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INsiders Guide: Edie Yvonne, WITH HONOR, The Hails, Lily & Madeleine, AKICITA, Coyote Eyes, José Lobo, Jaymellz…

Edie Yvonne is a remarkable 14-year-old indie-pop singer, songwriter, and actress based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. With a captivating voice and a talent that extends beyond music, Edie has already achieved significant milestones in her young career.

From a very early age, Edie was immersed in the world of music. Inspired by her Abuela, a Nicaraguan opera singer, they would often sing together, igniting Edie’s passion for the art form. She began her musical journey as a toddler and continued to hone her skills over the years. Edie’s dedication led her to explore musical theater at the Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she took part in productions like “Cats,” “Chorus Line,” and “Xanadu.” During this time, she also worked with vocal coach Katie Riggs, further enhancing her abilities.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Edie ventured into the world of acting, making waves in the film industry. Her talent as an actress was showcased in various short films, including the highly acclaimed Kitty, directed by Chloe Sevigny, which made its debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. She also appeared in other notable short films such as Lola Girl Got A Gun, Stage Dad, and At Ease, leaving a lasting impression with her performances. Edie’s acting abilities expanded to the realm of commercials, as she featured in advertisements for brands like Halo Top’s “Work” and Esurance’s “Love Hurts.” Her modeling endeavors include collaborations with Ghost, Desperate, Osh Kosh Made by Misfits, Famous Footwear, JimJam, and Cab Collective, establishing her presence in the fashion industry.

During the pandemic, Edie Yvonne channeled her creativity and emotions into songwriting, resulting in her debut album, At Ease. This collection of heartfelt songs became a mirror of her experiences during these challenging times. Edie began releasing singles from the album, starting with “With the Light,” followed by “Eyes of Lies” and “Random Boy” between New Year’s and Valentine’s Day, capturing the attention of a growing audience.

Edie Yvonne draws inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences that shape her unique sound. She finds herself frequently reflecting on the haunting melodies of Mazzy Star, the vibrant energy of Blondie and The Bangles, and the raw intensity of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The timeless music of The Beatles also holds a special place in her heart, fueling her creativity and passion for songwriting. Recently, she has discovered the enchanting sounds of Japanese Breakfast and the soulful harmonies of Skye Christy, whose music has resonated deeply with her.

The themes explored in Edie’s songs showcase the universal experiences of teenage life. She delves into the complexities of relationships, addressing topics such as boys and mean girls. Edie also draws from her personal encounters with loss, disappointment, and pain, weaving these emotions into her music with honesty and vulnerability.

In a testament to her compassionate nature, Edie uses her platform to make a positive impact. Being an ambassador of the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation, Edie’s recent song “Stain” holds special significance as it paints her journey with a birthmark. A portion of the song’s proceeds will be donated to the foundation, furthering her commitment to raising awareness and supporting those affected by similar conditions.

As Edie Yvonne continues to evolve as an artist, her passion for music and acting shines brightly. With her talent, drive, and heartfelt storytelling, she has undoubtedly set herself on a path to captivate audiences and make a lasting impact on the music and film world. Visit her online at EdieYvonne.com.

Connecticut hardcore band WITH HONOR have released new single ‘Open Hands’. The single is taken off the band’s upcoming album Boundless, out the 8th September 2023 via Pure Noise Records.

Singer Todd Mackey spoke about the new single saying “‘Open Hands’ aims to open space for the embrace of the new self every day – encouraging us to let go of the past, forgive ourselves, open our hands, and lift new names.”

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Miami’s The Hails pair an official video with their latest carefree single “When You Were Bored.” Directed and produced by Steph Rinzler of Prophet Media, the video takes a full swing at the classic daydream every student has had of tying up the teacher, trashing the classroom and trading in the doldrums of everyday life for rock and roll – Watch.

Already a standout from their upcoming debut album, “When You Were Bored” was released last month along with the official announcement of What’s Your Motive’s arrival on September 8. On today’s video release, The Hails’ frontman Robbie Kingsley elaborates, “We wanted to get as mid-2000s as possible with influences being School of Rock and Scott Pilgrim, and I think we landed close to that vibe. Andre’s part was obviously Bill Nye inspired and he nailed it, I crack up every time I see him. My 7th grade science teacher would be proud.”

Indianapolis-based folk-pop duo Lily & Madeleine share sweeping track and behind-the-scenes style video “Rolling Rock” out everywhere now. The pair’s enchanting fifth studio album Nite Swim is due out October 6 and is available to pre-order now. On the pensive latest release, “Rolling Rock” smoothly–and warily–glides forward to find an end could lead to a new beginning.

“Rolling Rock,” out today, tells the emotional story of a platonic breakup and the unique sense of loneliness that comes with it. Madeline explains the track dives into the “complicated feelings of disappointment and loss as you have to grieve all the plans you made together and acknowledge the void they’re leaving in your life.” Mirroring the emotional processing of this grief, the track slowly and steadily unfolds with a serene piano loop and later, a shredding electric guitar solo as cathartic relief.

The track’s accompanying video sees the duo peel back the curtain on the making of their forthcoming album. Footage behind the scenes–from the studio, to countless cups of coffee, to game nights and more unfolds as viewers can watch the album being created from personal iPhone footage. The band took footage throughout the process and wanted to do something with it, and the “Rolling Rock” video was born. Madeleine explains, “We decided to dust off these video clips and create a home-movie style compilation video that reflects the fun, messy, earnest creative process of how this album came together.”

The album was made with the help of friends and family and took them across the country as they completed it, and this video is an intimate closer look. Madeleine continues, “The making of ‘Nite Swim’ was such a DIY group effort, recorded over the span of 3 years, in multiple cities, from professional studio settings to our parents’ basement in Indiana. We hope this video gives listeners a closer look at our creative process and allows them to feel even more connected with the music.”

Indie-soul-pop sensation AKICITA is set to captivate audiences once again with her powerful third single, “Monster,” slated for release on August 3, 2023. Aligning with her previous releases, “Monster” presents a captivating narrative of resilience and empowerment, delving into themes of betrayal, abandonment, and the transformation from an outcast to a powerful force.
 
As the song unfolds, AKICITA showcases her vocal prowess, infusing soulful emotions into every note. The dramatic and addicting chorus leaves an indelible mark, ensuring that “Monster” will captivate listeners with its emotional intensity and resonate deeply throughout the year.
 
“Monster” delves deep into the complexities of a past relationship, recounting its downfall with raw honesty. AKICITA bares her soul, acknowledging her own flaws and the impact they had on the relationship. Amidst moments of reflection on her past struggles with alcoholism, she takes aim at her former partner, expressing the pain of a love that wasn’t reciprocated and confronting the toxicity that led to the relationship’s demise.
 
The haunting lyrics linger, delivering a powerful message that “monsters never die,” implying that the scars left by her ex-partner’s actions will endure. Through her emotive storytelling, AKICITA explores the dark facets of love and the lingering effects of heartbreak, reminding listeners of the importance of self-growth and healing after the end of a tumultuous relationship.

Coyote Eyes is the dark pop alter ego of New York bred Jo Eubanks, a multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. Known for lush soundscapes, haunting vocals, and eerie piano melodies, the music of Coyote Eyes is, like her, equally tragic and seductive. Coyote Eyes began training to be a classical singer in early childhood, and by 16 she was already capturing label attention for her distinctive, emotionally charged voice which held “the pain of a 30 year old woman inside a child’s body”. 

In All Good Hope, the debut album from singer, songwriter, and musician Jose Lobo, is a masterclass in
intimacy, everything about it exuding a sense of closeness. From the highly personal lyrical themes and sparse, delicate instrumentation, to the singing, which sounds like a friend whispering a secret into your ear, the experience of listening to In All Good Hope is akin to entering an inner sanctum, or what Lobo aptly refers to as “a reverie of the quotidian.” Originally hailing from Venezuela, Lobo has spent the better part of the last decade in a somewhat nomadic mode, splitting his time between his current home base of Montreal, San Francisco’s Mission District, Paris, and also Hamilton, Ontario, where much of the album was recorded.

Tellingly, In All Good Hope opens with a creak, perhaps an old chair or some well-worn floorboards, and easily maintains this relaxed, cozy sense of presence as Lobo weaves through these hushed, multi-lingual songs. The
bulk of the album is centred around his nylon-string guitar and mellifluous vocal style, which is always mixed right up front, capturing every breath and nuance. The astute listener may pick up a strong scent of bossa nova, which is no accident, as Lobo developed a great love for the ’60s Brazilian genre while living in the city of Belo Horizonte during his teenage years. There are also shades of Tropicalia, bossa nova’s slightly more adventurous younger sibling, and to that end, one might recall the similarly inspired singer Devendra Banhart and the warmly psychedelic “freak folk” movement of the ’00s, Brazilian legend Caetano Veloso, fellow nylon-string player Jose Gonzales, Toronto-based singer and producer Sandro Perri, and contemporary Brazilian artist Rodrigo Amarante, whose solo and band work has provided deep wells of inspiration for Lobo.

JayMellz is a singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer from Aiken, South Carolina. Heavily influenced by the ’90s, he’s the perfect combination of traditional and modern Hip-Hop. He has been featured on multiple hip-hop blogs such as JassiLu, The Hype Magazine, Team Bigga Rankin, and Schweinbeck. He’s also been on the New York internet radio show HotplayRadio via Floempireradio.com, and ApolloNightLA.

He started singing at the early age of 7 years old, his late Aunt Connie was touched by his voice and encouraged Jay to keep singing. In his middle school days, he discovered he had another talent for rapping and writing. It wasn’t until after high school, that Jay started taking his career in music seriously. Since 2009 Jay has produced and released multiple projects independently. His EP, Sounds, s available via iTunes and all digital outlets. 

Jay runs his own independent label, B.A.S.E. Ent. From 2016 to the summer of 2017, Mellz signed with a small company known as Geecheeboi Records where he released the EP, Vibes. Jay has also worked with DJ Smallz CEO of Southern Smoke, JStaffz a well-known producer from Canada, Queen Sheeba of Poetry Vs Hip-Hop and actor Jharrel Jerome from the Oscar-winning movie Moonlight. He recently worked with Bentley Records the international label of New York and Dubai, under CEO Luca Dayz. He has worked with acts like Soulja Boy and others.

California, USA- The Story So Far, a prominent band in the alternative music scene, has made a triumphant return with the release of a long-awaited single, “Big Blind” (produced and Engineered by Ben Hirschfield).  This latest offering marks their first release since their critically acclaimed album “Proper Dose” in 2018. Demonstrating their distinctive style, the band’s new track showcases a captivating blend of compelling melodies and powerful vocals. With “Big Blind,” The Story So Far reaffirms their position as one of the most influential artists of their scene.

New York-based indie-pop artist Cade Hoppe presents “Only Human,” the new and final single from his upcoming EP, ‘Just Look At The Moon.’ The EP, which is slated for release this Fall, will also include recent singles “Moon,” “Fool’s Gold,” and “Labels.”

“Only Human” is an unapologetic love song. Amidst a whirlwind of emotive synths, stunning strings, and soul-baring vocals, Cade delivers a heartfelt message about the power of feeling heard: “I ramble about what only makes sense to me / She follows along,” he sings. The song was written and produced by Cade, co-produced by Harper James (Eighty Ninety, James Bay, Aaron Taos), and features strings from Bobby Hawk (Taylor Swift, The 1975, Florence and the Machine).

This song is about what it means to find someone who truly understands you, especially when you feel misunderstood by everyone else,” Cade explains. “It can make even the most complicated things feel simple.”

Cade Hoppe made his debut in 2021 with the release of his first EP, ‘Tell Me How It’s Worth It.’ He followed up with his sophomore project, ‘Everything That’s Wrong with You,’ and is now preparing to reveal his third EP titled ‘Just Look At The Moon.’ 

In just a few short years, Cade has gone from writing songs in his bedroom to working alongside legendary musicians and producers. Each new release feels more confident and dynamic than the last. With his steadfast determination and undeniable talent, Cade Hoppe is quickly cementing his spot as an indie-pop mainstay.

The world is watching Kevin Ross. As a record-breaking pioneer and R&B artist who is reshaping the music landscape, this is an independent artist paving the way for other artists to follow. 

With upwards of 100 million streams across platforms and unparalleled historic feats, Kevin Ross recently became the first independent artist in music history with two simultaneous singles in the Top 20 of the Hot Adult R&B Airplay Chart. Additionally, Ross broke a radio record with his hit single “Sweet Release”, which had the longest run as the #1 requested song on Sirius XM’s Heart & Soul.

Originally signed to Motown records, Kevin Ross formed his artist-owned label Art Society Music Group (AMG) in 2019. Since then, Ross has garnered over 100 million streams across platforms, multiple Billboard charting songs, and a strong presence in both film and television. His work has been celebrated by Rolling Stone, Billboard, BET, Vibe, Essence, Good Day NY, and many others. Ross has collaborated with renowned artists such as Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Tank, Ne-Yo, and T.I., and has earned nominations from the Soul Train Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and iHeart Radio Music.

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brilliant songwriter Sody releases her brand new EP “Star Potential” which tells recent life stories across a rollarcoaster of emotions, whether it be navigating relationships or the music industry.  

Stream & save the Star Potential EP – https://open.spotify.com/album/4fuT39LI3YOcS3dQXNA1IS?si=XhmyWzs-SK-ZKdUX3F5b7A

Speaking about her Star Potential EP, Sody said “This EP is all about acceptance and self reflection. Accepting who you are as a person, accepting that you’re better off without the people who did you wrong, accepting where you are now. It’s a reflection on difficult situations by acknowledging them and learning from them! I’m so happy to finally have new music out again. This body of work has been a long-time coming and I’m so proud to be releasing it independently!”

Sody’s approach to raw songwriting has proven to be the winning blueprint throughout her career. Only two years after her debut song, she released her demo ‘Whole’ which sat on Spotify’s ‘Most Beautiful Songs in the World’ playlist for three consecutive years. Until today Sody has released two EPs  ‘I’m Sorry, I’m Not Sorry,’ (2019)  followed by real growth takes time,’ (2020) over which her audience grew exponentially. The EP releases and the tracks that followed produced a slew of popular singles that captured the hearts of a growing global audience. From the likes of mid-tempo ‘butterfly’ (2019), emotively pensive ‘is your bedroom ceiling bored?’ (2020) – a collaboration with Cavetown, and the brutally honest ‘Bitch (I Said It,)’ in 2021, the tracks were as versatile as they were strong.  It was in moments like this that Sody had begun winning over tastemaker media such as BBC Radio 1 and the likes of DIY Mag, Clash & Dork Magazine in the UK.

The sweet, melodic vocals of Keni Titus are back with heartfelt, stripped back single “american spirit”, as she continues to make her mark on today’s soft indie scene.

Today’s new single follows Keni’s release of “if u want” in June, and further demonstrates the extent to her divine vocal abilities and dreamy use of instrumentation to whisk you away to a place of serenity. She is an effortless talent to be emerging from The US right now and aims to share her experiences through songwriting as a way of turning the page on those times. 

Take a listen to “american spirit” here.

Keni describes the new song as a track “about a piece of myself I gave away because I felt it was expected of me to do so. At the end of the day though you can’t pretend to be something you’re not in order to keep someone.”

“american spirit” is a deeply earnest and emotional track, for it is based on an especially potent heartbreak. It is cathartic in the sense that she expels those pent up emotions, and brings the feelings to life with her storytelling lyricism.  

There is much more of this ballad-style brilliance to come from Keni, as she gears up to her debut project out soon. 

Matthew Halsall has never seen himself as part of any one sound or scene: he builds his own sonic universe instead. Over the course of 15 years and eight albums, he’s become a vital voice in instrumental music, with his lithe and limitless blends of jazz, electronica, global and spiritual jazz influences. By now, his style is unmistakable: a certain lightness of touch; a warm glow; waves that lap and birds that sing; it’s deeply meditative music, in tune with nature, that nourishes as much as it galvanises. But his new and ninth album An Ever Changing View is a subtle step up for the Manchester-based trumpeter, bandleader and composer – and an apt title for an artist who evolves with every new release. Halsall is at his most experimental yet, expanding his sound and production techniques once more.

2020’s Salute To The Sun was already a gear shift: after two albums with the Gondwana Orchestra (2014’s When The World Was One and 2015’s Into Forever), Halsall debuted a new band of young musicians from his home city. Salute To The Sun’s earthy soulful music landed like a balm during a tempestuous time, earning scores of new admirers who’d never before seen themselves as jazz fans. Halsall could relate: “I’ve always been on the edge of jazz,” he says. “I felt like a bit of an outsider.” On An Ever Changing View, though, he has leaned into another artform he was excited by during his formative years in Manchester, the sample culture of late-90s and early-2000s, where producers like The Cinematic OrchestraBonobo and Mr. Scruff deftly wove jazz samples throughout their work.

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The album’s opener ‘Tracing Nature’ sets the scene, with its lush, pastoral wash of shimmering sounds and birdsong, as if gazing up to the sky through the forest canopy. During its creation, Halsall was staying in both a beautiful architect’s house with breathtaking sea views in north Wales and a striking modernist house in Bridlington, in the northeast of England, and he composed what he saw “like a landscape painting”. The latter location was the starting point for the album, with its vast windows that looked out onto the North Sea’s picturesque coastline, as opposed to his usual inner-city home studio, where Salute To The Sun was composed and recorded. In this new environment, Halsall wanted to capture “the feeling of openness and escapism” he felt being there and to approach making music again from scratch. “I hit the reset button and wanted to have complete musical freedom,” he says. “It was a real exploration of sound.”

Orlando, FL-born multiplatinum, genre-defying recording artist Tyla Yaweh releases his anticipated sophomore album, Heart Full of Rage 2, via Epic Records/London Entertainment. Listen to Heart Full of Rage 2 HERE

Along with the new album, today Tyla shares a documentary detailing his inspiring come up as well as detailing the making of the album, giving insight into the songwriting and recording process. Watch the documentary HERE. 

Among many highlights on Heart Full of Rage 2, he joins forces with Chris Brown on the single “City of Dreams.” Otherworldly keys wrap around glitchy claps as Tyla’s melodic verses give way to the chantable chorus, “I got one life to live, I want to live in the city of dreams, I got one night to give, I want to live in the city of dreams.” Meanwhile, Breezy shows up for the occasion, picking up the pace and flexing his instantly recognizable falsetto. Stay tuned for the official music video, coming soon.

Heart Full of Rage 2 ignites one anthem after another. Last month, he unleashed the massive “SUMMER VIBES,” one of his most magnetic and melodic singles to-date, with no shortage of energy and charisma. Elsewhere across the album’s 16 tracks, he teams up with Yung Bleu on the groove-laden “Hips Don’t Lie,” while Ty Dolla $ign pulls up with smooth West Coast flavor on “Stuck.” Elsewhere, Tyla locks into a hypnotic back-and-forth with Dej Loaf on the luminous “Lighters Up.” Then, there’s “Rockstar Nights” where he and Toosii join forces on a banger tailormade for afterparties. The album concludes on the frenetic, yet emotionally charged finale, “New York Ave.” His unpredictable flow alternates speed and cadence only to collide with an undeniable and confessional chorus. Along the way, Tommy Lee even leaves a hilarious voicemail you need to hear to believe, a call-back to Tyla’s 2020 hit single “Tommy Lee” [feat. Post Malone]. Check out the full track list below.

New Zealand underground rap force SXMPRA has unveiled a ruthless new record and video for “777” via 10K Projects. Get it HERE.

Following the resounding success of his recent collaborations with Ski Mask the Slump God on “COWBELL WARRIORS!” and the powerhouse duo Terror Reid and Pouya collab “Midnight Sun SXMPRA is back with a bone-chilling, dark and eerie single titled “777.” The talented artist has bet on himself, delivering a spine-tingling horrorcore track.

777” showcases SXMPRA‘s prowess in crafting razor-sharp flows that slice through the air like a sharp blade. The track is an intense fusion of hard-hitting drums, ominous synths, and shrill shrieking samples, creating a soundscape that will immerse listeners into a world of haunting atmospheres and chilling vibes.

The song’s atmospheric brilliance takes listeners on a gripping journey as SXMPRA dives deep into the realm of horror and darkness. This hair-raising endeavor treats fans to a Southern style chopped and screwed outro that ingeniously ties together the elements of the track, leaving a lasting impression that will haunt minds long after the music fades.

Philippines-born, Las Vegas-based multi-faceted musician, Ez Mil, who both raps and sings, shares an all-new, hard-hitting track “Realest” featuring Eminemout everywhere nowDU4LI7YREDUX, the forthcoming deluxe album by Ez Mil is due out August 11 and is available for pre-order now. The latest track and forthcoming deluxe album arrive on the heels of his recent signing to Shady Records/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records. Mil joins the likes of 50 Cent as only a few of the artists signed directly to all three labels.

Powered by lithe, expressive vocals, dexterous raps and songwriting know-how, Ez Mil’s latest level up is the product of talent, hard work and a keen knowledge of his own audience — in this case, that crowd happened to include Slim Shady himself. In February, Ez Mil released the video for his DU4LI7Y single “Up Down” on Virgin Music. Noting the similarities in their percussive flows, Eminem’s fans quickly picked up on the new release. About a month later, Eminem heard the song, and Ez Mil drove from Vegas to Los Angeles where he met Dre and Eminem for the first time, leading Eminem to share the track online with the words, “This is why we signed him.” Ez and Eminem then stayed in contact and recorded their collaboration, “Realest,” a certified showcase of rap acrobatics. 

On “Realest,” out today, the two bludgeon a pulsing beat with a barrage of multisyllabic rhyme schemes and the sorts of quippy wordplay that propelled Eminem to stardom. Now, having signed Ez Mil to his label, along with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope, Eminem is in position to help push Ez to the same heights. Some of that work involved curating DU4LI7Y: REDUX, which will be Ez Mil’s final release on Virgin Music.

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On Eminem’s enormous impact on Ez Mil’s own life and career, Ez shares, “Eminem’s been an inspiration to me growing up, this song means a lot to me because my biggest dream was to watch Eminem perform live–and for me to have a track with him is beyond crazy and I’m always going to be grateful.”

RÜFÜS DU SOL’s Rose Avenue Records releases its Rose Avenue Compilation Vol. 1 featuring tracks by label favorites including Modern Tales, Luke Alessi, Colyn, and Township Rebellion, along with new faces like Enamour, Julya Karma, Bigfett. Arodes, HWIN, and Sainte Vie. 

A polished collection of originals catering to alluring sonic palettes, experimental structures, and refined production, Vol. 1 explores the breadth of talent that RÜFÜS DU SOL has inspired throughout their career. The compilation kicks off with ‘Coming Back 4 You’, a wistful single from brother duo Modern Tales off their recent debut album Stars Align. Moving through the iridescent house tones of Arodes and Ø’s ‘Signs of Light’ and sultry builds of Luke Alessi’s ‘Aqua Stars’, the compilation shines a light on the emotive dance sounds that have permeated Rose Avenue’s curation. From the mesmerizing melodies of Colyn’s ‘Day 8’ to the tantalizing techno soundscape of Township RebellionVictor Pilava, and Roemisch collaborative ‘Fantasia on a Theme’, Vol. 1 is a testament to the imaginative artistry found throughout Rose Avenue’s catalog. 

Continuing their tradition as a welcome home to new talent, the compilation serves to showcase the label’s latest signees, like HWIN, formerly ½ of Cathedrals who has debuted his new melodic techno project with ‘Metropolis Heights’. Flaunting the enticing sounds that echo the label’s upcoming releases, the compilation soars through the dynamic rhythms of Enamour’s ‘Body Test’ and Bigfett’s synth-heavy offering ‘Continuum’. Other Rose Avenue newcomers include Brooklyn’s dark-tech riser Julya Karma with ‘Hypnotized’ and Mexico City-bred beatsmith Sainte Vie with ‘Raindrops’.  

Maria Wilman has a history of doing the unexpected, of transforming in ways guided by a trust in her own potential and strength. It’s a trait that the London-based singer/songwriter explores with candidness and depth on Dark Horse, produced by Colin Elliot (Richard Hawley, Slow Club) that offers a first taste of a much larger body of work written between 2019 and 2022.

Sparked by an offhand comment by a friend, Dark Horse finds Wilman interrogating the idea of what it means for a side of us to appear as if from nowhere. What are we leaving behind there? What is the bereavement, the life already lived? What are the possibilities? Wilman knows the answers are hardly ever static. We never stop moving through our losses, even when the losses are pieces of ourselves.

There’s a lived-in quality to Wilman’s songs, born in ’69, which bristle with the kind of archetypal rock ‘n’ roll swagger that made The Pretenders so compelling and a dramatic flair and retro-pop edge that brings to mind the work of Nicole Atkins and A Girl Called Eddy. But Wilman is not rooted wholly in the past. There’s an urgency in her songs that begs the question, what’s next? And a further question: what is going to last?

Raised in the Basque country, Wilman grew up during the politically charged and controversial Franco years. Bilingual and bicultural from a young age, Wilman eventually made the decision to cross the channel for good. Having graduated in psychology, her first job was working on NHS hospital wards. “I chose psychology because I felt like learning to understand how people think and feel would equip me well for later, for understanding the plot of a story, the motivations of a character.”

Wilman didn’t suppress her creative ambitions completely, but it wasn’t until recently that she realised a natural outlet had been staring her in the face the whole time: music. The lightning bolt hit in 2019, when Wilman turned 50. Entering a new decade created a sense of urgency. “It was always a matter of when I was going to make the jump,” she says. “I knew it wasn’t going to be never, but at the same time I felt that the train was already passing by and that I didn’t have much to lose.” Before long, Wilman had three albums under her belt, starting with Dark Horse

If there’s a common thread between all these songs, it’s Wilman’s willingness to cross-examine the unknown – to draw out both its darkness and its joy. Focus single “Full Circle” showcases the artist’s obsession with time, emphasising how life is never linear. Touching on both the scientific and spiritual side of our existence and how they blend together, Wilman explores the importance of love. The artist shares, “Sometimes we write songs that echo back a message we didn’t quite get at the beginning. It repeats itself like a mantra. Love was there from the beginning, spinning in an ever ending eternal sequence, interrelating everything. As you keep trusting your heart…”

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Philadelphia-based producer Digital Ethos releases his new single ‘Kill Em’, out now on Rezz’s label HypnoVizion

A dark and mischievous entry into the haunting world of Digital Ethos, ‘Kill Em’ is a foreboding original from the HypnoVizion newcomer. ‘Kill Em’ twists and turns with its dynamic and unorthodox soundscape, slithering through a meticulous arrangement of textured basslines and crisp snare hits. Dialing into the off-kilter structures and shadowy tones that set his productions apart, Digital Ethos’ spine-chilling new single is a befitting addition to HypnoVizion’s catalog. 

On the track, Digital Ethos said, “I wrote ‘Kill Em’ in the midst of a halftime obsession late last year. The focus of this one was drums with a ton of swag. The rest really wrote itself. I feel like all the elements of the song compliment each other very well. A big thanks to HypnoVizion for the support.”

Digital Ethos has carved a unique lane with his ominous blend of experimental bass and hip-hop production. His originals have garnered the attention of labels like WAKAAN and Bassrush, and taken him to the stages of festivals like Electric Forest and Shambhala. Digital Ethos’ arrival on HypnoVizion serves as a full-circle moment for the artist who first joined Rezz for her debut REZZ ROCKS takeover in 2018 and will again support her at the iconic venue for this year’s fifth edition. 

North Carolina based indie-Americana folk quartet Mipso share the contemplative and gentle track “Broken Heart / Open Heart” out everywhere now. The band’s propulsive sixth studio album Book of Fools, is due out August 25. The album is now available to pre-order digitally here and on vinyl here. Plus, the band will embark on an extensive tour across North America beginning in Portsmouth, NH on August 17 with tickets on sale now via mipsomusic.com/tour. “Broken Heart / Open Heart” is an earnest processing of grief and display of love and hope amidst loss.

“Broken Heart / Open Heart” out today, was built around the idea that a broken heart can become an open heart. On the track, the band builds to a simmering pace, but it never boils over–the intimate vocal is gripping, alongside the muted piano and an overdriven guitar that add grit to the bittersweetness. Mandolinist and vocalist Jacob Sharp and guitarist Joseph Terrell wrote the track together that became a vessel for his processing of the grief that comes in the wake of losing someone you love.

Referencing the gut-wrenching opening lyrics, “How do you tell someone you’re lonely, when they’re sitting by your side?” Sharp shares, “I’ve had a couple friends recently who lost a family member for the first time. My mom was sick for a long time – I remember hard times, and I was broken for a while after she passed.” Despite the immense pain and heartache Sharp endured, he’s able to embrace the brokenness to rebuild himself. Sharp continues, “Now I look back grateful to have been broken enough to have had to decide how to put myself back together. There’s a universal binding in that feeling of realizing you’re broken enough to be wide open – and I think with the right support and love that openness can be a gift. “

Eleanor is a singer-songwriter with an R&B leaning sound, coloured in hues of soul and indie music. She takes a narrative approach to songwriting, leaning on experiences of grief and overcoming to shape stories that are robust and deeply felt. “I make music because it would be harder not to, it’s a very natural extension of my personhood,” the artist says of herself.

Eleanor’s music has been covered widely by publications such as Earmilk, ColorsxStudios, and Exclaim Magazine. Wonderland Magazine has dubbed her music “a peaceful effort that matter of factly confronts life’s most difficult intricacies as they dissipate into a chorus of soul-laden beats.”

Eleanor has recently contributed to the published music of artists such as: Texas King, Saveria and Chad Price. Her music has also been featured prominently on radio and television, and her debut EP A Late Bloom will be dropping in the summer of 2023.

Los Angeles based rapper HoodTrophy Bino (Tadashi Sayres) creates empowering music about overcoming hardships and leveling up in life. Raised by a single mother in a house with fourteen brothers and sisters under one roof in Palmdale, California and later the crime ridden projects of South Central LA,  HoodTrophy Bino  (“Bino”) succumbed to the gang life that surrounded him. Finding an important outlet in music when violence surrounded him, Bino began rapping himself – first being exposed to freestyle through his older brother.

Due to gang involvement and a father serving a life-sentence in San Quentin, Bino began repeating a doomed path that found him circulating in and out of jail. During one of his short stints, he met Soulja Boy who was also serving time. The two developed a friendship after Bino wrote him a letter and gave him a bag of Hot Cheetos. Shortly after his release from jail, Big Draco reached out and signed Bino to his S.O.D.M.G. (Stacks on Deck Money Gang) label having been impressed by his determination and musical talent.  Venturing into the studio soon after, they recorded their first song “Racing In Traffic” in 2021.

Bino’s music discusses his life and what he’s been through; from hard-hitting bangers like “Thuggin” to melodic, soulful ballads, like “Project Baby.” Bino’s single “Dripped in Designer” was released in 2021 featuring Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. It’s a muted, melancholy rap saga celebrating luxurious dreams of distant islands and designer drip. “Most Wanted” is a potent powerhouse that shows off Bino’s quick-witted flow and upbeat tempo. Songs like “Project Baby” is HoodTrophy Bino’s raw, reflective look at his past growing up in the projects while “What You Got On” exudes the extravagant, lush energy that is a part of Bino’s post-fame reality. His latest single “Lavish Spazzin” ft. Spank Nitti James is steeped in decadence and skillfully pays homage to a significant era’s timeless elements, while boldly charting a course for the future. 

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The respect and love Bino has received from music has given him hope and encouraged him to show a better life to his young children.By reducing his sentence from 13 years to a 7 year joint suspension for good behavior,  HoodTrophy Bino is a standout example of someone who has overcome insurmountable obstacles, escaped gang life, and created a better future for himself and his family. Today, he is an advocate for gang members who grow up in the hood and witness death every other day with seemingly no way out. Developing his own PTSD, anxiety, and depression, Bino knows many young people are overlooked without an outlet for therapy or a way to express themselves.

HoodTrophy Bino has opened for Soulja Boy, Tee Grizzley, Bow Wow, Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, Omarion, Flo Malcom, Skinnyfromthe9, YN Jay, and Ohgeesy.  With a new album on the horizon, HoodTrophy Bino is a prolific rapper and motivator for his generation. “I’m not here because I’m the best, I’m here because they tried to break me and they couldn’t.”

In partnership with revolutionary global brand KNIX, Canadian icon Shawn Desman will inspire millions to embrace their body just the way it is – with the lights on! Upon release of the single, this global campaign launches with the help of influencers such as The Birds Papaya (2.3M), Alicia McCarvell (1M) and Cat & Nat (1M) pushing directly to the song and speaking to the personal meaning behind their involvement in the music video and campaign. 

Behind this perfectly sticky pop-anthem from Canada’s homegrown hero, comes a powerful personal message that was inspired by a life-altering emergency surgery that his wife Chantel went through earlier this year. A love letter to his wife, “Love Me With The Lights On” was his reminder to her that she is beautiful and sexy, just the way she is. This message is a universal reminder that sometimes what we see as a flaw, is exactly what makes us special. 

“When I sat down to write ‘Love Me With The Lights On,’ I wanted to write something empowering; that reminds people that they’re perfect as they are. No matter what you look like, whatever colour your skin is—you are perfect!” I want to send this empowering message to everyone, but at the heart of it, this song is a dedication to my wife. I want her to know that Iwant to see all of what she considers her imperfections, because to me, they are what makes her beautiful!  In 2017, my wife Chantelle was diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis–a disease that in most cases, cripples a person’s quality of life. After five years of battling this disease, she underwent emergency ileostomy surgery. I remember feeling so heartbroken when she expressed feelings of insecurity about the physical changes she was about to go through. This person who I love so much; who’s been through so much—was worried about how I’d feel about her, and not celebrating how this would improve her quality of life. I looked at her and said “Babe, you have nothing to be scared about. What I want is for you to be better. You will always be the sexiest person in the room to me.” So this song is dedicated to everyone and everyone else who may have at one time felt the way Chantelle felt.”

 Accelerating momentum on a rapid ascend to the forefront, acclaimed U.K. singer, songwriter, and performer, Absolutely uncovers an ethereal and engaging new single entitled “Stranger Phase” today via Epic Records. Listen HERE.

Throughout the track, electronic transmissions buzz beneath her intriguing verses. The off-kilter rhythm accents Absolutelys unpredictable cadences as she captivates with a bold chorus. Practically piercing the clouds with her resounding vocals, it culminates on the climactic hook, “Let’s get fucked up like we don’t know any better.

It arrives on the heels of “Fever Dream.” The latter has just begun to pick up steam at DSPs. “Fever Dream” notably landed in the wake of “Patterns, which has already cracked 100K streams and counting, and the release of Absolutelys debut single “Higher” which FLAUNT raved, “The singer songwriter from South London brings together a plethora of genres on “Higher.” From pop to R&B and electronic, the debut single has it all with the help of Dave Hamelin, the producer behind artists like Beyoncé and 070 Shake.” ListenHERE and watch HERE.

The String Cheese Incident is excited to share “Eventually” – the third song to be released from the forthcoming album Lend Me A Hand due out on Sept 8.  

​​”’Eventually’ is a song about the realization of my shortcomings and the journey to become the person I can be proud of,” says Bill Nershi (guitar, vocals).  The new song provides yet another moment of reflection within the collection of songs. “Our goal was to make sure nothing got in the way of the lyrics.  Even though we’re still a jam band at heart, all these songs can really stand on their own.” 

London-based emerging artist and producer Sharifa 

shares his powerful new single ‘Bedroom Light’

Listen HERE

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‘Bedroom Light’ arrives as an impressive showcase of Sharifa’s one of a kind energy. 

With a diverse sound that sits somewhere between alternative and hip-hop, Bedroom Light shares a compelling and honest take on navigating life’s challenges. 

Sharing more on the track Sharifa explained: I wrote Bedroom Light when it was 2am in the morning. I was going through an unusual time of emotional struggle and uncertainty and was reflecting on that as I wrote the track. There’s a lot of self-reflection, hopelessness, stubbornness and introspection in the lyrics. I came to the conclusion that it’s okay to feel trapped by your surroundings and in your own head. I want people to know they aren’t alone in feeling that way. So many of our struggles are universal human experiences.

Making a name for himself as a courageous lyricist, Sharifa’s talent for songwriting is complemented by his raw, dark vocals, creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels strangely familiar.

Sharifa grew up in a small town in the East Midlands before making the move to London in 2021. At just 18-years-old, his sound boasts a haunting maturity that sees him stand out as an exciting prospect to watch. Pushing boundaries and channeling his life experiences into his craft, the potential for Sharifa feels limitless.

Already turning the heads at BBC Radio with plays from the likes of Jess Iszatt and features already under his belt from the likes of Noctis magazine, Bedroom Light marks an exciting next step in Sharifa’s Journey. With performing live hugely important to him, he’s already performed at The Great Escape this year not to mention a sold out showcase at KOKO, you can expect news of upcoming live dates very soon!

Newcastle native Andrew Cushin has released his new single “Wor Flags” via Peter Doherty’s label Strap Originals. The latest offering from his highly anticipated debut album Waiting For The Rain, out September 29th, the single is a live-fan favorite and a paean to Andrew’s hometown. “Wor Flags” is in reference to the fan-funded group of the same name who create flag displays at St. James’ Park as a way to unite Newcastle United Football Club’s supporters. Through the track’s uplifting soundscape of driving acoustic guitars and a jubilant refrain of “la la la’s,” Andrew speaks to finding yourself surrounded by the people you care for and truly living in the moment. 

Based in Montreal, Maze is a singer, songwriter, producer and sound engineer who started music driven by an old passion for videography. She aspires to fuse many of her favorite genres, from the alternative-rock her parents listened to when she grew up to the music she danced on in her teenage years, creating a mix of alternative, electronic, hip-hop and afrobeats. Her love for producing started early in her career and she quickly developed an identity, with minimalist production, audio samples of her own voice and driving basses. Her unique sound and hypnotizing universe has landed her placements on Samsung, Netflix, BBC, as well as working as a music producer for the latest SOCAN and Universal Music camps. In addition, she edits all of her music videos as she was once a freelancer in the video industry. This year, Maze had the support of the CALQ and Sirius XM and collaborated with High Klassified and Loop session as a producer, and was nominated in the top 10 of the producer TRAKGIRL in collaboration with Aiaiai audio. After 4 EPs and many singles, she was nominated for the upcoming artist of the year by Culture Laval. Completely independent, Maze has slowly made a name for herself in the local Montreal music scene with her dark and mysterious persona and her mix of alternative and electro-pop music featuring elements of hip-hop, trip-hop and cinematic sounds.

Deadbeat Girl (Val Olson) and Ari Adbul reveal their collaborative single ‘Make Me Cry’. The new offering is a seamless fusion of Deadbeat Girls enticing alt/indie sound and Ari Abdul’s dark, sultry alt-pop. The result is intoxicating and endlessly playable, putting both artists firmly on the map.

‘Make Me Cry’ is the follow up to Deadbeat Girl’s most recent single ‘When You Went’. The release saw them evolve their alt-indie sound to embrace their love for drum and bass, adding yet another string to the emerging artists bow. When You Went reflected on the pain that comes with broken trust and was warmly received at press, scoping support from the likes of Atwood magazine, Metal mag and Ones To Watch. 

Ari Abdul has also been making her mark on the world with her captivating and alluring alt-pop style. Born and bred in Brooklyn, she was raised by her Ecuadorian mother and her Costa Rican father, both ensuring that was brought up on an eclectic musical diet ranging from Latin music, to classic rock and hip-hop. Best known for her huge hit ‘BABYDOLL’,  Ari Abdul has racked up over 250 million streams since she launched last year. 

The two artists together are a force to be reckoned with.

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Born and bred in South Florida, 20-year-old artist and producer Deadbeat Girl released their debut EP ‘What Will It Take?’ back in March of this year. The record arrived as a coming of age moment, navigating self acceptance, heartache and identity with empowering honesty. The release scooped support from the likes of Clash, Wonderland, Them, and Ones To Watch.

Deadbeat Girl also launched only last year, with their debut single ‘Another Day’ back in November after spending the pandemic writing their own original songs. Sitting at over 350 thousand streams, the track is a melancholy punk inspired upload that resonated with the likes of Under The Radar, Ladygunn and more.

Despite it still being early days for Deadbeat Girl, things are already falling into place and as they continue to unapologetically share their authentic self, their adoring fan base continues to grow and relate. With playing live being an essential part of who they are as an artist, Deadbeat Girl will be joining forces with friend and collaborator Ari Adbul once more on her global tour later this year.

From a young age, Val gravitated towards their parents’ record and CD collection, falling in love with the grunge movement of the nineties and alternative rock ballads of the early 2000’s. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, The Foo Fighters, and Death Cab For Cutie were on constant replay in their childhood home. Over time, modern day musicians helped shape their sound like Girl In Red, Day Wave, Arlo Parks and Billie Eilish.  Alongside finding their feet as a songwriter, they also found a passion for music production, studying the works of Finneas, Tyler The Creator, and Day Wave. All of which became an integral part of Deadbeat Girl’s life soundtrack. 

At their core, Deadbeat Girl is “not just a musician, but a lover of music.”

Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer

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