South-East London lyricist J-Racks unleashes his latest intoxicating drill cut “Hakkasan”.
Continuing to display shining authenticity through potent bars and explosive soundscapes, rising London emcee J-Racks returns with his lethal drill offering “Hakkasan”. Boasting heavy set 808s and trademark drill percussion, the explosive instrumental lays perfect bedding for J-Rack’s sturdy lyricism and unrelenting energy as he adds another polished record to his arsenal. Aiming to transcend his menacing soundwaves overseas, the frenetic visualiser sees the rising emcee in New York City, manoeuvring through Time Square and the gritty surrounding boroughs – depicting the crystal-clear imagination of street life that as firmly cemented his name as a bonafide talent across the underground scene.
With only 11 tracks across his discography, J-Rack feels like no newcomer. A rare lyrical finesse of a veteran has gained the artist serious acclaim from the likes of GRM
DAILY, DUMMY MAGAZINE, MIXTAPE MADNESS, EQUATE MAGAZINE, VIPER MAGAZINE and 9BILLS to name a few. Key air time from UK selector Snoochie Shy across BBC 1XTRA added national exposure for J-Racks, whose vigorous aura and unapologetic flair amassed well over 3M streams and caught significant co-signs from UK heavyweights M1llionz and Ivorian Doll.
BC pop/rock musician Darrian Gerard bursts onto the scene with her new single and video ‘Explosion’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
‘Explosion’ is the lead single from Darrian’s highly anticipated new project set for release in early 2023. The anthemic pop-punk track is an upbeat, angst-ridden F-you song for when you’ve reached the end of your rope.
“This song is about not caring if people think you’re moody or ‘cold hearted’ for wanting to be yourself and do things that you want to do,” says Darrian. “It’s about that point in your day where if someone says one more negative thing or does that thing that bothers you, you’re going to start an explosion. I really wanted to write an upbeat pop-punk song one day, but it wasn’t quite working out. I eventually went to my electric guitar and amp and found this cool tremolo sound and the words just came automatically. I usually write songs with either an idea or a lyric in mind first, but this one came from a pre-set on my guitar amp.”
New Zealand based newcomer FERBY follows up buzz gained from her first releases ‘Bad Vibes Stuck In My Teeth’ , ‘ Every Night’ and ‘ Boo Hoo’ with vibrant new offering, ‘PussyLoveMoney.’ Having gained support from The Line Of Best Fit, Ones To Watch, Wonderland, Wordplay, House Of Solo and already opened for the inimitable JPEGMAFIA, FERBY has quickly been highlighted as an artist to keep a keen eye on. ‘PussyLoveMoney’ is a confident hiphop cut showcasing FERBY’s sharp lyricism and infectious flow over rolling beats. Speaking on the track, she states:
This song is about how I’m way better at being a fuck boy than other fuck boys”
Cristóvam is a singer/songwriter from Portugal. Born amongst the deep blue of the Atlantic and the lush green of the beautiful Azores islands, Cristóvam’s music shines with a warmth that you won’t find anywhere else. Growing up, Cristóvam was surrounded by music everywhere he’d turn – his grandfather was a true radio pioneer who started the second oldest radio of the Atlantic and left behind a massive record collection, which Cristóvam would regularly lose himself in.
His love for organic singer/songwriters such as Ethan Johns, Bob Dylan, Ray Lamontagne and indie folk artists including Angus & Julia Stone and Bon Iver is what inspires his music today. Blending these two worlds together, Cristóvam hopes to create something that is both authentic and raw, but with a modern twist.
Brimming with euphony, he is soaring back into the scene with his new album Songs on a Wire, a twelve-track offering showcasing the very best of Cristóvam’s creativity. In a realm of reflection, his new record highlights key moments from the last two years of his life. He confides, “These were times where I dealt with a lot of different things, from the loneliness of the pandemic which was a bit intensified by the fact that I live in a small and remote island, to other happy things like getting married, getting signed or having my music going viral and reaching so many people and, on to of all that, this sort of big feeling that I was actually starting my life.”
Roseburg forms the alt-rock fused musical project of Zach Knell, Samuel Sheppard (YesterKid), Keith Lambson (Dryggs) and Soren Buchert. In reference to the place itself, the quartet formed in Roseburg, Oregon, and now reside in Utah, as they continue to bring their anthemic energy to listeners around the globe.
In December of 2016, Knell and Sheppard were both serving as missionaries in the small town of Roseburg. The night they met they wrote the beginnings of what became the band’s second single “Identity Prices”. The two continued communicating via handwritten letters (mission rules) for the remainder of their service, forming plans to start a band when they returned home. Since then, they’ve formed their fundamental sound and likened musical persona into an adrenalised, alternative rock sensation.
Breaking a two and a half year silence with “Alice”, their new single has truly stood the test of time. Written by Knell when he was 16- years old, they confide, “We felt the innocence of it was a perfect way to come back to this band after our 2-year-hiatus. All of our new music is meant to feel familiar.” Bustling with their reverberating vibrancy, Roseburg’s new single highlights the very best of their repertoire to date. Centering themes of purpose, life, love and higher powers, they inject their darker, more thoughtful undertones to create the perfect blend of euphoria. Bassist Buchert confides, “Alice is Roseburg’s return to innocence and simplicity.”
Soaring back into the scene, their charismatic choruses collide with gripping riffs and echoic vocal energy, to form a truly remarkable kaleidoscope of sound. They continue, “It’s become emblematic of us revisiting our foundation. We’ve gotten to go back to when things were easy and hopeful and full of magic, and we’re ready to bring all that back to our fans.”
southern Utah desert musician Hal Cannon shares his first solo album release in over a decade. Nothin’ Lastin’ arrives via Okehdokee Records on limited 12″ vinyl and on all streaming platforms. The album release is accompanied by a richly detailed visual directed by frequent collaborator Daniel Whitaker and featuring the track’s guest vocalist Kate MacLeod.
Nothin’ Lastin’ was announced in June with the single “Thirty-Six Miles”. This reintroduction to Cannon’s work arrived like a wide angle shot that opens a grand western epic film, scanning a vast sky and red desert cliffs. Yet, inevitably the camera zooms in to the intimacy of life in this mythic place, the American southwest.
Cannon’s life work has been all about documenting and exploring the cultural and natural landscape of this place. But this new album, Nothin’ Lastin’, is also personal and intimate. The songs, a cry of impermanence and the quest to find solid ground.
Ghost Light is thrilled to share their sophomore studio album The Healing via Royal Potato Family. The new album sees the group at the top of their musical game. The record was co-produced by Hamilton and the band recorded everything live and without multiple takes. “Recording this album was not an easy, straight forward process,” says Mullen. “It was a lesson in patience to figure out the right feel of a song, which can always change take to take. Which parts needed to breathe more and which needed to push with urgency. Making an album this way helped us understand the true inner workings of each song and how we can carry that to a live performance. If someone was pushing or pulling the song then the whole band needed to really be listening to react to that. I think it made us all better musicians in the long run to record the songs like this. Accepting that an entire take may not be perfect but the essence of the song with everyone felt just right was important.
“I really wanted this album to feel like a warm and welcoming personal invitation,” says the Canadian singer-songwriter, Mary Clements, about her first studio album entitled, Come with Me.
With songs rooted in piano and voice, she uses both English and French lyrics to sincerely extend this invitation to listeners. “Connection is the most special feeling and powerful tool that I hope to create more instances of through my music,” says Clements.
In the line from the title track, “Mes secrets et mes rêves, partager avec vous c’est mon privilège,” she expresses the privilege of sharing her music with an audience which she explains that she does not take lightly. “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 to each other so they have given me a great gift. Together, I hope we can create and multiply more of these moments in the world,” Clements discusses sincerely.
As a singer-songwriter growing up in Toronto, Loren Aronov had big dreams of becoming a pop star. She wrote and performed songs that portrayed a certain persona, more to please others than herself. Having just turned 14, she has decided to stop trying to live up to outside expectations and to instead be real with herself. While it would be awesome to make chart-topping hits and sell-out arenas, she recognizes that she has a lot of experimenting to do – both with music and in life. She doesn’t know what type of artist she wants to be yet, and that’s okay. What she can promise listeners is genuine honesty from the heart and mind of a young girl living out her teenage years. Welcome to Loren’s journey.
Goodnight Sunrise is a rock band from Toronto, Canada. Founded in 2011 by Vanessa Vakharia (keytar, vocals) and David Kochberg (guitar, vocals) through a shared love of pop hooks and the raw power of classic rock, they’ve taken their explosive live show to over 300 audiences across Canada, US, and Europe, opening up for Bon Jovi, Big Wreck and The Sheepdogs along the way. Their explosive 3rd full-length album Against All Odds comes out Oct. 7th 2022.
Releasing her first single since 2021, DEWEY is here to reveal her glistening fresh cut; ‘Another Woman’, out today along with a captivating accompanying video.
Self-produced and independently written in her home in Norfolk, ‘Another Woman’ marks a new chapter for hotly tipped solo artist DEWEY.
With the last few years bringing immeasurable challenges, DEWEY has taken stock, evolved her craft and grown to new levels. Sharing a little more, she explains :’ Another Woman is a song about accepting that although sometimes my physical body is limiting, my soul is not.
We are all part of everything, connected in the invisible with a purpose and a reason to live. The electricity in the pylons and the telephone lines; a mouthpiece and tether to earth, our nature to communicate. But beyond words I feel more capable of connecting with the atmospheric and wordless aspects of life through love, nature and art, and I believe that there is more to life than what we see and say in this realm. “
Famed Atlanta rap duo Quavo & Takeoff have unleashed their hotly-anticipated collaborative LP Only Built for Infinity Links, out now via Quality Control Music Group/Motown Records. The high-powered duo unite with electric-chemistry as well as an impressive slate of feature artists including Mustard, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Young Thug, Gunna, Summer Walker, Birdman, and Gucci Mane with iconic production from DJ Durel, Murda Beatz, Buddha Beats, Money Musik, and more. Only Built for Infinity Links is a deep-dive into Quavo & Takeoff’s universe through their melodic and expansive adlibs, infectious hooks, and their agile wordplay. To accompany the release, Quavo & Takeoff shared a new music video for “Nothing Changed.”
“We wanted to pay tribute to some of the best rap duos of all time with this album and remind the culture that we’re really one of them. Raekwon and Ghostface, Outkast, The Throne, and now Quavo and Takeoff.” – Quavo
“This is a no skips type of album. We wanted it to play through like a live show, we come in strong and then bring you on a journey. Definitely knew we had to bring out icons only for the features.” – Takeoff
red-hot Lake City, Florida rapper Raw Youngin unleashes a brand new single and music video entitled “FLA Boy”. Listen to “FLA Boy” HERE and watch the music video HERE.
On the track, trap 808s reverberate beneath a hard-hitting lyrical flurry from Raw Youngin as he proudly reps his home state in the hook. It instantly pops off as an infectious and irresistible anthem. The accompanying visual finds him turning up around his neighborhood accompanied by none other than a baby alligator—of course. Would you expect anything less from one of the Sunshine State’s most fierce, focused, and fiery buzzing stars?
He bares his teeth on “Florida Boy.”
Electronic duo AMPERSOUNDS are thrilled to release their cover song of Kate Bush’s single “Don’t’ Give Up” that is out now.
AMPERSOUNDS says, “We are making a lot of future-retro 80s inspired music for our next album and 1986 has always been a huge inspiration for us. The music that came out that year is just incredible. We’ve been playing our mix of “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush in our live DJ sets for the last decade, way before Ampersounds was even created. Now with that track gaining an even wider audience after its inclusion on the Stranger Things soundtrack we thought it was perfect timing to release our version of “Don’t Give Up”, transforming the track into an Italo-Disco dance floor filler.”
Indie rock/alternative band The Jins is thrilled to release their music video for the single “Stay Please” that is featured on Under the Radar.
Depicting a love-lost in the early 2000’s and the all encompassing nostalgia of that time period, the video to the single draws from a deceptive simplicity that every 90’s kid yearns for. Speaking on the video The Jins’ Ben Larsen says, “It follows a man’s futile attempts to get the attention of a girl. It is a time capsule of the intoxicating sun-saturated vibes of the early 2000s. Referencing bands like Blink-182 and Sum 41, it captures the essence of the pop-punk era of MTV- with no shortage of Dickies shorts, gelled hair, and puka shell necklaces.”
Indie singer-songwriter Stephanie Hatzinikolis is thrilled to release her new single “Savor Me” which is out now.
Stephanie says, Dark, intimate, and intriguing, Los Angeles indie pop-rock artist and songwriter, Stephanie Hatzinikolis, has a lush and dreamy way of saying ‘revel in the good because it won’t be forever’. Melancholic yet hopeful at times, Stephanie sings about a failing relationship, a failing world, and her bittersweet struggle for strength and perseverance. Fans of Elliott Smith, Sufjan Stevens, and The Beatles are certainly going to connect with this latest offering from Hatzinikolis.
From the Budapest (Hungary) based fine harsh electro artist István Gazdag (First Aid 4 Souls) comes a brand new oldschool EBM project, Stahlgeist which he formed together with his friend Tamás Bank on vocals. Hungarian industrial fans will certainly know Tamás Bank from his other industrial music projects Worker Munkas and Interzone Inc..
The project recently signed to Alfa Matrix and presents us now a first release on the label, namely the album “Altered Reality” which is a totally revamped alternate version of the band’s “Escape Reality” debut album from 2019.
Stahlgeist is firmly rooted in the oldschool EBM genre adding a touch of aggrotech complexity. Expect fast solid bass lines, upbeat aggressive sequences and powerful angry vocals. Oldschool EBM at its finest you can say.
You can download the 13-track album immediately now on Bandcamp
Rising R&B phenomenon Alex Vaughn releases her debut project The Hurtbook and with it, the official visuals for “So Be It” (Watch Here)
The Hurtbook, a breath of fresh air for R&B, captures the true essence of raw talent and emotion that effortlessly oozes through Vaughn’s classically trained musicianship with the raw expression she’s developed as she digs deeper into her craft. The Hurtbook is about growth and the growing pains in relationships: romantic, platonic and with oneself.
Talking on the body of work, Alex states: “The project started off as a compilation of thoughts from an old relationship but grew into a quilted map of patterns and events that applied to more than just romance. It’s about being honest with yourself and how you feel about those changes that are happening. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that though these series of events may have hurt you, you are not broken”.
North Carolina Recording Artist Antion Scales shares new single “Lil Ol Me” alongside it’s music video. The song’s cover art features an old picture depicting a dapper aspect transferring from childhood to his current state. The video features a multitude of high-energy, attention-grabbing scenes and cleverly selected metaphors. Listen to the track HERE and watch the video HERE.
” ‘Lil ol me’ derives from an introspective point of view. I’ve seen or been around situations that led me to have tough skin. “The streets” represent a place of struggle or not having. Rather if it was the lack of fatherly guidance or lack of finances in my upbringing or simply not being where I wanted to be in life instantly. Not having turned a good kid into a bit more battle-hardened individual. With the fresh perspective, I found clarity in not having or working to achieve.”
Kalpee Is a rising artist from Trinidad & Tobago and part of a new generation of Caribbean musicians pushing a fresh tropical sound aptly named “New Calypso”. Having just spent 3 weeks in the UK MusicWeek Black Chart Top 20 after peaking at #4, Kalpee continues to build on the explosive success of this year’s music releases which saw coverage from all sides of the globe. Radio support came from the likes of Capital Xtra, BBC 1xtra, Amazing Radio, BBC London and Slam, while in press Kalpee gained accolades from Notion, Wonderland, Clash and Wordplay Magazine, praising his spellbinding soulful melodies and modern fusion of Calypso, dancehall, and reggae rhythms.
Kalpee has previously worked with platinum recording superstar Stefflon Don on his sun-soaked single “Gimme De Ting”,‘ & Jamaican “Lightening” singer Mortimer on their “Lessons”release. He has also worked with an elite line up of Grammy Award winning producers & writers including: Carla Marie Williams (Beyonce, Sean Paul), Yei Gonzales (Diplo, Dj Khaled) & The Anmls (The Weeknd, Future, BANKS, Belly, French Montana).
Having gained support from areas such as Wonderland, House Of Solo and Atwood Magazine on the back of gorgeous debut Under Your Spell, London based newcomer Jack Kane gives the first glimpse into his next project with stunning new offering, Underdog. Showcasing Kane’s rich velvet vocals atop a sprawling arrangement, the track highlights Jack Kane as one of the UK’s more exciting pop prospects. Having recently opened for Paloma Faith, Kane looks set for a busy few months. Speaking on the release, he states:
“Sometimes you just have an absolute stinker of a day where it feels like the world is actively using your misery as a punch line. I have a friend who had just had one of these days, and I took that concept into a session with the production genius that is Mack Jamison, and out came ‘Underdog’. We decided on chords and a riff quickly, and within about two hours Mack had crafted the track and I had written the lyrics. Ironically it was one of those days where everything just goes right.
Underdog is about keeping your chin up in tough times and holding onto that fighting spirit we’re all born with.”
After a successful year of releases, Hertfordshire born and bred mustbejohn drops his hotly anticipated 6 track EP, ‘Romance in Great Britain’.
Heavily inspired by his surroundings mustbejohn is rapidly building upon the relatable, catchy and fresh sound that he has become known for. Merging genres throughout the six tracks, John’s musical influences act as a bed for his frank and raw song-writing as he tells stories of life in the city, parties, people he knows and of course romance.
Acting as the soundtrack to London’s make-ups and break-ups title track ‘Romance in Great Britain’ opens the EP with mustbejohn singing: “Romeo and Juliet in TN’s, hook up every now and then, but decided to be friends” as he paints a vivid picture of British street-life. Sporting influences from the liquid drum and bass and the underground scene, the second track on the EP “Days Feel Like Seconds” is the feel-good party vibe to drive you through any dull day. With a relentless backbeat pushing on the up-tempo track, mustbejohn’s signature blunt vocal delivery further serves his distinctly UK sound, all whilst developing a unique style by mixing in elements of wavy electronica. Continuing to seamlessly blend sliding electronic melodies with underground vibes, “New Gen” is yet another example of mustbejohn’s talent for combining genres to produce his own unique soundscape. Lead track ‘High Risk’ has all the elements for a staple mustbejohn song, bouncing beats, vibey synths and party based hook lines.
Painting the picture of a messy London night out, uplifting dance track ‘Handy Mandy’ is one that John describes as “an honest bopper for the raving crew.” Leading to a
signature hook-y chorus John sings “Has she got gorgeous eyes or is she just on mandy” in another tongue in cheek and unforgettable track. Concluding the EP ‘Is it Just Me’ leans into the rising talent’s Britpop influences as indie guitars bring in the intro leading up to another relatable and catchy chorus, mustbejohn connects with a generation as he sings “Is it just me who thinks they’ve been off lately? Is it just me who thinks there going crazy? Is it just me who thinks they’ve lost the plot? Is it just me, come on surely not?”
Atlanta’s own Grammy-nominated rapper, mogul, and philanthropist Lil Baby releases his newest single “Heyy” with a new video, out now via Quality Control Music Group/Wolfpack Global Music/Motown Records. Lil Baby picks up where he left off with the new release, as he builds steam towards his long-awaited forthcoming album It’s Only Me, due this Friday, October 14th. In the new, Ivan Berrios directed video, Lil Baby unapologetically enjoys his hard-earned splendor, flaunting diamonds amidst his self-created luxury. While surrounded by his lavish empire, Lil Baby’s hardbody “Heyy” reveals “It’s a better life I have. I come from the bottom of the bottom. They didn’t know we important. Tell them I’m their hero.” Watch the video HERE.
Multi-hyphenate creative Steelo Brim says farewell to summer from a bird’s-eye view in his latest music video for “Summer Goodbye” featuring Larry June.
Directed by Steelo and GOODBOYSHADY, the video brings the Chicago-bred MC’s refined taste into the limelight as he transitions from the kitchen to poolside while reflecting on his come up. From “not having a pot to piss in” to plush whips and fine dining, Steelo has every reason to celebrate his hard-earned success out loud.
Whether it’s Larry June’s effortless cool or Steelo’s laidback flow, their synergy on wax is undeniable, amounting to a track that looks, sounds, and feels like a good time
Gal Musette is the artist name used by Grace Freeman, who began writing piano and guitar based lyrical compositions and performing at open mics in her home city of San Clemente, CA at the age of 10. Her graceful approach to melody-driven indie-folk has captured audiences all over Southern California.
At age 14, inspired by The Magnetic Fields’ triple album 69 Love Songs, Gal recorded her own collection titled 70 Love Songs, which caught the attention of the band, and won her an opening slot on a few of their Midwestern U.S. tour dates. In more recent years, Gal has opened for several renowned artists such as Macy Gray, Suzanne Vega, Todd Snyder, and Donavon Frankenreiter. While her artist name is taken from bal-musette, the accordion-based, waltz-style French instrumental music, Gal’s primary inspiration is drawn from songwriters including Joni Mitchell, Regina Spektor, Björk, Cocteau Twins, Burt Bacharach, Big Thief and The Cure.
In October 2021, Gal released her debut album, Backwards Lullaby, featuring a vocal duet with one of her biggest musical inspirations, Rufus Wainwright. The record explores the pangs of hopeless romances and unrequited love, what it’s like to move beyond idealized love into the acceptance of what is real and constant, as well as the cyclical nature of life and love in relationships. In July 2022, Gal released an orchestral EP consisting of three re-imagined cuts from Backwards Lullaby featuring the musicianship of Via Mardot, a talented multi-instrumentalist based in Detroit, Michigan.
Gal’s latest single “Je vois le ciel” is a tune sung entirely in French with lyrics heavily inspired by surrealist French poetry. The track features classical inspired piano, haunting theremin (performed once more by Via Mardot), and plenty of harmonies which masterfully intertwine with contrasting bass and drums, driving the song with a consistent groove while grounding the whimsical treble tones.
With “My Love Is Right,” the first track from her new album Ne pas trop stay bleue (to be released February 10th), Laure Briard reconnected with her audience in a declaration of intention and love. Now the singer sheds light on the title track of her album, a song of personal motivation, a call to optimism and accomplishment, soaking in soul and sun. Set to music (spirited, playful) by Julien Gasc, and put to image (surreal, clairvoyant) by Ruby Cicero, “Ne pas trop rester bleue” is – like the album that takes its name –timeless and warm, and sets its sights toward the future and making dreams come true.
There are songs that, for their writers, are self-addressed personal messages. Like Ariadne’s thread, these songs are pulled along a discography to help these artists orient themselves, find their paths, or trace new ones. “Ne pas trop rester bleue” is one of these songs of orientation, where Laure Briard opposes the half-empty glass with the momentum of moving forward, imploring herself to replace the blue of the blues and the black of melancholia with the bright and warm colors of the sun, and the dazzling light of desirable futures. “I’m quite pessimistic in life,” explains Laure, “and this song is a way of reminding myself that you have to know how to put things into perspective. Rather than staying too down or brooding, I want to take advantage of all of life’s stages that pass us by so quickly.”
“All of life’s stages that pass us by so quickly,” is what the Sicilian director Ruby Cicero dramatized for the track’s music video. Childhood, the journeys of adolescence, a wedding, childbirth, work, success, old age and, finally, death (or rebirth) appear together in the 3mn 25s clip which depict a surreal meeting between a fortune-teller and the singer, each surrounded by the whimsical embodiments of different phases of life. After having been inspired by Quentin Tarantino and David Lynch for the clip of the song “Não me diz nada” (released in 2021 on Laure’s EP Eu Voo), Ruby Cicero pays tribute here to the Franco-Chilean director Alejandro Jodorowsky, with nods to the dreamlike, symbolist, and stylized aesthetics of his films (The Holy Mountain, El Topo) and to his activity as a cartomancer (Tarot de Marseille). A hint of Juliet of the Spirits by Federico Fellini also inspires this joyful and colorful production, where the blue of the costumes contrasts with the bright yellow of the sets. Enough to make the pupil quiver.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
