Beats by Dre (Beats) teams up with Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Baby and NBA All-Star Ja Morant in its latest campaign. The 90-second video will air in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs, during which Morant will be playing.
The campaign is centered around Lil Baby and Ja Morant’s friendship and mutual admiration, which ultimately led to Lil Baby writing “Dark Mode” about the player. Both the track and the campaign play off Morant’s ethos around basketball, which can be summed up with the phrase, “welcome to the dark.” While many want to bask in the spotlight, one’s work ultimately illuminates itself as a result of relentlessly honing their craft in the darkness.
Lil Baby’s track focuses on “going into dark mode,” a behavior which has ultimately made Morant one of the most exciting players to watch in the league. The spot also visually reflects darkness, with both superstars appearing solely in monochromatic black and white throughout the entirety of the video.
“Ja has been one of my favorite players to watch. We’ve been locked in,” said Lil Baby. “This is not my first time partnering with Beats, but we took it up a notch with this original song. The world gets to experience ‘Dark Mode’ for the first time in a way that’s crazy!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9N6qD-c4a4
Elise Hayes combines infectious pop and R&B melodies with heartfelt and meaningful subject matter. She first sparked attention by having many songs featured on TV shows, such as ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” The CW’s “Charmed,” MTV’s “Siesta Key,” and more. The gifted singer-songwriter has further written songs for other prominent artists (Lucie Silvas, Jill Andrews) and has toured the country as a professional keyboard player and background singer (Carly Pearce).
No stranger to the stage, Elise Hayes has been performing since the age of 12. She attended the esteemed Berklee College of Music, and soon after graduating, relocated to Nashville to pursue a career as an artist and a songwriter. “My journey in the music industry has been quite eclectic. I’ve accomplished many things that I’m incredibly proud of, and a lot of that has to do with the many hats I’ve been able to wear. Whether it’s producing, touring, or recording, I’ve really diversified myself as a musician which reaches back to my artistry in a really beautiful way. I feel more empowered as an artist because of the skills I’ve picked up along the way.”
Having garnered critical acclaim, airplay on SiriusXM, major Spotify playlist placements, and features on national television with her previous singles “Giving Up,” “Float,” and “Breathe,” Elise is ready to pick up where she left off with the release of her self-produced EP, “Human Heart”.
Rising Flatbush rapper BADDA TD unleashes a new single and music video entitled “Moonwalking” [feat. Ron Suno & DJ Drama] via Epic Records. Listen to “Moonwalking”—HERE. Watch the music video for “Moonwalking”—HERE.
On the track, triumphant horns pipe up over a skittering beat as Badda TD’s inimitable and infectious flow takes hold. Ron Suno rolls through with a fiery cameo, while the presence of hitmaking icon DJ Drama can be felt loud and clear. It culminates on the hard-hitting hook, “I don’t be moonwalking.” In the accompanying video, Badda TD goes back home and takes over a Brooklyn apartment building surrounded by friends doing the popular New York footwork dance known as the “Moonwalk.” It speaks to the raw power of his persona and rhymes and reasserts him as “The Prince of Flatbush.”
Also, Badda TD recently announced officially joining Fivio Foreign and Dream Doll on tour, opening the first show May 10th, in Chicago, IL. Check out the full itinerary HERE. Get tickets HERE.
Indie pop, Singer-songwriter Bonner Black is thrilled to release her new EP The Old Way and featured on Under the Radar.
Her forthcoming EP, Out Of Dreams, contains Black’s four recent singles as well as “Take It All” and “The Old Way.” Out Of Dreams tells stories of lost love with sharp lyrics and melodies designed to burrow deep into your soul. It’s impossible to remain unmoved as you work your way through this project capped at the end by “The Old Way, ” the cliffhanger for what to expect on Black’s next project to be recorded later this year.
The classically trained ballerina turned Nashville Indie Pop singer/songwriter from Hot Rock, TN, defies simple description and requires paragraphs, not words. Black started dancing at a very young age and was a Senior Company member under Clinton Rothwell at the Academy of Classic Arts in Huntsville, AL before deciding to dedicate her life to music.
The band Loud Forest is based in Los Angeles, CA where Bernard and Rachel Chadwick, a married couple, collaborate out of their experimental project space in Pasadena. Merging elements of alternative rock, Americana, and pop as well as post-punk into their moody, crafted indie rock, their earliest albums won a dedicated fan base and radio attention.
An album-oriented band, Loud Forest is doused in indie credibility from years of self-releases, homemade microphones and hosting rock shows in their studio. With influences ranging from Wilco to the Staples Singers, from Bob Dylan to Troye Sivan, from Spoon to Anderson .paak – the band distinguishes themselves with an acute attention to hooky melodies and intentional lyricism that plays with themes of love, fidelity and family. Drawing inspiration from their two daughters, Bernard and Rachel started the band to end all other bands they were in; a merging of creative forces and a project surrounded by their LA community.
Their fourth album, “Family Tree,” returns to their DIY approach; a beautiful lockdown creation of sparkly jams and alternative rock anthems that tell stories of their childhood through raw and angular expressions.
Alternative Rock band, Crossing I’s Dotting T’s are thrilled to release their new single “You” featuring Brian Swindle from the band Have Mercy that is out now.
The band says, “This song is special to us as we were able to get Brian Swindle from one of our favorite bands Have Mercy to feature on it. This is an alt rock/pop-punk/emo rock song that hooks you from the verse riff and intimate vocals. We wanted to make an anthem-like “New Scene” type song that was easily accessible, but also that did not sound like every other alt rock/poppunk type song and we think we hit gold with this one. Both parts memorable and anthemic, this is a fun, sing-along-able song that people can also relate to. Having that classic Have Mercy sound, Brian Swindle ensures people will be hooked on this one after the first listen.”
Acclaimed singer-songwriter MEG MYERS released “Children of Light II” today via Sumerian Records, an electrifying and mesmerizing follow-up to the rock anthem “HTIS (Hiding That I’m Sexual)” featuring Luna Shadows & Carmen Vandenberg, which premiered last month. Myers, ever the genre-bending multi-instrumentalist, has embraced elements of rock, pop, sensual soul, high-frequency melodies, and divinity, again showcasing her powerful writing and production skills. Listen to “Children of Light II” on all available streaming platforms.
Meg Myers stated, “CHILDREN OF LIGHT II is a song about alchemy. It was inspired by my awakening in 2018 when I began reconnecting with my spirit guides through meditation. It’s about facing our fears so we can become more of who we really are, which is multi-dimensional. It reminds us that we are spiritual beings having a temporary human experience and all the answers we seek can be found within.”
Singer-songwriter Sophie Auster’s new EP Dancing With Strangers is out now.
Sophie Auster has released three LPs and two EPs over her career. Auster has carved out a unique path for herself as a songwriter, receiving several awards abroad and at home like the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize. She has graced the cover of Cosmopolitan Spain (where she was named “Singer of the Year”), as well as those of Rolling Stone Spain, L’Officiel, Elle France, and D la Repubblica, who praised Auster for her “diva voice” drawing comparisons to “…Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Tom Waits, Fiona Apple.” Auster’s music is replete with fantasy and escapism, a sonic fusion of bluesy folk-pop with cabaret dramatics reminiscent of Lana Del Rey and Sara Bareilles. The New York Time’s called her “sultry and folksy,” with “soul-(and teeth-) baring lyrics…that’s drawn comparisons to Fiona Apple and Gillian Welch.” Elle Magazine dubbed her “Auster on Fire.”
vaultboy returns with poignant fresh cut ‘Disaster’
Honest and moving, ‘Disaster’ comes as a result of seeing someone you love in self-destruct mode. Flawless vocals and a powerful build make ‘Disaster’ a stand out next move for vaultboy.
Sharing a little more behind his cathartic songwriting, vaultboy explained “Disaster is about the type of person it hurts to love. Someone who’s problems are often self-inflicted and ends up hurting the people around them: even the people that love them.”
vaultboy’s talent for songwriting has been winning millions of hearts across the world over the last year. Navigating matters of the heart through his music with perfect poise, his talent for clever and relatable lyricism has not gone unnoticed.
Back in January vaultboy released his incredible self-titled debut EP. The five track body of work saw an impressive introduction to the artists finest, catchy alt-pop. So catchy in fact, it’s racked up over 100 million streams in its short life, servicing over 4 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Already scooping press support from the likes of Rolling Stone, Ones To Watch, Wonderland and Clash, all signs are pointing to a big future for this new artist.
Born and bred in Jacksonville, Florida, he first began experimenting with music at High School and he has been honing his skills ever since. After joining TikTok at the end of 2020 he found the platform to be the perfect match for his clever, quick ability to write songs and engage an audience which now sits at 1.3 Million followers. With more in the pipeline, vaultboy is certainly an artist to watch out for in 2022.
Rising Milwaukee-born rapper, singer and rising Quality Control Music force of nature Lakeyah returns with a new single and music video entitled “I Look Good.” A thumping bass line pulsates through heavy 808s as she emanates spirit and style. Serving up an unshakable and undeniable hook, she declares, “Bitch, I’m bangin’. I look good, a little bougie, a little hood.”
In the accompanying visual, she leads a workout decked out in all bright pink. She raps to the camera from a fitness lab behind slick shades with no shortage of charisma. Listen to “I Look Good” HERE. Watch the music video HERE.
Lakeyah’s new music arrives on the heels of last year’s fan favorite Gangsta Grillz mixtape, My Time, with DJ Drama. She attracted high-profile guests such as Tyga, Moneybagg Yo, Bankroll Freddie, and more. In addition to plugs from Complex, OnSmash, and more, Consequence of Sound raved, “The 11-track project brings Lakeyah to the next level, as she deftly balances boastful raps and effortless flows.”
Vancouver indie artist, Jillian Lake, mixes velvet sounds and big feelings to transport you into her world of sweet sorrow in a way that will make you want to take your broken heart out dancing. Feelings transposed onto paper and into music, movements, and visuals – her complex collage of sound with moody folk undertones can be compared to indie female powerhouses like Feist, Maggie Rogers, and Phoebe Bridgers.
Teaming up with musician and producer, Jordan Klassen, who brought his cinematic and syncopated style to her stripped-down singer-songwriter form, together they created an album that combines her raw poetry and instinct for melodies with his expertise in song structure and instrumentation.
Her latest single “Olympia” saw a completely different process for the songwriter, as rather than stemming from a specific story, it flourished from a feeling, capturing the carefree essence of driving with the windows down. Bright, colourful synths, feel-good, sunshine melodies and an energetic beat inject you with a dose of youthful vitality, spreading a smile across your face from cheek to cheek.
The artist explains, “Olympia forever will be the song that almost didn’t make the album…. This one was such a tricky one for me as I was torn between making it a single or scrapping it all together. This song was a later addition to the record, we wanted to make a fun one – however therein lies the beginning of the problems for me… I was NOT used to making fun music…. I had been on the sad and sappy train since the beginning. So the song always felt forced to me. I did, however, have so much fun making it, and it was a totally different process than the rest of my songs.”
Filled with hesitations of creating something that was out of her comfort zone, Lake suddenly realised that the theme of the whole album she had been working on was about forgiving your younger self, letting go of those expectations and being totally unapologetic, and thus knew that “Olympia” had to be on the album. The artist continues, “A sort of “fuck it” vibe if you will….. So now here’s a pop banger for you to dance and sing and imagine yourself on all your future adventures to…”
Jillian Lake has garnered notable press, as well as editorial playlisting on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon, reaching over 100K plays on one of her most recent singles. She has also had the pleasure of opening for Luca Fogale and is currently planning an international tour.
Singer-songwriter Sofia Mills today releases her debut album BABY MAGIC. The album is out digitally now, and it will be released on vinyl August 5th.
Listen to Baby Magic HERE
Baby Magic, the debut album from 19-year-old artist Sofia Mills, intimately details the most pivotal moments in her coming-of-age experience: breakups with careless boyfriends, coming out as bisexual at age 15, a longtime struggle with mental illness. As shown on her breakthrough single “Coffee Breath” (a self-produced track that’s amassed over 100 million streams on Spotify to date), the Massachusetts-born singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist imbues her storytelling with both startling clarity and profound sensitivity, an element echoed in her warmly textured brand of indie-pop.
Written entirely by Mills, produced by John Mark Nelson (Taylor Swift, Allison Ponthier), and mixed by Jim Eno (Spoon), Baby Magic arrives as a complex and captivating body of work, built on a potent tension between her dreamy romanticism and intense self-awareness. The album takes its title from a gorgeously aching track graced with the delicate string work of composer Rob Moose (Phoebe Bridgers, Perfume Genius), a stunning backdrop to Mills’s self-revelation. Baby Magic is both a celebration of the magic of youth and an honest reflection on unstable relationships and “dating the worst boys in the world.”
“Nostalgia’s my best friend when I’m writing songs,” Mills says. “They’re always about something sad, but it’s good because at least it’s somewhere for the sadness to go.” And with the release of Baby Magic, Mills hopes that outpouring might positively impact her listeners. “I feel like I’ve already built an amazing community with my audience, and I want to be a big sister to all of them,” she says. “I want them to know that boys aren’t everything and you can be happy without a relationship and there’s a standard for how you should be treated—and I think all that starts with being totally honest about everything I’ve been through.”
Opeongo is the moniker of Keegan Trumpour from Midland, Ontario, Canada. “we’ll all go with (the-will-o’-the-wisp)” is Opeongo’s sophomore LP after 2019’s debut “Miasma”.
Yung Pooda is set to drop the highly-anticipated video for his new song, “Drop” today, Friday, May 6, at 10AM ET. After featuring Yung Pooda as a Fresh Face Friday artist over the last year, BET Jams & BET Hip Hop are giving Pooda the star treatment by premiering his video and playing it throughout the day. The video was shot in Houston and marks the second time that Pooda has collaborated with famed director, Mr. Boomtown. Last week, KBXX (The Box), the #1 hip-hop radio station in Pooda’s hometown, Houston kicked off the new single campaign by premiering the song just before its release. Since then the energetic single has landed on top hip-hop playlists on Apple Music’s Get Up and Go, Hip Hop Workout, The New South and Base:Line playlists as accolades continue to roll in for “Drop.” Earmilk raves, “[f]ollowing the success of his breakthrough track ‘Forever Tippin,” Yung Pooda continues to achieve admirable milestones as an independent artist and pay homage to his Houston roots. He has amassed a significant following on social media along with a viral freestyle.
Mike Rogers in an Amsterdam based indie dance trio who make bold music to make big musical gestures without sensationalism. Encouraging listeners to live in the moment, Mike Mago, TWR72 and the lead singer of Kita Menari have joined forces to craft something which is unlike anything you’ve heard before.
Mike and Roger met during the famous Dutch underground electro parties in early 2000, where they both performed as DJ’s. The raw and energetic scene saw the two playing a mixture of electro, French house, fidget and techno. As years passed by, they both started to develop their own sound, but noticed they had a similar dream; to start a live act inspired by the acts they grew up with, including Mike Snow, Foals, Editors, Van She and Goose to name a few. Thus, they created Mike Rogers, as a way to bring an extra challenge and development next to their DJ and production career.
Bringing in singer Micha to add big vocals to their signature sound, the combined creativity of the three has reached a whole new level. Their upcoming debut album combines analog with digital and retro with modern, as they explore the roots of their inspiration as music fans and combine that with the skills they have developed over the years.
Their latest single “Can’t Stop” is about a lonely man. Looking back at his life as a young boy, he tries to do everything right but always feels he is failing since people don’t understand him. Battling a personal struggle with his past, he protests against this feeling, hoping to get rid of those negative thoughts. Bursting with drive and energy, “Can’t Stop” takes you on a euphoric journey. With fast-paced beats, crashing percussion and dance-worthy melodies, Mike Rogers have concocted a statement track which shimmers with a vibrancy.
Written in 2021, the trio shares, “In our minds that year was a year where we had a lot of questions. Like, what is freedom, what should one fight for, how should one fight for something, how do we move forward as a society and also, how do we judge our past behaviour. We believe questions are the biggest inspirator. We’re trying to ask questions more than to send a message, although that’s also a bit of a vision we want to share.”
Mike Rogers releases their debut album early 2023.
EDGEOUT Records and The Revelries are thrilled to share “Best For You.”
“Best For You” marks the latest offering in a string of anthemic Pop-Rock guitar-driven song releases via EDGEOUT Records.
The Revelries began in a dorm room as the brainchild of 24-year-old Monroe, Louisiana-bred vocalist/guitarist Beau Bailey during the fall of 2016 at Louisiana State University. They transformed into a band that would perform its own version of high-energy, U.K.-style Pop-Rock to audiences in local Baton Rouge dives bars to private events and venues across the Southeast.
In January 2020, The Revelries signed a development deal with EDGEOUT/UMG/UMe and entered into their program THE STUDIO where they recorded their first full length album with GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Matt Wallace (The Replacements, Faith No More, Maroon 5). The band’s major label debut is scheduled to release later this year.
EDGEOUT focuses on the development and curation of young mainstream ROCK bands and artists that will be the future rock movement in the music industry.
(Photo Credit: Eveline Johnsson)
Rising Swedish pop artist Paula Jivén has released her long-anticipated debut EP, The Duality In Me, out now via Universal Music Sweden. On the coming-of-age record, Paula navigates finding closure with parts of her past while discovering her ever-growing identity. Showcasing both mature self-awareness and youthful playfulness, the EP captures Paula’s versatility as an artist, letting her boldest instincts take the wheel in building her creative vision.
Salt Lake City-based musician and TikTok star, Addison Grace, finally releases his highly anticipated debut EP, Immaturing, today along with its fourth single, “I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love,” out now. In addition to the five-track EP, Addison Grace will hit the road beginning this August across the U.S. on his debut headline tour with support from Sydney Rose on all dates, and Kate Stephenson and Leanna Firestone on select dates. Tickets are on sale now via addisongrace.xyz/tour.
On the rock-leaning, Cameron Hale-produced (Claud, Neon Trees, Khalid) “I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love,” Addison Grace questions and challenges traditions like marriage and a picket fence, and gets sick of swiping to find love. Instead, Grace hopes for more out of life than just what might be expected of him and refuses to live a mundane, ordinary life. Beginning at age 18, Grace illustrates what they don’t want to be doing at ages 23 and 43, singing, “I don’t wanna be 23 / with a white picket fence / no job and no degree / if that’s in then / I don’t wanna fall in love / love, love, love, love / I don’t wanna be 43 / living half my life, nothing to show of me / if that’s it, if that’s it / maybe, maybe it’s just me.”
We’re ACER, a dream pop duo composed of an instrumentalist and vocalist who function like a DJ and rapper, taking influences from both contemporary hip hop and shoegaze.
My bandmate and vocalist, Connory, was listening to a lot of grime at the time of writing our new single, while I referenced Toro y Moi and Slowdive to create a song which embraces a sense of duality.
Danger lurks in comfort on “Baker St.,” like something moving underneath a calm lake.
For me, it is a reflection on the present as a future memory, a certain awareness of the ephemeral; and the bittersweet feeling that accompanies that. A combination of gratitude and melancholy for a temporary and temporal pleasure.
During the writing of this song’s lyrics, Connory manifested a character who felt pent up aggression. Big bold brash masculinity, all posturing and drug-induced: In days I get fired up: get straight out my way.
This narrative is juxtaposed with the lover’s struggle as she realizes she can’t protect this person anymore from outside forces, let alone inner turmoil: Your love (so far away)… feds on the way…
Thank you for listening,
Kyle Gottschalk of ACER
Mary Clements is a singer-songwriter based out of Hamilton, Ontario, who uses her music to explore the world around her. Rooted in piano and voice, her songs can sometimes sound like indie-folk, pop, classical or even country. Her sincere vocals combined with the textures of her production create an experience that is simple and authentic.
“When someone takes time to listen to my music, I do not take this for granted. They’ve now shared an intimate moment with me which creates a connection. To me, there’s nothing more special and powerful in life than feeling connected and together,” says Clements.
“Musically I draw inspiration from artists like Ben Folds, Sarah Slean and Rufus Wainwright but also of course, from the world around me,” explains Clements. She is also greatly influenced by her degrees in classical voice and French. While French has played a big role in her life through the French education company she founded in 2009 called Les Petites Pommes, she is now very excited to utilize the music part of her education. “This is just the beginning! I’m excited to see where my musical explorations take me… it will probably take at least another 10 years just for me to try all sorts of new genres and see where I land!”
Clements has finished her first studio album Come With Me, and she can’t wait to release it later this year.
Born Oliver Milmine in Manchester, England, Newport moved to the United States at a young age, eventually settling in Kansas. There, he picked up the guitar and taught himself how to produce music on his computer. Inspired by a mix of early-2000s bands like MGMT, The Killers, and Phoenix, he developed his own funky, psychedelic style of pop, framing his falsetto vocals in bass, guitar, keyboards, and electronic grooves. He quickly released an impressive catalog independently. More tracks followed, as did musical placements on shows like Search Party, Ballers, Expecting Amy, an Apple iPad commercial and What/If.
His latest single “Calabasas” showcases Newport’s laid-back, buttery vocal delivery, which glides atop a groovy rhythm and colorful, captivating melody. The artist shares, “Calabasas for me is a Western, Bond, Tarantino cinematic inspired record. I wanted to create the soundtrack of that classic lead character in a thriller. The lyrics portray a protagonist who feels the world is waiting for them but they haven’t got the time or patience to be waited on, and fears the realities of finally meeting their wishes.”
You know what? Not many rappers in the UK scene can say they’ve been co-signed by a major US rapper after their first release — but that’s exactly what kind of power K Harrison harbors. Hailing from Derby, the rising East Midlands wordsmith might only have one official song out, but he’s already championed by Compton rap legend The Game, as well as working side-by-side with the nation’s favourite redhead Ed Sheeran. Following his highly successful debut ‘Boss (Call Away)’, K Harrison is back with his sophomore single ‘Fire Fire’. STREAM/DOWNLOAD: K HARRISON – FIRE FIRE
Once again opting for a tropical soundscape, K Harrison delivers a sun-warped Mediterranean-inspired banger, housing a syrupy vocal timbre and breezy flows. Despite its three-minute runtime, “Fire Fire’ is jam-packed with K Harrison’s signature charisma and charm, reminding us why he’s befitting of his ‘Fresh Prince of Derby” moniker.
Wallis Bird treats us to single number four, ‘Go’, ahead of the release of her seventh studio album, HANDS, available 27th May.
Riddled with hooky adornments, this fourth observation flaunts the distinguished aptitude of Wallis’ upcoming record, out next month. It illustrates the essence of Wallis Bird in a tastefully wrapped two minutes – showcasing what makes the prospect of album number seven worth the wait!
Rising Irish trio Rowan finally release their long-awaited 11-track debut album today, Does It Make You Happy? via Beverly Martel, out everywhere now. The LP is a distinct blend of upbeat garage rock jams and vulnerable, honest ballads that explore what true happiness might look like. With this release, the band continues to push the limits of what alternative rock can be as they turn heads throughout Ireland and beyond.
The full-length release follows the band’s four latest singles. including the garage-rock groove “Honesty,” which Atwood Magazine calls, “Warm, tender, and filled with heartfelt sentiments…a song that evokes solace through lush familiarity and its own sonic sincerity.” Prior to the “Honesty” release, Rowan shared the visceral “Irish To My Bones” and the endearing “Youth & Youthhood” which have received support from the likes of Steve Lamacq & Lauren Laverne at 6 Music. Most recently, the title track released earlier this week, features Canadian multi-instrumentalist Ariel Posen, and came together naturally as it vulnerably explores abusive behaviors within relationships and wanting more for oneself. Dylan Howe (vocalist) explains, “It was like a surge of energy just shot through me and it was finished. It’s the song I resonate with heaviest on this album, it deals with abusive behaviors in a relationship and, in retrospect, how I should’ve demanded better for myself.”
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