Singer songwriter Madison Beer is teaming up with Sony Music Entertainment and Verizon to put fans in the front row for a groundbreaking virtual concert experience that reimagines live performance for on-demand viewing across digital platforms in incredibly lifelike immersive reality. Madison will perform an exclusive medley of songs from her highly anticipated Epic Records debut album, Life Support, as an ultra-realistic virtual avatar in an upcoming new showcase powered by cutting-edge innovations in real-time 3D creation technology.
The immersive experience will take place in a meticulous recreation of the Sony Hall concert venue in New York City and will feature dazzling special effects that capture Madison Beer’s artistic vision in full. The set will include an electrifying performance of her latest single “BOYSH*T” that highlights the new opportunities for artists to push the boundaries of their imagination and creativity within virtual spaces. Fans will be able to view the Madison Beer Immersive Reality Concert Experience on PlayStation VR and Oculus VR, and as a captivating immersive 2D experience, which will be broadly available on streaming music video channels. It is set to debut later this winter.
“The process of putting this performance together is like nothing I’ve ever done before,” said Beer. “I love creating visuals, so it was really exciting for me to get involved in the process and make something special for my fans. We’re all disappointed we can’t go out and experience these songs on tour together, so creating a performance like this one feels like a true gift.” Said Sylvia Rhone, Chairwoman and CEO, Epic Records, “Madison Beer is raising the bar of what’s possible in a virtual concert performance and we couldn’t be more excited. With this cutting-edge collaboration of music and technology, Madison has brought her innovative vision to life in a unique way while taking it to new heights. This is another example of Epic’s commitment to empower our artists with groundbreaking opportunities to expand their creative options and engage fans through immersive experiences.”
Said Dennis Kooker, President, Global Digital Business and U.S. Sales, Sony Music Entertainment, “We are pleased to be partnering with Verizon to bring Madison Beer’s groundbreaking immersive performance to fans across a range of streaming and VR platforms. This is a forward-looking, incredibly lifelike experience that brings a new dimension to Madison’s artistry and highlights the capabilities of these innovative formats which bring fans closer to the music than ever before.” “New technologies only become real for consumers through groundbreaking performances like this one,” said Erin McPherson, Head of Consumer Content and Partnerships at Verizon. “Madison Beer is one of the most exciting young performers today, and her willingness to disrupt is a glimpse into the future of creativity and engagement in music. As interactive performances continue to evolve, Madison Beer and Sony will stand as a milestone in the development of new, immersive experiences for consumers, powered by Verizon.”
multi-platinum pop star Zara Larsson kicks off the New Year with a bang on brand new single “Talk About Love” featuring hip-hop heavyweight Young Thug. The 23-year-old phenomenon has also teased further details of her ‘highly anticipated’ forthcoming album ‘Poster Girl’ (coming soon).
Produced by Mike Sabath (Lizzo, Meghan Trainor, Jonas Brothers) the fiercely energetic, free-spirited new single finds Zara boldly declaring “I don’t wanna talk about love,” with a melodic verse from Young Thug. To bring the single to life, Zara teamed up with Ryder Ripps to direct the sultry music video featuring dazzling dance sequences.
Get it HERE via TEN/Epic Records. Watch the music video HERE.
“’Talk About Love’ is about that phase before two people work out what they are to one another,” Zara explains. “That specific window is so beautiful and fragile, as soon as you start asking ‘are we doing this?’ or ‘how do *you* feel?’, for some people that ruins the magic. ‘Talk About Love’ is savoring that moment before you have to decide.”
Okabe is the creation of Canadian multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, Kevin Okabe. Spending the better half of the last decade toiling in a travelling rock n’ roll outfit, the band burst into flames in glorious fashion. After a self-imposed exile around the world spent searching for answers in a post band life, a decision eventually came to dipping his toes into a solo project for the first time. Okabe moved across the Pacific and set up shop in Melbourne, Australia to begin again. Blending elements of blues, jazz, and alternative pop, he began to slowly find his own unique sound. Okabe reordered his headspace and his music began to fall in line. Through this time spent writing, busking, and performing as a solo act, new growth began to take root and with it – a new musical direction.
Narrowing his focus on his music, Passing Cars was released at the tail end of 2019 and for Okabe, signified a fresh start and a musical detour. At the start of the decade, he returned to Canada now residing in Toronto entering back into the studio to develop his sound further – New World signifies that continued growth, “It’s a lost art, we’ve all forgotten how to speak, a generation of self diagnosed anxiety” Okabe sings. It’s a sign of the times we live in with lyrical themes touching on innovation and alienation living in a modern world.
https://soundcloud.com/aysenokabe/change/s-l1sYd3ZSocR
In a world divided, music has the power to bring people together from all ages and walks of life. Brooklyn-born musician Raymond Castronovo formed his band Streetwise with that goal in mind. The band brings a fresh and eclectic rock ‘n roll sound that they feel the modern music scene has been missing. Today, Streetwise announces the upcoming release of their debut single, “Cute,” out January 8, 2021. The single is from their debut album, Crossing Bridges, which will be released in March 2021 on Castronovo’s label, DayQuest Records,
Raymond Castronovo, a lifelong singer, songwriter and guitarist, formed Streetwise in 2019. He brought together a group of professional musicians who come from diverse musical backgrounds. Each member has performed everything from Dixieland jazz to rock, soul, funk, reggae, blues and country. The members include Joe Martinez (Chubby Checker, Irene Cara) on bass, Paul Glazer on lead guitar, and Carl Obrig on saxophone.
With a newly built rehearsal studio on Long Island, NY, his own record label and his band in full swing, Castronovo is ready to bring his dream of sharing his music to a global level. Streetwise drops their debut single, “Cute,” on January 8th, and their debut album, Crossing Bridges, in March 2021.
https://soundcloud.com/raymundo-virula-853200491/streetwise-cute/s-pkmgsQMbgOL
Emerging as the coldest spitter out of C-Town, Doe Boy maintains the momentum from his 2019 opus Streetz Need Me 2. Between cuts like “Grave Digger” [feat. Young Thug], “Walk Down” [feat. YG], and “Too Playa” [feat. Gunna] and skits from none other than Mike Epps. Beyond acclaim from HYPEBEAST and Lyrical Lemonade pondered, “I would not be surprised at all if Doe Boy begins to enter the class of mainstream rap stars because of it.” Streetz Need Me 2 rounded out a breakout year also highlighted by his appearance on Future’s “100 Shooters” also featuring Meek Mill. He’s ultimately primed for a major breakthrough. Signed to FREEBANDZ/Epic, he ignited 2020 by linking up with ESCO on 56 Birdz and turned up in the summer with the solo single “Split It” [feat. Moneybagg Yo]. Now, Doe Boy and Southside ignite a powerhouse partnership on the joint project Demons R Us.
The New York-based boundary-pushers have made a name for themselves in the spirit of change – building a movement from years of being told they were too rock for hip-hop, too hip-hop for rock. They boldly committed to creating music that defies these arbitrary rules of classification, which cemented the band as early pioneers in this current genre-blending and bending revolution.
Oxymorrons have toured with and opened for the likes of Lupe Fiasco, Fever 333, Fishbone, Gym Class Heroes, OutKast, Envy On the Coast, Foxy Shazam, Waka Flocka, Rihanna and more. Found synergy in brand partnerships with Dr. Martens, Hot Topic, Rocawear, Microsoft, Journey’s, Taco Bell and beyond. Oxymorrons larger than life songs have been used in ads for ABC’s The Mayor and Converse, and featured on ESPN’s First Take. Over the years the band has received co-signs from Complex, VIBE, Hypebeast, Highsnobiety, Ebro Darden’s Beats 1, The Fader, Consequence of Sound, UPROXX, MTV, Alternative Press, and more.
Introducing late year, this self-titled EP is the product of a long-term friendship between producers dilip(Dilip Venkatesh) and otxhello (Othello Houston). The duo draw from two distinct coasts and cultures where their own significant introductions to music have cultivated a unique soundscape within their creative work. With dilip’s sophisticated drum patterns and otxhello’s smooth gospel and R&B melodies, late year is making expansive electronic soundscapes that redefine producer as essential artist. Bringing together a distinct project of seemingly cosmic sounds, instrumentalists dilip and otxhello are owning their own virtuosity, unconfined by any genre. The 21 & 23 year-olds have come together before to produce for artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Skies, Lil Tecca, Gucci Mane, Soulja Boy, Roddy Ricch, and many more. Their work has already amassed 3 RIAA certifications, including platinum certification for their work with Lil Skies and gold certification for their work with Lil Tecca and Lil Pump.
Based in Toronto, The Neighbourhood Watch have spent the last three years riding on beginner’s luck. Whether it was learning to play their instruments while writing their first album Community Protected, or stumbling through the production of their second record Goodbye Childhood, the Neighbourhood Watch love to grow alongside their music. In their latest record, Lost in Bloom, the band pairs melody-driven songwriting with ambitious arrangements to tell a story about abandoning arrogance, resenting the people we loved, and being scared of growing up.
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internationally acclaimed super-producer, songwriter, entertainer Bongo ByTheWay unveils his first production for the new year with extraordinary R&B sensations Jazmine Sullivan and H.E.R. for “Girl Like Me” via RCA Records. Available to purchase and stream here today, the powerful, acoustic-style single will accompany Jazmine Sullivan’s forthcoming EP Heaux Tales, which arrives on January 8, 2021.
Deemed as “one of music’s most in-demand producers” by The Source a few weeks ago, Bongo experienced an undeniable winning streak of the 2020 year – earning two 2021 Grammy nominations for his contributions to Kanye West’s Jesus Is King (Best Contemporary Christian Music Album) and Ant Clemons Happy To Be Here (Best R&B Album). Moreover, his recent production (again) with Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake for the critically-acclaimed record “Better Days” continues to bring forth a beacon of hope and inspiration during these unprecedented times.
Bongo produced many of the most significant projects of last year, including Pop Smoke’s Shoot For The Stars, Ty Dolla $ ign’s Featuring Ty Dolla $ign, Teyana Taylor’s The Album and more. Living by his manta dream, build, prosper Bongo ByTheWay sets his a strong tone for 2021 as the world stands by all he has in store for the new year.
Shortly after the unveiling of their long-rumored joint project, PLUTO X BABY PLUTO, multi-platinum superstars Lil Uzi Vert and Future are kicking off the new year with an official music video for one of the standout tracks, “Drankin N Smokin.” The fiery new visual, directed by DJ ESCO & Sam Lecca, features both Lil Uzi Vert and Future, along with witty cameos from Lil Duval and Casino; check it out HERE.
PLUTO X BABY PLUTO – was initially heralded on Uzi and Future’s respective social media pages by a series of surprise video trailers directed by legendary filmmaker Hype Williams (streaming HERE). Shortly beforehand, the two artists also teamed up with DJ ESCO for a special edition of Future’s Freebandz Radio, showcasing an early preview of the eagerly awaited joint project. PLUTO X BABY PLUTO was highlighted by the spectacular track “That’s It,” which arrived with a sporty companion video, streaming now at YouTube HERE.
(Credit: Nathan James)
Tyla Yaweh begins his biggest year yet with the release of his supersonic new music video for “All The Smoke” featuring Gunna and Wiz Khalifa. Watch the clip, directed by Chris Villa (Tyla, Post Malone) HERE, which launched last night via a Youtube Premiere Livestream. Get the Hitmaka-produced track at all DSPs HERE via London Entertainment/Epic Records.
Initially released at the end of December, “All The Smoke” oozes with the realization of Tyla Yaweh’s potential. Praised by the likes of Complex, LA Weekly, Highsnobiety, Uproxx, HotNewHipHop, and more, with NME calling the track “explosive,” the snog is Tyla’s most anthem-ready release to-date. The official video crystalizes the energy of the track with the three artists unfolding a Fast & Furious-style adrenaline rush of a story.
The video sets the stage for his anticipated new album RAGER BØY, arriving soon.
It should come as no surprise that the Orlando, FL-bred, LA-based artist is ready for his close-up. Despite the challenges of 2020, the last year was easily his most productive and successful year yet. He achieved his first Billboard Hot 100 hit with the Post Malone-featuring “Tommy Lee,” which has generated over 148 million streams to-date. His second single of the year, “Stuntin’ On You” featuring a scorching DaBaby, immediately followed and has generated over 66 million streams of its own thus far. Both tracks received special remixes, with SAINt JHN (stream HERE) and Tommy Lee (watch HERE) himself remixing “Tommy Lee,” and most recently DDG and Dame D.O.L.L.A. joining Tyla on a new version of “Stuntin’ On You” (watch HERE). In addition, 2020 saw Tyla receive his first two Gold records, for “Tommy Lee” as well as his 2019 break-out “High Right Now,” taken from his debut project Heart Full Of Rage. Plus, he recently crossed half a billion career streams and made his television debut, performing “Tommy Lee” with Post Malone on the Billboard Music Awards (watch HERE).
Devan has been pursuing a music career since she was a kid; the brazen 10-year-old dropped off a homemade demo – to no avail – at the iconic Olympic Studio, home to Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder and David Bowie. Now, the Toronto-born/London-raised singer-songwriter is gearing up to release her debut solo project.
Leaning into her wildly diverse musical influences thanks to a transatlantic childhood, Devan is creating her own voice by melding together her heroes, including the poetic songwriting of Stevie Nicks, James Taylor and Neil Young; and the pop vocal production of Florence + The Machine, Adele and Amy Winehouse. Her solo debut tracks, which have garnered more than 500,000 global streams, have been described as “mesmerizing” (Wonderland), “catchy hooks… spellbinding” (Earmilk) and “a magnetic tune that understands the gravitational weight of its pull” (Vanyaland).
Written and produced between Toronto and Los Angeles, Devan’s crew of collaborators include Adam Boukis (Timbaland, Saweetie, and Bruno Martini), Quin Kiu (Lil Mosey, J Ember), Tyler Shamy (Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Taeyeon), and features singer-songwriter Corey Harper on “Almost.”
On a debut EP release, Devan set out to create an honest introduction of who she is as an artist and producer, and a commitment to being honest as she reflected on the uncertainty that comes with navigating your 20s.
“Pink Noise is about insecurity, but it’s also about being able to breathe out and feel a sense of relief towards my revelation that my reality is formed by my own perceptions,” explains Devan. “Writing songs for me is a way to uncover my underlying feelings about something – putting elusive emotions into tangible sentences, and coming to terms with them. My only guideline for writing these songs was to try to be as honest with myself as possible, and follow my instincts without all the self-inflicted barriers that I usually let get in the way.”
Marking an ascendant return with their first new music in five years, multi-platinum rock band CHEVELLE announce their ninth full-length album, NIRATIAS [Epic Records], out on March 5, 2021. The album is available for pre-order and pre-save HERE.
To herald the release, the duo of brothers Pete and Sam Loeffler just debuted the first single “Self destructor.” The song is available for streaming and purchase HERE. Primed to take over airwaves, it will officially impact Active Rock radio next week, and will be featured as iHeartRadio’s World Premiere on all of iHeart’s Active Rock stations, playing every three hours. In addition, earlier today Chevelle shared the official music video. View it HERE.
Tossing and turning between moments of heavy catharsis and alternative hypnosis, “Self destructor” hinges on a nimble guitar riff and throttling drums. Pete’s voice careens from hard-hitting verses towards a sweeping refrain uplifted by a haunting high register. The sci-fi music video for the track perfectly complements its mood. The near six-minute cinematic clip follows the duo on the search for truth. Dressed in black suits and ties like G-men, they trace the steps of a ghostly astronaut deep into the woods.
You’ll have to watch to find out what they dig up…
NIRATIAS stands out as the band’s most pummeling and provocative record yet. Teaming with longtime producer Joe Barresi [Tool, Queens of the Stone Age], Chevelle recorded throughout 2019 and 2020 and pieced together an intriguing and inimitable body of work, with themes that will reveal themselves soon. The album artwork, releveled today, is by Boris Vallejo. The famed and award-winning artist is responsible for the posters used for films like Knightriders and National Lampoon’s Vacation, as well as iconic 70’s and 80’s science fiction novel covers and magazines (such as Heavy Metal).
Texan rapper, entertainer Yung Pooda debuts the official music video to his bold, certified-banger track “Chicken ‘N Grits” with a starring role and feature from the illustrious Dreamdoll. The Mokablu [YFN Lucci, Lil Durk, Lud Foe] directed visual finds Yung Pooda at the illest dine-in restaurant in the South—serving the best ‘Chicken ‘N Grits’ you could only imagine. The out-of-this-world visual made its official premiere on BET JAMS via It’s A 10 Records moments ago and is set to run continuously throughout the day [check local listings]. Watch it here.
Pooda recently connected with Dash Radio and had this to say referencing the inspiration behind the hit record and video: “Chicken and grits is me. I’m coming from the South—the dirty South—and I want people to know how we do it and bring that element of culture back to the way we do music and visuals.”
The Cool & Dre [JAY-Z, Beyoncé, Nas] produced track serves as the 2021 heavy-hitting, club-ready banger everyone has waited for. It brings the flavor of the good ol’ South globally and will impact Urban/Rhythmic radio at the end of the month. Praised by Flaunt Magazine, Revolt TV, Hip Hop DX and more since the audio track release, “Chicken ‘N Grits” has now taken on a life of its on via Tik Tok with over 19.5M views and 8,000 user uploads on the platform as it serves as the official anthem for whipping up food and fun.
Pooda gears up for his highly-awaited debut Vivid Pictures, which is on the horizon. The forthcoming debut project is heralded by the release of his multi-million streamed debut single “Repeat Dat,” which charted the Top 50 Urban and Rhythmic charts and overflows with 2M+ views for the official video via Youtube. Pooda also released a powerful, stand-alone single “Lies Told” this past September. Bossip described the track as a “banger”, and BET Jams favored the single as their #1 pick for their ‘Fresh Face Friday’ lineup. He received acclaim for his unapologetic address of the social climate in his own organic way and proved his versatility in artistry by channeling several creative spaces. The stripped-down visual is rapidly approaching 1M views via Youtube.
(photo credit: Brook Boyer)
Introducing LA by-way-of Tennessee raconteur Hannah Hausman… The indie pop newcomer makes an unforgettable official entrance this year with new single “will i ever feel like this again?” out now via Quadio Records.
The track builds on a sentiment we’ve all likely experienced in a situationship – “are we just friends? or more? or less?” – and the inevitable process of walking away from what’s clearly toxic for you. With her honey glazed vocals over sincere poetics and crisp production, you’re instantly invested in how the narrative develops. It’s this same relatability in their art and with their fans that led Chelsea Cutler, QUINNXCII, or Jeremy Zucker to the top of the charts – all artists Hannah Hausman credits as key influences in her work.
Speaking on the new single, Hannah Hausman explains, “I started writing this song a year ago to navigate my conflicting feelings about a guy who I always loved but knew would be bad for me. Even though I knew he wasn’t right for me, he made me feel something I had never felt before. We ended up dating and our relationship was even more toxic than I imagined. It was so hard to leave him because I was so scared to fall back into apathy. The song follows my intuition and emotions as they fight against one another, and I gain the courage to walk away.”
New York City native, half-japanese, Lisa Remar has always loved music. Her passion for song-writing, producing and singing lives in her songs. Characterized by her soulful vocals and her unique sonic sensibility – Lisa’s music takes the listener to a familiar place they’ve never been before.
Moments of playfulness transition into epic scores and vice versa. Boom Bap inspired rhythms appear unexpectedly and coast over her silky voice. Lisa’s psychedelic soundscape threads through most of her tracks and revels in tinges of melancholia. Similar to her music, Lisa’s style also draws influence from various backgrounds, and is representative of her biracial heritage.
There’s something exciting about the music Lisa is making. It almost feels like listening to Fiona Apple or Lana Del Rey for the first time. A shock to the system – a refined rawness.
https://www.instagram.com/lisaremar/
https://www.facebook.com/lisaremar/
In 1942, a young woman wrote a love song. It was called “I’m Dreaming of No One But You” and was inspired by her future husband who had just left home for World War II.
The song caught the attention of a famous Hollywood composer, who helped write the music. “I’m Dreaming of No One But You” was published, but never recorded. Over the years, the song was nearly forgotten.
But now, nearly 80 years later, the song has been professionally recorded for the first time. The effort included contributions from musicians around the world.
“I’m Dreaming of No One But You” was written by Leona Augustine. She wrote the song as a young woman living on a Missouri farm. The original sheet music was composed by Bob Carleton, who had a memorable hit song in “Ja-Da” and later wrote songs for movies.
The song sat forgotten for decades until Leona Augustine’s grandson, Jacob Luecke, recently discovered the sheet music in a collection of old family papers. In the spring of 2020, he set out to record the song in a big band style similar to what was popular during the time of its writing. He ended up working with musicians from nine different countries to bring the song to life.
“Grandma Leona died in 1984, when I was just two years old — so I never really knew much about her. It was amazing to discover that she was a songwriter, which is my hobby too. The first time I played the song, I could tell it was special,” said Jacob Luecke. “I’m excited to be able to share grandma Leona’s talent with the world. I am grateful to the many incredible musicians who contributed to this recording. I hope everyone enjoys listening to it!”
The song will be released on January 15, 2021, on what would have been Leona Augustine’s 106th birthday. It will be available on all major streaming services.
For more information about this project, visit www.leonasdream.com or facebook.com/leonasdream.
XHOANA X takes a dark hit of triphop and reduces, seduces the blueprint. To a backdrop of scalded and heat-blackened pop, she is vulnerable, cool-eyed and vengeful. To be drawn by her blacksyrup sultry-smooth voice, is to miss the wry glint of its cruelty. XHOANA X is nu-femme fatale glam with a slick gothic Lynchian twist.
Adult pop gloss against carnal. Violence in honey soaked sounds. The desire to belong and the need to stand out, these are deep-seated raw-cut conflictions.
As a child in L.A, then a teen in The Bronx, having moved from post-communist Tirana, fitting in was her key to survival. But once you survive, you want more. And when you’ve got the guts, you go get it.
XHOANA X mixes sharp-focussed songcraft with classic-noir powerplay and elegance. There’s a brutalist feel to the fever and zeal of the songs and the heat she creates.
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Rotterdam-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Sykes unveils ‘We and Us’, the first offering and title track from the upcoming EP ‘We And Us’, set for release on February 10th, via Rotterdam-based forward-thinking electronic label Fluid Funk – STREAM WE AND US HERE
Sykes wrote ‘We And Us’ after a long conversation with a friend about religion, race and the systemic racism embedded as normal practice within our society. Reflecting on the meaning behind the song the talented artist says: “it’s about the deep divisions in modern society. A lot of tensions between people of all kinds of beliefs and political affiliations were surfacing at the time I was writing the song. I really wanted to write something that could resonate with hope. We have to respect each other and listen to each other based on trusting our good intentions”.
Entirely written and produced by Sykes, the song is drenched in 2-step influenced drums, jazz piano loops and the artist’s rich and ambiguous vocals. Citing some of electronic music’s most thoughtful and sophisticated artists including Alfa Mist and Richard Spaven project 44th Move, James Blake, Flying Lotus, Bonobo and Floating Points, as well as 2-step hero Peven Everett, Sykes creates smooth electronic music containing shades of everything from UK garage to 2-step and broken beat, from soul to jazz.
Sykes is part of Rotterdam’s new forward-thinking electronic music scene, gravitating around cultural platforms and collective of creative people such as Triphouse Rotterdam and Operator Radio. As a DJ he has been hosting his own show on Operator Radio, while as an artist and producer, he has been championed by DJ, music curator and radio host Carista, who picked his infectious track ‘Take’ for ‘Modern Intimacy Volume 1’, the first compilation album out on her United Identities label. As a performer Sykes has been collaborating with Dutch producer Beau Zwart, who’s Beyond Two Souls EP ft. Sykes marked the launch of the Fluid Funk label in 2020. Together they performed their energetic live set at ADE 2019, culminating in an EP release, ‘Hold Tight’, released last summer.
Sam DeRosa takes a bow at curtain call with “Unfinished” – the final official video to be released off her debut EP The Medicine out now via Monument Records.
“Unfinished” serves as the necessary healing before closure. It’s the soundtrack to your aimless yet introspective late-night drives and the weight lifted from your shoulders as you come to terms with reality.
“Some stories don’t get an ending and some people never get a proper goodbye. I knew that I wanted to touch on this idea that maybe this is what it is. Maybe we are just meant to be open-ended and there’s no ending, and there’s no reason for that?” Sam explains, speaking on the inspiration behind the track. “When I wrote ‘Unfinished’ I knew it would be the opening to the EP. It was a song I needed because I couldn’t find one that perfectly fit how I was feeling. I didn’t want the song to feel totally sad though, so I wanted to be able to cry a little but dance through it. Put all those feelings together and BOOM, we made ‘Unfinished.’”
The visual, like the track itself, is a snapshot of a moment in time. While “Unfinished” is the first track on the EP, it’s the last to be shared in a series of miniature music videos. Each one was filmed DIY style by Naserin Bogado, together creating a visual experience reflective of both current lockdown restrictions and the 6-track storybook. Sam DeRosa notes, “I really wanted it to feel like every visual for each song is me, getting way too much time alone, to rethink myself and my emotions as I dance through The Medicine as a whole.”
Marked by introspective lyricism, mournful melodies, lush blankets of driving guitars and wistful vocal deliveries, Massachusetts’s Valleyheart is equal parts boldness and beauty. Led by singer/songwriter/producer Kevin Klein, the four-piece formed in 2016 with the idea of rearranging Klein’s haunting folk songs (written in his home closet studio) into dynamic rock statements.
The band’s first EP Nowadays arrived in 2017 and quickly gained attention across the scene for its relatable lyrics and nostalgic feel. Klein’s vision was further realized with the 2018 LP release Everyone I’ve Ever Loved. It was an immense step forward in both sound and story. A conceptual journey through identity and faith. Kerrang Magazine noted “punk elements are present but not pronounced; each song is a musical game of hide-and-seek.”
Now unveiling a new single “T.I.K” (an acronym for Thoughts I Keep) dives into the songwriters’ own mind and contemplates understanding paradoxical behaviors. Studying the contradictory nature of the psyche, “T.I.K” is about how our opposing emotions and thoughts interact. Klein shares, “I wanted those tensions and weight paralleled in the instrumentation; hence this probably being the heaviest and hard-hitting track.” Clashing percussion and resonating guitars build to create a raucous and energetic atmosphere.
Valleyheart has been awarded “Rock Artist of the Year” at the Boston Music Awards and their album Everyone I’ve Ever Loved received a nomination for “Album of the Year.” The band enters 2021 with new music and a renewed creative push as they continue to carve out their own corner of the indie/alternative rock space.
Born in Manchester, England, Tommy Newport relocated to the United States with his family at six years old where he bounced around from Dallas to Seattle before settling down in Wichita, Kansas. After picking up the guitar as a teenager to ease the boredom that comes with the idyllic, but monotonous life in the Midwest, Newport submerged himself into music and hasn’t looked back since.
Following his debut release in 2018, Newport has been on a meteoric rise, now unveiling his latest banger, “Yellow Lines.” Produced by Newport alongside his frequent collaborator 4th Pyramid (Black Eyed Peas, Wu-Tang Clan), the track oozes a similar brit rock essence to the likes of The Rolling Stones, whose album Some Girls played as big inspiration. Showcasing fun and funky instrumentation, the track drips with groovy, pick bass and trippy guitars, creating an almost hallucinogenic result. Paired with sexy dance pop elements, the song brings to mind the likes of the Gorillaz. Newport confides, “My battle, like so many other artists, is the constant evolution of my sound and wanting to always try new things. I prefer to exist in many different worlds sonically at once.”
“Yellow Lines” encapsulates the feeling of losing focus on the highway and getting a quick jolt to keep your eyes on the road once you’ve ever so slightly crossed over those yellow lines. The energetic tracks urges you to wake up and to not slip across the yellow line that is life. The accompanying music video depicts a similar sentiment. Self-shot and directed by Newport and 4th Pyramid in Los Angeles, it’s fast paced, cinematic and raw – just like the song itself.
Newport has earned notable early co-signs from the likes of BadBadNotGood and Giles Peterson. He has been featured in a variety of television shows, including HBO’s hit TV show Ballers, Netflix’s original series What/If, TBS’ popular TV show Search Party, Amy Schumer’s documentary Expecting Amy, as well as the hit TV show The Sinner. He has also scored the latest ad campaign for Apple’s iPad. The rising singer, songwriter and producer has been recognized for his infectious performance on the internationally renowned YouTube series COLORS. His astounding live performance has led to over one million streams and the likes of Hypebeast, High Snobiety, Beats 1 Radio and Flaunt Magazine all recently touting Newport as the next big thing. Newport was handpicked by Sticky Fingers to support the sold-out North American leg of their tour in the spring of 2019 and has also headlined his own tours across the US and Europe. This relentless artist is a force to be reckoned with, with “Yellow Lines” currently available worldwide.
With over half a billion streams to date and a run of major collaborations under her belt, you’ve definitely heard Annika Wells, but now it’s time to get to know her. Today, the Sleepy Hollow-born and Los Angeles-based pop singer and songwriter serves up her brand new single entitled “Fuck Being Sober.” Get it HERE. The song marks her official major label debut, officially signing to Vol. 1 and Epic Records.
Annika’s voice has coursed through popular culture as a writer and as a vocalist. She has notably penned tracks for The Jonas Brothers, PRETTYMUCH, BTS, and Steve Aoki, to name a few. Additionally, her vocals powered “Nightlight” by Illenium and “Run It” by Midnight Kids, which both captured #1 at Dance Radio.
On “Fuck Being Sober,” her voice coasts above palm-muted acoustic guitar as she urges, “So, pour me another, one for my brother, and two for my parents, I know they can’t stand this.” In between thanking day-one friends, the song affirms her pledge to skip a 9-to-5 (“That shit is so boring!”), live out her dream, and recognize “We die, then it’s over, so fuck being sober.”
For as intoxicating as the melody may be, it also sends an encouraging message to seize the day and live life to the fullest. Doubling as her mission statement, it’s meant to uplift.
About the song’s inspiration, she recalls, “I was with my extended family when my aunt said, ‘I know you’re doing this music thing for fun, but when are you going to get a real job and start taking your life seriously?’ When I got back to L.A., I thought, ‘Fuck the nine-to-five idea of what we’re supposed to do with our lives’. I hate that! I took this angsty energy and made a song about having fun with my friends and going against the status quo.”
Already jumpstarting the new year, multi-platinum artist, producer, and singer-songwriter Tyler Shaw serenades on his breathtaking ballad “When You’re Home” out now via Sony Music.
At a time where love and security is needed more than ever, Tyler Shaw delivers on his most romantic track to date. Through sultry vocals and subtle guitar plucking, “When You’re Home” opens softly but as the track progresses it is cascaded by triumphant percussion, serene strings, and Tyler’s captivating vocals all culminating into a passionate performance on how the power of love moves us.
“When You’re Home” brings even more meaning as Tyler’s home grew an extra member over the holidays with him and his wife welcoming their first child. Tyler elaborates, “‘When You’re Home’ is about having security in the person you love. Home can be wherever and whenever you’re with someone you love or admire.” Alongside the song stands an equally heartfelt video co-directed by Tyler himself and The Young Astronauts. On its inception, he explains, “This music video was my first time co-directing with my long time creative collaborators, The Young Astronauts. I pitched my team the idea of a modern couple set in a different time period and pulled elements of different romantic films and stories and brought them to life in this new video. The video reflects that universal desire to be in love and feeling safe when you’re ‘home’ with someone, whether that’s a physical, emotional or mental space you share with someone special.”
Global breakout superstars, Giolì & Assia, release their first new single of 2021, “Your Lullaby” via Ultra Records. “Your Lullaby” is the duo’s latest release to join an impressive arsenal of pioneering genre-bending underground pop songs set to appear on their forthcoming EP, MOON FACES, which has earned critical acclaim from tastemaker music press including L.A. Weekly, Flaunt, Spin, 1883 Magazine, Mixmag, Paper, TIME and TMRW Magazine.
This late-night anthem is the perfect blend of melodic techno and pop to start the new year. “Our fourth release ‘Your Lullaby’ is a song inspired by classic house music. The melody of the vocals sounds like a real lullaby, romantic but at the same time obsessive,” the duo states. “To complete the track, we imprinted our signature sound of the electric handpan and live instrumentation. We hope our fans love it!”
John Driskell Hopkins today shares “I Hate To See Good Whiskey Go To Waste”. As its title might infer, this single serves up a melancholy bar room vignette. Hopkins explains,”The title is something that my friend (and veteran Music Row songwriter) Jerry Salley came up with. We went round and round with different angles on how to bring that title to life, and ultimately were drawn towards whiskey’s ability to “numb an old heartache”. The jury is still out on whether or not this method is actually effective.”
Reflecting on the arrangement, which shifts between a full electric backing band and solo vocals, Hopkins notes “I love the way this song is stripped down to just the vocal in sections. It really conveys the personal nature of the heartache.”
“I Hate To See Good Whiskey Go To Waste” is the third single release from Hopkins upcoming Lonesome High album, due for a February 19 release. It follows the title-track (which featured fellow ZBB member Coy Bowles) and “Missing You All, All The Time”.
Hailing from NewYork, Squale is an emerging artist with a history of industry credentials, the multi-platinum producer and artist is most famously known for producing the hit track ‘KMT’ featuring Peckham’s very own Giggson Drake’s project ‘MoreLife’ as well as working with artists such as CardiB, Young Thug, Russ to name a few.
Banff folk/roots trio The Wardens are known for their captivating live shows which feature masterful storytelling, alongside their classic Americana music.
Their latest single ‘Coming Home’ tells the tale of their colleague, legendary Jasper national park warden Frank Burstrom, a man who mastered to art of solitude.
“I wrote this song after reflecting on how much the world has changed in my 45-year lifetime and how fast everything continues to change,” says vocalist/bassist Ray Schmidt. “It’s amazing and terrifying at the same time. We have the entire knowledge of the world at our fingertips (who doesn’t love that!) but that forest I played in when I was a kid is now a 7-11 and a PayDay loan. The idea of returning to a natural place that holds our childhood memories isn’t so reliable anymore.”
“I work as a wildlife ranger in Glacier National Park near Revelstoke, BC and it’s a place, unlike that forest I played in growing up, that we’ve decided as a society not to change (other than melting glaciers, but that’s another story),” Ray continues. “It got me to thinking about people who are intricately connected with wilderness. Frank Burstrom is a fellow that we all worked with as national park wardens. He grew up in Jasper National Park many years ago. His grandfather and father were also park wardens. His home was the wilderness, and after his 30-year career working in Jasper and Banff national parks, what has changed – and dramatically – is everything else around it. We can send people into orbit any day of the week, but a horse as a mode of transport seems out of this world. Maybe protected wilderness is that last enduring place that we have – that familiar, warm place that can hold our memories.”
Japanese music and creative collective millennium parade are pioneering a new age of collaboration and creation. Organizer Daiki Tsuneta (producer, songwriter, and frontman of J-Pop band King Gnu) assembled a team of musicians, film directors, visual effects artists, designers, and illustrators to bring this unique, multimedia concept to life. Since their 2019 inception, millennium parade have racked up millions of streams across their diverse singles and incredible accompanying self-produced animated music videos, resulting in a dedicated legion of fans. The group’s single “Fly with me” was selected as the official theme song for the ‘Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045’ reboot series on Netflix. The song was also later remixed by celebrated DJ/producer Steve Aoki and brought the group international acclaim. The hype also led to high profile collaborations with DIOR, adidas, Coach, and Cartier, and praise from media including Billboard, Hypebeast, Highsnobiety, Earmilk and more.
The collectives’ hard work will culminate in their debut full length album, ‘THE MILLENNIUM PARADE’, set to release globally on February 10th via Sony Music Japan. The album features the band’s eclectic releases from the last year, alongside new tracks that showcase millennium parade’s range of influences. The group launched an exclusive album pre-save with Apple Music and gave fans another taste of what the record has in store with a new single “2992” – which also serves as the theme song for NHK ‘2030 A Turning Point for Our Future’ documentary and Daiki focused special documentary is called “Daiki Tsuneta ‘DESTRUCTION & CREATION’” that just aired in Japan (watch performance video). They’ve also announced their song “FAMILIA” off the upcoming album as the theme song for Japanese film ‘The Family’ about members of the Yakuza organized crime syndicate releasing on January 29th.
Cover Art by Andrew McAlpine
“2sides” is about long distance relationships.
Stream now on your preferred platform. Watch the official music video on YouTube
Produced with Santhoshblur, it’s a song I started messing around with at The Store, this ‘secret’ studio space where my friends and I meet weekly to bounce ideas off of each other and just make crazy music into the middle of the night. In isolation, these sessions were my biggest source of inspiration.
I’m at a place where a lot of my ideas feel possible and that’s mainly in part to my experience creating this song. “2sides” is the bridge between my debut album, and my sophomore album now in the works.
Thanks for letting my music be a part of your life!
Exploding onto the scene with a DIY ethos and an unforgettable live show, MONOWHALES have spent the last three years firmly establishing themselves as one of the most exciting new bands on the Canadian musical landscape. Their debut single Take It Back quickly rose to #25 on the alternative rock charts after its release in late 2017. A collaboration with producer Al-P (Death From Above 1979, Young Empires) spawned their debut EP Control Freak, hitting virtual shelves the following summer. The band followed this up with countless shows across Canada, including support slots for K.Flay, Sloan, and Marianas Trench, amongst others. Multiple songs from Control Freak are featured in Netflix’s Spinning Out series and CBC drama Northern Rescue.
Having been writing and performing new songs while on tour, the band partnered with JUNO-award nominated producer Ryan Worsley (Dear Rouge, Brave Shores) in the spring of 2019 to record two new tracks. These sessions produced the band’s latest single “RWLYD (Really Wanna Let You Down)” which saw MONOWHALES make history as the only independent, self-managed band to hit #2 on the Mediabase Canada Alternative Rock Chart.
A cross-Canada tour followed the release of “RWLYD,” with the band stopping off in BC to complete their new album with Worsley. MONOWHALES gave fans a taste of the resulting album with the release of a new single “All or Nothing” in late August 2020 which quickly climbed to #7 on the alt rock charts. MONOWHALES’ new album Daytona Bleach is available for pre-order now, and drops everywhere on March 5th, 2021.
A child of Baltimore, Lauren grew to embrace the fatalistic spirit of the city in her work and art. With stunningly raw, haunting tones, Lakis has fashioned her own brand of “delightfully gut-churning shoegaze”. Authentic and honest lyricism, paired with lush, darkly romantic vibes, her songs are “a refreshing change from today’s polite rock…” (Earmilk).
Lakis and her full band have toured the West Coast extensively, and have shared bills with Drowse, Coastlands, and Emmet Palaima of Elizabeth Colour Wheel. Most recently, the band played to a sold-out room at Doug Fir Lounge, as well as The Catalyst Santa Cruz, opening for Flor & Winnetka Bowling League. Lauren also performed a pair of solo shows opening for Grammy-nominated legendary rocker Tracy Bonham. The band was set to play SXSW this year as well.
Photo Credit: Sadie Couture
Vancouver-based singer-songwriter Russell Gendron will proudly release Homebody, his third outing under the band moniker Bill Jr. Jr.
The mood on Homebody is personal, building on Gendron’s intimate and lyrical focus with the band’s big drums, soaring electric guitar, vintage keys and spacey textures. The arrangements shine, with thick string sections and rich vocal harmonies creating a lush and energizing result, which all comes through on the album’s 3rd single ‘Dear Neighbour’ out today.
“‘Dear Neighbour’ is about a friend, we grew up together,” says Gendron. “She has a family now and became a successful architect, so this is about me reflecting on our different paths and where we are now.”
The video for ‘Dear Neighbour’ was shot in 360 degrees creating a fun and interactive video experience, while showcasing Bill Jr. Jr.’s lo-fi 90s slacker vibe. Give it a watch here.
Photo Credit: David Guenther
Alberta-based singer-songwriter Ryland Moranz is excited to announce the release of his new album XO, 1945, out today on all digital streaming services through Tonic Records. Also out today is the live video for the album’s 3rd single ‘Beautiful World’. Watch the video here.
Continuing in the grand tradition of great storytellers, Ryland filters the spirits and genius of literary giants like Kurt Vonnegut and Ernest Hemingway through the compositional templates determined by Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, or Blaze Foley, whose tragic demise is recalled in the affecting ‘There Ain’t New Songs‘, which, like the ragtime-style ‘Run Rabbit Run’, is one of many sublime highlights featured on Ryland’s sophomore release, XO, 1945.
Both in his own right as a solo artist and as an integral member of Leeroy Stagger’s potent alt-country outfit, the Rebeltone Sound, Ryland has spent a considerable time traversing the highways and byways of Canada, the US, and Europe, reflecting on personal growth and empathetically noting all around him, absorbing the images, stories, events, and experiences of the road as he goes. While the miles and time slip by Ryland reads, mainly history and classic literature, and of the new songs that have emerged from an inspired combination of the compelling pages of his book choices and all he sees through tour bus windows in pursuit of his art.
“I feel less like a writer of fiction and more like a collector of sorts,” says Ryland. “It’s a romantic notion, but I like the idea of being a hopeful observer of the world and the people in it. I think in a roundabout way that’s what the new record is about, and kind of why I called it XO, 1945 – kind regards from a past that’s different than you remember.”
Griff Clawson is an LA-based, Orange County-raisedsinger/songwriter who has gained immense support & recognition for his anthemic voice on tracks with DJglobal-stars such as ARTY, Matoma, Devault, Manilla Killa and Boombox Cartel.His debut solo single, titled “Chasing Highs”is OUT NOW, released independently.
neillfrazer@hotmail.com
