Platinum selling indie pop sensation The Walters return with a sunshine drenched new single and comedic music video for “Stuck In My Ways”. The band is known for their smash hit “I Love You So” which exploded on TIKTOK in 2021, reaching over 10 billion global TikTok views to date, went platinum and climbed the charts at Top 40 radio—in addition to surpassing 850 million streams on Spotify (and still growing week after week). “Stuck In My Ways” is the first music from the four-piece this year.
“Stuck In My Ways” is a breezy alt pop tune meets surf rock tune featuring layered harmonies, funky basslines and shimmering soundscapes. The song “was inspired by repeating the same actions in your day to day life that get you in trouble with your partner,” confides the band. The comedic and fun music video is a field day with The Walters complete with a potato sack race, corn hole competition, and hot dog eating contest.
A true phenomenon in the world of indie-pop, The Walters first burst onto the scene in 2014 with “I Love You So” — a self-released smash that quickly brought the Chicago-bred five-piece massive streaming success, all on the strength of their heart-on-sleeve songwriting and harmony-driven sound. After building a global fan base and touring all over the country, The Walters began an indefinite hiatus in 2017, signing off with a crowd-thrilling set at Lollapalooza 2017. Just as they started plotting their return, the band found themselves thrown back into the pop zeitgeist when “I Love You So” exploded on TikTok in 2021, a whirlwind turn of events that’s generated more 10 billion global TikTok views to date. Along with reaching platinum status and climbing the charts at Top 40 radio—in addition to surpassing 850 million streams on Spotify (and still growing week after week) and hitting #1 in over seven countries on the Viral 50—“I Love You So” soon led to The Walters’ signing with Warner Records. Their debut release for the label, the six-track EP Try Again marks a major triumph for lead vocalist Luke Olson, lead guitarist Walter Kosner, bassist Danny Wells, and drummer Charles Ekhaus, spotlighting the band’s newly sharpened songcraft while retaining their homespun charm. Produced by Ekhaus and spiked with elements of surf-pop, classic 70’s sounds and gently inventive alt-rock, Try Again mines inspiration from timeless artists like The Beach Boys, Elliot Smith and Neil Young, expertly preserving the carefree intimacy that makes The Walters so magnetic. Newly based in L.A., The Walters are now gearing up for a debut full length album that fully delivers on their undeniable promise as a musical and creative force.
Making a statement as loudly as possible, critically acclaimed Cleveland hip-hop phenomenon Doe Boy proudly presents his anxiously awaited new project, BEEZY, today via Freebandz/Epic Records. Listen to BEEZY HERE.
The 16-track project unfolds as a rap blockbuster of the highest order. He attracted an A-list cohort of guests, including Future, G Herbo, and Roddy Ricch on the irresistible “TRY & SEE,” Lily Yachty and Luh Tyler during the hilarious “KARDASHIANS,” Lola Brooke on the punchy “DUMB,” EST GEE for the street anthem “PICK A SIDE,” and Cleveland legends Krayzie Bone and Bizzy Bone on the haunting and hypnotic finale “GRIM REAPER.”
Check out the full tracklisting below.
About the project, Doe Boy commented, “It tells my story, everything I’ve been through, all of the trials and tribulations I overcame, and where I’m at now. It’s all based on true stories. Nothing is fabricated. I’m going to give you everything. I’m elevated as a grown man now. I’m not a kid anymore. The way I move is bossed all the way up. I’ve come a long way from East Cleveland. BEEZY is my nickname, so this album is self-titled. It’s who I am today and all of the things that brought me here. This is all of my different moods all rolled up into one as BEEZY.”
Kickstarting another era in the wake of acclaim and millions of streams, rising Arlington, TX rap phenomenon AAP Deno unleashes a pair of new singles entitled “Going Places” today via Epic Records. Listen to “Going Places” HERE.
He initially built hype for “Going Places” on social media with a series of teasers on Instagram and TikTok, igniting anticipation for its official release. On the track, he alternates his fiery flow between a hypnotic melodic crooning and off-kilter verses. Against a punchy sonic backdrop, he makes stirring and stark confessions, “We done had some dark times. The song finds him flexing his lyrical skills and dynamic vocal range over another unpredictable soundscape.
Stay tuned for official videos to accompany this anthem.
He is most definitely “Going Places” now…
After making waves around the globe, rising international phenomenon, singer, songwriter, and performer EVANGELÍA unveils a brand new single entitled “Let’s Go MIA” today. It notably marks her official debut for Epic Records.
Listen to “Let’s Go MIA” HERE.
The track bottles the uncontainable energy of young love with gleeful excitement. The kinetic production consists of an interpolation of the classic “Dragostea Din Tei” spiked with a whole lot of EVANGELÍA’s style, soul, and spirit. It laces a danceable beat with Greek percussion as she joyously proclaims, “When I’m with you I feel alive.” Meanwhile, the hook issues an invitation, “Call me crazy. Let’s go MIA.”
Stay tuned for a stunning music video to accompany the song.
It notably lands in the wake of her recent viral anthem “Páli” [with Mente Fuerte] and Greek double-platinum breakout “Fotiá.“
Get ready for a whole lot more from EVANGELÍA soon. Go “MIA” with her now!
Rising singer and songwriter Rachel Bochner presents the music video for her new single, “If I’m Gunna Be Sad (I Might As Well Look Hot Doing It).”
In the self-directed music video, Rachel and her co-writer/producer Tiger Darrow throw themselves an over-the-top party complete with a bounce house, cotton candy, feather boas, and an inflatable bull. Rachel elaborates on her vision for the music video: “The song feels badass but without taking itself too seriously, so I really wanted to play with bouncing (pun intended) between empowerment/bad bitchery and the silly/ridiculousness of two grown ass women falling over themselves in a pink bouncy house intended for children.”
“If I’m Gunna Be Sad (I Might As Well Look Hot Doing It)” offers a taste of what listeners can expect on Rachel’s upcoming EP, due out later this Summer. The new EP sees her rising from the ashes of heartbreak and delivering a concoction of songs that dance between vulnerable, melancholic, energetic, and playful. The EP’s next single, “Here For The Drama,” will be out on June 22nd.
Since making her debut in 2020, the New York-based artist has made some serious waves with her fiery, playful pop sound and whip-smart lyricism. Giving grit to vulnerability, she is unafraid to own the thoughts, mistakes, and emotions we tend to shy away from. With her new EP on the horizon, Rachel Bochner is poised to set the pop world ablaze.
“Hold You Tight” is a tender remedy for loneliness. The song’s simple, cyclical melody catches your ear and then lulls you into a peaceful dreamstate that is sure to comfort you to the very last note.
The video for “Hold You Tight” was filmed just after we had wrapped filming a different music video on a cool, rainy night and when the rain stopped, we decided to go for a walk to scout a new location. I was walking with my guitar in hand, singing “Hold You Tight,” and when we ended up on a nearby overpass I knew right away that the restless, obtrusive sounds of Montreal at night would be a perfectly poetic backdrop for this soft and intimate song.
Watch the video for “Hold You Tight”.
Hear “Hold You Tight” on streaming platforms everywhere now.
Illustration by Kathleen Weldon, graphic design by Marcus Lowry
“I only only ever want to hold you hold you tight
I only only ever want to hold you hold you …
I only only ever want to … ”
Coming this fall, Time, Time, Time is my debut album. It’s a collection of 9 original songs that unfold like pages of a book to reveal stories that speak to loss, unfulfilled dreams and the inevitable passage of time.
Thanks for listening,
Marcus Lowry
A new band to check out here in the indie space – Holy Fool are set to reveal their stand out first offering, ‘Winter Coat’. Blending melancholic songwriting with dark humour in a folk soaked sound built on influences across indie and rock & roll, the track is a statement intent from a duo set for a busy few months.
Speaking on the track, they state:
‘The spirit of Winter Coat dives boldy into the unknown with wreckless abandon. It deals honestly with the hard wisdom brought about after being blindsided by inevitable change. The necessity to shake off old ways and convert troubles of the past, and touches on themes of rebirth, catharsis and evolution. ‘Things, they have to end. To start again.’
Love is never what or where you think it is. It blossoms in the unfamiliar; outside of the repeating patterns sewn by old trauma holding onto the new.
My song, “Healing Tears,” expresses a transformative moment in my sexuality, a moment of healing through intimacy. The first time I had an orgasm that made me cry, it was a scary overwhelming wave. I didn’t know what was happening to me and I received flashes of images and memories – a sense of imprisonment from the past. The second time inspired this song, when I was with a person who had the understanding and compassion to hold space for my grief and joy. The place I am in now is miles away – yet still a brambly discovery.
Listen to the mercurial, vivid new song “Healing Tears” on streaming platforms.
Watch the music video by Gabriel Lapierre, which was filmed in my Montreal apartment, on YouTube.
My vision for the music video was to reimagine a video piece I made on my own during a lockdown in 2020. It was part of a queer erotic art project using funds collected from OnlyFans to donate to various causes.
The music video for “Healing Tears” was shot in my apartment with my good friend, love, and artist Eddying Jackson. I wanted to explore touch with Eddying that lives in a space between sensual and sexual. I hope that our soft queer embrace, captured by Gabriel, conveys the sense of safety and play that I am nurturing in my connections.
Miel AzevedoKeep up with me on Instagram 🐝 Facebook 🐝 Bandcamp
Jason Bhattacharya is a multi-dimensional creative whose main focus is production, songwriting & recording. Bhattacharya has been featured on umpteen records as a session musician & producer & creates solo works under the pseudonym Granny Smith. The past three years, Bhattacharya has also worked in the music department for Netflix, Sony Pictures & Paramount Television Studios.
My grandparents were painters, I never got to meet them… they were prolific artists & the only contact I’ve had with them is through the work they left behind. I wanted to make a project where I could express my journey THROUGH music.
This year marks two decades since the world was captivated by the soulful and emotional ballad “Dance with My Father,” by R&B pioneer and legend Luther Vandross. To honor the enduring legacy of this GRAMMY® Award-winning classic, Primary Wave Music, TheLuther Vandross Estate and Legacy Recordings/Sony Music have released the song in high-resolution Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience that fans can stream and download from several platforms.
Originally released on May 30, 2003, “Dance with My Father” quickly became a timeless classic and a defining moment in Luther Vandross’ illustrious career. Co-written by Vandross and GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Richard Marx, the song beautifully tells the story of a son’s cherished memories with his father and the longing to relive those moments. It resonated with millions of listeners worldwide, touching hearts and earning Vandross a posthumous GRAMMY for Song of the Year in 2004.
Join this milestone celebration by visiting LutherVandross.com where you can create and share personally customized Father’s Day memories using the ‘What My Father Taught Me’ meme generator with the hashtag #DanceWithMyFather20. Additionally on the site, you can purchase items from a limited edition gift guide, encapsulating the soul of this unforgettable song. Commemorate Father’s Day and Black Music Month by celebrating this iconic piece of Black music history. Let’s unite as fans, saluting Luther Vandross’ lasting legacy and the special connection between fathers and their children.
Los Angeles based artist SMILEZ is no stranger to standing out in the crowd with his vibrant, yellow presence. He is the missing link between grungy punk catharsis and unrestrained hip-hop bravado. The artist shares, “I like to put my DNA into everything I do which is why I produced my new album and directed all the music videos.”
He has emerged as a rare disruptor in the new RAGE space. He can turn up on a track with Snoop Dogg, yet he’s also graced the hallowed Warped Tour stage. SMILEZ had multiple successful tours, opening for Trippie Redd, Wiz Khalifa and JuiceWRLD. In 2021, he released a string of singles, including the track “HAPPY,” which hit number one on the SoundCloud charts, racking up more than seven million streams. With his notable brand making waves in the industry, he ended 2022 with a deeply emotional track in honor of his late brother titled “Sit Back & Relax,” which serves as a PSA to the fentanyl epidemic.
Now, SMILEZ has unveiled his debut album, Ur in My World. Acting as a portrait of his life to date, the 15-track release is a blend of hip-hop and punk rock, with an underlying theme of trying to make the best out of tough situations. The album includes the new single “Someday” which samples The Strokes, creating an instant hit that sticks in your head. It also features “Mentally I’m Somewhere Else” which narrates the mental struggles of losing a loved one. “Party Party Party” is a loud 808 pounding mix of modern hiph-op production and classic pop-punk.
SMILEZ started off 2023 with a Genius ‘Open Mic’ performance. Ur in My World, is out now.
Scottish singer-songwriter – PHILIP SETH CAMPBELL – has unveiled “Magical West”, the first single to be taken from his forthcoming solo album ‘City Lights’ (out 1 September 2023 via Assai Records). Arriving with a colourful official video, as premiered by XS Noize, check it out here.
The artist has also announced an extensive UK and Ireland tour for Autumn 2023, as well as three in-store shows in his native Scotland to mark the album’s release.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE || STREAM ON SPOTIFY HERE
A shimmering and synth-heavy cut that feels as though it was plucked straight from the silver screen, “Magical West” arrives as the first sampler from Campbell’s forthcoming album ‘City Lights’ (out 1 September via Assai Records).
An amalgamation of Campbell’s life and career up until this point, the new record unfolds like a series of cinematic snapshots captured in timeless technicolour. From new single and album opener “Magic West” to plucky ballads like “Break The Curse” and “Sober Boy”, and from the bluesy soulful title-track “City Lights” to riled-up and rocky “Gut City Blues”, the LP sees the artist traverse time and genre with a deft sense of musicality that glints and glimmers like an unearthed trove of deep-buried treasure.
Speaking of the new record, Campbell explains:
“”City Lights” is everything I know. The album flowed naturally, each song informing the next. It’s half new songs and half older unfinished pieces. I’ve been writing it since I was 16, all through my 20s and my years in London, through moving home to The Temperance Movement, touring, resting and having a family.”
the incredibly talented Palace Watson makes strong first impressions on his new single “Bedroom,” which he wrote envisaging the end of the world. Chaotic in meaning and also in sound, the track builds and builds through-out in a wall of exquisite guitar and drums. Has chaos ever sounded comforting? That is exactly the sweet juxtaposition at the click of a play below;
Listen to Bedroom now; https://open.spotify.com/album/3H60DFhFnr6JyrrNdtVD8h?si=OjAWuCrLRNKC6NXx8md_kQ
Speaking about the song, Palace explains “Bedroom was born as a song from thinking about the world ending but then thinking about the perks of watching it all happen from the comfort of your own bedroom.”
From Palace’s own description of Bedroom it’s safe to say Palace Watson’s listeners can expect plenty more tongue-in-cheek, dark humour among his own musings in all of his future releases. When asked to describe how the Palace Watson project began, he explained “On a recent cold January morning, after decades frozen in fear on the astral plane, Palace Watson awoke from an ancient slumber. The curse lifted, and no longer burdened by -̢̬̱̪̋-͑͆̌ͯ, , he began creating work to document his findings during his journey to the other side.”
When I am writing for myself on solo projects, it usually comes from a very personal place. I am often working emotional things out. My new record, Borrowed Time, caught me at a particularly convoluted time in my life as a new dad in a COVID addled world so it seems kind of loaded to me on playback.
Stream Borrowed Time in full via your preferred platform.
I wrote and recorded most of these songs alongside my friend Nick Movshon throughout the early stages of the pandemic. We did not set out to make a record. We were getting together at my new studio every couple weeks just to figure out what sounds we could find. One of us would engineer on one side of the glass, and the other would play an instrument on the other side. Then we’d sanitize our spaces, switching back and forth until we had something that felt done. No engineers or bandmates. We’d talk through the glass about being new fathers, or what the weekly death tally was. New York had been hit hard at that time. What sounds to you like a five or six-piece band is actually two shell shocked Brooklyn dads masked in a studio and slathered in hand sanitizer.
The city was a mess so I left to stay at my sister-in-law’s in Toronto for a few months. With nothing to do in Canada, I finally decided to learn how to play piano. She had this electric one with an odd preset that repeated the G note. I built the song, “Shout Out Loud,” when I was supposed to be practicing fundamentals. I can be patient, compassionate and loyal to a bit of an extreme. This can actually break you down inside if you keep putting yourself second and “handling” situations carefully. Eventually you just shout your truth out loud.
On Borrowed Time‘s cover, instead of the usual pictures of myself looking sufficiently scruffy or writing all the music business credits I could dig up, I chose a picture of myself as a kid with a spark in my eye. Making Borrowed Time was about momentary shared purpose with a friend and cleaning out some clogged “mental pipes.” Now that it is complete, I can get back in touch with that childlike spark I recognize in that photo.
Thank you for listening,
MSB
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AMAARA’s striking debut LP Child of Venus is a bold and unforgettable introduction to Kaelen Ohm’s music. The Canadian-born singer, songwriter, and producer’s third collection of songs is reminiscent of classic-era dream-pop as well as Radiohead’s most spectral and haunting moments—and yet the resulting sound is entirely her own, teeming with detail in a way that draws listeners in and keeps them coming back. A reflective work that zooms in on the things we hold close and what manages to escape our grasp, Child of Venus is a record that leaves a mark on anyone who hears it, in the best way possible.
Child of Venus is the culmination of a lifetime of artistic pursuits for Ohm, who moved to Calgary after attending film school and immersed herself in the city’s music scene, making music videos and gigging around town with various bands. She found inspiration in the music of groups like Beach Fossils and Warpaint, and it was the latter’s single “Elephant” that Ohm taught herself on guitar and subsequently expanded her own mind as to what her music could be. “I realized that this was the path I needed to take,” she recalls. “With all the music I listened to growing up, making music just felt intuitive to me. Whatever came to me, I let it flow, and it ended up becoming a really positive outlet.”
“Finding Fire Island” – a docu-podcast series which brings to life how a sleepy, 19th century beach town became a modern day queer mecca for artists and the New York City theater community – debuts on July 6 via Broadway Podcast Network. Queer history has often been told through the lens of loss and disappearance but Fire Island has transcended that to survive as a stunning fantasy world and cultural touchstone. “Finding Fire Island” takes its listener behind the curtain of the mystique, legends and lore of the LGBTQ+ communities (Cherry Grove and The Pines) from folks who experienced their evolution from the 1950s to today.
“Finding Fire Island” features Joel Kim Booster, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers, the iconic DJ Lina Bradford, screenwriter Paul Rudnick (Sister Act, The First Wives Club), Brian Moylan (Vulture, author of The Housewives), Zach Stafford (former editor-in-chief of The Advocate, Tony Award winner), cabaret director Ben Rimalower, and Cherry Grove legends Bob “Rose” Levine and Thom “Panzi” Hansen. A full talent list can be found here.
Watch the “Finding Fire Island” trailer here.
“Finding Fire Island” is created and executive produced by writer, producer and native New Yorker, Jess Rothschild. Since 2019, Jess has published and hosted the podcast “Hot Takes & Deep Dives,” centered on queer pop iconography and New York City culture. Jess has received acclaim from The Huffington Post and The New York Times for her interviews with Rosie O’Donnell, Sandra Bernhard, Isaac Mizrahi, Melissa Etheridge, Roxane Gay, Mario Cantone, The L Word creator Ilene Chaiken, Fran Drescher and more. Jess Rothschild was a founding writer for the largest independent LGBT website still in existence – Autostraddle – from 2009-2013.
Of “Finding Fire Island,” Jess Rothschild shares: “As a native New Yorker, Fire Island was intrinsically formative to my identity as a gay person. As my obsession with the history and culture of Cherry Grove and The Pines intensified over the years, I began collecting interviews with notable Fire Island figures, past and present. While working on this project, I realized that this is one of the rare pieces of media about Fire Island from the perspective of a woman.”
Comedian / actor Matt Rogers adds: “The thing about Fire Island is, it itself is such a story, but when you go, it becomes part of your story.”
Comedian / musician Margaret Cho notes: “It’s important to create art about Fire Island which really memorializes the history and the important figures. There are so many stories to tell from the island as this legendary queer mecca.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jess Rothschild and the podcast ‘Finding Fire Island’ to the Broadway Podcast Network! The epic stories, influential storytellers and fascinating Fire Island lore will capture our audience completely,” Dori Berinstein, Co-Founder and CEO of Broadway Podcast Network, said.
“Finding Fire Island” is presented by the Broadway Podcast Network, with new episodes available starting on July 6 on BPN.FM or wherever you get your podcasts. Broadway Podcast Network is the premier digital storytelling destination for everyone, everywhere, who loves theatre and the performing arts.
SPANISH LOVE SONGS, have released a new single called “Clean-Up Crew” today – a mid-30s ode to life’s could-have-beens – the second track to debut from their highly anticipated new album ‘No Joy’ out August 25, 2023 via Pure Noise Records.
“It feels like my entire life has been spent on the cusp of something,” says vocalist and guitarist Dylan Slocum. “I wanted to play baseball as a kid, and then I went to college and got hurt. I went to Hollywood to do film and TV and got pretty close. The band has gone beyond our wildest dreams, but at some point, you get tired of chasing after your dreams. The song is me taking a step back and asking, ‘Can we handle a small life? Could we give it up and move to the middle of nowhere and not worry about chasing some dream?’ To me, that’s death.”
Stream “Clean-Up Crew” Here: https://lnk.to/SLS_Music
The new song follows the lead single “Haunted”, which was released last month with the announcement of ‘No Joy’. The track carries the saltwater-kissed vignetting of an Asbury Park summer, awash in Boss-inspired nostalgia and percussive acoustic guitar that build to some of the band’s biggest hooks yet. The video, directed by Hannah Hall, is a quirky view into a bar-band scene where everyone’s just looking for a good time.
FRANKIE FLOWERS is an emerging alternative artist from Waterloo, ON. Originally, wanting to explore the electronic music scene, with the goal of being a DJ – she decided to take a course on music production and learned how to spin on vinyl. After an abysmal breakup, and many shifts working coat check at a Toronto concert venue, her musical direction changed and she began writing and creating alternative music as a release, having the sudden urge to use her voice as her main instrument.
She produces her own genre-bending sound by merging her love for dark-wave and post-punk music, drawing inspiration from bands such as The Cure and Joy Division. Alongside playing two sets at this past year’s NXNE festival, she also recently had the opportunity to open for one of her favourite artists, Kennyhoopla on his 2022, ‘SURVIVOR’S GUILT’ tour.
FRANKIE seeks to create a dark, psychedelic, and eclectic vibe at her shows and through listening to her music that urges you to escape reality and experience the unknown.
Riding high on the back of their viral track Nervous, Denver based genre-bending group NOT A TOY continue to stride towards the release of their upcoming debut album “PRBLMS” with new single “ Say So”. A buttery R&B/pop cut showcasing gorgeous vocals decorating rolling beats, the track showcases the versatility that has seen NOT A TOY pick up a following. Take a listen to the track below:
Speaking on the track, the state:
“Say So was such an exciting record for us to make. Jeremy actually came into the studio one day and showed us this demo he was working on. He already had laid down the initial concept that had the main vocal melody on top of the song’s beautiful guitar and that unique kick pattern. It was such a tender song, but had this special hard-hitting quality about it so right away we were all freaking out after he showed us. The song came so naturally to us, it all kind of just spilled out of us on the spot.
This idea of wanting someone so bad, but you’re stuck in limbo waiting for them to finally say how they feel. The song’s title was actually “Tunnel Vision” for a long time because one of the main ideas behind the song was about loving someone so much that nothing else even matters, but eventually, we switched the title to “say so” because the song evolved into dealing with that weird phase of a relationship when you’re kind of insecure because you don’t know if the other person’s feelings are temporary or the real deal. And being in that place where you love them so much and all you need from them is to finally open up, “Say so and I’ll drop it all and find you”, or if not, just say so and I’ll settle for loving you from a payphone.
“Say so I’mma drop it all and find you
Say so and I’ll tunnel vision love you
Say so just don’t leave me in the rearview
I won’t go if you say so”
While we were in the studio, the song just kept surprising us every time we thought it couldn’t get any better. We would make a new part like the bridge and we would be like “This is our favorite part!” and then we made the orchestral outro where TJ played the violin and we we were like “Now that’s our favorite part!”
This one is such a special one for us, we hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it.
Whimsical by nature, the music of Olive + Harrison is as transportive as it is reflective of the moment. The duo, aptly named after singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Olive (b. Olivia Handler) and producer/engineer/vocalist/songwriter Harrison (b. Harrison Forbes Schneider), is composed of two like-minds who are musicians at their very core and dreamers at their very essence.
The pair, who first joined forces in 2015, each come from a background that was blessed by music and tarnished by tragedy. As a result, their music tackles various themes true to their respective individual experiences, authentically exposing some of the most personal moments in their lives, in hopes others will be able to relate on a deeper level.
While it is commonplace for musicians to be placed in a box, with Olive + Harrison themselves expertly weaving between the fringes of experimental hip-hop and whimsical pop, it is better served when fans let go of predetermined boundaries and allow themselves to get lost while listening, much like the creators do during their collective creative process.
Olive + Harrison, who engineer, write and produce all of their own music, explain that they created a realm for their music to live, in order to enable their deeply personal and thought-provoking art to thrive in a society designed to foster the opposite. From Harrison’s insatiable hunger to expand his knowledge and to question existential topics to Olive’s unwavering passion for living life fully and without ceilings, together the pair navigates their own duality without apology, with their music reflecting their own complexities bravely and beautifully.
As exemplified through their music and their own genuine perspectives as artists, Olive + Harrison create with intention–an increasingly rare quality you can not only hear, but can feel, with each innovative and introspective listen further solidifying their legacy.
Their new single “Normal, See?” is a raw and unfiltered track depicting the dark side of mental health struggles, depression, and the perils of hiding one’s true self. Harrison confides, “I hope “Normal See?” can shine a light on how theatrical and absurd our performance in daily life can be. The social fabric that holds our entire first world civilization together is a house of mirrors, and when that is the reality we’ve all agreed upon – I imagine the most frightening mirror is the one that reflects us as we are.”
Ahead of his highly anticipated new album ‘A Fine Commitment’ this Friday, MONOGRAMS is pleased to share a final cut from the record: “Listen Up”.
LISTEN ON YOUTUBE HERE || STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE
A militant call to attention and an epic closing statement, Monograms’ latest single draws ‘A Fine Commitment’ to a close through a barrage of ricocheting beats, pincering post/punk guitars, and sprawling feedback that builds to a cataclysmic crescendo.
Speaking about “Listen Up”, Ian of Monograms simply says:
“This song is about trying to change your perspective from something negative to something positive. But within that lens, I’m really quite bad at talking about things or taking advice into practice. Also the idea that talking about things and trying to apply deep philosophies or big ethereal ideas is often useless, just for me personally, I often get lost in that kind of thinking. I’d much rather be taking action.”
Swiftly following previous singles “Hi Low” and recent single “Carry The Weight”, all three can be found on Monograms’ upcoming third album. His first outing since 2020, ‘A Fine Commitment’ finds Monograms expanding his portfolio of post-apocalyptic sounds into dark and uncharted territories. Careering through the pulsing industrial progressions of “Wink Void” to the cybernetic surf-rock of “Say It Away”, the shadowy shoegaze of “Walk on Weather”, the pneumatic electronica of “Com Plex”, via the occasional foray into far-out folk (“Sim Pull”); Monograms fuses together sounds from the fields of post-punk, new-wave, industrial, gritty pop, and beyond in this collection of 12 dynamic, future-facing tracks.
Scour beneath the sonic melee however and you’ll find some of the most visceral lyrics of the Monograms catalogue to date. Documenting a journey of personal mental health struggles over the two year period in which it was made, and how the music he was making offered him a road to recovery, Ian says of ‘A Fine Commitment’:
“Let’s just say I went through a time in my life while making this record where I almost lost myself and my mind a couple times. The process of this album felt like a fork in the road where I finally started letting go a bit of my past and trying to predict my future. The tension wasn’t directly about the creative process but that was often the trigger. It’s a long story but I’ve been facing those divots in my life a lot more lately and trying to be more real about it cause it’s not something I think about often… but I truly did almost completely lose myself in the span of time while making this record more than once. But I’m still here, still living, still dreaming.”
Spanish R&B vocalist Sofi de la Torre enlists Parisian artist Luni for her eclectic pop offering “4 Sure Sure” – the third instalment from her hotly anticipated four-part international release.
Bouncing back from her immense collaborations with US vocalist PHABO and Italian star Livio Cori – gaining key support across WONDERLAND, GUAP, ONES TO WATCH and NOCTIS MAGAZINE – Sofi de la Torre’s sun-soaked musicality is on full display across her latest version of “4 Sure Sure”. Delivered over warm, delicate synths weaved through the syncopated heartbeat of the drums, Sofi’s seamless harmonies flicker with promise, painting vibrant silhouettes before Luni flexes his sleek melodic vocals with typical elegance. Illustrating the complications of a new
love affair, the two champion an electric energy, one that propels them toward self-reflection while battling intoxicating desires of lust in the exploration for true loyalty and companionship.
Speaking on the record, Sofi mentions: “This is not another love song. It champions companionship, understanding and loyalty in every line. It’s what we all long for in our other half and what we imagine love to sound like.”
Tiiva reveals Cellophane; a brilliant new collaborative offering with Polly Scattergood.
Powerful and illuminating, ‘Cellophane’ comes as a captivating reminder of the importance of art and expression. Created in the depths of lock-down, the euphoric sentiment of the track offers a much needed release.
Sharing more, Tiiva explained: I wrote this working with Polly remotely across the weirdest time of lockdown. I wanted to write something that felt euphoric and exciting, mirroring a time when dancing felt like a memory. There’s an honest fragility in Polly’s writing that really resonates and working together on this song has felt beautifully cathartic during a time when our horizons felt a lot smaller.
Since their launch, artist and producer Tiiva has made a name for themself with their recipe of reflective lyricism, pop euphoria and weightless production. Writing songs with humbling transparency, Tiiva’s fearless approach to music has resonated with many, already scooping support from the likes of Clash, DIVA, Them., The Line of Best Fit, Wonderland and many more.
Having admired Tiiva’s sound and production techniques for a while, Polly Scattergood’s input on the new single came as a natural progression. Sharing more Polly said; “As soon as I heard cellophane ideas started to flow, the song has many layers lyrically. Ultimately it’s all about celebrating each other and the expansive richness that art and music can bring to our lives. I hope it makes anyone listening feel good…”
Polly Scattergood has built a career as an experimental electronic artist and unique storyteller across 4 critically acclaimed studio albums. Her genre bending sound brings an alluring atmosphere all of its own. With the pandemic taking away the possibilities to tour, remote writing sessions took the lead and as a result Polly has been involved in a number of exciting collaborative releases and performances including being invited to play on Jools Holland.
Cellophane follows Tiiva’s last single ‘Even If You Can’t Save Me’ which fans were treated to back in April, check it out here.
Tiiva takes inspiration from Charli XCX, fka twigs, James Blake and other artists who choose to stray outside the lines in pursuit of their art. With an undeniable skill for courageous storytelling, through both their lyrics and sonic choices Tiiva continues to thrive as they push on with the construction of their multifaceted, abstract pop world.
Burned-out mathematician turned indie-soul artist, Jeremy Voltz’s music is inspired by thinking deeply about the people in his life and what he’d love to have the courage to say to them. Reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, Hozier, and Stevie Wonder, he has a voice that is powerful and haunting, delivering hook-heavy melodies with universal, heartfelt lyrics.
In 2023, Voltz will be releasing his sophomore album, Running Away, a theatrical and hard-hitting exploration of bravery, both within ourselves and our relationships. Running Away is a collaboration with producer/artist, Oliver Charles, and is a blending of two worlds: Voltz’s indie-soul sound and Charles’ impactful, gritty pop production, interlaced with dark harmonies and virtuosic vocals. “We both wanted to create something exciting and almost beyond us, like a soundtrack for an epic action movie that doesn’t exist yet,” says Voltz about the new project. “What we came up with I like to call ‘battle songs for the empathetic.’ Electronic singer-songwriter rock that hits hard yet still feels vulnerable.”
Ahead of his highly anticipated new album ‘A Fine Commitment’ this Friday, MONOGRAMS is pleased to share a final cut from the record: “Listen Up”.
LISTEN TO “LISTEN UP” ON YOUTUBE HERE || STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE
A militant call to attention and an epic closing statement, Monograms’ latest single draws ‘A Fine Commitment’ to a close through a barrage of ricocheting beats, pincering post/punk guitars, and sprawling feedback that builds to a cataclysmic crescendo.
Speaking about “Listen Up”, Ian of Monograms simply says:
“This song is about trying to change your perspective from something negative to something positive. But within that lens, I’m really quite bad at talking about things or taking advice into practice. Also the idea that talking about things and trying to apply deep philosophies or big ethereal ideas is often useless, just for me personally, I often get lost in that kind of thinking. I’d much rather be taking action.”
Swiftly following previous singles “Hi Low” and recent single “Carry The Weight”, all three can be found on Monograms’ upcoming third album. His first outing since 2020, ‘A Fine Commitment’ finds Monograms expanding his portfolio of post-apocalyptic sounds into dark and uncharted territories. Careering through the pulsing industrial progressions of “Wink Void” to the cybernetic surf-rock of “Say It Away”, the shadowy shoegaze of “Walk on Weather”, the pneumatic electronica of “Com Plex”, via the occasional foray into far-out folk (“Sim Pull”); Monograms fuses together sounds from the fields of post-punk, new-wave, industrial, gritty pop, and beyond in this collection of 12 dynamic, future-facing tracks.
Scour beneath the sonic melee however and you’ll find some of the most visceral lyrics of the Monograms catalogue to date. Documenting a journey of personal mental health struggles over the two year period in which it was made, and how the music he was making offered him a road to recovery, Ian says of ‘A Fine Commitment’:
“Let’s just say I went through a time in my life while making this record where I almost lost myself and my mind a couple times. The process of this album felt like a fork in the road where I finally started letting go a bit of my past and trying to predict my future. The tension wasn’t directly about the creative process but that was often the trigger. It’s a long story but I’ve been facing those divots in my life a lot more lately and trying to be more real about it cause it’s not something I think about often… but I truly did almost completely lose myself in the span of time while making this record more than once. But I’m still here, still living, still dreaming.”
DIY heroes, Walter Etc., have announced their signing to SideOneDummy Records and details surrounding their upcoming album ‘When The Band Breaks Up Again’ out September 8. Produced by Hop Along/Algernon Cadwallader’s Joe Reinhart, the album examines and searches for its own sense of purpose throughout.
Fans can check out the new song and music video for the title track now at this link: https://youtu.be/J92bg-UH1RM
Formed in 2009 by childhood friends Dustin Hayes, Kris Schobert and Jake Lee, the band was at first called Walter Mitty And His Makeshift Orchestra. Named after the fictional character created by James Thurber—who was portrayed by Danny Kaye in the 1947 film The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty and then popularized by Ben Stiller in the 2013 remake—Hayes has always channeled his thoughts and emotions through that character, rather than write about himself directly.
Walter Etc. released a number of EPs and albums before going on something of a hiatus in 2015. But the creative itch was something Hayes couldn’t stop scratching, and in 2016 he reformed the band as Walter Etc., the idea being to allow members to come and go as they please, weaving in and out of records as life and schedules allowed. Now, though, Walter Etc. have returned with ‘When the Band Breaks Up Again’, a new album made by the original three members with a very telling title. Fun fact: A few weeks before hitting the studio to record this album with Joe Reinhart, drummer Kris Schobert broke his arm snowboarding. Not a fluke accident either. He purposefully went off a huge jump and ate shit. The band was forced to decide between hiring a studio drummer or figuring it out with Kris. He recorded the whole album with one arm.
“When the band broke up again, all I could do was write a batch of comfort songs that paid homage to the pop punk we grew up on,” says Hayes on the new song. “I wanted this video to feel like MTV, this song to feel like skateboarding for the first time, and the album to be a light-hearted battle cry for keeping your dream alive. I think we got pretty close…
The New Division is the electronic synth-pop project of John Kunkel, a California-based musician, producer, and sound designer with Brazilian American heritage. With millions of plays across several streaming platforms, the LA-based producer began his passion project at the age of 18 when he moved to Riverside, CA, at a time when synth-driven sounds were starting to gain traction but yet were very not appreciated by the mainstream, “I remember going to shows back then (2005) and thinking, ‘why aren’t there more synth bands?’ Everyone was making music I wasn’t interested in, whether it was folk, emo, or just generic rock music, and I felt the drive to start my own synth-pop band.”
In a few months, he started writing songs inspired by some of his favorite acts, New Order and Depeche Mode. “The NewDivision” began in his college dorm, the name deriving from a play of words that were originally taken from a book he was assigned to read in an economics class titled “The New Division of Labor.” Kunkel explains, “A lot of fans think the name came from putting together “Joy Division” and “New Order,” but at the time of seeing that book cover, I didn’t even think about it until a few months later when someone pointed it out. I ended up ‘Myspacing’ Peter Hook (New Order) a message to see if he approved of the name, and to my surprise, he responded and said, “Well, I don’t mind it, actually. Your music’s good as well!”
Upon his first release in 2009, The Rookie EP was featured on Pitchfork and several other publications. Being compared to other bands at the time of the growing Chillwave scene, Kunkel decided he needed to take his music in a darker direction, producing 2011’s Shadows LP which remains a fan favorite to this day. “I didn’t really want to be associated with overtly chill and happy music at the time,” Kunkel explains.
Shadows became a subconscious effort by that point, with many songs touching on themes inspired by film noir, murder mysteries, and drug abuse. Kunkel explains, “While the album contains a few love songs, I wanted the record to explore themes that don’t often get the light of day. It probably didn’t help that I was working graveyard shifts four nights a week and writing the album during odd night hours.”
Soon after the arrival of Shadows, The New Division began playing several shows around the globe, opening for Peter Hook & The Light, Peter Murphy, playing alongside several acts of the mid-2010s, including Elefant, Shout Out Louds, Minus theBear, and more.
In 2023, after releasing four full-length albums, half a dozen EPs, and a variety of singles, Kunkel finds himself living a drastically different life than when he embarked on this journey at 18, “Times have changed, I’m married, have two kids, work a long nine to five, but the drive to make the music I love is still there,” he explains.
His latest album, Modern Life shared in March,explores themes of chaos, isolation, and finding escape in music during the pandemic. With a darker edge than its predecessor, Hidden Memories, the album delves into the effects of technology addiction and navigating a constantly changing world.
His latest track “One Day” explores themes of addiction, loss, and love, inviting listeners on an emotional journey through expertly crafted melodies and captivating vocals. The New Division has expertly blended progressive house beats into the mix, creating a sound that’s both powerful and unique. The pulsing rhythm and driving bassline will have you moving to the beat while the lyrics will tug at your heartstrings. To bring this track to life, the talented Pau Lara created a series of stunning computer-generated graphics that complement the music perfectly. The result is a truly immersive experience.
Australian breakout artist DAY1 delivers sharp touches across his latest rap heater “MR LUCKY” via Warner Australia.
Continuing to showcase a rare lyrical finesse that perfectly embodies his intoxicating sound waves, fast-rising talent DAY1 shines with true authority across “MR LUCKY”. Gliding atop menacing pianos and sharpened trap textures, the Māori native flaunts his sleek melodic range in effortless fashion. He acutely intertwines his pensive lyricism and blazing authenticity while reconciling with his past hardships, and the vigorous journey he’s faced to become one of Australia’s hottest rappers now breaking into UK consciousness and beyond – “we didn’t get here cause of luck, we put our head down and made it happen.”
Having signed to Warner Music AUS, DAY1 has quickly amassed well over 104M streams and 600K dedicated monthly listeners on Spotify alone, while gaining major attention across the likes of NME, VOGUE, GQ, PURPLE SNEAKERS and ACCLAIM all proclaiming his energetic and unapologetic brand of rap as a standout.
After crashing onto the UK landscape with his hit record “Me, Myself & I” last year – directed by UK pioneer Kaylum Dennis (Stormzy, Wretch 32, Smoke Boys) – DAY1 become one of the first AUS artists to break 100K views in 24 hours across his GRM DAILY debut, as well as key play time from BBC RADIO 1XTRA’s Snoochie Shy. Followed by critical tastemaker support from the likes of CLASH, NOTION, VIPER and MIXTAPE MADNESS, the rising talent capped off the summer with pivotal support slots alongside London pioneers Central Cee and AJ Tracey, where he toured across Australia’s major cities while being a part of Clint’s CRTZ.RTW “Down Unda” activation.
Hailing from the West Midlands in Wolverhampton is Reepa, an up-and-coming artist that’s reputable in the Grime space. Following his recent signing to Wolves Records, the music label to the well-known football team, Reepa has unveiled the visuals to his brand-new fiery release, ‘Ya Get Me’.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: REEPA – YA GET ME
Known for his honest and raw lyrical approach, Reepa’s unapologetic stance always sits at the forefront of his music. Staying true to himself, the West Midlands native does exactly that in this release. Layered over a bouncing production courtesy of RealisticBeatz and Juantin, his punchlines and cheeky bars create a wheel-up worthy listen that’ll leave you wanting more. Posing as his first release of the year supporters have been waiting eagerly for his next move.
Accompanied alongside visuals that represent the energy of the track seamlessly, Reepa takes us around various locations in his hometown alongside his friends. Giving us an insight into his surroundings, his raw energy instantly pulls you in. Speaking on the release Reepa commented, “This track is about me observing my own journey and marking my intent. I’ve been climbing the ranks with the backing of my hometown, Wolverhampton, and pledge to put my city on the map!”
Nashville-based experimental/art-pop trio Flesh Eater share immersive track “komfortzone” in collaboration with legendary singer-songwriter Fiona Apple, out everywhere now. This summer, the band is set to perform a string of dates in Nashville and will make their way to Brooklyn, NY this fall with tickets on sale now here. With a lush, dynamic soundscape and pensive lyricism “komfortzone” sees the band face their fears in pursuit of personal and artistic growth.
Out today, “komfortzone” is an introspective, shapeshifting journey from insecurity to confidence. Its experimental, art pop approach blends future garage, hyperdub, and indietronica to build the band’s own, unmatched sonic world. On the intimate track’s meaning, frontperson Zwil AR (they/them, synth/vocals) reveals, “To me, ‘komfortzone’ represents confronting fear. The fear of being seen, of moving toward sharing what’s inside, meeting that where it is, seeing it, and saying, ok, this will be with me indefinitely; I’ve got to move past it.”
AR continues that the track embodies the band, adding, “Fear is natural, even healthy at times, but it’s not me. It feeds off of what makes it grow, and in my experience, a lot of times I’m most fearful of doing what will help me grow. Feeding that fear, doing what makes me afraid, is not so scary anymore.” The captivating track was expertly mixed and mastered by an inspiration to the band, Angel Marcloid, who refined its distinct spaciousness and elevated its eccentric soundscape. Marcloid says, “Flesh Eater is one of the best bands I’ve ever mixed for, and komfortzone is easily one of the coolest songs I’ve ever mixed! It’s the exact brand of demented experimental singalong that makes me excited to be sticking my fingers in other people’s music.”
Given that he had a very promising US college baseball stint, it seems fitting to use a sporting metaphor to describe the ongoing career ascent of Niagara region-based country music artist Ryan Langdon.
After paying those proverbial dues on a college team, and diligently working on his craft as a vocalist and songwriter, this charismatic performer has proven himself ready for the major leagues. In 2019 Ryan was nominated for a CMAO Rising Star award, and, beginning with his 2020 EP Lit In The Sticks and its breakthrough title track (almost 4 million plus streams on Spotify), he has since delivered a series of Top 40 hits that have now placed him in the top tier of emerging Canadian country acts.
That status will be reaffirmed with the release of a new EP on Hidden Pony/Slaight Music that Langdon is currently completing for release later this year. The new material is the result of writing and recording sessions in Nashville and Toronto with an A-list team of creative collaborators, and Ryan is thrilled at the results. “I think we now have a direction as to who I am as an artist, and, with the label backing that, the sky is the limit,” he confidently declares.
acclaimed Australian electronic producer Golden Features shares his latest single ‘Flesh’, out now via Foreign Family Collective / Warner Music Australia. The single arrives with the announcement of his forthcoming sophomore album Sisyphus, out July 7th.
Continuing to draw listeners with his avant-garde genre-bending style, Golden Features’ latest single ‘Flesh’ carries the experimental, off-kilter tones that have laid the groundwork for Sisyphus. A dramatic and daring cut that captures the industrial essence and rave aesthetic inspired by his time clubbing in Berlin, ‘Flesh’ ruptures with hypnotic melodies and thumping basslines. Serving as the fourth track off Sisyphus, ‘Flesh’ is the culmination of Golden Features inherently rebellious nature as an electronic music maverick.
Regarding the track, Golden Features said, “’Flesh’ was one of the earlier demo’s from the album’s writing process. It was a direct response to my time in Berlin and a song that encapsulated everything I fell in love with on my journeys. I wrote it trying to express feelings of being under the weight of an 8 hour session in the rave. Overstimulated, anxious and completely terrified of facing the real world outside. Finally gathering the courage to call it a night experiencing the surreal shift that is walking out of a windowless dungeon into a beautiful sunrise.”
Based in Toronto, Canadian-Jamaican rapper, singer-songwriter and activist Honey B releases her latest single, ‘Pressure’ on June 17th. The track, written in 2022, came about as a result of overcoming betrayal, disloyalty and self-doubt so crippling that Honey B took a year away from music; this re-introduction sets the tone and trajectory for her musical journey and is the lead single from her forthcoming EP. ‘Pressure’ is an anthem about resilience, self-awareness and having a strong mindset.
‘Inspired by real events, Pressure is about bouncing back from layers of obstacles and adversities. It’s about knowing who you are on a deeper level and not settling for low quality experiences… I wasn’t made to fold under pressure, I was made to apply it” Honey B
Honey B’s musical influences include Nicki Minaj, Kehlani, Amy Winehouse, J. Cole and Eve; she began singing and songwriting at the age of 12 to cope with stress, isolation, bullying, and abuse. She understands the power music has in connecting people and crossing borders as well as the personal cognitive therapeutic benefits to heal, inspire, transform, and empower. This philosophy is reflected in her post-breakup meditative single ‘Typical’.
Her first recorded R&B single ‘Baddie’ was released in 2020 as an introductory statement showcasing her unique vocals and empowering lyrics for women to focus on; completing their goals and having a ‘Baddie Mindset’ while doing so. She has amassed over 600,000 streams on Spotify in over 170 different countries with an all time high of 10,433 monthly listeners and 300,000 views on her Youtube Channel to date, and remains committed to talking about mental health, personal growth and development, using music as a positive and safe outlet for self-expression and transformation.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
