Their unique blend of electro-pop, influenced by artists like ROZES, JoJo, and PVRIS, showcases both their songwriting prowess and incredible production talent. Their music has been featured on Apple Music’s ‘New in Pop’ playlist and a variety of publications, including, American Songwriter, Euphoria, Flaunt, and Rolling Stone IN, each praising their hooky melodies and powerful prose. The duo released their critically acclaimed debut “Identity EP” in 2020. Followed by singles including “Rollercoaster” and the sugary sweet fan favorite “Cherry Coke.” With a new project on the horizon, “Hidden” is yet another glimpse into what this multifaceted, ultra-talented duo is capable of.
(Credit: Cornelia Wahlberg)
Today, Swedish recording artist Tove Styrke returns with brand new single “Mood Swings,” out now via RECORDS / Columbia Records / Sony Music Sweden. The song is available everywhere now here. Watch the official video here.
Her first single in 3 years, “Mood Swings” finds Tove Styrke back in top form and is just a taste of what’s to come in 2021. Exploring the complexity of human identity and her struggles with mental health and self-acceptance, Tove describes, “‘Mood swings’ is insane. It’s paying tribute to my best and worst sides. I really hate myself sometimes. But I’m trying really hard not to. These past three years I’ve been through depression, fell hard in love, survived a Swedish music reality TV-show, I got a car, I got stuck with millennial blues, I feel like an adult sometimes, I feel like I did as a child. I feel kinda free.”
Commenting on the video (directed by Gustav Stegfors), Tove adds,”It’s my idea and creative concept and I’ve really tried my hardest to portray these characters in a respectful and loving way. I love them. People are more complex than we allow them to be, and as different as these characters look on the outside, as much variation can be found inside one person.”
Academy® Award-winning actress and GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist Jennifer Hudson releases a new original song entitled “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)”—co-written with 4-time GRAMMY® Award winner, Kennedy Center Honoree, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Carole King (marking their first collaboration) and Jamie Hartman [Lewis Capaldi, Christina Aguilera]. Get it HERE. GRAMMY® Award-winning Black Eyed Peas co-founder and mega-producer will.i.am produced the track. Hudson announced the collaboration on her social platforms earlier this week HERE.
Paving the way for Hudson’s blockbuster big-screen turn as Aretha Franklin, it will appear on the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to RESPECT and serve as the film’s only original song. Hudson was handpicked by Franklin to portray her in the film from MGM, which opens in theatres nationwide on August 13th. The soundtrack will be available on the same day.
Pre-order the Soundtrack HERE.
One of the biggest, boldest, and brightest voices in contemporary music, Jennifer Hudson stands alone. Not only is she a two-time GRAMMY® Award winner and best-selling author, but she has received an Academy® Award, a Golden Globe®, and countless other honors as an actress. Her self-titled 2008 debut Jennifer Hudson earned a platinum certification, the 2011 follow-up I Remember Me went gold, and 2014’s JHUD drew a GRAMMY® nod. She has starred in films ranging from Dreamgirls and Sex and the City to Chi-Raq and Sing, in addition to taking over Broadway in The Color Purple, for which the soundtrack garnered Hudson another Grammy win. Along the way, she became a best-selling author and served as a coach on The Voice UK and U.S. In 2019, she appeared as Grizabella in the big-screen adaptation of Cats, and she also contributed “I’ll Fight” to the critically acclaimed documentary RBG, garnering an Academy® Award nomination. In 2021, she stars as Aretha Franklin in director Liesl Tommy’s highly anticipated biopic Respect, of which she is also an executive producer. Franklin personally chose Hudson to star. She will be releasing new music soon.
Having performed in a vast amount of different showcases and festivals throughout the years, such as Osheaga, Montreal’s International Jazz Festival, CMW, NXNE, and much more, Laroie is ready and experienced to continue her adventure as a solo artist. Laroie chose to collaborate with director Maïlis Roy-Lessard for the upcoming music video for “One More,” and called this project her “personal ode to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.” At the dawn of the release of her second EP, Laroie invites us to discover her own niche, feet firmly anchored in a seductive melancholy.
Meet John Khalkho, the Singer/ Songwriter who is becoming popular by the day with his songwriting and music composition skills. He has just released a song called, “It’s Not Okay.” A song that addresses an issue that should not be present in today’s culture – Domestic Violence! According to John, “It’s Not Okay” is more than just a song! It’s a philosophy! It is a message that needs to be communicated in an interesting and engaging way to make more and more people stand up against it. It’s a taboo that should not be prevalent in the current society. John says that he was inspired to write this song when he was going through a website that works to protect vulnerable people when he came across an alarming statistic. According to the website, one in four women suffer some sort of an abuse in Australia, a country that prides itself in being one of the world leaders when it comes to protecting its people and their rights. Apart from being a songwriter, John also revels in writing a weekly blog called, “The Sunday Feed” which he shares on social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. He has written an article on the same issue where he lists down some measures we can implement to ensure this practice is completely eradicated. And finally, John believes that the credit of a good creative product should be shared by everyone in the team and would like to introduce the other members. While the song was written and composed by John, the drums were played by Lx Khan, the BASS was given by Hazael Fagerlund, The Piano and Guitar were rendered by Ricky Anthony and the Video was choreographed by Thushan Kalana. And finally, he would like to appeal to all the people living in Australia and across the world that it is time we raise awareness about such tyrannical issues prevalent in the society in whatever way we can. Whether it is writing a blog, doing a play or even composing a song!
Towering over 100,000 views in just over 48 hours and hitting major Spotify playlists, A!MS delivers the cold visuals for ‘Honor’ featuring AV Allure, Projexx & Julian Marley. Since the release he’s already had backing from Wonderland who said: ‘A!MS is an internationally known tour-de-force who was dabbling in music before most of us could walk. With a career spanning over two decades, the entrepreneur, producer, DJ and songwriter has seen and done it all, yet still brings a fresh determination to each new sound that encompasses his artistry.’
International Dancehall and Afro Fusion star TARELA, releases new single ‘Hold Me Down’. Produced by Giggz, the Caribbean flows through the very heart of his latest joint as sweet vibrations, sun-soaked melodies and reggae instrumentation sets the tone for the beat. Effortlessly skipping between Jamaican patois and soulful English delivery, TARELA creates a heart-filled vibe with sing-along status.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: TARELA – HOLD ME DOWN
Based in the USA, TARELA’s sound is a refreshing blend that embodies Nigerian Dancehall and Afro-Fusion, winding together the two highly vibrant styles in a unique and audacious manner. His lyrical content uplifts and resonates as he bases it around the themes of romantic declarations, resilience, love, motivation, and celebration of life. Formerly known as Squeeze Tarela, the singer and song-writer has built a catalogue of celebrated music that includes joints such as ‘Hottest Thing’, ‘Better’, ‘Cocoa Butter’, ‘Bend’ and ‘Showers of Blessings’.
Leaning on the theme of love, TARELA explains, “’Hold Me Down’ is the first single off my 5 track EP titled ‘ELECTRIC’ set to drop this summer. The song was produced by Giggz and the strings by Sam Ofori added more life to the song. I simply wanted to portray the importance of the strength of a woman when she is loved and appreciated by her man. “Hold Me Down” is created for everyone who sees the importance of a loyal woman.”
London based singer/songwriter Fox Jackson has been enamoured by music from as young as he can remember. Inspired by the likes of artists such as Earth Wind and Fire, Prince and Pharrell Williams, his music blends funk-fuelled melodies, sexy vocals and dance-worthy beats, creating a vibrant and distinct sound which is undeniably his own. His career in the entertainment industry began at just 11 years old, when he landed the lead role as Billy Elliot, in the hit West End musical, “Billy Elliot the Musical”. His time there solidified his desire to be on stage, while also pushing him to dive deeper into the world of music. Following multiple roles on both stage and TV, Fox soon made an easy transition to his first love and true calling, music. Discovering his own sound and style, Fox has since been crafting music, with the intention to make listeners smile.
Following on from “Behind Closed Doors” is his latest single “Like You In Every Way” – written alongside producer Nick Burns, this floorfiller track is more than just a love song. This is the ice-melting, love-professing, warm sunshine single written during a transition period of Jackson’s relationship, carrying a message of trust and love regardless of doubts. The artist confides, “There is nothing so deadly to a fresh relationship as too many questions, sometimes you just have to let go of those fears and trust that you want to be together.” This is a positive, comforting song sure to put a smile on your face. The track comes in like a glowing summer breeze of joy and positivity. The guitar has a strong melodic flow layered over the tasty, funky drums forging a rush of energy and movement. With a slapping bass line and a highly intoxicating, dance-worthy fluidity, “Like You In Every Way” features funky riffs and a rich, groovy soundscape, like caramel for your eardrums. The sleek vocals from Jackson are smooth and romantic, glazed in a cheeky energy that gives an undeniable charm to the song. With an underlying wholesome tone, the organic track brims in authenticity and honesty. Jackson shares, “Music, as with all things in life, is about love. Music for me isn’t just about love, music is a love language. Music interprets my feelings, the feelings of those dear to me and helps me understand my place in the sea of those relation-’ships’”.
Hoping that his music will transport listeners to the golden age of funk, soul and disco, Fox Jackson is producing music for escapism and delivering something that will make you question which decade we are in.
Diana DeMuth shares a tearful, video for her single “Photographs“ from her debut album, Misadventure, out now Thirty Tigers. The video provides an introspective look into a love DeMuth’s romance with a woman that dwindled out. The face-to-face and heavy-hearted video shows DeMuth and her once-partner in the midst of a final goodbye and last embrace, closing out this chapter of their story together. Nicolas Sutton Bell (The Lumineers, Jeremiah Fraites) directed the video and invoked powerful visual metaphors to convey the intense emotions of the single.
On the song, DeMuth says, “Photographs is a very personal song for me, it’s about being in love with another woman – but I think the message rings true to any and all kinds of relationships. It’s really about having the courage to love someone, no matter what they are on the outside, and how these kind of rare loves can fall to ruins and leave haunting pictures tattooed in your mind’s eye.”
She adds, “This video was a very intimate and vulnerable one to shoot. It was important to me and my director Nick for my performance to reflect the raw and universal nature of a song about looking back on a love gone wrong. Being so close to another person after a year of isolation and singing directly at them ended up being an emotional experience for me and brought me back to the original feeling that inspired these lyrics.”
New Zealand modern soul master Louis Baker releases his new EP, ‘Love Levitates’. Pre-order ‘Love Levitates’ here. Buy ‘Love Levitates’ from Bandcamp here
‘Love Levitates’ takes his signature brand of modern-soul fused with heartfelt lyrics to bright, new territory. Working with producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Devin Abrams (Dallas Tamaira, Drax Project, Pacific Heights), the EP is Baker’s five-track concept of life – an intimate yet expansive journey of heritage – love, friendship, observation, and beyond.
The new EP marks the first full-length follow up to Baker’s critically acclaimed debut album ‘Open’, released in 2019. Proving his knack at crafting a killer radio hit, first single ‘Overdrive‘ featuring NZ rapper/producer Kings -a sultry-pop banger about the ecstasy of new love – shot to No. 1 in New Zealand on release and has clocked over 400k Spotify streams.
On the uplifting and deeply personal opening track, ‘Brighter Day’ featuring The KTNA sisters on backing vocals, Baker pays tribute to the triumphs and adversities faced by his grandfather Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Baker who served in the 28th Maori Battalion.
While in ‘Love Levitates’ Baker searches for a higher consciousness; “when I was growing up, I learnt and practiced Buddhism, so I think the interconnectedness of all things has been a concept that has fascinated me and intrigued me, and one that I always seem to come back to. I think of myself as a student of life. I love learning. Absorbing. Love Levitates was driven by that energy.”
Louis wrote ‘Won’t Forget’ in London, “it’s about giving thanks to your best friends,” he explains, “I’m lucky to have some good people in my life who keep me honest. Through high and low, they are beside you. It’s a song to say thank you, and to say that I will always show the same love and respect back.”
The Stars of Disaster started playing together in February 2019, in Pittsburgh.
The songs started coming in 2014, when Anthony Schiappa returned home after making a go of it as an airline baggage handler in upstate New York, an academic in NYC, and an exile in Scandinavia. Back in his Steubenville, OH basement, trying to stave off the terrors of clock-punching and memory, Anthony rediscovered his childhood love for playing music and writing songs.
Anthony started recording the songs in Pittsburgh, with friends old and new. They were recorded guerrilla style: in friends’ apartments, in Anthony’s sister’s house, in clubs during off-hours, wherever they could. Eventually, they had a record: Love Won’t Save You.
To come alive onstage, the record needed a band, and it got one: Anthony is joined by Kate Daly (the hi-frequencies) on bass, David Brockschmidt (Benefits) on drums, and Chicago native Jesus Geoffrey Martinez (Burning Luck) on lead guitar.
Anthony’s main influences are Guided by Voices, early R.E.M., and early Ween. Amid these touchstones, you will hear Anthony’s own style. It’s a blend of claustrophobic themes and non-stop get-down that Kate calls “composed mania.” Mike Baltzer of Benefits calls the aesthetic “Rust-Belt garage psych.”
Tall Heights have relentlessly built a career from the ground up. Starting as buskers on the streets of Boston and now performing in packed venues across North America, Europe, and beyond, the duo has distilled their sound in an organic and unselfconscious way. The unmistakable DNA of their music draws on many elements, but the blend of their two distinct voices, in both harmony and unison, is what elevates it and separates it from the pack.
Hailing from the Boston area, Paul Wright and Tim Harrington met each other in their hometown of Sturbridge through Tim’s older brother. The friendship blossomed in high school when they both took up the guitar and began working on music together. It didn’t take long for them to see the potential hidden in these casual jam sessions. As Paul recalls, “Tim transformed from kid brother to musical collaborator over the course of a summer.”
Combining Paul’s lifetime of classical training, Harrington’s spontaneous artistic instincts, and the prismatic union of their unique voices, Tall Heights’ sonic imprint is in a category all its own.
Tall Heights’ recordings have amassed over 275 million streams and they’ve toured alongside groups like Judah & the Lion, Colony House, The Paper Kites, and Magic Giant
Experience the enigmatic visuals from ascending talent J-Onyx, which is now live across GRM Daily. Continuing to lead with an air of mystery J-Onyx keeps her identity hidden as her lyrical finesse jumps to the forefront in new single ‘Can’t F With’. She has also landed a wealth of radio support across Charlie Sloth at Apple, Shortee Blitz at KISS FM, OnTop and Trickstar Radio.
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It’s okay not to be okay, remember that you are loved by somebody. My new album, Loved By, is out in the world today, a collection of songs which centre on some of my most personal experiences. These tracks were written within the wider context of the mental health crisis which we are living through. The album’s title track, which features Josh Sahunta, was inspired by that first moment where you fall for someone, that butterfly feeling. However, there is a bit of a deeper meaning behind the song itself. Being at times an anxious person, I forget that there are so many people who love me for who I am. This song is a reminder to myself and to you of our inherent worth. Loved By, including the title track featuring Josh Sahunta is streaming everywhere now – https://novarose.fanlink.to/lovedby |
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We are in a society where speaking about our feelings is still taboo, yet each of us expresses ourselves and puts our love out into the world differently. Music is not only my way of putting my love into this world but my greatest tool of expression. Thank you for listening,Nova Rose ✨ |
Hailing from the underground Toronto/Durham scene, Nothing Special is a young, high-energy band driven by humor, aggressive riffs, and the passion for music. The band consists of Dan Bell on vocals/guitar, Gabriel Higazi on vocals/guitar, James Carr on bass and Spencer Holmes on the tubs.
The 21-year-old from Reading, Lost Girl, has found her calling once again with a Garage influenced track just in time for summer. Bringing a fresh dynamic to the track, she collaborates with a similarly escalating talent ‘Backroad Gee’, the fast-rising rapper from London. This hot and contemporary single is the next steppingstone to the top for the next to blow star.
Making her mark in 2020 when Lost Girl debuted on the scene in hot style, including a track ‘Lazy Love’ featuring Drill rapper ‘Ivorian Doll’ which was added to 20 UK editorial playlists across Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. It is no surprise she was a ‘NOTION’ ones to watch 2021 and a song with Hardy Caprio this year already supports this accolade. Their song ‘Million Rings’ has already accumulated over 1.5 million streams on Spotify alone since its release.
Praising her mother’s Garage inspiration throughout her childhood, Lost Girl is here to pay homage to the sound once again. Despite being nostalgic, her signature vocals and flows are not lost in the modern performance. Reminiscing a past relationship, this is Lost Girl rising out of a bad situation on top. Filled with attitude, the attractive chorus orchestrates a perfect 2-stepper this summer. Lacking no percussion in this track, there is enough rhythm to supply the dance-pop scene on its own. A charming and bright piano sound conveys the feel-good chord progression in bursts throughout the track.
Backroad Gee, was raised in London, producing an innovative Grime and Drill hybrid which explains the current buzz surrounding him at this time. Similar to Lost Girl he broke through on the scene on in 2020 with ‘Party Popper’, in his short but effective time in the industry, he has already worked with the like of JME, Ghetts, Pa Salieu and RV. Making this a perfect collaboration for both Lost Girl and Backroad Gee to show their versatility and flows.
Rich and bouncy vocals from Backroad Gee as he delivers a well-suited verse for this danceable track. Breaking between a hard-core rap delivery and a more melodic style, he brings a great dynamic to the song, with the two voices complimenting each other in a very satisfying manor.
Overlooking the Canary Wharf skyline, the pair provide a fun and feel-good watch, with Rolls Royce’s and roller skates, sun and summer vibes. A perfectly executed video that works with the track in perfect harmony. Both artists provide a wholesome chemistry throughout the visuals.
An immense NOTION feature in 2020 with the escalating artist who is now bragging 5.9 million career streams. Lost Girl’s R&B influences are in full force, we are watching her 2 step a route to her refreshing and pioneering role in the UK scene. With the warming reaction she has received after a year in the music industry, Lost Girl is growing by each hit she releases. ‘I won’t give up’ had over 3000 radio plays following the premiere with Target Embargo and Capital Homegrown. Striking the A List at 1Xtra and Kiss dance playlists, we are witnessing a real go-getter journeying towards her further triumphs. Brand new music on the way, with a full project coming Summer 2021!
Today YouTube Originals unveiled the official trailer for “Ice Cold” — an all-new, four-episode docuseries that uses the prism of hip-hop jewelry to explore deeper issues around racial inequity and the American Dream. The series dives into hip-hop’s ability to reimagine and transcend established notions of wealth, status, superiority, and the sheer resilience of hip-hop culture. “Ice Cold” features special appearances from the rap trio and executive producers MIGOS, some of the biggest names in hip-hop including J Balvin, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, A Boogie, A$AP Ferg, City Girls, French Montana, Slick Rick, and Talib Kweli; top celebrity jewelers Ben Baller, Eliantte, Johnny Dang and Icebox; and more. All four episodes of “Ice Cold” premiere for free Thursday, July 8 exclusively on MIGOS’ YouTube Channel.
“We all have our own ways of feeling and displaying success,” said Director Karam Gill. “This series explores that concept through the story of hip-hop jewelry. It’s a deeper look at the construct of ’The American Dream’ and how hip-hop has redefined it through jewelry and creative expression.”
Graeme Cornies has been working in the arts since childhood.
For Graeme, a life in the arts might have been a foregone conclusion, having attended arts schools in both grade school and high school where he was surrounded by passionate, helpful teachers who encouraged him to take his own artistic ideas seriously from a young age.
Before having any musical ambitions of his own, he watched his mother make albums as a harpist, with evening rehearsals at the house, watching musical legends like Oliver Schroer stop in to wow everyone leading up to a big performance. He also watched his father, who wrote editorial columns for a local newspaper, turn his ideas in to a way to make a living.
By the time he was in seventh grade, he had already met some of the collaborators that he would continue to work closely with until the end of university – some of whom he continues to collaborate with today.
Around age 16 he started trading all of his summer job money for studio time, organizing various recording projects with hand-picked collaborators he admired. When a number of his older friends went to school for recording engineering, he was sure to hang out on campus – often happily being roped into a production students’ extra studio time. It was here that he met his future business partners from Voodoo Highway Music and Post.
https://soundcloud.com/user-492371403-351149835/dumb/
Abby J Hall is a singer-songwriter from Burlington Ontario and her go-to instruments are keys, guitar and ukulele. With her fresh sound, she’s inspired by artists such as Julia Micheals, Taylor Swift and Ruth B. Abby’s performed on the main stage at Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival 2019, and she opened for Walk Off The Earth in December 2020. Her song “All I Wanted,” is a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition in the Adult Contemporary category. A clip of her original, “Tough Love,” was posted on TikTok and received recognition from artists such as Tate McRae. Presently in the studio, Abby’s excited to share more of her songs in the coming months.
https://soundcloud.com/user-318509022/tough-love-master/
The dark comic satire Off Broadway will premiere on June 24th via Broadstream, a new digital media streaming platform. A one of a kind adaptation written by Torrey Townsend (The Workshop) and directed by Robert O’Hara (Tony nominee, Slave Play), Off Broadway will be presented by playwright Jeremy O. Harris (Tony nominee, Slave Play) in association with Lucas Katler (Tony nominee, Slave Play), Jana Shea (Tony nominee, Slave Play), and Broadstream Media. The year is 2020 and the American theater is shut down… but it is not shut off. Off Broadway follows the staff of a non-profit theater as they come together on Zoom and scramble to stave off extinction. The show is a scathing critique of an industry desperately trying to reinvent itself in the midst of a pandemic. “Championing challenging, exciting new work during this pandemic has been my chief mission,” says Jeremy O. Harris. “Torrey Townsend’s Off Broadway is a brilliant satire that dares to ask questions of a community that, though attempting, still has a long way to go. Knowing that arguably our country’s best satirist is directing the piece made this the most exciting piece to put my energy behind this year.”
Find the trailer and sign up for the link here.
French house producer Tony Romera today released “VHS,” the nostalgic first single off his forthcoming debut album, out later this year on Monstercat. The thumping hi-hat rhythms and Mellotron synths dial in the groove, making for an absolute club weapon as well as a meaningful track for Romera. The accompanying music video features a montage of footage from Tony’s youth, stitched together from VHS tapes that he received from his Grandmother. Both an ode to his family and the classic French house records that shaped him, it’s an early taste of his first full-length project packed with foundational influences and memories. Tony shares, “This track comes from my heart. I had so many childhood memories when I wrote it and I wanted to give it that nostalgic but also hopeful vibe. I just imagine myself driving, watching a sick sunset by the sea or watching childhood VHS cassettes with my family. That’s what this track is made for.” After a decade of producing massive club hits with the likes of Tchami, Dombresky, and Good Times Ahead, alongside official remixes for heavyweights such as Calvin Harris and Diplo, Tony launched his own record label, SANS MERCI. Revered as a trailblazing creative in the scene, his forthcoming album will see him draw on an eclectic mix of genres that shine a light on his technical skills as well as his Lyon roots.
Virginia-based singer/songwriter/producer Ryan Wright creates songs that don’t make sense on paper–an ethereal, haunted voice singing angsty lyrics over confectionary, synth-driven hooks–and yet the results are at once timeless and timely. Wright’s arresting voice embodies an ancient, unnamable heartache. Her lyrics–at times profane, often tongue-in-cheek, occasionally devastating–reveal a searing wit and a sensitive heart. Wright’s songs speak to the kind of heartache that can only be experienced during one’s teenage years and yet the truth of her lyrics is universal and undeniable.
Wright was born in the suburbs of Northern Virginia in 2002. She began writing songs and performing live alongside her singer/songwriter dad at the age of 11. By the time she was a teenager, she was working in the studio and on stage alongside some of her biggest musical influences. In 2019, she began co-producing her current EP with her dad Todd Wright and collaborator Ethan Mentzer (The Click 5), working to hone a sound that wears its influences on its sleeve while still maintaining an originality and authenticity that defines Wright as an artist. Her influences range from the classic (The Cars, Roy Orbison, The Smiths) to the current (The Killers, The 1975, Lana Del Ray) to the local musicians she grew up playing with and learning from. Her indie dream-pop has been compared to Lorde, Lennon Stella and The Japanese House.
Wright’s new single “Happy Birthday (Go Fuck Yourself)” showcases her trademark talent for combining sublime melodies with darkly humorous lyrics and production that borders on batshit. The juxtaposition of incongruous elements—pulsing 80s-inspired synths, dreamy vocals and bitingly jaded lyrics—only serves to bring each element into sharper focus. The harmonies shimmer against the driving backdrop of the synth rhythms. The ethereal voice gives each sardonic sentiment an edge of heartbreak. The song resonates with an empowerment that can only be found through embracing vulnerability. The result is a song that captures all the exhilarating contradiction that defines the teenage experience.
Her undeniably relatable lyrics are written about her everyday experiences, her innermost feelings, and her struggles, both universal and personal—everything from friend drama to being ghosted by boys to dealing with anxiety. Wright confides, “My songs are essentially my bottled-up emotions all being poured out in a way that makes them sound surreal. I wanted to make these very relatable experiences sound unfamiliar and strange–almost like listening to a soundtrack from an alternate reality.” Happy Birthday (Go Fuck Yourself)” is currently available worldwide, released via Handwritten Records.
From the Backstreet Boys to Romeo + Juliet, Mint Simon, uses iconic pop culture references in their latest video all in celebration of gender fluidity. Coming off the release of the single last week, the front person of Caveboy keeps their momentum going in a stunning, campy fantasy, filled with ghosts, drag queens, kings and even a nod to Celine Dion.
The video for “Some of Everything” is Mint Simon’s deep dive into their identity and facing their truths head on. Directed by Mathieu Samson his vision of the video was, “To tell Mint’s story in the campiest way possible,” to do so he imagined Mint Simon, “walking around in an empty mansion haunted by the ghosts of gender’s past.”
Starting with a feeling of being haunted by ghosts, leading to being enticed & lured into a celebration of pop choreography, into being thrust into male & female drag a la Romeo & Juliet, into having their old self sacrificed in a vampire/leather moment, to finally joining the celebration and being their most authentic self in a playful, yet endearing tour de force.
On the video they explain, “This is a song I wish I had to sing along to when I was younger. I feel like I have tapped into my true self through this song and video, and I cannot imagine feeling happier and proud about something than I do about this. Playing my own love interest was a metaphor in itself, and I feel so excited for the world to see what we created! I got to finally live out my 90s fantasies sonically and visually and I think that’s pretty freakin cool.“
Delivering his most powerful visual yet, platinum-selling Pontiac, MI rising rapper DDG and prolific producer OG Parker present the music video for the new single “Hood Melody” [feat. YoungBoy Never Broke Again]. Watch it HERE.
It’s available on their joint project Die 4 Respect—out now. Get it HERE.
As part of his rapid rise, DDG notably graces the cover of XXL’s prestigious 2021 “Freshman” issue. As another notch on his belt, his breakout single “Moonwalking In Calabasas” just picked up a platinum plaque from the RIAA. Plus, he handily and indisputably beat Nate Wyatt in a #SocialGloves boxing match, taking a victory lap with the freestyle “ICARLY” and posting up 1.1 million YouTube views in less than 11 hours and nearing 3 million views now.
Photo credit: AVEX ENTERTAINMENT
“I have been listening to FAKY’s songs frequently for a few years. Especially, the song ‘Who We Are’ is a powerful song for me. When I prepared the live-action drama ‘A Devil and Her Love Song,’ I had already decided in my mind that I would offer FAKY for the theme song. That was because this drama’s theme completely matches FAKY, who sings with ‘the passion that never afraid of standing by oneself.’ We had a chance to listen to ‘Take my hand’ at the first meeting and everyone from the director to the staff in that room felt like, ‘This is it!’ and agreed to use this song. The director loved this song and immediately shared it with the Camara staff and main clues. As a result, the visual of ‘A Devil and Her Love Song’ is very influenced by the mood of this song. We’d like you to enjoy the matching of the drama and the music.” – Tetsuya Ono, the Producer of Akuma to Love Song (A Devil and Her Love Song)
Serving up one of the slickest collaborations of the year, platinum selling rapper Yxng Bane releases ‘Birthday’ featuring British rapper/ singer songwriting sensation, Stefflon Don.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: YXNG BANE – BIRTHDAY FT STEFFLON DON
Produced by powerhouse producer Rymez (Bugzy Malone, Headie One, Stefflon Don, Kamille), the instantly percussive synths brush up against a thick, bass-filled beat as shimmers of ad-libs set the anticipation of the record. Yxng Bane confidently manoeuvres through melodic, rhythmic bars as he delivers his signature sound, before Stefflon Don pulls up with a soulful, seductive verse delivered in a blend of English and Jamaican patois for her blessing on the track. Meanwhile the record builds through the verses in to a magnetic, timeless hook that is set to become a Birthday anthem for years to come.
indie-pop singer-songwriter Bailey Baum shares “Bad For Me,” the third single from her debut EP ‘Over It.’ “Bad For Me” will join past singles “Over It” and “Take Me All The Way” on Bailey’s debut EP, ‘Over It,’ set to release on July 30th via Next Wave Records / Ultra Records.
Like many of the best songs, “Bad For Me” was inspired by a particularly crushing breakup: “I wrote this in 2020 with some incredible songwriters [Cameron Mitchell & Emily Fullerton] during the process of healing from a heartbreak,” Bailey says. “I wanted to fall back into the person because I missed them but I knew doing that was bad for me, which inspired the song.” The dreamy pop single sparkles with atmospheric production and Bailey’s signature ethereal vocals as she captures the familiar rollercoaster of emotions we experience as we try to fix a broken heart.
Raised in Dallas and now based in Los Angeles, 24-year-old Bailey Baum has a knack for capturing the emotion of what it’s like to be a twenty-something woman navigating life, love, heartbreak, friendships, and everything in-between. With reflective lyrics, stirring soulful vocals, and clever pop melodies, her songs are relatable but never predictable. Over the past few years, Bailey has perfected her dreamy, left-of-center pop style that draws comparisons to contemporaries like BANKS, Lana Del Rey, and Lennon Stella. To date, her singles have amassed over 7 million streams and have landed on top-tier editorial playlists such as Spotify’s ‘Fresh Finds,’ ‘Indie Pop,’ and ‘Chill Vibes,’ and Apple Music’s ‘Feels.’
Pop punk singer-songwriter and actress, Maddie Glass, is hitting the ground running with her debut single, “Livin in 2021” off of her upcoming EP, Thank You For Breaking My Heart. Born and raised in and around New York City, Maddie grew up acting and performing all around Manhattan in various Off Broadway productions where she found her love for the craft at a young age and never looked back. Attending NYU Tisch, Maddie Glass soon began songwriting; crafting witty, candid and relatable lyrics over a 2000’s throwback sound.
Her leading single “Livin in 2021” is a poignant tale of the struggles Maddie Glass has faced in her young adult life. She confides, “Livin In 2021” is a very vulnerable song for me to release because I discuss my personal struggles with anxiety, body image, eating disorders, which many people deal with in some way”. The song also details how unfortunate it is that women particularly often feel unsafe walking home late at night by themselves, which Maddie Glass has herself also experienced. Through unapologetic vocals, jagged pop-punk rhythms and gritty guitars, Maddie Glass successfully takes listeners on an enthralling musical rollercoaster.
On “Space Boyfriend” Maddie Glass discusses the perils of casual dating and her ultimate desires to find the one. The single features tongue and cheek lyrics and soaring melodies over Maddie Glass’s signature pop rock soundscapes.
Thank you for Breaking my Heart is a standout collection of coming of age songs. Maddie Glass is the new kid on the block who is here to stay.
Since launching season 3 of the groundbreaking freestyle series, Joey Clipstar has been unstoppable! Featuring in Notion Magazine the “general manager of Link Up TV and CEO of Hardest Bars” has been praised for his work “with the likes of Drake, J Hus, Stormzy, Cadet, Fredo, Russ, and Stefflon Don, many of whom weren’t big on the scene when Joey found them. Now, they’re superstars. No wonder Joey’s built a name for himself as a tastemaker.”
Launching a brand new freestyle each week, Joey has not disappointed with the line up of artists dropping fire on the mic. Opening the season, The Landlord himself, Giggs stepped up and has been followed by Smoke Boys Swift and Deepee, SV from Nottingham, Hope Dealers, Kemzi and this week, freshly crowned BAFTA award-winner, Big Narstie.
Premiering on Link Up TV, the brand new freestyle also hit Kiss FM for a first spin as DJ Ellie Prohan announced a brand new partnership that will mean Kiss listeners will be the first to hear the fresh new freestyles each week on the airwaves.
As one of the major A&R’s in the UK rap scene, Joey’s ear for talent sees him pass the mic to noteworthy MC’s of both known and unknown profile. Birthing names such as Stormzy and MS Banks, Hardest Bars is one of the UK’s most influential and sought after platforms when it comes to locating new talent and the art of free styling. Stay tuned to Link Up TV every Thursday at 9pm via YouTube with audio available on DSP’s the following day, and Kiss FM every Tuesday from 11pm with Ellie Prohan.
Based in Singapore and born to Swiss-Indian parents, Tabitha is a versatile creative, her sound not tied to one genre as she believes music shouldn’t be boxed in or confined. Growing up on American R&B powerhouses such as Destiny’s Child and Usher, Tabitha oversees the production of all her music, with a keen focus on strong lyrical messages and a heavy hand on vocal production in particular.
Although signed with Sony Music for a few years, Tabitha desired more control over her artistry and 2019 saw her embark on her journey as an indie artist, building a fanbase via gems like “wyd?” and “Vices”. Proving her international appeal, Tabitha has taken her sound all around the world, including a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at the White House in Washington DC for President Obama’s State Dinner. Tabitha also counts Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Marcelo Burlon, and Virgil Abloh as fans of her style, developing a reputation by utilizing fashion to express how she feels and make a statement.
Emerging Dominican singer/songwriter/producer Andrew Tejada returns to the soundsphere with his infectious new single “Cuando Quieras”, a sleek but brooding R&B cut due to be released June 18th via LACA Records/Human Re Sources/The Orchard. Layering smooth, shadowy R&B grooves with accelerating trap hi hats, “Cuando Quieras” highlights Tejada’s aching vocal capabilities and penchant for snappy lyrical flows. With the song’s title translating as “Whenever You Want”, the track explores the idea of a telephone connection as a metaphor for emotional availability. As Tejada explains, “Cuando Quieras was written based off the fact that my phone service had been cut off. From there on I started thinking, what if I could sell or offer unlimited ‘love plans’. The reference to this is best heard when the song says ‘Mi amor no tiene limite, llamame, llamame cuando tu quieres // My love has no limit, call me up, call me up whenever you want.’”
Rotterdam-based singer-songwriter Nana M. Rose writes beautiful, intimate piano ballads, carried by her incredible, larger-than-life voice. Her songs are reminiscent of Adele’s stirring style and have a dreamy, cinematic flair evocative of Lana del Rey. Nana’s delicate, poetic lyrics explore the meaning of human connection in an ultra-competitive, individualistic world. As a child, Nana started playing the violin, the classical influence of which is still reflected in her carefully crafted melodies and arrangements. In combination with later inspirations like Lianne la Havas and Matt Corby, a unique pop-sound steeped in melancholy and weltschmerz has been born.
Her long-anticipated debut EP Morning Drops & Lemon Seeds, presents a truly riveting body of work that showcases her incredible talent as both a songwriter and vocal performer in all its facets and glory. Skillfully bridging the gap between ethereal indie folk and big and bold pop ballads, Nana has created relatable anthems for the masses. The EP embodies the two sides of extreme emotion that she explores throughout her songs, from dark despair to being on top of the world. Nana confides, ”The contradictions really portray the duality of feelings for me. While writing this EP I went through my own journey of self reinvention, and this search contained a lot of contrasting feelings that confused me.” The poppy indie number “4AM” encapsulates the feeling of wanting to be out and dancing – a feeling that everyone can relate to during those long months of lockdown. “Imagine closing your eyes and remembering a person you miss, wishing they were with you in that moment. To me, the song is filled with this urge to be free again, to connect with other people on the dancefloor again.”
“Dream”, is a gorgeous ballad about parental love and makes the singer’s voice shine yet again. Nana reveals, “My parents have been the most dedicated parents I could have wished for and I love them so much, so this is kind of a love song from me for them.”
Nana has built a dedicated fanbase across the globe, having toured the UK, New York and The Netherlands. She was nominated for the 2020 Rotterdam ‘Song of the Year’ award and received airplay from notable stations in both the UK and on leading Dutch radio flagships. It has just been announced that Nana has been selected for this year’s ‘Popronde’, a prestigious showcase festival with various shows all across the Netherlands between September and November this year.
Rowdy Outsider are an alternative band from Drogheda, Ireland. Consisting of vocalist Matthew Doyle, drummer Sean Murtagh and guitarist Conor Whearty, the band draw from the pop punk/new wave sounds of the late 90’s and early 2000’s, fusing them together with a fresh and modern delivery. Bonding over their love of music at school, the band found inspiration in the flourishing music scene in Ireland, as well as the likes of Green Day, My Chemical Romance and The 1975. Gigging relentlessly across their home country, the band have built a loyal and dedicated following, making a name for their explosive yet polished live performances.
Their latest single “Fall Away” is inspired by the dissolution of a long-term relationship and the realisation of the huge change to follow the breakup. Doyle explains, “While on the surface the song is a sombre ballad, Fall Away brings undertones of relief, hope and excitement for the future”. Forging a heavier take on modern indie rock, the song is a release of emotions, delivered in an honest and candid way. Lyrically the song details the process of the breakup, giving us a raw insight into the mindset of the songwriter and an unfiltered viewpoint. The lyrics display an initial broken heart, quickly followed by clarity and the need for personal improvement.
“Fall Away” has a bold, energised burn to it. Self-produced, mixed and mastered by Doyle and Murtagh, the track combines fast tempos, lush reverbs and strong chord changes, containing waves of intensity, contrasting with the intimate narrative.
Racking up thousands of Spotify streams for their music, as well as supporting the likes of Irish rock legends Aslan, Rowdy Outsider are quickly becoming one of Ireland’s hottest bands.
singer and songwriter Robyn Sherwell releases her new studio album ‘Unfold’ – Stream ‘Unfold’ here. Robyn Sherwell will be showcasing her new album for an exclusive and intimate show at London’s Paper Dress Vintage on September 14th – Tickets available on Gigantic here and on Dice here.
The past few years have certainly brought change in Robyn Sherwell’s life, since the release of her critically acclaimed full-length debut album, produced by Bat For Lashes collaborator David Kosten. She experienced a huge and incredible transition in becoming a mother, after the loss of a pregnancy. From deep emotional vulnerability also came new resilience, and in gradually rediscovering her strength and her independence, both in life and as an artist, she felt inspired to make music once again.
With this new-found strength, Robyn returned to her home studio in London, and brought in an old friend on board to produce alongside her – Jonas Jalhay – whose credits include artists such as DJ Khaled, Rag’n’Bone Man and James Blake – and who had co-produced ‘Landslide’, her spellbinding cover of the Fleetwood Mac classic, from her debut album. Her comeback EP ‘Where Do We Go From Here’, released last December, signalled the confident return of an artist who’s experienced a lot, and is never afraid to express her emotions through beautifully bruised but enveloping melodic electro soul songs.
Talking about the album’s writing process, Robyn explains; “to be writing at home and self-producing is so empowering. It feels like a return to when I was first exploring music and my artistry, just writing heartfelt songs and making demos in my bedroom, with no one else involved.”
Recorded within her close-knit circle, some songs showcase first-take vocals, lending an additional sensitive quality to already intimate songs. As ever, the tracks are led first and foremost by her mellifluous vocals: at once exposed and powerful, delicate and bold, and always bursting with effortless sweetness and heartfelt expression. Her lyrics paint vivid stories, so personal but so relatable, that it is hard to not feel connected to the emotion conveyed.
Opening track and lead single ‘To Give Up’ is a pulsating slice of electronic alt-pop. Lyrically empowering, Robyn reflects on the challenge of leaving a dysfunctional situation. In ‘Bare Minimum’ – a song co-written with Robyn’s friend and fellow female artist Litening – mid-tempo, Massive Attack-style drums repeat on loop, depicting the monotony of a relationship that seems to have lost its way, whilst the lyrics implore for “something more than this, bare minimum”.
Originally released as part of last year’s ‘Where Do We Go From Here’ EP, ‘Two Weeks’ is undoubtedly the most heart-wrenchingly personal track on the record. Set to a compelling drum-loop pulse created from an actual sonogram heartbeat, the affecting song tells Robyn’s own personal story about the loss that affects one in four pregnant women and the taboo surrounding it, which becomes an unspoken burden for many who experience it.
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Cassadee Pope, is kicking off the next chapter in her musical evolution by blending the two genres of music closest to her heart – the energetic angst of her pop-punk days and the soulful songwriting and storytelling of country music. Cassadee’s latest single, “What The Stars See” featuring Karen Fairchild and Lindsay Ell, is an explosive anthem for anyone who’s been curious about an ex and wishing to get a glimpse of their life from a more celestial perspective.
Available now, “What The Stars See,” gets a vibe check from acclaimed electronic/cance producer, offrami. The mid-tempo dance cut of the track provides a whole new mood to the already powerful song just in time for summer!
“To take a song from its original form and transform it into a completely different atmosphere takes such talent. Offrami did an amazing job of breathing new energy into “What The Stars See.” He has given it a new life, and I’m so excited for fans to have this version to rock out to now!” – Cassadee
After gracing the studio with Rihanna and the stage with Justin Timberlake, BLKBOK has gone out on his own with his debut classical album, Black Book. With influences ranging from Mozart, Debussy, and Bach to Mos Def, Biggie, and Busta Rhymes, Black Book is an emotionally charged album expressed through each piano key BOK taps. The album leads with the focus track, “Michelle’s First Day At The White House,” and includes a vocal feature from Renée Elise Goldsberry on the final album track, “My Life.” BOK celebrates the release of his album at the Juneteenth Festival this weekend in Washington, DC alongside T.I..
As far as musicians from the British Black Music scene go, there are very few that can cite an iconic and diverse list of names that include Akala, Ms Dynamite, Ghetts, JME and Wiley as collaborators, but for South London resident Keedo, it is a mere insight to his talented and fruitful journey through music.
Being submerged in the very heart of the UK rap, striking old school elements infiltrate his sound and set the tone for his musical style. Drawing on traditional lyricism and moving with a contemporary flow, it seems Keedo has been waiting in the wings, gaining the power and knowledge from his peers to allow for a thunderous launch of his own.
Releasing new single ‘Respeck Me’, which was premiered on radio by Sir Spyro on BBC Radio 1Xtra and has since been scooped up by Rap scene gatekeeper Kenny Allstar, Keedo explains, “After years of waiting to get to a place where I feel as focused as I’ve ever felt, it’s time for people to notice me. It’s time that I show the world they should Respeck Me.”
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: KEEDO – RESPECK ME
Previously releasing tracks including ‘Mad Move’, which gained strong Spotify support and a radio premiere from BBC Radio 1 DJ, Toddla T, Keedo is as equally qualified behind the buttons, often working alongside super-producer DaVinChe, his talents also stretch to radio and he holds the title as Rinse FM’s first South-London MC to become a resident host on the station. With features on Wiley’s ‘Tunnel Vision’, working on Ms Dynamite & Akala’s ‘A Little Darker’ project, co-producing and featuring on DaVinChe’s single ‘Rider’, alongside Ghetts and JME, it is time that Keedo received his flowers as he makes the bold move to step in to the limelight and asks that the world gives him the respect due.
Indigenous, Queer, a radiant champion for redemption and reclamation—Jayli Wolf has arrived with her debut solo EP Wild Whisper. Accompanying the 6-track EP is the official video for new single “Would You Die?” which premiered via NYLON.
Across 6 brilliant tracks, the alt-pop artist details her experience leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion she was raised in; discovering her truth; issues concerning mental health, sexual abuse, and high-control groups; and concludes by looking forward through self-love, acceptance, and the celebration of life. The collection—independently released by the activist, actress, filmmaker, and singer-songwriter-producer—has been heralded by the likes of MTV, NYLON, Ones To Watch, them, Rolling Stone, Under The Radar, Vogue, and more to come. The project has also been featured on several playlists including Spotify’s New Music Friday, Indigenous, Misfits 2.0, and SALT, plus Apple Music’s New Music Daily, Breaking Alternative, INDIY, and many others to date.
Speaking on the EP, Jayli Wolf says, “Wild Whisper is an autobiographical EP that features my father’s experience in the Sixties Scoop, leaving the doomsday cult I was raised in, releasing the shame and guilt instilled in me around my bisexuality, depression and mental health, post-traumatic growth, and reclaiming my Indigenous heritage.”
After much anticipation, each release from Filipino-Spanish-American artist Kyd the Band (aka Devin Guisande) has led to his fourth EP, Season 4: Series Finale. A project that reflects on each project and the growth he has made since first entering the music scene. In addition to the EP release Devin shares the video for his single “Real Problems” his most vulnerable to date.
“Real Problems” tells the story of Devin’s overdose and past with drug addiction. The song features female vocalist Taela who discusses her own problems in the past with both overdose and attempting suicide. As the two worked on the song together they quickly realized what they had in common and how they wanted to help others who may find themselves in similar situations.
Taela explains, “This is one of the most vulnerable songs I’ve ever written. I was trying to find a way to capture this feeling I was having every day — a mixture of anger, depression, anxiety and guilt. I wanted to get these “problems” off my chest. I’m so excited for the world to finally hear this and so grateful to be a part of such a magical song. I hope this is as healing for others as it was for me.”
Heating up summer even more, rising superstar and multi-platinum singer Jacquees unveils a new single entitled “Bed Friend” featuring Queen Naija today. Get it HERE on Cash Money Records.
The seductive duet moves between the sheets with slick harmonies shared by these two powerhouses. Once again, Jacquees flexes his instantly recognizable range as Queen Naija serves up a complementary cameo. It might just be the hottest pairings of the summer!
About the track, he commented, “It’s one of my favorite records. Queen Naija pulled up to the studio and knocked it out. We came up with it really smooth and easy. It’s a different vibe; it’s a slow bedroom song.”
Multi-platinum reggae-pop singer/songwriter OMI returns with “Crazy with Somebody” a vibrant track showcasing his typical upbeat dance hooks and Afrobeat rhythms, out today via Ultra Records. Listen/Share.
OMI stated “‘Crazy With Somebody” is one of those tracks that you hear and think hey this sounds like summer. I had a great time recording it and I hope my fans, the Omi Army will enjoy it too.”
“Crazy With Somebody” follows OMI’s recent release “Make It Now,” another silky banger delivered with confidence and star power. Last month, OMI unveiled his breezy tropical anthem “Hello Hater” featuring Bori, drawing from his Jamaican roots, and reintroducing himself with a unique blend of airy reggae, dancehall beats, and sticky pop hooks for the bouncy summer hit. Before that, he released his international anthem “I Want You,” which garnered over 6.9M streams and support from notable music press like Billboard and PopDust. This year has been an amazing showcasing of the Jamaican star’s luminary cool and dynamic sound that he’s known for, get ready for what’s next.
On SOMETHING SOMETHING TAPE, ascending Toronto soul musician and beatmaker Young Clancy captures a vital moment along the city’s ever-thrilling artistic course. Gathering 12 of the most distinctive voices in the city’s thriving independent R&B and hip-hop scenes, Young Clancy settled in over the pandemic lockdown “to create around the times, rather than for the times,” he says, distilling a unique and tangible perspective on “The New Toronto Sound,” a version that truly vibrates on the deep, unifying heartbeat coursing through its artistic community.
Stream SOMETHING SOMETHING TAPE via your preferred platform now.
Watch the official “BLUE’S INTRO” music video on YouTube, as well.
Made up of 13 minute songs – sonic explorations in brevity, inspired by the masterpieces in miniature of J Dilla’s Donuts and Tierra Whack’s Whack House – the young boundary-less producer (born Nathan Burley) lays out a trove of homespun econo beats that evoke inspiring performances by vocal talents and wordsmiths from across town, like visionary rapper Clairmont the Second, mainstay soul singer Chris LaRocca, conspirators like rapper-filmmaker Matthew Progress and songstress Daniela Andrade, and inevitable threats like DijahSB, Kennen, M.I.BLUE, niina rosa, and more.
https://open.spotify.com/album/1JRNhUXkCqx0XygMJpAt61iUA
With a series of singles from Eamon McGrath’s upcoming full-length album Bells of Hope that began last fall with “Sparkle & Bleed” and continued into spring of this year with the melancholic “April”, McGrath launches “Cannonball” this June to continue to offer a preview of what’s to come in the prolific output from this Toronto-based songwriter.
Featuring the immaculate and haunting voice of Edmonton-based singer/songwriter Cayley Thomas, “Cannonball” is an ode to some of McGrath’s most country-oriented influences, specifically the twangy psychedelia of Gram Parsons and Lee Hazlewood. Originally hailing from the Canadian prairies, the ghostly voices of classic Americana have played a hugely important role in the shaping of McGrath’s sound, as vital and formative as the more ragged and savage underground punk rock communities he long ago cut his teeth in.
“Cannonball” lands June 18 and will see McGrath heading west to Windsor, ON for a series of live in-person performances as part of The Gravy Train concert series on June 19, signalling McGrath’s long-awaited and welcome return to the road.
They say you have your whole life to write your debut album and Edmonton alt-pop artist Robin Cisek has done a lot of living in her 20 short years on this earth. And those experiences – good and bad – shine through on Delicate Minds out today on all digital streaming platforms.
Celebrating resiliency and the strength of mental health survivors, Robin Cisek’s 6-song debut addresses issues around speaking about mental health, anxiety, addiction, perception of mental illness in society, gaslighting, and trauma. Her album is an ode to those dealing with mental illness and a celebration of their strength and resiliency.
“Delicate Minds was inspired by how our minds work,” says Robin. “My aim for this project was to create an album that was cohesive both in subject matter and sound. Mental health is complicated; there are so many things that can affect it and it is universally known and experienced. So why isn’t there more conversation and why is it taboo? I wanted to create this music to show people with mental illness that they are not alone. It is so crucial that we keep talking openly about mental health to create a society that accepts mental illness and supports healing.”
So Parked Cars happened like halfway through the pandemic just on accident haha. I remember being locked inside the crib all day like damn…what can I even do? I just felt mad antsy and like I had to go somewhere. So, in turn me and my girlfriend just started going on mad drives. It felt like high school. Linking up, getting some terrible food, finding an overpass or lookout to smoke at; and having really long-drawn-out conversations about nothing haha. But I realized that exact energy is something that not only makes people young AND old feel nostalgic…but it might even hit way harder after not being able to do shit for a whole year.
I realized I needed a riding song. The perfect cruising joint. Something you can play while its sunny out headed to the beach, or something for when its a lil rainy and you can’t figure out what to do. And it’s literally about cruising. It’s about picking up your girl, not having a destination, getting kicked out by park security, all that. I wanted to capture the feeling of having nothing but time, a whip, and people around you who make you happy.
As soon as I made it I knew it was in Kota The Friend’s bag perfectly. I knew he would slide. The strings just set up his verse perfectly. And it’s funny because KYLE was actually supposed to be on a different song of mine, but through the confusion of texts- he laid a verse down for parked cars haha. I remember he sent it back and I saw the file name and freaked out haha. I was like “nooooo Kyle did the wrong song!” And then we all played it and realized…oh damn. We got a song with Kyle and Kota together and that shit RIDES haha. They both snapped. And thats how we accidentally made the perfect joint for the whip!
NY-based multilingual singer, songwriter and producer, Kentö, is authentically himself with the release of “Silhouette,” out today. Kentö has been creating his own music for the past 8 years, developing songs that tell stories about his own life experiences, and the inspiration for this song came to fruition while watching Olympics interviews; “I saw Adam Rippon in an interview during the Olympics. He was full of joy. The best. The coolest. Unafraid to be so visibly himself. If I was younger and I saw someone on TV representing such freedom and self-love, I would be inspired by that. I aspire to be that. I wrote this song imagining myself as a kid and thinking about what I would tell my younger self.”
“Silhouette” is the first single off of Kentö’s upcoming album release, Strangers, slated for release later this year. Inspired by the likes of Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, Kate Bush, and Peter Gabriel; Kentö states “I feel like I’m finally making music that is really expressing the sounds that have been in my head all along.”
Vancouver R&B/Hip-Hop musician Babylung digs deep into his past with his anthemic and celebratory new single ‘Funny Innit’ out today on all digital streaming platforms along with the visualizer premiering at 7PM (PDT) on his YouTube. ‘Funny Innit’ follows the release of ‘Betrayal’, which came out in May, and is the 2nd single from his forthcoming album To Live And Die In Surrey (out on July 30th).
“‘Funny Innit?’ is a song reflecting on my juvenile delinquency, now as a young adult with a redemption story to tell,” says Babylung. “I recently drove past the Surrey Police Department and remembered having to meet monthly with my probation officer when I was 13. Passing by there, now having traveled the world thanks to music, graduating, and working in the music industry, I knew I’d come too far to end up in that dark place again. I’m college-educated, musically gifted, alive – everything I wasn’t supposed to be. Funny innit?’”
The great orator and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. once said “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Philanthropist and pop reggae artist, Dan Bailey, echoes identical sentiments in his latest single “Easy To Close Your Eyes.” Providing powerful commentary on the current state of the world, the acoustic reggae-inspired track touches on many of today’s social imbalances and injustices. Casting a light on those turning a blind eye to inequalities and the effects of climate change, Dan Bailey invites us all to open our eyes and operate with greater awareness and compassion. Dan Bailey Tribe unveils “Easy To Close Your Eyes” on all digital platforms on Friday, June 11, 2021.
Surrounded by a musical family from South Africa, Bailey has spent most of his life playing and crafting music inspired by his heritage and the international travels that brought him all over the world composing, performing and teaching music. Following years of success as a solo artist, Bailey decided to assemble his own ensemble focusing on creating eclectic music with a message. This summer solstice, Dan Bailey gears up to release his third album ALCHEMYSTIC, available on all digital platforms on June 25th, 2021.
Singer-songwriter and producer Calica is a breath of fresh air in today’s indie pop scene. Her masterful vocal delivery paired with expertly crafted melodies transport the listener to a synth-pop paradise. Calica’s lyrics are cheeky and relatable, yet deliberate and intelligent. Her takes on love, loss and self-empowerment are boldly refreshing.
In April of 2020, she began posting on TikTok, and in just 6 months, garnered over 250k followers, 3.5M Likes, and over 10M views. Her ability to flip songs into different genres sparked her popularity on the app. But most notably, her single, Little Girl, went viral after posting a Tiktok of her father’s reaction to the song. The video was viewed over 3.7M times, and shared across acclaimed media outlets such as E!News and John Krasinski’s: Some Good News. Since then, Calica’s fanbase has grown exponentially. Listeners often reach out to share how connected they feel to her and her music.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Calica began taking piano and voice lessons at the early age of six. After attending various performing arts schools, she graduated from the University of Miami Frost School of Music. After graduation, Calica began writing and producing alongside Grammy-nominated producer duo SMLE. They collaborated on her debut album “Yes, Its About You”, and her two singles “Superficial Love” and “Little Girl”. Currently, Calica is writing & producing for herself as well as for other artists and brands. She is looking forward to releasing more music in 2021 and exploring new sounds & genres.
Krishane bring forth “One Time” a vibrant up beat track, inspired by a one-night stand with a secret admirer. “One Time” delivers a vibrant, melodically driven pop reggae-infused record, to bring the summer vibes into 2022. Following the success of “Lockdown” with Smash, Krishane delivers a candour view to modern dating with the new single coming to life following a discussion about a one night stand.
After inciting buzz on both sides of the pond and racking up over 200 million streams thus far, breakout UK star Griff unveils her debut mixtape One Foot In Front Of The Other via Warner Records today. Listen HERE.
Griff celebrates its arrival with a performance of the rising single “Black Hole” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert tonight. “Black Hole” continues to scale charts worldwide, recently becoming her first Top 20 entry in the UK and garnering over 60 million-plus audio and video streams.
Griff notably produced One Foot In Front Of The Other almost entirely by herself at home and the release is another step towards superstardom for the young artist. The project includes “Black Hole,” the previously released title track which Billboard proclaimed “demonstrates Griff’s understanding of how to turn vulnerabilities into arena-ready anthems,” “Shade of Yellow,” which was released earlier this week and three brand new songs. Full track listing below.
Spotify recently handpicked Griff as its latest RADAR emerging artist and the first to be featured with the support across the UK and the U.S. Check out Griff’s official RADAR documentary which premiered yesterday on Bustle HERE.
The release One Foot In Front Of The Other follows Griff’s historic BRIT Awards debut last month where she performed “Black Hole” and won the coveted ‘Rising Star’ Award, following in the footsteps of Adele, Sam Smith, Florence and the Machine, Ellie Goulding, Jorja Smith and more. Watch her stunning post-apocalyptic performance HERE.
Born to Chinese and Jamaican parents just outside of Watford, England, Griff began making music by borrowing her brother’s Logic: teaching herself how to produce songs in secret from her classmates, many of whom didn’t find out until she released her 2019 debut EP The Mirror Talk. The singer, songwriter, producer and DIY fashion designer has shown the type of creativity and curiosity that can still flourish even under challenging circumstances. In 2020, during the pandemic, she released multiple singles, collaborated with electronic duo Honne and superstar producer/DJ Zedd, led her voice to the Disney and Make a Wish annual holiday campaign, took over London’s Tate Modern for her first ever livestream, and founded her own popular ‘Against the Clock’ video series. Griff has not slowed down in 2021. She began the year shortlisted for the BBC’s Sound of 2021 poll, she made her TV debut in the U.S. on Late Night With Seth Meyers and in the UK on Later…With Jools Holland, before gracing all new heights at the BRIT Awards ahead of the release of One Foot In Front Of The Other.
neillfrazer@hotmail.com
