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INsiders Guide: 21 Savage x Metro Boomin, Matt LeGrand, Hunter Blair Ambrose, Cat Evers, Mason and Julez, Oompa, Granfalloon, Sam Himself, Amanda Frances & A-SHO, Boon, Boy! Racer, Cuffed Up, Sophia Fracassi…

Bookending their critically acclaimed album, Savage Mode 2, GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum rapper 21 Savage and mega-producer Metro Boomin release the video for ‘Brand New Draco,’ today.  The LEFF directed video, who previously teamed with 21 and Metro for ‘Runnin’’, follows the duo on the road to financial freedom and features a slew of celebrity cameos including DJ Khaled, Shaquille O’Neil and Bow Wow among others.  

Watch “Brand New Draco’ HERE

The collaborative album scored unanimous tastemaker praise upon release. NME awarded the album “5-out-of-5 stars” and crowned it “a near-perfect sequel that leaves nothing to chance,” and Complex applauded it as a “cinematic masterpiece.” Rating it “4-out-of-5 stars,” Rolling Stone observed, “The duo recaptures the magic of the first ‘Savage Mode’ installment while paying tribute to their Southern rap influences.” However, NPR put it best, “It’s not about the autobiographical details, but how convincing he sounds.” The album also landed on every viable year end best of album lists and most recently was nominated for the Best group award at the 2021 BET Awards.  

Dynamic pop singer, Matt LeGrand, debuts the perfect summertime video for his new single, “Message in a Bottle,” out Friday, July 16, 2021. The powerhouse performer is known for hit songs, the MTVU’s “The Freshman Video ” contest runner up,  and the critically acclaimed “I’ve Been Watching You,” which has over 1.3 million streams on major platforms. He’s performed on major stages, including iHeartRadio headquarters and national television on WGN the superstation , not to mention sold-out club performances throughout Chicago.

Hunter Blair Ambrose has released her latest single, “Too Much,” as part of her promotions for her upcoming album Scorpio Season. “I wrote this song to take accountability for my avoidance issues. For a long time, I would ignore my problems by indulging in partying and drinking until I realized it was getting to be too much. This song is about dancing and drinking to avoid your pain which can be a good and bad thing.” – Hunter Blair Ambrose

“Too Much” is a synth-pop summer track written by Hunter and produced by Jason Strong, with mixing and mastering done by Travis Bruce and Randy Merrill. It’s about overindulging in your favorite vices in order to avoid anxiety. It’s a track that highlights the struggles of drinking habits, obsessing over a love interest, the fear of being “too much” for someone, and the frustration with having too much anxiety over all of the above.

Hunter Blair Ambrose is a Pop/R&B artist and songwriter based in New York City. Inspired by dark, synth-pop, chilling Toronto R&B, and the melodic hip hop of the 2010s, Hunter, has created a sound that has been shaped by the music that has been the soundtrack to her life. By the age of 17, she had immersed herself in the company of industry giants, working alongside Grammy-award-winning musicians and producers such as Narada Michael Walden and working as an in-house songwriter and studio vocalist Tarpan Studios in San Francisco, CA. Shortly after the inception of her career, she enrolled in Boston’s Berklee College of Music and quickly emerged as one of the school’s many promising, young talents. Following her departure from Berklee, from 2017 through 2019, Hunter wrote and produced material with her core creative team for her debut EP, Scorpio Rising (April 2020). Her debut album, Scorpio Season, is a tribute to a fall-time “cuffing season” romance gone wrong, exploring themes of heartbreak, lust, self-doubt, psychosis, and self-destruction, inspired by Hunter’s life and experiences.

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Cat Evers first started writing music as a young girl growing up in Malibu, California. Raised by her grandparents from the age of five, her unconventional youth culminated in a devoted relationship to music and emotions through words and melodies. She found solace in BANKS’ dark and mysterious lyrics, Adele’s vocal expression, Hayley William’s playful extremities, and Hiatus Kaiyote’s Neo-Soul sound. Each influence has heavily contributed to a style that originates from within her, piecing together bits of alt-R&B, pop, and soul to form a cross-genre experience that is driven by story.

Mason & Julez are talented producers, songwriters, rappers and singers who executed all the  creatives on their upcoming album. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, now based in Los Angeles, the duo also plays the drums, guitar and piano. With more than half a million followers across all major platforms, the 16- and 14-year-old brothers have already made a name for themselves as artists worthy of buzz.

 While conquering the social media game on Tik TokInstagramYouTube, Mason & Julez have been recognized by influential icons such as Jermaine Dupri, Jazzy Pha, Snoop Dog, DJ Khalid, DJ Carisma, Kidatthegreat,  and more, and have been steady at work writing, producing, and shooting the music videos for their debut album, “Going On 21”, set to release July.

Buzzing Boston rapper, spoken word poet Oompa has returned with her new single and video “GO” featuring Dan DeCristofaro. Produced by Dephrase, “GO ” was written with carefree Summer vibes in mind, or as Oompa affectionately explains “real Gemini season energy”. It’s the perfect soundtrack to those fun-filled, warm Summer days and euphoric new love feels. With an undeniable reference to Chaka Khan and the classic, West Coast G-funk sound, “GO ” is an upbeat, bop with a “catch you on the first listen” hook: “We go, and go, and go” .

Sharing the sentiment behind the track, Oompa says “This is the love where you slap red tinted glasses on, and all red flags look like surrender. We know it will end in flames, or with us having to return to the reality of our lives and our city-girl hustle, but for now, we go. We get lost and hope reality doesn’t find us”

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The first single from Granfalloon’s inspirationally collaborative ‘Positive Songs’ (released 27th August 2021), “Who You Are” sees 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”

The 2021 Swiss Music Awards nominee’s latest release is the third single leading up to his debut LP, Power Ballads, (due out in October) following album singles “Nothing Like the Night” and “Cry.”

 What It’s Worth is the swan song to a past relationship that crumbled in the wake of Sam’s father’s death. This reckoning with the past was inspired by the Swiss-born artist’s unexpected homecoming in early 2020 after a decade of living in Brooklyn, NY:

 “My own history caught up with me during my time back in Switzerland. That’s where I grew up, and living there again brought back a lot of memories; home doesn’t forget… One ghost I kept running into was that of an old relationship that fell apart when I lost my dad a few years ago. My hometown is the place where all of that happened, his death and all its casualties, and “What It’s Worth is about one of them.”

Like the true millennials we are, A-SHO and I loved the idea of writing a song that touched on being astrologically compatible. Our new track, say that,” is the true story of a hopeless romantic Aquarius (A-SHO) chasing a fiery Aries (Amanda Frances).

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say thatencapsulates summer romance and nostalgia. 80’s inspired synths and dreamy guitars blend together to create the perfect soundtrack for sitting on the roof during golden hour or driving with your hand floating out the window.

It’s a modern day love song about having feelings for someone mixed with just enough emotional baggage to keep you from diving right in. say that walks you through that moment of falling and hesitating at the same time, where you’re flirting with vulnerability.

Stream say that now on your preferred platform
https://outnow.io/t/saythat

Watch the official visualizer for say that on YouTube

Amanda Frances: TikTok 🌊  Instagram 🌊  Twitter 🌊  Facebook

A-SHO: Instagram 🌊  Twitter 🌊  Facebook

 Not your fault you get emotional when your moon’s in fucking Scorpio
This lyric is our tongue-in-cheek way of showing A-SHOs hopeless romantic side thats so accepting of everything about me. It references this kind of fated idea where the parts of you and the other person that fit together are maybe a little bigger than we know. 
Thank you for listening!
✨ Amanda Frances & A-SHO

Nashville’s very own, Boon, the 18-year old writer, singer, mixer, producer, and master of all his own music- not to mention shoots and directs all of his videos- has immersed himself into the music industry at a young age with his father as Carrie Underwood’s lead guitarist since the start of her career.  Boon’s releases “i might like u” and “You” were featured on Spotify’s “New Music Friday”, “Fresh Finds”, “hyperpop”, “Salt”, and Apple’s “Alternative” playlists. Boon exemplifies the meaning of creating his own unique sound and style of production, classifying him as a true, young prodigy. His next release “Can’t Be Love” drops on July 13th, which features an enhanced rock driven sound that is heard throughout his upcoming project. Despite his young age, Boon is making a claim of the new wave.

Credit: Joshua Fletcher

Aylesbury’s Conor Richards unveils his brand new solo project, BOY! RACER with the release of debut single ‘People Walk In Circles’. 

Taken from a debut EP due this Summer, ‘People Walk In Circles’ finds Richards taking influence from the likes of Her’sBlood Orange and Porches – creating a hazy, genre-hopping sound focussed around heart-wrenching lyricism and his very own, unique artistic vision.

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Written and recorded during the winter lockdown and produced by close friend George Harrison, the track explores people’s inability to break out of the monotony of the 9 to 5. With synth fuelled guitar licks and dramatic drum beats playing below Richards’ captivating vocals, he questions the repetition of mundanity, loss of meaning and the search for something more.

“The repetition of life in lockdown over the past year made me reflect on the rhythm of my own life, and the people around me, before all of this happened,” tells Conor. “What I came to realise is that ultimately, your life is what you make it. If what you want is to change, only one person can make that happen.”

One of LA’s fastest-rising new bands, CUFFED UP, are ecstatic to announce their signing to Royal Mountain Records. 

With plans for a full EP and a string of singles with the Canadian imprint, the band lead the way today with the essential new track: “Canaries”.
 
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/9fV2ycrI5yg

Making an explosive debut on the label, “Canaries” is a furious, full-throttle rush of Cuffed Up’s patently passionate alternative-rock. Recalling the intemperate masterworks of Sonic Youth or Placebo through to contemporaries like IDLES and Dry Cleaning, it’s a track about living life on the edge and reaping the consequences of precarious misadventure.

As the band elaborate:

““Canaries” is about going down a path that you know is wrong but you keep going because some form of shame is driving you. You’ve put warnings in place, like the canaries, but ignore them when they alert you of danger. Sometimes we become numb to the burdens we carry, like the sensation of needles when you cut off circulation. Eventually, we need to come to the realization that “truth is heavier than lies”, that it’s easier to roll over than fight your way out.””

With a chorus that finds Ralph Torrefranca screaming “don’t settle down, don’t compromise”, “Canaries” is a visceral statement of intent from a band determined to challenge the system and shatter expectation.

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Loneliness does not discriminate. One can feel the overwhelming grip of loneliness while they are surrounded by friends and family, as well as when they are completely by themselves. I believe when it comes down to it, being lonely is actually a longing to be known.

I wrote Somebody during a time in my life where I had really never felt more alone. In retrospect, I find the timing ironic considering it was written less than two months before the whole world was shut down for the pandemic. I have now experienced in a whole new way what it truly feels like to be lonely and I think many other people have too.

If you have ever felt trapped by your own emotions and want to let it all go, Somebody is for you.

Hear Somebody on all streaming platforms – https://fanlink.to/SFSomebody

I am active on IG, FB, TW and TikTok.

Stay tuned for the official Somebody music video.

Each part of the song is a different stage of going through your insecurities, your fears, your past hurt and trauma, and the desire for protection – the desire to feel free from these things that weigh you down. 

The positive flip side of this self reflection is the recognition of what you truly want and need.

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I think there’s actually a kind of freedom that comes from admitting those things.

– Sophia Fracassi xx

In 2020, the world of live music changed forever due to the COVID pandemic, but not every change was negative. To continue bringing live music to his fans, and promote sustainability at the same time, Jason Walsmith and his wife, Emma, took their 2020 Storyteller Overland MODE van, equipped with robust energy storage from Volta Power Systems, on the road to power the necessary audio equipment for his “I’ll Play Anywhere, Man” tour. During the tour’s first leg, Jason’s venues included both large and small outdoor locations, including the middle of the Moab desert in Utah. The Class B RV is designed for off-grid adventures without losing the perks of full access to 120V electricity.

In their first year of van ownership, the Walsmiths traveled over 68,000 miles across 32 states and fully powered 17 shows off the van’s power system. Using their Volta system to power shows and van amenities when they aren’t driving, they’ve prevented an estimated 26,000 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, saving approximately $3,500 in fuel costs. The van’s 13.5 kWh lithium-ion power system enabled them to run all-day air conditioning and use other amenities without idling or connecting to shore power. 

“Volta absolutely made our buying decision for spending that kind of money on a vehicle,” Emma said. “I mean, just the idea that we could run A/C off the battery for our two dogs? That really piqued our interest!”

After hearing their story, Jack Johnson, the CTO of Volta Power Systems, invited Jason and Emma to perform at the Volta Power Systems headquarters in Holland, MI. Approximately 80 people attended the outdoor show, with all audio equipment powered entirely off the Volta system in the Walsmiths’ van.

“One of the exciting drivers when we started Volta was see the innovative ways people could use our technology when we removed the traditional restrictions of power on mobile platforms,” said Johnson. In conjunction with staff at Storyteller Overland, Jason also recorded three new solo songs inspired by his and Emma’s experiences living on the road. The full album will be available to stream and purchase on August 31st. The album’s first single, “Camper Van,” is already available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and a music video on YouTube.

The pandemic year showed the world how important art, music, and entertainment are to the human experience, and the Walsmiths’ van helped them thrive in a world when everything else abruptly came to a standstill. Now, no matter where their fans are, the Walsmiths can bring the concert to them.

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Cult LA indie-rock band Inner Wave are back with the spellbinding “Take 3”, the first offering from forthcoming album Apoptosis.

When Apoptosis drops on September 30th, it will mark 15 years to the day since the band’s very first rehearsal as fresh-faced middle-schoolers. In that time they have acquired a die-hard following with their signature brand of cerebral psych-rock, clocking up 100m Spotify streams and winning critical support from the likes of i-D, PIGEONS & PLANES and the LA TIMES.

“Take 3” represents an irresistibly fresh twist on the classic Inner Wave sound: slick wah-bass and a tight, bone-dry drum groove drive the track forward as dreamy vocals and ethereal synth oscillations swoon liltingly around them. Lyrically, the song leans into this state of reverie, as singer/guitarist Pablo Sotelo repeatedly echoes the phrase

“wake up”. The intentionally ambiguous lyricism speaks to a sensibility which is as much about perception as projection.

When I wrote my tropics-inspired debut single Fiji,” I was in a really bad place at school, wanting to fit a certain mould and be popular. I kind of lost myself in the process, so getting away to find me and my happiness again was the only thing on my mind. 

Stream Fiji below via your preferred platform.  https://elliegadzos.lnk.to/fijiau

I think everyone has wanted to run away and restart at some point. My biggest wish was to leave my life in Ottawa and start fresh on an island. At the time, rumours kept me apart from the person I had feelings for, and it made me think that if we could disappear and get away, it would solve all of our problems.

I pictured us on a poorly lit beach in the middle of the night, enjoying the little details of the water and horizon with the sound of party-goers in the distance. Fiji is a summery song that will have you dreaming about your next escape, too.  Thank you for hitting play,

Ellie Gadzos

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Ben has spent his time crafting and fine tuning his songs. Ben’s budding love of song writing as a teen quickly developed into an obsession, fueling the creation of 100’s of unreleased songs. Driven by his deep love of ear worm pop melodies stemming from such influences as The Beach Boys, Frank Ocean and Andy Shauf as well as a passion for candid lyrical witticism and word play, Ben has effectively created a style all of his own.

Ben’s musical journey has benefitted from the personal instruction and advice of a few key professors and mentors at Selkirk College, a school which boasts such high-profile alumni as Kiesza and Meghan Trainor. Majoring in composition and prompted by his growing curiosity into the inner workings of harmony and song writing, Ben’s musical palate has steadily expanded.

Los Angeles based KEANA is a multi-talented  pop meets electronic music producer, audio engineer, vocalist, and sound designer who envisions a dream world constructed out of melancholic vocals, lush synth landscapes and hard-hitting beats. Having studied jazz music as a teen, KEANA’s vocals reflect a soft and airy, yet sultry tone. With strong mystic lyrics, her production styles range from alternative-electronic dream pop to melodramatic trip hop.


Her original focus was to be a vocalist and songwriter, but she quickly became intrigued on diving deeper and learning electronic production to create her sonic world. KEANA found it difficult to have her vision translated sonically through other producers. This is when she took interest in producing her own music and having full control, creatively speaking. Once KEANA discovered her sound, it was like everything fell perfectly into place and she knew her life’s purpose, which is to make people tune into their emotions by having an experience and then connecting with themselves on a deeper, intuitive level. This connection deepens every time she expresses herself musically. “Music is a healing gift, a chance for people to connect with others, to think, to feel, to let go, to escape,” confides KEANA.


Her latest single “Lilac” is about feeling the need for escapism through times of hardship and struggle. KEANA confides, “it speaks about wanting to be transported to another world where life stresses and fear do not exist. It is inspired by a dream I had one night I believe when I was living in Boston at the time. In this dream I heard this voice speaking to me. I felt that it was guiding me to this mysterious place where I could relax in paradise. The only way I could describe this being was a ‘White Phantom,’ this being of light that took me to places of “lilac islands and lavender beaches.” The song features dreamy vocals and layers of rich musical textures over beautifully crafted synth pop soundscapes. 

KEANA’s influences include Lana Del Rey, Grimes, Portishead, Massive Attack, and Bjork. KEANA never fails to deliver her ethereal signature sound.

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Tyler Shaw shares the groovy new visual for “Sex on the Beach” via Sony Music Entertainment Canada. Lifted from his upcoming third studio album to be released later this year, the sultry track’s playful video (co-directed with Camm Hunter) truly turns up the heat. In just three and a half minutes, the Canadian pop stunner delivers the ultimate summer vibes through a retro-themed lens in the video which features Tyler alongside a star-studded cast of artists, creators, and friends including Spencer West, Matt & Omar, Ty Bridgwater, Olivia Lunny, The Beaches, Brad Sousa, Tynomi Banks, among others.

Photo credit: Mia Paden

NYC-based synth-pop trio, Moon Kissed, announce their sophomore album, I’d Like To Tell You Something Important, due out October 22 and share first single, “Bubblegum,” today along with a music video. 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 new album is an extension of that energy.

 

On the new single, “Bubblegum,” Khaya Cohen says, “Bubblegum” is an anthem about using the patriarchy to get what you want. If men are going to think of us as tiny and harmless, we can harness that into a power to “use them then eclipse them” in the words of my friend Zoey. The mix of punk and adorable digital is a resistance to being boxed in. A blend of lyrical and sonic sarcasm, cuteness, ferocity and anger “Bubblegum” lends a hand to coping with the frustrations of dealing with men.”

My brand new single, IG,” sounds like funky, saucy, Caribbean pop.  It’s a love letter about feeling your authentic self and being radically you. It’s time to begin again with no excuses and no shortcuts.  Don’t let anyone tell you how to live! The title is a call out to the attention-seeking game of social media, but the song itself is about giving yourself all the love you deserve without asking permission.

Stream IG now on all platforms. Watch the official video via YouTube.

I was thinking about my dad when I wrote this song, driving a Cadillac Sedan DeVille, forest green, super tinted windows. He was a hustler, and as a kid I felt like he had this superpower stunt mode. Black, powerful, and epic — my memoir SAGA BOY published by Penguin Random House Canada is available now and the companion album SAGA KING will be released on July 30th. SAGA BOY is the journey of the boy I used to be while SAGA KING is the celebration of the man I’ve become. A dance party that’s confident in its skin, you’ll hear a seamless voice of afrobeat, hip hop, dancehall, soca, dance, pop and rock. Sing and dance along with hands up, eyes closed, embracing the moment. 

JOHN ORPHEUS

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Los Angeles based indie electro artist Onsen shares his full-length album Keeper today. It mines the fertile grounds of past relationships, dreams, and grappling with self-doubt. “I think people, and maybe queer people even more so, become engrossed with their romantic relationships because they act as a proxy for their own sense of self-worth. Maybe if this other person loves me I will love myself,” says Drew Straus aka Onsen. “This record was a space to keep all those doubts and expose them to the daylight. In a sense, each song is asking ‘am I a keeper?’”

 

In a time dominated by online applications and quick fixes, Onsen opts for a more visceral and emotional approach to love, reaching a wide range of emotions and adventures that culminate into one incredible album from start to finish. With Keeper, Onsen finds truth in the past.

 

Keeper features Onsen’s previously released singles “Momma Said,” “Be There,” “The March,” “Golden Heart,” “See Me Now,” and “Charming Nights” which charted at #3 on KROQ’s Locals Only and was featured on Sia’s playlist of recommended new music. Keeper was co-produced by GRAMMY-nominated producer Brook D’Leau and has received praise from Flaunt, Nylon, American Songwriter, Atwood, Variance, Buzzbands and more.

Providence, Rhode Island native, artist, singer, and songwriter, Storm Ford has signed a publishing deal with Atlanta-based label Love Renaissance (LVRN) and Warner Chappel

On the special signing, Ford shares “LVRN just makes sense. It feels right. In some ways I feel like they’ve courted me as a writer; they pushed me creatively & taught me important lessons about this industry whether they intended to or not. And they’ve made me feel welcomed into the family they’ve created. Justice (Baiden) is ‘goated’ for doing those IG Live talent shows. That really changed my life.” 

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Marco DiFelice is a Canadian singer, songwriter, music supervisor, and producer. In the 90’s, Marco was the lead singer of the pop-punk band, Supergarage. After the band dispersed, Marco found his way into the world of music supervision, where he selected music for films, adverts, and television shows including Orphan Black and Lost Girl. On top of running his own music studio out of Toronto, he released a solo EP titled The Sun that Somewhat Sets under the moniker Marco Solo in 2007. Now, after 13 years, Marco is writing songs against the backdrop of his own life in Parks N’ Rec. This project — a collaboration between Marco and several producers back at Self Titled Studios — deals with lost love, polarizing societies, and self-renewal.

Lucas Nord has been a busy man as of late, releasing music under the names of three different aliases (Hans Göran, Moodshift, and his own moniker), all while continuing to produce for other artists. Serving as his house-leaning side project, Hans Göran has allowed Nord to delve deeper into the feel-good realm, producing an array of summertime tracks built for warm weather listening. Out today via Nord’s Bisous imprint, ‘LIMONCELLO’ features Nord’s good friend and fellow collaborator, flyckt, and is the perfect musical accompaniment to your next outdoor gathering. 
 

STREAM/DOWNLOAD: HANS GÖRAN ‘LIMONCELLO’ [BISOUS]


The housey offering kicks off with a shuffling set of drums and airy synths building around a vocal shot proclaiming ‘I Know You Feel It.’ Uplifting in every way, shape, and form, ‘LIMONCELLO’ percolates in the ears like a glass of warm sunshine, titillating the senses with infectious good vibes. Accompanied by a short music video depicting the production of the Italian lemon liqueur, limoncello, the single will leave fans thirsting for more.

Flying off the back of a string of fearless and fiery smashes, rising LA pop artist Miles Wesley unveils his latest heater ‘Golden’.

Surfacing with hypnotic rhythms and enticing melodic cherries, ‘Golden’ catapults into a cosmic, genre-fused oblivion, fuelled by floor shaking bass and blood pounding vocals. Effortlessly blending hip-hop vocabulary with impactful pop melodies, ‘Golden’ boasts infectious swagger, showcasing Miles’ self-assured, non linear approach to his artistry.

Speaking on the track, Miles says “This is my turn-up song off my upcoming debut project. The song has a fun vibe to it. I need everyone jamming to it throughout the summer!”

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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.”

British hotshot Bushrod returns to the soundsphere with his highly anticipated full-length body of work TV Dinner, consisting of seven intricately inter-woven soundtracks blurring the lines between indie-pop and hip-hop – releasing July 15th.

Skipping between rich jazzy acoustics in “Pizza Date” to deeper elements within “Empty Space”, the South Londoner serves up a plethora of tracks packed with trademark instrumental sampling and smart lyricism. With every track providing infused grooves providing delicious pockets for his vocals to dance between, TV Dinner acts as a timely reminder of the young artist’s innate skill in crafting a sense of nostalgia whilst planting himself distinctly in today’s effervescent culture.

Speaking on the new mixtape, Bushrod states: “I wrote most of TV Dinner during the summer of 2020 when everything was pretty much locked down. We couldn’t leave our houses, so for me naturally, the only thing I did was create music. It was an interesting time, because I’d go from making all this music in my bedroom, to suddenly going downstairs and eating my dinner in front of the TV. It was a point in my life when these two parallels met where I’d be on such a high from making all of this exciting music to suddenly watching some mundane show on TV.”

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I made up a fictitious love triangle story for my new single – “D.W.T.D.” – in which my love for my best friend’s romantic interest causes the destruction of our friendship. It’s about the gamut of emotions – grief, anger, guilt – that come with having such a big fallout in your life.

 

The undulating swooping of a bird’s flight path reminds me of the soaring highs of love and the rapid descent when you realize that this will cause the betrayal of your closest companionship.

 

D.W.T.D.” is now streaming on Bandcamp and SoundCloud.

Check out the loop video on YouTube.

Dancing with the devil refers to the inherent human struggle of fighting against our flawed, animalistic nature. That wild, untamed inner voice comes to life with the exotic rainforest soundscape, the cuíca enriching the magical and enchanting melody.

 

I’ll be sharing more on Facebook 👽 Instagram 👽 TikTok. Thanks for listening.

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Ben Sefton

Bealby Point has spent the better part of two years with one goal in mind: capturing the most cherished memory of your favourite summer and turning it into the perfect sound.

Not unlike a gang of kids from a Stephen King novel, the boys spent their roaming youth sneaking out to parties, riding bikes, and exploring the night in the sprawling suburbs of Deep Cove, a coastal neighbourhood of North Vancouver. The name Bealby Point, derives from the boys’ favorite beachside vacation spot in the British Columbian interior – it was (and still is) an important beacon of inspiration when putting the final touches on their songwriting, among being a place of solitude from everyday life.

Fast forward to 2018 when the boys recapture their friendship in the form of a band. Two-piece group, Jack Armstrong (lead vocals), and Jordan Studer (bass) stumbled upon music coming from the house of long-time friends, Clayton Dewar (lead guitar) with Zack Yeager (drums), also a two-piece. The two camps soon reconnected to realize they were complementary to each other’s instruments and styles.

Friend To Me is a story about emotional self-neglect. Treating yourself this way can only lead to bad places of potential self hate and depression.

Stream my new single below.

https://soundcloud.com/mia-baron-889244349/friend-to-me

I want you to remember to prioritize your emotional wellbeing, as it really is the most important thing. 

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Friend To Me” captures the feeling of realizing – maybe too late –  that you should have treated yourself more kindly and hoping that you will be able to feel okay.

 Care for yourself so that you can be there for others.

Thank you for hearing this song,

Mia Baron

Rising Indigenous-Australian R&B artist Miiesha has unveiled her statement-making new single and video “Made For Silence”, which premiered today via Refinery29. Produced by Lucian Blomkamp (6Lack, Khalid), the track showcases Miiesha’s versatility as an artist, seamlessly shifting from a softer, alternative R&B to a more danceable, electronic-infused sound. 

 

Says Miiesha of ‘Made For Silence’: “I never want to be put in a box, and I want to make songs people might not expect from me. I love exploring new sounds and pushing that, pushing my voice. Life has so many moments and changes and emotions, so I want my music too as well.”

The London based rapper is in full effect! The recent release of his track ‘Boss Is Back’ hit hard among the UK rap scene, setting the perfect stage for mixtape ‘Never Give Up’. In less than 3 days the GRM premiered video received over 315,000 views and became one of the UK’s top trending music videos on Youtube worldwide, illustrating just how strong the profile of C Montana has become.

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STREAM/DOWNLOAD: C MONTANA – NEVER GIVE UP

With rap critics and fans eager to hear a full project of his steet tales, ‘Never Give Up’ lives up to its name in both the message and in the delivery, with the use of stories from the rappers lifestyle, we get a sense of how he has stayed consistently forward thinking through all adversities. The pictures he paints with the use of aggressively delivered vocals sums up exactly what you would expect for someone who is championed as the voice of the streets. This 8-track mixtape will keep your head bopping from start to finish, as we are blessed with a variety of different emotions from each track. With extremely lively bangers that are ready to rock club venues, emotionally led hood ballads and even tracks that bring a bashment flavour, the versatility that ‘Never Give Up’ conveys, truly displays C Montana’s rapping ability, demonstrating why he is a force to be reckoned with.

Following the release of her latest EP Black Phoeniix, Mamii returns with a seriously nostalgic visual for album track “Creepiin.” With an aesthetic straight out of the late 90s and early 2000s, the rising singer debuts a host of unique looks to match her striking sound. Earnest and buttery vocals deliver her message sweetly, making listeners forget it’s a record born from a woman scorned.   

 “”Creepiin” is the story of someone who just found out their significant other is cheating and they confront their lover and seek revenge.” – Mamii

 Mamii is a 20-year-old singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Hammond, Indiana. Hailing from a musical family, Mamii grew up singing and playing instruments in church and at home, and these experiences continue to shape her writing process. Both nostalgic and futuristic, her music weaves elements of R&B, funk, gospel, and alt-rock into an eclectic soundscape that inspires introspection and celebration. 

 Refusing to be tied to a single genre, Mamii experiments with avant-garde elements in a way you wouldn’t expect in her highly anticipated debut EP, Black Phoeniix, released March 2021.

 Mamii’s 2020 EP Blonde Boy was featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Apple’s New in R&B playlists, and she has quickly earned the attention of artists such as Jacob CollierOmar ApolloSminoBaby Rose, and Syd. Her last single “Intimate” also recently topped Apple Music’s Soulection playlist.

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Canadain breakout artist OBLVYN made her Monstercat debut today with the beautiful future bass single, “Alive”. With its enchanting vocals, soft keys, and powerful chord stacks, “Alive” has all the makings of a melodic bass anthem you’d hear at Red Rocks. A classically trained artist, OBLVYN finds her stride in deep basses, groovy melodies, and crisp percussion, elements of her live electronic style that set her apart. Arriving as her second release of the year, fans can look forward to more music from this very talented producer on Monstercat. 

 

OBLVYN shares, “People will never be replaced by machines. In the end, life and business are about human connections. And computers are about trying to murder you in a lake. And to me the choice is easy.

Dreamy melancholic shoegaze meets alt-pop singer/songwriter Catbells engages her listeners with soft hypnotic vocals, lush soundscapes, and moody melodies that capture her deep, heartfelt emotions in the most intimate of ways. Gifted with a voice like an angel, Catbells gently immerses her listeners into a world of sweet nostalgia and velvety sentiments.

The singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist was introduced to the piano at age five, and by the 7th grade she was playing the guitar and writing songs about her middle school heartbreaks. After performing in several bands throughout her early music career, Catbells recently decided to focus on her own solo project.

Catbells is a somewhat enigmatic, shy wallflower type, with her name itself being an alter-ego. Named after the popular hiking spot recited in the famous children’s book The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle by Beatrix Potter, Catbells’ cinematic music is influenced by the vast natural wild. Raised in New England, Catbells often revisits the times of her childhood in her music, where she reflects on fond memories of the seasons changing, swimming in the eastern lakes, canoeing down the river, and working on the family farm.

Her deeply personal and introspective single “Fade – Rainy Day Demo” is an intimate and open-hearted reflection of lost love. “The song really wrote itself and the music needed to match the feeling of how the words felt. There are few people who are lucky enough to escape the feeling of a completely broken heart, and feeling like the person you loved so much just moved on like it was nothing, leaving you left there with a hole where your heart once was” confides Catbells. This emotionally raw and poignant narrative and accompanying music video features innovative illustrations of a sad cat saying farewell in a starry evening background.  While on the single “Wilderness” Catbells’ soft-powered honeyed vocals float above stripped down melodies and dreamy lush acoustic soundscapes. The track was mixed by acclaimed producer Ali Chant (Aldous Harding, Perfume Genius, Soccer Mommy).

With influences ranging from 60’s folk like Nico and Donovan to 90’s shoegaze artists including Mazzy Star, Catbells has combined the best of these genres into a potent fusion of lofi “sad girl” indie rock beloved by many. 

Modern Original is an alternative rock duo formed by singer/guitarist Josh Hogan and drummer Andy Warren. Members of the alt-pop band The Mowgli’s, the two began writing songs during the 2020 lockdown, capturing their feelings, hopes, and the confusing ups and downs of that infamous year. Inspired by artists such as Tame Impala, Bleachers and Glass Animals but without any idea of genre or plan other than to make music they loved, they dove into everything from surf rock to sunny pop. Modern Original is reflective, positive, unfettered and honest – a response to a bleak time and a hope for a brighter future.

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[photo credit: Luke Nugent]

 Dionne Bromfield has returned with her brand new single ‘Silly Love’ – a track featuring the 25-year-old’s smooth vocals paired with an addictive soulful beat. ‘Silly Love’ accompanies the release of Dionne’s acclaimed docuseries with MTV – ‘AMY WINEHOUSE & ME: DIONNE’S STORY’, a series focusing on the impacts of loss and grief.

 

‘Silly Love’ is a song coming straight from the heart as Dionne sings of loving blindly and pursuing relationships you know are no good. Dionne says: “This is the rawest song I’ve written as it’s about my own personal experience. I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to go there but for me to move on I chose to be honest with myself.”. The brutal honesty portrayed in Dionne’s lyrics showcases exactly how down-to-earth and honest she really is, wearing her heart on her sleeve as she sings of personal memories and past experiences. The track delivers everything you want to hear, both sonically and lyrically, with its relatable storytelling and expert flow.

 

Dionne further explains the meaning behind the song: “Silly Love was born from a personal situation I went through with a guy. I think every girl at some point has chosen the wrong guy but has tried to convince themselves that they’re the right one, even when the red flags were there from the beginning. Of course, this ends in heartbreak, lots of tears, and takes a while to move on from. But personally, I believe you have to go through these silly relationships to lead you to the right one. It’s all part of personal growth and will make perfect sense one day!”

Scott Magnus is a pop artist from Oldham, Manchester (UK). He creates strong, beautiful and melodious indie, pop/rock songs, bringing them to life with upbeat trap and hyper-pop production, resulting in something which is powerful, introspective and heartfelt. 

Scott is an outspoken supporter of people with disabilities, particularly those with learning difficulties, because he himself has ADHD, Autism and Dyspraxia. Scott turns the experiences he encounters as someone with disabilities into music that can heal, embolden and inspire anyone facing difficult obstacles. It is his mission to help people overcome their challenges as he does. 

As an actor and model, 2020 saw Scott realizing his true passion for music and has since honed his craft for songwriting, singing, playing guitar and music production to an even more obsessive extent. He has amassed an ever-growing fanbase who not only enjoy his covers and original songs, but also the sketch comedy he creates and performs prolifically.

Like a phoenix rising from the flames, the aptly named new single “The Phoenix” was written after Scott decided to move on from a job that wasn’t aligned with him as a neurodivergent person. With a newfound sense of excitement and experience under his belt, the songwriter shares, “I emerged from the old job a new and better man. My discipline had been forged in a fire of adversity and I felt like London had so much opportunity to offer me and I was ready to make the most of it! I didn’t stop making mistakes as they are part of having learning difficulties and being human for that matter, but this song was an expression of my positive attitude upon making mistakes and receiving criticism.”

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Sonically, the vocal melodies stand out in a neon glow of echoing, raw lyrics, dancing in a catchy array of melodies. The guitar riff carries a sense of stability and familiarity mirroring the artist’s freedom in leaving behind the past to come back stronger. The simple soundscape allows us to enjoy each aspect, accompanied by rocky tones which pack a punch. Scott’s voice bleeds power and peace in the euphoric atmosphere of the single, creating an overwhelming, spine-tingling sensation.

“The Phoenix” follows his debut single “Diamond In The Rough”, both of which are off of the upcoming six-track EP Comeback Stronger. The EP chronicles ‘The Phoenix’ like transformation and resilience required to come back from a fall, into a better version of yourself.

MANTARAYBRYN releases his exceptional new EP: ‘Year of The Heron’.

His first release for some three years, this three track collection of songs marks an invigorating rebirth of sorts for the Cardiff-via-Cornwall artist. Cloud-busting tunes forged from life-changing experiences, he shares his pop coronation with the world today.

LISTEN TO THE ‘YEAR OF THE HERON’ EP IN FULL HERE

 
Alongside previous singles “Mayfly” and “Tantalus”, the EP also contains the sprightly opening track “Into One Ether”. With its leaping synthesisers lines, cooing vocals, and euphoric spirit, it’s a track that celebrates breaking society’s perceptions of conventionality to find your true self.
 

LISTEN TO “INTO ONE ETHER” HERE

Speaking about “Into One Ether”, Mantaraybryn explains:

 

“If you have ever felt like you exist in different ways around different social groups, that’s what Into One Ether is about; constantly shifting between different versions of yourself to protect yourself and the perception of yourself. The track shifts into themes of religion and sex and the bizarre guilt that seems to surrond those two fields. At its core, it is a dance song about self persecution that I hope shakes off the confusing feeling of “which version of myself am I now?””

Armenian pop superstar Sirusho is back with the huge new single ‘Let It Out’, an infectious slice of feel-good dance pop created in collaboration with legendary producer RedOne (Lady Gaga / Jennifer Lopez).

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The song is an exuberant celebration of positivity; Sirusho’s massive vocal hooks urge the listener to “let your spirit out” as RedOne’s unmistakeable dance-pop production drives the track relentlessly forward. 

Speaking on “Let It Out”, Sirusho shared: “We spent an entire day locked in the studio with Red trying to come up with a song that would make us wanna dance and eventually become a summer song for everyone to listen to on the beach. By the time we were done recording we were all excited and dancing in the room. Then we shot the video on a beach in Dubai and played the song there, it unexpectedly turned into a big party, everyone joined and we included that mood in the final cut of the video. So this has been the ultimate party song since day 1.”

Following the success of his previous five-track EP “Dreaming When You’re Gone”, rising indie star Lewis Knaggs returns with stunning visuals for his latest single “Y.O.U”.

Emerging with understated, hypnotic guitar licks, the track accelerates and catapults into a climactic oblivion, fuelled by explosive electronic strings and alt-rock influences. An emotive wordsmith, Lewis’ trademark raspy vocals reflect on past relationships and the turmoil of fearing whether love and connection will ever be matched again.

Speaking on the track, Lewis said: “Y.O.U was written when I was 18/19 years old but finished and re-recorded this year as it felt very accurate and relevant at the moment. It’s about that person in your life that no matter how hard you try, and how many people you meet along the way, no one else will ever compare. In the words of Sinead O’Connor, ‘nothing compares to “You””.

Jayla Kai is excited to share her debut EP, Epitome. It is released through new London label, Everybody’s Music, and marks the first body of work by this precocious 18-year-old Woodstock native.

All five tracks are streaming now, and smartly follow the recent release of her crunching single, “Apple Tree” and Kai’s introductory track, “I Can’t Lie.”

Epitome is the sound of an artist quickly in-tune with her writing and finding a distinct voice that is completely her own. In her journey of self-discovery, Kai cites the likes of Fiona Apple and Laura Marling as touchstone artists – artists whose self-possession and desire for exploration she shares.

The songs she shares here are sharp, literate, and expressive on an EP that zips and shuffles; all melody and poetry.

“‘Paperread’ is vulnerable in two ways: its wandering personal subject material and its stripped-down form. Not far from my original demo, I wrote the song in one long burst, walking up and down my road in the summer of 2019. Mulberries were filling the trees hanging over the road and had fallen onto the pavement which was stained dark purple. I thought about how they only fell when they were ripe, and if they were ripe they easily came off the branch into your fingers or into your mouth. This image gave me the first line.”

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Internet sensation Lil Mariko has returned with an outrageous, ball-busting video for new single “Boring” as part of a special rollout with the newly launched independent label Four Loko Records. An anti-Chad anthem about all your least favorite bros from high-school and dull hometowns, Mariko wants all the outsiders and weirdos to feel empowered.

 

What begins as an innocent tinder date quickly goes wrong as Lil Mariko’s date turns out to be a personality catfish, the man of her worst nightmares, and an absolute snorefest. Lil Mariko quickly makes what begins as a man-splaining sports bro lecture much more interesting as she tortures her match in a first date from hell. Through her iconic screamo-style vocals, blunt words, and love of meme culture, Lil Mariko makes this video one we can all relate to and never forget.

 

Released as Four Loko Records’ latest single, “Boring” shows the brand’s connections with some of the most exciting newcomers within the music industry. The rising screamo queen Lil Mariko first made her mark with the viral video “Where’s My Juul” which amassed over 15 million views. Since then she and producer FULL TAC have extended their virality with an audacious discography mixing metal, hyper-pop, and techno. Piercing our eardrums with her distinctive screams, Lil Mariko crafts addictive hardcore electronic meme music. Her innovative sound parallels Four Loko’s legendary brands and if Lil Mariko is the label’s first release, Four Loko is sure to turn heads on every release to come.

Waiting For Smith is singer/songwriter Harry Lloyd. Formerly a ski instructor in the French Alps, Harry broke his back in two places during avalanche training. Wondering whether he’d survive in the helicopter on the way to the hospital, he had an epiphany that if he was ok that he should dedicate his life to music. After spending a year in bed recuperating and learning to play guitar, he formed Waiting For Smith, named after endlessly waiting for their original drummer Smith, who always failed to show up. Based between Amsterdam and London, Harry is inspired to write about the everyday ups and downs of life, love and the never-ending investigation of who we are and what we’re all doing here. Blending a feel for these two cities, he creates captivating acoustic led electronic pop. 

His debut EP Hopelessness of Love is centered around the theme of communication in love. Each track has their own story, artwork and colour, all inspired by the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. The wholesome glow covers the EP in a folk, honey wash oozing warmth and familiarity. Reminiscent of Vance Joy, the tracks allow room for a depth of emotion without drowning in too much feeling. His silky harmonies echo in ripples of calm over a twanging acoustic line up of strums and plucks, all carried by a gentle wave of drums and rhythm. His most notable feature is his soothing, serene voice that lays down a path of sunshine for his lyrical creativity to flourish. 

Title track “Hopelessness of Love”, represented by literature, touches on the power of words and how they make others feel. Ultimately, love is about finding ways to accept the highs and lows of any connection. “Little Old Book” is about self-acceptance and finding ways to tune out of the radio of self-criticism. Waiting For Smith shares, “the way we hold each other, a gentle hand on the shoulder timed at the right moment, can say in many ways more than words can ever express”.

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“As I Saw You Then” is the single that sounds like falling in love. Focusing on the power of listening and communication, the track is a gentle folk flushed reminder of the ability we all have in relationships, to refresh our image of the person we love, and to drop back into those feelings of discovery for another. 

“Tired Mind” is the single of ‘feeling blue’, touching on the power of thought. The mind can be a volatile battle ground and this single leans a caring hand into themes on mental health and accepting that being happy for 100% of your days is impossible; unexplained feelings don’t always need justification, just kindness.

“Best Side for You” is the rosey glowing single that narrates wanting the best version of yourself for your other half. Covering themes of falling in love, learning the ropes of relationships and understanding how affects of harmonious relationships differ to toxic connections.

The self-titled debut LP from Lucid Express is out now on Kanine Records. The 10-track collection features previous single releases “Wellwave”, “Hollowers”, and “Hotel 65”, which were responsible for introducing listeners to the range of lush atmospheric moods that infuse this debut.  From the gently defiant brightness of “Wellwave”, through the darker shades of “Hollowers”, to the crashing walls of sound within “Hotel 65”, Lucid Express is a collection of carefully crafted songs that explore young relationships, the group’s love for music, and their struggle to carve their own place in the Hong Kong music scene.

Alongside this album release, the band also share the video for opening track, “North Acton”. This visual was created by London-based artist Nick Scott (who also designed the album artwork) and delivers a psychedelic collage that transports the viewer across his hometown, while contrasting this journey against landscapes of oceans, mountains and clouds. 

RIAA platinum-certified indie-pop duo Flora Cash has today unveiled a tender and reflective new single. “Chronically Beautiful” is available now via the Swedish/American band’s own Flower Money Records at all DSPs and streaming services.

 

‘Chronically Beautiful’ was sparked when we were having a conversation about what it means to be beautiful,” says Flora Cash, “especially when looked at through the lens of real love. It’s not an acute, momentary perception; it’s the feeling that the person you love; the person that you waited your whole life for has a beauty that transcends any given moment and isn’t dependent on what they happen to be wearing or how their face looks that day or week or month; they’re chronically beautiful.

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LISTEN TO “CHRONICALLY BEAUTIFUL”

 

“Chronically Beautiful” marks the latest new music from Flora Cash following the arrival earlier this year of the poignant new single, “Soul Mate,” available now for streaming and download. Now boasting more than 2.5M worldwide streams thus far, the track is joined by an equally powerful official music video streaming now HERE.

The indie art-pop band, Hush, forges dynamic and ethereal songs that bring together a multitude of different instruments and talents. Their songs touch your heart with beautifully expressive lyrics while entrancing your ears with genre-bending sounds. The duo was formed by singer/songwriter Jessica Deutsch of the Toronto chamber-folk group Ozere, and multi-instrumentalist music producer Tyler Emond, who performed under the moniker Tennis Partner. Together they’re bringing a fresh new wave of music to listeners around the globe.

Darci keeps the new releases coming, this time linking with fast rising artist BEAM for his latest single “Burn.” Versatile vocalist and producer BEAM is having a massive year making appearances on Justin Bieber’s new album Justice (“Love You Different”) and Freedom EP (“Freedom”), writing for Internet Money, and much more. BEAM continues to show his versatility here, beautifully meshing with Darci on “Burn.” Both artists trade catchy bars over hard hitting horn driven production from Rance Riley for a high energy banger perfect for summer days and nights alike. 

 

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This is the final single before Darci drops his anticipated Long Days Away EP, a collection of tracks which already boasts stand out singles including “Stunt” , “Rose Petals” and “Last Call”, which have garnered Darci support from the likes of Zane LoweTravis Mills and more.

 

“I’ve been a fan of BEAM for a while now. When Rance and I came up with the idea for ‘Burn’ he was the first person that came to mind. I went out on a limb and hit him up, honestly not expecting an answer. Was super stoked when he ended up getting back, from there we jumped on a zoom call and made ‘Burn’ in a night. He’s an incredible artist with so much versatility in his delivery, truly an honor to work with him. Hope y’all enjoy. Cheers!   Darci

With the chemistry at 100 on the fun filled set of ‘Birthday’, MTV captured the Behind The Scenes action in an exclusive video that serves up all the vibes, charm and sexiness of two of the UK’s Black Music sweethearts Yxng Bane and Stefflon Don. Taking in one-to-one moments with director Kevin Hudson who explains how the ‘Birthday’ theme is created through use of “loads of colours, big bold shapes, balloons, disco balls, lots of frills, lots of glitter, everything to do with a Birthday!”, the BTS also checks in with Yxng Bane who confirms the record will be “your new favourite tune, every time it’s your birthday!”
 

WATCH YXNG BANE FT STEFFLON DON // MTV BTS EXCLUSIVE OF ‘BIRTHDAY’


Having topped the Afrobeats chart with the single, streamed globally over 1.3 million times on Spotify and performed exclusively for VEVO, Yxng Bane and Stefflon Don continue their rampage of hits with the release of ‘Birthday’.

Check out the Behind The Scenes now for some action shots and exclusive interviews with two of your UK faves! 

Growing up between the East and West coasts, American singer-songwriter and actor Dante Palminteri matured his musical styling at an early age, drawing inspiration from John Mayer’s poetic mastery of the human psyche and Ed Sheeran’s genre-defying melodies. His lyrics narrate complex compilations about unrequited love, soul mates lost and found, and the growing pains of adulthood. Struck by the lyrical prowess of Americana muses Jason Isbell and The Tallest Man On Earth, Palminteri explores his own roots, weaving personal narratives on the intricacies of falling in love with whimsical acoustic melodies. 

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An early sufferer of anxiety and dyslexia, Palminteri found solace in the last place one would expect: written word. Dreaming up lyrics on teen heartbreak and defying the status quo, he set his sights on a long-term career in songwriting, eventually strumming his way into Berklee College of Music. He confides, “Growing up I couldn’t relate to using words in an academic setting, but when I discovered how to manipulate them to write my music they became a superpower. I want my music to speak to others and give them a soundtrack to their own lives.”   

His latest single “Brunettes” is a song about attraction, love, and how your heart ultimately calls the shots when it comes to romance. Palminteri confides, “the song describes the type of person I have always been attracted to.  Someone who takes me out of my comfort zone, and brings me into their world. It’s about being taken on a wild ride with someone, and loving every moment of it.”

 

Palminteri has bared it all on stages across the Tri-State area, from Feinstein’s 54Below and Arlene’s Grocery, to Rockwood Music Hall and Bethlehem Musikfest. The artist, whose father is the Academy-award nominated actor Chazz Palminteri, is also known for his roles in Sharknado 2 and Orange is the New Black.

Brooklyn based artist Elliot Lee fuses dark pop melodies with edgy vocals and innovative Electronic rock soundscapes to create an unpredictable sound, acting as a voice for the voiceless. Elliot Lee holds an awareness of what music that is unhindered by norms can do for the underrepresented. This bravado oozes through the cracks of her homemade music, with tracks that are laced with late night slumber party confessions and existential cognizance. Inspired by the feeling of loneliness, Elliot’s music acts as a reminder that you are never alone.

we are happy to announce that Chris Clute, Vancouver’s rising alternative/pop and rock artist, has premiered “Body” with our dear friends at DROPOUT ENTERTAINMENT. During this year he released “Escape”, a song spotlighting the manic emotions behind mental health and substance abuse. And very similar to his prior heartfelt release, dedicated to his missing friend, “Vince’s Song”. Clute’s songwriting has been known to reflect a variety of perspectives and tapping into others’ point of view. His style of writing began to develop through co-writes and producing with others, such as his close friends, Sound of Kalima. In his forthcoming release, “Body” invites Clute’s listeners into his own thoughts and explores his past relationships.

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Clute wrote and produced “Body” in one late session. He states, “It started with the chorus. I loved the idea of changing the meaning of the word body with the words before and after it and playing around with that. We then started laying down instruments and filling in spaces. The thing I love most about this song is how the instruments and vocals trade space. Each taking their turn to come up to the surface and say their piece and then retreating to the background to let the other voices in the song be heard.”

LA-based pop artist, songwriter and creator, Maggie Andrew, has released the final piece of her three-part trilogy, “Survival Mode,” out now. Throughout this trilogy, we’ve seen a female reclaim her trauma and use her darkest moments as inspiration for others to overcome their own obstacles. Maggie says; “Survival mode is the final moment in the trilogy, where I am truly alone, in the presence of nobody else but myself. I’ve been in a constant state of survival for as long as I can remember. Being alone drowning in my own self deprecating thoughts and traumatic experiences. Even though it’s sad, it’s comfortable being alone, I never want anybody to feel bad for me.” “Survival Mode” is by far the most stripped-back, and vulnerable track of the 3, based around just a piano and Maggie’s powerful vocals. With past singles garnering over 3M streams globally and landing multiple Apple editorial placements [Teen Pop Hits, Indie Pop, Unwind, Wildflower, Breaking Pop, New in Pop, New in Alternative], “Survival Mode”  is set to make an impact. 

neillfrazer@hotmail.com

 

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