At an exclusive birthday party at The Classic Cat, during 2023 Grammy Week, African superstar singer/songwriterTYLA celebrated the release of her latest single “Been Thinking” with Epic Records. Attendees included British rapper, singer and songwriter Ms. Banks, music producer DJ Blaq Pages and notable media from various media outlets, radio, and brand partners. Tyla made an explosive entrance to the packed house by strutting to the stage for a surprise performance of her latest single “Been Thinking.”
Billboard-charting Los Angeles based artist Kian Blume is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and pianist best described for his indelibly intoxicating poetic inspired songs that shine radiantly with dramatic melodies, adventurous harmonies, and playful piano. With a profound theatrical sound that ignites passion and raw energy in his listeners, Blume aims to bring back a level of complexity and artistry to his music that has been on the decline for several decades. Inspired by an eclectic mix of artists such as Mike Patton, Primus, Michael Bublé, Bobby Darin and composers Chopin and Satie, Kian Blume’s own sophisticated multi-faceted sound is undeniable.
Kian Blume started making music at the young age of 15 when he was inspired to transform his poetry into songs. Learning to play guitar and then piano, Blume’s unsurpassed passion for songwriting developed and he fully immersed himself in his craft as a way to authentically express his identity and emotions. “I’ve always felt that a lot of the people I have met have a commitment to misunderstand me which has made me constantly try to disguise most of my personality and diminish my expression while my peers are doing the exact opposite; they are all finding themselves. My world has become gray and expressionless. The music I write is the only vessel for me to express my true feelings.”
In 2019, Blume’s debut single “Stop the Show” peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Dance Chart and catapulted as a songwriter to watch. Filled with introspection in the midst of the pandemic, Kian Blume was compelled to create a more cinematic and baroque pop sound. Pivoting into a new musical chapter, the songwriter is now creating his most authentic work to date.
His new single “Daphne” is a whimsical piano-driven pop anthem that is both nostalgic and dramatic. The track was written when Blume was on a mandatory vocal rest after a vocal cord injury, and while the doctor ordered him not to sing, the melody that came to him was too all consuming to pass over. The result is his self-described “magnum opus,” an emotional and enthralling sonic rollercoaster that is Blume’s proudest accomplishment to date. The decision to sing in that moment, however, almost cost him his music career, as his vocals soon after hemorrhaged, sending him into surgery. It was all serendipitous though, with his famous Otolaryngologist introducing him to his ultimate writing and production partner Michael Orland, who is best known for his work with American Idol. Orland brought in producer Miklos Malek (Jennifer Lopez, Anastacia) to finish the song, resulting in an expansive and soaring love ballad. With “Daphne”, Kian Blume crafts an autobiographical and heartwarming single about a past love from his youth. Even though the relationship didn’t work out in the end, the special and pleasant memories left an indelible mark on the songwriter.
Kian Blume is a true artist and creator who aims to inspire his listeners to live unapologetically as their genuine selves. With more music to come, including a dedication to toxic lust entitled “Parasite”, Kian Blume is an exciting multi-dimensional artist to watch in 2023.
Based in Laval, Francis Blvd. is the solo project of Francis Gabriel-Alexandre. The project embodies Francis’s major influences which range from singers like Frank Ocean, The Weeknd to producers like Galimatias and Lophiile. In this setup, Francis delivers a fusion of r&b, hip hop and an occasional touch of jazz elements led by soulful tenor vocals.
While he grew up listening to mostly hip-hop, r&b, and rock, his interest in jazz evolved through his music studies in college and university where he earned a College Diploma at the CEGEP of Marie-Victorin and a bachelor’s degree at the Université de Montréal respectively.
In the last 10 years, Francis has had the opportunity to polish his composition, songwriting, production and piano skills through school and the teachings of the musicians he’s connected with. After years of playing in several bands/collectives and in multiple shows, Francis started performing mainly as a solo artist in 2019 releasing a few singles and working on his debut EP that is set to release in February of this year.
Indie artist Rico Loma delivers breezy new single “HEY” – accompanied by an uplifting music video. “HEY” is an upbeat pop record with melancholic undertones about an on-and-off situationship. He describes the feeling of being left behind by someone searching for individuality but also wanting to hold on. Rico Loma is a Filipino singer-songwriter and biochemist from Los Angeles. At the lab by day and studio by night, Rico writes for the millennials trying to process a world that’s left them behind. His stream of consciousness and conversational cadence aims to feel like a late night talk with friends.
Few instrumentalists carry more respect than Adam Deitch & Borahm Lee,
who together form renown live-electronic act, Break Science.
On February 2nd, the hybrid producer/instrumentalist duo will officially mark their return with a brand new EP, Mecha Flora. Mecha Flora, a lockdown-era project, is a showcase for the vitality of live instrument-infused electronic music and its meditative, cathartic effect on listeners. The 6-track EP also marks the duo’s first extended release since 2018’s album, Grid of Souls.
Deitch & Borahm were quarantined like the rest of the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but benefitted by living only 7-minutes walking distance apart from each other in their current homes of Denver, CO. These isolated recording sessions often featured Lee’s living room piano and drum set, an organic approach that empowered the producers through a dark time and invigorated the Break Science project in the process. As per their patented style, Mecha Flora is Break Science showing without telling listeners just how empowering and meditative this style of music can be.
On January 13th, the duo will release the EP’s first self-titled single, “Mecha Flora,” followed by single no.2, “Live Twice” on January 20th. “Mecha Flora” offers a dreamy amalgam of funk fusion – dancing keys, warping synths and irresistible rhythm prefer the masterclass of sound set to unfold. “Live Twice” invites more upbeat tones and features Brazilian Rapper Niko Is vocalist backed by electro-soul elements such as guitar.
Mecha is the digital, Flora is the natural – this EP represents the ebb and flow via master interpreters of music.
New York-based singer and songwriter ROSIE reveals her new single, “Startover,” and the accompanying music video, out now on Arista Records. “Startover” is the first single from ROSIE’s upcoming sophomore EP, due out this Spring.
Veering away from the more melancholic themes and sounds of her first EP, ‘20mg of Happiness,’ “Startover” sees ROSIE heading in a more uptempo, uplifting direction, both sonically and lyrically. The song builds with a delicate piano melody and ROSIE’s emotive vocals before exploding into an irresistibly catchy yet heartfelt chorus: “So can we start over / Maybe letting go is how we get closer / And if ending us is how we get closure / Let’s say goodbye and then we’ll start over / Can we start over.”
“‘Startover’ is about my relationship with myself and my mental health,” ROSIE says. “When writing it, I was in a period of my life where I felt like I was in a constant fight with myself. This song is me realizing that I needed to let go of certain parts of who I was that were no longer serving me and start rebuilding myself from the ground up. I hope this song finds anyone else who’s experiencing these feelings and I hope that they’re able to see that they are not alone in what they’re going through.”
With dripping vocals, colorful lyrics, and slicing wit, viral alt-pop artist Emei has rapidly built up a fan base over the past year. Leaning on over a decade of stage experience, Emei invites audiences into her world, leading them through her hyper-relatable musings on young adult life. Even before she started writing, Emei developed incredible stage presence from her experience competing on Chinese Idol. After receiving third place on the show through months of stadium shows, Emei began releasing her own music on Chinese platforms eventually performing on Dancing with the Stars of China. When Covid hit, Emei started releasing new music on American platforms, gaining media coverage on Wonderland, Earmilk, Ones to Watch, Consequence and Lyrical Lemonade. Emei’s debut single, “Late to the Party”, hit 6M streams after videos of her performing the song live hit a collective 10M views on Tiktok and Instagram Reels. Emei has been featured on the cover of Salt and Fresh Finds Pop. Her music has been playlisted on New Music Friday, Big on the Internet, Teen Beats, Pop Sauce, Young & Free and more. Emei’s debut EP, End of an Era, was released October 21, and has already racked up over 10 million streams. 2023 will see Emei release her sophomore EP with song leaks from it already capturing attention, “Scatterbrain”, the first single from the EP has collected over 3 million views in the past 7 days. 2023 is shaping up to be a breakout year for Emei.
Rising London-via-Cornwall four-piece THE VELVET HANDS release their storming new single “40 Up 40 Down” today (3 February), alongside the long-awaited second album ‘Sucker Punch’.
LISTEN TO ‘40 UP 40 DOWN’ ON YOUTUBE || SPOTIFY || APPLE MUSIC
LISTEN TO ‘SUCKER PUNCH’ ALBUM HERE
Bringing to mind the sticky floors and electric atmosphere of a bustling clubnight in a far-flung corner of Camden in the 00’s, “40 Up 40 Down” is a heady, feel-good anthem that feels plucked straight from indie-rock’s riotous glory days.
Blending danceable rock riffs with jangling percussion and chugging guitars reminiscent of the likes of Franz Ferdinand or The Hives, the new track is an intoxicating listen brimming with headstrong optimism and an indie disco primed danceability.
Continuing The Velvet Hands’ knack for finding a breezy balance between hedonistic revelry and reassuring relatability that doesn’t take itself too seriously. As the band explain:
“This track is about being made to feel worthless, but also finding worth in the fact that your friends feel the same way and that you’re not alone. It has a lot of hope and is a really fun start to the album — we wanted to make sure that the first track on ‘Sucker Punch’ showed our intent from the very beginning. Musically it’s inspired by bands like Blondie and Franz Ferdinand — we wanted to make a tune that could be played at your local trashy indie disco.”
acclaimed Swedish artist & songwriter Nea has released a brand new single, “A Lover Like Me,” out now via Milkshake / Sony Music Sweden. Listen to the song now here.Watch the official videohere. The new song is the first single to be released from Nea’s forthcoming debut album, TRANSPARENT, due out fall 2023.
Armed with a fresh sound rooted in the raw undertones of ’90s grunge, seamlessly melded with Nea’s signature pop sensibility, “A Lover Like Me” is a self-love anthem dripping with magnetic charisma and fearless grit. Written and produced by Nea and Daniel Ledinsky (Tove Lo, Shakira, Rihanna), Nea describes, “’A Lover Like Me’ is one of those rare songs that just wrote itself. I had a lyric idea, Daniel played some chords and 2 hours later we had the song! I love the rawness of the vocals and the vibe, that there’s an edge to it.”
Stepping into 2023 with 800 million+ streams as a solo artist, today’s new single marks a bold start to a year destined for massive growth for Nea. With her debut album slated for fall, Nea is also confirmed as an expert panelist alongside Carl Falk & Elias Kapari on Sweden’s forthcoming Songland shoot-off, which debuts this spring.
First establishing herself as one of Sweden’s most prolific songwriters, penning songs for notable artists such as Zara Larsson, Felix Jaehn, Tinie Tempah, Tove Styrke, and Axwell, 2019 marked the beginning of a destined transition for the multifaceted creative. First debuting as an artist with single “Some Say,” the track, along with its Felix Jaehn Remix, were certified diamond, platinum or gold in 21 countries, reached #1 on airplay in 7 countries and became the 9th most played track on European radio that year. Since then, Nea has released a debut EP as well as collaborations with artists such as SHY Martin and Sandro Cavazza.
2022 breakthrough act – TEENAGE DADS – have announced their highly anticipated upcoming EP ‘Midnight Driving’, to be released on Friday 3 March via Chugg Music.
The Australian four-piece also recently appeared on triple j’s Like A Version, putting their own spin on The Buggles ‘80s anthem “Video Killed The Radio Star” as well as performing an electrifying rendition of original track “Teddy”.
LISTEN TO “VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR” HERE
Featuring recent singles “Hey, Diego!”, “Teddy” and “Exit Sign”, Teenage Dads’ upcoming ‘Midnight Driving’ EP also features three unreleased tracks that take a slight sonic detour from their distinctive upbeat, experimental sound and storylines, and instead take a slower, softer, more synth-heavy route.
Uncovering a side of their sound that is a little older and a little wiser, yet just as catchy and adventurous, the band explain that their forthcoming ‘Midnight Driving EP’ “… is about perspective. How things look from one point of view, and how they can change over time from another outlook. The songs feel like diary entries, documented internally, like conversations you have with yourself when you go Midnight Driving. A constant, internal form of therapy almost.”
Amsterdam’s Cosmic Crooner teases his forthcoming debut album The Perks of Being a Hypocrite with new single ‘Spoiler Alert’.
With his Cuban heels and wide lapelled suits Cosmic Crooner exudes the sort of absurdist suave exclusive to the most ice cool of 70s rock star revivalists. Plucking inspiration from doowop icons The Ronettes, glam-rockers Lemon Twigs plus the transcendent creations of Weyes Blood, the new single ‘Spoiler Alert’ sees Cosmic Crooner dissecting the annoyances of 21st century pop. Throughout the track Crooner navigates nostalgia and the endless stream of information surrounding him as he waltzes through this modern 60s pop classic.
An ode to vintage psychedelia, his debut album, the curiously titled The Perks of Being a Hypocrite out March 17th draws influences from classic doowop, legends like Frank Sinatra and Lou Reed plus iconic 60s/70s European film scores, especially those of French Nouvelle Vague hero Jean-Luc Godard.
The Perks of Being a Hypocrite is a merit to the artistry Cosmic Crooner has built for himself over the last couple of years. By taking notes from an array of songwriting legends; Ennio Morricone, The Beatles, Marvin Gaye and Caetano Veloso, Crooner has created a beautifully arranged body of work that is filled largely by his own observations judged by emotions.
“I’d describe Cosmic Crooner as an emotional observative hedonistic joker,” says Crooner. “I think every song touches upon different themes and has different topics. However the most important message for me with these songs is to always look for inspiration. I hope in some kind of way this album serves as an inspiration for people who listen to it.”
Cosmic Crooner’s witty musicalities offer all the hallmarks of a classic songwriter in the making. Since releasing his debut single “Deep Down in Jazz”in 2021, he has since put forward a string of swoon-worthy tracks that have helped gain him critical acclaim and build a cult fan following across Europe. He’ll soon take centre stage at Groningen’s Eurosonic Noorderslag in January 2023 to offer up a varying palette of sonic natures in a live setting, before crooning his way to a city near you sometime very soon…
Brooklyn noise-pop trio A Very Special Episode kick off what is set to be a very busy 2023 with the release of the magnetic new single “Heaven’s Gate”.
This track is the band’s first studio release since their 2021 LP FIX YOUR HEARTS OR DIE (Hidden Home/EWEL Records) and delivers freshly heightened tension delivered through insistent dynamic shifts and lyrics that reflect on the sinister underbelly of the quest to ‘belong’. Indeed the song’s title “Heaven’s Gate” alludes to the band’s recent interest in cults and those that seek a home within them. This journey of discovery was instigated several years ago by an impactful visit to the parking lot of Scientology’s Los Angeles Celebrity Center and its nearby ‘museum’ dedicated to the alleged evils of psychiatry. From this point it was just a matter of the intervening years being spent diving down the rabbit hole of movies, tv shows, documentaries that explore this world before this growing cult obsession came to the foreground in a blizzard-bound songwriting session in a cabin deep in the Catskills of upstate New York.
Reflecting on the theme that runs through “Heaven’s Gate”, vocalist/bassist Kasey Heisler states that “it’s about the need to belong, the search for an in group, and the length’s one may go to find one in spite of the danger and the vulnerability that requires.”
Alberta musician Justine Vandergrift shares her new single ‘Little Bird’ out today on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
‘Little Bird’ is the first single from Justine’s new album Mountain Standard Time, which is set for release on March 17th. The soft and dreamy track draws inspiration from Justine’s other upcoming release, a new baby girl, due later this month.
“My co-producer Trevor McNeely wrote ‘Little Bird’ and pitched it as an idea for the album,” says Justine. “It wasn’t a style I was used to singing or writing in but there was just an ease about the tune that pulled me in. I added a verse and when we recorded it live in the studio, we sort of magically eased into it and it ended up making the final cut. Most songwriters don’t like talking about what songs like this are really about, hoping that the listener just feels it. But Trev said he wrote it as a love song for his wife as they were expecting their child. With my own baby girl on the way, it feels timely to share this gentle and uplifting recording with the world.”
MARIS
“False Idol”
• “The day I wrote ‘False Idol’ with Bruce Wiegner (Katy Perry, Set It Off) and Bre Kennedy, I was ranting about wanting to escape this dynamic that I kept finding myself in. For different cycles in my life, I would pick a person to make my idol and would believe everything they said as if it were fact, and wait anxiously for their approval of me and what I do.” – MARIS
• “False Idol” is the third single and music video for MARIS, following “Heavenly Bodies” and “Was It A Dream?” Her debut EP, Gravity, will be released in April 2023.
• “False Idol” mashes a dance beat and bass drive of an ’80s pop song with the lush harmonies of a Fleetwood Mac arrangement and brings a tangible feeling of power coming into your life.
Clocking in at a little over two and a half minutes, Sun Room put their modern spin on the theme to a 1960s beach party film with today’s release of “Kaden’s Van” – Stream. A rebellious, guitar-driven anthem for pushing aside your worries and responsibilities while with friends, the track has a finger on the pulse of the skate and surf culture the band was molded by. Bringing their global buzz back home, Sun Room will celebrate the release of their new single with a show tonight at San Diego’s infamous SOMA.
Coming on March 3, the band will release their highly anticipated EP Outta Their Minds. Holding onto the authenticity of their DIY house show/ garage band practice roots despite their meteoric rise over the last two years, Sun Room taps into the unbridled energy of four young guys who have fully thrown themselves into what they do.
Lead singer Luke Asgian said, “I dropped outta college last year for the band but I still live down here in San Diego with 10 of my friends from school. This song is kinda about summer down here and all that brings; us getting the cops called on us for throwing house shows, my buddy Kaden’s van breaking down, barely scraping up enough cash for rent, etc. It’s chaotic but it’s fun and I think the song turned out the same way.”
He continues, “We were gone on tour almost all of this past year, but we had the summer back home and we wrote and recorded the song in the midst of the chaos; so I guess it’s a love song to San Diego and all the kids down here who mosh at our house shows.”
the enigmatic rapper has shared his first EP to date, THE EVIL IN WHICH WE THRIVE featuring the energetic new single “JDM DRIFT EDIT VERY TRENDY HOUSE PHONK!” via 10K Projects. Get it HERE.
Produced by close friend and collaborator Dozy Doe, THE EVIL IN WHICH WE THRIVE is SXMPRA’s first large body of work. With a wide range of phonk and deep hip-hop tracks, he is demonstrating his lyrical prowess as well as his diversity in sound. Blending gritty underground rap and hardcore nu-metal, SXMPRA’s prolific phonk identity is heard through a series of dizzying raps, fast and furious flows, and raw and unspoken storytelling. With over 4 million monthly Spotify listeners and his breakout hit, “COWBELL WARRIOR!” amassing over 71 million streams, the New Zealand-based, phonk rapper has become a fast force in the underground rap world.
Kicking off the release of the EP, SXMPRA will be joining New Zealand based rapper Lil Bubblegum for “Holy Guap!” a 10 day North American tour starting February 7th at The Echoplex. The tour will continue to travel through major North American cities and will finish at Elsewhere Zone One in New York City on February 17th. Tickets are on sale HERE.
On the verge of a superstar breakthrough, the award-winning new queen of South African rap Sho Madjozi serves up her anxiously awaited new single and music video “Chalé” today via Epic Records. Listen to “Chalé” HERE and watch the music video HERE.
While performing to sold out audiences in arenas across North America with Stromae at the end of 2022, she cooked up “Chalé” with tourmate, DJ, producer, and collaborator Tboy DaFlame. Together, they channeled the same creative chemistry that catalyzed her viral smash “John Cena.” Sho teased “Chalé” with a brief TikTok post in the middle of the holidays. Fans immediately embraced it as the short clip generated 6 million views. She recently gave the single its live debut with show-stopping performances in Tanzania and Ghana.
Propelled by an Amapiano beat, she spits rapid fire rhymes in her native tongue of Tsonga—a regional language in South Africa. Meanwhile, the chantable chorus pops off in English as she proclaims, “You wasn’t there when we were shooting in the gym, back then when the money wasn’t coming in, click click, Sho Madjozi, can I have a pic?” The music video flaunts downright flawless fast-paced choreography and high-energy vignettes as she shines in every frame. Shot on the streets of Cape Town, the video showcases her magnetic presence and the pride her home country has for her, as the video features an entirely real group of fans who were crashing the video shoot for photos and videos with Sho.
Bound for catchphrase status, “Chalé” possesses multiple meanings. In Ghanaian Pidgin English slang, it could translate to “Dude” or “Homie,” but it also can signify either disappointment or agreement, depending on the context.
In this context, it could very well mean “Smash”…
Buzzy electropop moguls,SM6, have released their single titled “Generation Heartbreak,” a ballad that longs after the simple gestures in romance from a time before their own. “Generation Heartbreak” is the latest single off their forthcoming album dropping later this year. SM6 emphasizes meaningful gestures like writing letters and picnic dates and hopes that, by extension, slower relationships will be preserved by the Gen Z dating pool. “Generation Heartbreak” is available to stream and download on all platforms worldwide.
Vocalist and bassist Isabel Jones wrote this song in her bedroom “out of sadness for [the band’s] generation” for losing “the old ways of love.” Produced and mixed by Shayon Daniels, Nicci Funicelli, and Jim Funicelli, “Generation Heartbreak” overlays an instrumental consisting of piano and strings with Isabel’s emotionally potent vocals. The backup vocals sung by George Jones, Adam Jones, Emily Jones, and Jack Jones, that layer over Isabel’s vocals, provide an effortlessly delicate harmonic contrast, which, combined with the heartfelt lyrics, make the ballad a classic SM6 track that’s hard-hitting and relatable. This early 2000s-esque vibe romanticizes the rom-com movie type of love in a post-modern world. Isabel’s storytelling brings listeners through a journey with a partner, empathetically asking to “delicately reassure [her]” because it feels like “fighting for the stars,” the way that she longs for a different kind of love. The track explores SM6’s heartache over the lack of sincerity in most modern love stories, being frustrated with the fact that no one else “looks at love the same way.”
A musician back on a mission – THE UNDERCOVER HIPPY – makes his long-awaited return in 2023.
After a few years off-grid, the alias of Billy Rowan is embarking on a fresh operation for the new year ahead, briefed with a brand new album release ‘Poor Little England’ (out 7 April), and an extensive UK Tour unlike any he has done before.
Firing the starting gun for the journey to come, today (3 Feb) The Undercover Hippy releases his first music from the new record – the irresistibly catchy single: “Hey Boy”.
THE UNDERCOVER HIPPY – LISTEN TO THE NEW SINGLE: “HEY BOY” HERE
“Hey Boy” dates back to a time in 2019 in which Rowan found himself relying on his phone with the unnerving dependency of a life support machine. Emerging with a poppy, upbeat, and motivational song about a thoroughly miserable experience and how he overcame it, he explains of the track:
“I wrote this song about my own unhealthy relationship with my phone and how I used it to self-medicate when I was feeling depressed. I was living alone at the time, and when I was in a negative headspace, I would escape into the world of social media scrolling, only to emerge 2 hours later feeling 10 times worse! So I wrote this song to remind myself that the best way to get out of a funk is to get up off the sofa, leave the house and seek out some real face to face interaction with other human beings. I hope it can help other people in the same situation, and also help to break down some of the stigmas around mental health and asking for help.”
Dottie Andersson is a songwriter from Småland, Sweden.
Picture-perfect, smooth pop is the opposite of what Dottie stands for. Her weekday breakfast consists of a large can of Monster-Energy, which is a good example for the energy she creates in her songs: To not take yourself too seriously, to have a grand plan, to do everything differently compared to a mere mortal. In her lyrics, Dottie describes pitfalls alternating with high highs turning life into a rollercoaster. Always online, never less than 15 stories on Instagram, always ironic while emotions are always around the next corner.
Dottie grew up in a musical family, studied drums (what else?) and was part of the band Ason, alongside her three younger sisters, playing support shows for Milow and Matt Simons among numerous festival shows. Now, she has found her own sound, influenced by acts like Veronica Maggio, Bon Iver, Caroline Polachek or Phoebe Bridgers and displaying real attitude and a (very Swedish) sense for pop melodies among electronic and indie elements. A sound that holds the potential of captivating Indie-Nerds and Pop-Maniacs alike. Dottie shares, “It’s finally the music I wanna make, music that comes directly from my Swedish veins and that is authentically me. This first EP is like breaking loose from a kind of chain that’s been holding me the past couple of years.”
Dottie Andersson’s debut single “Heavy Objects” is a song about letting go of the emotions and situations that drag you down. It conveys sweet melancholy, charming cheekiness and a hint of stubbornness, all held together by her pin sharp attitude. A little bit of everything that Dottie stands for. “Heavy Objects” is the first of a whole string of songs recorded with producer Martin Baumgartner in Hamburg since 2020. It was mixed in Los Angeles by Jeff Fettig (Caroline Polachek, Maggie Rogers, Solange) and mastered in New York by Joe Lambert (Sofi Tukker, Daughter, Moby). The accompanying video was filmed as a spontaneous one-take by photographer Nic Schoppet.
Dottie Andersson is a songwriter from Småland, Sweden. And soon a whole lot of people will know.
A hidden gem from the frozen heart of Toronto, Canada, art school dropout and Sony Music Publishing artist La Faute (aka Peggy Messing) is set to release her lead single and music video, Blue Girl Nice Day, from the debut album of the same name.
La Faute is Messing’s dark, dreamy solo project. A visual artist, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter originally from Winnipeg, Canada, she explores themes of surface vs. depth, longing, betrayal, mourning and desire. Using tenor electric guitar and obsolete hardware samplers, she created her captivating live show and released her debut EP just before the pandemic. She chose to pause performing live due to her health, and returned to focusing on creation, finding workarounds to the problem of isolation. She connected with fellow artists and producers in France, the UK, Canada and the US to create music during this time, most recently with LA-based Topher Mohr who produced her upcoming album.
Messing is a former Girls Rock Camp Toronto volunteer, and found inspiration through helping girls get into music, offering them something that she wished had existed when she was growing up. La Faute has had songs placed in several TV series, from her 2019 EP and through her former project, Dryer.
Ottawa-based country rock musician Norm Brunet is pleased to announce the release of his new single ‘So Long’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
‘So Long’ follows the release of Norm’s 2019 Reflections EP and is a classic rocking country track with metaphorical lyrics about living during the COVID pandemic and trying to keep the faith.
“I wrote this track after being sidelined during the COVID pandemic,” says Norm. “Not being able to tour took away my livelihood and it was so hard to remain hopeful. ’So Long’ is about what it was like to live through the pandemic as a musician and how it felt to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
A lifelong Ottawa resident, Norm’s artistic ability was evident at an early age. With a diverse appreciation for music, Norm counts among his many influences, the country tinged southern rock sound of the Eagles and Poco, Americana artist Rodney Crowell, and the rocking sounds of John Mellencamp and Bob Seger to name a few.
For the past ten years, Norm has been performing throughout the U.S southern states, playing clubs and festivals and occasional shows in his hometown of Ottawa. He will undertake a series of U.S. club dates starting in Florida this March.
‘So Long’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services worldwide. For more information, please visit: normbrunet.com.
John Oates (of the iconic pop-rock duo Daryl Hall & John Oates) is thrilled to release his new single “Disconnected” that is out now.
Oates says, “There are always times in our lives when we all feel “Disconnected” from some thing or someone …emotionally, physically, spiritually, or any of the above…but the important thing is to never give up hope and strive to find a way to pull it all back together.”
“Disconnected was an idea that I had in my digital archives that I rediscovered during the pandemic…the theme felt even more timely and I produced a reimagined version at home using Garage Band on my Mac. Then took that into Addiction Sound studios in Nashville and assembled an all star rhythm section to bring the home demo to life…a lot of the original Garage Band tracks are still on the finished recording.”
Hailing from the small city of Lancashire, Molly Warburton is armed with unparalleled strength and individuality. Her tough exterior blends with her soft, vulnerable core – a combination that shines brightly across her growing repertoire. Through intoxicating indie-pop melodies and a powerhouse of vocal energy, Warburton proves that at her core, she is a truly passionate storyteller, bringing her chronicles to life with the vibrancy of her sound.
Picking up the guitar at just ten years old, the musician grew up embarking on several competitions and later studied music. As her love for the industry grew exponentially, she started gigging in her teens and has been ever since. Bringing her unique musicality to the ears of budding listeners everywhere, she lights up the room with her truly contagious indie pop anthems and positive outlook on life.
Her latest single “Gravity” takes inspiration from her own experiences and her love for music. The songwriter confides, “Many may think it’s about someone but actually it’s about something. I guess when being a musician you can fall in and out of touch with your sounds, inspirations and passion for your music. When I wrote ‘Gravity’ I had just recently been through this cycle feeling very uninspired to perform or write new music, almost falling out of love with it, but after taking some time out and realizing what I had achieved and developed through music I found this new energy, new sounds and a new love for my music.”
Emitting a dreamy, ethereal quality that builds into an uplifting and infectious pop-fuelled chorus, “Gravity” is sonically inspired by the likes of Fleetwood Mac, KT Tunstall and Kate Bush.
Warburton stands up for a generation with ambition and a desire to make a difference. Her mission to overcome hardships and negativity is delivered with revelatory freshness and pragmatism. Emphasising the importance of remaining true to yourself and sticking to what you love, she confides “I hope to think it inspires young artists to follow their musical ambitions in life. I think music is a hard industry to conquer and I like to show my journey through my songs.” In an ode to authenticity, she hopes to inspire young creatives to persevere, no matter the scale of their next endeavour.With over one million streams on Spotify alone, the artist has seen her music land on renowned playlists such as New Music Friday, New Pop UK and Chilled Pop Hits, to name a few. Garnering humbling support from the likes of Earmilk, Music Crowns and NOTION, she has performed at countless festivals and venues around the UK and Ireland, including London’s Shepherd Bush Empire, Manchester Ritz, and O2 venues across Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol and Birmingham. Appearing on the festival stages of Highest Point, Kendal Calling and Forgotten Fields, she supported Tom Meighan on his 2022 tour, and even appeared as BBC Introducing Lancashire’s Record of the Week! Needless to say, Molly Warburton is set to soar in success.
Australian electronic prodigy Blanke made his Monstercat debut today, teaming up with breakout producer and singer-songwriter helloworld for their first collaborative record, “Used To Losing You (feat. Luma & JT Roach).” Unearthing a formidable duo, the record balances Blanke’s notorious melodically-intense bass with helloworld’s ethereal instrumentals, complementing their diverse soundscapes. Reuniting for an emotionally powerful duet, singer-songwriters Luma and JT Roach helm the track with explosive vulnerability through heartfelt lyricism inspired by the aftermath of a breakup. Fans can look forward to hearing the new record live from Blanke as he takes the stage at Beyond Wonderland this year.
Blanke shares, “So happy to be collaborating with so many friends on this song! Brit (Luma), JT, and Drew (helloworld) are all incredible artists and friends of mine. Luma and JT portray such a vulnerable story. I think we’ve put together something truly moving, beautiful, and unique. We hope you love it like we do!”
helloworld adds, “‘Used to Losing You’ is one of those songs that when you hear it you can just imagine it being played out to thousands of people. I get goosebumps when I hear it and had so much fun working on it.”
Luma comments, “Some songs just move you, whether it’s the lyric or the melody or the overall feeling. I think “Used To Losing You” shines because of the relatability it provides but also because down to the bones, it was made by friends. We’ve all worked together before in some capacity and I think that will always influence the kind of song being made. It’s special because the crew is special!”
Introducing Italian-born, London-based, Alice Pisano, a rising star in the contemporary pop scene. Blessed with a uniquely warm and silky voice, Pisano has a natural ability for writing relatable, emotive songs that connect and since her debut in 2019, she has garnered a fantastic name for herself.
Her five-track sophomore EP, Shattered But Still Cool, is a collection of songs about the tribulations of love and dating, from the frustrations of dating apps (Boys Like You), to the first spark (Ink), to falling in love (Where My Heart Is) and dealing with a cheating partner (Pretty Girls). Through honest songwriting, Pisano shares her vulnerabilities delivering them in the most infectious and shimmering pink package.
Pisano worked alongside acclaimed songwriters and producers on the EP, including Jez Ashurst (Little Mix, Maisie Peters, Tom Grennan), Anthony Goldsbrough (toured with Ed Sheeran, Clean Bandit), Gavin Powell, (Emeli Sandè, Jake Isaac) and Dan Cox (Laura Marling, Peter Doherty). Sonically inspired by the likes of Nina Nesbitt, Gabrielle Aplin, Astrid S and Julia Michaels, Shattered But Still Cool isa deliciously addictive release, showcasing the singer’s impressive vocals, sugar-coated melodies and vibrant synths.
“Pretty Girls” narrates a very personal experience for the songwriter. She shares, “I was dating someone who seemed very smitten and in love, only to discover he was actually dating other girls at the same time. I was furious when I wrote this song and it was very liberating!” “Pretty Girls” results in being the perfect mood booster. This is the anthem for anyone who has been messed around by their partner (or situationship), a reminder that they’re not alone and that they deserve so much better! The EP also features an acoustic version of “Where My Heart Is” recorded at Spotify Noteable Studios in London.
Accumulating a huge amount of Spotify editorial support, the first three singles from Pisano’s upcoming EP – “Boys Like You”, “Ink” and “Where My Heart Is” – made their way to Spotify’s Global Fresh Finds playlist, 6 New Music Fridays, New Pop UK, as well as many more editorial playlists. As well as garnering critical acclaim from online tastemakers including Clash, Earmilk, Wonderland, METAL and Atwood Magazine, “Boys Like You” was regularly played on BBC Radio Wales and Pisano was also interviewed live by H from Steps on his Friday Night show. With “Ink” and “Where My Heart Is” Pisano hit a major milestone in her career, as both tracks were played on BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop Show.
Pisano played two shows at The Great Escape Festival 2022 and was one of the first 50 artists to be announced. With shining global success, her debut single “Celebrate Life” garnered over four million Spotify streams alone. Following her successful debut, Pisano also had four singles enter the iTunes Pop charts, numerous radio plays on stations including the BBC and over one million views on TikTok with her single “September”. Her single “Open Up” was featured as the soundtrack to the summer trailer of the British hit TV series Hollyoaks. Needless to say, Alice Pisano is quickly establishing herself as one of the most exciting new artists on the pop scene.
Alice Pisano will be performing her first ever headline show at The Grace, London on the 9th Feb. Get tickets HERE!
Cal in Red take a victory lap on the final single for their sophomore EP: On The Dance Floor. The aptly named “Corvette” is a speedy assemblage of driving guitars, breakneck beats, and enticing vocals. The song explores healthy aspiration, obsession, and seeks to find where the line often blurs. It also tests the quicksand of traditional masculinity. The title is a nod to their grandfather’s cherished 1975 Stingray Corvette, which is featured in the music video (as is he):
“It was awesome to see our Grandpa get his acting chops out for the video. I remember getting to drive the corvette exactly one time when I was 16. I was (fucking) terrified. I know how special that car is to Grandpa K. I’m super happy we got to show it off. I hope he is too.” -Kendall Wright
Cal in Red’s Sophomore EP: On The Dance Floor is the culmination of 2022 efforts from brothers Connor and Kendall Wright. It explores anxiety, camaraderie, and the aspirations of the young band as they sonically open the door a bit wider. One of the key tracks, “Replay (Lounge),” has an anchor-like presence with its atmospheric chorus, blazing horns, and road trip charm. A TR909 drum machine and marimba make for a playful outing on the track “Chalk.” The springtime pop of “With Your Hands” gives way to the EP’s sunny closer; an amalgamation of “Can I Call You Tonight” by Dayglow and “Quarterback” by Wallows.
In August of 2022 Connor and Kendall moved into the same house. This was a big change as most of the recording for their debut EP involved hour long treks to record together. “It’s allowed us to really put our collective foot on the gas. It feels like there’s a newfound sense of security and longevity to the project. Feels good,” says Kendall Wright.
The title “On The Dance Floor” is a friendly hoodwink. “We aren’t really dancers,” Connor Wright quipped, “I think we both have exactly one move.” It’s an acknowledgment of both pressure and excitement hitched to the duo’s upsurging. It’s about lacing up for the growing pains which become more exhilarating by the day. Cal in Red are in stride and headed to center stage.
Upcoming Tour Dates
2/5/23: Grand Rapids, MI. Pyramid Scheme. W/ The Namby Pamby
3/3/23: Marquette, MI. Ore Dock Brewing
3/4/23: Marquette, MI. Ore Dock Brewing
3/7/23: Iowa City, IA Gabe’s Bar
3/8/23: Minneapolis, MN. Underground Music Cafe
3/9/23: Lincoln, NE Grays Keg
3/10/23: Lawrence, KS. Replay Lounge
3/16/23: WFNM in Los Angeles, CA
3/19/23: San Francisco, CA
3/20/23: Portland, OR
3/21/23: Seattle, WA. Tractor Tavern
3/26-26/23: Boise, ID. Treefort Music Fest
3/28/23: Salt Lake City, UT. Quarters (The DLC) w/ Cop Kid and Pale Dream
3/29/23: Denver, CO Skylark Lounge
4/1/23: Grand Rapids, MI
What a year it has been for Oxlade. The 2023 Vevo artist to watch owns one of 2022’s biggest hits with “Ku Lo Sa” and its remix featuring Camila Cabello, with more than 220M+ global streams and 1B+ TikTok views across the world.
Currently in Los Angeles for the Grammy Awards, as a surprise to their fans the two superstars made in Lagos decided to drop the video for “Bad Boy” today. Watch here!
Directed by UAX, iconic director of the afrobeats scene (Tems, Rema, Adidas ZA, Chike, Lojay…) and shot in Lagos, the two Nigerian superstars take you on a night to remember in “Bad Boy”s video, so hop in the Cadillac and get ready for some heat!
Singer/songwriter Claire Guerreso is thrilled to release her new single “The Let Go” that is out now and featured on Celebmix.
Claire says , The Let Down is about the feeling you get when you exhale, the freedom you feel when something ends and a new beginning presents itself. It is my dreamy take on letting go and giving in.
Claire Guerreso combines multiple genres into a powerful mixture of her own song creations. She specializes in making and performing music for media outlets as well as writing with and for other artists. Her songs have a global reach having been featured on TV, film, radio, and ads. Her ability to write and sing has taken her music around the world and has lead to many collaborations with international DJs and artists. Equally apt at writing dark, ethereal songs, upbeat dance tracks, and introspective ballads, Claire imparts depth into her songs with her haunting, compelling voice and melodies.
You may recognize her music from such shows as, All American, Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, Reign, Lucifer, Pretty Little Liars, Shades of Blue, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, American Ninja Warrior, and many more.
Kick starting the new year with the visuals to his brand-new release is New York’s very own KaFi Kayzo. Encapsulating the gritty elements of Brooklyn’s renowned drill sound and putting his own spin on it, the rap riser is ready to shake some industry feathers!
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: KAFI KAYZO – ON EVERYTHING
Housing an eerie and dark production courtesy of Beatsbynarvaza, the skittering beat enables KaFi Kayzo to boast his wheel-up worthy bars and slick flow atop. Harnessed with his signature self-assured presence, ‘On Everything’ is an unapologetic release that roots back to his culture and journey thus far.
WATCH: KAFI KAYZO – ON EVERYTHING
Paired alongside a set of jumping visuals that correlate seamlessly with the feel of the track, KaFi Kayzo takes us around his local area for a blazing performance. Speaking on the release KaFi Kayzo commented, “On Everything speaks about my roots. It represents Kamplife as a family and where we come from. In this song, I am manifesting my journey as an artist. On Everything represents my culture. It was written in Brooklyn and later recorded in a late-night session in London, telling my story and the things I have experienced. This song is about coming from nothing and making it into something.”
Set to start the new year off with a bang, Southampton-based rock’n’roll four-piece REGENT are set to release their new single “She Checks My Head” on 27 January.
The track arrives as the second single taken from their new EP ‘Believe,’ due 10 February 2023.
A heady dose of riled-up rock complete with roaring riffs and booming vocals, “She Checks My Head” sees Regent further refine their riotous and rollicking sound.
Written “about the current state of the cost of living crisis and how it’s affecting everyone’s mental health”, the anarchic new cut strikes a deft balance between earworm anthem and calamitous call-to-arms.
With rugged guitar lines snaking through its centre and pounding drums keeping the pace, “She Checks My Head” follows earlier release “The Thunder” as the second single to be taken from the band’s forthcoming EP ‘Believe’.
Since releasing their debut single in 2019, Regent have notched a string of highly-charged releases in their belts, amassed a cult-following across the UK, and forged a reputation as one of Southampton’s finest emerging acts. Gearing up to release their new EP in February, the band are ready to further cement themselves as firm ones to watch and pioneers of their own insurgent brand of modern day rock’n’roll.
Having attracted praise from the likes of Louder Than War, Earmilk and Gigslutz and more, the band have also gained radio play from Radio X, Frank Skinner on Absolute Radio, Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing as well as RTE2 in Ireland and SiriusXM in the US.
The group’s merciless sound has also attracted attention across TV and sport, with previous releases receiving airplay on Soccer AM, Sky Sports Darts, the Premier League, BBC Six Nations Rugby and most recently BBC One’s Match of the Day.
With their debut LP ‘Just A Revolution’ released in 2022 and more new music on the horizon for 2023, Regent’s trajectory is only on the up as they prepare to thunder into the new year.
Back to the business he loves best – Beans on Toast – will be ‘Back Out On The Road’ throughout February and March 2023.
Heralding the whopping 30-date UK tour ahead with its own anthem, the cult folk hero is releasing a new song custom-made for the journey ahead, simply titled: “Back Out On The Road”.
WATCH THE “BACK OUT ON THE ROAD” VIDEO HERE
STREAM ON SPOTIFY || APPLE MUSIC
A celebration of everything that makes the touring life and live shows the joyous experience they are, Beans’ new single is a universal heart-warmer destined to be belted out in venues nationwide this Spring. Speaking about the inspiration for the new track, Beans on Toast says:
“’Back out on the Road’ is a love letter to live music, independent venues and the wonderful people who frequent them. It’s a celebration of England and the joys of travelling this beautiful land. I’ve been touring non-stop for well over a decade and have thousands of gigs under my belt, but it never gets old. Hopefully, this song will act as a thank you to all the people who come out to see me play, meaning I can continue on my journey. I think it’s important for them to know how much I love doing this.”
Listen to my nostalgic and light-filled debut release as a solo artist, “One Million Lights,” on your favourite platform.
Watch the Take Away Show-inspired live video on YouTube.
“One Million Lights” speaks directly to the beauty of life and the painful acceptance of its ephemerality.
At the time of writing my new single, I was reading Mary Oliver’s Devotions and was so inspired by her view of the world. It felt like she was so in tune with life and nature, embracing death with such calm and acceptance.
I struggle with anxiety and hurry sickness, so the inevitable passing of time is definitely a recurring fear for me.
The songs on my upcoming album and the journeys depicted in their lyrics act as my own personal reminder that fear can threaten my ability to explore all of life’s richness.
So far in my career, I’ve been working as a guitarist in Montreal, accompanying other artists and singer-songwriters mostly in the jazz and folk scenes. I feel that I have grown so much throughout the process of crafting my debut album.
I hope that you enjoy listening.
Thank you,
Marcus Lowry
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
