Los Angeles rock artist, TJ Stafford, returns with an eye-opening perspective on the musician’s plight with new single “THE WORLD’S GONNA LOVE ME,” due out November 10, 2022. A performer and songwriter, Stafford’s career spans everything from collaborative band work to solo songwriting and film placements. His gritty emotion-focused sound is a favorite of music supervisors, who’ve placed his tracks on dramas like AMC’s Walking Dead, HBO’s True Blood, Parenthood, and Riverdale, to name a few. As a solo performer and songwriter, he’s sold out shows in iconic venues including The Troubadour, The Roxy, and The El Rey Theater. His new release is the first single off his upcoming project “Nipple Whisk.””THE WORLD’S GONNA LOVE ME,” starts off with a slow solo electric guitar that beats beneath Stafford’s baritone vocals. It’s a reflective moment that heightens a sense of uncertainty as slowly but surely the instrumentation surges. The second chorus creeps up on you, teetering on the edge of something bigger with its layered harmonies and burgeoning rhythms. Suddenly listeners are hit with an explosive electric guitar riff as Stafford howls over a reverberating atmosphere, “And we’re desperate for your attention/And we don’t care what you think/And what you think is the only thing that matters.” It’s a track that explores the dichotomy of wanting to be loved and hating it, giving listeners insight into the ever-constant creative battle of a true artist. Check out TJ Stafford’s “THE WORLD’S GONNA LOVE ME,”
London based, Leeds born artist Eden Rain is set to return after a few months writing with the reveal of her stunning new single , Oh God. Hooking up with rising producer Josef Page, Oh God combines Eden’s existential dread, gorgeous vocals and razor sharp lyricism to create a stellar offering from an artist who has quickly gained the attention of the likes of DAZED, BBC Radio 1, Best Fit, DIY, Wonderland, Notion and more. A true creative as comfortable drawing and creating videos as she is writing painfully honest and catchy music, Eden has released a handful of singles which created much underground buzz, and now looks set to move towards the release of debut EP, Gutter Vision. Check out ‘Oh God’ below.
After ushering in a new chapter to his cyber whale project with the single “Royalty (feat. Diandra Faye),” bass prodigy Whales returned to Monstercat today with his melodic dubstep single, “Addicted.” The new record puts his diverse stylings on display, mixing airy vocal chops with gritty bass punches for a shimmering festival anthem. Aligned with his project revamp, “Addicted” furthers Whales’ vision to balance his signature heavy sounds with weightless melodic styles that he’ll continue to unveil on the label.
Whales shares, “‘Addicted’ has been in the works for over a year, and I’m so excited to share it with everyone. Being able to play it again at Lost Lands 2022 and seeing an even bigger reaction than the first was so special for me.”
multiplatinum and genre-fusing rapper Trippie Redd teams up with GRAMMY-nominated hip-hop artist Don Toliver on “Ain’t Safe.” Get it HERE via 10K Projects.
The smooth, hard-hitting track comes after Trippie was just included in “Top 100 Most Streamed Artists of 2022” according to HITS, landing right behind Megan Thee Stallion, and follows previous double-pack singles “Save Me, Please” and “1st Degree Murder,” which quickly zoomed to over 12 million streams and were hailed by the likes of Complex, XXL, HotNewHipHop, UPROXX, Hypebeast and more.
Last 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 another bold body of work, history-making GRAMMY® Award-nominated Louisiana-bred rapper and one of the most-listened to artists in the world YoungBoy Never Broke Again and his Never Broke Again collective present their anxiously awaited new compilation, Nightmare On 38th St, today via Never Broke Again, LLC/Motown Records. Stream it HERE.
Among numerous highlights, the mixtape—fittingly named after the Baton Rouge street YoungBoy and many of the collective members grew up on—boasts “With Me” featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again. On the track, airy guitar wraps around a laidback drumbeat as 808s simmer in the background. After comparing Balenciaga accessories, it commences with an exchange between the crew leader and a woman as he compliments, “You fresh though…I ain’t gonna lie.” As the momentum ramps up, YoungBoy’s instantly recognizable melodies snake towards a slick and sizzling refrain.
Just last week, Never Broke Again paved the way for Nightmare On 38th St with the single “Searching” [feat. Ten]. In addition to plugs from HipHopSince1987, The Hype Magazine, and more, Billboard also mentioned the track.
Nightmare On 38th St finds the Never Broke Again collective firing on all cylinders. Meechy Baby lights up “Out Da Raq” with swagger and style, while P Yungin and Lil Dump pull up together as a dynamic duo on both “In Here” and “Pain and Problems.” Elsewhere, Rojay MLP gets confessional on the emotionally charged “Testimony,” and Lil Dump and WHOGANGDEE echo confidence on “Self Made.”
Jonah Kagen releases his new single & music video, “graveyard shift,” via Arista Records. Alongside the release of “graveyard shift,” Jonah is also announcing his debut EP, out December 2nd.
On “graveyard shift,” Jonah pairs his signature indie-folk sound with fervent lyrics that tug on heartstrings: “there’s a sorrow in your soul that I recognize / I’ve been followed by the same ghost for all my life / darling I hate to see you cry like this / no matter how dark it gets / I’ll take the graveyard shift.” The single was co-written with Mags Duval (Nessa Barrett, Lyn Lapid, Eric Nam) and co-written/produced by Joe Janiak (Ellie Goulding, Tove Lo, Britney Spears).
Jonah adds,“‘graveyard shift’ came out of one of the wildest days of my life. The song didn’t come until I truly let go—I stopped trying to write a song and just let the world show me what it wanted to, and an incredibly special story appeared. I really think you can feel the sentiment of ‘letting go’ in the song, and I hope you love it as much as I do.”
“graveyard shift” follows “hill that I’ll die on,” “Barcelona,” “ Turbulence,” and “Drowning,” the latter of which was released during Jonah’s month-long tour of the U.S. as the support for Maisie Peters.
22-year-old Jonah Kagen grew up in Savannah, Georgia and took up guitar at the age of six, diving deep into the instrument’s technical aspects after his jazz musician grandfather showed him performance videos. He further found inspiration in the music of guitarist Andy McKee, whose finger-style technique lit a creative fire within. “He opened my eyes to what an acoustic guitar could be,” he recalls, as he dove deeper into creating music on his own. “If you can bring somebody something with your music that they can’t get anywhere else, there’s nothing better than that.”
Quality Control’s crunkstar Duke Deuce has returned with his newest offering, Memphis Massacre III via Quality Control Music/Motown Records/Made Men Movement. Stream it HERE.
A follow up to his 2018 Memphis Massacre and 2020 Memphis Massacre 2, the 13-track mixtape boasts a Memphis-only roster of features including Big Moochie Grape, ATM Rich Baby, Lil Thad, Dubba C, Glockianna, and fellow QC labelmate Gloss Up. Other notable collaborators include production work from DJ Paul of Three Six Mafia on “What You Rep” and vocals from Opera Memphis on the opening track “Deucifer.” The cover artwork features Duke flaunting a custom made Deucifer Doll just in time for Halloween. This third Memphis Massacre installment showcases him at his rawest, with head-banging trap beats carried by his signature cadence and ad-libs. To accompany the release, Duke shared a new video for the standout track “Mr Memphis Massacre.” Watch the visual HERE.
Following on from the release of this years 100% independent, Top 20 charting, Kerrang! Magazine Award winning ‘Best Album’ ‘Bob Vylan Presents: The Price Of Life’, London two-piece BOB VYLAN are back with a fully, brand new song ‘
The Delicate Nature’ ft Laurie Vincent of Slaves.
The single is a collaboration between BOB VYLAN and Laurie Vincent of Slaves, who produced it. With some additional production and mixed by Jolyon Thomas (Royal Blood, Kendrick Lamar) and Mastered by Kevin Tuffy (Alfie Templeman, Koffee, Sugababes).
Speaking about the single, vocalist Bobby Vylan said ‘”The Delicate Nature came about when me and Laurie were bouncing ideas back and forth and he sent over a rough draft of the beat and something just clicked. This idea of life being a fleeting moment that can end or change at any moment is something that I have attempted to dissect so often in my life. Watching people make split second decisions that impact their lives forever is something I’ve always found incredibly fascinating. When I look back at my life I realise how some of the decisions I made could have landed me in places that would have taken away my freedom, my autonomy or my health but I’m also able to see how some of those same decisions equipped me with skills that allowed me to better myself, my life and help me grow as an individual.”
“As far as the musicality of the song goes, creating with Laurie took me out of my comfort zone. His ability to transition between melodic phrases and growling riffs made me reassess how I write and structure my music. Just like the subject matter of the song, the music changes, sometimes suddenly and that’s what I enjoy most about this song, the uncertainty of what turn it might take next.”
Fresh from her sold-out Makhuvha Stadium concert, South Africa’s reigning dance diva Makhadzi links up with Mr Brown for “Ndiringe” – the second single released by Warner Music’s newly launched OUT OF ORDER label from their upcoming compilation OOO: AFRO.
A divine offering of energetic drums, soothing synths and Makhadzi’s signature folk-like storytelling, the peppy “Ndiringe” (sung in Tshivenda) is a welcomed addition to the multi-platinum star’s revered musical catalogue – as well as a stunning example of OUT OF ORDER’s capabilities.
“Ndiringe” emerges as another moment of Makhadzi’s dynamic magic with Mr Brown after their June 2022 hit “MaGear” and their equally popular hit “Murahu” from her African Queen album.
With Makhadzi widely regarded as the queen of Bolobedu dance music, her accolades know no bounds; hailed as GQ’s ‘Entertainer of the Year’ and ‘Favourite African Star’ at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, Makhadzi has become the most streamed female artist in South Africa and one of the region’s most cherished stars since hitting the big time. Her 2020 record Kokovha is one of Apple Music’s most streamed albums and earned the singer a Gold plaque, meanwhile 2021’s viral African Queen album claimed the 53rd spot on Spotify’s Top 200 album chart last year.
“Ndiringe” is the second slice of OUT OF ORDER’s upcoming compilation OOO: AFRO, following on from the initial teaser track “Inkululeko” – an Amapiano gem helmed by South African deep house duo Artwork Sounds, “Inkululeko” hears the duo effortlessly join forces with renowned talents Russell Zuma and CocoSA while earning key press support for the track from the likes of Culture Custodian.
Set to be unveiled on November 11th, OOO: AFRO is an innovative new compilation album curated by the OUT OF ORDER label in partnership with Warner Africa. OOO: AFRO is the first in a series of albums to be curated and released by OUT OF ORDER, with the OOO: AFRO record intending to spotlight a myriad of talent ranging from household names to up-and-comers across the African region.
Swedish queer artist and producer JÁNA releases new single ‘Ignorancy’. The alt-pop, R&B-laced track’s static synth and steady beat is paired with an infectious topline, with influences of early Frank Ocean and Tame Impala. JÁNA has produced and written the song together with Swedish producer FAMILY_TIME – who has also worked with the likes of Lily Allen, Oscar Scheller, Ady Suleiman and JONES – Stream ‘Ignorancy’ here.
JÁNA comments on the track “‘Ignorancy’ is about the ignorant act of having relationships with people I know were unavailable, either emotionally or in another way occupied by something or someone. While writing the track this became clearer to me for each time me and my co-producer Kalle (FAMILY_TIME) met in the studio I’d had new experiences that made me relate even more to the song and I think I finally landed in it being about my own ignorance.”
Provocative LGBTQ+ electro-pop duo COMANAVAGO (pronounced “come and have a go”) once again join forces with renowned producer Flourish for the duo’s latest offering, “Crush” – released via Ultra Music.
Consisting of Ben Dunkerley (they/them) and Gabriel Swarbrick (he/him), “Crush” unites the London duo’s racy aesthetic with an addictive, electronic mesh of pulsating beats and dramatic digital instruments. Exploring the thrills of infatuation, the sultry and alluring lyrics leave little to the imagination as they break down their desires across Flourish’s bass-heavy production.
Riding high from a recent, raucous sold-out show at Peckham Audio, “Crush” is COMANAVAGO’s latest collab with Flourish following on from “Like That”, released earlier this year to major airplay from the likes of Jack Saunders on his BBC Radio 1 Future Sounds show.
“Crush” emerges as the newest teaser of COMANAVAGO’s upcoming Heart Failure Deluxe album – relaunching their exquisite dance-pop debut later this year after signing to the famed Ultra Music (Calvin Harris, deadmau5, Sofi Tukker), 2022 has witnessed a series of exciting moves from the rising duo, including a viral cover of Sylvester’s ‘70s disco classic “You Make Me Feel” with Solardo and the retro riffs of “Leave Him” (watch).
SAD GIRL SUBURBIA comes tearing out of the speakers with a bratty boisterous vocal energy, grunge guitars, and in your face drums. You can expect an overload of honesty from LESS KILLJOY as she unveils her latest single.
“I wrote SAD GIRL SUBURBIA about feeling trapped in my surroundings. I grew up in a place where I was an outcast. That feeling follows me everywhere but recently I’m realizing that feeling that way is of my own volition. It’s my choice to let people into my head. Writing the Pink Grenade EP, which comes out December 2nd (F*CK YA), was a real life lesson and taught me that not only am I allowed to be the person I wanna be, but it was wrong for people to expect me to tolerate them and the boundaries they set for me. Music has always been a method of healing and self preservation.”
LESS KILLJOY explains the Sad Girl Suburbia lyrics “Wannabe rappers in daddy’s baggy clothes” as making fun of her own willingness and effort to fit in. “People made growing up harder than it needed to be. I realized that it was everyone else’s insecurities, fears and shortcomings that they were projecting on me. I’m done explaining myself to people who don’t want to understand me. The right people are in my life, and the toxic ones that did nothing but cause me pain are long gone. Good riddance.”
Through sharing her experience, LESS KILLJOY hopes to build a community of people who feel safe around one another, despite their race, gender, sexuality, age, or socioeconomic status, her raw honesty and passion for inclusivity makes her one to watch. Stay tuned for a steady roll out of music and carefully crafted visuals. PINK GRENADE EP DECEMBER 2ND 2022.
Back with her first solo single in two years, British gem Izzy Bizu delivers playful pop vibes in “DUMB” – released through Hi-Tea Records and The Orchard.
Writing “DUMB” as “a fun song about how to let someone go in a light-hearted way… not crying over a boy and letting him know he can’t have you back,” the track takes shape as an emotive but feel-good tune, brimming with hooks delivered by Izzy’s signature, unrivalled vocal stylings.
Co-written and produced by Josh Thompson, Tancrede and Liam O’Donnell, “DUMB” is further brought to life in light-hearted, vibrant visuals set across night-time silhouettes of London.
Initially catapulting to mainstream popularity with the commercial success of her hit “White Tiger” – which continues to connect with global audiences after going viral in recent times across social media – Izzy Bizu has maintained a strong presence with audiences, producing a consistent stream of well-received solo hits while collaborating over the years with the likes of ODESZA, HONNE, Jords, D Double E, Ferreck Dawn, Milky Chance and Tom Enzy.
riled-up rock duo THE PEARL HARTS are back with a bang with new single “More”, taken from their forthcoming second album ‘Love, Chaos’ due early next year.
A playful rock track laced with a satirical twist, “More” arrives as the first new music from The Pearl Harts since their 2019 EP ‘Suck It Up’. A rhythmic and rampant romp, it’s the sound of a band bursting back onto the scene with new energy, new frustrations and a renewed motivation to pave the way for women in rock music.
Blending strutting vocals with jagged guitars and pop-tinted grooves that bubble under the surface, The Pearl Harts’ comeback is as sanguine as it is sardonic, and is driven by an unquenchable appetite… As the band explain:
“”More” is a sassy, sexy, post-ironic stab at the consuming world that we live in. One can be encouraged to ‘have more’, ‘do more’, ‘expect more’, ‘be more’. The amount of ‘more’ is overwhelming — it’s like a never-ending hamster wheel. Where does it end? Where is the satisfaction?… Interestingly, the point we observe is that the people who have the most always feel like they are entitled to “More”. Whereas those who generally feel like they need “More” are told they are too much.”
The Sometimes Island are a synth-forward pop band based in Los Angeles and Albuquerque. The exciting and highly visual live band is composed of charismatic frontman Matt Blankenship Jr and anchored by drummer Nick Lopiano.
“Acapulco” has launched The Sometimes Island’s career in just a year, and now they’re soaring back into the scene with a remix from acclaimed DJ Tribbs! Emerging rapidly into the scene, he’s already collaborated with some of the finest in the game, becoming the No.1 streaming DJ in his homeland Poland, as well as the No.1 Polish airplay artist with his single ‘Ghost’. His hit single “Duże Oczy” also received 50 Million streams on Spotify alone. With Tribbs having signed a major record label deal with Sony, and his first release being a remix of Acapulco, there’s huge momentum building for the duo.
They explain, “We’re excited to debut our initial major label release along with him. We love the remix, and it’s been amazing to see our song go from small beginnings – recording it in a rental house in La Jolla – to releasing it to a global audience. Acapulco was our very first of now several songs to get into millions of plays on Spotify, and the remix is our introduction to the world and the start of something really special.”
“Acapulco” explores themes of escapism and excitement as Blankenship Jr shares, “I like to juxtapose a theme with a sound and have them work together that makes the tension not immediately apparent.” Paying tribute to New Mexico, the songwriter continues, “I wrote Acapulco in Albuquerque, which is an amazing place but a hard word to sing.”
With musical influences from the likes of Townes Van Zandt and Deadmau5, “Acapulco” explores the excitement of beginning a new chapter of life, yet the contrasting sentiment that comes with it. Blankenship Jr states, “I wrote the song Acapulco to capture that listless ennui I was trapped under in Los Angeles, framing it with a fantasy of an ignored lover reaching their breaking point, leaving and abruptly buying a plane ticket.” The accompanying cinematic music video for “Acapulco” beautifully mirrors the song’s story, as we witness the demise of a relationship, where one party decides to flee and head for a better, more wholesome life.Their forms of expression and musical ingenuity make The Sometimes Island ones to watch this year. With their previous EP Beverly & Barbara peaking at #2 internationally on Apple’s Alternative chart, rocketing past even the likes of Billie Eilish, the duo have also amounted over 800,000 monthly listeners, with streaming numbers in the millions. Charting in the Top 100 Pop iTunes Charts, The Sometimes Island are becoming true pioneers of pop as we know it. Their remix with Tribbs should definitely be on your radar.
Fast-rising Swedish talent Bavé returns with his smooth, mellow new single “Show Me Love” – taken from his hotly-anticipated EP All Stars Aligned out on the 18th November.
Redefining his translation of RnB with each release, Bavé effortlessly showcases his high falsetto range across atmospheric instrumentals, creating a unique indie melody that retains a sleek alternative side. With clear references from the likes of Prince, 070 Shake, Hendrix and Dijon, ‘Show Me Love’ surfaces as a potent and melodic track that transports listeners through 3 minutes of silky vocal heaven. Creative through art, connecting with close friends and expressing his melancholic musicality, Bavé is forming a reputation as a serious multi-hyphenate creative force on the rise.
Speaking on the track, Bavé states “Show Me Love is about unconditional love, facing adversity and saying goodbye with the knowledge that you still have each other.”
Experimental pop duo YOVA have returned with the compelling new track “Hurt Like No Hurt”, part of a digital bundle of tracks also set for release on 18 November.
LISTEN HERE
Eerie and atmospheric with pulsing electronics that pave the way for more urgent rock flourishes, the emotive new track is a runaway rollercoaster ride that embarks on a tumultuous journey through both genre and feeling.
Described by the duo as “departing from a place where Giorgio Morodor meets John Barry, to a destination where The Stooges meet The Supremes”, the track was arranged by Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey, Anna Calvi) and comes complete with a haunting Halloween-themed video ready for 31 October. Speaking about the video directors Philip Reinking & Tom Linton say:
“A werewolf serial killer is stalking the streets of London. Inspired by Classic Hammer horrors and Jack the Ripper, “Hurt Like No Hurt” was filmed at the Royal Naval College in Greenwich and comes with an added pinch of camp that will have you howling for more.”
A clamouring track where visceral and cathartic lyrics lead to a triumphant and transcendental climax, vocalist Jova Radevska explains of the track:
“”Hurt Like No Hurt” is a song about relationship ghosting, the merry-go-round of breaking up and making up, and the inevitable finality of it all. An ultimate realisation that there comes a point where no matter what, there’s just no going back; when the only choice is the inevitable grief and acceptance of loss in order to emerge as a stronger person. Sometimes no further words need to be spoken, the sound of silence is enough.”
London-via-Cornwall four-piece THE VELVET HANDS are pleased to share their blazing new single “Telephone Love”, and announce their new album ‘Sucker Punch’ for February 2023 (via Blood Records).
LISTEN TO “TELEPHONE LOVE”
ON YOUTUBE HERE || SPOTIFY HERE || APPLE MUSIC HERE
Hot on the tails of earlier releases “I Wanna Be There” and “Holiday In My Head”, “Telephone Love” is a riotous and raging track that blends booming choruses with the pent-up agitation that comes along with feeling lost and listless.
Blending Strokes-esque riffs with the incensed indie-rock sensibilities of VANT or The Pale White, The Velvet Hands explain:
“”Telephone Love” is about being stuck in a loop you can’t get out of. It’s the moment that you realise you may no longer be in control. It’s also the moment that you realise you don’t care if you’re not. Inspired musically by ‘80s new wave and ‘00s indie, we wanted to make the chorus sound like a party and the verse to sound like the morning after.”
Recorded at The Cube Studios in Perranporth and mixed at The Cave Studios in Par, the track comes as another notch in the band’s ever-growing list of stellar singles.
With production by Jamx Jules and John Logan and John Cornfield (The Stone Roses, Supergrass) on mastering duties, , “Telephone Love” sees The Velvet Hands perfect their knack for live-ready anthems that blister like a late-night blowout while delving into frustrations and forlornness we can all relate to.
The band are also pleased to confirm the release of their second studio album ‘Sucker Punch’, set to land in early February 2023. Mastered once more by the legendary John Cornfield, who has worked with the likes of The Stone Roses, Supergrass and Muse, the ten-track LP will be released digitally via Jam X Recordings. A limited edition twelve-track physical release will also be available through Blood Records. Standby for further details about the album in due course…
Wellingta is a rising R&B and dancehall singer/songwriter hailing from London. Originally from Berlin, Germany, her soulful cadences, tropical R&B leanings and multicultural perspective make her an exciting emerging artist, as she continues to thrive exponentially across her repertoire.
Brazilian in origin, her name Wellingta means “From the rich man’s farm”. Growing up in a musical family, she started to sing and dance at just five years old, honing down her unique talents and shaping the sound of her future. Growing up on the harmonies of Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Dancehall and AfroBeats, her musical influences span wide. With the grooves of Michael & Janet Jackson, Aaliyah and Beyoncé at her fingertips, Wellingta fuses the nostalgia of the 90’s with the sass of the early noughties, to create a sound that reverberates with euphony. She confides, “I’m very inspired by music from that era and wanted my new song to bring the 90‘s feel & vibe back.”
Working alongside producer PRGRSHN (Burna Boy, Stormzy, GoldLink, Anne- Marie), who also produced Stormzy’s new hit single “Hide & Seek”, Wellingta combines her decade descendant influences with her own unique sound. Taking to the studio in West London, Wellingta’s new single “No Goodbyes” came to life. In an ode to the inspiration felt from everyday experiences, whether it be conversations, daydreams or observations, her true passion for authenticity shines brightly. She explains, “This time I went to the studio and told my producer that I really want to do a song for God. I had just finished listening to Mary Mary‘s song “Walking” and thought WOW that’s it! I wanna do a dope, danceable song like this for God.”
Progressive rhythms and grooving choruses envelop into the perfect backing for Wellingta’s melodious vocal energy. “No Goodbyes” soars with irresistible vibes and pure tranquility to create a truly exceptional single. She continues, “It all happened very fast. My song “No Goodbyes” is my love letter to God.” It’s her hope that listeners will feel a concoction of hope, joy and love. Uplifting her audiences and transcending musical barriers, Wellingta doesn’t just create music that you can dance to, but music that you can feel.
the cryptic Australian genre bender and viral hitmaker RØNIN is back with his newest single “Butterflies (Ready To Go). Sultry and mysterious, the track swells into a danceable haunt with a storyline up for interpretation, helping to preserve the enigmatic air he has about his artistry that has helped him to break through globally – Stream.
Back in August, the unfinished version of “Butterflies” was leaked on the IDLEGLANCE YouTube channel. Following the animated edit’s virality, fans demanded for the single’s release and voraciously streamed RØNIN’s existing library in the meantime. The energy of the track perfectly matches the anime world it has been consumed within up to this point and hints at a creative direction RØNIN wishes to further. On November 24, fans can expect another animated video coming on the Scroll Gang YouTube channel.
Diving into the meaning of today’s release, RØNIN said he was inspired by, “When your destiny feels unreachable, and you must break through the barriers of life. Trust in your instincts, believe in yourself and when you feel butterflies, chase your dreams and never give up.”
Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Salem Ilese releases “Secret Santa,” 2022’s hit holiday track. Get it HERE via 10K Projects.
With Christmas just around the corner, singer/songwriter Salem Ilese just released the next Christmas carol to get stuck in your head. Salem Ilese is no stranger to witty, tongue in cheek lyrics, and “Secret Santa” does not disappoint. In the festive track, the singer happily takes over Santa Claus’ job drinking almond milk on Christmas Eve and getting Fortnite and Teslas for people who aren’t on her naughty list. Salem Ilese is a master at writing captivating carols. “Secret Santa” follows two of her holiday hits, “Thank You Note” and “Marry Christmas” which have amassed over 18 million streams worldwide.
Salem Ilese’s recent release, Unsponsored Content EP is a curation of songs that all utilize brand names as various storytelling devices applied to everyday situations and circumstances. Amassing over 3.8 Billion overall global streams, the project includes previous hit singles “Mad at Disney,” “Ben & Jerry” and “Coke & Mentos,” which received praised from the likes of Wonderland, Ones to Watch, and Rolling Stone.
SAM SHORT
“Taste It“
• “This is the most honest song I’ve ever written. It epitomizes my very first heartbreak. It details the visceral reaction that comes with betrayal…the feeling that is so painful you hate it, and so real you can taste it.” – Sam Short
• As an emerging pop artist, Sam’s unique ability to detail the female experience via song has already translated into successes on social platforms, amassing hundreds of thousands of followers in less than a year.
• “Taste It” is Sam’s third single release, following TikTok empowerment anthems “Naked” and “Already Mine.” This impressive body of work has garnered a number of major editorial playlists including New Music Friday, Fresh Finds, and SALT among others. More new music will follow in early 2023.
AUSTIN SNELL
“Excuse The Mess”
• Following his debut single “Excuse The Mess,” Austin Snell releases the music video emphasizing the track’s grittiness and blend of country and rock.
• “This was my first-ever video. It was a blast to be able to film this song and show all the emotion on camera like you hear when listening to the song. We put a hole in the door (on purpose) and had some fun with different lighting. I was dreading getting into the tub, but the crew got me to do it and I’m glad I did because we got such a cool shot from it.” – Austin Snell
• Since the release of “Excuse The Mess” in September, the track has amassed over four million streams across all DSPs.
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rising superstar Leah Kate presents her highly anticipated Alive and Unwell EP. Get it HERE via 10K Projects/MDDN. Alongside the project, she also releases the official video for title track “Alive and Unwell.” Watch it HERE.
Confessional and confident, this EP finds Leah Kate digging deep yet again, embodying both the brash boldness and the raw vulnerability of the rock greats who preceded her. Moments like “Alive and Unwell” show off just how real she’s willing to get. “I’m alive and unwell, some days I fucking hate myself,” she sings on the latter track over careening guitars. “No magic pill is gonna help.” It’s heavy, but that’s the point.
Also making an appearance is her breakout “10 Things I Hate About You” which has now surpassed 275 million global streams, been used in over 800K videos on TikTok, and zoomed into the Top 20 at Pop Radio, as well as “Hot All The Time,” which Billboard hailed saying, “get ready for Leah Kate’s ambitious new ballad.” See below for the full tracklisting.
18-year-old Vancouver-based singer-songwriter Jade LeMac has released a brand new single “Meet You In Hell.” The single is Jade’s first official release since her recent signing with Arista Records. Listen to the song now here. Watch the official videohere.
A powerful dark pop track dissecting the fallout of a toxic relationship, Jade describes, “Meet You In Hell is a song written about karma, anger and revenge. Being in a relationship where you’re getting the shorter end of the straw is exhausting, and being hurt by a person you care so deeply about is traumatizing. This song is written from the point of view of someone who is tired of being hurt, and ends up giving their partner a taste of their own medicine. It encapsulates the feeling of ‘you hurt me? I’ll show you what real pain feels like.’ This song is made for the people who aren’t getting what they deserve.”
On the song’s striking official video, Jade adds: “Filming the ‘Meet You in Hell’ video was such a fun experience. The director, Sterling, and his crew were able to capture some amazing moments that really showcased the emotions, and told the story of the song so well. On top of that, the colours, the sets, and the outfits all fit the song so perfectly. I’m so happy with how it came out, and so excited for everyone to be able to see it as well!”
Kalila Badali is a singer, songwriter, and psychotherapist based in Toronto. She has been writing and performing for over two decades. She taught herself guitar and songwriting starting at 8 years old.
Kalila has a passion for using music to invite her audience into a sometimes dreamy and sometimes groovy space to explore themes of mental illness, ecology, friendship, and losses. Kalila launched her music career with her EP Perfectly Collapsing in 2019 on “Plantable Paper” for the purpose of reducing plastic waste. This novel release gained the attention of the consistently sold out shows at Toronto Adventure’s Music on The River and CBC Radio One’s “Big City, Small World” with Errol Nazareth.
In 2021 Kalila started recording her second EP Panacea which has yet to be released.
Aside from her solo project, Kalila is a lead vocalist and songwriter of Shy By Shy, a Toronto-based Indie band.
the German indie pop outfit Rikas share the hazy single “Giving It Up”, the final installment in their Goodbye Sunshine EP series. This track bathes reflection on lost love in analog warmth to create a slice of bittersweet sunny pop. All tracks on Goodbye Sunshine were recorded in Los Angeles in March 2022 by Foxygen’s Jonathan Rado who has built an acclaimed secondary career as a producer for modern indie legends including The Killers, Father John Misty, and Weyes Blood. For Rikas who are so inspired by the sounds and approach of golden-era 60s Californian pop, this collaboration was a match made in heaven. Rado ensured that the band lived up to the spirit of that period by recording the band directly to tape in a single room and without a click track.
This final release was preceded by two tracks co-written with the Dutch musician Benny Sings and crafted during an end of summer session in Amsterdam. Those singles were “Never Leaving The House”, with its pajama-packed dance-off video, and the breezy “Barefoot” with its loose vibes hinting at an endless summer. The Goodbye Sunshine EP is rounded out with the deceptively melancholy “My Bench”, and the languid tones of the EP title-track.
“Era-spanning dream-pop” from Hamilton ON. Once described as a “dreamy version of Linkin Park,” Linebeck aims to find the push-and-pull between happy vivacity & nostalgic melancholy. Formed one month before the world stopped, Linebeck spent their first years as a band writing and workshopping songs remotely. Although it would have been easy to call it a day, Linebeck felt they had something too special to give up. Linebeck’s debut single “Bed” was released on June 24, 2022 – reaching over 7,500 Spotify streams and bringing in over 370 new listeners within 3 weeks of its release.
Sonically, Linebeck draws inspiration from shoegaze and dream-pop, while melodically leaning on popdriven motifs. Strongly influenced by songwriting geniuses Lennon-McCartney and pop powerhouse Max Martin, Linebeck’s songwriting is full of intention but not lacking in honesty.
Caleb Lee Hutchinson surprised fans today by dropping a brand new EP titled Songs I’ll Never Play Again. The new collection of songs was inspired by an idea that Hutchinson had years ago. “I wrote the song “Preservation” in the beginning of 2020 and had the thought that it reminded me of old school country/bluegrass murder ballads that I had heard as a child. Not so much in the lyrical content, but the overall feel. It felt like fall, trees dying, seasonal depression already on it’s way. The idea then became to make the whole project sound that way. Sort of nostalgic and eery, very much reflective of Halloween time.”
Along with the new 6-song EP, Hutchinson has created a film short that will give Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” a run for its money.
Emerging Australian Artist WILL K and Dutch Trio Drove Team Up
For Club-Driven House Single “Ghost” on Monstercat
Stream – https://listen.monstercatmusic.com/ghost-3dm2
October 28th, 2022 — Following his chart-topping single “Flip Reset” with Kaskade and this year’s “I Don’t Really Care” with Neville, Australian house producer WILL K returned to Monstercat today, joining forces with Dutch electronic group Drove for the evocative single “Ghost.” The addictive groove, hypnotizing pads, and dreamy bassline are sonically reminiscent of fellow Aussie tastemakers like Cassian and Rüfüs Du Sol, yet distinctively driven by WILL’s eccentric artistry. Aptly titled just ahead of Halloween, the velvety vocals and dark chords make for a haunting heartbreak anthem.
WILL K shares, “Drove and I knew we had to make a record together as a lot of our fans kept tagging us together on social posts! After sending a few ideas back and forth, I came across the vocal of “Ghost” and knew it was something special, and I wanted to bring a Rüfüs Du Sol-inspired/moody vibe with the production.”
Drove adds, “The song itself is about coping with having to let go of someone after a breakup. Lyrically we tried to describe situations in which you realise the most of what you’re missing in your life. That someone you were so close to now feels like a stranger to you.”
For nearly a decade, WILL K has been climbing the electronic circuit with dominating dancefloor hits, including his recent track “OoooH” with CID, which went to #2 on Beatport and saw support from Steve Aoki, Alesso, Nicky Romero, and many more. After headline tours in Australia and Asia, he’s performed across the world’s biggest festival stages including Tomorrowland, Creamfields, and Parookaville. As he continues to take his project to new heights, expect more genre-pushing from WILL K in the months to come.
talented singer-songwriter Mia Berg shares her debut album ‘Sleepwalkers At Noon’ with the world. The record is rich in emotive, relatable imagery told through her words and production that will make you feel all kinds of nostalgia. It’s truly a record that can’t be missed. The record is out via GEMS.
Listen to Mia’s entire debut album Sleepwalkers At Noon here; https://open.spotify.com/album/7BuNmFk7fMAB1WgohMfSPg?si=F3dy5OY6T3KYcN55SQi6Ow
Speaking about the album, Mia said “I would say the album is about past experiences and present feelings. I’m a very nostalgic person. I often go back to places or revisit specific memories. I also have a big complex when it comes to time, and time passing. I find it hard to accept how fleeting moments are. It can be small silly things like – a concert ending, Sunday evenings, or traveling home after a holiday.”
“For me, the album is about navigation – moving forward, looking back and trying to understand the complexity that life throws at us. A tidal wave of memories and reflection told through stories of my own or through someone’s.”
Do not miss her title track on the album which Mia says “Sleepwalkers” was the last song to define the album.” Continuing “It’s a song about confusion and second-guessing yourself. Sleepwalking became a term to describe how life can feel sometimes, where it almost can feel like being asleep and not being fully aware of the things happening around you. The stages of finding and losing as we walk in and out of relationships”
VENNA is an indie alt-pop artist from Alberta, Canada with a passion for evocative lyricism. She holds an immense appreciation for the power that music has to effect change and self-realization, and strives to be the type of artist that can both intrigue and relate to her audience. Pulling inspiration from classic poets, fantasy literature, and countless powerful women bringing “anti-pop” to the mainstream, her music serves to provoke thought and emotion; as an aspiring author as well, she takes great care in crafting her lyrics to this end.
Music and writing have always been the driving factors in VENNA’s life, from the age of three when she told her parents she wanted to grow up to be Michael Jackson, to the day she wrote her first song, and every day since. At the age of 15, VENNA (then Shay Esposito) became the youngest recipient of the Rawlco Radio 10k/20 grant and recorded and released her first album (For Annie) at the age of 16. She went on to release her second album (Sunday) at 19 years old after winning a Factor grant. She has received international recognition for her music as a finalist in the International Songwriting Contest, USA Songwriting Contest, Canadian Songwriting Contest, and as a category winner in the UK Songwriting Contest. In 2018 she made top 10 in the Slaight Juno Master Class, and in 2019, released two singles with as much success, even getting radio play on hit pop stations across Canada.
Lifting off to another stratosphere, multi-platinum andsix-time GRAMMY® Award-winning, genre-bending pioneers Black Eyed Peas unveil an anthemic new single and music video entitled “SIMPLY THE BEST” [with Brazilian global pop superstar Anitta & El Alfa] today. Listen to “SIMPLY THE BEST” HEREand watch the music video HERE. Most importantly, it heralds the arrival of their anxiously awaited ninth full-length album, ELEVATION, on November 11, 2022. Pre-order/Pre-save ELEVATION HERE.
Right out of the gate, “SIMPLY THE BEST” rides luminous dancefloor-ready keys towards a chantable chorus, “No it don’t get better than, better than this.” Black Eyed Peas, Anitta, and El Alfa trade verses back and forth, unlocking undeniable and unbreakable chemistry. At the same time, Anitta infuses the track with Brazilian swagger, El Alfa turns up with Dominican Republic flavor, and Black Eyed Peas exude laidback Los Angeles confidence in between these global rhythms. Shot in Los Angeles, the visual continues a tradition of larger-than-life videos for the group as well. Once again, they pull out all the stops.
ELEVATION finds Black Eyed Peas expanding the collective musical consciousness and pushing boundaries yet again (like only they can). Of course, they bring a few friends along for this rollercoaster ride. The group link up with Daddy Yankee on the reggaeton banger “BAILAR CONTIGO,” while Nicky Jam ignites the funkified “GET DOWN” with fresh fire. Then, there’s “FILIPINA QUEEN” where they team up with Bella Poarch for the first time on and deliver an inimitable and irresistible bop. Nicole Scherzinger lends her powerhouse pipes to “NO ONE LOVES ME,” and Black Eyed Peas and Ozuna close out the album together on the universally-resounding “L.O.V.E.”
Los Angeles born and bred psychedelic-indie-trap artist Kinneret debuts “Wizardry!” – a wonder-filled new single and music video. Produced by 070 Sebastian (a prominent member of 070 Shake’s creative collective), “Wizardry!” is all about the magic of being yourself.
The enchanting music video, created with Phoebe Jane Hart (the visual artist best known for the Purple TV viral sensation that has amassed 8B views on TikTok), delivers the same sense of wonder we enjoyed from bedtime folklore like Goodnight Moon and The Hungry Hungry Caterpillar.
“I needed to remember how it felt to be a kid, with the whole world as my playground. Eventually, I realized that there is beauty everywhere, even if it’s hidden behind sorrow. We are all wizards living in our own storybook. Once we realize that we have the power to change the world around us, the stars come out.” – Kinneret
Following September’s “Learn My Name” release, “Wizardry!” will be the second single released in anticipation of her forthcoming album.
A self-described “psychedelic indie space cowgirl,” 20-year-old Kinneret exudes a unique, magnetic aura. She stands as a beacon of positivity, radiating love with her sonic palette and lyrical themes. Her brand is one of inclusivity and creativity, and those who love her, love her. Her single “No Wind Resistance!” has amassed over 67 million plays on Spotify to date, featuring shimmery synths and soaring vocals over trunk-rattling 808’s and trap drums, hitting a niche previously untapped. With 340K followers on TikTok and nearly 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Kinneret’s fanbase gets bigger by the hour. She’s building speed and preparing to drop her third album, which will feature Dev Lemons, MKULTRA, 070 Sebastian, SpaceKing, and more.
Alternative rock band, Westpark are thrilled to release their new album Throw Up Your Demons that is out now along with the lyric video to their Focus track, “When “We’re Gone” that can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhcqMN9-lmk
The band says, “Throw up Your Demons is a journey that began in the reckless good times of college through the dark depths of the pandemic that lands in present day Southern California. The title refers to the catharsis of negative patterns and self-sabotage. We sonically explore rock, indie, psych, and funk and lyrically we explore relationships, some toxic and some everlasting, mortality, rebellion against divisive politics, horrors of isolation, and ultimately, moving forward.”
Rising indie-pop singer-songwriter Remy Reilly just released her new single “Avalanche,” an eclectic and refreshing ballad about the vicious cycle of unpredictable relationships. “’Avalanche’ is a song about knowing a person is not good for you, but you always go back,” explains Reilly. The song is now available to stream and download on all platforms.
Self-written by Remy Reilly, “Avalanche” deals with the back-and-forth theatrics of a complex connection, ultimately giving into powerful emotional displays. It alternates upbeat, catchy sections with slower, more reflective ones, offering an authentic insight into the thrills and dilemmas. The rhythms of “Avalanche” blend seamlessly, alternating between guitar, drums, and synth sections accompanied by Remy Reilly’s register – a youthful delicateness paired with the maturity of a gentle soul rasp. “You are caught in a cycle of always failing with them, and every time you feel it coming on again, you feel the “avalanche,” and like falling dominos, it all goes downhill again,” comments Reilly. “You always know the outcome, but you still try.” Equal parts smooth and introspective, “Avalanche” builds up a mountain of feelings that is sure to transport crowds through an epic journey. “Avalanche” was produced by Matt Pence and Sarah Jaffee.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
