rising Atlanta rapper YoDogg unleashes his highly-anticipated sophomore album, Alpha Wolf via Everything Is Gold Music (EISG)/Epic Records. Listen to Alpha Wolf —HERE.
Alpha Wolf solidifies YoDogg as an inimitable force in the rap game. Following the intro, he opens the album with the electrifying “Wouldn’t Be Me.” Between ominous keys and skittering 808s, he delivers a flurry of menacing bars and punchy flows, culminating in the darkly arresting refrain, “I wouldn’t be me if I came in this club without my glock and extendo.” On “Nevada,” he flexes his versatile bars as an off-kilter guitar loop sets the tone. The MC issues a dire warning, “He ain’t gon’ learn ‘til the wolf come and eat him.” Among many highlights, YoDogg and Duke Deuce trade rhymes on “Nothing Else,” igniting a lively surge of energy and chanting, “If I don’t do nothing else, Imma rep my set.” Then, there’s “Big Wolf.” As bold piano and uplifting flute erupt, he serves up a lyrical frenzy while opening up about his trials and tribulations.
The new project also boasts “Beam Me Up” [feat. Tony Shhnow]. It has just begun to pick up steam on DSPs in addition to plugs from HipHopDX and more.
YoDogg’s about to take over the summer…
Right now, he’s supporting Tony on The Love Streak Tour across the United States. Check out the full confirmed itinerary below.
Last year, he joined forces with legendary producer Cardo [Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott] on the debut collaborative project Raised By Wolves, which generated over 1 million streams and counting.
YoDogg notably stands out as the first artist signed to Cardo’s Everything Is Gold Music and Epic Records.
Get ready for more soon!
Flaunting the year’s most sought-after voice, undisputed “Melody God” and R&B phenomenon Fridayy unveils a brand-new single & music video entitled “When It Comes To You,” the second single off his long awaited debut album set to drop in August. Listen to “When It Comes To You” HERE via Def Jam Recordings. Watch the official music video to the awe-inspiring single HERE.
The visual, directed by Dragan Andic (a.k.a. The. 97), finds Fridayy at a wedding altar as hypnotic guitar wraps around a sparse, cloudy beat as his instantly recognizable vocals take hold. He sets the scene as he proclaims, “It was love at first sight, girl, when you walked in.” The momentum builds as he carries a chantable chorus, “I won’t waste no time,” uplifted even higher by gospel harmonies.
“When It Comes To You” lands in the wake of “Don’t Give It Away” [feat. Chris Brown]. The latter has already posted up 7 million Spotify streams and 3 million YouTube views on the music video in addition to earning critical acclaim. Beyond plugs from That Grape Juice and more, Rap Radarhailed it as “grown and sexy,” and Vibe noted, “Fridayy lures one in with the catchy groove.” XXL touted it among “The 13 Best New Hip-Hop Songs This Week.” Check out his XXL Freshman Freestyle as well!
It also just sets the stage for a lot more to come…
Cam Thomas has a distinctive talent for creating music that pulsates with an essence of relatability… the gifted rapper is surely wise beyond his years”. – Wonderland
Cam Thomas is an emerging UK hip-hop artist who is rapidly establishing himself as a unique and compelling voice within the British rap scene. His innate gift for introspective and thought-provoking lyricism, which tackles issues that resonate deeply with a broader audience, sets him apart in the genre.
‘Never Easy’ is a dynamic hip-hop track that embodies themes of resilience and determination. Cam skilfully navigates the track’s unique production elements with a high-octane mercurial flow, taking inspiration from the ‘Watch the Throne’ album by Kanye West and Jay-Z, showcasing his unwavering confidence and sharp wordplay.
The track exudes a sense of grandeur and sophistication within the sphere of urban music. In Cam’s own words, “it’s an anthem of defiance, about refusing to succumb to pressures and obstacles” that try to obscure and halt his objectives, creating a captivating and powerful rapping performance.
LISTEN: CAM THOMAS – ’NEVER EASY’
Coming up in a time where Grime and Drill are at the forefront of the UK rap scene, Cam’s style, flows and rhyme schemes are more akin to the US hip-hop stars that soundtracked his days and nights gracing the hardwood basketball courts of Milton Keynes growing up as a teen.
Cam sets out to bridge the gap between the street-inspired subject matter of UK rap and the realities of the working class, sculpting a sound that can be consumed by seasoned hip-hop fans and mainstream audiences alike.
“Chief Inspector” leans into the noir history of LA to tell the psychological tale of a man who tried to separate himself from his shadow and is now paying the price. “‘Chief Inspector’ is really my self-indictment, and a parable about me coming to terms with how central musical expression is to my personality,” shares Stephen. “You can’t lock up any piece of yourself without facing the consequences. Without eventually facing yourself”
As the first of four singles dropping this summer “Chief Inspector” is a darkly seductive folk-rock freight train, featuring smoky vocals and a psychological and musical climax that sees through the listener’s game. Stephen’s rich, bottom-swimming voice, which lands somewhere between Iggy Pop and Scott Walker, is pushed to the front of the mix to showcase its multi-dimensionality and create a sense of propulsive intimacy.
Singer-songwriter Stephen Jaymes might be best described as Charles Bukowski ditching whiskey for psychedelic mushrooms while feverishly ingesting Rumi poetry and Phil Ochs records.
The LA-based artist is a punk poet; a wounded-romantic; a sonic noir auteur and a post-apocalyptic hippie. Today, Stephen welcomes a new era of sharply-focused creativity with a series of four singles seeding a path to a debut full-length album.
“My songs are searching for truth and authenticity, but not always both at the same time,” Stephen says. “I try to refuse all invitations to tell the big lies, and then I see what’s left.”
Stephen is a self-contained artist. He is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, singer, and producer. His music exudes the stylish playfulness of Prince with clever turns of phrases and occasional funk flashes, but it also conjures the stateliness and mystique of Leonard Cohen.
Stephen writes with a strutting, folk-punk songwriting sensibility. In his songs, he brings to life shadowy characters and dark alternate realities in order to highlight the brightness underneath with literate and lacerating lyrics. His mixture of highbrow thematic writing and down and dirty rock n’ roll living makes Stephen the ultimate unfamed celebrity—a rebel-hearted poet soaking up the dark magic of Hollywood and prompting bystanders to snap their fingers as they try to remember his name.
“I Don’t Belong” features crunching, radio-ready alt-rock guitars, sugary harmony vocals, and irresistible singalong sections. It’s a warm and witty satirical reminiscence of a high school student who doesn’t quite fit in with any “clique,” wants to be a rock star, but ultimately ends up being “just an average guy” – and ultimately realizes it’s actually not that bad. The song oozes a 1990s nostalgia replete with references to Walkmans, 90210, sideburns and mullets, and pegged jeans. The lyrics frame hilariously pathetic scenarios with clever rhyme schemes
This song is a tribute to the many aspiring rock stars that never quite make it but have a treasure trove of memories to look back on. The song is also a tribute to those that never quite fit in in high school, but ultimately find their way. An often silly (and sometimes serious), but hopefully entertaining journey down memory lane that we hope connects with anyone that looks back on walking into “homeroom” and says…”OMG, I can’t believe I actually wore that!”
The alt-pop quartet Best Not Broken specializes in bursting-at-the-seams pop hooks, amusing but relatable lyrics, and high-torque rhythms. Drawing from Brit Pop, 1990s alt-rock, 1980s new wave, and its own unique brand of singer-songwriter sensibility, Best Not Broken crafts soundscapes that appeal to fans of The Killers, Ed Sheeran, DNCE, and Imagine Dragons.
Onstage the band is not-to-be-missed—very often BNB’s shows break out into interactive dance parties. “They are athletic events for sure—if we’re not soaked in sweat by the end of a show then we did something wrong,” Eric says.
Best Not Broken is Eric Jackson (vocals, guitar), Mark Oswald (bass, vocals), Carlo Carluccio (drums, percussion), and Anand Shah (guitar). Since forming in 2012, the band has released four EPs and numerous singles, and actively toured around the Northeast playing many iconic venues. Along the way, BNB have opened for legendary rockers like Pat Benatar, Gin Blossoms, Vertical Horizon, The Guess Who, Jewel, Blues Traveler, The Tubes, Little River Band and Jefferson Starship, as well as contemporary chart-topping artists like Jason Derulo, Train, Goo Goo Dolls, Walk The Moon, 30 Seconds To Mars, and Matt Nathanson. Best Not Broken have also appeared on the Vans Warped Tour prior to its historic conclusion.
Amassing over 30 billion streams to date, multi-platinum hip-hop heavyweight, Trippie Redd releases his new single “Last Days.” Get it HERE.
The new track will be one of the 19 songs featured on his highly anticipated album, A Love Letter To You 5, arriving on August 4th. Tapping the likes of Roddy Ricch, Bryson Tiller, Kid Laroi and the legendary Lil Wayne, Trippie also reveals the official tracklist. See below for full details and pre-order the album HERE.
Named one of Spotify’s ‘Top 50 Most Streamed Rappers,’ Trippie Redd continues his next era of music with the second single off his upcoming album A Love Letter To You 5.The series that started it all back in 2017, A Love Letter To You notoriously highlights themes of love through smooth hip-hop flows backed by iconic samples and beats. With four iterations released in the last six years, the upcoming album guarantees to see Trippie at his best, with first single “Took My Breath Away” featuring singer/songwriter Skye Morales and now “Last Days” hinting at what’s to come.
Known for his electric live performances, Trippie Redd also recently announced his 2023 Take Me Away Tour across North America this fall in support of the upcoming album. The 24-date tour kicks off on Thursday, August 31 at Somerset Amphitheater (just outside of Minneapolis, MN), in Somerset, WI, with stops in Toronto, ON, Brooklyn, NY, Los Angeles, CA and more before wrapping up on Monday, October 9 in Seattle, WA at WAMU Theater. He will be joined by special guests LUCKI, D.Savage, Ekkstacy, Jean Dawson and K Sauve. See below for full routing and buy tickets HERE via Ticketmaster.
Scottish singer-songwriter Rosie H Sullivan uncloaks new track ‘Fragments’ out July 28th via Nettwerk.
Closely following her debut EP 123° East out earlier this year, Rosie H Sullivan unveils the tender new single ‘Fragments’ – the first piece to the puzzle of what will make up her subsequent new EP out this autumn.
Beautifully poetic lyrics blend seamlessly into the angelic melodies of ‘Fragments’ to make this a standout moment in Sullivan’s growing catalogue. A written ode to her love for the highlands of Scotland, the song offers escapism in its highest form with its stunning strings arrangement and earthy soundscape, and marks the beginning of a new era for the artist. Co-written with Ross Hamilton, ‘Fragments’ revisits Sullivan’s return to the islands of Scotland after a stretched period of separation.
“I started writing this one on the ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool after my first visit back to the island since we moved,” says Sullivan. “The sea was calm, and I gazed out the window of the boat, upon the blue skies and the crystal sea, the islands and rocky, heather coated rugged landscapes we passed heading into Ullapool. It pulled on my heartstrings and made me realise how much this part of the world is a part of me. It is ingrained in my veins and generational tapestry to an extent I cannot explain. So, I wrote. Wrote about the pull and longing I feel when I’m away for too long, and the emotions I can’t control when I am there.”
The promising young musician, now based in Edinburgh, has been creating music since her early teenage years and is a natural-born storyteller. Now in her 20s, she writes about what she knows and how she feels and has a similar ethereal musical style to the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Laura Marling and Elliott Smith.
Sullivan’s breakthrough came in 2021 with her debut single, ‘So It Is’, which she captured in just one take in her parents’ garden. Released in demo form, the single has gone on to pass 400,000 streams on Spotify. In addition, her recent sold out stint at Glasgow’s King Tut’s, appearance at this year’s Celtic Connections plus her own Scottish tour is appropriately leading her down the right path to becoming one of the most prestigious songwriters of our age.
Øneheart and Kazukii, two promising artists whose musical realms encompass ambient, phonk, and wave, today reunite to make their Monstercat Silk debut with the mesmerizing single, “restless.”
The musical foundation of “restless” stems from a previous collaboration of theirs, inspiring both artists to explore softer, ambient territories pushing the boundaries of their creativity. It weaves a sonic landscape of emotions through transportive melodies, cinematic elements, and hypnotic strings that captures the essence of loneliness and heartbreak. The track serves as a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that showcases both artists musical evolutions.
With an impressive 6.7M monthly listeners and 290K followers on Spotify, Øneheart has already made a memorable mark on the music industry at the ripe age of 17-years-old. His upward trajectory began when his breakthrough hit “snowfall” with reidenshi became a viral sensation, achieving over 1.4 million creates on TikTok and over 423.6 million streams on Spotify alone. His ability to craft evocative and atmospheric soundscapes has garnered fanbases around the globe, and is on his way to establishing himself as a leading figure of the ambient circuit.
Teaming up with Øneheart for the second time, Kazukii brings a similar musical style and aesthetic forward. Kazukii’s vision in the realm of dark electronic and ambient genres make him the perfect collarborator to join alongside on “restless,” and will propel him further into the spotlight cementing himself as one to watch.
Øneheart shares, “‘restless’ is a song to help you cope with loneliness. This track is reminiscent of my old work, when I used to do future garage and could listen to artists like Pensees, Sorrow, Vacant for hours. For my new audience it’s definitely something new and I hope they will like this song.”
Kazukii shares, “Øneheart sent me “restless” and I loved the idea. Once I got the stems from him I wanted to build a kind of theme with the vocal cuts and strings that showed a feeling of loneliness.”
Both driven with a passionate vision to transform their vulnerable emotions into their musical compositions, Øneheart and Kazukii arrive on Monstercat Silk as budding forces in the ambient, dark electronic lane. With their heartfelt and raw feelings rooted in each of their records, “restless” sparks a new journey musically for the two. Fans can look forward to more music to come from both.
Hawthorne Heights have announced their brand new EP ‘Lost Lights’. The EP is out on the 8th September 2023 via Pure Noise Records. Pre-orders are available – HERE. To celebrate the announcement the band have released brand new single and video ‘The Storm’.
Following a three-year hiatus, Beautiful and Brutal Yard, the third studio album from J Hus storms in and claims the #1 spot across The Official Albums Chart in the UK. Beautiful And Brutal Yard features a stellar line up of collaborators including Burna Boy, Popcaan, Jorja Smith, CB, Naira Marley, Villz and Boss Belly. Hus also released the TG Omori directed visual for his track “Militerian” Ft. Naira Marley. Watch HERE. For anyone that might have missed himjumping on stage for Burna Boy’s show recently, J Hus also gifted fans with the announce of his tour a few weeks back which will see him play at Dublin’s 3Arena October 28th and end with two dates at London’s The O2 November 5th & 6th. Full details below.
The first release from the album “It’s Crazy” earned Hus a Top 15 across the Official UK Singles Charts. If that wasn’t enough, a mere few weeks later he came with the explosive “Who Told You” Ft. Drake which earned him the biggest first week streams of 18 million worldwide, and a #2 across the Official UK Singles Charts. And now with an album being praised by media across the board alongside a #1, Hus is just getting started.
Named after the patois influenced slang term for home, the title is a reference to the two sides of Hus and his heart.It follows J Hus’ sophomore effort Big Conspiracy – one of 2020’s most critically lauded albums world-wide, which netted him a BRIT Award for Best British Male. His 2017 debut studio album Common Sensecemented him as a rap champ and innovator; and in between both albums, he nabbed multiple features on from some of the music industry’s biggest artists, such as Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Skepta, and Dave.
Eight years after MONSTA X’s debut, the group presents their first unit, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON, with the release of their first mini album ‘THE UNSEEN.’ The album captures the two members’ special synergy through HYUNGWON’s producing, SHOWNU’s choreography and their combined vocals. ‘THE UNSEEN’ is ultimately about SHOWNU X HYUNGWON’s way of loving and becoming the person you love. The words we say, the actions we show in reality and the gaze that changes depending on the viewer; all create another interpretation of us and another new side of ‘ourself’. Countless gazes create who we are. Sometimes we get confused about who we really are, but the ‘me’ in the eyes of others is also still ‘me’. The version of ‘me’ that you love is a part of who we are and we will keep trying to become that person you love.
Focus track “Love Me A Little” is about the conflicted heart of being our real self and becoming the person we are expected to be. HYUNGWON participated in the lyrics, composition and arrangement of this track, and SHOWNU worked with the FreeMind dance team to perfect the performance and choreography. The music video sets the visual narrative of facing an endless number of different ‘me’s’. Versions of oneself are portrayed in various situations to show one’s different charms in a vivid reality and dreamy fantasy. At the same time, the video shows the various perspectives and countless number of gazes that one accepts and rejects while struggling and desiring to find the real ‘me’. The version of me that others want to see, the version of me that I currently am, the version of me that interacts with many people in daily life, and the version of me trapped in prejudice and misconceptions are all parts of the journey to finding my real self.
Credible British Songwriter Zola Courtney shares an incredibly heartswelling moment and single called “California.” With vocals and writing that swoon, It’s a song fitting for an epic movie montage where flashing memories turn into poetic music between that post-break-up ‘what have I done’ and the affirmation phases.
Listen, share or playlist; https://apollodistro.lnk.to/zolacourtney
Speaking about the song, Zola explains “California was written in the early stages, during the ‘what have I done’ phase of the breakup. I kept thinking about specific moments in the relationship that had meant a huge amount to me.”
“I did a writing trip to California when I was 19 and had a really awful time. My boyfriend at the time flew out to be with me and I’m still so grateful he did that. That was near the beginning of our relationship and New York was the last place we visited together. The song talks about these bookend moments, as well as feelings of doubt and regret, but also care and admiration for him and all the things we did together.”
Zola Courtney today returns to releasing music after playing extensive shows across the county since her last single. The last single from her debut EP “Nothing To Lose” saw the talented Cornwall native garner widespread support from BBC Radio 1 specialist DJs, and was later added to their playlist and onto their One Big Weekend festival line-up. She’s also enjoyed online tastemaker support from the likes of Complex, Clash, Notion & Wonderland to name but a few.
Hailing from New Zealand and educated at Amherst College in the United States, where he graduated with a double major in Math and Music, Milky Day is a rising star in the R&B scene. His technical prowess in music production, influenced by his mathematical background, is a testament to his commitment to his craft. Milky Day has released several popular tracks, including “You’ll Be Alright” and “Take it Slow,” which have gained significant traction on streaming platforms, with over 47 million combined plays on Spotify alone.
New Jersey-based singer-songwriter Eric Sleeper carries a unique, dreamy, and tangible vibe that sets him apart from his peers. Taking pride in bending multiple genres, he encapsulates indie, acoustic rock, and folk all to create his own distinctive sound. Directing focus toward his lyrical mind frame, Eric writes his songs to be captivating, riveting, and relatable. Taking inspiration from the likes of Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, Elliot Smith, Nirvana, Tom Waits, and Bon Iver, he values their minimalistic approach to songwriting. “I am homegrown, literally recording everything on my own in my no-frills bedroom studio,” Eric explains.
Strumming the strings to his first guitar at age 14, Eric Sleeper has been making music ever since. After guitar, he immediately began writing his own songs and later picked up the MIDI keyboard. He quickly took to expressing his thoughts and feelings through lyricism, writing about his personal struggles, ambition, and tales of the underdog.
With his unique writing style, and a dreamlike ambiance that adds an element of nostalgia, alongside his edgy and rebellious attitude, Eric Sleeper is setting off on a musical journey of his own. With three successful singles, “Emily,” “Son of a Gun,” and “Junkie,” already under his belt and a fourth on the way, Eric is the breath of fresh air the singer-songwriter scene needs.
Irish alt/rock agitators SPEARSIDE are back with the electrifying new single: “Trendsetters”.
Launching a tirade against tiresome notions of cool with a bottle-rocket of fuzzy, frenzied punk-rock thrills; the latest from the Trim, Co. Meath trio takes no prisoners during its lightning-bolt 2’15 blitz.
Laced with self-deprecating humour and a slacker charm, “Trendsetters” is both a bile spattered break-up song and a tempestuous takedown of those with holier-than-thou ideologies.
“I wish my friends were all trendsetters, I wish my songs were so much better” quips Spearside frontman Oisín Walsh, tongue firmly in cheek.
Recorded on a Revox tape machine dating back to 1974 and described by the band as a “complete capitulation to the 70s power pop aesthetic”, “Trendsetters” fizzes with the timeless tuneage long synonymous with the genre, while adding a refreshing tenacity all their own. Barreling headfirst through two-minutes of good-time choral hooks and ageless no-frills riffs, it’s a track that nods to the new wave of US garage rock heroes such as Jay Reatard, Ty Segall and Young Guv, while beating with the blood of the Irish underground they are quickly beginning to stake as their own.
Speaking about Spearside’s aims for their latest single, guitarist and singer Oisín Walsh explains:
“[Trendsetters is] a shameless pop song about the breakdown of a relationship, and an attempt to capture the energy the likes of Jay Reatard brought to this type of guitar music when it looked dead and buried. Young Guv is currently leading the resurgence of power pop without falling too heavily into the cheesy stylistic tropes that age like milk.
“As much as we love power pop it’s only one aspect of our sound but I imagine it’s something that will always be part of our band even in subtle ways. It feels like we’ve ticked that box with Trendsetters, from here we can explore an array of different sounds. Who knows what we’ll put out next.”
Behind the EP’s personal themes which explore having patience with life and love as well as remaining optimistic during hard times, Devoted initially started as somewhat of a ‘make or break’ moment for Grace – putting the project together in the midst of professional hardship, where she wasn’t sure if she even wanted to be in the spotlight anymore. However, Grace’s passion was reborn after persevering and, step by step, she independently took on all elements of Devoted’s overall production to bring the final body of work together.
Devoted also marks another personal milestone for Grace: turning 30. With this project, Grace aims to prove that women in music should not have a ‘shelf-life’ forced upon them, as well as combatting the ageism imposed upon women in music to show that age shouldn’t determine artistic worth.
Grace is excited to embark on a headline tour across the UK later this year in support of the EP, including a headline show at Oslo Hackney; she also takes to the stage at Cardiff’s Acapela Studio on July 27th to celebrate the EP release.
With over 50M streams to her name, Hannah Grace has built a fanbase by writing songs to escape into, with a unique blending of soul, jazz, folk and pop sounds. Throughout her career, Grace has proven popular on the live circuit, with a consistent stream of sold-out headline shows alongside counting the likes of Hozier, Seal, Jess Glynne, Train and Gabrielle Aplin as some of the talent she’s toured with over the years – as well as an unforgettable set before the legendary Barbra Streisand in London’s Hyde Park.
Navigating the intensity of emotion, Nowhere to Hide is a fiercely cathartic and exceptionally unique offering from this exciting emerging project, led by Laeticia Acra.
The mesmerizing new single, Nowhere to Hide was born from feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated with no quick fix in sight. Finding your feet in today’s world has never been harder, but Japan, Man is here to remind you that you are not alone.
Sharing more, Laeticia shared: In the midst of big and frightening emotions I think people, including myself, get tied up in the illusion that they are alone in the process of feeling these things, and that no one in the world could ever understand. Through the song I also want to emphasize the panic of being unable to escape negative emotions, and being trapped inside a feeling, routine, or bad habit. The thing I want people to take from the song is that feelings are big, and can feel like a tsunami of overstimulation, and all in all that is a human experience, and really, the human experience.
Japan, Man have crafted an unmistakable style recognised by enticing melodies, funk-laden basslines and accomplished songwriting, all leading them to be hotly tipped by critics. Nowhere To Hide is the second single to be released from their new chapter and follow’s ‘Air Conditioner’ which was released back in February this year. The groovy bop was a coming of age moment for Japan, Man as Laeticia allowed herself to reflect on her relationship with Lebanon, her place of birth.
After astonishing family members with the reveal of her gift for creating original music, Japan, Man launched their debut single Stop Staring’ back in 2019 when Laeticia was just 14-years-old.
In the build up to the debut EP ‘Bad Days’ in 2020, Japan, Man turned many heads and scooped much acclaim from the likes of The Fader, i-D, PAPER, Gorilla vs Bear, COLORS, Dork, V mag and more. Now returning with over a million streams under their belt and based in London, Laeticia’s life experiences have nurtured the songwriting.
With production from her uncle and collaborator Julian Cassia, the pair are sat on a wealth of innovative and catchy alt-pop. Pulling inspiration from a variety of music including the likes of The Cardigans, Sir Chloe, Cannons and Radiohead – Japan, Man is evolving before our eyes and is your must watch project for 2023.
Canadian folk/country artist Sarah Jane Scouten announces her rugged, nostalgic fourth studio album Turned to Gold, due out September 15 and available for pre-order now. Alongside the announcement, Scouten shares “Dragonheart,” a playful, Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks-inspired light-hearted folk tune, out everywhere now.
The creation of Scouten’s forthcoming, road-trip-salt-air filled fourth studio album Turned to Gold inspired her to continue to pursue music professionally. Before 2020, she was burned out and knew that it wouldn’t do herself, the music, or the audience any justice to continue. By March 2020, she planned to become a medical herbalist and let her music career fade away. It was through this process she came back to songwriting, but this time, with more perspective.
Scouten shares, “I’ve been galvanised by certain experiences and found the vulnerability to write about them. Thinking back on my songwriting I feel like the death doula of songwriters and certainly there are some songs on ‘Turned to Gold’ that go there. Learning therapeutic skills, I’m better equipped to hold space for people who connect to my songs in intense ways.” The intimate, cathartic collection spans the vast spectrum of human emotions–wading through darkness and finding much needed light and unapologetic joy.
Producer Johnny Payne calls Scouten a “true artist” and “a joy to produce.” Taking listeners into the moments behind the music, Payne adds, “We built her a little vocal room within the studio room so that she could dance while she sang without being seen. But sometimes, during certain poses, her arms would peek over the top of the walls as she performed. Those were usually the best takes.” True to form, Payne says on breaks, Scouten would urban forage for herbs in the fields and gardens of East Vancouver.
Nashville-based artist Jack Vinoy shares his dreamy new single ‘EVEREST HEIGHTS’
Arriving as a genre-bending dose of bliss, EVEREST HEIGHTS fuses a slick blend of r&b, warm-indie and alt-rap, leaving you with a new tune born to soundtrack only the finest summer evenings.
Inspired by keeping things in perspective, one step at a time, the track is a little reminder to keep your focus on the here and now. Sharing more, Jack explained: EVEREST HEIGHTS is about me just trying to enjoy the little things in life. I have a tendency to worry about the future a lot, but when I do finally slow down and take in the small stuff, I realize that pretty often I’m blowing things out of proportion when there’s nothing to worry about. Life is always better for me when I take care of myself and make an active effort to enjoy the small things, and I hope other people do the same.
Today’s single is accompanied by an impressive visual, introducing you to the wonderful world of Jack Vinoy.
Originally From Saint Petersburg, Florida, Jack has been finessing his stand-out sound over the last few years, taking inspiration from the likes of Jai Paul, Mac Miller and Jean Dawson. His most recent single ‘DIAMOND BEACH’ has marked the most significant moment in the evolution of his sound, with Everest Heights looking to be his biggest moment yet.
Now based in Nashville Tennessee, Jack is fully immersed in the thriving underground music scene that Nashville has to offer. From producing and songwriting with fellow emerging artists to hosting open-to-public networking studio sessions and events through ca.mp3, he’s someone who’s finger is very much on the pulse of new music.
Sat on a wealth of diverse and innovative music, expect a lot more from Jack Vinoy this year!
Electronic indie pop singer Bantug is thrilled to release her new single “Altar” that is out now along with a live performance video that can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UdpiD_78hA&feature=youtu.be
Bantug says, “’Altar’ is a song about grieving a breakup while also sending love and wishing the best to a person that walked away from you. The prechorus is repeatedly saying “I’m fine” in the ways that you’re trying to convince yourself that you’re fine even when you’re not while simultaneously knowing that in the end, you’ll always pass through heart break and eventually be okay.”
Genre is not a word that comes to mind when describing a Bantug song. Her captivating production coupled with enchanting lyrics take familiar themes of love, heartbreak, and tenderness to new sonic heights. Born and raised in Atlanta, Bantug’s affinity for music started in her childhood guitar lessons with her dad, and by middle school, she had developed a keen interest in songwriting and music production after downloading Garageband on her first computer. Just a few years later, she was playing local coffee shop gigs in high school before heading off to college.
SoCal rockers, Carpool Tunnel have announced their new album ‘Don’t Let Them Pass You By’, out 20th October 2023 via Pure Noise Records. To celebrate the announcement the band have released video for new single ‘Two Hearts’. Pre-orders of the new album are available – HERE.
Speaking on their latest new single, the band said: “”Two Hearts” is an upbeat, nostalgic song that invokes feelings of excitement and imagery of driving along the California coast with friends on hot summer days. The drums and bass line dance together throughout the song, resembling two hearts beating as one.”
Jiants are the Toronto-based group led by former pro skateboarder Jesse Landen, hailed by Paste as “a band to watch” and NOW Magazine for their “fuzzed-out sounds that will transport you back to the best of ’90s indie-rock.” Injecting sundazed hooks with lingering melancholy, the quartet describe their latest release, the Wait Here EP, as a concept-driven collection of songs about feeling stuck in the same place for too long.
Wan from winter, ruddy cheeked, and enigmatic, Olive Louise is the embodiment of ‘Don’t gild the Lily’. The wispy haired dirty blonde, with a past full of tragedy and eyes like ice that shimmer the same way her coppery strands do, is completely herself and has the uncontrived ability to make you feel like you are understood when listening to her music.
With a past like hers, one might expect her to be less of an open book after losing both her parents before the age of 15. Instead, she is completely candid about her trauma and her loss. When asked if it is hard for her to talk about,
“What’s harder for me is how unexpectedly it can hit me even years later. I watched an old video of my mom playing the piano the other day and I wished that she could play the piano again. She was so jipped and so young. I was suddenly inconsolable. I hadn’t ever thought about it that way. The loss really feels like a wound that is always there and sometimes I might accidentally bash against a corner and open it up again, but never the same way and I can’t ever know when or exactly what will do it.”
I learn that while we’re having this conversation Olive is germinating strawberry and basil seeds for her garden in the summer. Olive is a breath of fresh air and speaks to you like you’ve known each other your entire lives. The “au naturel” look she has, usually sporting a bare face and crisp pair of pearl earrings, translates into her music, which feels billowy and nostalgic and is reminiscent of her songbird sister Florence Welch and London Grammar, who Olive has often been compared to.
Olive’s vocals feel soft and like they’ve been plucked directly from her diary entry. Her writing style is vivid and often metaphorical. In “Moroccan Oranges”, she chants, “Your voice like a theremin, I heard it giving in”.. to describe her fathers voice when trying not to cry while on vacation for the first time after his wife’s, Olive’s mother’s passing. To anyone who is unfamiliar, as I was, a Theremin is an instrument that gives off a deep warbling vibrato. Olive’s newest music offers an earnest perspective of the stages of grief, something she knows all too well.
“Garden” is a letter to her parents, a wish, that they are both together and that they will one day all be together again. It is hopeful and poignant. “Moroccan Oranges” is about the shock and emptiness that she felt after losing her mother, and “The Cure” is an ethereal masterpiece that transports you to the actual Main House of The Great Gatsby estate where she was raised and into the dilapidated remnants of what could have been and what was.
Her latest single “Swallow The Ocean” is a raw and autobiographical account of fear that she experienced entering a new relationship. She confides, “Almost immediately after getting into a relationship I started to push the person away because I was scared that if they decided to leave me one day, I would essentially be emotionally destroyed and never get over them. The odd thing is, that feeling of falling in love, it’s addicting, but when I found myself actually in it it felt like danger.”
Olive’s music is haunting and heroic. Olive Louise is for the time traveler, the wanderer and those hungry for real storytelling and adventure.
On the surface, they’re charming in their sweet simplicity – effortlessly compelling thanks to graceful melodies, heartfelt lyricism, and syncopated synergy. But the deeper you dig, the more Toronto duo TANDM’s songs seem to transcend time, place, and even stylistic categorization.
The core duo of vocalist/guitarist Maxine Beck-Sinderby and drummer Thomas Franklin first met in their mid-teens and quickly united over a unique creative chemistry. They dropped their debut single, “Dreamworld,” in 2018, introducing a sound defined by sparse but seductive instrumentation and a dulcet vocal style. Their influences are as subtle as they are diverse, weaving tinges of genre-bending modern innovators from Alvvays to Regina Spector to even Vampire Weekend into their work.
Their forthcoming collection, Sirens, finds the duo teeing up their most engaging and enveloping output to date – a potent distillation of the magical individual components that comprise TANDM’s masterful take on alternative pop but with a newfound polish and elevated production style. The rhythms are entrancing and engaging, drawing the listener into a warm, dreamlike world of stirring melodic dynamism and delicate-but-dauntless vocals.
Los Angeles based singer-songwriter and producer Darius Martin pioneers expansive alt R&B music complete with pop-laced hooks and island-drenched soundscapes. Writing about the beauty and struggles found in life, Martin aims to connect with his listeners on a deep level, pouring his own emotions and autobiographical experiences into every release.
Born in El Paso, Texas, Darius Martin spent his childhood in Alamogordo, New Mexico where he took influence from the vastness of the desert. Relocating to Southern California in high school, Martin was an active and serious athlete in his teenage years. Fate though, had a different plan, and when a serious illness sidelined Martin, he began channeling his time into discovering his new passion for music. Influenced by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye, Martin began experimenting with different sounds and genres aiming to achieve a sound that is fresh as it is timeless. The songwriter attended the prestigious Los Angeles Film Institute where he graduated in 2020. His college experience further reinforced his passion and ambition to pursue a career in music. Equipped with the skills developed during his time at the Los Angeles Film Institute, he began recording music professionally.
In 2022, Martin released his debut single “Ring”, a sultry club infused anthem drenched with intoxicating rhythms over deep dark basslines, pulsating beats, and melancholic lyrics that leaves a haunting memory of sensuality and abandonment. The single was followed by “Feel A Way”, a slow-burned, pitch-black alternative R&B track all about loss and regret. Martin’s emotive vocals fervently sing his remorse to a former lover, enticing the listener with every note.
“Already Won” is a melodic hip hop single with Dribbletoomuch, where both artists take count of their accomplishments while celebrating their future success. An inspiring anthem that captures the relentless pursuit of excellence, the song inspires listeners to conquer their challenges and seize their moment in the spotlight. With “Waves”, Martin creates a seductive and introspective release detailing the pain of a push and pull romantic relationship. Organic percussion underlays layered brooding harmonies and visceral electronics highlighting the emotional upheaval of a broken relationship.
“Not for ourselves alone, but for the whole world are we born.” These words that inspired a young Paul McCartney, now live on as the motivation behind Payson and his music. Armed with overflowing positive energy and a live-for-the-moment mentality, Payson is bringing his brand of Indie-Pop spirit not for himself alone, but for the whole world to enjoy.
A Philly kid born and raised, Payson taught himself to sing and play piano by poring over his big brothers’ CDs and learning by ear. Eventually, he moved west to continue his evolution as a musician and songwriter at USC and find his place as an artist in LA.
Payson’s soaring vocals and natural knack for dynamic performance landed him instant success and led to a Top-4 finish on NBC’s “The Sing-Off.” Since then, he has used his diverse musical skill set in performances all over the world; lending his voice to symphony orchestras in Taiwan and Korea, starring in theatrical performances in Chicago and Las Vegas, and singing on multiple major motion picture soundtracks. He’s even scored roles acting on TV shows including Jane the Virgin, The People vs. OJ Simpson, and How I Met Your Mother.
All the while Payson has been continuing to grow as a musician and artist. His first releases, a series of cover songs, generated an impressive buzz and thousands of subscribers through his YouTube channel. His covers of Taylor Swift’s “Out of the Woods”, Adele’s “Hello,” and a mashup of Zayn Malik’s “Pillowtalk” and Rihanna’s “Work” enjoyed viral success as well as a wide variety of press coverage including features from Perez Hilton.
Last year, he released his debut record, “Take Me Apart” to universal acclaim. The record has amassed over half a million streams on Spotify, and has been featured in nearly 100 different music publications and curated music blog posts, and inspired 3 music videos with their own following; racking up well over 100k views.
While Payson Lewis has enjoyed a jack of many trades career thus far, it’s his music that gives him purpose. Drawing on the influences of his youth and in an attempt to inspire positivity, Payson continues to refine his band-centric indie-pop sound to deliver an energetic blend of throwback nostalgia and modern edge for the benefit of the world at large.
Producer, Songwriter and Recording Artist, VeeAlwaysHere, has just dropped the second installment of his ‘playlist’ series, titled broken: playlist II. Following the success of last year’s ego: playlist I, VeeAlwaysHere continues to captivate audiences with his deeply emotive storytelling and genre-defying sound. In broken: playlist II, VeeAlwaysHere continues the protagonist’s search for love while embarking on a poignant journey of healing and self-discovery. The playlist series explores the intricacies of love, vulnerability, and human emotions, weaving a gripping narrative that leaves listeners eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
The project kicks off with the evocative track “pink roses” featuring Maria Ellis. In
this soul-stirring piece, VeeAlwaysHere unapologetically refuses to seek clarity in his
love life, fearing rejection and heartbreak. The raw emotions continue to pour out in
track 2, “out my head,” where he candidly admits to his constant thoughts about the
object of his affection. However, as the story unfolds in track 3, aptly titled “broken,”
VeeAlwaysHere confronts the truth and acknowledges that he needs to work on
himself before moving forward. The theme of self-reflection intensifies in track 4, “I
don’t dance,” featuring Ted Park, as VeeAlwaysHere explores his avoidance and
denial in a villainous origin story. Throughout the playlist, listeners witness moments of vulnerability, culminating in the heart-wrenching power-ballad “joker,” where VeeAlwaysHere realizes the detrimental cycle of falling too hard and hurting himself
repeatedly. The journey concludes with “outside,” where he finally prioritizes his own well-being, and “somebody,” which marks a new chapter in his search for genuine love. VeeAlwaysHere’s broken: playlist II stays true to the series’ hallmark genre-hopping approach, showcasing his versatility as an artist. This time around, the project embraces a more grounded cinematic feel, resulting in a considerably sadder, yet deeply resonant experience.
The Irrepressibles are pleased to announce details of a UK tour this Autumn.
The creative guise of Jamie Irrepressible, Northern composer and singer-songwriter, will be embarking on a UK tour of beautiful churches and concert hall venues throughout October performing his acclaimed chamber-pop and indie orchestral songs and instrumentals in settings that match the ambience and acoustics of these pieces and which also happen to be some of the UK’s most intimate and beautiful venues.
A 7 piece band of strings, percussion & folk musicians will surround Jamie’s emotionally intense & ‘sky scraping’ crooner counter-tenor voice for performances of a collection of new songs oriented around the piano as well as his compositions taken from The Irrepressibles previous albums including the now international hits ‘Two Men in Love’ & ‘In This Shirt’.
The full list of confirmed UK dates are as follows:
THE IRREPRESSIBLES – UK TOUR 2023
3 October – Manchester – Stoller Hall, Manchester
9 October – St Marks, Edinburgh
11 October – Bristol, The Mount Without
12 October – Oxford – St Barnabas
13 October – London – St Lukes
14 October – Worthing – The Venue
15 October – Coventry – The Tin
Tickets are on now sale now here:
https://linktr.ee/TheIrrepressibles
Essex-based alternative artist tmdistant is back with his latest offering “west end wedding”— a track which effortlessly combines indie and pop to create an infectious sound that will keep listeners coming back for more, as well as connect with the lyrics.
Built over a stunning production by Song Higginson, the 20 year-old artist reminisces about a past relationship, and wonders what could have happened had the relationship played out differently. Now he has to watch this person he once loved be in a relationship with someone that mistreats them.
“This is my depiction of waiting for someone and they don’t see you how you see them, it’s the romanticisation of wanting someone that doesn’t want you. Some, if not all of us can agree that there has been a time in our lives when we’ve chased someone and they go to anyone and everything else other than you. On top of that you watch them be mistreated while you sit back and think to yourself that you would’ve been the better person for them.” — tmdistant.
New York-based alt-pop act Rachel Bochner shares her new single, “Hard To Please,” out today on Handwritten Records. “Hard To Please” will join recent singles “Here For The Drama,” “If I’m Gunna Be Sad (I Might As Well Look Hot Doing It),” and “Sucker Punch,” on Rachel’s highly anticipated 6-track EP, ‘It’s Not Me, It’s U,’ set to release on August 11th.
Seamlessly combining gritty guitar riffs and driving drums with her sweet signature vocals, Rachel delivers a delicious slice of alt-pop perfection with “Hard To Please.” With lyrics like, “I’m getting sick of it / Targets I’ll never hit / How can I reach the end of it / When there’s no finish line,” “Hard To Please” addresses the unfair societal pressures placed on women and the difficulties of trying to break free from those internalized standards. It’s a relatable sentiment that will hit home with women everywhere.
Rachel elaborates: “I started writing ‘Hard To Please’ at a time where the pressure of looking and being perceived a certain way felt consuming. As a woman – in general and in the music industry – I felt like I kept getting caught in the push and pull of knowing deep down that I don’t need to look a certain way or weigh a certain amount to be worthy of love and success, but not being able to fully let go of internalized, superficial beauty standards. This song was an outlet for me to voice that frustration and help me realize I deserve some grace.”
Peter Wise is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, based in Brooklyn, New York. His sound marries introspective lyricism with bluesy guitar lines, laid back rhythms, anthemic hooks, and soulful vocals. It is both familiar and distinct, combining his love for the early seventies, southern California folk /rock storytelling, nineties Neo-soul and R&B grooves and modern pop / rock melodies to create a style uniquely his own.
His latest single “Only Gotta Start” is the first to be released off of his upcoming 13-track album and sees the rebirth of Wise as an artist, as he enters a new chapter of being unapologetically himself. Written, performed, produced, mixed and mastered entirely by himself, this new track sees Wise taking complete control over the music he creates.
“Only Gotta Start” is a song about letting go – letting go of dark thoughts, letting go of pride and ego, and letting go of hurt and frustration. Wise confides, “I was feeling pretty burned out with my life at the time I wrote this song. I felt that, despite being extremely busy and making a concerted effort to move forward professionally and personally, I wasn’t making any forward progress. I really wanted to move on in my life, see progress in my career and progress in letting go of a past relationship.” “Only Gotta Start” is a message of renewal and a reminder to others that when ghosts of the past seem to haunt our present and/or future, all we have to do, and ultimately can do, is make the conscious decision to change our thinking, be grateful for what we do have, and let go of the weight of whatever it is that seems to stop us from moving forward.
Sonically, the new song is inspired by the likes of Bruno Major, Billie Marten and The 1975. Through jangly guitars, warm vocals and an upbeat, feel-good rhythm, Wise never fails to put a smile on your face. The creation of the track also involved some experimental techniques, with the musician sharing, “I found my older sister’s child-sized violin that she had when she first started playing and I tried to make music with that. I’m no violinist, but I found that trying to make music out of an instrument that I had no technical ability with forced me to be much more creative. I ended up finding a way to pick the violin and resample it to add the strings sounds that you hear in the intro and choruses.”
The upcoming album touches on a multitude of real, raw and relatable themes, including struggling with getting older, not being who you thought you’d be, and not being able to get over past relationships. A true encapsulation of who Wise is, the release is some of his strongest work to date. He shares, “I’ve discovered the importance of calling myself an artist and working to be that. An artist is someone who takes in the world around them, processes it and creates their interpretation and understanding of themselves, others and the world they live in through their form of expression. That’s what I love most about music and why I make music: to share with others how I see and process things.”
Wise has been featured in such notable press outlets as Rolling Stone, Wonderland Magazine, Earmilk and American Songwriter Magazine, while garnering hundreds of thousands of streams on digital streaming platforms. He has also had the privilege of opening for The Eagles, as well as performing all over the world, including both London and Paris. With more tour dates this summer and fall, and with the upcoming release of his highly anticipated album, Peter Wise is set for an exciting 2023.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
