Warrington indie-rock risers – THE K’S – have unveiled their latest single “Hoping Maybe”, ahead of an extensive UK tour this March.
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Storming into the No.1 position of the iTunes Alt Chart and No. 3 in the Official iTunes Chart upon its release today, the track was also premiered by music tastemakers Gigslutz.
For a band that still believes getting right up in front of people is the best way to let them know what you’re all about, The K’s have finally managed to stay still long enough to record some new music — with “Hoping Maybe” leading the charge. If 2022 was all about laying the live foundations, 2023 is all about raising the roof with new music for the band.
After a ceaseless year of headline shows, major support slots, main stage festival appearances at Reading and Leeds, Isle of Wight and Kendal Calling and a run of European dates with Mancunian stalwarts James and Liam Gallagher, the Warrington four-piece bunkered down in a studio close to their Earlestown base to record the first in a raft of new releases.
Live show favourite “Hoping Maybe” is the first in a bold five-single release schedule, set to culminate in a digital and physical album release in November.
Of the new track, vocalist Jamie Boyle says:
“Out of all of the tracks I’ve written, I think “Hoping Maybe” means the most to me. It adds another level of intimacy to our live show, and there is something special in the way we connect with the crowd every single time we play it.”
Marco DiFelice is a Canadian singer, songwriter, music supervisor, and producer. In the 90’s, Marco was the lead singer of the pop-punk band, Supergarage. After the band dispersed, Marco found his way into the world of music supervision, where he selected music for films, adverts, and television shows including Orphan Black and Lost Girl. On top of running his own music studio out of Toronto, he released a solo EP titled The Sun that Somewhat Sets under the moniker Marco Solo in 2007. Now, after 13 years, Marco is writing songs against the backdrop of his own life in Parks N’ Rec. This project — a collaboration between Marco and several producers back at Self Titled Studios — deals with lost love, polarizing societies, and self-renewal.
Singer-songwriter Gabrielle Grace is thrilled to release her new “Draw The Line” that is out now.
Gabrielle says “More than likely we have all felt the guilt from missing a phone call from a family member or a loved one. ‘Draw the Line’ captures an honest self reflection and the recognition that pride can too easily get in the way of important relationships.”
Born in small-town, southeast Texas and based in Nashville, Tennessee, Gabrielle Grace is a singer/songwriter whose folk-pop melodies command your attention while her lyrics make you honestly wrestle with a rollercoaster of emotions, but never leave you without at least an ounce of hope. Grace made her musical debut in 2021 with her 6-song EP, “We’ll be Alright,” that eventually made its way to #16 on iTunes’ singer/songwriter charts. Then, in May 2022, Grace released a standalone single “Lost Somebody Else” that grapples with the nuances of life and loss while beckoning you to keep dancing through it all with its shiny indie-pop vibe. After writing new music to process through some life-altering experiences, months of work in the studio, and the backing of wonderful supporters Gabrielle Grace is poised to release her debut full-length album in the coming months. Its songs are certain to take you on a journey of the depths of pain and heights of joy that Grace has felt over recent months; she hopes that as it releases it will find a place in the complex parts of her listeners’ stories as well.
This January, experimental pop duo YOVA have returned with the compelling new track “Hurt Like No Hurt” and a digital bundle of new tracks – out now.
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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 legendary Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey, Anna Calvi).
A cathartic listen carved from visceral lyrics and pulsing electronics that build to a transcendental climax, vocalist Jova Radevska says of “Hurt Like No Hurt”:
“”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.”
“‘Big Boys Club’ came out of me being a bit fed up with dating. I mean, dating – particularly in queer culture – can be exhausting. It’s a string of first & second dates, waiting for responses, bad communicators, disappointment, swiping that amounts to nothing, being ignored, feeling undesirable, bad sex with strangers, & ghosting. The list goes on because the efforts are boundless. It’s become radical & almost revolutionary to be someone who takes finding a partner seriously, which requires a healthy amount of self-awareness. I wanted to write a song that celebrates those of us who are consciously stepping away from toxic dating patterns & putting in the effort to show up in a more intentional, vulnerable, & relationally satisfying way.”
-Brian Falduto
Rock, Americana band West Texas Exiles are thrilled to release their new single “Monday Night” that is out now. “Monday Night” is off their EP Volume 1 to be released February 24th.
The Band says, “Monday Night is our night people anthem. It’s a song about our unconventional weekends at our favorite haunts, the beauty of an empty bar, and the camaraderie and unique mercy found in a shared set of shots and beers between the regulars”.
YOUR ANGEL — the project of LA-based singer, songwriter and producer Maddy Boyd — is revealing the music video for her new single, “Misbehave.”
Inspired by 90s romcoms and Sex and the City, the “Misbehave” visual is a playful, feminine wonderland. While the song was inspired by the early days of her relationship with her boyfriend, the music video is an ode to the female friendships that empower and lift us up as we navigate falling in love.
“We had a crew of mostly women which made bringing such a femme video to life very natural,” says Maddy. “We filmed the video in 3 days and we had to finesse a lot of it as we had big ideas but a small indie artist budget. For example, the restaurant scene was filmed in a fast food burger place that let us use their space for free. We spent hours putting up wallpaper and decorating it to look cute. It took a lot of hard work and very kind people lending their time and skill set to pull this video off.”
Originally hailing from Sante Fe, New Mexico and now based in Los Angeles, Maddy got her start touring in indie-rock bands like Current Joys and Surf Curse. After playing over 150 sold out shows, she left the bands in 2019 to pursue her own artist project. With her solo project, YOUR ANGEL has released one album, her 2019 debut Pipe Dream, as well as numerous hit singles, growing her loyal following with each new release.
Genre-defying North Carolina-based band, LYLVC today release their debut EP Perfect Drug.
Perfect Drug encapsulates LYLVC’s range of musical influences, and their ability to draw from each making a musical journey through rock, hip hop, alternative, and electronica. The instrumentation drives each song forward behind the powerful voice of singer Alyse Zavala and the technical raps of co-lead vocalist Oscar Romero.
The album opens up with “Undertow.” Orchestral strings encase a hard-hitting riff as the vocal call-and-response reflects a tense push-and-pull. Following that is the driving and powerful “Broken Promises”, a headbanging anthem that soars vocally. The debut single “Perfect Drug” conveys the full scope of LYLVC’s sound. Alyse’s intimate delivery echoes over airy production before the distortion kicks in. Meanwhile, Oscar’s razor-sharp rhyme verses bounce off towering choruses.
The following track “Heirloom” represents the cathartic apex of the EP. Closing out Perfect Drug, “Into Nothing” hinges on a thick guitar groove as Alyse haunts and hypnotizes with breathy intonation punctuated by vulnerable harmonies. Combined together these 5 songs cannot be described with one genre, instead they create a fresh, new sound that is unique to LYLVC.
Prior to the release of Perfect Drug, LYLVC has already seen great success with their music videos, “Perfect Drug” and “Undertow” reaching over 1.5 Million views combined on Youtube. Additionally, “Heirloom” received critical praise from Hollywood Life who said, “The band delivers an emotionally-fueled anthem for those who are doing their best to keep it together despite all the demons living behind their eyes.”
GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist, producer, and songwriter Kid Culture unveils the music video to his debut single “Keep It” via Epic Records and Vol 1 Records. Listen to “Keep It” HERE watch the music video HERE
The track reflects his penchant for shimmering soundscapes architected with ethereal beats and glossy synths. Above this glistening backdrop, his lyrics evoke memorable imagery which the accompanying visual perfectly captures as it transports Kid Culture to a tripped-out desert landscape with high fashion ambition, stoic models, and unpredictable action. Directed by Daniel Iglesias Jr, it seamlessly complements the otherworldly spirit of his vision.
Kid Culture has been impacting the game from behind-the-scenes by producing and co-writing chart-topping hits for the likes of Justin Bieber, Cordae, Eminem, and more, and now he is taking center stage.
Fall into his world with “Keep It” now.
Epic Records and GRAMMY® Award-winning iconic producer, rapper, DJ, entrepreneur, and cultural connoisseur Swizz Beatz share the second single from GODFATHER OF HARLEM: Season 3 entitled “Damn” [feat. Dave East] today. Listen to “Damn” HERE via Epic Records.
The track cruises along on a propulsive beat flawlessly complemented by East’s authoritatively gritty flow. Early on, he thinks aloud, “I done seen some things that made me question life for the rest of life,” only to realize his triumph later on, “Now they jealous, no umbrellas, I walked through that rain myself.” It embodies the attitude of series within its bars.
It also arrives on the heels of “Hustle, Repeat” [feat. Swizz Beatz & Jadakiss]. Listen to “Hustle, Repeat” HERE via Epic Records.
Right out of the gate, HipHopDX proclaimed, “The song was released on Friday (January 13) and finds Swizz lacing Kiss with an alarming, heavy-hitting beat over which the LOX lyricist unleashes his ironclad bars about the hustling lifestyle.” In addition to plugs from ThisIs50 and more, HotNewHipHop raved, “The LOX wordsmith’s gritty bars and slick wordplay takes center stage over Swizz Beatz’s production while detailing the criminal underworld. Though Jadakiss isn’t making blatant references to Bumpy Johnson, the resilient attitude mirrors the Harlem Kingpin’s.”
Each Friday, a new track will debut in advance of Sunday’s new episode of GODFATHER OF HARLEM: SEASON 3.
Dave East will make you say “Damn!”
Scottish sensations – SHAMBOLICS – are back with the courageous new single “Living In Shadows”, and have confirmed details of a new EP: ‘U Serious Boi?!’ (due 14 April 2023).
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A gentle guitar ballad that erupts into an uplifting acoustic anthem by its close, “Living In Shadows” glistens like a reassuring ray of light at the end of the seemingly endless tunnel of mental health struggles.
Arriving as the band announce their signing to Manchester-based tastemaker label Scruff of the Neck Records, vocalist Darren Forbes explains of the new track:
“”Living In Shadows” is a song of optimism. It’s a song of hope for anyone going through a dark time. After seeing friends struggle badly with mental health and having gone through a few bad patches in our own lives, we wanted to write a song that was a reminder to people that darkness is only temporary and that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”
With Picture in Picture, Reno McCarthy offers a trio of impressive alt-folk gems. Equally intimate and ambitious, the songs bathe in the existential themes of eco-anxiety and alienation. Brilliant and profound, this new release by the Montreal-based songwriter and producer overflows with colorful textures, surprising arrangements, and heart-wrenching vocal performances.
Take Tudor, a Transylvanian singer looking for inspiration in the UK. Add in Wayne, a Mancunian songwriter, and his amazing set of fellow Mancunian musicians, James, Shaun and Ryan… and right there you have all the ingredients that make up five-piece guitar band The Cuza. The band live, love and hang out in the musical city of Manchester. They released their new single “A Life Full Of Colour” on 22nd January 2023.
It was Wayne who, back in 2018, in a quest to form a band, had been working on a wealth of material and so brought together cohorts James, Shaun and Ryan to develop it. After nearly giving up on their search for a vocalist they came across Tudor in 2019. The chemistry was instant: The Cuza was complete.
Since that moment, the band have revelled in originality (a rare thing) and pride themselves in being both prolific and innovative in the studio, drawing from collective eclectic musical influences: from Northern Soul to Death Metal, from Bowie to Slayer. You get the idea: the band love anything that makes them, think, feel, dance, sing, cry, jump – and more besides: a.k.a. “no barriers”. This glorious fusion of cultures and personalities has resulted in a seemingly unstoppable flow of fabulous music. Sumptuous melodies, captivating lyrics, soaring guitars, energy, beauty, edge and pathos; all delivered with hook, after hook, after hook.
They are also incredible live, supporting the likes of New Model Army, never seeming to play the same set twice with their own unique delivery of an ever-growing musical catalogue. Having already recorded at Abbey Road, Metropolis and Larkins Farm, they’ve pulled twelve tracks from that catalogue for the long-awaited debut album to be released later this summer, produced by the legend that is Adrian Bushby (Foo Fighters and Muse). Wayne explains the rich layers in this forthcoming body of work: “The debut album is a great representation of our early development as a band, there’s a variety of moods in there and every track has a story to tell..”
Meanwhile, the band released their brand-new single “A Life Full Of Colour” on 22nd January. Songwriter Wayne claims the track is, intriguingly “…an introduction to what The Cuza is and a hint towards what The Cuza will become.” The theme of song itself is a very personal and poignant observation, inspired by a sad farewell to a friend. He explains:
“I had just spent a very painful afternoon saying goodbye to a friend, who for reasons only he could have explained, had decided to leave this world way too early. That same evening A Life Full Of Colour just seemed to pop into my head. I grabbed a guitar- and it was down in about ten minutes, like it had always been there. This song is a reminder to me, and hopefully others, that there’s always a brighter day ahead. Those spontaneous moments of joy that hit you when you least expect. Look for those colours.”
Mia Baron starts her track “Miss Emotionless” with a declaration: “I don’t have time to fake it till I make it.” From any other 14 year old, this line would feel a bit ironic but when it comes to Baron, it’s a perfect introduction to the natural talent, swagger, and drive that has helped the Toronto-based pop singer-songwriter rack up over 300,000 total Spotify streams.
Baron started singing at just 9 years old and turned professional at 11. When the pandemic halted her busy schedule as a live performer, she pivoted to releasing songs every few months with the help of her production and co-writing team Matt Kahane and Quin Kiu. With a sound shaped by artists like Madison Beer, Nessa Barrett, and The Weeknd, Baron’s pop tracks are frequently filled with stuttering beats and moody vibes and her latest feverish single “Hypochondriac” mirrors the pop-punk energy of Olivia Rodrigo. While her lyrics touch on how challenging it is to figure out who you are and what you want, Baron’s songs show that for her, the sky’s the limit.
Dean Michael Martinez better known as recording artist Michael Dean is ready for the spotlight. The Albuquerque New Mexico bred rising pop artist who can cover a range of sounds and melodies is on the verge of hitting his peak with his 2023 upcoming album titled Top Gun. Michael Dean developed his love for creating music at the young age of 9. He grew up in California most of his life from garden grove to Santa Ana to Anaheim California. During that time growing up, he listened to hip-hop legends like 2pac, Nas, Eminem and 50 Cent which inspired his love for the art. Michael Dean was signed as a hip hop artist to Money Hogg Gang (subdivision cash money) Under Compton Menace in late 2018. He is a diverse force emerging out of the shadows. Currently working under the Boss Republic Records umbrella with Kavon Jacobs stirring the ship as A&R, Michael Dean is building up anticipation for his upcoming release of his debut Pop Album Top Gun early 2023.
Chin Injeti fuses his love of 80s funk and boogie music with a modern twist that encapsulates a unique yet nostalgic feeling, captivating his fans.
In the music industry, Chin has had a decorated career songwriting and producing with/for many household names. In the 90s, he fronted Bass is Base, which had fans all over the world and garnered him a deal with Universal music and Island Records in the United states. During that time, the group won a Juno (Canadian Grammy) for best R&B record, a Much Music Video award for a song called “Funkmobile” and Chin was awarded with Songwriter of the Year from SOCAN. This was just the beginning of Chin’s success.
Once Bass of Base came to an end, Chin spent years creating, touring and performing all over North America with the likes of The Fugees, The Roots, Jamiroquoi, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and so many more. Chin learned the craft of carving out frequencies and the importance of an impactful lyric and melody.
Easing you into the New Year is Brooklyn, NYC’s very own Dakota Jones, who make their comeback with new single ‘Sugar Pie’, out 23rd January.
‘Sugar Pie’ is the first new music from the acclaimed funk 4-piece since their much-loved debut album Black Light caused a stir in summer 2021. Back with the silky tones of lead singer Tristan Carter-Jones, fans will still recognise Dakota Jones’ signature powerful R‘n’B-infused funk sound but something has changed… The funk is dirtier, the vocals are sultrier. It’s got grit but there’s also a sweetness at play with ‘Sugar Pie’, with Tristan singing about ‘sweet songs since day one,’ and sharing the infectiousness of being in love. With one eyebrow raised and a crooked grin, it’s a fun return for the esteemed Brooklyn 4-piece.
‘It’s the effortless cool of a gang of two, walking in step through streets paved with sugar under a plush pink sky,” says the band. “Don’t know where you’re going and you don’t care. It’s rose-coloured glasses on the tip of your nose, and kisses like cotton candy.”
Dakota Jones have been stomping around and making noise for nearly 8 years now. Featuring Tristan Carter-Jones on vocals, Scott Jet Kramp on bass, Steve Ross on the drums, and Eddy Marshall on the guitar, Dakota Jones have molded their sound into something at once commanding and vulnerable, spontaneous and deliberate, familiar and refreshing. Harnessing a timeless groove and magisterial queer black power, they first burst onto the UK scene in 2021, easily translating their formidable energy as a live act into their debut record. Channelling furious energy inspired by the likes of Chaka Khan, Janis Joplin and Marvin Gaye, the group showcased their uncensored songwriting and were unafraid to take a deep dive into life’s most visceral emotions. The result, ‘Blacklight’ went on to win critical praise from the likes of The Times, Classic Rock, DIVA Magazine and Echoes Magazine – establishing them as one of the best new funk/soul bands to emerge for a very long time. Since then the band have been busy in the studio writing new music, whilst continuing to build their live reputation, following that gritty funky sound wherever it would take them; through some of NYC’s most respected venues, on tours exploring America’s coasts, and well beyond. 2023 is going to be an exciting year for Dakota Jones and ‘Sugar Pie’ is just the start….
Put it all in the genre blender and set it to pop.
That’s been the recent motto for Vancouver’s Royal Oak and their no-holds-barred take on hooky alt-pop. Drawing inspiration from pop-punk, EDM, 80s synth-pop, hip hop, and everything in between, the four-piece has captured the maximalist energy of their anything-goes live show and distilled it into a string of high-gloss pop singles.
But it wasn’t always like this. The band—made up of childhood friends Austin Ledyard, Brayson Wong, Myles Philpott, and Michael Kragelj—made their debut in 2015 with a self-titled indie record. A seven-song meander through moody soundscapes, the record made waves in the local scene, landing the quartet opening slots for notable Canadian acts like Hey Ocean!, Ivory Hours, and HAWKING.
2017 saw the release of their LP Younger and a Western Canadian tour; 2018, not to be overshadowed, brought the 5-track EP Pretend, a partnership with producer Ryan Worsley (Dear Rouge, Said the Whale), and a month-long cross-Canada outing. Three singles throughout 2019 and 2020—along with another Canadian tour—kept the slow and steady ascent going.
These days, the momentum is anything but slow. A recent run of songs—2020’s “Steal My Hoodie” and 2021’s “Yearbook,” “End of the Night” (featured on Hockey Night in Canada), and “Run Into the Night”—has seen the band make strides online and onstage. Between live and virtual festival appearances (including 2021’s eMusic Live From Vancouver with Said the Whale), a slot opening for New Zealand superstars Six60, and a successful showcase at Canadian Music Week 2022, Royal Oak has amassed over 400,000 streams and a loyal following around the world.
Joey Stylez credits his success to faith, family and commitment. He overcame the struggles common to North American Indigenous youth and his journey serves as inspiration to many. Stylez creates unique music with his multi-genre flair. November 2022, his Song Indian Girl Driving Me Crazy picked up the best Pop Music Video award at the 2022 Native American Music Awards. His music was recently played on the popular Reservation Dogs TV show. Over the past couple of years, the hit sensation Yellowstone series starring Kevin Costner featured the song Save Your Soul by Stylez. The Paramount Television production is a fan favorite across the globe today. He has also appeared on the popular series as himself. Stylez collaborated with long-time friend and associate, screenwriter/director/actor Taylor Sheridan on these initiatives as well as with a song placement on the movie Wind River. The soul searing movie delves into the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Stylez has appeared on national television numerous times including CBC Television’s National New Years Eve Countdown where he kicked off the new year for delighted fans across Canada.
Lil Yachty is a 25-year old Atlanta native, a Grammy-nominated singer, rapper, producer, creative designer, branding genius and fashion icon who smashed onto the scene in 2016 with his debut mixtape Lil Boat. The sound of his debut mixtape was prophetic, creating a new wave of hip hop while laying out the blueprint for many of today’s most popular rap stars to follow. With his finger constantly on the pulse of culture, Lil Yachty has utilized his unmatched sense of what’s next to expand his career into other entertainment verticals, and to delve into the business realm. He has amassed a growing list of projects and investments, including developing a heist movie based on the beloved card game Uno, partnering with Reese’s Puffs cereal, launching his own cryptocurrency YachtyCoin, investing in the novel dating-app Lox Club with Bhad Bhabie, partnering with Amazon on a variety show for their new app Amp and more. With so much on the horizon, Lil Yachty is poised to continue his evolution from rapper to mogul in 2023 and beyond.
Tel Aviv based artist Danny Kuttner shares new single ‘Chasing Myself’, alongside announcing her brand new EP ‘Purple’ to be released via Kartel Music Group. Stream ‘Chasing Myself’ Here. Watch the video for ‘Chasing Myself’ Here.
Born in Amsterdam and raised in Israel, Danny steps into the spotlight with a smooth and soulful track influenced by ECM’s contemporary jazz and 90s neo-soul, all whilst blending laid-back organic tones with left-field electronic production. ‘Chasing Myself’ sees Danny Kuttner talking about very raw and intimate life situations whilst her self-production has beautifully captured the deep meanings behind her lyrics. Combining a variety of synths and live instruments such as trumpets, classic guitar and bass, this track not only shows off her talent but also her attention to detail beyond the recording process.
Talking about the track Danny explains: “Chasing Myself was written when I was in a loving relationship and knowing how important it is to have my time alone. There was a point where I lost myself and got a harsh mirror, and I wanted to write about that experience.
I feel there are so many love songs, where I wanted to create a song about a different side of loving someone. About being alone inside of a relationship, bringing myself time of nourishments and self love. It brought me back the ability to truly give love to somebody else”
Danny Kuttner’s new single ‘Chasing Myself’ is out now alongside its music video and is taken from the forthcoming EP ‘Purple’.. Stream ‘Chasing Myself’ Here. Watch the video for ‘Chasing Myself’ Here.
Los Angeles-based alt-rocker Annabel Lee announces her debut album Mother’s Hammer due out March 8, and available for pre-order now. A limited run on vinyl will be available exclusively at the official album release show on March 25 at LA’s Moroccan Lounge with tickets on sale now here. Alongside the announcement, Lee shares the powerful final single of the project, “Los Angeles” out everywhere now. The most delicate and heart-wrenching song on the forthcoming LP, “Los Angeles” is the comfort to which every hopeless creative can empathetically cry along. With a pulsating soundscape like an unstable heartbeat, the track lifts and falls as a trepid exhale.
Written mostly while in quarantine in 2020, Mother’s Hammer gave Annabel Lee time to reflect on preceding years which were some of the hardest of her life. After a cross-country move to pursue music, Lee found herself in challenging situations, from struggling with addiction and running out of money to ending an eight year relationship that left her without a place to live. It was from this profound hardship that an incredibly intimate, expansive body of work emerged. Diving into the subject matter, Lee shares, “Some of the stories on the album relate to being strung along by vampires in the industry. Being mistreated and taken advantage of. Fumbling around trying to fall in love and staying numb at every turn. Grieving the loss of friends, gone much too soon, and trying to see the silver linings but losing hope. Being 3,000 miles from anyone that actually knew me. It was a very dark and informative time.”
“For the past four years, the dynamic duo have built their empire by putting their music first — and are looking forward to what’s ahead.”-People Magazine
“The duo continues to reach new heights while cementing themselves as one of the most magnetic representatives that the pop genre at large has to offer to audiences all over the world” –LADYGUNN
“it’s evident that joan is exploring new boundaries with their sound, pushing their production to new levels, and proving that they are in this for the long haul.” –Live Nation Ones to Watch
“The duo craft vibrant, feel-good pop – and they don’t apologise for it” –NME
Acclaimed alt pop duo joan today announce a 20 date nationwide U.S. headlining tour beginning May 13th, to support their upcoming highly anticipated debut album superglue, out April 19th via Photo Finish Records. In addition, the duo have shared their latest single ‘nervous’ with an accompanying music video. The single is the latest off of their 12 track full length which is over three years in the making, following their beloved EPs portra, cloudy, hi and bye. Entitled superglue, the album is an existential journey influenced by the duo’s recent transition into fatherhood.
Their latest single ‘nervous’ takes listeners back to their own memories on the school yard experiencing their first crush. This kind of infatuation stirs a myriad of intense emotions and with ‘nervous’, joan brilliantly depicts that thrilling yet unsettling feeling of intoxication. The emotional and nostalgic single entices with honey-dipped vocals over a unique kaleidoscope of sounds including beatboxing, clapping and wistful acoustic guitars. The accompanying video showcases joan singing against radiant light-filled hues of neon pink, blue and green.
The band share “we wrote this song with the lovely Emily Falvey of Nashville and Jonathan Capeci from Nightly, and the second we all walked into the room together there was immediate chemistry between us. We wanted to get as close to the emotion of a sort of school like love story, where you constantly want to be around them but you also literally feel like you’re going to throw up because you’re so… nervous (wink), and you don’t want to say the wrong thing around them. it’s such a cool and distinct feeling, we hope this song takes you back to that place.”
Bri Schillings leads Sweet Imperfections, a collective of Southern California’s most talented musicians and songwriters.
A renowned producer, engineer, and guitarist, Chad Schlosser, first came into contact with Bri in 2022. Among the artists and musicians Chad worked with were Cage the Elephant, Muse, LP, Billy Gibbons, Matt Sorum, and ZZ Top. In transferring the sound to an Indie Rock vibe, Chad brought an upbeat, powerful sound to the music.
After that, they brought in percussionist Michael Johnson, bassist Shawn Barry, and keyboardist Jeffery Howell, while Greg Cahill plays acoustic guitar.
Las Vegas based recording artist So Gaudy unleashed a new visual for “Canada”. The catchy record will surely become a staple in the club.
Directed by The Ave Mag in Downtown Los Angeles, the visual focuses on women and their physiques. Gaudy teamed up with Texas’ own Peso Peso to deliver seductive and energetic lyrics that shine a light on women who know how to have a good time. The red, fiery background compliments the women’s bodacious twerking.
Following the success of “Oh Well”, the 44-produced track features hypnotic, bass-bumping 808s and hi-hats. Gaudy boldly expresses his admiration for hardworking women whose presence creates an unforgettable vibe.
At 14 years old, Shane became Sombr via a make-shift recording studio in his bedroom funded by a summer of scooping ice cream.
The now 17-year-old honed his talents at New York’s LaGuardia High, the public performing arts school celebrated for inspiring the film Fame, spending his days studying classical music and nights invested in his bedroom studio. While other high school juniors obsessed over driving tests or dates, Sombr recorded romantic indie-rock melodies while trawling for like-minded musicians to sign to his label. When COVID hit, creating music became an escape for the young artist from the physical and social isolation brought on by the pandemic – all leading Sombr to launch his own major label imprint while his single “Caroline” earned over a million listens within its first week.
It’s the kind of trajectory that feels once in a generation. Between his remarkable aural instincts and an insatiability for success, Sombr exudes staying power. Much of the credit goes to his father, he says, who rendered him a music fanatic “since the womb.” Raised on uninhibited creative expression (more specifically, old clips of his dad fronting a seminal NYC performance-art rock band while dressed in drag), Sombr learned his way around piano and guitar and now, self-produces his entire output. Nonetheless, it’s his voice that Sombr cites as his most powerful instrument.
“It’s such a cool feeling, listening to your voice evolve,” he says. “Learning how to sing classically taught me how to get any sound I want. My voice is a more powerful tool than anything else.”
Sombr developed a remarkable ear — something he describes as his “specialty.” While reading music never came easily, Sombr’s ear for pitch meant that he could mimic any melody without flaw. Over time, Sombr noticed the skill come in handy when it came to discerning talent online. While sifting through unending audio uploads across TikTok, YouTube and SoundCloud, Sombr began to find favorites. Now, he’s partnered with Warner Records, signing a variety of artists which have collectively garnered nearly two billion streams across platforms to his own imprint.
While Sombr’s primary objective is to assist in promoting underground musicians via digital channels – even founding a small influencer agency to introduce fresh audio to content creators – he hopes to explore artist development, as well as eventually write and produce for other acts. It’s a tall order for the teen, who is the first to admit he should “hire staff,” but the sleepless nights are a small sacrifice for what’s become his community.
“We’re all friends. I’m so grateful. The more passionate I am about the artist’s work, the more motivated I am to push it.”
Ryan Hicks makes melodic, cinematic, alt-pop music – as if Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, and Fleet Foxes made music for David Lynch. Hicks is a singer- songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from Regina, SK. He cites influences as Ron Sexsmith, Father John Misty, and David Bowie. In addition to over 20 years of experience in music performance, he has both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education.
To date, he has released three full albums and a Christmas single, and his music has been featured on Sirius XM and CBC, and has charted on campus and community folk charts throughout Canada.
While studying vocal performance at The University of Regina, Hicks maintained a tenor position with the U of R Chamber Choir, winning numerous national awards including the CBC National Choir Competition, and the title of “Chamber Choir of The World” in Eistedfod, Wales in 1997. He also spent 14 years with the Regina Celtic Band, Squeeze of Scotch, performing at events such as The Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Squeeze of Scotch were also invited to score music for the 2008 CBC mini-series, The Englishman’s Boy. He is now a successful music teacher, experienced in writing and arranging choral and instrumental parts.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
