Indie rock band The Happy Fits are thrilled to release their live album Live From Troubadour that is out now.
The band says, “This concert took place on week 9 of a 12 week tour last April. Though we were running on fumes by this point, the Troubadour was to be our most ambitious performance yet: our entire discography in one show.
LA has always felt like home away from home to us – back in 2018 we traveled across the country with our PA system and booked an AirBnB space in Koreatown to play our first headline show in LA. Half a decade later, as the venues continued to slowly grow, we began missing the raw energy of the basements and dive bars that made us into who we are today.
The intimacy of the Troubadour was an opportunity to relive that rush, to celebrate all the super fans who still jam out to our first EP Awfully Apeelin’ & our first LP Concentrate and all the new fans who found us through Hold Me Down and What Could Be Better.
The result was a dream come true; all 29 songs we performed that night were accompanied by 500 of the most beautiful voices we had ever heard. From the primal raging of Heart of a Dancer to the ethereal swooning of Little Words, LA carried us that night to a place we had never been.
We hope the love & positivity that cultivated in this show can live forever on this release, and the album can pay tribute the last half decade we’ve spent endlessly backpacking it in our van around the US playing to the most amazing fans.”
“Change is Coming” is a folk and americana anthem for womanhood, sisterhood, and motherhood. Reminiscent of Sarah McLaughlin, “Change is Coming” was written during the pandemic when she was part of two women’s circles: one a songwriting circle and the other a mastermind for personal growth, sisterhood, and expansion. The song came from a prompt they created to use an instrument they never had written on before. She was inspired by a woman who shared a video of herself drumming. Jennifer picked up a small djembe her children used when they were young and feeling into the energy of the sisterhood.
“Prior to the mastermind, I had never heard of the terms ‘sisterhood and motherhood wounds,’ shares Jennifer. “Sharing deeply in intimate circles with successful, spiritual, women around the world throughout the pandemic – I noticed that feelings of being too much, fear of our personal power and comparison were recurring themes. I could easily see how these wounds had played out in my life, but I began to contemplate how they are affecting us on a collective level. The transformation I experienced in sisterhood with these women changed my life in profound ways. I wish that for all women. My song ‘Change is Coming’ is a healing transmission, an offering, sharing my vision and hope. It also represents and anchors in this time of change for me.”
Musicians often boast they have music in their blood. They should give singer/songwriter/activist Jennifer Harper a run for her money. After listening to even a few of her missives, it’s all too easy to fall in love with her contemplative, assured artistry..
As a teen, she was drawn into alternative-music venues and reggae clubs. Hearing music at political rallies made the deepest impression on the artist. “I saw how music was motivating change,” she says. And she wanted in.
Strong female voices of the ’80s, like Annie Lennox and Chrissie Hynde, inspired Harper. The raw intimacy of Tracy Chapman’s voice and lyrics gave her the strength to be an artist true to her own experiences.
Singing sensation and electrifying performer Natalia Damini released her new song titled “Attitude” featuring the one and only Tito Jackson from the legendary group The Jacksons. This single follows her last release entitled “Pacemaker,” which peaked at #45 on the Mediabase Top 50 Pop chart and has over 1 million streams on Spotify.
Equally important, her song “Crazy” hit #1 on the Billboard Emerging Artist Chart. Natalia has over 1.2 million followers on Instagram.
Cutting Edge is the adjective that describes the stunning songstress Natalia Damini. She adds class, intellect, and style to her genre. She crafts songs that capture the essence of the human spirit. She spins stories of love, lessons learned, conflict and resolution. Ms. Damini approaches every note with fearless class. Her voice is pure and authentic. Her energetic drive and outgoing personality enabled her to showcase her amazing stage presence at many different venues around the world. In October 2015 Natalia won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist at the prestigious Underground Music Awards.
Natalia Damini’s style is a unique blend of modern R&B, Pop, and Dance music that ranks her alongside contemporary stars like Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Shakira, and Rihanna.
Natalia’s new single features Tito Jackson of the Jacksons (yes, brother of Michael and Janet). The Jackson Clan is the most famous musical family in the world. The single and video for “Attitude” is released March 17,2023 via Concore Entertainment/Sony and available on all streaming platforms.
Afro-pop/hiphop singer Mr Dutch (Bright Ukpabi) is thrilled to release his new project Tornado Ride that is out now.
Tornado Ride, is an ecstatic tornado ride into love fantasy. After several gratifying projects, the latest offering from the Nigerian artist folds a range of sounds into a dose of Afro R&B sound beds. Following a string of successful smash hits, Zambo topping charts Mr. Dutch created his latest project following the just celebrated valentine season of love, detailing a roller coaster ride experience in relationships. While listening you may notice several instances of immediate emotional outburst as you engage the outercourse that serenades and drifts you away into the world of love fantasy. The good news is if you know it is fantasy, you are still in touch with reality.
Bekah Bossard ( they/them) is following up their stunning debut single, ‘What You Wanted’ with the next track taken from their upcoming debut EP, ‘ Four Walls.’ Born in Los Angeles but raised in Exeter, Bekah combines silky vocals and guitar led arrangements to create an exciting brand of indie. ‘ Four Walls’ is a driving cut showcasing Bekah’s dreamy vocals over woozy guitar lines.
DAVID KITT has unveiled the stunning new single “Wave of Peace”, ahead of his ninth studio album ‘Idiot Check’ (due 31 March 2023 via RE:WARM).
STREAM “WAVE OF PEACE” ON YOUTUBE HERE || SPOTIFY HERE
A breezy blend of plodding, percussive drums and swirling vocal harmonies, “Wave of Peace” sees David Kitt joined by three special guests: Dylan Lynch of Dublin alt-pop band Soda Blonde on drums, and Katie Kim and Margie Jean Lewis on vocals.
Following the release of earlier singles “Wishing Well”, “Till The End” and “Balances”, the new track is taken from the artist’s forthcoming album ‘Idiot Check’ — set to land on 31 March via RE:WARM.
Kitt’s ninth studio album to-date, ‘Idiot Check’ sees the artist tap into a diverse range of influences once more, emerging as an ambient and atmospheric record that puts an eclectic experimental spin on traditional folk music.
A unique and sincere songwriter with an expert ability to meld inspirations, eras, and sounds, Kitt’s music glimmers with a sense of timelessness well-earned after over 20 years immersed in music.
Bold, brash, playful, slightly odd and gloriously left-of-center, future superstar Bava’s juggernaut debut single ‘Itsy Bitsy,’ feels like a breath of fresh air. Teased online to the Haitian-American’s millions of social media followers, it represents the first offering from a singer, songwriter, producer, and performer who innately understands where pop is headed. Expect lots of brilliant shape-shifting songs from Bava to always lift your mood in the build-up to the summer.
Watch the official video for Itsy Bitsy now that premiered over on PAPER now;
Playlisting here
There’s been a strong build-up ahead of releasing her first song today, with over 13,000 of her fanbase already creating their own content from the teaser of Itsy Bitsy that Bava has uploaded. Written alongside collaborator KillaGraham, Bava explains “Itsy Bitsy is bold, unapologetic, cheeky and cute with intricate production that was lovingly yet painstaking to create . But most of all, it’s fun! It’s my first release as an artist and I wrote it at a time when I felt disempowered and needed to escape into a fantasized 1000ft tall boss version of myself taunting the one who hurt me. I hope it brings confidence and joy to everyone who listens”
Few artists launch their debut song with a hit already under their belt, but in the instance of Bava, she’s already co-penned DJ Snake, Cardi B, Ozuna, and Selena Gomez’s global smash Taki Taki in 2018 – where she coined the phrase for her sound: Slinky Pop. “My first instinct in calling it that was just this sinuous, playful nature of my music,” she says. “That it slinks around beats. I want you to be able to move to everything I’m doing.”
Speaking about what to expect from her future releases Bava adds “Itsy Bitsy is an introduction to me as an artist. My music goes between kind of feisty, ear-wormy, and flirtatious. I love blending the organic with the digital, so there’s real recorded cello and subway sounds mixed with digital drums and stylized synthetic effects.”
Following the viral hit single Shining Light, Aime Simone unveils his mesmerising latest single “Baby Don’t Quit”.
Written upon his return to Paris, “Baby Don’t Quit” blends the sound of Aime’s Fender Stratocaster guitar with his mastery of digital production. The track effortlessly mixes the organic side of pop song writing with a powerful trap background, created with a Roland TR-808 [a drum machine used by both Marvin Gaye on Sexual Healing and Kanye West on his 808s and Heartbreak album.] The result is a captivating and powerful song that conveys a message of hope.
Talking on the track Aime tells us: “This song is about not giving up, not letting yourself down no matter how long it takes, believing in the vision, seeing it vividly and saving the world and yourself on the way.”
The Paris-born singer-songwriter and producer, recorded his debut album Say Yes, Say No in Berlin, releasing it independently in July 2020. The album included the aforementioned single “Shining Light” (+25M) and served as an introduction to
Aime’s musical and stylistic vision. A musical style that Aime describes as “post pop”, his compositions combine the finesse of pop song writing and club music that fed him during his years spent in Berlin. With an ever-growing fans base of over 1.6M monthly listeners on Spotify and a recent stand out performance for the Montreux Jazz Festival’s ‘Spotlight Sessions’ the release of “Baby Don’t Quit” is the first of many this year, bound to set Aime Simone on an upward trajectory, as he continues to carve his own lane in the Alt-Pop world.
Isn’t it interesting how some people act online?
“Who In War” is written from the perspective of someone who is perpetually online, someone who begins to think they can change the world all by themselves, and develops a god complex. I wanted to explore this idea through lyrics because I think it’s completely bogus, there is no sustainable change without community action. But I think that it can become pretty easy to fall into thinking that you’re “special,” and that you can do everything yourself.
Listen to “Who In War” on streaming platforms everywhere today.
Watch the thought-provoking music video by Polyphonic on YouTube.
My friend Noah from the YouTube channel Polyphonic worked on the video while I finished up the song, and our processes influenced each other. As I leaned into the dissociative character that the lyrics are spoken by – someone who sees himself as a warrior of justice from behind a screen – Noah fed into that with the cascading CRTs, the increasingly jarring cuts from one emotional performance to another.
There was an interesting meta-level to this collaboration in considering that Noah and I have never actually met in person before, though we’ve been collaborating for two years now. So to have my online friend and collaborator create visuals for this song was wonderful and oddly apt.
Brian Raine of Ways In Waves
girlfriends (Travis Mills & Nick Gross) are excited to announce the extension of their headlining “Over My Dead Body” Tour with a run of East Coast dates following their UK leg.
The duo will kick off on May 15th in Chicago at Cobra Lounge and visit Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. before wrapping on May 21st in Brooklyn at Baby’s All Right.
The Brooklyn date is being promoted by the Spotify team as part of their hot new “Spotify Stages Presents” concert series. Spotify’s Fan First Ticket Pre-Sales will be leading off the access of tickets for the other headline dates.
See below for a complete list of dates and get your tickets now HERE.
This announcement comes off the heels of the release of the duo’s brand new single, “Over My Dead Body,” out now via Big Noise. Produced by Andrew Goldstein (Machine Gun Kelly, Papa Roach, blackbear), the catchy track referencing the raw past of a toxic relationship brings a cathartic release with melodic emotional intensity paired with newly found freedom. Listen to “Over My Dead Body” now HERE.
In addition, the duo will also be joining The Used & Pierce The Veil on their “fast selling” Creative Control Tour. They’ll be hopping on the tour starting in Asbury Park on June 12th, hitting top markets like New York City, Cincinnati, Dallas, Irvine and more before wrapping up in Phoenix on July 2nd. See below for a full list of girlfriend’s current on-sale dates.
It’s going to be a huge year for girlfriends, so make sure to catch them in a city near you.
With 93+ million global streams to date and roughly half a million monthly listeners on Spotify, the prolific pair conjure songs that are at once pleasingly familiar and warmly unique. Inspired by the style of caffeinated pop-punk that first shaped them, the group’s music is a vehicle for self-expression and catharsis, a means to process grief, uncertainty, and renewed vigor for life destined to connect with others who struggle.
SPIN called girlfriends’ self-titled debut “polished, impassioned, and commanding,” comparing their cross-genre appeal to MGK and Trippie Redd.
Upcoming US & UK Tour Dates (Tickets)
May 15 – Chicago, IL – Cobra Lounge^
May 17 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall^
May 18 – Philadelphia, PA – WOW^
May 20 – Washington, DC – Jammin Java^
May 21 – Brooklyn, NY – Baby’s All Right [Spotify Stages]^
May 24 – London, UK – The Camden Assembly ^
May 25 – Southampton, UK – The Joiners^
May 27 – Hatfield, UK – Slam Dunk Festival
May 28 – Leeds, UK – Slam Dunk Festival
June 12 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage+
June 13 – New York, NY – The Rooftop @ Pier 17+
June 15 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center+
June 16 – Coraopolis, PA – Robert Morris University – UPMC Events Center +
June 17 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center+
June 19 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live @ 20 Monroe+
June 21 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center+
June 22 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee+
June 24 – Dallas, TX – FairPark+
June 25 – Wichita, KS – WAVE+
June 28 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex+
June 29 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort – Grand Theatre+
July 1 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre+
July 2 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre+
THE UNDERCOVER HIPPY is back with the scathing new single “Greed”.
STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE
Chiming with the wave of scandals that have rocked the UK in recent weeks, from Hancock’s Whatsapp messages to Boris’ botched honours list, despite being written at the height of the Covid outbreak the themes at play in “Greed” couldn’t be more apposite to the here and now…
An anti-capitalist tirade that also touches on the innumerable Government scandals and crack-pot conspiracies we were subjected to during the pandemic; this latest cut from the alias of Billy Rowan is a blend of ambitious hip-hop infused stylistics with darkly satirical lyrics. Drifting on a bed of ska-infused basslines, reggae-fied rhythms, and bursts of bright brassy sections, you’ll find some of Rowan’s most arch and politically damning lyrics to date. Listen out for some Spitting Image-esque Boris Johnson impersonations too.
Speaking about “Greed”, Rowan says:
“During Covid I wrote “Greed”, in response both to the Government’s abysmal and borderline corrupt handling of the pandemic, and to the collective insanity that took over my social feeds when half the world discovered conspiracy theories for the first time…. I’ve also tried to experiment with new sounds and genres, taking my songwriting and producing in new directions. This is pretty evident in “Greed”, which is probably my favourite track on the new album, purely because of the sheer dirtiness of the drop after the chorus! It’s a really lazy swung hip hop track about covid, conspiracies and corruption, but still with that acoustic reggae flavour that makes it recognisably my style.”
Lipstereo is a young, four-piece Australian indie rock band from Melbourne, Australia. Formed in 2019, this collection of music tragics bonded together over a mutual obsession of The Strokes, Weezer and Arctic Monkeys’ back catalogues. By channeling too much time spent watching worn out Ramones and Blondie VHS tapes as children, Lipstereo creates performances reminiscent of late nights at CBGB, and spilling drinks just a little too cheap on the floor.
Lipstereo is composed of frontman Sam Stranges on vocals and rhythm guitar, Andrew Stainsby on lead guitar, Tage Hosking-Gregory on bass and Jesse Porter on drums. Playing all over pre-lockdown Melbourne in 2019 and 2020 at their high-energy live gigs, Lipstereo fuses loud guitars with a post punk songwriting sensibility to create music that in a parallel universe, would be on Phil Spector’s Spotify playlist.
Lipstereo is one of Melbourne’s most promising alternative bands, having recently released their four track debut EP, Modern Mythology, at Thirty Mill Studios with top Australian record producer, Mark Opitz (AC/DC, INXS, Cold Chisel) and engineer Colin Wynne (INXS, Jeff Lang, The Casanovas). The bandhas since received acclaim from Rolling Stone Australia, NME, ABC Rage and Noise 11 to name a few. Their latest single “Push The Tide” is “about relationship ailments, parental entanglements and an appeal to be decisive on matters of trust.
Genre-bending French band – TAPEWORMS – have returned with a new single “IRL”, ahead of a recently announced UK tour this May.
STREAM ON SOUNDCLOUD HERE || SPOTIFY HERE || APPLE MUSIC HERE
OR WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE
Arriving right in time for Spring, known as the season of rebirth, “IRL” is a melting pot of sparkling sounds that blend digital string sections with warped sample solos.
Following on from their debut album ‘Funtastic’, released in 2020, the new track sees Tapeworms build their own innovative bridge between sugary synth-pop and contorted indie. Pushing their sound in new and exciting directions, “IRL” brings a steady tempo and lush production that connotes images of surrealistic dreamlands.
The acronym for ‘In Real LIfe’, a phrase born on social media to distinguish ‘virtual life’ from ‘real life’, ‘IRL’ was heavily inspired by Japanese light novel ‘Haruhi Suzumiya’. Blending ethereal vocals with wonky pop beats, the track explores the relationship between dreams and real life and phantasm and reality.
Accompanied by an official video and dazzling new imagery inspired by livecam websites and early lifecasting macro-stars such as Jennicam, “IRL”’s accompanying visuals play with a variety of narratives and captures the band living out their day-to-day lives.
A promising new addition to the Tapeworms catalogue, “IRL” is set to open a new chapter for the band — one full of never-ending pop exploration.
Singer songwriter Cory Wells has released a cover of Linda Ronstadt song ‘Long Long Time’, which recently became popular due to featuring on HBO’s The Last Of Us.
Speaking about the cover Cory said “I have been a fan of “The Last of Us” since it came out originally in 2013. However, I wasn’t super familiar with Linda Ronstadt’s work, so when I heard her song in episode 3, it perfectly encapsulated the story, which I’ve loved for so long, and led me down a Linda rabbit hole. Creating my own version of it was definitely a bit tough. I wanted to make it my own, but her style is very different than mine. Finding that balance between us proved to be both challenging and extremely rewarding.”
Singer, songwriter, and model Kylin Milan has released the music video for her debut single “Could It Be You,” out today. Co-written and produced by GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and producer Poo Bear (Justin Bieber, Usher, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez), “Could It Be You” is an anthemic dance-pop track accompanied by layered synths and soft keys as it speaks to the curiosity and wonder of if there is a perfect match out there for her and who they may be. Accompanied by an Euphoria-esque music video directed by Patrick Tohill, the song soundtracks a house party as the young songstress searches for love for the first time.
“The music video was so surreal and honestly a dream come true,” shares Kylin on the video. “I came to set feeling nervous, excited, and all of the first day jitters, but the cast and crew we had were amazing and so kind. What struck me the most was the set and lighting. It was so elaborate I felt like I was the star of a movie.”
North West London rapper and artist Coults drops his cinematic new video for the trap-infused offering “IS IT COOL? – taken from his just-released 2023 debut album COULTURE.
Balancing the spacey flow of UK rap with American trap-heavy textures, the 21-year-old artist is emerging as one of the most potent new names in the landscape. Showcasing a distinct, melodic approach, Coults maneuverers through the mesmerising soundscape commanding bars with menacing velocity. The authority of a significant new talent dripping through every lyric, Coults effortlessly delivers, illustrating a rigorous lifestyle hustling as a young creative. The clear futurism displayed across his recent project is in full effect here, as the Japanese-heritage talent continues to cement himself as an unorthodox and talented frontrunner.
Directed by fellow London talent LAUZZA (Bawo, ayrtn, Oscar #Worldpeace, Ashbeck), “IS IT COOL?” is brought to life with sharp cuts and gritty cinematography
depicting the pace and disorientation of London life against his calm, melancholic flows.
Since his heavy-set debut record “Rover Trucks” ft. dialE in 2021, Coults has been on a fast-paced and eye-catching trajectory. Showcasing his unique flows across his debut EP Rude Awakening led to the release of his hit single “F&F” (7M+ streams). The young creative earned breakout status and a stream of addictive singles soon followed – including “BROTHERS IN ARMS” with US superstar Rollin Thrax ahead of his highly-anticipated debut album COULTURE last month with features coming from some of the most innovative artists emerging across London including YT, CMillano and Len.
Something gorgeous here from rising London based newcomer Jack Kane, who impresses again on Tell Me What I Need To Do. Having gained support from areas such as CLASH, Wonderland, House Of Solo and Atwood Magazine on the back of gorgeous debut EP Under Your Spell, Tell Me What I Need To Do sees Kane lay his heart bare over gorgeous guitar strings. Speaking on the track, he states.
This song is about letting someone know you’re going to be there for them. Maybe you’re not capable of fixing all their problems, but you’re going to try your best. I think a lot of the time when you’re going through something, knowing there is someone on your side fighting with you can take so much of the edge off. I wanted this song to feel really comforting but still have a bit of bite to it, I wanted it to recharge you if you’re feeling low.”
Freddie Future’s highly anticipated sophomore EP “Loving You” brings the listener along for an emotional journey of finding perspective within a break up. Working alongside producer Anthony Kalabretta, Freddie brought in a collection of demos he had been working on to begin crafting the FF sound for this EP.
“I wanted a specific sound for this project and Anthony was a great fit for it. Not only were we on the same page sonically, but he’s also such a good dude which really adds to the vibe.”
Every track on this EP stands on its own as a single, while telling a cohesive story bringing the project together. Freddie had drawn inspiration from some of his influences such as Rufus Du Sol and Elderbrook.
“Writing for this project was really therapeutic for me personally, drawing from my experiences but it was also nice drawing from people’s experiences around me too. The songs cover such relatable topics like finding acceptance within a break up.
This EP is about connecting with the listener, combining emotional lyrics and melodies within an indie dance realm. This is Freddie Future’s best work to date.
Created by Jill McKenna, Marivon is a truly eclectic group of international recording musicians who have joined forces to make an album of music, surpassing geography and genres.
Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, McKenna is a New York City-trained jazz upright bassist. Now living in Nelson, BC, McKenna appears on 8 different instruments on her debut album, None of this is Mine, and is a self-proclaimed coffee-obsessed, wannabe farmer.
McKenna created Marivon in 2020 as an excuse to bring together her favourite artists. It is her love of both the places and the people that surround her that motivated this project, in combination with a realization that she can take her most beloved parts of music of all genres, without compromise.
None of this is Mine is an album challenging the way music is structured, both literally and figuratively. Inspired by a cup of coffee in the mountains with the Late Jerry Granelli, it is a conversation on connection. Created in recognition of our lineages, this body of music is an acknowledgement to the line of people who have come before us and made the scene what it is today, and to all those that will continue afterwards, be it within our families, among artists, athletes… or coffee farmers.
Furthering the conversation, this album is an attempt at expressing the connecting of dots as we experience life – that feeling of something novel somehow also being familiar. For McKenna, the connections that insisted on being heard were improvising and psychology, composition and regenerative agriculture, and coffee and groove.
https://marivon.bandcamp.com/track/while-anchorless-we-drift
Jo Bartlett is back with the hypnotic new solo single: “I Waited A Year”.
WATCH OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE
STREAM ON SPOTIFY HERE || APPLE MUSIC HERE || ALL SERVICES HERE
One half of acclaimed electronic / folk duo It’s Jo & Danny and founder of the Green Man Festival, Bartlett returns with the first genuinely solo music of her career.
New single “I Waited A Year” found its form during the intense heatwave of 2022. Restless from a bout of insomnia amidst those hot summer nights, Jo found solace from the sleeplessness in the sanctuary of her home studio and began laying down ideas that had been swimming around her mind.
Preoccupied by thoughts of another artist’s song she had lent her guest vocals to, which had since seemed to have disappeared into the musical ether, Jo decided to write a new track in dedication to it: “I Waited A Year”. As she explains:
“On ‘I Waited A Year’ I was wondering why I wasn’t sleeping. Was one of the reasons because I had put too much hope into a dance track I had done the vocals on earlier in the year? Maybe. So to write a song about a song seemed fitting.”
The result is a bespoke piece of bedroom pop that will evoke elements of the pristine synth-pop of Chromatics, the retro-futuristic psychedelia of Broadcast, and classic finesse of The Velvet Underground & Nico all at once.
Writing and recording the music three new songs during that creative spell last summer, “I Waited A Year” swiftly follows the previously released ‘I Don’t Want To Hear Any More Music’, which came out earlier this year to a rave reception and plays from tastemaker stations including BBC 6 Music, Radio X, and BBC London. Standby for a third release in the weeks to come.
That long-awaited slice of summer we’ve all been needing! South London’s up-and-coming songstress Abi Jenaé has delivered just that with her latest Afrobeats-infused sizzler, ‘Empire’ ahead of her forthcoming EP ‘Love & Hustle’ via Afrotown Records.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: ABI JENAÉ – EMPIRE
Housing production from Spellz (WizKid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage & more) ‘Empire’ is welcomed with a percussive beat; an instant head-bopper. Glazing her silky tone atop, Abi Jenaé unveils an irresistible and infectious hook that emphasizes the unity and strength within a relationship, “This love is higher / Finer than designer / No be liar / Our loving no retire / Ṣe we building / Empire” she sings. Posing as the introductory single to her forthcoming EP ‘Love & Hustle’, ‘Empire’ gives us a taste of what’s yet to arrive from the one-to-watch artist.
Overcoming any hurdles and obstacles they may face, we follow Abi Jenaé and her fellow love interest in their home environment as she delves into how strong their love is. Honing in on her African roots, we are taken to a night-time scene with various dancers emphasising the up-beat feel of the track. Speaking on the release Abi Jenaé commented, “Empire is about building a strong empire with the person you love, and the relationship being balanced and solid, no matter what.”
psych-folk singer-songwriter Mariee Siou announces her self-produced, hypnotic EP Circle of Signs, due out April 28 and available for pre-order now. Alongside the announcement, Siou shares the first taste of the project, “Snake Hoop” out everywhere now with an accompanying stop motion music video. Plus, Mariee Siou has announced a string of dates on the West Coast this May with support from Kacey Johansing on several dates. See a full list of dates below and get tickets here.
Mariee Siou was raised on a farm in the Sierra Nevada foothills in the Yuba River watershed in Northern California. Born to a father in a bluegrass band, Siou was always surrounded by music and taught herself to play the guitar at 18 while volunteering at a school for Mapuche children in Patagonia. In 2007, she released her first studio album, Faces in the Rocks, on which she collaborated with Native American flautist Gentle Thunder and which achieved a dedicated cult following that would propel her career to this day. She began touring Europe, as well as North America, after being invited to open for the psych jam band Bright Black Morning Light on their nationwide tour that year, and later toured with Hope Sandoval, Mazzy Star in 2013 and extensively toured Europe and the US headlining and has opened for other acclaimed artists such as Joanna Newsom, Buffy Sainte Marie, Frank Black, and Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy.
The forthcoming EP, Circle of Signs, explores the grief that comes with the current, various political, cultural and environmental disasters. Over four poignant tracks, Siou reckons with living within a system that deepens inequality and accelerates the global climate emergency and through lyrics and song, offers a path toward healing and attempts to maintain hope of a brighter future.
Siou says the collection of songs is, “an expression of and an invitation to the grief and perplexing questions that must necessarily be faced in acknowledgment of our true selves in the face of our current catastrophic, cultural, political and environmental inheritances—grief as the portal into healing, and which is itself a subversive process in an industrial-capitalist-consumerist climate in which to love oneself is itself an act of subversion.”
The acclaimed reggae group Easy Star All-Stars have returned alongside Birmingham’s Steel Pulse for their newest single and visuals, ‘Five Years’ from their upcoming album named, ‘Ziggy Stardub’ – out April 21st via Easy Star Records. The project is a reggae reimagining of David Bowie’s ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: EASY STAR ALL-STARS FT STEEL PULSE – FIVE YEARS
Featuring vocals by Grammy-winning roots reggae band Steel Pulse, the soulful rendition of the track keeps the intergalactic flair of the original alive with the All-Stars’ signature reggae genius, as David Hinds’ magnetic vocals flourish with emotion – highlighting the soaring, apocalyptic attitude of the ballad. The video, directed by Emmy® Award-winner Robert Bartolome, portrays the end of the world on a miniature scale, along with a rebirth. It’s a visual treat that fits David Bowie’s timeless lyrics.
WATCH: EASY STAR ALL-STARS FT STEEL PULSE – FIVE YEARS
David Hinds of Steel Pulse says, “The song ‘Five Years’ can easily be turned into a movie of epic proportions. I see it as the planet’s apocalypse written in deep thought-out poetry and put to music. Therefore, it was a song that I had to interpret with great emotion, abandoning my form of syncopation while doing so. David Bowie was a visionary, a trend setter, a fashion revolutionist, who turned all heads the moment the Beatles’ and Hendrix’s era began to fade. It was the moment that art as we know it left the canvas to decorate and become human form. This man was thinking outside of the box in every dimension possible. It was a pleasure experiencing his experience with this project.”
Platinum selling artist J.I has returned with another visual for his track “So So” a fan-favorite from his 14-track EP, One Way Or Another – released via G*Starr Ent. Directed by Derek Dreamfilms, the fast-paced video showcases J.I. taking over New York City.
J.I. has not disappointed this year, taking the world by storm. The “So So” visual drops in the midst of the New York native performing sold-out shows throughout Europe, as well as opening for A Boogie wit da Hoodie.
the Hudson Valley, NY based indie rock-folk band Setting Sun share sweet single and lyric video, “Cool” out everywhere now. The lively, acoustic guitar-driven track captures the multi-faceted paradoxes of what it means to love life. The band’s self-produced first album in ten years, The Feelings Cure is due out May 19 via Young Love Records and isavailable for pre-order now. Plus, join Setting Sun live in Woodstock, NY for their official album release show on May 18. Tickets are on sale now via settingsuntheband.com.The bright, acoustic track “Cool,” out today, was initially made for a Coke commercial, and after not winning the spot, Levitt was left with a song he loved. Levitt shares, “I got hired to write 60 seconds of music to go along with a final edit of a commercial. I ended up writing a song I loved and not getting the commercial. I then got to rework it and make it a full song. It’s a spirited story of a love for life captured through the beauty, confusion and paradoxes the world presents itself as.”With the newest, most comprehensive body of work yet on the horizon, Setting Sun is ready to re-introduce themselves. In the band’s current iteration, alongside Levitt are long-time collaborators LawrenceRoper (keyboards, vocals) and JonathanHambright (drums) and JohnBurdick (bass/vocals).The forthcoming sixth studio album by Setting Sun, The Feelings Cure, was recorded like no other Setting Sun record––diligently. Explaining the creative process and creating the album while now being a father, Levitt says, “I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get in the creative zone with set times of having to turn creativity on and off like a switch. I used to write and record in creative blasts when I felt it come on like a wave or virus. Having kids forced me to write, record, and mix within the gaps of being a father. The maturity shows on this record.”
Shingo Nakamura returns to Monstercat Silk today with his chill house single, “Foggy Morning.” Shingo fuses soft impressions from his main analog synthesizer on the new record, giving listeners a dreamlike feeling inspired by walks in early, foggy mornings. Following his previous release “Come Closer,” he carries on his direction of piano-led melodies, while experimenting with atmospheric arpeggios for a high-tempo club effect that puts his globally-renowned skill sets on full display.
Shingo Nakamura shares, “I like the fantastic view in the morning when no one is around. This time, I tried to express that scenery with floating and hypnotic sounds.”
Over the last decade, Shingo balanced an office job in Japan during the day while producing and DJing at night. During this time, he composed chart-topping music (including multiple #1 spots on SiriusXM Chill and Beatport tracks that sailed to their top 10 charts), landed guest mix features on radio shows like ‘A State of Trance,’ and more. Through his success as one of Monstercat Silk’s leading artists, he was able to enter 2023 as a full-time musician, allowing him now to work on more records than ever before and travel the world. This year, he’ll play at Creamfield Japan, Tomorrowland, and will make his anticipated return to the US for the first time in 9 years this May, with more details to come soon.
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 100 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 over 340K followers on TikTok and nearly 2 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.
Vocalist, Transylvanian native and adopted ‘Mancunian’ Tudor Todut, guitarist and songwriter Wayne Edwards, guitarist and keyboard supremo James Adams, bassist Shaun Taylor and drummer Ryan Ormerod collectively make up the visionary and genre-defying band The Cuza. They release their second single off their debut album “A Life Full Of Colour” (out later this year) called “Leeches” on 23rd March 2023.
It took a while of searching, and perhaps some divinely ordained universal luck, but when Tudor met the Mancunian musicians, the stage was set for a truly inspired musical collaboration. Since then, the band have become a tight musical unit and pride themselves in their originality and prolific work ethic; inspired and informed by their individual eclectic musical tastes, from Northern Soul to Death Metal, from Bowie to Slayer. Nothing is out of bounds when it comes to generating fresh ideas that culminate in a wealth of emotive music. The Cuza effortlessly take you on melodic journeys through the senses: from sad and reflective trips through our emotional inner-scape to vibrant, soaring, uplifting life-affirming anthems, to hook-laden bangers that invite you to dance ‘til you drop. There are simply no barriers.
The band are also unrivalled in a live environment, headlining their own shows to great acclaim, as well as having supported notable legends such as New Model Army. The band delight in and making each one of their gigs unique and exciting: you will never experience them playing the same set twice.
Their forthcoming twelve track album was recorded at Abbey Road, Metropolis and Larkins Farm and was produced by Adrian Bushby (Foo Fighters and Muse). The album also showcases the band’s versatility as guitarist Wayne explains, “there’s a variety of moods in there and every track has a story to tell.”: And, indeed, their latest single “Leeches” is one such (cautionary) tale. Songwriter Wayne explains his inspiration: “…James played a Riff in rehearsal that reminded me of those 60s classic Early Mod bands. I expanded it into a full track and put it to a story I had in my head about greedy gold diggers getting their comeuppance.”
Beware all ‘Leeches’! The Cuza know ‘Karma’ is coming for you…
Neela is a multi-talented R&B singer-songwriter. A lover of the arts, the songstress has found creative outlets in the local theatre and music scenes of Vancouver and Toronto.
In 2019, she released her debut EP, Lovers in Danger, with Beatchild (Drake, Justin Nozuka). In 2021, she released her second EP, Prelude, produced by Grammy-winning producer, Chin Injeti. Currently she is anticipating the release of her third EP, accompanied with a visual film called Exposed produced by Grammy nominated producer, Akeel Henry and Kofo(Giveon, Loony, Shawn Mendez). She has secured grants for the large scope of this project (CA Council), a distribution deal with AWAL and working towards booking a national tour with her recent management.
Alma Mater is Dirk Sullivan and Andrew Paul Woodworth. The two are veterans of the Los Angeles and of the Portland, Oregon music scenes. Sullivan was signed to Interscope Records with his band Love On Ice and Woodworth fronted Elephant Ride, signed to Sony Records. They have since spent two decades recording and touring in various projects.
Anxious for some musical therapy during the pandemic, the two started meeting in Woodworth’s garage. Sullivan was enthralled with an alternate tuning on his guitar and found himself writing songs at a blistering clip, totally inspired by this fresh reverence for his instrument. He found the perfect partner in Woodworth, who could add pathos and melody to his already provocative landscapes. Sullivan was wrestling with a recent divorce and with the slow demise of his mother. By contrast, Woodworth was about to welcome his first child. They found a kinship in the intensity of their disparate stories. Somehow those contrasting life experiences brought out something completely raw and beautiful and melancholic and utterly explosive in their writing.
Both men love hard and laugh big….both were suddenly unafraid to be uniquely and totally themselves, understanding that in a world full of temporary things, we are a perpetual feeling. The sound became a portrait of combating themes….time versus eternity, strength versus surrender, hard love versus fake hate. With Gregg Williams in the producer’s chair (Sheryl Crow, The Dandy Warhols, Blitzen Trapper, Pete Droge, Emmylou Harris) the recordings became orchestral and vibrant and full of page-turning narratives. It is a dream team for these three Oregonians who have amassed decades of honest, soulful and heartfelt music.
Leading single “Fading Moon” is a poignant folk dipped indie pop track. Andrew of the band confides, “I was never afraid of dying until I had a child. Fading Moon, on the surface, seems like a love letter to my two baby boys. But, in reality, it’s a means to comfort myself from my overwhelming fear of leaving them behind when I die. When pure and intense love is experienced, there is a level of pain associated with it. I’ve never been more happy, but I’ve never been more scared. So this seemingly sweet, folky ditty is really a pretty dark, anxious proclamation.” Musically, the hypnotic guitar riff of “Fading Moon” was written when Dirk was in hospice care, visiting his sick mother. Performing for her brought her joy and “Fading Moon” also represents the magic and healing nature of music.
Second single “Mercy” is a heartfelt song all about showing compassion and love to the world. Andrew confides the single is a reminder “to be kinder and to be softer when reacting to people who confuse me. Showing another human compassion and patience and empathy is such a soulful way for me to experience pride.” With intricate acoustic guitars, floating lush melodies and emotive vocals, “Mercy” is an important folk pop anthem.
Alma Mater is a direct reflection of what is happening in the world today as much as it is defined by generations of influence. From its warm and rustic and plush production to its earnest and candid and sometimes irreverent writing, Alma Mater is a collision of opposing forces….like they’ve blown the dust off of an old box in the attic, only to find new pictures inside.
A tribute to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, “Triumph of the Fallen” showcases ANVBIS and ZERØTONIN’s unique blend of heavy basses and thumping drums with cinematic and orchestral elements, creating a sound that is truly their own.
Emerging on to the scene in late 2021, ANVBIS has quickly made a name for himself in the Bay Area bass scene thanks to his hard hitting sets. Drawing inspiration from San Holo, Odesza, and Dion Timmer, he went on to release multiple fan favorite singles including, “I WAITED 4 U” and “Tribal Dance.” This year, ANVBIS looks to hone in on his artistry, focusing on intentional music that’s more representative of who he is and what he stands for.
Starting his musical journey at the age of nine, San Diego local ZERØTONIN developed a deep-rooted passion for music. Citing influences like Kompany, Apashe, and SWARM, ZERØTONIN’s craft comes alive through his fusion of orchestral elements with modern basses and growls. His unique sound and high octane sets have led him to play shows across California and Arizona and more recently open for Emorfik on his Chapter II tour. With more music and shows on the way, ZERØTONIN is poised to have a career-defining year.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
