the divine sound of London based indie-folk artist Sophia Alexa shares her latest single ‘Stones’, inspired by the weight of all the negative thoughts and worries that we carry around with us everyday. It is about putting aside these ‘stones’ which weigh us down, and instead only carrying around the weightless reminder of the love others have for you.
‘Stones’ finds Alexa sharing what was an emotive and endearing exchange between herself and her dad, which encouraged her to rethink the way she perceived the burdens she carries with her.
Speaking on the meaning behind stones, Sophia shares: “This song, Stones, is special to me because I wrote it about something my dad told me during a time when I was being quite hard on myself. He said I carry all these stones in my pocket that weigh me down, like criticisms and negative thoughts. So he gave me this stone to keep in my wallet and told me it’s the only stone I could carry around. He said it holds the love my family and other people have for me. It’s so sweet and sentimental that I wanted to write about it.”
There is a particular beauty in the inanimate heaviness of the story she is telling being juxtaposed by the light, dreamy quality of the track, which is carried by Sophia’s heavenly vocals.
At the center of Sophia’s artistry, she has a tendency to take inspiration from her deepest insecurities and vulnerabilities in life. In making these worries into something tangible like a collection of poetic words and sounds, she manages to find peace in these anxieties (along with a little help from the people closest to her in life).
‘Stones’ is the follow up to Sophia Alexa’s previous single ‘Hall Pass’ in August, which was equally as emotionally charged as this new release. You can read up on ‘Hall Pass’ over at Ones To Watch.
Grammy-nominated band Sum 41 make a boisterous return with “Landmines”, their newest single and first release on Rise Records. “Landmines” is a testament of going to hell and back for the ones that matter – vocalist Deryck Whibley paints a picture of dodging shrapnel and smoke, but valiantly holding on to the ones you love. The chorus is an instant crowd-pleaser with anthemic chants that pull a room together, glued by drum fills that shake the ground as hard as the metaphorical landmines. The track is paired alongside a brand new music video that finds the band transforming prom from the class of 1998 into a raucous rock show-turned-foodfight, thrusting Sum 41 and their fans back to the early days of their career.
Although Sum 41 may have announced the impending closing of their chapter, “Landmines” proves that the pop punk legends are going out with a bang.
“Landmines” is available to stream now at https://sum41.lnk.to/Landmines and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/sum41
“When I wrote Landmines I had no intention of writing an old school “pop punk” song. It just came out really quickly and I knew right away that this song felt special to me,” shares Whibley.
Next month, Sum 41 will be performing on October 21 and October 22 at When We Were Young in Las Vegas, Nevada. The band is also performing a set at a sold-out When We Were Young Sideshow on October 20 at Brooklyn Bowl alongside Bowling For Soup, Plain White T’s, Your Broken Hero, and more.
Looking back at the band’s storied 27 year career, Sum 41 has firmly cemented their place in rock history with over 15 million records sold worldwide, multiple Billboard Charting releases, a Grammy Award nomination, 2 Juno Awards (7 nominations), a Kerrang! Award in 2002, multiple Alternative Press Music Awards, and countless other accolades.
California’s Sitting On Stacy release the second single from their upcoming third album, “Crème Brûlée.” Written with Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan, the lighthearted single illustrates a state of disbelief over ending up with the perfect person. With lyrics that are begging to be shouted back and sticky-sweet hooks that will occupy your mind all day, “Crème Brûlée” is a tale of star-crossed love – Stream.
The band’s frontman Hoyt Yeatman shared that, “This heartfelt single touches on the feeling of being on cloud nine while being in love with someone.”
“Crème Brûlée” follows the release of “Baby Girl” earlier this month. With the collaborative help of Fat Mike of NOFX, the amped up single won the praise of Ones to Watch, The Punk Site, and more. The versatility in Sitting On Stacy’s artistry perfectly shows their maturation over the years and the wide range of audiences they appeal to.
Blending elements of rock, indie, pop, ska, and punk, Sitting On Stacy are musician’s musicians. Through their original music and covers they share to social media, they’ve caught the attention of everyone from The Beach Boys to John Stamos, Joe Jonas and Mark McGrath. Something about their use of nostalgia in a modern format seems to bring everyone into the community of their fervent fanbase.
Working towards a new album, the band shares that their upcoming music has been years in the making while they’ve leaned from the decades of knowledge of their mentors. The album will show the collaborative influence of Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan, Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome, Fat Mike of NOFX, MisterWives, Smallpools, and more. Spanning countless genres and specialties, the creative input on Sitting On Stacy’s upcoming music has helped them to come into a sound that is distinctly their own.
Nashville-based alternative pop/rock artist Kitty Coen shares the nostalgic, angsty self-directed official music video for track “unfollow me” out everywhere now. With the new video, Kitty Coen looks to her influences to embrace self-love and empower others to do the same.
Inspired by Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video and subsequent iconic visuals of the 2000s pop-punk greats like Paramore, Avril Lavigne, and P!nk–and everything seen on VH1–the “unfollow me” video embodies this nostalgic, playful angst. Explaining the goal of the video, Coen says, “I wanted to make a video for the haters, the lovers, and really anyone who has ever felt like their worth has been defined by how others view them. The truth is, you’re never going to please them all so be who YOU are and do what makes YOU happy.”
Proudly delivering her latest work to eager fans, Coen adds, “It really feels like the final form my art is supposed to be experienced in.” Instead of succumbing to the negative external voices, Coen’s mission is to follow her heart and choose herself–resulting in her most authentic, empowering art yet.
When Coen began releasing music, she received a lot of backlash online and “unfollow me” formed as a natural response. Written in 2020, Coen adds it emerged, “when I felt like I was equating my success to how people saw me online. Basically I’m saying: if you don’t like me and the way I express myself, unfollow me!” Refusing to succumb to negative noise, Kitty Coen stands firm in her artistic self-expression, confidently choosing herself and wearing her heart on her sleeve.
Dorian Williams II, known professionally as Skateland, is an American singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist based in Austin, TX. After moving from Las Vegas to pursue a degree at the University of Texas, Williams began writing songs and experimenting with various instruments in his bedroom and Skateland was born.
Drawing from a wide variety of musical influences, he combines melancholy lyricism and new wave instrumentation with pop production techniques to create a sound that is equal parts past, present, and future. With Skateland, he often writes about autobiographical experiences, confiding, “I take emotions or feelings that I’ve gathered from certain experiences and package them into a format that’s accessible to anyone who listens. I think that’s why I love writing and recording music in non-traditional places as opposed to a fancy studio, writing a guitar part on my porch, jotting down song lyrics at a bar or cafe, tracking vocals in my bedroom etc., it feels like returning to the scene of that major life event and there’s an emotional power in that!” Self produced and recorded, his debut EP New Wave Revival was shared in early 2023. The six-track collection has received praise by the likes of NPR’s KUTX which proclaimed it to be, “sensationally mellow cross-genre bops” and stated that it “has the fuzzy charm of shoegaze but filtered through a pop lens”.
Skateland’s new single “POSTCARDS!” is a highly relatable and important narrative of the often toxic comparison that occurs from being on the internet and social media. He shares, “
Having unprecedented access to the lives of everyone around you (or the highlights at least) is a terrible thing if you really think about it, because it’s the quickest way to become unhappy with your own life or situation. In theory we should be able to celebrate each other’s achievements, but more often than not we end up feeling discontent, unhappy, and restless with our own lives, including our jobs, possessions, life progress, romantic status, our bodies, and even our families.” “POSTCARDS!” features dreamy soundscapes, layered breezy melodies and a kaleidoscope of hazy synths for an intriguing listen.
In just over a year, Skateland has already performed multiple showcases at the coveted SXSW festival as well as garnered praise from the likes of NPR. This rising artist hopes his music inspires people to delve into their own passions. He proclaims, “Fear of failure or a perceived lack of “the right resources” are the biggest reason why people hesitate to try something. Instead of dreading those butterflies in your stomach, embrace them and use them to lift you up. I hope my music inspires people to do “the thing” whatever the thing is.”
Every Us is a music collective based in NYC, creating music that captures the moments we feel a part of something greater than ourselves. With one single out today and three more to come, Every Us is on track to release an EP in the spring and a new video series in the summer.
Ryan Jones, the artist to start this group has lived around the world. Experiencing firsthand the many ways music can bring people together, Ryan has brought this goal back to New York. As Every Us, they are focused on using music to open up a wider world of creativity. Through their community live events in 2022, they have accumulated over 200 people curating a lineup of artists in the NYC & Brooklyn area from Folk to R&B to Jazz to DJs. They tend to uplift other new voices while also sharing their music, brand, and creating a larger community.
“Someday,” their debut release, evokes a transcending and calming energy to any listener. The alternative drums and crescendoing melodies help create this music journey. Leading into a catchy chorus, claps and horns can transport listeners through a mix of genres and emotions, emphasizing Every Us as a diverse community of collaborators.
Past acts and collaborators include Olivia Reid, Michael Tighe (Jeff Buckley, Adele, Mark Ronson) and Charlie Klasfield (Clean Bandit, Branchez) and guitarist Dan Sagher (Charlie Burg). Mixed by Latin Grammy winner, Soular and mastered by Kia Shavon. Filmmakers include Talia Light Rake (Sundance, Tribeca Festival) and Frank Sun (Peloton, The Olympics).
Exploring what it actually sounds like to find “your people,” this multi-media collective and community creates music for us. One can describe them as a community sound or style, more than just a singular figure.
Contemporary pop meets R&B melody artist, Jacklyn, brings the heat with fiery new single ‘Dead Romance,’ and now has a brilliant video to watch. Full of dynamism and energetic vigor, she holds her own and claims her power over others on her latest endeavor.
Watch the video now; https://youtu.be/UiPZEI5X8gU?si=PjupGqL1kSFNcSWg
Playlisting? You can do so here
Jacklyn divulges on the inspiration of the track “Dead romance captures the experience of being in a relationship that gradually loses its spark because of your partner’s lack of effort. It’s the realisation that, after emotionally distancing yourself from the relationship, they finally attempt the effort you had always desired, only to find that it’s too late to mend what’s broken. I wrote this song to serve as a breakup anthem, empowering you to embrace your self-worth and find confidence in your own company.”
The strong sense of empowerment that runs deep throughout the track, gives the song an energetic, assertive rhythm that is infectious and leaves you wanting more.
‘Dead Romance’ is centered around the idea of someone only seeing your worth once it’s too late and the damage is already done. In Jacklyn’s eyes, once it’s done, it’s done, and she finds an inner sense of empowerment that comes with being able to walk away. She is a powerful force to be reckoned with, both musically and in her true self.
This new release is the follow up to Jacklyn’s previous single ‘No Saint’, a slinky, alt-pop song, that was met with press support from the likes of Wordplay Magazine, The Honey Pop, and Fizzy Mag.
Simple yet stunning, today arrives Mereki’s official video for “Wasted Love.” The Danny Sangra directed cut is pulled from her debut solo album Death of a Cloud, which arrived earlier this year. Crafting her own brand of purposeful pop, Mereki has been weaving together a beautiful tapestry of her video releases over the last few months. Each embracing a different style than the last, “Wasted Love” is chic and assertive – Watch.
Diving into the song, Mereki said, “I wrote ‘Wasted Love’ when I was going through a breakup, and everything felt meaningless. When I listen now, I can connect the feelings in this song to different difficult moments in my life. And with hindsight, I can see that every challenge has created the necessary portal to deliver me to where I am now.”
She continues, “I’ve learned that instead of resisting, if I can embrace every experience as it is, then most things are less painful. I believe that being human and feeling the entire spectrum of emotions is a privilege. I also have faith that the Universe has a plan and it’s best to run with that.”
Monstercat fan-favourite No Mana makes a celebrated return to Instinct today, joining forces with eclectic producer and vocalist Voicians, with their new electro-fueled record “Justify.”
Drawing inspiration from nostalgic elements of Calvin Harris and incorporating a Prydzcore vibe, No Mana honed in on his signature 8-bit, flashy sounds while seamlessly adding a melodic punch to the new record. In the mesmerizing cover art for “Justify,” No Mana expands on his limitless artistic creativity. Using Aseprite, he masterfully refined the essence of the track into a pixelated gem. In this dreamlike atmosphere, he envisions two objects floating in his usual starry landscape, immersed in a sparkling colour palette that offers a celestial quality. A prime illustration of how he bridges his music and is showcased in his Gravity set, which steadily accumulates streams.
Following his debut on Monstercat in 2022 with a trilogy of singles, No Mana quickly cemented himself as a beloved Monstercat community artist landing #1 on Monstercat’s ‘Best Of Instinct’ with his hit “Yesterday,” alongside the coveted title of ‘Best New Artist.’ His distinct electro soundscape has found fans in deadmau5, REZZ (who remixed his track “Clear”), and Don Diablo. Collaborating with names like Tommy Trash, i_o, Uppermost, and EDDIE, he effortlessly proves that his sound is for the masses. He’s no stranger to the live circuit, uninterruptedly taking his multidimensional sounds to festivals such as EDC Las Vegas, Shambhala, Imagine Festival, Nocturnal Wonderland, and venues like Echostage in Washington, D.C., Temple in Denver, and The Circle in Orange County.
Voicians is a visionary artist who fervently coalesces a diverse range of genres into his music, spanning from thumping punches of drum and bass, raw power of rock, and chill electronic. Collaborating with No Mana before, he continues to grace the music scene with solo records, while also teaming up with names like Ace Aura, Andromedik, EDDIE, Muzz, and others.
No Mana shares, “Something, something, continuing my comical adventure of starry music and flashy pixel art. “Justify” was actually a track that EDDIE and I had started on, which was once a bootleg of “You Used to Hold Me” by Calvin Harris. I really liked the whole Prydzcore vibe to it, and added some sounds and punch to it. It has done really well in clubs and over time it passed through only small revisions and eventually we got our friend Voicians to jump on the track and make it an original.”
North American fans can look forward to catching No Mana, his galactical pixelated visuals, and “Justify” live as he heads to Atmos in Thunder Bay, The Palace Theatre in Calgary, and Freaky Deaky in Portland next month.
No Mana Bio
Jordan Orcaz, professionally known as No Mana, is defined by the trifecta of pixel art, video game-chat sarcasm, and anything that has a repetitive beat with heavily synthetic instruments.
After just a year of launching the project with his independently-released “UP” series, Orcaz caught the ear of electro heavyweight deadmau5, who signed him to his label “mau5trap.” He ultimately went on to release over 25 songs with them, including “Tell Me,” “Bad Things,” and his debut album “Secret Level.”
Having already done 3 headline tours and a handful of large festival appearances by the end of 2022, Orcaz continues to stay loyal to experimentations of synthetic, four-on-the-floor beats, accompanied with visually-elevated live performances in his high-energy shows across North America.
Cherry Lena is an alternative pop R&B singer-songwriter from Montreal, Canada. Having first captured the attention of audiences with her performances on The Voice Quebec in 2018, she has since been making a name for her stunning combination of warm R&B tones and subtle 1950’s jazz vocals. Her music is rich and timeless, resulting in a sound which effortlessly displays the musician’s undeniable talent and passionate delivery.
Her latest single, “EDGE” was written a few years ago, and is described by the songwriter as a cry for help. Struggling with loneliness and isolation, Lena emphasises how she’s hit her limit, singing “I’m on the edge,” as she desperately tries to find a way out of the darkness. She confides, “Re-working it years after its initial composition, I was pleased to realize that I had evolved considerably since. I dedicate this song to my inner-strength. To my resilience, to my inner-bad b*tch, who allowed me to become a flower that blooms in adversity. This is for my inner-queen. Back then, I had yet to meet her.”
Sonically, “EDGE” is channeled by dark feminine energy and feminine rage. Letting her heart dictate her words and melodies, this is some of Lena’s most honest and authentic work to date. Blending pop with drum and bass, “EDGE” is a confidence booster and a song to listen to when you want to feel energized and pumped.
Hoping her music will allow others to feel their emotions, she encourages people to not see their pain as a weakness but as something that makes them grow into the elevated version of themselves. Racking up an impressive amount of streams on Spotify, the artist continues to win over the hearts of listeners across the globe. Her cover of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” in collaboration with Apashe has received more than 9.5 million views on YouTube alone. Proving to be a force to be reckoned with by gathering humbling praise from tastemakers such as Wonderland Magazine, METAL Magazine, Earmilk and Atwood, expect to see a lot more from Cherry Lena.
UK-rock band Neck Deep have announced their upcoming self-titled album Neck Deep, set for release on January 19, 2024, via Hopeless Records. “We’re so stoked to announce our new self made, self titled record,” shares vocalist Ben Barlow. “With a return to roots approach, we made this record ourselves at our warehouse in North Wales, with Seb at the helm, and the rest of us over his shoulder, like it was at the start.”
Neck Deep is available to pre-order now at https://ffm.to/neckdeep
Alongside the announcement, Neck Deep have shared their newest single “It Won’t Be Like This Forever.” On the track, Barlow shares, “’It Won’t Be Like This Forever’ came around really easily and naturally. We wrote the chorus just by chance while working on another song and it ended up being our favorite song on the record. We wrote it the first time we got together after covid, down in Wales. I guess at the time we were thinking that ‘it won’t be like this forever’ (guess we were right) but as time has gone on the world has been presented with a whole slew of other problems and so it’s maintained its relevance. You can view it through that lens or you can zoom in and make it more personal, which I ended up doing. Meaning that the tough times don’t always last and having someone to help you through those times is a beautiful part of life and love. It’s a love song, a hope song, and a self-improvement song all in one!”
MAGICIAN was announced earlier in September alongside the release of the 00s-indebted video for lead-off single “Dizzy”. The album is the follow up to the band’s 2021 debut The Dance and continues the grand soundscaping of that first outing while taking a firm step forward into a new chapter. While The Dance rode high on an equal mix of youthful exuberance and raw ambition, MAGICIAN finds a way to dial up the exuberance while tightly finessing the delivery.
The double a-side “Alice, Illusions & The Jack Of Hearts” b/w “Our Own Pace” followed on September 27th. For a young band that have steadily built a reputation for swinging for the fences with big melodies and grand ambition, these two new releases push them to their highest heights just in time for the Oct 25th release of their MAGICIAN album.
Front person Dylan Woytcke gives an insight into how these two new singles peek at the heart of MAGICIAN, saying “this is an album of two quite different halves. These two songs close out the first half, which is very emotionally reactive, and less introspective. The voicing of the songs on this half are more emotionally immature, more rooted in outward facing pain. As such, “Alice…” serves as a kaleidoscopic song about a person who moves through the world without care, and how mesmerizing, beautiful, and dangerous that can be for loved ones.”
“Our Own Pace” began life as an instrumental demo brought forward by NPS drummer Sage Livergood (also of Thank You, I’m Sorry) and serves as both a closing note to side one, while hinting at the path side two will take. Livergood, noting how the A-side is rooted in heartache, while the B-side tackles what comes next, states that “while it is riven with defeat and longing, it also has a sense of acceptance – ‘You can go, at your own pace.’”
https://nationalparkservice.bandcamp.com/album/magician
In a mesmerizing fusion of musical prowess and emotive lyricism, Ashley Elle’s latest release, “Death of Me,” emerges as a profound exploration of transformation and vulnerability. The single, now available on all digital music platforms, invites listeners to embark on a cathartic expedition of self-discovery and letting go through its evocative melodies and poignant narrative.
“Death of Me” gracefully opens with a tender but haunting guitar riff, immediately transporting you into a contemplative realm of reflection. Ashley Elle’s vocals gracefully emerge, ethereal and delicate, bearing the weight of raw sentiment. As the song progresses, the production gradually builds, incorporating atmospheric electronic elements and a driving beat. Produced and co-written by longtime collaborator, Cazz Brindis, this dynamic arrangement mirrors the emotional journey Ashley Elle takes with her message in the song. Lines like “Cut my hair, dyed it blonde” and “I’ve been running backwards, looking for some answers,” communicate a sense of shedding old layers and embracing a new identity. This personal evolution is not without its difficulties, as the lyrics also touch on the struggle of leaving behind what was familiar. “I moved to Los Angeles four years ago to attend college and pursue music,” explains Ashley Elle. “While I love it out here, there are many moments where I wish I could run home to my small town in Wisconsin. ‘Death of Me’ is a song to LA – a place full of dreams and possibilities wrapped in competition and insecurities.” The musical elements of the song create a safe space for listeners to embrace their own vulnerabilities while also finding empowerment.
rising UK rapper Spencer Elmer drops new track “Everytime” Featuring Capo Lee via 10K Projects. Get it HERE. Watch it HERE.
Spencer Elmer and Capo Lee embark on a reflective journey through their artistry. With a skillful blend of lyrics and flow, they take listeners back to the moments when doubt shrouded their path to greatness. Now, as they ascend the ladder, the atmosphere is electric, allowing them to gaze back upon the skepticism that once surrounded their talents. Through their music, they invite audiences to bask in the triumphant spirit of their journey and revel in the undeniable vibe of their newfound success. Spencer adds:
“Capo and I linked up and caught a vibe instantly. The sun was shining, and the mood was up, so we spent the whole day making music. The track is upbeat and fun but also has some underlining moments of reflection. We met through Instagram the week before and he came straight through to cook up organic and humble vibes”
The new single follows Spencer’s recent releases, “Hold It Down” “Far From Rude” featuring one of the UK’s most respected rappers and songwriters JAY1, and bouncy, tongue-in-cheek cut “Calm Like Kim”, as well as following his recent signing to LA-based record label 10K Projects earlier this year.
Pen Pin is the new sun-soaked indie pop project from songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Jeni Magana and Emily Moore. Both established musicians in their own right, they met while touring with Mitski and started writing and recording their debut album whenever they weren’t on the road. The result of their “pen pinspiration” has become a chill, vintage pop album that sounds and feels like lounging by a Palm Desert pool when the afternoon becomes the dusk.
The whole process of self-producing these songs has captured a moment of inspiration and a joyous collaboration between friends. The LP entitled Pony Up is about these feelings: the spark of inspiration, holding onto happiness, and friendship.
Pen Pin’s debut single “Fringe!” details capturing a moment in a relationship that is pure joy and recalling that feeling when times get tough. The song received acclaim by the likes of LADYGUNN who called it ” a unique blend of dreamy melodies, clever lyrics, and experimental soundscapes that create an intriguing and immersive listening experience,” and Wonderland who proclaimed that that the single is “bursting with golden vocals, framed by nostalgic piano.”Their new single “The Boredom” is about the perils of low levels of dopamine. Jeni confides, “I hope it serves as a reminder not to be too hard on ourselves when we find ourselves scrolling through our phones yet again, without knowing how we got there. “The Boredom” isn’t necessarily evil, but it’s a character that you might not always want around but seems to show up when you least expect it anyway.” Surf rock drenched guitars underlay layered breezy melodies for an end of summer earworm.
Designed to bring you company on your evening walks through the park, Pony Up is set to be released Spring, 2024.
Mike’s first love was the drums, before discovering his obsession with recording and production through countless GarageBand experiments on his brother’s laptop. In his teens, after relocating to Los Angeles, he went from crashing studio sessions to getting invitations to collaborate, and, within a few years, he was writing and recording with Shawn Mendes, Lizzo, Pharrell Williams, J Balvin, Meghan Trainor, and Camila Cabello, to name a few.
Arising from the search of a sound that more accurately captured a new moment in his life, Being Human, an LP different than anything he has worked on before, was born. The album occupies an organic, lived-in soundspace that could find a home in almost any era of pop music. It is an honest time capsule of an uncompromising and formative period in Sabath’s life. Being Human skates across emotions and moments in Sabath’s life, careening toward the larger truth that we are all in love with each other, whether we realize it or not.
“We’re all human. We don’t feel the exact same shit, but we feel very similar shit. I’ve found right after a moment of immense confusion comes immense clarity,” Sabath adds.
His new single and music video “LIFE” is a raw and cathartic explosion of emotions, providing a vivid journey into the depths of Sabath’s psyche as he undergoes a profound transformation. He confides, “This record came from a moment of overwhelming frustration and loneliness that seemed to crack open the shell of who I was and forced me forward to evolve into the next version of myself.” Gritty guitar riffs, chaotic drums and an undeniable hook create an immersive and intense sonic eruption.
He has come a long way since building that studio in his brother’s backyard, though those same lyrics are still hand scratched onto the wall, just in case he forgets where this all started.
rising star Charlotte Plank shares yet an anthem-in-waiting titled “Lights” which is also a collaboration between herself and electronic tastemakers, Hybrid Minds. Charlotte has also announced her debut EP “InHer World” that will drop this fall, featuring her UK Top 5 Single “Dancing Is Healing” a collaboration with Rudimental. The record will cap off an incredible year and hint towards what will certainly be an incredibly exciting 2024.
Give Lights a spin now; https://open.spotify.com/album/0BZSPB9vIbTgG55ZztiADc?si=GVmZU3-8Rzayl2FBwzHZxQ
Speaking about the song, Charlotte said “Lights has been on a lil journey the past few months, we first wrote it back in may just before festival season but it ironically soeems soundtrack/reflect to the emotions/end of summer anxiety, I and everyone else seems to have this time of year.
“I wrote it about a time in my life when I felt like I was at a bit of a dead end, and all I was doing was living for was not being sober and taking it too far, kind of just coasting day to day life, avoiding reality, hiding from the world. Which the lyrics reflect. Which alot of young people go through, with all the uncertainty and pressures of growing up and getting your shit together. But it’s also about holding onto those special moments/memories on nights out/at festivals and remembering to live in the moment, not get het up about the past or future as they’re what shape us and we wouldn’t be the people we are/grow to be without them.”
Hybrid Minds added ‘”We are so pleased with how the track turned out, Charlotte gelled instantly to our sound and we can’t wait for people to hear it”
As a new British talent, few artists have enjoyed similar exposure that Charlotte Plank has in 2023 with the likes of NME stating she was “rewriting the rules of UK drum n bass.” Collaborating with the likes of Turno & Skepsis (on Rave Out) and Rudimental (on Dancing Is Healing) are just some of the highlights, which has ultimately seen her play sets at Glastonbury and Reading/Leeds festival this year and garner widespread tastemaker media support. In between her own musical endevears, Charlotte remains an active events co-ordinator for Loud LDN where some of the UK’s best new female talents are emerging including herself, Piri and Venbee to name just a few.
Having gained acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone, Billboard, DIY and more on the back of his debut album “Weeks Above The Earth”, hotly tipped Swedish artist Augustine makes his anticipated return today with the reveal of the gorgeously danceable cut, “Woman”. A track with a reassuring warmth at its core, “ Woman” is a dreamy tale of anxiety and yearning translated into tender tones and inviting 70s production. Speaking on the release, he states:
“Woman is the starting point for the album and is about a desire to be able to help someone who is so important to you. The person who is the light in all the darkness, for someone who has been still for a very long time. She who has awakened something within you and made everything start moving again”.
Alongside the track release, Augustine is also announcing that his forthcoming album, “Youth And Why It Ends,” will be released on November 3rd.
Hertfordshire based singer-songwriter Jack Kane shares his tender new track ‘Sequins’, which is the first single to be released from his third EP, coming in 2024 on LAB Records. This beautiful new track, co-written and produced by Rich Cooper who has written/produced artists like CMAT, Rina Sawayama, Matilda Mann and Sea Girls, finds Jack in a sympathetic and earnest place, as he contends with the difficulties that come with trying to help a friend in need.
Have a listen to ‘Sequins’ here and watch the official visualiser here
Speaking on the formation of his new track, Jack shares that: “”Sequins is about wanting to help someone that doesn’t think they need any help at all. It explores the early signs of addiction and how hard it can be navigating those first conversations with someone you care about.”
The subtle strumming of the acoustic guitar and the softness in Jack’s vocals deliver a sense of compassion and humanity, as he speaks to someone in need of support. Trying to come from a place of understanding and wanting to lend a hand, the track shows Jack in a nurturing light, both lyrically and in the gentle quality the song emits.
“I know it’s hard to break a sequence, with the sequins in your eyes” As he speaks on such a hard hitting topic of conversation, Jack lyricsises it in a poetic way, not to diminish the severity of it, but as a way to compassionately soften and ease the conversation.
This latest offering comes off the back of Jack’s sophomore EP ‘Shiner’ last May, and there is no messing about for he is straight back into it today with this release, setting him up nicely for his new upcoming project. With plenty more of this heartfelt excellence on the way soon, Jack Kane only continues to grow and develop, making him one to keep a keen eye on as we go into the final third of 2023.
Toronto musician Sandra Bouza shares her new album A Sound In The Dark, out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
To mark the occasion, Sandra is also releasing the video for the album’s title track—an empowering song about not being afraid to take chances in life.
“My inspiration for this song was skinny dipping,” says Sandra. “I was at an artist residency on Halls Island, and decided to go skinny dipping on a beautiful clear night. I heard a sound in the dark and got scared and jumped out of the water and went back up to the cabin. I started thinking about all the times in my life that I let fear take away really beautiful, or potentially beautiful moments, or starting my career so late, or not falling in love, and I decided I didn’t want to let fear have that control anymore. So I wrote this song and got back in the water the next night. I thought it was a perfect name for the album because it really signified where I feel I am in my life right now, maybe not every day, but where I want to, and strive to be, every day.”
Dutch melodic techno producer Colyn releases his new Cyclone EP, out now via RÜFÜS DU SOL’s Rose Avenue Records.
A spellbinding 28-minute voyage into Colyn’s galactic and otherworldly sounds, Cyclone is a whirlwind of the mesmerizing tones and revitalizing sentiments present throughout each of his productions. The EP twists and turns through robust sonic landscapes as Colyn synthesizes a flawless combination of full-bodied basslines and effervescent melodies. Moving through the trance-inspired tones of ‘Cyclone’ to the progressive builds of ‘Signal Received’ and riveting textures of ‘Rushing’ before closing with ‘Action XI’, Cyclone offers a rich and mystifying listening experience. Transcendent from start to finish, Cyclone captures Colyn’s forward-thinking, emotionally-evocative signature.
‘’I’m happy to be back on Rose Avenue with a diverse four-track EP. The title track ‘Cyclone’ has been a staple in my sets over the last months, with its signature trance-inspired theme and a powerful climax it always delivers. ‘Rushing’ has my own vocals processed with a vocoder, supported by a breakbeat motive in the breakdown. ‘Signal Received’ is the indie part of this EP with an Italo bassline supporting a euphoric synth riff. ‘Action XI’ is has a lot of my signature in it, from the growling synths in the drop to the dreamy riff that highlights the breakdown.’’ – Colyn
Caleb Lee Hutchinson, is thrilled to share “Silverado” and “Good At Being Bad” – the first two songs off his upcoming album Southern Galactic, due out everywhere on October 27.
Since putting out his self-titled EP in 2019, the Georgia native has always grounded his creative process in the brutal honesty and rich story-telling tradition of country music’s roots. With Hutchinson’s new project, Southern Galactic, he breaks new ground while continuing to honor the honesty and storytelling that seeded his love for country music as a boy listening to Mississippi John Hurt and Waylon Jennings cassettes with his dad.
Ahead of the album release, Hutchinson has exclusively partnered with Country Star. Country Star is the first ever country music game, where you can play to the beats of your favorite songs from the biggest country names, including Morgan Wallen, Ernest, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain, and more. App users will also find unique cosmetics and merchandising within the game to celebrate Caleb Lee Hutchinson’s music.
Emerging hyper-pop act SOPHIE SHREDZ reveals her new single, “EYEZ ON ME.” Blending exhilarating hyper-pop production with infectious pop melodies and classic rock instrumentation, she delivers an explosion of personality with each new release.
“EYEZ ON ME” is a frantic explosion of vibrant synths, heavy-hitting bass, and distorted vocals.“‘EYEZ ON ME’ is about a time in my life when I was getting a lot of negative attention and it felt like all eyes were on me,” Sophie explains.
Instead of wallowing, she transformed her pain into a rebellious anthem about embracing the attention of the spotlight. “This song was a huge turning point in my life. I realized I didn’t care about what anyone thought about me. It’s about regaining confidence and making the best of bad situations.” To put it simply, “EYEZ ON ME” is the ultimate IDGAF anthem!
SOPHIE SHREDZ is the project of New Jersey-born, Nashville-based vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist Sophie Ruggiero. She was raised listening to classic rock greats like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Heart, and became an avid guitar player by the age of 7. While her current sound certainly draws influence from the experimental electronic world of hyper-pop, she also imbues her songs with a tapestry of classic rock influences, like show-stopping guitar solos and driving percussive elements.
multi-platinum Melbourne-born, LA-based producer/DJ Hayden James taps Brisbane-based producer/DJ Odd Mob for an official remix of his recent single ‘We Could Be Love’ out now via Future Classic.
A crisp four-on-the-floor reinterpretation of Hayden James and AR/CO’s euphoric house-pop original, Odd Mob has seamlessly turned ‘We Could Be Love’ into an underground club hit. Deep rolling basslines and stuttering synths surround the pitched vocals to transition James’ bright original into a moody tech-house remix. Infusing a dark hypnotic energy throughout, Odd Mob’s ‘We Could Be Love’ remix is sure to be heard on dancefloors across the globe.
On the remix, Hayden James says, “I’ve been a fan of Aussie Odd Mob for a while and I’ve never heard a DJ play more IDs in their sets!! This remix absolutely belts and it’s going to be a big moment in my sets for sure.”
Odd Mob added, “When Hayden asked for a clubbier mix of this track I was intrigued with where I could take such a big melodic banger. The result is somewhere between Ibiza and my balcony. Hope you all enjoy.”
viral alt-punk band 408 have shared their latest single “Break Up With Your Girlfriend.” This is the first release following their global multi-album deal with alternative powerhouse label, Big Noise.
“Break Up With Your Girlfriend” is a sun-kissed slice of bouncy, late ’90s pop/rock produced by Andrew Wade (A Day To Remember, Neck Deep) and written with Kyle Fishman (Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan) and Nick Bailey. (Machine Gun Kelly, jxdn)
Listen to “Break Up With Your Girlfriend” here: https://bignoise.ffm.to/buwyg
Pulling from their 90s alternative roots while taking influence from Third Eye Blind, the personal track was written to express the dichotomy between reality and fantasy, while bridging the romantic and sarcastic.
Arriving as a stellar showcase of Deadbeat Girls dazzling vocals and magical melodies, Talk Tonight is a gorgeous indie offering and yet another reason to follow Deadbeat Girl on their rise. Written in Val’s childhood bedroom in Florida, the track touches on the effects of a toxic relationship. Sharing more, they explained: The song is essentially about needing constant approval from your partner and constantly needing to “talk things out” to feel “alright”.
I want people to be able to find comfort in this song, because being in these situations is not easy. If I can be an outlet for someone who is going through something similar, then I’ve done my job!
Talk Tonight is the follow up to recent collaborative track ‘Make Me Cry’ which featured buzzy and brilliant Ari Abdul, topped off with production by Isaac Dunbar. Already creeping close to 1 million streams, DIY Magazine described the track as working ‘so seamlessly it’s as if they were a permanent duo.’
The last month has been a real whirlwind for New York based Deadbeat Girl. They have joined the great Ari Abdul on a world tour which has already taken them to Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Cologne, Berlin and Amsterdam – with Paris, and London still in the pipeline!
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 launched last year with their debut single ‘Another Day’ back in November after spending the pandemic writing their own original songs. Sitting at nearly 450 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.
Internationally renowned award winning vocal group The Tenors have released their new holiday album Christmas with The Tenors today. The group started in September by getting fans in the holiday spirit, sharing their take on the Irving Berlin classic “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” and are celebrating the release of this album with the official video for that track. Watch here. Christmas with The Tenors is the first album from the multiplatinum recording artists since welcoming new members Mark Masri and Alberto Urso. The album brings reimagined classics like Chris Rea’s “Driving Home for Christmas” and Sia’s “Snowman”, alongside perennial favourites including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bell Rock,” delivering an album that is sure to be a holiday classic. Click here to listen now, or to preorder the physical product.
In addition to the new music, The Tenors have announced a run of tour dates to rival jolly old Saint Nick. The group will kick off their American “Now & Forever” tour on Friday, November 3, 2023, at the iconic NYCB Theatre in Westbury, NY, with dates running through Boston, Chicago, and Minneapolis before wrapping up on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino in Airway Heights, WA. They then bring their inimitable show across Canada, starting November 23 at the Royal Theatre in Victoria. The run of dates will take them through Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal to name a few. See below for a full list of dates or go to The Tenors’ official website.
marks an exciting new chapter for R&B music darling Jade Novah whose single, “WHAT’S YOUR SIGN?” releases today via Varick Street Records. LISTEN HERE. The track follows the release of “AFFIRM ME,” which was released in early August. Both singles are from Novah’s long-awaited forthcoming album titled WHERE HAVE I BEEN?
Jade chose “What’s Your Sign?” as a stand-out to set the tone for the album, stating, “I’ve had a love for astrology since I was a little girl. References to my cosmic obsession have been in my music since my debut album All Blue, all the way to my latest EP, Moon in Pisces.” She continues, “What’s your Sign?” produced by my fire sign husband Devin Johnson, playfully asks my lover to take a deeper dive into the zodiac with me to find out if we’re indeed ‘cosmically in tune.’”
LISTEN HERE
Jade Novah, a true musical virtuoso, has carved an indelible niche in the industry through her resonant voice, captivating performances, and profound songwriting abilities. In August 2023, she released her latest single “Affirm Me” which showcases her artistic growth, exemplified by her lyrical prowess and versatile vocal range. This is from her forthcoming album Where Have I Been?, which comes out October 20, 2023. With fervent energy and poignant lyricism, Jade Novah has emerged as one of R&B’s most disruptive and dynamic entertainers of her generation.
Waiting For The Rain, the highly anticipated debut album from UK’s next break-out star Andrew Cushin, is out now via Strap Originals. The album — which was produced by Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers) and recorded at sessions split between Rockfield Studios and The Libertines’ Albion Rooms — is now available on vinyl in multiple limited edition color variations with bundles here.
The 12-track album sees Andrew at his most authentic as he shares various aspects of his own life, vividly portraying a world of emotions from heartbreak to hope and tough childhood memories to making new starts. Recently wrapping his run on Louis Tomlinson’s Faith in the Future tour, playing arenas around North America and Europe, Andrew now brings the songs he has written in his bedroom and performed on stages to houses around the world.
Mikalyn is a Canadian indie, dream pop artist whose storytelling lyrics touch on relatable themes from relationships and love (or lack thereof), to everyday experiences and emotions. Born and bred in Ontario, her ascent in the music business has been, in some respects, an atypical journey thus far. She gained an initial unconventional foothold when a Brazilian record label discovered her original, piano-driven music on Soundcloud and offered to transform them into EDM hits. What followed were monster collaborations with the likes of Zuffo, Diskover, Ownboss, and Evokings. Mikalyn’s sound is a vibrant and colourful blend of infectious pop melodies, soaring vocals and polished production.
Her latest single “Prisoner” narrates being in a relationship where you feel trapped. The songwriter shares, “You know it’s not right for you, you know it’s toxic, but both you and the other person can’t seem to ever really leave for good. It touches on bad habits in relationships, and how sometimes staying with someone that is wrong for you is like putting a bandaid on a bullet hole. You might feel better or less lonely when you’re with them, but it’s a temporary fix before you’re reminded that they’re not helping you grow in any way.” With an ethereal quality, “Prisoner” shines brightly as Mikalyn’s vocals glide atop iridescent synths, a moody bassline and all-encompassing atmosphere, providing a sense of escapism for the listener.
With millions of streams for her music to date, Mikalyn has had her songs placed on numerous Spotify editorial playlists, including Canada’s New Music Friday, Indie Pop, Fresh Finds and EQUAL. She has also received airplay on CBC radio, as well as reaching the finals in their searchlight competition multiple years in a row. With a one-of-a-kind style and unwavering drive, Mikalyn shows no signs of slowing down on her already impressive trajectory as she launches her indie pop career.
Your Future Ghost is the new synth pop/rock musical project of Billboard-charting singer/songwriter, musician and actress Kate Voegele and the multifaceted songwriter, producer, composer and actor Michael Grubbs. The duo first met on the set, acting in the popular CW hit TV series One Tree Hill. Striking up a fast friendship and mutual creative respect, the two began collaborating musically over zoom during the pandemic. After months of studio sessions in Austin, Texas, intermingled with lively backyard taco breaks, Your Future Ghost was born. Kate Voegele reveals the catalyst for their creative fusion, “our voices blended in a way that inspired us both to write in this unique hemisphere of a sound neither of us had ever really explored before in our solo projects.” The two soon performed their signature dirty indie synth pop at the internationally recognized Art Basel festival in Miami to an overwhelming response affirming their artistic direction.
Their upcoming album features a collection of joyful, wild and dark pop songs. With a powerful blend of big guitars, thunderous drums, and striking synths, Your Future Ghost has crafted an album inspired by, according to Voegele, “finding the fun, the party, and the refuge in the chaos of a post-apocalyptic world.”
Leading single “We’ve Got Places” is a single all about about that place where you find refuge from whatever noise is going on in the world – whether it’s an actual place, a person, or something else, I think we all have those places where we can escape the chaos and be ourselves,” confides Kate. The track features stunning layered harmonies and lush instrumentation for an enticing listen.
Inspired by community, their experiences in the spotlight, and the freedom of living authentically and unapologetically, Your Future Ghost embodies a captivating paradox. Grubbs shares, “I would like to encourage folks to accept themselves. Which isn’t easy. I’m like this sadboy emo dude and Kate is this singer-songwriter pop star, and together we’re making this dirty indie album because that’s who we’ve always really been inside.” Their music is poised to make a resounding impact, showcasing the boundless talent and unbridled creativity of Your Future Ghost.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
