INsiders Guide

INsiders Guide: Mimi Webb, Paloma Ford, Sound of Kalima, Louis Baker, Jake Wesley Rogers, Phantom Atlantic, The Universal Hip Hop Museum, Lucid Express, Joy Crookes, TINN, David D’Alessio, Ellyn Woods & Sterling Grove, Riley Michaels, Crankdat and Ace Aura, Moon Kissed, A. BEEB…

UK pop singer and songwriter Mimi Webb unveils the stripped down acoustic music video for her buzzing new single “Dumb Love” today. Meanwhile, her previous single, “Good Without” is showing no signs of slowing down as it continues to rise on Billboard’s Adult Top 40 Airplay and Mainstream Top 40 Airplay charts. In addition, Mimi has sold out all dates on her first ever UK Tour.  In case you missed it, check out Mimi Webb’s television debut with a performance of the hit song “Good Without” on ELLENWatch HERE.

we are thrilled to announce that the well honored DIY duo Sound of Kalima will release their first single in 2021 titled “My Best Friend Hates Me” out on June 21, 2021. After dropping their previous single “ALIEN” in 2020, which came from feeling like an alien on Earth, they’ve now pieced a new creative conflict into a song that lets a friend know, “Thank you for all the years, but the way you stress me out, I’m really done”.

The songwriters and producers of (SOK), Sal Verma and Peter Niewenburg, have been creating their sonic worlds over the past nine years in Vancouver, BC and recently composed an indie pop track that’s entangled with relatability and embellished humor. “My Best Friend Hates Me” came out of an online 30-day MasterClass enrollment with Grammy awarded singer, songwriter and producer – Charlie Puth. During the class, they followed Puth as he wrote and produced two original songs completely from scratch. After going through the creative process, Sound of Kalima put their new skills into play and emerged hating each other. Just kidding! Seriously folks, they wrote what they believe to be their most relatable song to-date. Amidst the guitar riffing and the backbeat, is a simple message: you can love someone, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always like them.

When the guys aren’t producing hypothetical scenarios for themselves, they are diligently focused on writing/producing songs for their close Vancouver based artists/friends such as Andrea Clute, Chris Clute, Dora Kola, Victoria Groff and more! They even took the time to create their own short documentary called Who The F*ck is Sound of Kalima?, which is their fifth episode on SOKTV and available on their Youtube Channel. Check out what their artists have to say about Sound of Kalima, witness all of their special moments in the studio and let the band introduce themselves. WATCH HERE

Sound of Kalima tells their message behind the short film,“It’s often been difficult to explain exactly who Sound of Kalima is. People ask… “oh, so you’re artists?”, “oh, you’re producers”, “oh, so you’re like a band?”, or “oh, so you’re kind of like a label?”. Well the truth is we’re a bit of all of those things, but at the same time we’re none of those things. Sound of Kalima is it’s own thing. And yes we make art. And yes we produce for others. And yes we perform in a band. And yes we act like a label at times. But we’re not exclusive to any one thing. We’re Sound of Kalima and we do a lot of dope shit. Hopefully from watching this video you get the sense that the only thing we care about is making honest music. The rest is just fluff.”

Get connected with Sound of Kalima online and stay tuned for their summer release!

New Zealand modern soul master Louis Baker releases his new EP, ‘Love Levitates’. Stream ‘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 TamairaDrax ProjectPacific Heights), the EP is Baker’s five-track concept of life – an intimate yet expansive journey of heritage – love, friendship, observation, and beyond.

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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 Overdrivefeaturing 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. 

The thumping, RnB-tinged ‘Won’t Forget’ gives thanks to his “day 1’s”, a tight unit of friends that have stuck by him through thick and thin. While slow-burner ‘Into Your Life’ builds over intoxicating guitar picks, and lush harmonies, and reflects upon being content with the present moment. The jazz-fused title track invites us further into Baker’s world where he summons a transcendent perspective and connects to “a love that lifts us to another place,” a rare and profound feeling of higher consciousness. Damon Alabarn’s collaborator, London based, New Zealand jazz legend Nathan Haines lends silky flute to Baker’s powerhouse vocals and poetic musings, lifting the entrancing groove to colourful heights. 

Rising singer-songwriter Jake Wesley Rogers just released a powerful live rendition of his newest single “Momentary” filmed in a courthouse this morning – watch the live performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xjr8kL5sG1I

In the song, which was released for Pride Month, Jake pays homage to some of his favorite LGBTQ+ trailblazers both actual and fictional including Marsha P. Johnson, Oscar Wilde and Peter Pan, all of whom are featured in the official video.

His previous Live from a Courthouse performance of debut single “Middle of Love” amassed over 2 million views between Instagram and TikTok! Kate Hudson even raved about him on her Instagram! Ryan Reynolds, Sam Smith, Olivia Wilde, Adam Lambert, Zoe Saldana are also new fans of Jake!  Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxsUZK8vaww

Zane Lowe personally debuted “Middle of Love” on his Apple Music 1 radio show and said Jake was “wildly talented.” Billboardeven raved, “‘Middle of Love’ plays like a long-lost Elton John deep cut that deserved to be a single,” while American Songwriterpredicted, “Jake Wesley Rogers is destined to become a household name. I personally think PAPERsummed it up best, “Give Jake Wesley Rogersa stadium.

On choosing the courthouse locations, Jake explains: “I chose to perform in a courthouse because although we’ve come a long way, we still have a long way to go. I’m reminded how important it is to boldly be who I was born to be, but also to remember those who paved the way, whose tapestry we continue to weave, whose bodies are seeds in the ground, whose legacies still live with us now”

Jake is scheduled to play at multiple festivals this summer including Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo! He will also be opening for Ashe at an official Lollapalooza after show.

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Jake is a future superstar and queer icon.  His music, songwriting, fashion, and vision are impeccable and a true testament to his artistry.  He is due to release an EP later this year.

Phantom Atlantic create cinematic alt rock for seekers. Since arriving on the scene in 2017, the Toronto outfit have crafted an atmospheric sound of intensity and pressure, welding Radiohead eccentricity to a Foo Fighters arena-rock frame of airtight guitar punch and chest-rattling rhythm. Your View of a Former Me, the band’s upcoming EP, applies that schematic to a narrative cycle of looking inward for a way out. Co-written and produced by Steve Molella of Finger Eleven, it’s a sharp, precise, and volatile five-track collection that ends in step with its beginnings: understanding and accepting the futility of stasis, and the inevitability of perpetual change. These two truths are earned over the course of Your View of a Former Me, a project and a title that chart a crooked path towards repair and salvation that never quite ends.

THE UNIVERSAL HIP HOP MUSEUM CELEBRATES BLACK MUSIC MONTH  WITH TWO ALL-STAR PANEL LIVE STREAMS

The Bronx, NY — The Universal Hip Hop Museum is “Going back to Cali,” to host a two-day panel discussion, “The Universal Hip Hop Museum Presents The State of Black Music: The Artist, The Executive, The Influencer,” at the historic Miracle Theater located at 226 South Market Street, Downtown Inglewood, CA.  This critical, two-day discussion will occur on Thursday, June 24th, and Friday, June 25th at 1 PM PDT/ 4 PM EDT, as a limited, in-person live stream event in accordance with California COVID reopening guidelines. Viewers can participate in the spirited discussion on all UHHM digital platforms including uhhm.org, powered by Envoi.

Here are the confirmed participants:

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 AT 1 PM PDT/ 4 PM EDT
MODERATOR – LESLIE “BIG LEZ” SEGAR – Radio/TV Host, Dancer & Choreographer
CHRIS ATLAS – EVP, Urban Music & Marketing, Warner Records
DUNCAN CRABTREE-IRELAND – National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator, SAG-AFTRA
JAMES ANDREWS – CEO & Founder, The Authenticated
MARC BYERS – Manager, Rockstar Entertainment; Advisor, AMP Global
MICHAEL “BLUE” WILLIAMS – CEO & Founder, Family Tree Entertainment
SONYA PRUNEDA – Music Executive, Rite 1 Enterprises

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 AT 1 PM PDT/ 4 PM EDT
MODERATOR – FELICIA “THE POETESS” MORRIS – Rapper, Radio Personality
AMY KEYS – White House “Women of Soul”; Acclaimed vocalist
ANN CARLI – Founder, Fuzzy Bunny; “Behind The Rhyme”
ERIC BEASLEY – CEO & Partner, Ultimate Rap League
KWAMÉ HOLLAND – Artist & Producer; Founder, Make Noise Recordings/Capitol Recordings
TROY SHELTON – EVP, Gryscl Entertainment

As Hip Hop continues to dominate pop culture and the music industry realigns post-COVID, the Universal Hip Hop Museum leads the conversation about the current state of Black music with industry heavyweights, influencers, and artists. “A recent study conducted by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative chronicles the lack of diversity in the music business across the executive and talent teams,” states Tina Marie Tyler, Advisory Board member and Vice-Chair, Artist Relations Committee, Universal Hip Hop Museum. “This panel is just the beginning of a larger conversation and action plan to create access and inclusion for our folks in the music industry.”

Lucid Express today share new single and video “Hotel 65”, the final release preceding the young shoegaze group’s debut album release on July 16th via Kanine Records. “Hotel 65” is a crash course in the atmospheric moods that pervade this album; finding the band gently oscillating between crunching walls of sound, and sparkling airy passages. Lyrically, the track name checks the guesthouse where the group’s singer Kim Ho stayed when visiting the UK and speaks of a relationship that should never have happened between two strangers who know that their time together is only going to be brief. Alongside their last single release, “Hollowers”, it’s another song that contributes to the sense of uncertainty and impermanence that permeates the Lucid Express album. A sense established from the opening track “North Acton”, which acknowledges that “none of this would last forever” to the melancholy wish of the album closer “Ride The Night”, which dreams of being able to stretch an evening into eternity.

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The “Hotel 65” video is crafted as a collage of footage taken from the band’s travels in their native Hong Kong, as well as in Vietnam, Japan, the UK and the United States. These flashes of scenery reflect the lyrical turns of the song, while being interspersed with the words themselves scrawled onto mirrors, notebooks and paper scraps. “

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Joy Crookes—who is already garnering Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill comparisons from her own songs—began her musical journey years before her magpie-like introduction to brass. The daughter of a Bengali mother and an Irish father, she grew up listening to an eclectic mix of genres. Every week, while driving her to Irish dancing lessons, they would listen to a different album. Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ one week ‘Soon Forward’ by Gregory Isaac the next. As a curious, passionate, and music-obsessed 12-year-old, Joy decided to start writing her own song and honing her modern soul sound. Her first song “Seaside” was penned after falling head over heels for a boy by the beach. Seven years later, her songs might have grown more sophisticated, but the approach remains the same: whether she’s dealing with heartbreak or trying to come to terms with the latest Trump headline, Joy is committed to translating her most honest and vulnerable feelings to music. While her candid song-writing and fearless attitude have won her dedicated grassroots following, it was a baby-faced Joy singing a cover of Hit the Road Jack, which caught the attention of 600,000 viewers, and her first management company.

“When you go through difficult situations –personal or in music -you learn how to handle things. I’ve lived alone since I was 17; you learn how to wipe your own arse and how to conduct yourself in certain situations. It comes from my family, specifically the women in my family and them knowing how to say no. I take pride in holding myself up and being strong and tough when I need to be”. Joy uses her creativity as a tool to understand her own identity. Joy places a lot of importance on the concept of history, and fittingly, her new EP is titled Reminiscence. After visiting Bangladesh for the first time in her adult life In January, she began to feel uniquely connected to her past. Reminiscence looks back on 2018, a pivotal year in the young singer’s life: a celebration of immigrants and her multicultural identity, and a love letter to the city that made her. Straddling soul, trip-hop and R&B, Joy’s is a dexterous sound, which effortlessly showcases her melting pot of sonic influences. Ultimately, it’s an EP of love songs –to London, to women and to Joy herself – songs that aren’t afraid to be honest and raw, while also packing a political punch. Joy balance the retro stylings of Sade with the millennial wit of Lily Allen. She may be looking to the past, but smart, talented, and strong, Joy Crookes is shaping the sound of the future.

Ask anyone who is the next rapper to blow from Birmingham and the chances are that TINN will be high on the list.

Releasing his brand new single OBBO, TINN shows off his hectic flows, high-octane delivery and weighty punch lines for the record, which is produced by C95. It’s exactly that three-strike combo that has people talking about his talents and previous releases such as ‘Swear Down’ and ‘Represent’ have paved the way for his latest offering.

STREAM/DOWNLOAD: TINN – OBBO

Differing from the crowd, TINN has character in his delivery that is heightened by the splashes of his thick Brummie accent shining through. His melodic style leans from rap into soulful hooks that snap together waves of emotions that he captures within his bars. Written from a place of experience, OBBO is an onslaught of vibes stirred up with street tales and an expansive slew of ad-libs that make it addictive to the ear. Talking about the single, TINN explains “All of my music comes from life experiences, Obbo is something people go through every day, I just wanted to put it into my music.”

Teamed with monochrome, cinematic visuals, the smooth transitions between scenes bring artistic, contemporary flair to traditional ‘hood videos’ of years gone by. Created by ReadTheTitle, the traditional elements of street visuals featuring high speed police chases, fast cars, beautiful women and the mandem are thrust in to a classy, empowering light with scenes that draw on dance, elegance, and sophistication in black and white tones.

Renowned medical expert and bestselling author Deepak Chopra once said “the mind and body are inseparable.” With 15 years of experience in alternative medicine, NYC-based singer-songwriter, David D’Alessio, understands that statement first hand. After a year without an opportunity to physically touch one another, D’Alessio’s upcoming single, “Talking With My Hands,” further accentuates the importance of the language of touch and physical connection. The second release from his upcoming EP This Far Apart, the haunting yet upbeat track reminds us the human body will always reveal the truth. David D’Alessio rolls out “Talking With My Hands” on all digital platforms on Friday, June 18, 2021.

Written and produced by Hawaiian-born D’Alessio, “Talking With My Hands,” additionally vocalizes the tension between sexuality and sensuality. The single touches on the subtle differences between a desire that goes unfulfilled and a focused urgency to physically touch another.

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White Sails will have you daydreaming about summertime.

It’s available now from my collaboration album with Sterling Grove, out this Friday June 25th.

Cabin Days is about having a good time among friends, while vibing among nature, just as we did while recording in a cabin at St-Donat, Quebec.  All songs were created and written while jamming in the studio, an inspiring contrast to writing songs in the city. 

Stream White Sails via your preferred platform below!

💜☀️🌿 https://song.link/i/1558204642 💜☀️🌿

On a midsummer day after the beach, I felt inspired by the light shining through the cabin windows and the wooden model of a ship on the wall. I wrote about our surroundings and summer road trips, and soon the whole song was composed in about 15 minutes. We kept an open mind – no rules, no questioning any type of genre or riff. All ideas were made subconsciously, capturing the emotion in the room. We hope you enjoy it.  

Thank you for listening,

Ellyn Woods & Sterling Grove

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From Niagara, ON, Riley Michaels started making music at 8 years old after winning 1st place in a local singing competition. When he received Guitar Hero for Christmas, he jumped deep into the “rabbit hole” of Classic Rock, Blues and other similar genres.

Today, the music Michaels makes is a combination of Pop and Adult Contemporary, with a range of influences. From his new releases, you can hear the smooth guitar playing of John Mayer, the subtlety and groove of Prince, the emotion of James Bay, and even some pop progressions that sound like Harry Styles or the Jonas Brothers. He even mixes in a little country, in the style of Chris Stapleton!

Riley’s new songs evoke the vibe of driving down the highway with the roof of your car open, a day at the beach, or even a dance club. Others offer intimate feelings that audiences will connect with on a deeper level.

SOMEONE LIKE YOU – RILEY MICHAELS by Riley Michaels

Dubstep powerhouse Crankdat and multifaceted producer Ace Aura have teamed up for their first collaborative single, “The Feeling” out now on Monstercat. The track has all the makings of a summer set favourite with its gritty basses, upbeat synth stabs, and powerful chord stacks drawing listeners into the high-intensity drop. Perfectly fusing both of their sonic complexities with its infectious lyrics and subtle melodic elements, “The Feeling” is a testament to the musical prowess and range of the versatile producers. 

Crankdat shares, “Very excited to finally drop this tune! I wrote this song about me and my girlfriend’s cat – momo – who really hates kisses. This inspired the hook “you don’t have to love me.” Don’t tell him the song is about him, his ego is already too big. Working with Eric (Ace Aura) was really cool. We talked about collaborating and I sent him a demo that I was stuck on and had shelved. He took the track and gave it everything that it needed and added some really cool sounds! He is  a super talented producer and an exceptional sound designer – I’m glad to have made such an awesome record with him!”

Ace Aura adds, “Crankdat added a few songs of mine to a Spotify playlist of his and tagged me on Instagram. We then messaged back and forth a bit, and before long “The Feeling” was born! It was super fun to work on and I hope you all enjoy it!”

Crankdat has performed all over the world, at EDC Las Vegas, Wobbleland, Sunset Music Festival, and more recently, on live streams for Dreamworld and Global Dance Digital Festival. His remixes and originals have seen widespread support from major artists like Marshmello, DJ Snake, The Chainsmokers, and more. Known for his heavy, chord-driven take on dubstep, melodic riddim producer Ace Aura has carved a unique niche for himself in the bass space, earning fans in heavyweights like Zomboy, NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead, Subtronics, 12th Planet, and many more.

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NYC-based synth-pop trio, Moon Kissed and NYC are officially back in action. With a sold-out show last Friday (June 18th) in Brooklyn, and a last-minute epic show the Friday before that, the high-energy they’re known for is in full force. To celebrate, the band is sharing a remix EP of their quarantine banger, “Clubbing In Your Bedroom,” out now. The original song was written and produced by Khaya Cohen and Emily Sgouros after a late night of clubbing in Emily’s bedroom. It was mixed and mastered by Justin Van Der Volgen and the music video was edited by Leah Scarpati.

Moon Kissed is not a “girl band.” They are a force that, when creatively combined, creates a vortex of safety that can be physically and emotionally experienced through the joy of pure freedom, where it’s ok to be weird — in fact, it’s encouraged. Expression within the container of Moon Kissed culture looks like bravery, joy, body love, happy tears (and all kinds of tears/release) and full-body chills. This EP is an extension of that energy and has three very different takes on the song, brought by three remix artists. Khaya Cohen says:

“One of the best things about being a part of Moon Kissed is how deeply our community is involved – whether it’s hearing stories about experiences with our songs or the fact that the audience is just as essential to the live show as the three of us are, we wouldn’t be Moon Kissed without everyone who is a part of our little family. For this reason, we are excited to be releasing this remix EP, providing fresh perspectives on a song that means a lot to us and getting to experience it in new ways through different artists’ lenses. Even though “Clubbing In Your Bedroom” is a song mainly about isolation, through remixes we get to hear the ways that this common experience of being alone is both uniting and unique.”

A. BEEB the Nigerian afro-RnB artist based in Atlanta continues with his streak of recent releases with his brand-new track “Man Down” featuring fellow afrobeat artist LAMII. Their compound of unique vocal versatility, flawless production and intricate storytelling has them bouncing off each other’s energy in this incredible collaborative track, which is poised to put them front and center as two of the most exciting emerging artists in the scene.

On this latest offering, A. BEEB teamed up with DJ/Producer JISM (AKA Dejj) for the tracks production. DJ JISM has gained notoriety after working with artists such as Tory Lanez, Murda Beatz, Major Lazer, and many more. The hit-bound track fuses that classic Afrobeat style production with an infectious melody and sultry saxophone hits which are complimented by both artist’s own personal style and swagger on the verses.

Speaking on the track, A. BEEB says, “The track in my view talks about struggle, hardship, perseverance and just generally how dangerous the world is right now e.g., when we think about political, economic & and even social situations in Nigeria, other African countries and even places like Israel. Everyone is out to get you and you must be equally dangerous to prosper

Man Down (feat. Lamii) by A.BEEB

NYC-based indie-pop singer-songwriter, Aubrey Haddard, shares her new single “National Tragedy” today, along with an official music video. “National Tragedy” is the latest of four one-off singles released by Haddard over the course of the last year and is available now on Beverly Martel records.

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Haddard’s pleading refrain “Can someone turn it off?” is strikingly relatable in a year marked by tragedy and fear. Yet despite it’s timely message, “National Tragedy” – largely recorded in Oakland, California in 2019 – predates the year the world shut down.  

Like reliving a childhood memory of witnessing something scary on the television it was remembering Princess Diana’s passing that proved the catalyst for the song. From the unwavering presence of the news in Haddard’s childhood home, to the confusion and sorrow of watching her mother crying on the couch, soundtracked by the all-pervading misery played out on TV.  

On the single, Haddard says, “One of my earliest memories is my mother watching Princess Di’s funeral on our old screened-in porch, the feelings of uncertainty and sadness. Throughout my life, each time tragedy struck and the world stopped to watch, the reality would sink into me a little deeper, but in September ‘97, my inability to understand was the perfect escape. “National Tragedy” is part memory, part sweet escape and an all too familiar feeling.”

Indian-American songstress Shreea Kaul (previously known as Shreya) releases the debut visual “Gluttony” from her recently released, genre-fused LP The Seven Deadly Sins. The enchanting visual, directed by Mateo Meija/ Victor Bobmanuel, finds the Houston-Based songbird sublimely channeling the elements of greed in a tantalizing bliss. Known for her unique blend of R&B/ Soul genres with her South Asian, Indian identity, Kaul brilliantly makes her official visual introduction to the world with today’s release.  

WATCH “GLUTTONY” HERE

Shreea Kaul shares, “I’ve always been a fan of themed projects. They’re like secret passageways- they always have deeper meanings and nuances that are so interesting to explore. I wanted this project to describe the seven deadly sins from a more innovative perspective related to our modern society.  I wanted to incorporate themes of sensuality, power, and overconsumption into this LP because I feel that they’re so relevant to our society today. So much intention went into this project, and I hope that listeners can understand the subtleties and intricacies behind it.”

Photo credit: Anna Azarov

LA-based dark-synth pop artist, L’FREAQ, announces her sophomore EP, Showgirl, is officially due out on August 27, 2021 via Position Music. “Gimmick,” the debut single from the forthcoming release is out today to showcase the Showgirl sound. The new track embodies the theme of resiliency in a time of self-doubt. “Gimmick” combines heart-pounding beats with passionate lyrics about believing in the power that everyone inherently owns and nobody else can take away, while and emphasizing L’FREAQ’s expansive “robust range (Refinery29).”

Describing the song L’FREAQ says, “After a grueling audition for a singing show in late 2019, I felt incredibly disempowered. One of the judges called me “gimmicky” and I felt as if my career had ended. What I didn’t realize was that this one person, one show, and one opportunity just wasn’t the right fit for me. After months struggling with mental health, I wrote this song as a way for me to empower myself and others, and a tongue in cheek diss to the judge that made me doubt my power.”

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Lucas Nord returns with his latest project, ‘A Summer With Hans Göran’ under the new moniker, Hans Göran (Lucas’ two middle names). After 2020’s pandemic, Nord wanted to create a record of feel-good music to be the soundtrack to 2021’s summer. Starting onJune2nd, Lucas will be releasing a new track every few weeks throughout the summer months leading to the August 25th release of the ‘A Summer With Hans Göran’ EP. The Stockholm, Sweden-based producer/ songwriter/ artist is known for his catchy melodies and genre-bending production. Lucas has made a name for himself not only for his writing style but for earning a Billboard Number 1 with Tove Lo, winning the 2019 Norwegian Grammy for producing the Urban Record of the Year, and amassing over 42 Million+ streams for his artist project on Spotify alone-just a few of his impressive accolades. In 2020 Lucas releasedhis solo EP, ‘Boy Restless’ via Physical Presents Records as well as starting the DJ supergroup called Moodshift that is currently signed to Republic/Casablanca (US), Virgin Records (Germany), Universal Sweden, Island/Def Jam (France) and Universal Brasil.  Some standout highlights so far at the start of 2021, Nord earned his first Top 5 song at Canadian Country Radio along with a Juno nomination for his involvement in Mackenzie Porter’s (BigLoud) latest release, “Drinkin Songs”. On top of that Nord’s project Mood shift currently has their single, “Touch” in the top 25 on the UK Dance Charts

Some relationship breakups are painful to get over and the only way you can is to indulge yourself in distractions.

Rebound” (ft. City Fidelia) is about using those distractions to get over heartbreak.
Writing the song, I wanted to use a lot of language about the lounge life of listening to music at home. Music can help heal heartache and can distract you from the funk you’re feeling.
It’s actually the best drug for that – better than sex, drinking, or drugs.

Listen to “Rebound” (ft. City Fidelia) – my new single – on your preferred streaming platform.

Screw me, do me wrong ’til it feels so right.

This line comes right at the end of “Rebound” because everyone said it was “too explicit” to have in each hook, but I disagree.

These lyrics encapsulate the feeling of wanting someone to please you sexually until you feel right again and can forget all the bullshit.

Tyra Jutai

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Across the six tracks which comprise Eventually, Toronto band, The Effens’ upcoming third EP, a dark, razor-sharp, grunge-glam sound emerges. Due out July 30, 2021 via Hidden Pony and the band’s own LootBag Records, Eventually draws inspiration from ‘90s grunge sneer and early-aughts indie-rock cheek. Combining these elements with honeyed pop melodics and contemporary post-punk ingenuity, an unquantifiable element is added to build a grimly, glowing, and incredibly fun collection.

Eventually is the culmination of years of feverish experimentation and lineup rotations which led vocalist and guitarist Austin Nops—the nucleus of The Effens— to finally collect Paul Theo (guitar and synth/samples), Hannah Weber (bass and vocals), and Fabian Oblivion (drums). The members connected through jam space-meet-cutes and last-minute show fill-ins that have unspooled into the band’s current iteration.

Loyalty” is about staying loyal in a relationship, particularly with the widespread use of social media. “As Tim and I journey in the van, we spark up a conversation about what it means to stay loyal. The saxophone is usually an instrument of love. It adds to the theme of love in the track.” “Loyalty” features romantic, hypnotic soundscapes over a chilled RnBbeat and gorgeous jazz-dipped sax – combining the old school and the new school with delight and spontaneity. 

Vancouver musician Larissa Tandy discovered that songwriting inspiration can come from the most unexpected places when she was writing her new single ‘Drive’, out today on all digital streaming platforms.

“I wrote ‘Drive’ in East Nashville with my friend, Texan songwriter Van Darien,” says Larissa. “Another friend had set us up to write together, and this was the first day we met. I sat in Van’s living room tuning my guitar, and she brought me an iced coffee to which she had added coconut flavoured La Croix. I was so confused and fascinated by it, I was taken with it! The moment felt almost psychedelic. And when my mind finally came back to the room we were sitting in, Van was playing a C chord and singing the word ‘drive’ over it. I asked her, ‘where is she driving?’ and the song started to unfold. While we were writing it, I was imagining Roy Orbison singing it, because I love him and I’m always trying to write for the way he sings.”

‘Drive’ follows the release of ‘Sirens’ (released on May 21st) and is the 2nd of 3 new singles to be released from Larissa Tandy this summer. The next single, ‘No Fun’, comes out on July 30th.

The art of street rap is not only based on the ability to tell stories of raw experiences and life on the frontline, but one of its key components in becoming such a prolific genre, is that those that do it well, are able to deliver it in such a way that you are carried along with the vibe and you get lost in the music, no matter who is listening.

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STREAM/DOWNLOAD: MILLI MAJOR FT DEEPEE – FAMILY FEUD

One of the UK’s hardest street rappers, Milli Major teams up with Smoke Boy Deepee for a second time. The first track that saw the pair team up for was the huge single ‘Madness’ and now they return for new drop ‘Family Feud’. Going back-to-back, the rappers spit their signature gritty and straight-talking lyricism with energetic flair that captures their experience of inner-city street life. Milli Major explains: “Family Feud was created from a place, and at a time, when a lot of in things were happening in-camp both in terms of music and on in the streets. While street life isn’t necessarily relatable to everyone, Family Feuds are, and myself and Deepee both delivered that concept to create a vibe and make it sound wavey and enjoyable at the same time as hitting home. You can vibes to this one so much that you forget what the depth of the content is and just enjoy the music.”

German raised, New York based, singer-songwriter Geena Kaye today releases her new single “Dizzy” and announces her upcoming EP, I DREAMED I WAS YOU, DREAMING OF ME, out 8/12.

Inspired by the dizzying feeling of a new relationship started at the beginning of the pandemic, Geena Kaye shows listeners a more upbeat and pop-influenced side of her music. “Dizzy” is Geena’s third single from her upcoming EP.

Growing up between Germany and the U.S., Geena Kaye recognized early on that she couldn’t pick only one path in life—certainly not the path that life picked for her, the daughter of a prominent German newscaster whose family lived within the public eye. As a young adult, she moved to New York City to attend the Clive Davis Institute, remaking herself as a singer-songwriter and guitarist. Her lyrics evolve out of her daily poetry practice, balancing the honest vulnerability of her notebooks and notes app against the empowerment in her voice. With slow builds and crestfallen highs, her songs encompass the heartaches and uncertainties of seeking your own place in a city where the ground shifts faster than you can put down roots.

Rising artist Zanillya shares her debut EP Choose Life, a heartfelt, varied yet cohesive collection of tracks characterised by her signature blend of R&B, Dancehall, Afrobeats and Hip-Hop.

As the arts begin to drive mental illness out of the shadows, Zanillya is determined to be at the vanguard of this change. Choose Life is a record about self-belief and healing, an embrace of positivity which simultaneously acknowledges openness and vulnerability as a show of courage rather than weakness.

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Zanillya is the daughter of late Disco legend Bobby Farrell (Boney M), and as a child was exposed first-hand to the highs and lows of a life in music. Yet it is by creating music that Zanillya feels she can come to terms with her own lows.

Zanillya explains: “The EP is snapshot of me facing my demons and being open about it. The title of the EP is an affirmation that no matter how dark it gets I should never forget to ‘Choose Life’.”

Natalie Shay is an indie-pop artist hailing from North London. The multi-award-winning musician has established an ever-growing presence and loyal fanbase through her explosive live performances and unforgettable anthems, recognising her as one of the UK’s hottest emerging talents. Her relatable lyrics touch on love, self-discovery and the everyday experiences of a twenty-something. 

 

Combining her youthful and charismatic aura with her classical training and time spent at the prestigious BRIT School, Shay has finessed the ability to produce undeniably catchy music, whilst maintaining a musical maturity. Compared to the likes of Haim, Little Comets and Fickle Friends, the Londoner has absorbed a similar energy and dynamic within her new music, resulting in a sound which oozes with passion and allure. 

Her latest single “Medicine Boy” plays on the theme of comparing a dysfunctional relationship with a boy to a drug. Shay explains, “The lyrics are written so that if I told you the whole song was about an addictive relationship, it would make sense. But if I also told you the whole song was about recreational drug use, every line would still make sense.” Capturing the essence of a bittersweet relationship, Shay plays with the idea that just because a relationship isn’t “good,” it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s totally unhealthy. She confides, “I was very stuck in my own head and emotions at the time of writing, it was an uncertain time and I’d been doing a lot of thinking and growing up.”

Shimmering synths, colourful, animated melodies and Shay’s powerful, crystal clear vocals deliver the perfect, feel-good summer anthem, with her instantly recognisable sound shining through in the fresh and fun production. Occasional shadows of darker moments, melancholy lyrics and multi-tonal elements represent the back and forth of fighting for something that you know is perhaps a little toxic. Entering into a new wave of her sound, Shay admits how she now has a better understanding of her own feelings and emotions, allowing listeners to closely follow her journey through her early twenties, blossoming into a more mature and reflective individual. 

Shay continues to pique the interest of audiences across the globe. Garnering attention from notable publications such as Billboard, Clash and The Line of Best Fit, to name a few, as well as landing Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist in nine countries, Shay has collectively amassed hundreds of thousands of streams. She has also worked on EDM tracks with the likes of Grum and Kryder, racking up over 2 millions streams to date. In 2018 she was asked to be part of the jury for the UK Eurovision competition. Continuing to forge ahead, Natalie Shay is quite simply a force to be reckoned with.

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Jack Galloway is a London born and bred recording artist and music producer. The epitome of a free spirit, when he’s not in the recording studio, Jack is usually exploring a far-off country or chilling on a beach somewhere. Described as a ‘dreamer’ and ‘old soul’ all throughout his childhood, Jack started writing songs and playing guitar at the age of 12 – having been heavily influenced by his father’s love of rock music. Bringing a fresh flavour to the 80’s and 90’s stadium style pop/rock music, peppered with a west-coast rock texture and the influence of modern country artists, the result is a sound which is familiar, yet uncharted. Jack delivers a heart-on-sleeve approach to his songwriting, combining it with an aggressive “I’ll speak my truth” attitude and a unique sensitivity and openness about his own life. 

His upcoming EP, Only Hours In, is a collection of five songs all showcasing his unapologetic authenticity and honesty. Refusing to conform to other people’s ideologies, Jack creates music that is true to who he is. Giving an insight into his life, the EP touches on heartbreak, the darker side of a toxic relationship, free-spirited, feel-good love and a defiant, anti-mainstream political statement. 

Starting off with the uptempo pop-rock track “End Of This Road”, this is Jack’s most personal song so far, detailing his experiences whilst caught up in a destructive, circular pattern in what he considers to be the most toxic relationship he’s ever been in.  

Then there is “Falling For You” – a heartfelt song that takes you back a few years in Jack’s life and traces a story he wrote, inspired by the early days with his ex-girlfriend. The song speaks of the emotions you go through in a relationship, right up till its downfall. Jack explains, “Falling For You isn’t really about one relationship – it’s more about any first date you go on where you know you’re in deep with them straight away!” The accompanying music video, which was filmed in Portugal, captures the un-staged moments caught on camera over a weekend with Jack and his friends spending time at the beach, drinking and partying. “Watching the video, you can just see the love between all of us. The fact that the song itself is about a romantic love story but the music video reflects a more important familial love and friendship is pretty sweet.”

“Anima” is a self-reflective piece as much as anything. The ‘anima’ is a term originally from Jungian psychology which describes the feminine component within a man’s subconscious. Playing with this concept and reflecting upon his own personality, Jack put it into a made-up character of a girl. He confides, “I know that people who I’ve been romantically involved with in the past have been frustrated with certain things within me because I am quite free-spirited, I’m a dreamer, and a lot of people find these traits quite disruptive/difficult to pin down. So I put the shoe on the other foot and am singing this song about a girl who embodies these personality characteristics. The essence of the song is that no matter how much I try to reach out to her, I can’t keep her.” 

The EP rounds off with the heartbreak power ballad “Blame It On The Rain” and the politically charged “2020 Won.” Only Hours In succeeds in taking you into the mind of a spiritually connected existentialist navigating his way through life, love and meaning. 

Bushrod returns to the soundsphere with an upbeat, Summer-ready serenade, treading the line between indie-pop and hip-hop to soundtrack our return to more ‘normal’ times. Listen here. With loose, jazzy guitar and bouncing drums, Pizza Date is taken from ‘TV Dinner’, the forthcoming mixtape from the Brixton alt-rapper, which is set to hit our playlists on 15th July

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The video accompaniment to Pizza Date is bright and comical and builds upon the notable visual identity of the South Londoner, who already has numerous tastemaker collaborations under his belt, including Stussy and Barbour. Self-awareness and playful cultural observation both come naturally to the emerging artist, with Pizza Date mischievously tackling romance and dating, frugality, tardiness, infidelity and more. In his own words, “I wanted to make the record quite fun and humorous, whilst including elements of my own personal experiences throughout. Think butterflies in the stomach, awkward hugs and long walks to nowhere’. With playlist support from Spotify’s New Music Friday and Fresh Finds, and coverage from Complex and The Independent, Bushrod’s future appears assuredly bright

One of Scotland’s best-kept musical secrets, Charlie Clark is a multi-talented songwriter, musician, promoter and more. First rising to prominence as a founding member of acclaimed Glasgow indie-pop foursome Astrid, Clark has been a pro-active presence in the underground music scene for over two decades. From his role in Scottish supergroup The Reindeer Section to his own projects Broken Arrow and MJ12, Clark has earned a cult status amongst public and peers alike, becoming a go-to guest musician to the likes of Mogwai, Arab Strap and Snow Patrol in the process.
 
Going solo with some of his most impassioned and personal material to date, latest single “Late Night Drinking” is a fine case in point and a taster of what’s to come. Produced by Jason Shaw (Cambodian Space Project) and mastered by Mark Gardener from RIDE, “Late Night Drinking” also features Calum Buchanan (The Sea Atlas) and was recorded in Uig on the Isle of Skye.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2UJzGxwfMXdb4WibqfGjxS

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Rising UK bedroom-pop duo Wynona today share the brand new video for their dreamy debut single, ‘Get Back To Myself’.

Watch Here // Stream Here

An ode to homesickness and the isolation of living in a city half the world away, Wynona’s debut single is a blissful, romanticised bedroom-pop number led by Natalie’s honeyed melodies and a simultaneously uplifting and soothing combination of jangled rhythms and nostalgic guitar lines.

With the video, released today – Wynona wanted to display the sense of repetitiveness that comes feelings of isolation and loneliness.There’s no resolution or happy ending; just passing days where little changes.

“The initial version of the song was floating around pre-pandemic whilst we were living in Osaka.” tells NatalieWe found the idea comforting as it addressed the isolation we were feeling whilst living so far from home. Then all of a sudden we found ourselves unexpectedly on the last flight out of Tokyo (literally!), in Spring 2020, due to the global situation. We then returned to the home we were missing, only to find it unrecognisable to the one we had left behind. It was a culture shock in our own country – a disorientating experience.

We returned to the song in the summer of 2020 and found ourselves romanticising our time in Japan with a new perspective, in a world that had completely changed. In this way, the definition of what ‘myself’ looked or felt like, proved to be fluid and ever-changing.”

Formed of partners Natalie & Rich, Wynona began their sonic journey creating expressive, guitar-driven pop at their home studio in central Osaka; finding comfort and a sense of homeliness in their creative output as they began to feel isolated and homesick alone in a foreign country.

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Forced to take the last flight out of Tokyo in the Spring of 2020 and return home to Hampshire, UK by the global pandemic, Natalie & Rich chose to revisit ‘Get Back To Myself’, the song that had come to life back in Japan, making their debut in June of 2021.

‘Get Back To Myself’ – the debut single from Wynona is out now.

Introducing Rest For The Wicked—the brand new collaborative project from Ben Townsend (aka Ivan Ooze) and experimental producer Tasker. Marrying the raw indie energy of Glass Animals and MGMT, the fluidity of Still Woozy, and an elusive rebel edge to create something completely their own, the Aussie duo have officially arrived. Released via EMI Music Australia / Universal, their debut offering “Bones”and the new video for the single is out now.

Hip Hop meets Indie / Punk Rock, the rapper skater and music-tech nerd rocker join forces. The result is a set of hazy, raw genreless pop songs. Loose and sweet on the surface with a melodic, dark heart. Together, as self-described manic mischief-makers, they plan to build a multi-dimensional world of sonics, colors, and emotions that command attention and will certainly put them on the map internationally. Already garnering attention before ever dropping a studio single or video,Pileratsnamed them one of ‘20 Australian artists to watch in 2021’.

The official video for “Bones,” sees the duo explore their manic and depressive mental states in isolation. It details their feelings of anguish and delves into a danceable madness. The claustrophobic bedroom setting contrasts between colorless despondency and acid-saturated depravity as they ache for consolation. As the track grows in intensity, the shapes and colors distort, morphing into hypnotic and disorienting visuals. “Depression is an extremely hard and delicate state to conquer,” Ben Townsend admits, “but we always find our way.” In this vivid and perplexing world they created, they depict the back-and-forth struggle one often faces when trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel. 

“We came up with building two rooms so the first room represents the chaotic nature of someone who suffers from depression, while the second room is from the perspective of someone who has a very bleak outlook as that plays a major role in a depressed mind,” states Rest For The Wicked, “Throughout the video we both play these two parts of a personality, but from our own experiences one always wants to feel what the other has.”

London born Samuel Jack brings a fresh and distinct sound through his passionate, storytelling lyrics and velvet vocals, resulting in a completely compelling delivery. Growing up in Johannesburg with his film director Father, Jack spent much of his time soaking in the vibrant tones of Blues, Motown, soul and roots music, which to this date play a big role in his songwriting. Combining the music of his childhood, with his new love for hip hop and pop, the soulful artist has established his own unique style which has been piquing the interest of listeners across the globe. 

Samuel’s single “Feels Like Summer” recently exploded on Instagram and is currently the most used song on IG Reels in the US. Being uploaded over 10K times per day (over 500 times per hour!) and in the past 14 days has been played over 60 million times around the world, the single is constantly trending up! From Miami dance parties, celebrity influencers, athletes, olympians, chefs and fashion, to health and beauty, people of all ages, all countries and all walks of life are soaking up this soulful, feel-good song.

Consequently, the track is sitting Top 20 Spotify Viral Charts in four countries and is charting in over 15 countries on Apple / iTunes. With lockdown rules easing and the weather warming up, it’s clear that “Feels Like Summer” is the people’s anthem of 2021. We’ve all seen artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Addison Rae and Mimi Webb break through on TikTok, but this is the first time that Instagram has seen an artist go viral through their reels, a relatively new feature to their app. 

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A poignant song for our times. Lyrically “Feels Like Summer” centres around celebrating the good times and how something can make you feel alive and ultimately wishing you could live in that moment forever. Samuel Jack reveals, “There’s definitely a sense of nostalgia about the whole song. I wrote it at a time when I looked to those good times to see me through. Music can totally transcend time and space and carry your mind to all sorts of places, even when you’re not exactly where you want to be. That’s what this song is for me. It takes me back, it takes me forward, it takes me through”.

Going back-to-the-future with a rush of pure 80s filtered pop, DARLING BOY is back with stellar new single: ‘Breaking Into Forever’.

Darling Boy, otherwise known as Alexander Gold, carries musical promise wherever he goes. A musician, actor, and songwriter, his multi-faceted talent has seen him flit with ease between the worlds of music, theatre and film and with a string of dynamic singles under his belt, Gold has been praised far and wide for his bold artistic sound. 

Breaking Into Forever’, his glittering new offering, mixes powerhouse beats with shimmering pop melodies and retro-fitted synths to create an irresistible three-minute adventure out-of-time.

Entirely self-produced, save for a little editing help from XTC legend Andy Partridge, ‘Breaking Into Forever’ is an impossibly catchy three-minute pop monster cut that would feel right at home on the soundtrack of Stranger Things. Reminiscent of classic Dexy’s Midnight Runners or The Human League, its definitively 80s’ keyboard sound, synthesised strings and vocoded vocals amount to a track that is addictive, danceable and beams with a glossy chrome sheen. 
Speaking about the track Gold says:

“It’s dedicated to someone who changed the direction of my life profoundly, in a very short space of time”, says DB, “effortlessly smashing down a door that I’d long thought was a wall. It’s about the power we all have to make a real difference, and a testament to the notion that sometimes all it takes is a fleeting moment.”

Equal parts nostalgic and enchanting, the single will be released tomorrow, 25th June. With the horizon open, and possibilities endless, the single is certain to take Darling Boy to new heights and listeners to another era altogether.

When I was a kid, I was the biggest showoff.

I lived for that simple rush of climbing a tree to impress a girl, showing everyone the moonwalk, landing the perfect kickflip on my skateboard, or attempting to jump off the roof to see if I could fly like Superman – thankfully my mom stopped me on that one!

My new song is a reminder to not take ourselves so seriously, and is full of that playful nostalgia that comes with reflecting on childhood.

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🦸 Hear “Showoff” on your favourite platform today 🦸

I’ve been writing consistently over the past year, exploring and developing my voice as a mixed-black artist in the alt-soul space. This single feels like a step closer in the right direction to the artist that I want to be, someone who has people hanging on their every word, and singing along to every chorus.

Showoff” feels more genuine to me than anything I’ve put out before.

Thank you for spending time with my music!

Alexander Saint

MANTARAYBRYN is back with the uplifting, evocative new single: “Mayfly”.

At just under the 4-minute mark, the Welsh/Cornish singer delivers a piece of otherworldly piano-pop as concise, enigmatic and purposeful as its namesake. The track is the latest to be taken from Mantaraybryn’s upcoming EP, ‘Year Of The Heron’, which will be released via the Modern Sky UK label on 16 July.

Coupling expansive James Blake-esque arrangements with playful metaphor and incisive lyricism, “Mayfly” finds Mantaraybryn reflecting on the short-lived nature of modern dating.  As confessional as it is commentative, Bryn elaborates of the track:

“Technology and apps help conversations filled with promise flicker up to last a few days, maybe hours (just as a mayfly only lives for a day). In the same way, I’d find myself trying to build a relationship only to feel that frost creeping onto me, I’d grow bored, and start looking for the next. As always, I’m trying to be a better person, and despair at the thought of leaving a trail of emotional wreckage behind me. The lyrics might seem cruel but they’re sung with a dry smile.”

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“Mayfly” directly follows recent single “Tantalus”, with the tracks collectively marking Mantaraybryn’s most recent foray into music for over three-years. Returning from a spell of profound soul-searching and sexual orientation, the songs form part of a new EP, ‘Year of The Heron’; a record that hails something of a rebirth for the artist.

Jenny Palacios is a Canadian musician, singer/songwriter out of Toronto, Ontario, with a sound that blends influences from early 2000’s emo rock and modern alternative pop.

Growing up in a musically driven environment which was encouraged by her mother, a music teacher back home in Vietnam, and having spent a number of years involved in her local alternative music scene, Jenny has developed a sense of artistry through connectivity. She’s explored creative routes from working with various Rock and Pop Punk artists in the DIY community such as Lauren Babic (Crazy 88, Red Handed Denial), to fronting her own Pop Rock band, playing on Warped Tour and opening shows for touring bands like PVRIS, Hawthorne Heights, and I The Mighty. Drawing from her earliest memories of her mother’s teachings, and her emo roots, Jenny is driven to deliver a sound that is cathartic, and genuine, in every aspect.

She is currently using the time given in the recent flip of the world, to write and co-produce her first solo EP, while also staying an active member of her community, remotely co-writing and collaborating with other DIY artists.

Heating up summer to a boiling point, buzzing Sacramento, California rapper and #RUNWAYCHALLENGE queen Stunna Girl reveals the music video for “10 Times” today. Watch it HERE. It stands out as the latest single from her 2021 mixtape, StunnaThisStunnaThat, out now. Get it HERE via Epic Records.

Once again, she delivers another striking visual. Donning a series of colorful looks and upping her fashion game (as always), she raps with a combination of undeniable charisma and formidable presence, lighting up the camera. Each line hits hard as she commands, “If you gonna talk to me, then talk dirty, before reminding, “10 times out of 10, I’m that bitch…10 times out of 10, I look better than my pics. Of course, a trio of judges rank her performance with “10’s” across the board! The video directed by Azzie Scott, is the perfect kick off to summer as it intercuts one captivating colorful vignette after another.

Right out of the gate, StunnaThisStunnaThat earned critical acclaim. HotNewHipHop raved, “It’s a 12-track project filled with bangers from top to bottom, and she sat down with Hip Hop Wired for an extensive interview. LA Weekly predicted Stunna This Stunna That “should see Stunna Girl’s already blossoming profile go up another level in 2021.

East Coast country pop artist Carolina East turns heartache into a fun, fist pumping break-up anthem with her new single ‘Wish I Never Met You’ out now on all digital streaming platforms.

‘Wish I Never Met You’ is the latest track to be released from Carolina East’s new album Soaked in Whisky, which will be out on July 21st. 

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“This song is a fun take on a broken heart,” says Carolina. “It’s all about the ‘if I never met you, I wouldn’t have to feel all of these yucky feelings’! I’d just be living my life!”

A creation of the maritime elements, Carolina East is a vibrant, bold, songstress from Newfoundland and Labrador, who proudly wears an eclectic tapestry of musical influences, from soul to country, to pop. Last year, Carolina East won the MusicNL Country Artist of the Year award, and received a nomination for ECMA Indigenous Artist of the Year.

Carolina is currently one of eight competing semi-finalists in the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition. Watch her live performance video for ‘Wish I Never Met You’ and vote for Carolina East here.

Carolina East’s new single ‘Wish I Never Met You’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services worldwide. For more information, please visit carolinaeastmusic.com.

New York-based singer-songwriter Mae Krell releases their new single, “colorblind.” Written and recorded in quarantine, “colorblind” was created remotely from start to finish with the help of producer and multi-instrumentalist Jakob Leventhal. Over swirling, sliding guitars and sparse drums, Mae grieves the end of a relationship in painful and relatable detail: “I squeezed your hand, you flinched / The skies turned black, I blinked / I never practiced my goodbyes / I didn’t think that I had to.” Mae’s sharp lyrics and aching vocals brim with palpable emotion as they call back memories of a love that once was.

I wrote ‘colorblind’ in the midst of what I thought was going to be the end of a relationship with the first girl I ever truly fell in love with,” Mae says of the inspiration behind the single. “I’ll be the first to admit that I feel everything too much, but during the couple of days that this was going on, I really felt like the world was ending. I was wildly sad while also being very restless in a way that I had never experienced before.”

Born and raised in the shadows of Philly and NYC, Micky James naturally developed a taste for the theatrical and aspired to become a performer from a young age. In his music and personal style, Micky explores a sound and aesthetic that is nostalgic of a bygone era in rock-n-roll music, while still maintaining a contemporary pop ambition. Micky’s unique vocals are reminiscent of great character voices such as David Bowie and Julian Casablancas, alluding to the dark, mysterious, and romantic qualities that are so distinct to those artists. While Micky’s flamboyant fashions evoke the glamour and swagger of past rock icons, his work is both equal parts style and substance. Inspired by the authentic energy of 60’s and 70’s iconic rock band’s, James is successful in crafting a modern and fresh approach to a timeless genre, “I wanted to take pieces of nostalgia and give it a contemporary twist”, explains James. Successfully taking his vision and turning it into a reality.

AlienBlaze is a 19 year old mad as hell singer/songwriter and lead guitarist from the UK. Known for her empowering lyrics, gritty, distorted instrumentation and fierce, energetic delivery, she injects her sound with a healthy dose of badass invigoration. Exploring a realm of different genres, the result is a fascinating hybrid of everything from goth, grunge and emo, to rock and more electronic elements. Her dominating presence emits an angsty appeal, encouraging a sense of self-empowerment through a pleasingly chaotic lens. 
Finding influence from bands such as The Cure and Bring Me The Horizon, AlienBlaze has crafted a sound that embodies the spirit of music that has inspired her through the decades, tuning into a frequency that caught the mood of the times. Covering topics such as the everyday experiences of a young adult, to more poetic themes including pathetic fallacy and imagery from nature, AlienBlaze delivers her message in a way that allows listeners from all walks of life to interpret it. She explains, “I consider my music to be slightly ‘genre-fluid’ because I take inspiration from many different sources. I like my lyrics to be poetic and different, and hopefully everyone can relate to the sentiment in the songs.” 
The upcoming single “Broken Hearted Or What?” represents the different moods someone goes through after having a breakup. The conflicting emotions are reflected in the harsh bass lines and washes of more nostalgic, floaty moments. The artist shares, “I had also gone through a phase of watching lots of John Hughes films, hence the lyric ‘treat me like an 80s film’. The chorus however is the conclusion, basically saying to get over it and be a strong person.” Her 2020 release “Romantically Dead” received attention from numerous Spotify editorial playlists, garnering hundreds of thousands of plays. She has also had praise from the likes of Oli Sykes (Bring Me The Horizon), Rou Reynolds (Enter Shikari), Grimes, Ellie Rowsell (Wolf Alice) and Alice Cooper. With a name like AlienBlaze, the young musician takes listeners into an undiscovered cosmos, staying true to her ethos of, “I don’t want realism. I want magic!”

Riding high on the release of his two irresistible singles “Angel” and Illusions”, London R&B sensation Kwaku Asante unveils his hotly anticipated sophomore EP ‘ODE’, out June 25th.

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Asante teased the project with ‘Illusions’ and ‘Angel’ earlier in 2021, and his eloquence extends to the EP in its entirety. Brimming with insightful, introspective lyricism, ODE touches on themes of family, love, faith, and frustration, from the longing of lovers’ anthem “Angel” to the mournful “Before You Go”. Water-tight production from Dan Holloway ties the project together – from R&B bass grooves to stripped back drums and emotive melodies.

Speaking on the EP, Kwaku shared, “I wrote this EP talking about the current stage I am at in my life, being a young black man from a religious household trying to navigate a very treacherous and turbulent industry. This is a new terrain and space that I’m operating in, I do not want to unravel for the sake of my health and the people closest to me.”

rising electronic producer DEFSET shares ‘Bathtime’, the third cut and instant gratification track from the upcoming album ‘Proximity’, due for release via EMK – the new electronic music platform launched by Kartel Music Group on October 29th – Stream ‘Bathtime’ herePre-order the album ‘Proximity’ here

DEFSET built ‘Bathtime’ around a sample of an acapella of legendary Jamaican reggae group Black Uruhu he found. Talking about the creative process behind the track, he explains; “I used to be the drummer in a ska/reggae band and the section at the start was something I had written for that. The Black Uruhu sample fitted beautifully and the song evolved from there.”

The new cut follows recent singles ‘Deadlines’ and ‘Shira 2’which have demonstrated DEFSET’s mastery in using modular synthesizers and outboard gear to create a pallet of evolving melodies over syncopated, glitched out rhythms, delivering a deeply accomplished sonic blend of immersive techno and atmospheric electronic music.

Inspired by DEFSET’s memories of the UK rave scene from the mid 80s to the early 90s, ‘Proximity’, explains the producer; “it’s an homage to the incredible times I’ve had throughout the decades in the UK party scene. While making this album I rediscovered electronic music and rediscovered so many happy memories.”

Written entirely in lockdown, DEFSET’s upcoming debut album ‘Proximity’, was mixed and mastered remotely by Tim Pennells (Floating Points, Nyx, Gazelle Twins, Tourist, Honne). Talking about the album creative process DEFESET says; “I started by buying some modular gear just before lockdown in an attempt to get back into creating stuff again, something I hadn’t done for about 5 years. I loved the hands on, computer free approach of modular synthesis. The lack of presets and the need to create every sound from scratch was hard to learn but completely liberating. I became obsessed with everything modular. If I wasn’t twiddling knobs I was watching YouTube tutorials or reading books and forums about it.” 

Through the album DEFSET experiments with dynamic loops, modular synths, special effects, EQs and filtered synth samples, creating every sound from scratch. The producer’s analog and modular approach to electronic music results in lush, energetic and enigmatic textural sounds.

“The electronic dance music movement and the acid house movement are hugely important in music and youth culture and I was lucky to be around at the right time. I can’t help but be affected by those times and my music will always have one foot in a muddy field at 4am,” he enthuses. 

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TONYB. is a singer/songwriter from Nashville, TN. Heavily influenced by 90’s and early 2000’s R&B, he credits his range of musical and vocal dynamics to the likes of Aaliyah, D’Angelo and Usher. 

His latest single “Doubt Me” was written during a period of trying to find his stride after hitting the ground running. He shares, “This record is actually one that I’ve had in the vault for a while, but has never felt like the right time to release it.” Having decided to move from Los Angeles back to Nashville due to the pandemic, TONYB. was going through a transitional point in his life, just hoping that things would naturally fall into place. He explains, “You have a lot of eyes on you back home and of course there are those people who expect you to fail and aren’t necessarily rooting for you. That combined with struggling to find my stride out in LA the first year, lit a fire inside of me that I’ve never had before. I channelled all of that frustration and pressure into this song. And even though I didn’t necessarily have as much confidence at the time writing it, I was sort of writing it for myself to help me build that confidence.”

“Doubt Me” encompasses self-confidence, vulnerability and living 100% authentically. Headstrong, witty and a little bit tongue and cheek, TONYB. delivers his message with no hesitation. Co-produced by long-time collaborator Jon O’Hara, “Doubt Me” has a fierce undertone while still maintaining the beauty of his soulful vocals and honest lyrics. The production has a more streamlined drill influence amongst the pulsing 808’s and echoing melodies that scream power and confidence. The experimental feel shines through with TONYB.’s stamp sealing the deal that this is just a more empowered version of the artist’s music. The fresh, modern hip hop tinge and sultry tone radiates through the track, eliciting a unique and memorable sound.

Caribbean artist Gianni Mae is exploding back onto the scene to unveil ‘Love Me Long’ – the first single and teaser from her upcoming project.

Showcasing her roots, ‘Love Me Long’ is bursting with layered rhythms and vibrant percussion for a hard-hitting pop-dancehall anthem. A versatile artist and songstress, Gianni’s mesmerising vocals convey an emotive and heartfelt message about the importance of self-love and empowerment while navigating the highs and lows of a romantic relationship.

Speaking on the track, Gianni said “Love Me Long tells the story of a woman who will not be played or fooled by no man in a relationship. She shows vulnerability and

softness because she does want to be connected despite the lows and highs. But the time has come to restore thoughts and intentions and prepare for new beginnings and ultimately letting go.”

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Hailing from New York and based in the Bronx, the multi-talented Annalise Azadian has been building a buzz over the last few years for her unique spin on soulful R&B sounds; “Life of the Party” follows on from Annalise’s well-received 2020 EP Six Weeks of Seven (the single “Bogu$” clocking up almost 2M+ streams on Spotify alone) as well as recently hitting the studio with will.i.am.

Imprinting herself in the world of fashion as a Creative Director for Billionaire Boy’s Club – the ultra-creative and futuristic clothing line started by Pharrell Williams – Annalise has also collaborated with household brands like Apple, Converse, Adidas and New Balance Japan.

Bringing the soulful reggae vibes to life TARELA shares the music video to his single ‘Hold Me Down’. The vibrant visual capture the strength of the relationship and is rich with exploring the theme of love.

MUSIC VIDEO: TARELA – HOLD ME DOWN

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.” – TARELA

‘Hold Me Down’ landed a first play with Ras Kwame on Capital Xtra and has also been supported by Reprezent, Trickstar, ACR playlist support, KCC Live and Lush Star.

STREAM/DOWNLOAD: TARELA – HOLD ME DOWN

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Acclaimed Dutch Producer, DJ and Master of funk BAKERMAT releases his highly anticipated second album ‘The Spirit’ globally today [June 25th,2021].

 

The collection of work is Bakermat at his best and oozes high-energy and addictive beats. Consistently steps ahead when it comes down to his forward-thinking sound and unmatchable soundscapes, Bakermat built anticipation for the record with recently released gospel-house single ‘Ain’t Nobody’, enlisting LaShun Pace for the collaborative triumph. The album also included ‘Walk That Walk’ with Nic Hanson, which between them amassed a growing amount of over 2.5 Million streams – a foreshadowing of the success that’s yet to come with ‘The Spirit’. Incorporating musical elements that span across the entire sound spectrum, Bakermat continues to craft a mesmerising body of work by using jazz instrumentals, vibrant chimes, spoken word and powerful vocals that blend together seamlessly. 

 

Raised in a music-centric home by an opera-singing mother and jazz enthusiast father, Bakermat’s formative years were spent gathering inspiration from some of music’s most pure sounds. As Bakermat takes over 2021 with this impressive new album to add to his career highlights, he explains; “I wanted to go back to the roots with this album. Combining gospel, soul and folk samples with uplifting pianos and saxophones to create a collection of feel-good songs perfect for the summer. The diversity in styles and genres is high and I experimented with elements of classical music and spoken word too. I hope this album can serve as a soundtrack for road trips, holidays and other fun times with friends and family. And lastly, I hope it inspires and connects people.”

“Who You Are”, the first single from Granfalloon’s third album titled ‘Positive Songs’ is out today via Cosmic Glue, the new label set up by Hello Cosmos.

LISTEN HERE

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The first single from Granfalloon’s inspirationally collaborative ‘Positive Songs’ (released 28th August 2021), Who You Aresees Granfalloon offer a unique indie folk groove that solidifies the positive message of his 3rd album, with tranquil melodies and uplifting tones complimenting positive, narrative-driven songwriting. 
 The track’s vocals “embrace who you are” feel ever-more relevant as we return to the world to find ourselves, following the unexpected social hiatus of 2020. Both calming and inspiring, the track sows the seed for the forthcoming album with a hybrid of contemporary musical elements and traditional folk foundations. 

“Who You Are” is one of 11 tracks produced for ‘The Positive Song Project’, which was launched by Granfalloon during the first lockdown of 2020. It invited songwriters to create new music, challenging themselves to focus on positive aspects and feelings. So far, the project has resulted in the creation of over 300 tracks by artists from all over the world.

Granfalloon AKA Richard Lomax explains..

“The idea formed from a conversation I was having with Lobelia Lawson, the co-founder of PSP about how a lot of inspiration for our songs comes from a place of introspection or melancholia, anger or pain. We thought we would challenge ourselves & other musicians to focus on positive songwriting. Maybe it began as a way of managing anxiety or as a refusal to let the cancellation of gigs completely take music away but it soon became this weird positive energy… this propulsive force which grew into something very special”

Ready to deliver a timeless statement in modern form after piling up half-a-billion streams and critical praise, RIAA-certified platinum pop singer and songwriter JOHN K presents his anxiously awaited full-length debut album, in case you miss me, today. Get it HERE via Epic Records.

 

He preceded the album with the release of “everything” earlier this month. Billboard named it one of “10 Cool New Pop Songs to Get You Through The Week” and went on to write, “the song muses on connection under extreme circumstance…JOHN K is too talented not to pull off the concept.

 

“This body of work is truly an introduction to me,” says John K“I’m putting out my favorite material. I’m just going to let the music do the talking. 

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After a fire start to the year, TKorStretch came out the blocks hitting the scene with precision. ‘Flamenco Dance’ is the 4th release of the year for the Bristol artist, with hype increasing, so is his ability and this Drill influenced track is the evidence.

2020 saw TKorStretch make immense impressions in the scene, a link up with Block 6’s iconic ‘GhostFace600’ on the track ‘Cali Buds’, accomplishing 331,000 YouTube views. The first day of 2021 TKorStretch showed his potential with the track ‘HAM’. ‘Flamenco Dance’ is following the successful release of ‘Vision’ on Mixtape Madness.

An innovative style combines his musically sharp melodies and enhanced flows. With the ability to switch between his Drill style rap and his smooth harmonious vocals at any point in the track. The beat is perfect for the track, using Eastern sounds with a lead melody and others to support. The drill 808’s intertwines perfectly with his most infectious chorus so far, bouncing off the beat in abundant fashion.

Taking place in his home city of Bristol, TKorStretch and his associates take up various areas of the city for the visual of this track. Underground car parks or picturesque views over the green city. Full of energy and even choreographed dancers, this track goes hand in hand with its musical counterpart.

Just shy of 1 million views across his music videos on YouTube, it is clear that TKorStretch is doing his bit to put Bristol on the map. His dynamic style is being supported by rave reviews, cementing his position as a one to watch out for this year.

“838 make music for the people…A bold, uncompromising voice, 838 have lit up social media with a string of viral cuts, and now they’re back.” – CLASH

Upcoming London duo 838 recently made their mark on the UK Rap scene with the release of ‘Lose My Mind’, the first single from their debut EP ‘Before The Storm’ on the run up to its release. Championed by Apple Music’s DJ Charlie Sloth as his ‘Hood Heat’ record of the week and selected by BBC Introducing London, 838 also found tastemakers including CLASH rallying to support them as they stepped into the realm of ‘crossover’ that so many artists aspire to.

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Placed centrally to the U.K. Hip Hop scene, Kay and Astro aka 838, have previously dropped a number of well received singles and videos that have paved the way for their debut project. With the release of ‘Before The Storm’, (an apt titling message for their promising future), comes 5 tracks of raw, versatile and fresh energy that they have identified as their niche. Unapologetically themselves, they confidently weave melodic, skippy flows around their relatable, playful and eloquent lyricism as they dive across varying instrumental styles. Housing a soulful edge to their work, they differ from many young rap stars, in that they’re unafraid to touch their own emotions and lay their souls bare. They offer the energy and excitement of their youth teamed with musical awareness that has class and maturity. It’s a solid combination that brings depth and dimension to their music, as seen with the single ‘Games’ that accompanies the release.

STREAM/DOWNLOAD: 838 – BEFORE THE STORM

Introducing godz—an indie pop-rock collective that thrives in elusivity, in effort to explore shared human experiences and what brings us together as one. Rather than focusing on personal egos and conforming to music industry traditions, godz presents itself independently through a character that represents anyone and everyone. Their sophomore single “kids” is out now, along with the official animated music video. 

“kids” is a playful, yet evocative song from the faceless newcomers and will surely become a mainstay on your Summer playlist. With a gentle guitar to set the tone, the track captures the magic of fleeting youth as godz croon “and the kids, they have it good.” The infectious chorus feels like driving with the top down, operating with the dissolute invincibility that only comes with adolescence. However the lyrics possess a harrowing juxtaposition, godz elaborate, “‘kids’ is about the longing for the purity and rush of young love. It’s about settling down after years of promiscuity and feeling resentful because the best pieces of you have already been given away.” 

The new single arrives with a wonderfully hypnotic animated music video that is as attention grabbing as Netflix’s critically-acclaimed The Midnight GospelIt begins with youthful and vibrant characters witnessing the soulless grayscale of office spaces that shackles adulthood. Rather than surrendering their bulletproof salad days, they rebel and take to the sky in a flying convertible, careening through the exploding colors and floating mushrooms of the landscape. But they can’t stay young forever, and the towering gray giants slowly approaching them serve as a reminder of the reality we all have to face as we grow older. 

International pop sensation Betta Lemme reveals her new single “Girls” and announces her forthcoming EP due out later this year via Ultra Music.

“Girls” arrives just in time to wrap up Pride Month, serving both as an authentic declaration for the fluid artist and a message that galvanizes women (and all people, regardless of gender or orientation) to live and love unabashedly. On the track, Betta Lemme asks, “Why can’t we just love who we love and have a good time? Maybe it’s not that hard, so baby, let’s try!” Co-written with GRAMMY-nominated Jenn Decilveo (FLETCHER, Miley Cyrus, Marina) and Jordan Riley (Dua Lipa, Mabel, Sigrid), the lyrics came from a session in which she confessed her first crushes were both Princess Diana and David Bowie. 

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Photo credit: Stefan Kohli

Rising artist and tender pop creator, Zachary Knowles, recently announced his debut album, tendency to be a loner, due out August 6, 2021 via FADER Label. Today, he shares the second single from the forthcoming release, “stranger to me,” with a lyric video. The new song explores the experience of a best friend or someone who’s deeply loved, turning into a complete stranger after a breakup or a burn that turned the relationship to ash. It evokes that feeling of awkwardness when someone who was once so close is suddenly totally distant, and how life has to go on without that bond but with the inner-knowing that it just wasn’t meant to be.

Describing the new track, Zachary Knowles says, “It’s weird how you can spend every day with someone, get super close, feel like the relationship will last forever, and then drift apart and become strangers to each other like nothing ever happened. I think sometimes relationships aren’t meant to be forever, which is totally fine in my opinion. It just seems like sometimes people are put in your life for a season and then they’re gone. We should enjoy them while they’re here.

Alt-pop/folk duo HARLOR are the up-and-coming indie act that needs to be on your radar. Fast making a name for themselves for their fresh yet polished sound, HARLOR specializes in dreamy, heartfelt vocals backed by an infectious, melody-driven production style. Today, HARLOR returns with their scintillating debut EP “Letters To An X”. As the title hints, each song delivers a heart-wrenchingly vulnerable, “letter to an X”. The EP features the singles “As A Dream”, “Not Ready To Go”, and “Heart Games”, which have already generated a cumulative 1-million streams and praise from Variance, Soundazed, Idobi Radio, and The Hype Magazine. 

Speaking about the release, HARLOR shares “This is our first EP release so it is a huge milestone for us as artists. The songs on this EP form a story, so we recommend people listen to it from start to finish in the intended order. Each song revolves around relationships leading to the end, which is why we chose to title our EP “Letters To An X”. The title groups these songs as messages to an ex-lover, and we hope the EP will help our fans with their feelings of lost love.” 

SaintAhmad is a Brooklyn-based rapper, singer, dancer, and songwriter who creates soulful, innovative R&B songs mixed with throwback hip-hop aesthetics. Being somewhat of a hopeless romantic, his music has undertone themes of love and sex, where he explores the fantasies that ruminate in his head.

A natural at singing, rapping, and crafting hooks, SaintAhmad is a versatile artist who can do it all. He radiates natural charisma and infectious energy, busting out dance moves and flashing a big smile while commanding the spotlight. Born in Tashikawahi-shi, Tokyo, Japan, Ahmad first discovered his love for singing and performing while at church and holds a BFA in Dance from Florida State University. As an out-and-proud gay man, his music reflects the confidence and empowerment that comes from being his true and authentic self.

SaintAhmad’s debut single “It’s Just Me” is a svelte-smooth record that leaves the listener hanging on every word and note. “I really wanted to highlight myself with this record, feel good being myself, and just enjoy life. It’s a feel-good record that is about young love, being free, and enjoying your time together with that person. This record is meant to show the confidence in myself to ‘Just Be Me’ and nothing else.”

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The track drips with swagger, funk-fueled R&B soundscapes, and earnest lyricism. Acclaimed jazz/funk artist Aidan Paul adds his touch on this undeniably catchy and vivacious record. Ahmad’s powerful, soulful vocals stand out in the mix, providing movement and rhythmic flow that play off the old school inspired hip-hop beat. His youthful exuberance draws the listener into his world, and this, combined with the versatile, innovative production makes you feel like not only are you going on a journey, but it’s a trip worth taking.

His second single “Clouds” is a vibey, feel-good song that explores SaintAhmad’s feelings as he lets go of the pressures from the pandemic and the concept of his sexuality as it relates to smoking weed. I wrote this record via zoom during the pandemic. I was quarantining down in Miami and honestly smoking a lot of weed to cope with the realities of graduating college during the pandemic. When I’m in Miami I always feel so sexy, there’s something about the sun, the air and the vibe. I’m always in a speedo and just feeling the best about myself and my body. “Clouds” is set for release on June 25th.

SaintAhmad’s musical influences include Tyler the Creator and Frank Ocean, and he has genre fluidity that definitely puts him in the same lineage as these experimental thinkers.

Prolific alternative Pop, Hip Hop, and R&B artist 12AM taps Jutes for his latest single “Ski Mask” out now via Sony Music Canada. The new heat arrives with a Spring Breakers-inspired video co-directed by 12AM himself and Chris Villa (Post Malone, Tyla Yaweh).

The hard-hitting track encompasses infectiously melodic vocals escorted by 12AM’s ability to captivate audiences with his storytelling prowess. With lyrics outlining love and what can be put on the line to keep it, “Ski Mask” is one of many chapters to come.

“Me and Jutes have been wanting to put out a song for so long together but we had to have the right one….. we made a couple records here and there but once I freestyled the hook for Ski Mask we both knew this was the one. He laid his verse down and bodied it and it made me step my game up on my verse,” explains 12AM.

“12 played me just the hook and said, yep this the 1. I went in, recorded my verse in 15 mins, it just came out mad easy, showed him and he went crazy for it. Definitely feels good to finally have a track together. We’ve lived together and been grinding this music shit together for so long and never released a song together but it was worth the wait,” Jutes adds.

On the making of the video, 12AM also notes, “I’ve always been super hands on with everything I do. I was directing my own music videos in high school and just always had a vision for it. Chris and I work easy together and I’ve learned a lot from him from doing multiple videos and he let me do my thing for this one. He had ideas, I had ideas, and we met in the middle but when I wasn’t in the shots I loved being behind the camera and having my vision come to life.”

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NOA is one of pop/R&B’s best kept secrets and “an artist truly worth keeping your eyes on” (Ones to Watch).

The Dutch, Toronto born artist has spent the last two years creating an incredibly addictive catalogue of songs that the world is just starting to get a taste of. Her music blends vibrant, catchy melodies with resonant emotional themes — from relationships to female empowerment and self-realization. All the while, NOA’s artistic voice maintains a fun,
lighthearted velvety tone that helps lift her fans above the noise and negativity of everyday life.

Frank Moyo is a slow player in a fast world. The Canadian-Italian singer, songwriter and guitarist serenades like a busking bard of the 21st century. His Waves EP and singles “OK Dolce” and “West End” have already cultivated a reputation for Moyo in his hometown. But describing the singer as a suave, smooth and sultry voice with soft hands on the strings is too simple. Discussing feeling with the artist is more candid. “I want people to be able to imagine they are on a beach in Italy when listening to my music,” he says. But while one track might take you to the beach, “another may take you into a car going 180 miles per hour.”

Growing up in Toronto Moyo first learned chords as a child, picking up what he could from family, friends and later the live shows he could get into. It wasn’t long until his bandmates and him we’re sneaking into their own performances. With a taste that meanders from Motown to James Brown and Isaac Hayes to Italian icons like Lucio Dalla and Toto Cutugno, Moyo’s sound is hard to pin down. The folk- informed rhythms that Moyo employs on tracks like “OK Dolce” mingle with pop sensibilities and the laws of ancient attraction that seem as rooted in Greek mythology as they do Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues”.

As things speed up in an industry that’s begging to slow down, Frank Moyo is a voice of reason, and it sounds good.

Bedside Love Song by Frank Moyo

Vancouver’s genre-blending make-out music-making trio, I M U R, share their third album, My Molecules, today. The unsigned band continues to serve up a mix of pop, electro-pop and R&B that is truly their own. I M U R consistently “tackle unconventional sexuality and timeless R&B grooves,” as Noisey puts it.

My Molecules is the narrative journey of lead vocalist, Jenny Lea, as she reflects on struggles with addiction, difficult past loves and coping with a near-death experience that almost derailed her music journey. Exploring themes of infatuation, lust and codependence, the album maps out the many ways people can themselves in their sense of self. Each song takes a bite out of those experiences, presenting a moment in the evolution of relationships, substance use and healing. At times representing brazen sexuality, introspective dependence and retrospective healing, My Molecules weaves a tapestry of self-discovery. 

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The title, My Molecules, came late in the development of the album for the band. The title track, the last song recorded, came to fruition and really consolidated a lot of the themes and ideas on the album. The album is written, performed and arranged by all three members, Mikey J Blige, Amine Bouzaher and Jenny Lea. Written largely during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some records dating back as far as 2018, the band brought on new management, Meta Arts Management, to oversee the project and teamed up with Brodie Metcalfe to Executive Produce the album. They topped off their music team with acclaimed mixing engineer, Jamie Kuse, and Brock McFarlane of CPS Mastering. My Molecules sees I M U R embracing the darker sides of pop; blending smooth R&B vibes over bass-heavy production. My Molecules is the definition of ‘A Mood.’

To make a successful debut in the stratosphere of the music world is something that needs meticulous planning and most importantly impeccable talent. At 21 years of age, Kenah’s life has been seasoned by music, whether that be leading her school choirs or first taking the pen to write her own lyrics at 18 years old, one thing has always been apparent, and that is music courses through her veins.

In her exceptional introduction to the world, Kenah stands alongside good company with hit-maker producer Jaypizzle and Nigerian guitarist Fiokee (Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Patoranking) for the release of ‘Plenty’. The level at which she is entering the scene speaks volumes as to the artist she is likely to become and the considered journey which has brought her to her debut. Heavily percussive ‘Plenty’ showcases Kenah’s soft, gliding vocals that flow across the beat with clarity and confidence. Her refreshing sound is a hybrid of her choral experiences and the art of rap that she found her home in. Daringly bold and energetic as it is smooth and sensual, Kenah’s sound has an elegance and rarity to it that is only uncovered with true diamonds.

STREAM/DOWNLOAD: KENAH – PLENTY

Signed to UK based record label JustJoJo Entertainment, a label synonymous with Afrobeats and Nigerian artists including DJ Spinall, Adekunle Gold, Yemi Alade and Kizz Daniel, Kenah begins her musical journey in the public eye. Behind the scenes, the work has been in motion for a long time and whilst ‘Plenty’ is the first introduction to the emerging star, a debut 7-track EP is set to follow later this month with production credits by DJ Coublon, Mystro, Poposky and Insane Chips and mix and mastering by Mixx Monsta a.k.a Selebobo, Milla Mix and Na Me Dey Mix and Master.

The Naysayers are a sub-arctic indie rock four piece from Whitehorse, Yukon. Forged in the freezing cold, these boreal belles blend elements of punk, pop, and alt-rock, that feels like a punch in the gut and a warm embrace at the same time. Led by veteran singer-songwriter Drea Nasager, her visceral lyrics, powerful vocals, and emotional intensity combine with rich melodies and unrelenting energy to create songs as spellbinding as the northern lights. In a sea of similarity The Naysayers cut though.

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Houston’s next up, Yung Pooda makes his highly anticipated return and calls on hit-maker DJ Chose to join in on the action with their new, magnetic collaboration single “Forever Tippin.” The two trendsetters join forces with an appealing twist of the Salih William-produced classic, “Still Tippin” by Mike Jones, Paul Wall and Slim Thug. “Forever Tippin” is available today via It’s A 10 Records on all streaming service platforms. The official music video, directed by legendary director Mr. Boomtown (Gucci Mane, Bun B, Yo Gotti), premiered on BET Jams earlier today and is available to watch via YouTube here now. 

Diamond and multi-platinum certified Lithuanian DJ and producer Dynoro makes an epic return with the Taisia Deeva-directed video for new single “Monsters”—an inspiring and uplifting EDM banger with a fiery feature from the red-hot US rapper 24kGoldn. Released via B1 Recordings / Sony Columbia Germany, “Monsters” also landed on over 30 New Music Friday playlists and the list keeps growing. 

This unlikely collaboration between two acclaimed mega-hitmakers is something that can’t be missed. The verses get your head nodding. The booming bass gets your body shaking. The anthemic chorus sung by a children’s choir lingers long after the song is over. Throughout the track, Dynoro employs subtle style changes from trap drums to echoing electric strings, reminiscent of another contagious EDM smash hit, “Where Are Ü Now” from Jack Ü (Skrillex, Diplo) and Justin Bieber

Vancouver musician Bukola’s highly anticipated debut EP The Chronicles Of A Teenage Mind is out today on all digital streaming platforms. And to celebrate, she’s also releasing a brand new single and video, ‘Falling Deeper’. Watch video here.

Fifty years removed from the tragic finale of the 1960s—broken promises, descents into madness—we find ourselves at an uncomfortably familiar cultural moment. Years of hope and progress are being threatened by the same kind of shift that paved the way for the rise of Nixon and most recent Donald Trump, another ruthless demagogue, toward a dismantling of open-mindedness and compassion. On their second full-length, Sunshine & The Blue Moon capture our collective anxiety from MAGA-era tension by exploring its overwhelming darkness through the same psychedelic grooves that originally sought to overpower that brand of bad vibes with blasts of sonic light. They don’t hide from it or ignore it but confront the uneasy state of our sweet world head on—battling bummers with an abundance of boogie, offering their bright, joyful voices in the fight against apathy and evil forces.

https://open.spotify.com/album/7GKBNrJmaJUuDilamqQouE?si=cU2fL5cYQNSQNlCmVD8Wtw&dl_branch=1&nd=1

Photo Credit: Piper Ferguson

Leeroy Stagger finds inspiration through grief on his new single ‘Ventura’ out today on all digital streaming platforms. 

“The song ‘Ventura’ is about my friend Neal Casal,” says Leeroy. “The first time I met Neal was on a magical night in New York City, he was working on Willie Nelson’s Songbird record as he was in Ryan Adams’ band The Cardinals at the time. He invited us out to the 17th St. bar where all the Cardinals were hanging out, he introduced me to the band and they all had laughed how they were happy that Ryan wasn’t there because they didn’t want me to have a bad impression of him.

“Neil was always enthusiastic. We ran into him a few years later in Nottingham, England, where Ryan was playing the big theatre. Neal came out for coffee with me and my wife Coby and always had such nice things to say about my music and my career. He even sang on my Everything Is Real record, which was such an honour for me. Before he tragically passed, we had been in touch about him possibly playing guitar on some new music I was working on.

A desperado of modern culture, DEVORA, bridges outlaw country melodies with dark pop hooks drawing you into her surrealist western world.

 

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Raised in the desert of Arizona, DEVORA draws her inspiration from her roots, growing up around desert creatures in a western town, experiencing the sinister lawless side of desert life, and the characters she’s met along the way. In her modern goth-western vignettes she conjures images of ghost towns, dark rodeos, the haunted desert, abandoned motel rooms, skylines on fire, the open road and reckless tales of love and loss in a modern wild west. 

 

A rebel at heart, DEVORA has always taken the road less traveled and her reputation precedes her. Singing and writing since she was a small child, music comes second nature to her, as she was continuously writing short stories and poetry while growing up in a small desert town. Eventually she began to draw on the stories, encounters, strange themes and adventures occurring in her life by turning them into songs. With favorite pastimes such as hanging out in graveyards, exploring and traveling to bizarre places (she speaks fluent French and is of 100% Russian descent ), studying medical textbooks and philosophy, DEVORA is an eccentric independent spirit who marches to the beat of her own drum. 

 

Coining the genre, “Outlaw pop”, DEVORA weaves visual soundscapes from a moody surrealist wild-west dream world. Tales of eerie backroad encounters, route 66, neon-laden casinos, Silver City sunsets and midnight bandits are all intricately enmeshed with strong visceral imagery and cinematic scenes straight out of the ‘dark side’ of the American southwest. Owning the road as her home, DEVORA’s fierce femme fatale spirit trailblazers the way for a new frontier in contemporary culture.

 

DEVORA is not just music, but an immersive multimedia artistic experience of the Wild West, re-imagined in 2020. It’s not her story, but all of our stories, to choose and be immersed in your own adventure; to harness your own inner outlaw. 

 Nashville-based artist and songwriter KINGS has released brand new single, “thank me later.” The song is out now via Snafu Records. Listen everywhere here. Watch the lyric video here.

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A sultry, dark pop addition to KINGS’ growing catalog and another striking showcase of her standout vocal prowess, the song gets personal for KINGS, of which she describes, “Honestly, I just wrote this song so we would all have something to dedicate to our ex’s rebounds.” 

“thank me later” comes on the heels of previous single “ur a good bye,” a bombastic pop anthem that established her among the top new pop artists to watch. The song drew love from outlets like Teen Vogue, who called the track an “electro-pop bop,” while Flaunt called KINGS’ vocal “undeniably hypnotizing.” Spotify also loved the track, giving the song featured placements on its Fresh Finds and Fresh Finds: Pop playlists. 

New York-based artist and songwriter BAYLI has released a brand new collaboration with Atlanta-bred hip-hop artist and songwriter ILoveMakonnen titled, “SICK!” The song is BAYLI’s first release since her recent signing with Snafu RecordsListen to the song everywhere now here

A slick summer anthem embodying the fast-paced punch of NYC culture, BAYLI describes, “‘SICK!’ is really about being hyper fresh and fly, inspired by NY Fashion Week at its finest with a mix of street style.” 

On the collaboration, ILoveMakonnen adds, “Bayli sent me sick and I was like yeah I can do it! Bet! Did it and now we are here!”

NY-based multilingual singer, songwriter and producer, Kentö, is authentically himself with the release his video for “Silhouette,” out today. Directed by Kentö himself, THEM states; “On the track, the artist celebrates the power of being unforgettable, inspired by Adam Rippon’s grace as a figure skater and his unapologetic queerness.” 

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.” 

Drumming up critical acclaim as an illustrious artist in a few short years, with illumining destiny for greatness, today Lady London shares with the world her new single and accompanying cinematic visual “Never.” The Nigel Uno-produced track serves as a therapeutic release from the New York-born, New Jersey-raised rapper chronicling the vast amount of trials she’s endured that ultimately shapes her to be the resilient woman that she is today.

“Never” is now available to stream/ purchase /share on all streaming music service platforms now. The official music video premiered on YouTube earlier today and is available to watch HERE

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