Emerging singer-songwriter Trevor Knight is a recording artist, pianist and singer-songwriter hailing from the dirt roads of Minnesota. Influenced by soul-pop and great hooks, Trevor writes meaningful ballads on his piano to inspire others through his lyrics. His sound was developed while being apart of an a cappella group at Dartmouth College. Once placing as a finalist in the “Dartmouth Idol” competition, he started envisioning a career in music and moved to NYC shortly after college. Throughout the process of crafting and recording his debut single “Giving It Up,” Trevor got a glimpse of what a life in music could be like–and he was hooked. Trevor has traveled to music conferences throughout the United States such as CD Baby’s Music Conference and has used his knowledge of the industry to be featured on notable publications such as Vents Magazine and Medium. His new single “I Deserve Better” is a perfect song to listen to going into the Spring and Summer season by letting go of all those that are holding you back and realizing your self worth. Trevor strives to continue to make anthems about different aspects of life and love. Stay tuned for more Trevor Knight and listen to “I Deserve Better out on all major streaming platforms!
Earlier this year, chart-topping singer-songwriter Eileen Carey premiered her striking music video for single “Finally”; the whimsical video finds two characters on a harrowing journey towards love. The stop motion animated music video was a collaborative effort between Carey and her longtime producer-director Taner Tumkaya. With no signs of slowing down, the captivating music video has now surpassed over 100,000 views on the online video-sharing platform YouTube.
With “Finally”, Eileen Carey amplifies emotions we at time have difficulty describing with crystal clarity. “Strong emotions sometimes cry out for strong language,” Carey asserts. The Hype Magazine describes the successful music video as “refreshing and welcoming to watch.” Carey’s latest single “Finally” follows the international success of her chart-topping hit “Meet Me Halfway”, released in May 2019. Both tracks continue Carey’s uplifting musical style as well as her trademark take on love.
Check out Eileen Carey’s latest single “Finally” streaming now on all digital platforms.
Photo by Sebastian Buzzalino, Unfolding Creative Photography
My happy, upbeat, funky song “Baby Won’t You Stay” is a high-energy throwback tune inspired by the soul sound of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. Twists of dirty blazing guitar riffs, cheeky lyrics and soulful vocals gives the tune a vintage feel.
“Baby Won’t You Stay” was written on Eleuthera, an Island in the Bahamas that translates to a feminine freedom in Greek. It’s about letting yourself indulge in the free and fun moments in life with someone you enjoy. Taking a little extra time to be present, feel good and let a little love in.
My hope is that this ditty has you moving and grooving in your home with your loved ones.Brighter days are ahead and for now we’ve got to keep our spirits up with feel-good music. My debut full-length album, Best Kind of Light, will be out on June 19, 2020. Thank you for listening,
Jess Knights
Austin’s own, The Cuckoos today release their new music video for their latest single, “She’s Wearing Lipstick (From Someone Else’s Kiss)”. The new song and video is their first release off of their upcoming EP, Honeymoon Phases.
BlackBook exclusively premiered the new video and said: “Sometimes a track is so far left of the current zeitgeist, that it’s a thrill just for that very reason. And Austin’s The Cuckoos have an utterly infectious new single, “She’s Wearing Lipstick (From Someone Else’s Kiss)”—from their forthcoming EP Honeymoon Phases—that has drawn to the surface a love of disco-goth-pop that we frankly never really knew we even had.”
The neon-colored music video pays homage to some of the band’s inspirations, most notably Rick Springfields, “Jessie’s Girl” and Princes, “Little Red Corvette”, while staying true to their own style. In line with the lyrics of the song, the video portrays the heartbreak and frustration of loving someone who doesn’t love you back. As Kenneth Frost (lead singer/songwriter) sings about the hurt of the breakup, he opines about the shock of finding out that his ex is in love with another woman.
Kenneth says: “‘She’s Wearing Lipstick’ is about learning that you can’t control other people and you can’t make them love you back. Sometimes people are on a different path in life and maybe you’re just a stop along the way.”
http://www.thecuckoosaustin.com
https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheCuckoosATX
https://www.instagram.com/thecuckoos/
ANJELICA brings an elevated sense of truth and vulnerability to the dark-pop music genre. Listeners received a taste of her forthcoming projects through her debut single “Good Ones” that she further accompanied with a stripped acoustic version and a stunning video to accompany. Through her music, a gravitational pull ignites and ANJELICA brings us together in an expression of shared loss and the capacity to find strength in the darkest of times. ANJELICA’s performance offers us an understanding and a silky expression of these complex emotions
we have all felt trapped in once, or twice. She’s defining her own path, taking the comfort of Pop music as we know it and fusing it with humanity in the most real, brave and eloquent way we have seen yet.
Self-written and produced, her works deliver an intuitive sound that is distinctly her own. ANJELICA released her first single through eXotichouse, distribution through EMPIRE on March 30th 2020. This single will be followed with a collection of releases throughout the year. ANJELICA expresses her complexed, sychedelic aura, defining her connection to humanity through different frequencies unknown to her yet so familiar.
ANJELICA’S “Good Ones” is out now.
Viral pop artist Emily Vu is releasing her new single, “WEEKEND.” The new single was co-produced by multi-platinum producer Sir Nolan — who has worked with the likes of Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and Khalid — and Andrew Schmidt aka SZNS. Anchored by an infectious guitar riff, an atmospheric pop production, and Emily’s hypnotizing vocals, “WEEKEND” is an instantly catchy listen. “WEEKEND” is out on all streaming platforms today alongside the official music video. Anchored by an infectious guitar riff, an atmospheric pop production, and Emily’s hypnotizing vocals, “WEEKEND” is an instantly catchy listen. “WEEKEND” is out on all streaming platforms today alongside the official music video.
Born and raised in Southern California, 18-year-old Emily Vu’s bubbly personality and compelling pop sound has quickly amassed a passionate, fervent fanbase. As a trained pianist and guitarist, Emily brings to the table a musicality that is wise beyond her years. Her first original single, “What Happened, Happened” was released in October 2019 and rapidly racked up over 1 million streams — no small feat for an artist’s debut. With 1.4M TikTok followers, 102K monthly listeners on Spotify, and a consistent stream of new singles, Emily Vu is continuing to capture the hearts of fans across the world.
Listen to Emily Vu’s new single, “WEEKEND”:
https://unitedmasters.com/m/gonebytheweekend
Following the success of his debut album Counterglow, Montreal alternative-pop artist Reno McCarthy has begun crafting a second LP, carrying on a path of sultry grooves and hooky melodies. As always, his inspiration stems from insecurities plaguing a young artist at a time when irreverence and vulnerability are inevitable, rendering his music is instantly relatable.
However, unexpected events can often change the way we view life, and this is what has led Reno to a surprising stopover. Following the loss of his father, the artist abandoned any sense of stylistic inhibition and chose to express his vulnerability in its simplest form. It’s with absolute honesty that he now presents a truly warm and personal EP. Moving, raw and of great profoundness, Angels Watching Us Dance sees Reno McCarthy at his most stripped-down, bearing a striking sensitivity which can undoubtedly touch the most hardened souls.
Iqaluit’s The Jerry Cans have always been, and will always be, a band from and for the north. But on Echoes, the JUNO Award-nominated group’s upcoming fourth full-length record, they’re not the band they used to be. The record arrives with a wash of glassy, slashing electric guitars, thundering drums, effects-warped throat singing, and darkened violin work. These are sounds of love, anxiety, desperation, and grief, and the tangled relationships between these things. It is intense and heavy, a charred, deep-blue Arctic indie rock soundscape.
From the start, The Jerry Cans—guitarist/vocalist Andrew Morrison, vocalists/throat singers/accordionists Nancy Mike and Avery Keenainak, violinist Gina Burgess, bassist Brendan Doherty, and drummer Steve Rigby—have been committed to making music that honours and dialogues with their home communities. With Echoes, they reaffirm this commitment, but do so with a collection of songs that burns their usual blueprint.
The band recorded in early 2019 with producer Jace Lasek (Besnard Lakes) at Lasek’s revered Breakglass Studio in Montreal. Here, they bucked expectation and routine. Avery Keenainak, the granddaughter of legendary accordionist Simeonie Keenainak, joined the band full-time, adding new depth and energy. Morrison ditched his acoustic guitar for an electric (Echoes is the only Jerry Cans record without any acoustic guitar), while he, Mike, Keenainak, and Burgess raided Lasek’s extensive effects pedal collection for rare and unusual sounds to tense the record’s sonic boundaries. Lasek’s cult-classic production pedigree (Wintersleep, Wolf Parade, Patrick Watson, Stars) hasn’t changed what The Jerry Cans are saying—it’s just changed how they’re saying it. Mike and Keenainak also conducted recording sessions in an igluvigak (igloo) which they constructed behind Mike’s home near Iqaluit.
The result is a spacious, eclectic, and powerful record that weaves from buzzing indie rock to towering shoegaze to cavernous post-rock to moonlit country to Arctic post-punk.
Opener “Hubbabah” introduces this new destruction of boundaries with frosty, clear-eyed Fender fingerpicking and throat singing before Morrison’s trademark growl enters the fray. It’s followed on record by lead single “Atauttikkut,” a kinetic indie-punk blast with a mid-song lullaby breakdown that’s hemmed in by acid-trip throat singing. The chorus underscores The Jerry Cans’ mission: “Atauttikkut Iqpigusugiaraliqtugut Atauttikkut Qiariaqaqtugut,” which in English means, “We need to feel together/We need to cry together.” “Echoes” features James Ungalaq (Northern Haze) taking lead vocals on a brooding psych-rock jam, while electro rave-up “Kazabazua” builds around a jittery Stranger Things-esque synth patch. Closer “Qaumajujutit” could be an outtake from sessions for The National’s Boxer: “Shine on, shine on,” Morrison pleads over trembling violin and guitar, before bursting at the seams with horns and an army of vocals on a monumental chorus.
The record’s tension is palpable, but it’s no less danceable or anthemic. On Echoes, The Jerry Cans continue a tradition of celebration and resistance marching in lockstep, acknowledging the vital and fortifying importance of both. The band is stepping boldly into the dark, but they’re doing it together, in the hope of carving out some place brighter.
Moontower is an indie-electronic three piece combining left-of-center pop melodies with French House inspired production. At the center of the group is a high-energy live show that has solidified Moontower as one of the most promising new artists in alternative music. Though not far removed from their May 2019 debut EP, Moontower has already toured the country with the likes of The Driver Era and Night Riots and opened for YUNGBLUD, COIN, Bad Suns, and The Cold War Kids. Moontower has also reached international markets, playing their first festival at Reading and Leeds in August 2019. At present, the band is hard at work in the studio, pushing their sound with the help of Big Data, Foreign Air, and more.
Moontower has been deeply engaged as leaders in the fight for gun control. Leaning into non-partisan gun-buyback programs, the band has mobilized their diverse and highly-engaged fanbase to raise thousands for the cause.
Backed by Tom Windish & Steve Strange, Moontower looks to continue to build their career on the road in 2020, playing their first headline shows outside of Los Angeles in support of four new singles to be released in 2020.
Ottawa-based singer/songwriter Rory Taillon is a road warrior, touring across the country and back again. He has the soul of the East coast but the sound of the West in his songs with a voice to match the majesty of the Rockies.
Originally from Port Perry in the GTA his new home allows him to capitalise of the touring opportunities available, crisscrossing the country, one coffee shop at a time, one brew pub at a time to build up a following of fans.
Rory Taillon is not just an entertainer, he is a performer. It’s just that simple, when Rory Taillon sings everything stops and when it starts again it’s all changed. It’s just that simple, like folk.
He has charted; earshot, community radio, hitting number three on the National Folk Charts with his last album, “Only Whispers” – sitting next to Buffy St. Marie. But like Buffy, Rory Taillon is no coffeehouse kat seeking accolades over lattes. He is no beatless poet. He is a classically trained singer, a multi-instrumentalist and vocally can turn his hand to a variety of genres. The acoustic is for touring, there’s only so much room in a civic for gear, merch afterall and that voice, that voice needs its own tour bus. It is a band unto itself.
I’m excited to share my debut single, “What’s It Gonna Take,” with you today. The song itself was inspired by my love of catchy lyrics and unforgettable melodic hooks, but the lyrics explore a tough relationship I was dealing with at the time.
The writing process allowed me to reflect on the situation I was in.
This song is a note to a lover, asking them to grow up and be real. Do they truly want to be there? Ultimately, it is the story of begging one’s significant other to be the person and partner that they need them to be.
Recording this track was like nothing I had experienced before, coming from the world of Americana music. I worked with engineer Tal Vaisman to translate any ideas that producer Andre Kaden Black and I had into incredible parts. We collaborated with session players to lend “What’s It Gonna Take” the authenticity it needed, including live horns. It was fun trying to incorporate pedal steel guitar into a pop song!
This song is able to be listened to in so many different ways, as it captures a spectrum of feelings. I want you to be able to hear “What’s It Gonna Take” on a hot sunny day at the cottage while enjoying the weather with your friends, or on a cold winter night when thinking about a fresh breakup.
Thanks for taking the time to listen,
WAYLEY
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Starting off their careers as young protege’s to the legendary hip-hop producer Kutmasta Kurt, Rushden & Diamonds first got their start writing rhymes and making beats while digging in the crates of 1980’s rnb and royal orchestral music. The duo’s early productions would eventually make their way onto R&D’s debut release 2010, a critically acclaimed double album hip-hopera which featured the likes of MC Paul Barman, Moka Only, Dylan Ross (Rozz Dyliams) voicing as an alias and more. Since the release of their debut album, R&D have toured together throughout Europe, Asia and North America, rocked festivals for hundreds of thousands of people and have shared stages with the likes of Dilated Peoples, Dr. Octagon, Slum Village, Black Sheep, Retrogott plus many others. Aside from some notable features over the years with artists such as Dylan Ross (Rozz Dyliams), Kool Keith and Mega Ran, in 2012 R&D created 2 original songs for Sega’s cult classic video game title Anarchy Reigns. The songs Fast Lane and They Came From Underground which were produced by Naoto Tanaka (acclaimed composer of the Mega Man X series) quickly became the soundtrack’s break out singles. Now, while channeling inspirations from their favorite retro music, video games, and action movie culture, Rushden & Diamonds’ bring you their highly anticipated follow up to 2010 appropriately titled 2020.
2020 (Redux) is a fully remixed / remastered official sequel to Rushden & Diamonds’ critically acclaimed conceptual hip-hop album 2010. Featured artists on the album include the likes of Kool Keith, Kutmasta Kurt, Moka Only, Dylan Ross (Rozz Dyliams), Mega Ran, Naoto Tanaka (composer of Capcom’s Mega Man X series) and more. On the digital release of 2020, the album’s bonus track entitled “2020 (Audio Comic)” tells the story of both Michael Rushden & Karl Lord Edward Diamonds who embark on a musical journey set in an alternate not-too distant future. 2020 (Redux) also features an all new remix of “What You’re Used To” by the legendary DJ Kutmasta Kurt. It’s been 10 years since Michael Rushden foiled the sinister plot of the cunning Lord, Karl Edward Diamonds. Now living a life of solitude somewhere deep in the Pacific Northwest, Michael alongside his trusty K9 sidekick Sandy take off on a late night drive which may prove to be their last.
It’s been 10 years since Michael Rushden foiled the sinister plot of the cunning Lord, Karl Edward Diamonds. Now living a life of solitude somewhere deep in the Pacific Northwest, Michael alongside his trusty K9 sidekick Sandy take off on a late night drive which may prove to be their last.
Bellsavvy is a pop singer/songwriter with a strong attitude and musical identity. Based in London and raised in Brazil, the artist knows how to combine her latin roots and European influences to create a unique sound unlike any other. Encouraged by her mother who was a well-known pop artist in the 80’s, Bellsavvy always knew music ran deep through her veins. Even during her time as an actress and professional model, she couldn’t deny the undeniable connection she had to songwriting and performing and eventually took a leap of faith into exploring her true calling as a solo artist. With strong vocals, catchy toplines and a powerful edgy-pop style, Bellsavvy has a lot to say in her art.
Starting her career with MTV Brazil singing on the show “Studio Acesso Girls MTV”, Bellsavvy won over the hearts of over 1.8 million live viewers who all voted for her performance. Following her time on MTV, she was catapulted into the limelight, landing roles in movies, musicals and numerous musical projects around Europe.
Her debut single under the name Bellsavvy, narrates her own life experiences with the modelling industry and the devastating effect it can have on your mind and body. Following a successful modelling career, Bellsavvy’s body began to change and she suddenly started being rejected over and over again by casting agents. They would shame her for her change in weight and appearance and the constant denials quickly took its toll on the singer, brainwashing her into believing that her body was no longer good enough. These negative thoughts resulted in a loss of self-confidence and self-love and Bellsavvy soon had a mental breakdown. No longer recognizing herself in the mirror, she turned to songwriting to help her pull through. “Queen of My Mind” is her uplifting and self-empowering anthem about overcoming these inner battles, realising who you are, accepting it and understanding it, in order to truly be at one with yourself. She confides, “Queen of My Mind is a very personal, deep and emotional song. I wrote it about three years ago after a mental breakdown I had at the very end of my modeling career. I want others to feel the power we have when we love ourselves. Self-esteem, self-love and self-acceptance are the most powerful things we can have in us. It changes everything.” The songwriter has successfully crafted a song to show others that even when you hit rock bottom, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and with a bit of time and healing we can become the queen of our minds.
Produced by Billboard HOT 100 producer David Lei Brandt (Lady Gaga), the compelling pop song is all about self-confidence, self-love and ultimately about becoming the “queen of your own mind”. The bold new single features confident vocals, determined beats and courageous lyrics, while soaking up influences from other fearless female pop artists such as Lady Gaga, Brittney Spears and Demi Lovato. Along with elements of 80’s pop, such as Depeche Mode, Bellsavvy is able to concoct an infectious sound, putting her distinct stamp on it.
Bellsavvy hopes to use her inspiring story to help people in need, using honest and authentic lyrics to tell her story and connect with listeners on a deeper level. Her music has been hugely supported by LGBTQ+ communities around the world – a community who can empathise with the discriminations that she has endured. With the goal to encourage others to feel strong, beautiful and uplifted, no matter what anyone else tells you, Bellsavvy is on a mission and no one can get in her way.
https://www.instagram.com/bellsavvy/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/bellsavvy?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/bellsavy/
Get ready to be up close and personal with Sizzy Rocket in her official music video for “Smells Like Sex.” Working within the confines of lockdown, the video was directed via Zoom by Sizzy’s frequent collaborator, Dorian Tocker. Sizzy Rocket and her boyfriend Elijah Noll (frontman of American Teeth) filmed using a handheld camera, allowing the couple complete creative control of the experience. “It was like some bizarre Marina/Ulay performance art — physically straining, our bodies twisted together in these weird positions for 5 hours, filming everything in extreme closeup, capturing the ridiculousness of it all,” Sizzy writes.
À la the iconic sex tapes of the past — think: Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Pamela Anderson — the video plays with voyeuristic pleasure by featuring close up, hyper-sexual shots. But the video is also a reclamation of Sizzy’s own sexuality, womanhood, notoriety, and identity. It’s a middle finger up to anyone who tries to police her body. She can be a smart, talented young woman… and she can also like to fuck.
Sizzy Rocket is the cool best friend you wish you had growing up. In 2016, Sizzy released her debut album, THRILLS, and the album’s lead single, “Bestie,” became a viral sensation, receiving praise from the likes of New York Magazine, PAPER, and BUSTLE. Since her initial breakout, Sizzy has continued to build her rabid fanbase with the release of her 2017 mixtape Hot Summer and her 2019 sophomore album GRRRL. This year Sizzy has released two powerful singles, “THAT BITCH” and “Smells Like Sex,” and has more surprises on the way. In addition to her own music, Sizzy has also written for all the cool girls of pop, from Noah Cyrus to Bea Miller.
When she’s not trading fan mail with her cult, Sizzy is building her own independent record label, designing and packaging her own merch, and booking her own tours. Sizzy challenges what it means to be a pop artist in 2020 with her DIY approach, openly queer and unapologetic lyricism, and her genre-blending musicality that takes influence from punk, rock, pop and beyond.
AIRPORTS is Australian DIY pop artist Aaron Lee. After taking on two life threatening illnesses and the ups and downs of being a full time creative, AIRPORTS is an avid voice for personal development mental health. With his eyes set on influencing listeners while travelling the world, the Sydney dwelling artist isn’t afraid to take a non-conventional approach, further fortifying his unique sonic identity by defying & blending genres of hip hop, punk, electronic and pop. Taking care of writing, singing, production and engineering all himself, AIRPORTS is an independant pop force to be reckoned with.
Following the release of the dreamy lofi-pop banger “Don’t Sleep Anymore”, AIRPORTS is unveiling “U FEEL IT 2”, written with the intention to be interpreted as either a love song about someone who makes us feel free, or a dark song about a vice that keeps us trapped. Aaron confides, “It started out being written as a song about a haunting relationship with depression in contrast to uplifting music, but when some of the lyrics started to spill out I realised I was also writing about positive romantic feelings for my partner. At that point I was emotionally overwhelmed and realised this song has a great dualism.” Sonically the track features seductive synths, cascading, luscious harmonies and silky vocals, oozing with sincerity and vulnerability. Paying homage to some of his bigger modern day influences in LANY, Troy Sivan and Lauv – AIRPORTS has positioned himself to the upper echelon of melancholic males with “U FEEL IT 2.”
The visuals for “U FEEL IT 2” were filmed during a unique time stamp in history where most of the world is in the same situation, so AIRPORTS decided to invite anyone and everyone to submit videos of themselves answering questions he’d given them about their personal loves and struggles. Aaron explains, “The intention of the video was to show that everyone walks the tightrope of this duality in their own lives, no one is exempt from happiness nor suffering.” The heartfelt video emits a sense of unity and togetherness.
AIRPORTS has garnered support from tastemaker radios such as Triple J (Australia), George FM (New Zealand), Kiis FM and amassing over 670,000 independent Spotify streams to date. Building a global music production company, the multitalented artist has worked on award winning projects for TV, brands (Coca-Cola, Fanta), labels (Universal Music, Capitol Records), artists and performers, including Multi platinum JPOP groups. AIRPORTS is forging his own path and there is no slowing him down.
https://www.instagram.com/AIRPORTSmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/AIRPORTSmusic
https://twitter.com/AIRPORTSmusic
Alt-pop band Crimson Apple return with their new single, ”Break Your Heart Worse” out now.
The release marks the start of a new era for the band, as real-life sisters Colby (lead vocals), Shelby (guitar/vocals), Carthi (bass/vocals), and Faith Benson (drums) tell the story of a twisted relationship gone wrong. “Break Your Heart Worse” follows the release of Crimson Apple’s 6-song EP, Somebody, which debuted in June of 2019. The band has since refined their sound to more authentically reflect their identity as artists, building a dedicated fanbase on socials with over 500k followers.
Crimson Apple first formed in summer of 2012. After establishing themselves as a hometown favorite in Hawaii, the band relocated to Los Angeles, California in 2015 where they inked a management and recording deal with Amuse Group USA (Perfume, BABYMETAL, ONE OK ROCK). Since then, the band has been making music and touring across America, opening for major acts including The Chainsmokers, The Plain White T’s, and All Time Low.
CRIMSON APPLE is:
Colby Benson – Lead Vocals
Shelby Benson – Guitar / Vocals
Carthi Benson – Bass / Vocals
Faith Benson – Drums / Vocals
Listen to “Break Your Heart Worse”.
The rising R&B singer from Scarborough, Toronto’s sprawling easterly area, who feels as comfortable in the studio as he does performing on the stage, is garnering attention with his moody yet danceable cadence of club-friendly music.
His sound has a measured subtlety to it. “I’m big on the pockets of songs, where the flows are,” explains Myles. “I have to have a certain pocket to groove to.”
His song “Bad Company,” produced by The Uccis, showcases the young R&B singer and producer demonstrating vocal prowess, next to modern, dance floor sensibilities. An infectious self-assuredness permeates the track with a glint towards his city and its bright light.
His music has a unique quality all his own, something Myles, an artist with a particular vision for his sound, is deeply sensitive to. “People can influence you more than you think,” he says of the track. “You become the company you keep, the people you’re with.”
Music was ever present in his home growing up. His mother would sing at choir and play a range of music, keeping a variety of pop like Michael Jackson and ABBA on the radio around the house.
In high school, Myles would spend his free time playing around with the piano and guitar, as well as making beats in GarageBand on the computer. A constant stream of experimenting and creating sounds naturally lead him to arranging songs. At the time, of course, as a young Torontonian, Myles curiosity with music grew alongside his attentive interest in the music of hometown hero Drake, who’s career would reach supernova during his own formative years, and Myles quickly took to not only playing around with making music, but writing it, too. “Music was always there, it was just for me to grab it,” he said.
A natural showman, Myles’s passion for music could no longer be contained on his home computer in his bedroom. He began to perform his music live in his senior year. “I was always that kid everyone just knew from doing stuff,” he says.
This quickly snowballed into the realization of his talents, and a decision that he would continue to pursue music. Finding others who shared in his passion for music, making music happen in studio, and jamming, only further honed his focus in on the kind of sounds he wanted to create.
The R&B artist, signed to Warner Music, isn’t staying still. Myles followed up “Bad Company” with “Way Off,” an ode woven around a near-universal young lovers quarrel, with listening payoff presented on a refrain built over a knocking drum beat, and then the hard-hitting “Fade Away.”
His eye towards weaving stories from his own experience, marred by catchy, danceable melodies and an obvious student of highly-executed pop combine in Myles Castello, making his mark this year.
Rising British folk-pop artist MABES made an unforgettable entrance with her 2019 album Wait & See. Primed for stardom, the magnetic singer-songwriter’s debut – which includes smash hit “America” – garnered over 20 million collective streams in less than 12 months. Now, following a slew of releases this year and a taste of TikTok virality, MABES unveils her marvelous EP Keeping the Noise Down and new single “Might As Well” via The Other Songs / Amuse – LISTEN HERE.
Describing her sound as “honest” with “a country twang influenced by pop,” MABES first picked up the guitar at 15 and learned to write by mirroring British act Laura Marling’s folk-poetry. Though oceans away in the UK, MABES developed an admiration for American artists and credits Carole King, Joni Mitchell, John Mayer, and The Smiths as some of her influences. With nearly 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, she’s been featured on their Easy, Fresh & Chill, Hot Acoustics, Mellow Pop, Very Nearly Nashville, and Sad Songs playlists as well as New Music Friday (UK) while Apple has featured her releases on Acoustic Chill, Breaking Singer-Songwriter, Mellow Days, Relax, Today’s Acoustic, and more.
The new EP, written partly in Nashville last year, is a pure reflection of her interest in Americana and folk music as well as a nod to the community she fell in love with during her time there. Each song on the EP is outfitted with poignant lyrics, rooted in folk sensibilities and wrapped with impeccable sincerity. The title track, “Keeping the Noise Down,” was co-written with Jonny Latimer (Ellie Goulding, Rag ‘N’ Bone Man) and bubbles with pop potential as MABES opens a dialogue about social anxiety amid warm guitar chords and irresistible electronics. The second track, “Stuck in the Rain,” was co-written with Dan McDougall (Noel Gallagher) and tells a whimsical tale of hope and endurance. Other songs to complete the body of work include the guitar-heavy “Slow Drowning” and the new single “Might As Well,” an infectious, mid-tempo slow-burner, featuring a breezy, anthemic chorus and luscious horns.
“Might As Well” (co-written and produced with artist Quarry) arrives immediately after MABES’ eye-opening experience with cyberbullying. Her 2019 single “America” was coincidentally featured on a popular TikTok video, resulting in thousands of comments falsely accusing the Essex, UK-born artist of being a “Republican Halsey” across her social media and YouTube channel. Approaching this unfortunate onslaught with grace, MABES provided a comedic response on her Instagram which converted online trolls into supporters and additionally inspired a fan club (aka the Mabies) in just under a week. The final track to be revealed seems more timely now, as MABES reflects on the pressures of social media and the challenges she faces with it. On the track she confesses, “Stuck in this place / with my reputation / They know my name / some of them claim to know my information… / Might as well / try to be someone else / It’s hard as hell / wishing I was someone else.”
MABES elaborates on the EP: “I was the ‘new girl’ 3 times throughout my school years, and every time I started somewhere new I thought ‘this will be the time I find my real friends.’ But no matter what, other kids my age were just very different to me. I questioned who I was, what I believed in, and wondered why no one else thought as deep about things as me. I couldn’t find that place where I was comfortable, or where I belonged. My friends were shallow and I couldn’t see the good in anything. The songs in my Keeping The Noise Down EP are a reflection of those times and how it was for me.” She continues, “Although it was a painful time, it’s actually shaped me to be a better, more understanding person in adulthood. For that, I’m glad. Now I’m on a mission to help people out there that feel like I did – ‘the new girl’ – realize they’re not alone and that there’s quite a few of us that just want to keep the noise down…”
MABES’ forward-thinking, emotionally raw songwriting style has led to relatable, cutting-edge intelligent pop that marks her as a unique new artist. With her dreamy vocals and an air of timeless authenticity, there’s no doubt MABES is cementing herself as a global entity and an artist to watch.
My new single “Wallflower” is for anyone who has ever felt out of place, and for those struggling to find their voice in a noisy world. I hear you.
“Wallflower” is now out everywhere you can stream music.
It’s funny, as I’m writing this out I realize that I am talking about how I recognize the importance of human connection and how I value it deeply, and here I wrote a song about feeling unable to connect. It’s a work in progress. I moved fourteen times before the age of ten. I was always in pictures, but no one really knew who I was. I kept it that way, so it hurt less when it came time to leave again. It wasn’t until recent years that I discovered I still held on to this mentality.
My thoughts are louder, than the room that I’m in
They’re growing wilder, why did I come here again?
I wrote “Wallflower” as an acknowledgment of my past and a promise to open up to those around me.
Looking forward to sharing my EP with you in June, produced by Robbie Townsend.
Thank you so much for your support,
Laur Elle
Eliza Lee has released her new single, “26 6’2.” This is the second single from the rising artist and social media influencer of 2020.
“26 6’2” is a track that expresses the conflicting emotions that occur when you meet someone who reminds you of a previous love, triggering memories of the past. The song was written by Eliza and produced by two-time Grammy-nominated Masa Takumi (Trey Songz, Da Pump). Due to COVID-19, the track was worked on completely remotely from Australia, Tokyo, and New York.
The single is the second teaser for Eliza Lee’s first self-titled EP to come later this year. Collaborators will include Trackheads (Snoop Dog, Trey Songz), Golden Globe-winning Jimmy Harry (P!nk, Kelly Clarkson) Tyler Scott (Beyonce, Nikki) (Dale Becker (Khalid, Zac White and Matt Wiggers “Tokyo” (Real Life, TVXQ!) and pop artist/ director George Maple (DJ Snake, Flume, Hayden James) Nicole Kohen (Meghan Trainor, Ryan Tedder) and more.
Eliza Lee has been writing and singing throughout her entire life. The Australian singer’s witty lyrics and addictive melodies caught the attention of an LA manager, who introduced her to some of the biggest writers and producers in the music industry. Eliza has since left her previous management agency and has found her own path as an independent artist. She is currently working with Kobalt Music Publishing (Pitbull, ZAYN, Lionel Richie, Sam Smith, Dua Lipa) and is constantly in-studio sessions, developing her own sound as well as writing with other artists/producers.
https://music.apple.com/us/album/26-62/1511149472?i=1511149473
Toronto-based duo TOM BOY was formed by singer Nate Daniels and guitarist Dante Berardi Jr. after the dramatic collapse of their former band, CAIRO. After facing the threat of music unheard, the two musicians collected their resources (and what was left of their pride) and began to feverishly work on new material in 2018. What emerged was, to say the least, an affront to the senses:
Catastrophically lush arrangements catch your attention immediately and hold it there with lyrics that ruminate on the nature of addiction, desperation, and vitriol. Berardi’s guitar work meanders melancholic under Daniels powerful and sometimes tear-jerking vocals. Tom Boy utilizes pop-sensibilities and arrangement only to smash them against punk-rock lyricism that calls to action anybody they can wake.
Tom Boy may be new on the scene, but they have already caught the attention of their local radio stations Indie88 who premiered their infectious song “Wastecase” and 102.1 The Edge whose Alan Cross placed the track on “Songs You Must Hear This Week”. They’ve also hit a nerve on the international scene with one of their favourite publications growing up,
“Alternative Press included us in their ‘10 Songs You Need to Hear’, which was crazy because not only do they have two million subscribers, but we’ve been reading that magazine since we were kids who didn’t have a clue we’d even be in a band”
Tom Boy’s music benefits from quick-witted word play and hooky instrumentation but it may not have all come together without the help of producer, Crispin Day. Known for his work on July Talk, Shad, and Jeremie Albino, Day has experience working on projects that combine rock’n roll sonics with social commentary. It was important to him to nurture the more vulnerable
moments in Daniels writing on songs like “One Night Stand” and “Nothing to Lose”,
“Some of the songs just wanted to have space to live. No need to dress them up
fancy. Good songs can lean on themselves”
The hardest part for Tom Boy after their breakup with Cairo was that they ached for the stage. Two years without any shows can feel like an eternity for musicians who have clocked thousands of rehearsal and stage hours. Thankfully, the hardworking duo will be following up their last three singles with an EP drop on November 1st with a slew of shows to come including their EP release party at The Drake Underground on November 7th with James Blonde.
Go and see what it is like to be in the middle of their storm.
Anna Klein is a Toronto based singer-songwriter, producer, and performer. Since first writing music as an impressionable pre-teen, she has developed an ever evolving sense of musicality that has shaped her sound into what it is now. Her style can be described as dream pop, with a slight punch and ambient glisten.
In recent years, Klein’s passion for both writing and production have amalgamated. Thanks to her acoustic roots, she is best known for her consistently emotive performances. After discovering an interest in electronic music, Klein started putting more focus on the sound of the instruments in order to create that same emotion. This concept led to her first full length album, “These Days” (2018), and is constantly influencing the way she produces her music today. Currently, Klein is working on various musical projects both solo and group. She hopes to release new music using both elements of acoustic, and electronic elements in the near future.
Photo by Adrian-Villagomez
Growing up in France, Fonkynson was greatly influenced by his father’s music – the iconic sound of artists such as Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. His interest started shifting as he developed a taste for electronic music styles such as house, drum ‘n’ bass and techno, a passion which would bring him to produce his own material.
Fonkynson released a first EP in 2008, on the American label Super HiFi. The funky, vinyl-only release would end up selling over 2000 copies. In 2013, Fonkynson strikes again with a French house EP, this time released by the British imprint Heavy Disco. After signing to the Montreal-based label Lisbon Lux Records, Fonkynson releases the highly awaited Horny EP, which obtains a lot of attention on digital platforms, helping him reach a wider audience.
In 2016, Fonkynson released #followme, a full-length album preceded by the success of two singles, ‘Never’ and ‘Keep It Cool’. The track ‘Aquarelle’ quickly reached the top of Hype Machine’s chart and gained over a hundred thousand plays in a few days. Likewise, ‘Caresse’ reached the top of Spotify’s viral charts.
Often appearing as a DJ next to high profile artists such as The Magician and Birdy Nam Nam, Fonkynson received attention from influential media organizations such as EDM.COM and FunkyPanda. He is currently working on his 2nd album which will be released in March 2020 on Lisbon Lux Records.
Ebony Buckle is a London-based singer/songwriter, originally from the tropical seaside town of Townsville, Australia. Taking listeners on a whimsical leftfield-pop journey with her complex harmonies and imaginative storytelling lyricism, Buckle sings about universal themes of romance and broken hearts to more poetic themes of disgruntled mermaids, lonely whales and joyous, hypothetical alien invasions.
Over the last couple of years, Buckle has realised that in order to create an authentic narrative and preserve her unique creative style, she had to make her own music. She confides, “I am a naturally shy person and sometimes find it hard to be myself in front of other people, but music has really helped me connect to my true self. I feel like the songs I write come straight from my inner dialogue and they are a true expression of who I am”. She writes and performs with her husband, musician Nick Burns, who also produces her music.
Her latest single “Ghost” details the heart-wrenching experience that Buckle and her English husband Nick endured during their fight to renew her visa after their marriage. Despite her specific experience, Ghost is a universal song of love, loss, commitment and pain of feeling utterly helpless. “Ghost” was written over Skype between her and her newly-wed husband, as they were kept apart for nearly two years. It was a time in their lives when normality was turned upside down, and they were put in limbo.
Developing an immeasurable sense of depression due to the separation, the couple couldn’t plan for any future and during this time had no end date to look forward to together. It was in this difficult time, Buckle and Nick wrote “Ghost”. The song acted as not only a healing mechanism, for their pain and loss; but allowed them to move forward together – with something beautiful that they had created during their separation. Sonically, “Ghost” builds from delicate, sweeping soundscapes into a dramatically haunting release, soaring with atmospheric harmonies and organic instrumentation.
The stunning visuals for “Ghost” showcase the debilitating feeling of being completely alone and empty of anything except heartache. Buckle explains how the video is a way of finally letting go of those traumatic days, revealing, “It’s a very raw video and for a while, I felt too embarrassed to put it out. We do not talk openly about mental health issues in society, and it made me feel very vulnerable. I have come to believe that having these conversations and allowing yourself to be vulnerable only makes you stronger in the long run. I think it shows a different side of me. We are all made up of light and dark and I think perhaps we need to know that everyone has their own unique dark moments, worth expressing.” Hoping to represent the feeling of endless monotony, the video depicts waking up, feeling numb, being caught in a cycle of pain and allowing the day to carry on without you being truly present.
Reminiscent of Regina Spektor, Imogen Heap and Kate Bush, Buckle is inspired by strong female artists who have forged their own path into the music industry. Aspiring to create music which will help others realise their most authentic self and encouraging people to always take life with a strong sense of optimism but also to develop that confidence to face reality when it may not be what you have planned. Buckle confides “I hope it inspires people to be true to who they are. To not be afraid of being different and to know it’s ok to express themselves and how they feel”.
The singer come actress has performed in The West End and on screen for the BBC. Her role in George Gently as a Geordie folk singer gave her the platform to perform her vocal talents and her music from the show reached number 1 in the iTunes World Music Charts. Buckle continues to have her original music receive extensive airplay from numerous BBC stations across the nation, garnering her considerable blog attention. Every day, through her lyricism, music and poetry, Buckle continues to feed our imagination with her beautifully kaleidoscopic music. Come along for the ride – her unique world is completely enchanting.
If there was ever an artist that is poised for International success it is TIA GOSTELOW. Tia’s debut album “Thick Skin” was released in Australia and New Zealand on her own label Lovely Records. It was Triple J feature album and took out the Queensland Music Awards ‘Album of the Year award. It also features the hit single “Strangers” which is about to click over 9 million streams to date.
https://twitter.com/tiagostelow
https://www.facebook.com/TiaGostelowMusic/
Born in Toronto, Mike Ruby moved to New York at 18 to pursue a career as a jazz musician, then signed to a subsidiary of Universal Music. After a breakup in college, he picked up a guitar and fell in love with writing songs. Then Mike began playing with synth-pop band St Lucia and while opening for Ellie Goulding realized he wanted to be a pop frontman. His first release in the summer of 2019 broke top 40 radio in Canada, and his original music now has over one million streams.
Mike’s latest single “Unapologetic” is an upbeat, pulsing electro-pop track featuring layered saxophone in the chorus. The visual mirrors the lyrics about “that badass that everyone knows – you either want to be them, or be with them.”
Former G.R.L. member turned solo artist, Jazzy Mejia, released her first-ever EP, “Seven24” as a gift to her listeners during the quarantine due to COVID-19.
Jazzy not only writes her own music but also engineers, produces, mixes, and masters every song herself. This EP is co-produced by MVXMILLI and will be made up of three tracks: “Perfect,” “XBox,” “GIRLS.” Like a true singer-songwriter, all of her music stems from her own personal life experiences and is a reflection of her truest self. Fans will be able to appreciate the variations of R&B and Soul sounds of her EP.
“Perfect” is about spending time with your significant other doing nothing together making this a perfect quarantine love song. MVXMILLI aside from co-producing this EP also has a feature on this track.
“Jazzy and I have collaborated before on some songs whether it was production or me being a feature. It’s great working with her. I feel like I’ve witnessed this song in real life because I live with Jazzy and her boyfriend.” – MVXMILLI
“Xbox” is about confronting your significant other about the lack of attention and the frustrations that come with being ignored for video games. This track also features Tawainese rapper, BAER, adding in another level of fierce female energy. “When Jazzy played me the song and asked me to hop on it, I immediately connected with it—this is something so many girls go through with their boyfriends! It’s hella annoying haha. My boyfriend was addicted to his Nintendo Switch for a minute!” – BAER
“GIRLS” is a fan project that was written online via Instagram stories. It was important to Jazzy to have her listeners be a part of her EP, therefore, she included many of her fans’ names in the lyrics to create this girl squad anthem.
Jazzy Mejia was born and raised in Los Angeles, California in a multicultural family with musical roots. Music has always been a part of her life and having watched her sister, Natalie Mejia’s winning performance on the television show Girlicious at the age of 12, inspired her to start her own female vocal group. She has been in girl groups such as N2ition, LT3, Mejia, and G.R.L., and has toured all over the world before finding her own sound and becoming a solo artist.
Indie Rock musician, Rich Aucoin is thrilled to announce his new album United States, to be released September 18th via Haven Sounds. As a preview he is has released the single “Reset” along with the music video that is featured on American Songwriter.
Aucoin wrote the album, observing the America from the ground level, while cycling across it for Mental Health America (as well as the Canadian Mental Health Association). While taking this Robert Frank approach, Aucoin composed a song for each of the 12 states he pedalled through. The record is as much about the current socio-political climate of America as it is about states of consciousness; as much fuelled by the burgeoning American protest movement or Hedges’ social commentary as it is fuelled by McKenna/Pollan world of psychedelics and meditation apps.
Rich says, “I wanted to really see the states alone as an observer with lots of time to process the experience. I’ve loved touring there and was interested in how such a progressive country could elect their current president. After cycling through town after town with decaying downtowns where photos were displayed in the local cafes showing the town in full bloom after the second world war, I could see how his propaganda of ‘Make America Great Again’ really conned people. I spent a lot of time on social media and alone over those months and could see how the states had re-entered a period that felt like the late-60s again with both a resurgence in student protest movements and a renewed interest in psychedelics. I was also meditating a lot and thinking about these things while riding.”
“Reset”, the second single after “How It Breaks” from United States, is another protest song from Aucoin with this one being an anti-gun anthem.
“I started the ride across America just after the events of the Parkland shootings so it was very much in the news and I wanted to write something immediately that spoke to their frustration with the gun laws in their country.” Aucoin had previously recorded audiences from several summer music festivals including Vieilles Charrues, Evolve, Ottawa Bluesfest and Canada Day in Trafalgar Square in North America and Europe in the summer of 2012 and went back to those recordings to get the large sound of a crowd of approximately 20,000 people for the wordless choruses. The song also features the all-star vocal group of Kyla Carter, Simone Denny, Maylee Todd. “I wanted to make something like a Jack White rock anthem but without using any guitar so the only instruments on the track other than bass and drums are just Rhodes and Wurlitzer keyboards played with lots of distortion which we tracked down at Diego Medina’s epic and now closed Old Confidence Lodge Studio (Matt Mays, Jennah Barry, Jon Mckiel).
For the video for “Reset”, “Because of the restraints of COVID19, Aucoin returned to the chopping of over a 100 news reports for the video.” The video features reports on all the mass-shootings that have occurred since Aucoin started his cycle tour which tally to 36. Like “How It Breaks”, it’s a call to action and demonstrates the efforts being made by the thousands of students across America who will one day change gun legislation in their country if those in power do not help them at this moment.
“In going through the hundreds of videos, it reminded me of how often these shooting happen in America and that there’s such a large number that many shootings now need to have a year next to the city’s name to differentiate between them and the mass shootings which have occurred in the same city the year or two before. The shootings have occurred in all types of places and events from a Waffle House and Walmart to a Youtube headquarters and EA Sports Competition. I wanted to remove guns, victims and shooters from the video and have the focus be on protest in response to events. Guns sales go up during times of fear like after a mass shooting or now during the pandemic and so this is an important time to refocus the attention to dealing with the epidemic of America’s gun violence as they continue to rise. Suicide also accounts for the highest number of deaths by guns and I wanted to shed light on that problem as well as the mass shootings occurring frequently. One thing I wish there was more footage of, to include in the video but was impossible to find, was discussion around toxic masculinity and violence against women as many of the shootings include domestic violence at their onset. There is lots of messiness in the discussion of gun violence and mental health as well as both sides seem to be using different dictionaries for their terminology. The NRA is a lobby group masquerading as a civil rights organization but, just as the Tobacco Institute (TIRC) was dissolved in 1998, hopefully the NRA will be deemed unconstitutional as well. Finally, I wanted to block out the guns of this video in the way I blocked out the president in the previous video but wanted to find an object which would demonstrate the desensitized way we see weapons, I picked the dildo because it seems out of place for someone to be showing it off in public and yet the dildo is an object of pleasure not a weapon of death. We should have a bigger reaction to seeing weapons of death being allowed to be touted around in the name of freedom. Working on this was especially difficult in the weeks post the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history while myself and the rest of the community all reflected on what was happening all around us.”
Aucoin has been long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize twice. His music video for “Brian Wilson is A.L.I.V.E.” won the Prism Prize. Aucoin has built a reputation as one of the best live shows in Canada according to CBC Radio3. His albums all sync to old movies like Pink Floyd‘s Dark Side of The Moon with The Wizard of Oz. He has performed all dozens of festivals including Osheaga, The Great Escape, Les Eurockéennes, Berlin Music Festival, Art Basel Miami, Luminato Art Festival, Iceland Airwaves, SXSW, and Pop Montreal.
United States can be pre-saved at https://orcd.co/unitedstates
“Reset” is Out now everywhere at https://orcd.co/richaucoinreset
“How it Breaks” is out now everywhere at https://orcd.co/howitbreaks
Meet trap-pop musician/producer GHOS7 who is thrilled to release his new single “Break Em Down” that is out now along with the music video that featured on Substream.
GHOS7 says, “Break Em Down is a fight song against all my self doubt, fears and limitations. It’s my way of telling them they can’t control me anymore. I’ve prevailed and destroyed all those demons, and now I’m on top and I can tell my story.”
GHOS7 went on to spend his childhood performing in Broadway tours and appearing on kids’ television shows, including Cartoon Network’s Fried Dynamite! , and experimenting with music (“I was making full on metal tracks and singing and full screaming on them in my bedroom”). He eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time, attending auditions and working at a production house, where he learned even more about sound. After becoming disenchanted with his acting venture his dad convinced him to move to Nashville, and shift his focus to his original love: music.
The self-described trap-pop artist initially moved for a recording job, but was ultimately let go after his studio was bought out. Desperate for a steady income, he began producing karaoke tracks, recreating some of the most popular songs of all time note for note. In this role, he was able to utilize the analytical skills he learned from his father, recognizing the intricacies in each song and mimicking them.
From there, he began producing his own music, befriending and selling hip-hop and trap beats to up and coming rappers in the area. One day, he realized that just as he had learned production skills, he could learn about writing and performing lyrics, just as his rapper friends had, and he began taking songwriting and vocals more seriously. Eventually, he was given the name GHOS7 by Young Buck, whom he met through the local artists he was producing for.
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