(Credit: Savanna Ruedy)
Brooklyn-based artist Chloe Lilac has released a brand new single titled, “Here’s Your Song,” out now via RCA Records. The song is available everywhere now here. Watch the official video here. The song is taken from Chloe’s forthcoming sophomore EP, due spring 2020.
Debuting today with The FADER, the song uncovers a personal story, of which Chloe describes, “This song is one of the most important songs I’ve put out. It’s about feeling used by a friend I used to have and how painful that was for me.” Detailing the inspiration behind the Jasper Soloff-directed video, Chloe adds, “This video was a passion project for everyone on my team and was the most I’ve been involved in writing the treatment and creating the video. We used a sex doll to symbolize only being viewed for my sexuality rather than my character as a woman. In the beginning of the video it’s just me, symbolizing how alone and uncomfortable I felt, and by the end I’m with all my friends who supported and uplifted me.”
“Here’s Your Song” is Chloe’s first release following a landmark 2019 for the budding artist. Last fall, singles “High School” and “Special” kicked off the release of Chloe’s upcoming 2nd EP, each debuting alongside stunning official videos. Both tracks were given Spotify ‘New Music Friday’ placement and saw critical love from outlets such as Billboard, who called “High School” “an undeniably exuberant affair,” while Refinery29 called “Special” “a shot of some catchy nostalgia.”
Chloe toured extensively in 2019 including direct support runs with mxmtoon and Tessa Violet as well as headline dates in NYC and L.A. for Neon Gold Records’ ‘Popshop’ showcases. Chloe also performed at SXSW 2019 and has toured with other rising artists including Charlotte Lawrence, Sasha Sloan, and Rejjie Snow. Chloe documented her fall 2019 L.A. headline trip in a photo diary exclusive with Flaunt.
Early 2019 debut EP, Manic Pixie Dream, kickstarted a slew of critical acclaim that has secured Chloe Lilac a well-deserved spot as a top rising artist. PAPER proclaimed, “she’s shattering perceptions of damsels in distress simply by being vulnerable. But there’s strength in her vulnerability,” while Refinery29 included Chloe among their 2019 ‘Artists To Watch.’ Chloe has already enjoyed 16 million+ Spotify streams, a feat first kicked off by the 2018 release of “Stolen Liquor” which hit #1 on Hype Machine and sparked NYLON to claim the track “will have you reminiscing about those summer nights in high school.” Single “Summer” has attained 9 million + Spotify streams alone, sparking support from Ladygunn who debuted the track’s official video.
BadMoodRude is the dreamy, honest songwriter that you deserve to be listening to. The New York-based artist began her musical journey only a year ago but has quickly developed a passionate, diehard fanbase (31k on Instagram, 163k on TikTok) after releasing a number of honest, quirky singles that range in style from droning emo trap to lighthearted synth-pop.
Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Rude was exposed to a number of genres throughout her childhood (from Limp Bizkit to Amy Winehouse ) thanks to parents who were highly supportive of the city’s local melting pot of a music scene. She began her music career in marketing for a local concert promoter but doubled down on her own talent when her late grandmother encouraged her to continue finding her voice and become famous. Following her untimely passing, Rude began to develop into singer/songwriter you see today with offerings like “Bigger” (231k Spotify), “U Must H8 Me” (211k Spotify) and “If I Make You Sad” (202k Spotify)
Rude is looking forward to performing (for the first time), strengthening her connection with her audience in the new year and dropping a number of releases including collaborations with the likes of German rapper Kaiba, R I L E Y and Lil Peep-collaborator and producer mysticphonk. Keep up with her dog, her spirit dolls and her music @badmoodrude.
Multi-platinum selling band, Hot Chelle Rae, is thrilled to announce THE TANGERINE TOUR presented by SIRIUS XM HITS 1. The 30-date tour will kick off March 12th in Santa Ana, CA and will run through April 30th [full tour routing below].
Coinciding with the tour announcement the band has released the lyric video to their latest single “I Hate LA.” Inspired by their love/hate relationship with Los Angeles, “I Hate LA” is a memorable, catchy anthem with unique melodic pop hooks partnered with hints of R&B guitar, countering the lyrical word play that the band is known for and serving as a sneak peek for the new music they plan to release this year.
“It’s been overwhelming to see the incredible response to our first song in five years, I HATE LA, and we’ve been itching to hit the road to share what else we’ve been up to,” says Ryan Follesé. “Touring has always been the most special part of what we do – for one night, everyone in our audience shares in the moment and just has fun. We can’t wait to see so many familiar faces experience this new music and continue the journey together.”
A Sirius XM HITS 1 presale starts Thursday, January 16 at 10am local time, followed by the public onsale this Friday, January 17 at 10am local time. Tickets can be found at www.hotchellerae.com
Formed in Nashville, the band consists of Ryan Follesé, Nash Overstreet, and Jamie Follesé. Having grown up in musically inclined households, the three band members came of age amongst the songwriting community in Nashville.
Hot Chelle Rae gained widespread acclaim from their 2011 triple platinum single “Tonight Tonight,” which went #1 on Top 40 radio and sold over 3 million copies, followed by their platinum selling single, “I Like It Like That.” Their skills as songwriters are mirrored by their live performance chops, refined through years of touring alongside the likes of Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato and Justin Bieber. Hot Chelle Rae has become known for their incredible musicianship and intoxicating energy on stage.
Sofie Jenkinson is a 21-year-old RnB artist born and based in Portsmouth, South England. Sofie is a RnB/Pop influenced artist who gains inspiration from artists such as Mahalia, Joy Crookes and Jorja Smith. In 2016, Sofie spent three years in Brighton where she performed twice at The Great Escape Festival and performed at many famous venues across Brighton such as ‘The Old Market’. She spent time cultivating her craft and honing her sound in preparation for her debut single, ‘free’, due to be released in 17th January 2020. Sofie explains that this song is about “when someone doesn’t let you go and carries on hurting you but then having a journey of self-love and growth when they finally do, you are free”. The vibrant and catchy sounds and honest lyricism of ‘free’, allow Sofie to portray the hurt felt by her previous relationship but also the empowerment and growth she felt once leaving it behind and knows too many will relate. With her sassy and empowering lyrics Sofie is hoping to make her mark on the modern RnB music scene. Throughout 2020; Sofie will be releasing more singles and performing at venues along the South Coast, England.
“Our new single, “4AM Eternal,” is a song about sexual autonomy and finding power and confidence in multi-love. It’s an indulgent, fantastical love note to being open about unashamedly exploring your desires and really not giving a flying fuck what other people think.
We recorded the track at Spotify’s Secret Genius Studios in LA, working in collaboration with producer and Pharrell collaborator, Jesse McGuinty, who performed the sax solo as well. “4AM Eternal” emphasizes that it’s okay to feel electrified by your own power. If you have ever felt like there has been something holding you back from trying something new, now is the time to embrace the strange. Thanks for listening,”– Blonde Diamond
“Cliffs” (produced with Elijah Woods, Matt Kahane, Quin Kiu) captures a mood that is both energetic and melancholy; almost like a nervous anxiety. I wanted to encapsulate that weird feeling where you can’t let go of something, even when you know it’s the right thing to do. Now, I’m fully recovered, fully honed, and fully ready to launch into my next musical chapter with the release of my debut solo EP – Cheap Therapy – on April 2nd. Thanks for listening,”–Ezra Jordan
Having previously earned significant US radio from KROQ, Aaron Axelsen, Zane Lowe, and Jeff Regan at Alt Nation, Larkins will continue to build their growing profile by announcing their debut North American headline tour and sharing their fan favorite ‘TV Dream’. Their next single, ‘Hit & Run’, was produced by Mark Crew (Bastille’s ‘Pompeii’) and will follow on February 27th.
‘TV Dream’ is dynamic calling card for the traits which have fans falling over their spell. An explosion of melody and emotion topped by a towering hook that sounds destined to fill arenas, ‘TV Dream’ also captures the power of frontman Josh Noble’s lyrics. It provides a bright light of positivity in a time in which negative news feels all-consuming. Yet dig a little deeper and you’ll discover that there’s more to the song than is immediately apparent.
Larkins will play the following shows, which culminate with their second visit to SXSW:
MARCH
12th – Toronto, Canada -The Monarch
14th – Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere Zone One
16th – 21st – Austin, TX – SXSW
24th – Los Angeles, CA – Moroccan Lounge
C. SHIROCK is Chuck Shirock – founder, frontman and primary writer for internationally acclaimed band, SHIROCK. The new music from C. SHIROCK is an evolution and a distillation of his previous work, cutting to the core of his identity, with a power and clarity not heard before. Blending anthemic choruses, musical builds and releases with heartfelt and personal lyrics, the new music from C. SHIROCK delivers a vulnerability, urgency and an aching vocal that is uniquely his own. Driving rhythms and bass are anchors to the soaring melodies, layers of keyboards, and programming that call to mind the emotive, intelligent pop music of artists such as Peter Gabriel and David Bowie.
C. SHIROCK was born in the United States and has since lived in both the Philippines and Scotland, before relocating to Nashville, TN to further study music. Coming from a family of creatives and musicians, he grew up the oldest of four, playing piano, writing and composing from a very early age. His mother was a professional ballet dancer, his father an avid guitarist and his grandfather an accomplished jazz pianist.
The cultural influences of C. SHIROCK’s upbringing, both musically and melodically, can be heard in his latest releases. Seamlessly blending his refined melodic and pop sensibility with years of classical training and hints of Phil Collins, Prince, and The Cure, C. SHIROCK has established a defined and modern sound. After going through major life changes and transitions, C. SHIROCK decided it was time for a change of identity and took the leap from playing in his band SHIROCK, to going it alone. “I viewed it as a continuation or an evolution or sorts. It’s been incredibly freeing and liberating to chase whatever turns me on…to create without inhibition”, reveals the musician.
Continuing to carve out his unique place with this new project, C. SHIROCK describes his songwriting as vulnerable and honest, “whether it’s capturing a feeling, or telling a specific story, it’s always based on my own life. If it doesn’t come out of my own emotional experience, it feels inauthentic and I don’t feel connected to it”.
C. SHIROCK has found success with his music featured in multiple TV networks including MTV, NBC and ABC, as well as working with brands such as American Eagle and Hollister. He has performed at major summer festivals in front of hundreds of thousands of people across the US and UK, alongside acts such as Twenty One Pilots, Cage The Elephant and Manchester Orchestra, to name a few. Outside of his music, the songwriter is also a professional model landing his face on campaigns across the globe. He has further involved himself in charity work, where he has partnered with various homeless and poverty-focused organizations.
Harris Breyfogle was born and raised in Virginia and began his musical journey early on, dabbling with multiple instruments before choosing to become a guitar player. Inspired by the sounds of his father’s Fender and his guitar heroes (such as Eric Clapton), Breyfogle kick-started his guitar career by attending Berklee College of Music. One can hear a range of influences from Jazz, RnB, Blues, Pop, Soul, to Rock. Embracing unusual concepts and interesting cinematic sounds, Breyfogle strives to create a unique and immersive atmosphere; the idea is to sink fans, not only into his songs and scenarios but into one’s own personal and intimate experience. These characteristics create a depth that pulls listeners away from their headphones and throws them into stories, memories, and adventures.
Evident from the outset on ‘Figure Me Out’, Tia Carys has an exceptionally refreshing aura and talent. The production choice in itself breathes energy, intrigue and distinctiveness as the heady beat, skippy high hats and atenteben flute open this one woman show. Although a newcomer to the game, her confidence soars at level 100 as she delivers alternating flows that are something of a spectacle. Naturally switching between head spinning scattergun delivery and composed, deliberate punchline drops, her time spent dropping Instagram freestyles and building a loyal fanbase has all leant to her current arrival.
At just 19 years old, Tia Carys seems to have figured out a lot about herself already, as presented in the proud statement of ‘English x Ghana’. Her lyrical ability, personable rapping style and choice of themes is already proving to be infectious and has seen her gain Spotify’s ‘We Move’ playlist, Apple Music’s ‘New Fire’ playlist and Music Week’s ‘Making Waves’ feature as well as co-signs from the likes of Kenny Allstar, Avelino, GRM Daily and Mixtape Madness.
Growing her initial fanbase from Instagram by reworking tracks and freestyles from the worlds top artists including Drake, Fredo, Burna Boy, Nafe Smallz and Dave, it didn’t take long for the English/Ghanian rapper to catch the attention of Renowned, whose family she has now joined alongside Wretch 32 & Hamzaa.
Accompanied by sharp and polished visuals from collaborator Ray Fiasco, which see the rising star deliver a magnificently powerful performance, Tia says of the release: “English x Ghana was the introduction to who I am, now it’s time to Figure Me Out.”
Stay up to date with Tia Carys by following her socials for news about upcoming releases & more.
As a fourth-generation Irish musician, music has always been an important part of Siobhan O’Brien’s life. At the age of 16, she threw aside the piano and fiddle, dedicating herself to the guitar. Her musical ambitions grew as she released her original music to the world. Her debut album Mumbo Jumbo Bla Bla, released in 1996, went on to garner praise and national airplay throughout Ireland. In 2008, Siobhan released her album I Grew Up To, which featured famed Irish musician Paddy Moloney of The Chieftans and led to a performance at the Boston Symphony Hall with them the same year. In 2016, Siobhan O’Brien made the move to America, deciding that was where she wanted to lay down her musical roots.
She hit the ground running, opening for artists such as Nick Lowe at the acclaimed Birchmere Music Hall and had been awarded a coveted spot in the Folk-DJ Showcase at North East Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) by Mary Cliff.
Conveying honesty and vulnerability, contemporary singer-songwriter Siobhán O’Brien releases new single “The King’s Fool”, off her new album You Can’t Run Out of Love. With heartfelt lyrics, O’Brien brings a compelling track about her assimilation into the US and combines it with the feelings of frustration in trying ‘make it’ as a musician.
Inspired by great American singer-songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, and Joan Baez, O’Brien creates emotive tracks inspired by changes throughout her life. “The King’s Fool” is this introduction into her artistry and a bit of a tease for what is to come on her third full-length record, You Can’t Run Out of Love, out late February 2020. Recorded in Austin, Texas, at Cicada Moon Studios, O’Brien worked alongside John Bush (percussionist for Edie Brickell & New Bohemians) and Matt Hubbard (keyboardist for Edie Brickell & New Bohemians). Together they brought to life 10 original songs, each documenting important moments in her life since she left Ireland for the US in 2016.
Her new single “The King’s Fool” is the first step for O’Brien to show off her unique blend of rock and folk. Be sure to check out Siobhán O’Brien’s latest single and follow her on social media for music updates.
Nashville-based Jeffrey James is kicking off the new year with the announcement of a new EP titled East London. Today, James unveils the first single from the project, “Downtown.”
The East London EP was birthed during a month-long songwriting trip to London in early 2019. James worked with legendary UK producers such as Geoff Swan (Charli XCX, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay), Jackson Dimiglio-Wood (Shawn Mendes), Dan Weller (SikTh), and Dan McDougal (Liam Gallagher), creating a uniquely cross-Atlantic record that draws on James’ Nashville influences, combining them with the blue-eyed soul sounds that have been dominating the UK charts.
“Downtown,” the first single from the forthcoming EP, is a reflective pop ballad that explores the peaks and valleys of a relationship, specifically the outside influences that sometimes create chaos in an otherwise stable union. Full to the brim with passion, James’ rich, deep vocals carry the track across a minimalist piano-led melody.
Indiana-born, Tennessee-based Jeffrey James developed a love of melodies from his great-uncle who wrote the book on how to play guitar – Hal Leonard Guitar Method Books. Over the past few years, James’ soul-infused alt-pop sound has been paving the way for Nashville’s pop scene, leading to opening slots for acts such as X-Ambassadors, Rachel Platten and Hanson, as well as festival performances at Firefly, Bonnaroo, and Forecastle. Alongside his own captivating releases – his Billboard-approved single “Saltwater,” his 2016 album Walls and his 2014 debut I’m Wide Awake – James has proved himself a versatile songwriter, collaborating with an array of acts like Megan Davies, Tungeaag & Raaban and LU2VYK.
Deanna Devore is a Chicago and Toronto based multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer. Her music beautifully blends downtempo electronic beats with organic instrumentation, creating emotionally captivating music that has been resonating with audiences across the globe. Devore’s polished musicianship, modern production techniques and compelling songwriting emanates a maturity and sophistication that spans across downtempo electronic, R&B, neo-soul, jazz and orchestral territories.
Following the success of her highly acclaimed EP half and half, Devore is unveiling her new release ‘Lately’, featuring a mystery vocalist who cannot yet be announced. Thematically the single narrates the insecurity and ups and downs of a relationship, detailing how love can often feel like an emotional rollercoaster until it finally comes to an end. Its mellow grooves and smooth lo-fi beats cook up a mouth-watering release, oozing with seductive melodies and velvety vocals, which highlight the featured singer’s impressive vocal range. Emitting a sensuous flowing cadence, delicately layered harmonies and a pulsating rhythm, ‘Lately’ provides an alluring neo-soul track, showcasing Devore’s unique and fresh production.
Devore’s inspiration sparks from a sonic level – the feeling and emotions that certain chords and melodies provoke. Her songwriting is built around the result and impact it will have on the listener. “Lyrically I delve into the darkness and light of love and life”, reveals Devore. With influences partially rooted in the soul, R&B and jazz field, Devore doesn’t allow any limitations to her sound and her music includes elements of a multitude of genres. It’s this genre-blending sound which has allowed the musician to create music without boundaries. She shares, “I hope my music can bridge the gap for fans of all genres and be appealing to a variety of people”.
Devore has seen success performing to sold-out venues and festivals across the map, such as Summerfest, CMJ, NXNE, and 80/35. She has also had the pleasure of opening for renowned artists including Jamie Cullum, Bonobo and SG Lewis, as well as Raveena, Mother Mother and Yoke Lore. The composer has recently explored more commercial work, where her work can be heard in podcasts, feature films and even a Starbucks ad.
Self-produced and performing all of the instruments on the track herself, Devore wishes to encourage other female artists to take a lead in their music, “I’d love to inspire other songwriters and other female multi-instrumentalist/producers. There aren’t many of us out there it seems, so I’d love to inspire more female musicians to self-produce”.
Devore continues to be celebrated for her remarkable musicality and ‘Lately’ is another indication of what to expect in 2020.
Photo Credit: Andrea Sunderland
Vancouver blues, jazz and soul singer Krystle Dos Santos is fighting back against domestic violence with her powerful new single/video ‘Buried Alive’ out today on all digital music platforms. The track is the first single from her new album Bloom / Burn which is set for release on February 28th.
Bloom / Burn is the 4th studio release from award winning musician Krystle Dos Santos. The two-sided album project explores the darkness and light that life offers. Dos Santos writes to her younger self with songs like ‘Worthy’ and ‘Walk On Through’, promoting self confidence and self worth, while bringing to light serious issues like domestic violence with the first single ‘Buried Alive’.
Accompanying the release of the single is the ‘Buried Alive’ video which is a call-to-action for domestic violence. It tells the story of an abusive relationship, the terrifying process of escaping that situation, and the support that is available. ‘Buried Alive’ takes a hard but hopeful look at a dark social issue that can legitimately be described as an epidemic, not just in Canada but abroad as well. The video was made in collaboration with Dixon Transition Society, a local charity and safe house program. It’s directed by award winning director Thomas Affolter and features actors Mayumi Yoshida (Man In The High Castle) and David Kaye (Sirens).
“I wrote this song to help crush my own demons, so I just felt right using it as a call-to-action for domestic violence awareness,” says Dos Santos. “Watching David and Mayumi perform during the video shoot actually felt like I was a fly on the wall and it shook me to my core. I hope this video and song helps to give wings to the many people suffering in real life.”
Krystle Dos Santos grew up in Edmonton and her roots are Guyanese. She studied at the elite Canadian College of Performing Arts and it is apparent in her music that she is formally trained. She released her debut self-titled album in 2008, receiving a great deal of critical acclaim, commercial success, and an award for the Urban Recording of the Year at the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMA). Fame Fatale, her second highly sophisticated and elevated album, was released in 2011 and received a WCMA nomination in 2012. Dos Santos has performed across Canada at the Edmonton International Jazz Festival, Victoria Jazz Festival, Honey Jam Toronto, the Whistler International Film Festival and more.
In addition to performing, Dos Santos is an actor and has starred in The Vancouver Arts Club musical ‘Dream Girls’, ‘The Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen’ at The Firehall Arts Centre, and created a show called ‘BLAK, exploring Canada’s Black History’. She loves performing for young audiences to share the History of Motown in schools and is developing a cabaret style musical, ‘Hey Viola!’ about Viola Desmond with award winning producer/writer Tracey Power.
Krystle Dos Santos’ new single ‘Buried Alive’ is available NOW on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services
NY-based, Philly-born, singer/ songwriter, Anna Shoemaker is thrilled to announce her new EP, Everything Is Embarrassing, to be released on February 28th via BMG. As a preview to the EP, she released a new single, “Funny” that is out now along with the music video that is featured on Earmilk.
Anna says, “I wrote ‘Funny’ a bit ago with my friend Alexander (Alexander 23). This song in a sense is a sort of joke, I was in this relationship where we were fighting and disagreeing so much it actually started to be funny. I wanted to find a cheeky way to express how I was feeling because I was too scared to be vulnerable. Writing this song was kind of like me just snapping and being like ok if we’re going to do this I need you to pick up the phone and come over and be there no matter what without actually saying those things in a serious way.”
“For the video we wanted to do something really out there. We wanted to create that relatable idea of being too stoned and paranoid and freaking out and multiply it by 10. I worked with an amazing stylist, Olivia Perdoch who really helped bring all the different characters on the tv to life. This was probably the most fun I’ve had making a video and I think it shows!”
Who Can Sleep are an indie folk- pop duo based in California. Having met while sharing a bill at the historic El Cid venue in Silverlake, Dean Vivirito and Lex Helgerson quickly discovered a spark, both musically and romantically. Vivirito wanted to start a project that wouldn’t be held back by labels or genres and so the two set out with the intention to create a contemporary sound that is both fresh and diverse. Combining ethereal instrumentation, country tinged guitars and stunning vocal harmonies, the project entitled Who Can Sleep is a cross-genre exploration of sound.
Helgerson composes heartfelt, candid lyrics as a vehicle for stories of inspiration. Who Can Sleep’s latest single “All Your Love” started as a dream. The songwriter instantly jotted down her visions when she woke up, painting a beautiful kaleidoscope of sounds and lyrics. Helgerson confides on the meaning of the song, “Dean is very selfless in our relationship. He inspires me to be more generous, and sometimes I wonder if I give enough. I wanted to express the feeling that I might not be giving as much as I receive”. The contemplative track shimmers with soft, floating vocals, delicately twangy guitars and gentle percussion. Vivirito shares, “I distinctly remember while rehearsing the song, we were working on the tempo and groove and it was too fast. I told Lex the listener should be reminded of that post-sex feeling”.
The duo are heavily inspired by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, so much so that they recently covered Side A of his seminal Born in the USA album. The two also find inspiration from great country classics, as well as modern tastemakers such- Billie Eilish, Blood Orange and Childish Gambino.
neillfrazer@hotmail.com
