Dreamy, punky and spunky Louisville-native Molly O’Malley (she/they) has released their first single of the year, “Golden Hour,” across streaming platforms today. “Golden Hour” details the struggles of imposter syndrome and people pleasing to an easy-going dream pop, synth infused production line. O’Malley is candid in her lyric-writing, distinguishing the harsh realities of living the life of someone you are truly not in a golden light. Director and cinematographer Alex Zarek captures O’Malley in various places, such as high-rise city rooftops to empty sunset beaches, all filmed at golden hour to really give a visual for the feeling of a longing for something more.
“The song is about people pleasing and feeling like a fraud because of it. Losing parts of yourself to other people trying to make them happy but when you get home, there’s not a lot left to give yourself.”
– Molly O’Malley
Louisville, Kentucky native Molly O’Malley (she/they) knows exactly the kind of artist they want to be. Inspired by artists such as Patrick Stump, Elton John, Tove Lo, Labi Siffre and MGMT, the multi-instrumentalist unique blend of 90’s alternative and sun-soaked dreamgaze brings her vulnerability to the forefront. As a songwriter, Molly O’Malley is unafraid in being confessionally transparent against the backdrop of emotionally driven pop-centered melodies.
Molly O’Malley’s self-described “daydream punk for your long drive home” has earned them praise from notable outlets such as BrooklynVegan, Stereogum, SiriusXM and The Alternative, alongside opening slots for artists such as Shamir, Magdalena Bay, Wet, Oso Oso and Mannequin Pussy.
Their new EP, Nobody Parties (Like Molly), is a relatable collection of music that brings together thoughts, fears, dreams, and experiences in a beautiful catharsis; nestled with O’Malley’s signature velvety voice and hazy, indie-pop guitarwork. Molly O’Malley is excited to share this next chapter to her work, and hopes listeners and fans refer to Nobody Parties as a place of comfort during hardships.
The Hong Kong dream pop group Lucid Express reintroduce their long out-of-circulation debut EP Floret to the world. Long before Lucid Express released their eponymous debut album (Kanine Records, 2021), the same five musicians created their first recordings together as Thud and released the 5-track digital EP Floret (2015). This record made an instant splash amongst local music lovers and the band were soon being covered by correspondents for international entertainment publications including Time Out and NME, as well as being invited to support heavy-hitters such as Nothing, The Cribs and Beach Fossils.
However, the years that followed were a tumultuous time, both personally and politically. In those years the band describe a depression setting in as Hong Kong’s democratic future began to look uncertain, and at times downright hopeless, with pro-democracy protests ruthlessly cracked down on by the state. It was in this environment and its scenes of tear-gassed and beaten protesters serving as a backdrop to the group’s inception and young growth. Add to this an increase in politically-targeted arrests, and death threats openly delivered from government officials and it is understandable how this oppressive weight infiltrated most aspects of everyday life in the region. At some point, this depression spread to the music scene and amongst shows being canceled, and releases stalled, Floret quietly slipped offline.
Now, Floret returns. Pressed onto vinyl for the first time, fully remastered, repackaged with new artwork and expanded with remixes from some of the group’s favorite artists. These collaborations bring an international flair to the EP which was originally tracked in Hong Kong and now features remixes from Austin, TX (Elliott Frazier), New York City (Orchin), Tokyo (For Tracy Hyde), Bavaria (The B.V.’s), and London (Max Bloom from Yuck).
Ibises — the group made up of established Chicago musicians Dan Bitney (Tortoise, Isotope 217), Nick Macri (Stirrup, Euphone), and Steve Marquette (The Few, Ken Vandermark’s Marker) — announced their debut album as a trio. In The Swim will be out on October 21, 2022 via American Dreams Records. The group shared a single excerpt from the release, which arrives alongside an animated album trailer by multidisciplinary artist Via Nuon (Maroon Desert Picture).
In The Swim comes from an improvised concert by the trio recorded live by Alex Inglizian at Experimental Sound Studio (aka ESS) in Chicago, IL. Mixed and edited with carte blanche by acclaimed sound designer Casey Rice (Designer, Black Monument Ensemble), it provides a unique example of the open channels of experimentation and liminal crosstalk long characterized by Chicago’s deep, cross-pollinating music community. In The Swim is an asynchronous, longform piece that journeys through sound worlds from redlined and driving, to floating free and in-between.
SUM SUN represents the union of two accomplished creators—Nick Benton and Ilan Pomerance. At just 17-years-old, New Jersey-born Benton co-wrote and produced tracks for Billboard-charting reggae acts, earning a Top 10 debut on the Billboard Top Reggae Songs chart. He also lent his voice and songwriting to dance artists on Ultra Records. Around the same time, Pomerance co-wrote and produced tracks for the likes of Sony Music Entertainment, among others. Connecting through Instagram, Benton and Pomerance quickly locked into a creative flow on Zoom, building a partnership on a bedrock of respect for the talents of one another. Six years later, SUM SUN was born.
After generating over 1 million cumulative streams and earning early acclaim from the likes of Travis Mills and more, the pair has cultivated fans around the globe with their personal songwriting and genre-blurring artistry. Maintaining this momentum, SUM SUN kickstarted a prolific 2022 with “2:38 (LISTEN HERE),” “Kids Again (LISTEN HERE),” “Wishbone (LISTEN HERE),” and “Catching Fire (LISTEN HERE)”, as well as sold out both their first-ever gig at Bowery Electric and their second live show at Chelsea Music hall. Along the way, they carefully honed a future-facing sound with nostalgic overtones. With more music on the horizon, SUM SUN is here “to remind you of the best feelings and enable you to hold onto them. That’s our purpose,” as they put it.
Pop visionary and global superstar-in-the-making, Bree Runway kicks off a new era with fiery new single THAT GIRL, out now.
Produced by EASYFUNN (Charli XCX), the track is a sonic explosion of apocalyptic beats, distorted undulating synths and Bree’s menacing spitfire vocals, and instantly transports you from the grimy underground raves of East London to the fierceness of New York’s ballroom scene, via the luxe catwalks of Paris Fashion Week. Sonically reminiscent of her earlier material, ‘THAT GIRL’ exemplifies Bree’s empowering, unwavering and fearless sense of creativity. As Dazed put it: “The scale of her imagination and voyage into the multiverse of genres feels genuinely rare and once-in-a-generation”
Speaking about the track, Bree says: “I’ve been on a mini hiatus and there’s no better way to remind you that I’m THAT GIRL. This song automatically makes me feel like the main character in the middle of a sweaty club, and I’m just oozing sex, glamour and confidence whilst everybody watches. It’s my everyday reminder of how fabulous I am, and it’s your new everyday reminder too – you’re automatically a 10 if you: turn this on, fuck with it, press play and feel liberated, pumped up, and free.”
SG5, the first ever music group officially in collaboration with one of the World’s most recognised IPs, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, announces today that they will be signing with WME for Global Representation, effective immediately. SG5 will be represented by Ben Totis and David Bradley at WME. SG5 says “We are very honored to sign with WME, a home to so many amazing artists! We can’t wait to see what the future holds and are very excited for everyone around the world to hear our music and see our live performances in the future.”
SG5 announced their U.S. debut in June via Rolling Stone, and is co-managed by one of Japan’s largest entertainment companies LDH Japan Inc., and Global powerhouse Three Six Zero. The group has also enlisted Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer BloodPop® who will serve as Executive Producer and co-Creative Director of the band. SG5 consists of 5 members: SAYAKA, RURI, RUI, MIYUU, and KAEDE.
In their first international interview with Rolling Stone, MIYUU elaborated on SG5’s debut and overall goals; “Being able to collaborate with Sailor Moon is such an honor and a dream come true. I have experienced a lot as an artist in Japan, but the environment surrounding SG5 is like no other, so I’m very motivated. I hope we can show the beauty of Japanese culture through our entertainment.” Without any official music released yet, SG5’s debut intrigued and captured the attention of U.S. media such as Billboard, Hypebae, Just Jared, and more.
breakout Pontiac, MI rapper DDG releases his eagerly awaited new album, It’s Not Me It’s You. An unfiltered rumination on relationship and newfound success, the star-studded project is the breakout artist’s most introspective project to-date. Get the 12-track album at all DSPs HERE via Epic Records
Album opener and new single “9 Lives” sets the tone for the album with its melancholy piano and atmospheric beats. Featuring fellow rap stars Polo G and NLE Choppa, the track finds DDG reflecting on his journey to stardom. His metamorphosis into a Platinum-selling hitmaker is also explored in the gripping Michael Daniel-directed video, premiering at noon today at https://DDG.lnk.to/9LivesOfficial It showcases DDG’s life story, giving an intimate look into his family life and struggles that manifest into an inspiring “rags to riches” story, with NLE Choppa and Polo G sharing similar personal stories.
While DDG’s first-ever project Take Me Serious was a plea for acceptance as a serious music artist, and his 2021 collaborative mixtape Die 4 Respect with producer OG Parker was a reminder that DDG’s mainstream prominence was imminent, the aptly titled It’s Not Me It’s You sees DDG leveling up, getting braggadocios and asking those that have doubted him to take an introspective look inside if they haven’t jumped aboard the DDG train yet.
As always, DDG infuses stories of hard knocks with wisdom, charm and a cacophony of different influences including blues, R&B and the spitfire rap that he’s made his calling card. It’s easy to see why the rising star is approaching 1 billion streams across platforms: It’s Not Me It’s You is an album with a firm grasp of the current hip-hop landscape, boldly shaking up the establishment with sheer bravado and boundless vulnerability.
multiplatinum and genre-fusing rapper Trippie Redd drops two new songs “Save Me, Please” and “First Degree Murder.” Get them HERE via 10K Projects.
Alongside the two tracks, he also will be releasing the Nolan Riddle [Juice Wrld, Kid Laroi] directed visual for “Save Me, Please” at 10am PST/1pm EST HERE.
The double pack of songs arrives after his previous single and video “Big 14” featuring Offset & Moneybagg Yo, which has since amassed over 20 million streams and 5 million views, while garnering attention from Complex, XXL, Hypebeast, HotNewHipHop, UPROXX and more.
Earlier this month, Trippie participated in a successful New York Fashion Week where he attended various shows, sitting front row for brands Tommy Hilfiger and Who Decides War.
Delivering consistent show-stopping live sets, he recently performed at Rolling Loud Miamiand Rolling Loud Toronto, while supporting select dates of Machine Gun Kelly’s Mainstream Sellout Tour and appearing at Summer Sky Vol 1. Now, he is across seas wrapping up a stint of shows across Australia before coming back stateside for a run of college appearances in various New England cities.
Hd4president – whose hit “Touch Down 2 Cause Hell (Bow Bow Bow)” became a viral sensation on TikTok – has found joy on the streets of Baton Rouge. His city has long had a rich lineage of rap superstars, producing generations of successes like Kevin Gates and Boosie Badazz (both of whom have offered him mentorship and advice). His forebears have made careers off of poignant tales of life in their neighborhoods, but HD intentionally decided he’s ready to move past the pain in his music while still revealing a depth to his lyricism that transcends viral fame. On his 2021 album, To Da Max, he uses his traumas as stepping stones to the triumphs he raps about on his latest album offering, Find My Way. The latter finds HD continuing his grind with optimism and pausing to celebrate his reputation as both a rapper’s rapper with street cred and a singer with a flair for anthemic shout-along hooks. His music effortlessly walks this tightrope, demonstrating his knack for both colorfully flexing one-liners and arena-ready choruses. Hd4president’s hustle continues with the release of his latest singles “Rollin” and “Big Booty” via Motown Records.
New York-based singer and songwriter Cade Hoppe returns today with his new single, “Faded Love.”
Spinning a web of confessional lyrics, distorted guitar lines, and anthemic percussion, “Faded Love” is an instantly catchy indie-pop gem. Cade’s warm baritone vocals croon lyrics about the risks and rewards of rekindling an old flame. He adds, “just like how trends come back in style all the time and the world feels like it’s a little on edge, I think love does a similar thing sometimes. When an old love is rekindled it may be the best thing that ever happened to you… or it burns you worse the second time. You have to decide if that’s a risk you’re willing to take.”
Dynamic duo Quavo & Takeoff have returned with their newest song “Nothing Changed,” out now via Quality Control Music Group/Motown Records. “Nothing Changed” is the latest offering from their highly anticipated collaborative album Only Built For Infinity Links, due for release October 7th. The hard hitting new track finds Quavo and Takeoff in the pocket, striking an infectious balance between their melodic hooks and signature, rapid-fire cadence. To accompany the release, the dynamic duo shared a new visualizer, watch HERE.
The new track arrives on the heels of a run of widely acclaimed singles including “Us vs. Them” featuring Gucci Mane, “Big Stunna” featuring Birdman, and “Hotel Lobby,” the latter of which has already received an RIAA Gold certification and the music video has eclipsed 30 Million views on YouTube.
New York-based singer and songwriter Xondra shares, “Dead Girl,” the lead single from her upcoming EP, ‘Tedious & Brief,’ due out this Fall. Led by Xondra’s stirring vocals, “Dead Girl” is an anthemic, battle cry that confronts society’s desensitization to violence against women.
She elaborates on the powerful message behind her new single: “Violence against women has, for so much of history and to this very day, been the main plot line to so many movies, shows and podcasts. ‘Dead Girl’ is about how we have become so desensitized that we don’t care about the safety of women. It’s about the fear of being a woman/AFAB person and not knowing if danger is right around the corner. It’s about never feeling safe, even around the men that you know, because all men that have hurt you have been the men closest to you. ‘Dead Girl is me screaming out for someone, anyone to hear me and validate this fear that feels so lonely at times.”
A passionate and thoughtful singer-songwriter, Matt Koelsch [‘kel-sh’] has built his music career around stirring lyrics, percolating rhythms, and soaring vocals. His songs strike a chord with listeners as he draws on the pains, gains, and adventures of his life growing up in New England.
At the brink of the 2008 recession, Koelsch took a leap of faith—abandoning his position in the world of finance to dive into the turbulent and unknown waters of the music industry. Hardly missing a beat, he’s been pursuing his passion as a full-time recording and performing artist ever since. Based now in Los Angeles, California, Koelsch’s thrilling and soulful performances deliver falsetto, guitar, and whistle solos in a bold, original take on the alternative-pop genre. Catchy vocals and upbeat, dance-worthy melodies set the hook, while other tracks capture the heartache of romantic ballads in yearning lyrics, simple guitar melodies, and soothing rhythms.
Koelsch’s achievements to date include sales of over 3,000 physical records and 500,000-plus streams across platforms. He has performed over 1,000 gigs and shows—at times as many as 170 performances in a year. He has shared the stage with members of legendary bands such as REM, Pink Floyd, and Toto and played alongside contestants of The Voice and American Idol. For several years, he and his band held a residency at Disney in Anaheim, CA. He performed for an audience of over 5,000 people at the Lights Festival in Barstow, CA. His work has been featured in online venues such as American Songwriter, PopWrapped, Huffington Post, Paste Magazine, and Earmilk.
Koelsch was the winner of a summer scholarship to Berklee College of Music. In addition to earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Providence College, he supplemented his music education with classes at Providence College and UMASS Amherst. And throughout the pandemic, Koelsch has continued this work at Herb Alpert Music in Los Angeles. His classic-centric studies have included harmony, composition, production, ear-training, piano, guitar and choir across a variety of genres.
Prior releases include a track recorded and produced at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California, and currently Matt is diving deeper into the world of production and composition. Recently, he’s been hired to produce for emerging artists, and he is in the process of scoring music for an independent drama/suspense film.
Koelsch produced his latest release and tracked the majority of the record at his studio alongside incredible session players who have recorded and performed with Adele, Halsey, John Mayer, Hans Zimmer, and others. This album showcases Koelsch’s range—you’ll find edgy stories told uptempo with splashy brass alongside lush, symphonic string romances, layered with light electronic elements. These fun, heartfelt singles will be released via indie imprint Turbulent Records and will be available on all streaming and viewing platforms.
Hailing from the Lone Star state of Texas, born and raised in Houston, Coline Creuzot, a singer/songwriter has an astonishing voice. Coline fell in love with the arts at a young age and always knew she was destined for greatness. If it isn’t her dynamic personality or her creative drive, Coline’s angelic voice and her passion for music is captivating. Coline started off performing at local competitions and continued to write and sing throughout her high school and college career.
Coline is not only an incredible voice, but also a scholar. After the singer/songwriter turned boss woman completed her undergraduate degree in Business Management at Hampton University, she decided to move back to Houston to pursue music full time. During this time and while experiencing the growing pains of life, detailed in many of her autobiographical songs, Coline was introduced to Happy Perez, a fellow Houstonian and producer who has worked with Miguel, Mariah Carey and Frank Ocean to name a few. They collaborated on a song called, ‘Give and Take’, that went on to become an immediate hit. ‘Give and Take’ climbed all the way to number 1 on the Houston Radio Charts. The success of the song granted Coline opportunities to open for some amazing artists such as Drake, Keyshia Cole, Monica, Tank to name a few. She later attracted a publishing deal with EMI (now Sony ATV).
Coline continued to grow as an artist and writer expanding her portfolio. Named “an artist at the forefront” by Ebony Magazine, in 2016 Coline’s single ‘Truth Is’ peaked at number 24 on Billboard’s Urban A/C charts. Coline’s music has been recognized by several blogs and magazines such as Vibe Magazine, Pynk Magazine and Singersroom, critics praised her for her writing ability and solid resume working with some of H-Town’s hottest artists such as Slim Thug, Lil Keke, Z-Ro and Paul Wall.
Coline made the jump to Los Angeles to pursue her artistry full time. Known for her strong soulful pipes and lyrical storytelling, Coline pays homage to old-school R&B with a relevant swagger which she showcased in 2017 at the Essence Festival debuting on the “For the Love of R&B” stage. Coline re-released “Truth Is” with a feature from the diamond princess Trina October 2019. Most recently Coline opened for Keyshia Cole, Tank, and K Michelle at the Arena Theater in Houston. On January 10th 2020, Coline released her latest single titled “You Tried It”, which peaked at #19 on the Urban AC Billboard Charts and remained on the charts for several weeks. Early 2020 Coline signed with BH Talent agency expanding opportunities with acting, fashion and beauty partnerships. In 2021 Coline released several singles and the. an album entitled “Unplugged” with live stripped-down versions of her most popular songs.
Fast-ascending alt-rock trio False Heads continue their stellar trajectory with anticipated second album “Sick Moon”, out today (30 September, via Scruff of the Neck Records).
Today, the band have also unveiled their incisive, punk-tinged focus track “Cottonmouth”.
WATCH OFFICAL VIDEO HERE
Leading the charge of the new Frank Turner-produced LP, “Cottonmouth” is as catchy as it is caustic: blending barbed punk energy with infectious melodies and energetic earworm choruses. Barrelling towards an explosive guitar breakdown, the track blends fuzzy riffs with muffled, metallic drum beats and pop-punk-esque vocals to create a virulent rock tirade that captures False Heads at their highly-charged best.
Speaking of the new track, frontman Luke Griffiths says:
“”Cottonmouth” is about the constant conflict of giving into your nihilism and fighting it: both serve a purpose. Cottonmouth is what happens after you take too many drugs — same as nihilism and being a curmudgeon. I think it can help you see things as they really are sometimes, but other times you can’t give into it as you would be mentally and socially crippled 24/7.”
Belgian-based pop provocateur fantom taps into his dark side on “666” – the first single from the upcoming debut project Fantom of the Popera.
Opening with an eerily haunting string melody, “666” is a stormy trap-pop number laced with hooks exploring the urge to indulge in our darker sides and embrace our flaws. Produced by up and coming DJ and producer Anders, “666” is an enticing insight into Fantom of the Popera and follows on from a gripping slew of introductory singles from fantom this year like “Vicious Circle” and “Illuminati”.
Fantom made the following statement about “666”: “666 was immediately one of my faves when we worked on it in the studio. I wanted to write a song from the perspective of an angel, who’s done behaving good and wants to join the devil in hell. The whole production feels very cinematic with the violins, while the drums add a dark dynamic to the mix. It’s about being unapologetic, standing up for yourself and embracing your flaws.”
Grime Originals is a brand synonymous with the British homegrown sound of grime. A music genre that undoubtedly changed the musical landscape of the noughties and has since grown and evolved in measure to captivate worldwide audiences and have its influence on music as we know and love it today. Central to the ever-changing sounds and evolution of grime, you’ll find the likes of Sharky Major and once again, at the helm of Grime Originals, he is back to unveil a future sounding stage reactive to the dynamic environment around us.
STREAM/PURCHASE: GRIME ORIGINALS – BADDEST FT SHARKY MAJOR, BIG NARSTIE, LV GENERAL & RIPPZ
Featuring a stellar line-up that includes Sharky Major himself, Big Narstie, LV General and Rippz, the brand-new single ‘Baddest’ leads the charge for the announcement of the labels debut album. Giving an insight in to what is in store from the exciting opus, Sharky explains “Baddest is the first instalment from the forthcoming Grime Originals Album (vol.1) and I felt it was important to show the levels and vibes that you will find on the album from as early as possible. Grime offers many variations, captures many frustrations, emotions and makes many statements, plus it has been consistent in offering big tunes and it’s safe to say that ‘Baddest’ is yet another one. Calling upon the don Big Narstie, YouTube and social media comedian LV General & my good friend Rippz, each artist (including myself), brought something different to the riddim to keep you dancing from start to finish. This is one for pure enjoyment, no screw faces for this one!”
American singer-songwriter and actress Alison Sudol releases her autobiographical and intimate new album, ‘Still Come The Night’, via Kartel Music Group – Stream / Buy ‘Still Come The Night’ Here. Alison will celebrate the release of the album with a unique live in-store performance and signing at Rough Trade East on October 4th. Any ticket bundle purchase enters fans in for a chance to win one signed test pressing of Alison Sudol’s ‘Still Come The Night’. Tickets available on Dice. Tickets for this event also include a physical copy of the fantastic new album in your format of choice to be collected from Rough Trade East on the day of the show.
The album is an impassioned effort that signals the welcome return of a unique artist, a powerful voice armed with candid lyrics and authentic musicianship. Written and co-produced by Alison with London based multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer Chris Hyson – half of adventurous collective Snowpoet – ‘Still Come The Night’ owns its intimate sound to the studio’s backdrop, situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, nestled between sheep fields in the Welsh countryside.
With only four songs and an internal mandate to create, Alison asked Chris if he would be interested in making an album together. They booked a week in Giant Wafer studios in early August, three days of which were set aside to finish a previous record that she had been working on. “So four days to make a record, having never really worked together before. Seemed reasonable enough…” Alison laughs.
Chris recruited Welsh twin brothers LLoyd and Alex Haines on drums and guitar and engineer Alex Killpatrick to join them at Wafer. There they worked together from morning till midnight, writing song after song, creating a hushed intimacy and sense of space among, even, the many layers of songs with their subtle harmonies and intricate instrumentation made possible with the help of Welsh musician twin brothers Alex and Lloyd Haines playing guitar and drums and engineer Alex Killpatrick, “a total audio-nerd,” says Alison. “There were mics and amps everywhere, including the kitchen so you had to pay attention if you were on cooking duty”.
The core of the album, those four songs were written by Alison while isolating at her friend’s farm with her partner, she just found out she was pregnant when the world suddenly stopped, filming on ‘Fantastic Beasts’ – the movie franchise in which Alison stars as Queenie Goldstein – had been indefinitely suspended, the tour with Goldfrapp postponed, and for some reason she couldn’t taste or smell anything. The mood in London was strange, tense. No one knew how long this thing would last, and the risk for pregnant women. There, without any wifi, set with the changing seasons and the quiet solitude of their borrowed cottage as the backdrop, the first songs of her intimate and introspective yet powerful, poetic record, came quickly and quietly. London went into lockdown. Days later, they lost the baby.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
