specifically to focus on experiences that aid in you finding who you truly are, Robitaille shares, “This EP is about empowerment, removing a ‘filter’ and just being open about how certain life experiences made us feel”.
The two set out with the mission to create a space which encourages you to stand up for what you believe in, regardless of what others think. Baker confides, “Music is one of the only things that allows us to see into other people’s experiences from a distance and connect with them. With that insight, and connection we can learn to be more understanding and helpful with each others circumstances”. Fever Joy aims to bring that narrative to the forefront of their music, creating honest and authentic releases. The EP was produced by Adam Castilla of The Colourist and mastered by Brian Lucey (Cage the Elephant, Arctic Monkeys).
Fever Joy have seen success selling out shows across Los Angeles, performing at SXSW, as well as receiving airplay on tastemakers KCRW and KROQ. Reflections is currently available worldwide.
Meet sisters, Stereo Jane (Sydney and Mia) who are thrilled to share their new single “Real World” out now along with the lyric video that is featured on Hollywood Life.
Taking influence from the likes of modern hit makers like Twenty-One Pilots and Imagine Dragons, as well as iconic voices like Queen, Aretha Franklin, and Amy Winehouse, “Real World” showcases a new side of Stereo Jane’s sound, while still staying true to their method of writing around prominent vocal melodies and drum patterns.
The band says, “’Real World’ is a song about not wanting to grow up. It’s about facing the reality of adult life. The life we didn’t know existed when we were kids. It was fun for us to write it because we were letting off some steam that day. The first lyric of the song is about something that happened to us just hours before we wrote it. Our car literally broke down on us that day.” This past August the band released their first single “Holy Hell” that was featured on Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” and Alt Press Discover playlist just to name a few.
Stereo Jane presents an edgy blend of genres that leaves you wanting more. When you first lay eyes on Sydney and Mia, you would never think that these fresh-faced, 21-year-old cover girls could morph into multi-faceted musical divas who can rock out on any stage. There are few things more powerful than siblings finding the same creative spark within themselves and working together to build something impactful. With Sydney at the helm belting out her powerfully soulful vocals and guitar and Mia driving the heartbeat of every song on the drums, the group exemplifies what it is to be a young, real band with a resonating sound.
Perhaps this wide spectrum of musical inspiration can also be attributed to their move from a suburb outside of Detroit to the sprawling metropolis that is Los Angeles. This newfound freedom allowed the sisters to let loose and discover new depths to their songwriting and performance. After years of paying their dues, working with some of the top songwriters and producers in Los Angeles, Stereo Jane’s music embodies this journey, resulting in a new single that feels uniquely satisfying for them.
“Real World” and “Holy Hell” are just first taste of what listeners can expect from the duo’s new releases.
Credit: Mike Carver
Based out of Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island, Golden Cinema is a three-piece indie band with a penchant for summary melodies and bouncy rhythms. Their new EP, “Peachy Keen,” is comprised of three songs. It’s their first EP and leans into moodier grooves and guitar chimes.
“Holiday” is a song most people can relate to; when you’ve been working at the same job, doing the same shit every day to the point where you might lose your mind. This new single was inspired by our time living in a sketchy apartment. Working full-time with completely different schedules meant that we barely saw each other. We wanted to get away from all the craziness and just spend time together. A break from real life – a “Holiday.”
Listen to “Holiday” on your preferred platform now.”–HOFFEY
Photo by: Liz Rosa
Hailing from Haida Gwaii, BC, Carsen Gray is no stranger to a life of art, music, and entertainment. In 2017 Carsen released her debut self titled album, which garnished her the “Best New Artist” Awards presented by SiriusXM, at the Indigenous Music Awards (IMA). Carsen also received 2 nominations “Best Pop Album” and Best Radio Single for “Supernatural” at the IMAs.
Actor, entrepreneur, vocalist and New Yorker of Dominican descent, Jackie Cruz, became a household name from her portrayal of “Marisol ‘Flaca’ Gonzales” on Netflix’s critically acclaimed series, The original series created by Jenji Kohan became an award-winning magnet and released its 7th and final season in 2019.
Orange Is the New Black was a launching pad for Cruz’s career. She is a three-time SAG Award winner and was named one of the “Top Latino Powerhouses under 40” by The Hollywood Reporter in 2013. Cruz was also included in Latina Magazine’s 30 Under 30 List in 2015.
An accomplished singer/songwriter best known for her fan favorite role on Netflix’s hugely popular series, Orange Is The New Black, Cruz’ other on-screen credits include starring in the upcoming feature films A Nice Girl Like You opposite Lucy Hale, Faraway Eyes opposite Christina Ricci, and All the World is Sleeping. Cruz also recently landed a recurring role on the upcoming third season of NBC’s Good Girls, which has been a digital success for NBC and sibling Universal TV, which produce the series.
Cruz created a new diverse era in Hollywood with the release of her own production company, Unspoken Film. The company’s objective is to advocate for more representation of Latina women and create more diverse opportunities in film. Jackie believes that everyone deserves representation in media, and was inspired by the misrepresentation of the scope of her people. With her production company, it was time for everyone to see more colorful Latinx on screen, and Orange couldn’t be the only show. As an independent and accomplished music artist and song writer, Jackie has also created her own record label, Dulce Records.
With a large social media following as well as a dedicated fan base, Jackie’s career continues to evolve. She hopes her music and film production work will create better pathways within the entertainment industry for people of Hispanic background.
The Know began in late 2018 when Daniel Knowles suggested to his wife, Jennifer Farmer, that instead of traveling home for the holidays (to the UK and Texas respectively) that the LA based transplants stay put and try to create music together, just the two of them. This would be the married couple’s gift to themselves.
For the next few weeks, they isolated themselves in their home studio with no real plan except a mutual love of Beach House, Julee Cruise, Ye Ye, The Jesus and Mary Chain, 60’s girl groups, and the evocative storytelling lyricism of Patsy Cline and The National.
The first result was lead single ‘143.’ Inspired by Tom Waits’ ‘(Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night’, the dream pop song melds autobiographical with fantastical lyrics and unfolds as a series of conversations, images, and hazy recollections of a night out. Their love for ethereal, dreamy atmospheres is shown in ‘143’, glistening with warm melodies, thick soundscapes, and quirky spontaneous flares.
Four more songs quickly followed in the wake of 143, tracks that provide an unflinching look at the couple. The EP often delves deep into the duo’s personal lives by honestly narrating stories from their relationship and life experiences against a kaleidoscopic sonic palette.
Recording together wasn’t entirely new to the couple, a few years prior they had made an album as “Ghostel” with a friend providing vocals. Knowles, previously a producer and guitarist for UK shoegaze band “Amusement Parks on Fire” and live sound engineer for bands like Cigarettes After Sex, Sharon Van Etten, and Phoebe Bridgers, recorded the project while Farmer became a co-writer and bassist for the first time. They’d later have one of their songs featured prominently in the trailer for Oscar nominated film, “Mustang.”
The debut EP which was produced, mixed, and mastered by Knowles while Farmer handled the band’s visuals further reiterates their wish to craft something wholly their own. In addition, Knowles solely played all of the instruments while Farmer, for the first time, took on lead vocals. With a strong desire but no professional training and a deep seated fear, so intense in fact that previous attempts had reduced her to tears, Farmer’s voice emerges as courageous and powerful.
‘143’ is out now with the new visuals being Farmer’s directorial debut.
Photo by Lincoln photo
Montreal-based singer-songwriter Miko produces songs that are poetically gritty, a blend of sleek pop and 90’s rugged vibes. He just released his debut single, “Crushes”. Overlaying instrumentals that are on the alternative side, the track has a minimalistic and laid-back melodic structure that is effortlessly catchy.
https://soundcloud.com/mikovstheinternet/crushes-master
Opāru is Los Angeles based songwriter, singer and actress Dianna St. Hilaire. Known for her unique and introspective sound which fuses future electro with a dark ethereal undertone, Opāru produces dream-like operatic vocals, creating a fresh depiction of modern pop culture. Her music represents our animalistic nature and is a reminder to be true to ourselves, follow our path and relinquish fear, as we are the ones who can truly do anything we put our hearts and minds into.
Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, St. Hilaire started to write and perform music at a very young age in choir and musicals. Self taught, her first instrument was the piano and she worked tirelessly at the craft of reading and writing music. When St. Hilaire was in her late teens she began performing with punk bands and for producers as a back up/ studio vocalist in New Mexico, where she took on her first musical alias, the highly successful group Versailles.
St. Hilaire reinvented herself in late 2015 with the new project Opāru, deriving from the Japanese name of the birthstone opal. Opāru’s roots stem from experimental electronic, 80s synth pop, and alternative rock. She confides, “The underlying theme in my music is the workings of the inner voice. The internal person that lingers buried under insecurities and fears. Why are there so many? Why do we as human beings tolerate environments where these feelings are projected onto us?” Her influences range from Madonna, The Cure, Lykke Li, Lana Del Rey, Halsey and SOHN.
Leading single ‘Ghost To Follow’ is about living in the shadow of yourself and the hope of acceptance from someone else. Opāru expresses, “You are so strong and wise and powerful but you live in the shadow of who you really are so that people around you will accept you. You’re so afraid that if you break through to your true beauty that you will lose those around you. So you stay silent and you keep your head down and hope that someday they will see you”. Co-written by Josh Stevens (LMFAO, Jennifer Lopez, and Pitbull), ‘Ghost To Follow’ which was influenced by Aurora’s ‘Running With The Wolves’ features simple piano melodies, stunning string arrangements and powerful lyricism, creating a theatrical and heartfelt release.
The beautiful cinematic visuals for ‘Ghost To Follow’ adopts scenery and nature to represent life experiences, the strong pull of water metaphorically submerging emotions, along with the vastness of the desert which exposes life’s many hurdles. Directed by Morningstar Sargenti (Missi Pyle, Timothy Hutton, Catarina Scorsone), the music video acts as encouragement, proving that overcoming obstacles will only make you wiser and stronger.
‘Love Me’ was strongly influenced by bands like MTNS and Royksopp and showcases glistening synths, haunting vocals and resonating baselines. Thematically focusing on the desire of longing, it narrates that relatable situation that we have all been in. “We are deceived, lied to, hurt, or abused by our significant others and in the end we close the door. We bar up the windows and seal our ultimate fate. We lock everything away so tightly that we don’t allow new joys into our world. We don’t see it but we become it. We absolutely refuse to trust anyone or allow anyone to get to close. When they do we lash out at them because we are afraid”, confides Opāru.
Partnering with the infamous Kim Fowley (The Runaways, Kiss, Joan Jett, Alice Cooper), Opāru has toured the US extensively, been featured on the official Grammy ballots, as well as charting on Billboard. Versailles’s music was also on rotation with popular stations across the U.S. including KROQ and NPR tastemaker KCRW. The songstress continues her journey with the release of ‘Ghost To Follow’ currently available worldwide.
Matt LeGrand and Mestiza bring the club atmosphere to life in their new music video, “I’ve Been Watching You.” LeGrand plays the part of the suave casanova, using sweet words and longing glances to capture the attention of the woman he’s been eyeing. As the night passes, they dance metaphorical circles around each other, until finally meeting for a heated turn on the dance floor. Mestiza brings a pop of color and sass to her rap interlude, glittering like diamonds as she and LeGrand bump and grind to the grooving beat. It’s the kind of collaboration that sizzles with sensual chemistry. Check out the new video for Matt LeGrand featuring Mestiza’s “I’ve Been Watching You.”
Pop phenom AJ Mitchell has released his new song “Unstoppable” today via Epic Records. Featuring moody instrumentals and R&B-infused melodies, the sleekly-produced track showcases AJ’s rare talent as a singer-songwriter. The song is available now via all digital streaming platforms HERE.
With recent acclaim from Billboard, Dujuor, Idolator and more, over 6.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and recognition as both an MTV PUSH artist and a 2019 Vevo LIFT artist, AJ has been solidified as one of the year’s breakout singer-songwriters. In August, he officially released his Slow Dance EP via Epic Records, which features the smash-hit title track featuring Ava Max. Currently in the Top 40 at US Pop Radio, “Slow Dance” is at number 29 and continuing to rise.
Earlier this month, AJ released “Say It Again”, a true pop anthem that was co-written by Jake Torrey (Lauv), Michael Pollack (Maroon 5, Alec Benjamin) and the Futuristics (Halsey, Camila Cabello). The track was preceded by the smooth, stripped-back song “Like Strangers Do”, which arrived on October 18th. AJ’s debut full length album is due out early 2020 via Epic Records.
Prince Fox returns today with “Same Love,” the second single from his forthcoming EP, I Got U, slated for release in early 2020. Alongside the new single, the future-pop artist/producer is announcing the ‘I Got U’ tour, kicking off on January 17th in New York. Tickets are available here.
The past year has shown an evolution in Prince Fox’s artistry. No longer hiding behind features, Fox has taken to writing, recording, engineering, and performing all of his latest records, proving himself as a true one-man music machine. This Summer, Fox released his debut album, ALL THIS MUSIC, VOL. 1, which included some of his beloved past collaborations – “Just Call (ft. Bella Thorne),” “Space (ft. Quinn XCII),” and “Time Alone (ft. The Griswolds)” – as well as a number of new era Prince Fox tracks. As he moves towards the ‘I Got U’ EP, Fox is continuing to come into his own on tracks like his recent release “Not The One” and his new single, “Same Love.”
“Same Love” was penned in a Spotify Secret Genius session in Nashville with Chaz Cardigan and Dylan Ander. “From the moment we wrote the record I adored it, but couldn’t figure out the production,” Fox explains of the early stages of the record. “Finally, after about 17 different versions, I finally got it, and couldn’t be more excited to share.” The track may have been a labor of love but the resulting pop-heavy, emotionally-charged sound is sure to land with Prince Fox fans new and old.
New York-born, LA-based Sam Lassner, aka Prince Fox, has always stood out as a forward-thinking force in the music industry. He’s worked behind the scenes to produce and and co-write for massive stars such as Bella Thorne (“Just Call“), Academy Award-nominated actress/singer Hailee Steinfeld (“Fragile“), Quinn XCII (“Space”), Chantel Jeffries, Hoodie Allen, YG, and Rich The Kid, just to name a few. To date, Prince Fox has racked up millions of streams on his originals and remixes, leading to a bevy of support from the likes of People, V Magazine, NYLON, Billboard, Just Jared, and more.
The UK’s own Penny Betts offer up a uniquely smooth blend of indie-pop and sixties-style songwriting with their latest and self-titled EP. A four-piece who know precisely who they are and how they want to sound, Penny Betts are inspired by bands stretching as far back as Cream and Pink Floyd as much as modern influences like The Arctic Monkeys and Tame Impala. Their heartfelt songwriting and hypnotic melodies pour through amidst reverb-soaked indie-rock soundscapes, creating something that’s perfectly calming or decidedly energizing – depending on what you need from it; and how loud you let it play.
Beach-side vibes meet with classic UK tones and an anthem-like approach to songwriting. The band have honed their style and sound over time, with lead singer Matt Felix and guitarist Al Finch first jamming together way back during their school years. Over time, bassist Lufta and drummer Jocelyn completed the arrangement and kicked off a whole new chapter for the band. Rock and roll has returned, the genre and the original flair of the 60s and 70s is alive and well. With a touch of originality and a willingness to storm through language barriers – thanks to Matt Felix’ French native tongue – Penny Betts are well on their way to carving out a path of their own.
Passion and musical precision meet under the blanket of sweeping guitars and experimental waves of audio warmth. Penny Betts aim to get you dancing, connecting, and embracing the live music scene as the rightful escapism it was always meant to be. A band well worth looking out for over the coming months and years.
Meet pop singer, KP Wolfe who is thrilled to share her new single “Take Back The Ring”.
KP Wolfe says, “This song is about the anger and hurt you feel after getting blindsided by someone you love. They lie and string you along and then you feel so stupid for believing it all. I wrote it after a breakup as a way to let go of my anger and start forgiving them and myself.”
Newcomer KP Wolfe is a native New Yorker who developed her raw and gritty sound performing in rock musicals, including NOFX’s show about street kids and as Janis Joplin in “A Night With Janis Joplin” where her manager discovered her. KP’s music marries pop synth and alt rock with ferocious vocals and themes about empowering women, abandoning the victim card, and embracing the taboo. She is pushing back on the depictions of women as fragile and rejects the idea of sluts vs prudes.
KP’s powerful and edgy vocals and brutally honest lyrics reveal her penchant for provocation, allowing her to go full throttle with explosive live performances. Though KP is a newcomer to the industry, she’s collaborated with Air Supply, Grammy nominated songwriter Lauren Christy, multi-platinum producer Adrian Newman, and Grammy award winning producers Craig Bauer and Andrew Dawson. With her new music, KP strives to open up the exploratory side of her audiences.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NovzZbRggtw
Singer-songwriter Dante Mazzetti officially releases his new EP Hotel Vol. 2. Keeping with the themes and story-telling from his July EP, Hotel Vol. 2 continues the tale of a troubled man finding a new life and new challenges. Through 4 new original tracks, Dante Mazzetti tackles a darker tone, infusing his sound with somber vocals and bluesy undertones. The EP premiered exclusively with Americana Highway on November 21st and was praised for its “…perfect blend of rock and funky, heartfelt innovation and empathetic tales.”
In September, Dante dropped the single “Ugly” which teased the atmospheric change that occurs in Vol. 2. A combination of jazz, blues, and a slight Latin flair, “Ugly” conveys a story of an unpleasant encounter. Dante once again shows off his diverse artistry, while maintaining his notable songwriting skills
“I think dreams are very interesting. I wonder if nightmares say something about our fears and insecurities.
Or maybe they mean nothing at all. What do you think? This song is about having a haunting nightmare about someone close to you. In the dream, they hurt you. You see a side of them you have never seen before.
When you awaken, you’re shocked by how real the dream felt. As you face them in the morning, you’re conflicted. You know that it was a dream, but it’s hard to un-imagine the monster they became. Listen to “Tread Lightly” via Spotify or watch the lyric video on YouTube now. After ten years of songwriting, I am finally proud of where my musical evolution has brought me. I’m excited to share my experiences with the world while continuously learning from those around me.”–Kyra Mastro
Nashville indie rockers The Pressure Kids are thrilled to release their new single “No Land Left in Hollywood” that is out now and featured on PopMatters.
Nick Johnston from the band says, “For the most part, Pressure Kids songs are written over a long period of time. Stuff gets tweaked and stretched and edited during soundchecks, basement jams, live shows. ‘No Land Left in Hollywood,’ however, came out in one hot breath. I’ve always been a fan of records that ended with a sigh, and this song felt like the perfect punctuation for this thing we were making. It is our midnight reverie, our closing ballad for the caught-up, a hymn for when there is no vacancy in the city of dreams.”
“No Land Left in Hollywood” is featured on their new EP The Pressure Kids: Vol. 2 to be released on December 6th. The EP also features the already released single “Inspiration Blues.”
This past March, the band released their self-titled EP, where they received praise from a number of local and national outlets for being “some of the most unique and lush indie rock coming out of Nashville right now” (No Country for New Nashville). This self-titled six-song offering led to opening slots on southern and midwestern dates with The Regrettes, Illiterate Light, *repeat repeat, and Cayucas, as well as words in The 405, Flood Magazine, Earmilk and Alternative Press – but it’s time for some new songs that show some new shades of all The Pressure Kids are capable of.
Now, The Pressure Kids: Vol. 2 showcases where the band has been, and where they’re heading.
Serving as both a graduation and an introduction, the band’s March 2019 self-titled EP was a formal invitation to stick around, but The Pressure Kids: Vol. 2 is a testament to what can be accomplished when five friends believe in something bigger than themselves. This is a band who has released 12 stellar songs and 2 ambitious music videos in 2019 alone, a band who will continue to do so as long as they are able.
In support of their new music the band will be hitting the road throughout the year. See all tour dates below. More to be announced soon.
mmmonika is a boy band that throws away the macho narrative and embraces freedom of expression. Although they’ve been together a short five months, the group has caught the eye of Ones To Watch, Earmilk and Lyrical Lemonade. They have also received over half a million streams on Spotify with just four singles in their discography.
mmmonika’s new single, “I Can’t!”, which premiered last week with The Fader, illustrates the boys coming into their own and creating a space for them in the wild world of the music industry.
NY-based, Philly-born, singer/ songwriter, Anna Shoemaker is thrilled to release her new single “If You’re Going (I’ll Go)” Via BMG along with her music video that is featured on American Songwriter.
Anna says, “’If You’re Going (I’ll Go)’ is a snapshot of a relationship I was in where I was really just giving someone all of myself. It was mess – a lot of partying and fighting and drama and bullshit but we were really all in and completely down for each other. I was truly down to just ride and go wherever he went no matter what. It wasn’t sustainable by any means but while it lasted it felt like the real deal. Time is supposed to heal all but when I listen to this song the wound is definitely reopened. I’m instantly just thrown back into the magic of all of that and all the work I’ve done to forget about it is out the window. “
The 25-year-old budding alt-pop artist became a SoundCloud sensation with her viral mashup of Kendrick Lamar’s “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe” and Chance the Rapper’s “Cocoa Butter Kisses,” which she recorded on her bedroom floor. The song now has over 805K streams and caught the attention of key press tastemakers and fashion mogul Steve Madden. Then signed to 5Towns Records in late 2017 when she was chosen as Steve Madden’s Emerging Artist of the Year.
In September of 2018 Shoemaker released her debut EP, East Side, produced by GRAMMY- nominated producer JT Daly (K.Flay’s “Blood In The Cut”). which have landed her a spot as Facebook’s Artist of the Day and got her featured on Alt Nation’s (SiriusXM) Advanced Placement as well as praise from Billboard and numerous other press outlets.
Now, Shoemaker is planning to release her new EP, coming in 2020. While still catchy and pop, the new songs feel more vulnerable and personal than ever. She finds putting pen to paper is often the best way to process her emotions, thus creating raw and honest lyricism that will certainly define Shoemaker’s releases.
Anna Shoemaker’s journey may only be beginning, but she is quickly lining herself up as an emerging artist to watch.
Quirky, indie pop/alt-rock outfit, Cannibal Kids, announce the video “I Keep My Eyes Closed,”via Pancakes and Whiskey ahead of their album “deadheads, due out February 2020. Already making waves from their hometown of Miami, and up the coast of Florida, Cannibal Kids breathe youthful energy back into the indie scene with their newest release.
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