Inspired by the iconic riffs of Slash from Guns N’ Roses, JB Elwood embarked on his musical journey at the tender age of ten. The reverberating chords of “Welcome to the Jungle” became the catalyst for a deep-rooted passion that drew from the rich musical tapestry of his West Virginian lineage. Descended from a legacy of musicians who strummed the fiddle, banjo, and guitar and serenaded the local radio with gospel, JB Elwood’s heritage is steeped in Appalachian rhythms.
While his birthplace lies in the Midwest’s heart, Elwood’s story is a mosaic of cities, painted by his father’s profession as a structural engineer. Despite these urban landscapes, his heart remains tethered to the melodies of the country. Today, Austin, Texas, resonates as his chosen home—a city that complements his creative spirit and fuels his ambitious dreams.
Affectionately dubbed “JB Elwood,” his stage name is a tribute to his late grandfather, John Elwood Ball—a visionary entrepreneur in southern West Virginia’s coalfields. His grandpa on the other side of his family, Eugene “Poppy” Jackson, a self-taught musician, gifted his treasured 1960s Gibson Dove guitar, an heirloom, that now underpins Elwood’s songwriting. This fusion of his past with his present encapsulates an identity defined by family, memory, and experience.
Elwood’s music is an odyssey of narratives, reminiscent of both the urban cityscapes and the tranquil countryside. His songs bridge divides, weaving tales of love, heartbreak, perseverance, change, trials, and exhilarating journeys. Through JB Elwood’s soulful chords, listeners are invited to find their own stories, making his melodies a universal soundtrack to life.
Native Angelino Erin Greider started writing songs as early as 8 years old with her friend whose dad was in a garage band. She also started playing guitar at 8 after watching Lindsay Lohan in Freaky Friday. From there, she picked up drums and piano and finally at 15 she saved up enough of her money to buy her first bass which became her favorite and main instrument.
Songwriting continued to be a massive part of her life, working with different producers and recording her songs since 8th grade (though never releasing or even letting anyone hear them). She was 13 when a producer first offered to pay her for her song “Can’t Wait to Meet You” for an established artist they were working with at the time.
Songwriting and music took a bit of a backseat while Erin was in university studying film and economics until the summer of 2020 when the world stopped moving. “Sim Controllers” was written in a month or two and recorded with Alex Elena and Marciel Miranda in the fall.
She is massively stoked that “Sim Controllers” is finally out but even more excited to keep working on new stuff.
Besides music, she is still a film nerd and will talk to you about it for hours. Films often influence her songwriting and she would want you to know her favorite film is Sunset Boulevard.
South African global star Tyla, who has dominated the second half of 2023 with her viral single, “Water,” arrives today with its highly-anticipated music video. The video, directed by Child and Kwasi Fordjour, is now playing.
Part of what makes “Water” one of the year’s standout feel-good tracks is its effervescent nature, and the music video takes that theme a step further. Themed around Tyla and a cohort of friends preparing to and stepping out to party, the “Water” video dares its viewer to have as good a time as Tyla, quickly flashing glimpses of what makes a summer night a summer night: bathroom linkups with the girls, intricate, pre-planned outfits and enough gyration to break a sweat even in the cooling air of the night. The 21-year-old star shines, gracefully slinking throughout the video to the rhythm of her infectious lyrics, meshing seamlessly with a dance party at the apex of the night. Effortless switches between centerstage and integrating with light choreography are additionally noteworthy.
The arrival of the “Water” video represents the crowning achievement of what’s been a whirlwind 2023 and rollout for the rising star’s first single to chart on multiple global Billboard Songs charts. The song debuted in August to widespread fanfare, immediately sparking interest and fan interaction on social media. A TikTok challenge ensued, and the song has since soundtracked over 1.6 million posts on the platform and generated a whopping 3 billion views. Prior to the arrival of today’s video, Tyla racked up over 10 million YouTube views between the official “Water” audio, lyric video and Vevo DSCVR performance video, and she’s quickly approaching a quarter-billion subscribers.
“Water” continues to rise on the South African Billboard Songs chart, currently sitting in a Top 20 position at no. 20, and it has made Top 40 landings on a number of global charts, including Australia (no. 40), New Zealand (no. 5), Dutch (no. 14), Swedish (no. 24) and the UK (no. 16). She also currently sits at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Bubbling Under chart, which puts her in prime position to earn her first-ever placement on the coveted U.S. Billboard Hot 100. She was even spotted next to Kim Kardashian at Milan Fashion Week earlier this year, which set social media ablaze.
Rosie H Sullivan announces her new single ‘Only A Women’ + new EP ‘In My Nature’ out November 10th via Nettwerk.
The Scottish songwriter continues her streak of meditative indie-folk with her new track ‘Only A Woman’, leading with the announcement of her new EP In My Nature releasing November 10th.
The subsequent EP follows her debut release 123° East out earlier this year and sees Rosie H Sullivan enter a new era, with a collection of songs each exploring subjects close to her heart.
Upcoming single ‘Only A Woman’, co-written with Katie Sutherland, is a self-proclaimed power feminist anthem that explores the intricacies of being a woman in the 21st century. “I’m only a woman after all,” Sullivan sings. “I will never fit.”
Sullivan ups the ante with the sonics of the track, crafting one of the most powerful arrangements in her discography yet and drawing similarities to the stylistics of Phoebe Bridgers and supergroup Boygenius, particularly with its hazily warm atmosphere and gossamer vocals that sweep over layered drums.
“The lyrics’ dual meaning of never being one to fit in or conform with society, to experiencing issues with body image and self-worth is something every woman can relate to and it’s a subject I am wholly passionate about. Women are warriors.”
“Writing this with Katie Sutherland who is an artist, a songwriter, a musician, a mother, a woman!, and someone who inspires me, was amazing, and I’m so proud to share this one with her. The second verse was inspired by an Emma Thomson interview she gave, to not waste your life worrying about your body – a powerful interview and words that stuck with me.” – Rosie H Sullivan.
This song is an umbrella for issues women constantly face, and as Sullivan explains: “at the end of the day, we’re bloody amazing and really fucking strong.”
The promising young musician, now based in Edinburgh, has been creating music since her early teenage years and is a natural-born storyteller. Now in her 20s, she writes about what
she knows and how she feels and has a similar ethereal musical style to the likes of Laura Marling and Elliott Smith.
Sullivan’s breakthrough came in 2021 with her debut single, ‘So It Is’, which she captured in just one take in her parent’s garden. Released in demo form, the single has racked up onwards of 600,000 streams on Spotify. In addition, her recent sold out stint at Glasgow’s King Tut’s, appearance at this year’s Celtic Connections plus her own Scottish tour is appropriately leading her down the right path to becoming one of the most prestigious songwriters of our age.
Make sure to catch Rosie H Sullivan at her upcoming tour scheduled for this November. Full dates below.
‘Only A Woman’ is available now.
In My Nature EP is out November 10th.
SEE ROSIE LIVE THIS NOVEMBER:
SAT 4TH – TOOTH & CLAW, Inverness
SUN 5TH – VOODOO ROOMS, Edinburgh
TUES 7TH – HOPE & RUIN, Brighton
WEDS 8TH – THE GRACE, London
Hennessy, the world’s leading cognac brand and one of the most name-dropped brands in Hip-Hop has launched its month-long collaboration with Brixton’s legendary cHIP sHOP to champion rising artists who are keeping the heartbeat of the genre alive. Kicking off last night with a VIP launch event that saw performances from a selection of artists who represent their generation of Hip-Hop. Headlined by UK Rap legend, GHETTS. The MOBO awards-winning East London rapper made the trip to Brixton to headline the event alongside sets from Croydon songwriter JORDS, Birmingham lyricist TRUMENDOUS, South Norwood DJ & Rapper BENNY MAILS and Brixton resident, poet and MC, AMY TRUE. In addition to incredible performances guests were treated to a first taste of ‘Hennessy Hot Wings’ a Henny-infused hot wing, perfectly paired with ‘Cherry Rewind’ Hennessy V.S cocktails.
The specially selected performers are all respected UK torch-bearers of the now 50-year-old genre of hip-hop. It’s been 50 years since the birth of hip-hop in an apartment building in The Bronx, New York. Since then, hip-hop has evolved into a chart-topping multi-million dollar worldwide industry and cultural phenomenon. This partnership follows the brands’ limited edition launch with industry legend Nas. Coming to Brixton celebrates the unique and legitimate connection Hennessy has to the Hip-Hop community, respecting the past, repping the present and looking to the future.
cHIP sHOP is nestled in the heart of Brixton, the legendary venue that has long been the pulse of hip-hop culture in South London. Beyond the music, the venue has cultivated an inclusive and electric atmosphere, drawing hip-hop enthusiasts from all walks of life, a place where history, rhythm, and community come together. The echoes of legendary acts such as Chuck D, Ice T, Run DMC and Mobb Deep still reverberate within its walls, leaving an indelible mark on Brixton’s vibrant musical legacy.
Princess Goes — the buzzy band led by the charismatic showmanship and signature voice of vocalist, lyricist, musician and actor Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Six Feet Under, Lazarus) alongside keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen (Blondie, Cyndie Lauper) and drummer Peter Yanowitz (The Wallflowers, Morningwood) — share their highly anticipated new LP, ‘Come Of Age’, via SO In De Goot Recordings.
The album arrives as the New York trio prepare to launch it with a special live show at London’s EartH venue this Sunday night (8 Oct) – final remaining tickets are on sale now here:
https://earthackney.co.uk/events/princess-goes-8th-oct-earth-london-tickets-braqx/
‘Come Of Age’ is the trio’s most accessible, yet innovative work to date, replete with songs that traverse a thrilling and often surprising sonic and lyrical landscape. There’s a clear cohesiveness to the 12 songs on the album that manage to be all at once catchy and intoxicating, soundtrack-y musicscapes for the ages, synth-heavy but multi-faceted.
The musical growth on ‘Come Of Age’ was organic, and though onstage and on paper, they are a keyboards-drums-vocals band, this album is rife with guitar and bass, instruments that play a bigger role than they did on previous recordings. The band’s evolution is ongoing and often unearthly, spacy and provocative in the vein of Bowie’s Blackstar (David Bowie personally cast Hall to play the lead role of Thomas Newton in his final stage project – Lazarus on Broadway).
Spanish indie-rock band – LAGUNA GOONS – have shared the title-track from their new EP ‘Teachers’.
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY HERE || WATCH VIDEO HERE
A fuzzy and fired-up track that teeters on the anxiety-inducing line between grunge-laden garage rock and anthemic indie, “Teachers” sees writhing earworm hooks jostle with infectious, reverb-laden riffs and sharp storytelling.
Written in the wake of the band’s experiences teaching English in local schools, the band share of the new track:
“Everyone bitches about teachers they’ve had, until they become one. I wish I’d had me as a teacher. I wish I’d had a punk for an English teacher.”
“Teachers” also arrives alongside a nostalgic new video, which captures the angst and agitation of the band’s live performances alongside the mundanity and frustration that comes along with day-to-day life as a teacher. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f73fKD1bom8.
Pioneering a new wave of indie-rock in their native Spain, Laguna Goons have forged a musical identity heavily inspired by the UK music scene with hints of everything from nostalgic Britpop to garage rock, grunge and modern post-punk creeping into their distinctive sound.
The title-track of the band’s new ‘Teachers’ EP, the latest release is one of four brand new tracks featured on the extended release alongside “Locked Up”, “Instinto Natural” and “Runaway Massacre”, the latter of which recently received airplay from John Kennedy on Radio X.
Laguna Goons are Thiago Pesaresi Gomez (vocals, lead guitar), Pablo Rodríguez Benítez (guitar), Wouter Bruins (drums) and David Jakobi (bass). Taking inspiration from the UK indie music scene — and one of the only bands in Spain to be making their distinctive brand of indie-rock — the four-piece describe their sound as “danceable nervous garage with grunge and Britpop references.”
Having played at venues across their home country, the band have also appeared at a range of festivals including Bilbao BBK Live, Cala Mijas Festival and BIME Live, alongside their debut UK tour this Autumn featuring live shows in Bristol and London.
revered “French Touch” duo Polo & Pan deliver their new Carrossel Do Tempo EP, a project containing four tracks that see them opening up their style to musical inspirations from around the world. The release is out now via Ekleroshock/Hamburger/Virgin Music.
A brief itinerary: The regal trumpets of the titular track “Carrossel Do Tempo” flaunt in like opening credits introducing the silky, inviting narrations of enigmatic Brazilian vocalist Abrão. “Chamallow” turns the lens around for an introspective but joyful French pop treatise on love and family. Next, “Charanga” soundtracks a night spent bopping through a nocturnal jungle rave in South America with a posse of sprites, all glowing with mischief and mystery. The EP closes with “Nagori,” a breezy, toe-tapping pop charmer that evokes languid poolside hangouts as the late summer sun sets below the horizon. The title references the Japanese word for a particular transient melancholy felt for a moment that’s nearly passed, a feeling that washes over you as the record ends.
Carrossel Do Tempo was written and recorded around the world, with a growing cast of collaborators and heightened production value. As is the case for many iconoclasts, It may have taken some time for the world-at-large to catch Polo & Pan’s creative drift, but now we are all very much along for the voyage. Throughout the EP, Polo & Pan skillfully blend diverse cultural references and gather amazing collaborators together. The arrangements and the strings have been directed by the LA-based Italian composer Daniele Luppi (Danger Mouse, John Legend, Gnarls Barkley, Red Hot Chili Peppers) and offer an atmosphere reminding us of the greatest of classic Hollywood movie soundtracks.
COLBIE CAILLAT
Along The Way
• “These songs are written from my experiences with love and loss along the way. This is a breakup album with love and appreciation and understanding for the past, learning to be on my own and loving it, while being hopeful for what’s to come.” – Colbie Caillat
• Caillat’s debut solo country album, Along The Way, showcases her signature blend of folk-pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics, creating an emotional and introspective experience for listeners old and new. She will perform “I’ll Be Here” on Monday, October 9th on NBC’s TODAY at 10am (all time zones). A new music video for “Meant For Me” has also been released.
• With over 35M total streams on the project prior to album launch, Caillat continues to impress after nearly two decades of career success. To date, she has been honored with two GRAMMY Awards, earned numerous RIAA Platinum and Gold certifications, and accumulated more than 15 billion streams across her catalog.
CHLOE STROLL
“Hurricane”
• Rising singer-songwriter Chloe Stroll, who recently delivered singles “Run” and “Pedestal,” releases a new, intimate track, “Hurricane.” The single was produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer Swagg R’Celious a.k.a. KID 808 (H.E.R., K. Michelle, Babyface, Elle Varner), who also co-wrote the track alongside Stroll. The smooth yet captivating song was written to express emotions of always being there to support those you love, even in their darkest moments.
• “I recorded ‘Hurricane’ three days before my husband [a professional snowboarder] was competing. He was cool as a cucumber, and I was a nervous wreck, so I wrote the song about being by his side and wanting him to know I would always be there for him. The song is about standing by your loved one 1000% and being there in the best of times and during the storms.” – Chloe Stroll
viral pop sensation Gabriela Bee reveals her debut single ‘Look At You Now’– a track that powerfully marks the start of a time of change and new beginnings for Gabriela, and showcases her extraordinary vocals and promise as an evolving artist. The track has already been very well received online from teaser videos, building a tidal-wave of anticipation surrounding the long-awaited release of new music from Gabriela.
Best known and recognised for her engaging social media presence, having amassed an impressive 1M followers on Instagram, and 10M over on TikTok, Gabriela still has so much more to give and share with her audience, and with this new song, she uses her powerful voice and talents to do just that.
Listen to ‘Look At You Now’ here
Gabriela speaks on the meaning behind the new track, expressing that; “LOOK AT YOU NOW is a love song dedicated to my younger self. In the lyrics, I am speaking to her as if little Gabi is standing right infront of me. It’s a song about reassurance and protection over my younger self, reminding her that everything happens for a reason. The tone and dynamics of my lyrics and vocals are very gentle, as I would be talking to a child. Sometimes, growing up, the bad times feel like they’ll last forever, and that it’s hard to find the Sun on days where the darkness clouds everything.”
Watch the Official Lyric Video here
As someone who’s childhood has heavily revolved around music, having posted covers and original material online since the age of 12 and later going on to work alongside esteemed grammy award winning producers and composers, Gabriela’s upcoming release is something that is to be massively celebrated, considering the work and energy that has been put into her craft over the years leading up it.
Although at only 17-years-old, Gabriela Bee writes and sings with an impressive sense of maturity and confidence on this new track. The rich and emotive sentimentality that runs through the entirety of the song makes this the perfect track to kickstart this new chapter in her life, due to it paying homage to the person who got her to where she is today, her younger self.
Indianapolis-based folk-pop duo Lily & Madeleine share their enchanting fifth studio album Nite Swim is out everywhere now. Alongside the full project, the pair share the album’s title track and an accompanying emotive music video shot in black and white. See Lily & Madeleine live this month with Sarah Walk across the U.S. with a full list of dates below and tickets on sale now here.
Nite Swim, Lily & Madeleine’s vulnerable fifth studio album out now, is an expansive journey introducing the listener to various vignettes of the duo’s lives over the past five years. Its central thesis explores vulnerability, acceptance, embracing shame and acknowledging one’s feelings rather than running from them. Lily says the project dives into the feeling of “wanting to be intimate with someone but feeling like they’ll reject you when they see how complicated you are inside.” Over ten tracks, the listener is led through intimate scenes of Lily & Madeleine’s lives, collectively as sisters and individually as artists. The foundation of the songwriting was built when the band began taking stock of their lives and who is important to them. Madeleine explains, “As we go through personal hardships, it’s worth noticing the people who remain at our side and the people who disappear. What would it have been like if they stayed? Are we truly better off without them?” The album was produced by longtime friend and collaborator Shannon Hayden and other instrumentation was provided by Devon Ashley, Heidi Gluk, and Jared May.
The album’s poignant title track also out today carries a calm, gradual swell that envelops the listener as Lily & Madeleine share their insecurities, fears and pain. Further offering insight into its weighty subject matter, Madeleine says the song is about, “past trauma preventing you from engaging and being vulnerable with someone. It’s about fearing their judgment and being absorbed by the ultimate fear that intimacy is now forever beyond your grasp.”
Emerging hyper-pop act SOPHIE SHREDZ unveils the music video for her explosive new single, “EYEZ ON ME.”
The music video was directed and edited by MK Kopp. “I wanted to work with a small team that I knew personally to help create my vision,” Sophie explains. “I wanted to come out of the gates with delivering something fierce and femme for my first video.”
Revealing a new layer of the expansive world of SOPHIE SHREDZ, the “EYEZ ON ME” video is exuberant and jam-packed with personality. Hoping to reflect the sentiment of the song and the idea of all eyes being on her, Sophie and MK landed on the idea of having an all-female basement fight club. “Somehow we convinced a bunch of girls to fight in a basement with me for 4 hours. It was perfect and honestly the kind of thing I would accidentally stumble into,” she quips.
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.
Sophie is redefining what it means to be a modern day pop star — she’s bold, evocative, openly queer, and a fierce advocate for female empowerment. Her music reflects her own personal and artistic growth and experiences, making it both relatable and authentic. She hopes her music will inspire others to pursue their dreams and unlock a new level of confidence within themselves.
California-born and Berlin-based artist Ed Prosek embarks on an internal journey with The Foreigner, which sees the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalistexplore identity and belongingthrough six heartfelt songs. The release balances between timeless chamber orchestration, eloquent Americana storytelling, and intimate pop, dependent on his deft instrumentation and careful songcraft.
On The Foreigner, Prosek explores his constant lack of belonging, no matter where he goes. “As an American in Europe I’ll never be fully European, but at the same time, when I go home, I feel like a tourist there as well,” he explains. “A strange reality that leaves me confused about my identity and my feelings of ‘home’. This EP was written in one of the most important/exciting times of my life. It documents the highs and the lows of love and anxiety and it does so from the perspective of my inner monologue.”
Clare Siobhan (pronounced “shuh-VON”) is a genre-blending East Coast artist with a voice beyond her years. With her distinctive, rich alto voice, she paints pictures of love and loss, hope and fear, stillness and change through her deeply personal and introspective lyrics. Siobhan’s music is a folk-pop-soul exploration of movement, growth, and light.
On the focus track “I Built a House With an Arsonist,” Siobhan wrote the song as a playful exploration of bad habits and wearing her rose-coloured glasses in her personal life. A snippet of the song was released on TikTok before it was finished, and fans found that it was really relatable if they were experiencing challenging situations in their lives: breakups, divorces, difficult relationships, and feelings of personal betrayal from loved ones.
With the fan input in consideration, Siobhan finished the song with a certain story in mind. Despite the consequences of giving the benefit of the doubt to certain people, she says, “I wouldn’t change my habits now. Even if it comes with a little risk, I do think that being a persistent optimist, and trying to always see the good in others, is a worthwhile worldview.”
Listen to “I Built a House With an Arsonist” and more from the EP:
https://linktr.ee/claresiobhanmusic
https://hyperfollow.com/seekthesunrelease
The main theme of the Seek the Sun EP is fairly straightforward: no matter how rough things are, there’s always joy to be found somewhere, and there’s always a way out of the darkness. Across the six tracks, it’s a bit of a kitchen-sink “life” record, full of songs for a twenty-something year old. Love, change, fear, joy, hope, bad habits – all these things surround us in our youth, and it’s up to us what we make of them as we age. These are songs for growing, hoping, loving, worrying, healing…and singing and dancing if it suits you.
World’s First Cinema have released their new EP Palm Reader via Fearless Records. Featuring previously-released singles “Holy Water,” “SOS,” and “Palm Reader,” Palm Reader conjures up a vision with blockbuster appeal and indie heart throughout its one-of-a-kind mix of boisterous rock and soundtrack-style orchestration. World’s First Cinema draws their audience further into their world with the award-worthy music video for “Palm Reader” and new live version of “Holy Water,” both of which were filmed in the gorgeous Los Angeles Theatre.
A playlist of visualizers – including new songs “Love You Now” and “Love You Now (Twilight)” – can be found here: https://found.ee/palmreader_yt
“With the ‘Palm Reader’ EP we aimed to find the crossroads between Rock, EDM, Pop and a sweeping brand of Cinematic production; a unique sound we’ve been exploring since our conception,” says the band. “Each song is a small window into the world we’re building, like little vignettes that each tell their own tale. This EP will show the breadth of what we create, taking you from the vulnerable and dramatic all the way to the spectacularly theatrical.”
“We hope you get that post-movie feeling. After it’s over, you’re light on your feet. You don’t know what hit you, but you’re awestruck, and you want more.”
San Francisco based indie pop duo corner club share their self-produced dreamy, intimate second EP in the rearview mirror out everywhere now. Alongside with the release, the nostalgic track “funny colors” is out now with an official lyric video. The single allows the duo to process the passage of time and look back on fond memories over layered vocals, synth and field recordings. The official EP release show is tonight at San Francisco’s Cafe du Nord with tickets available now here.
The pair’s self-produced second EP, the sincere, earnest in the rearview mirror out today, sonically paints a poignant portrait of life’s highs and lows. It softly and effortlessly flows between songs that carry a familiar warmth and a raw, inviting openness that command considerable, worthwhile attention. Created in the midst of a cross-country move, the EP maintains the intimate story-telling and playful ambience of past releases while exploring new directions in genre, intensity, and emotion, showcasing the duo’s evolving sonic identity.
Over seven stirring, cinematic tracks, the pair dive headfirst into the trials and tribulations of their lived experiences, exploring topics like memories from a childhood home long gone, the generational grief of loved ones passing, and reflections on a slow-burning heartbreak. Impressively, two songs were recorded as live takes including “i’ll never say i love you first again” and “the ezra song.” Several friends pitched in to provide flute, bass, and cello on different tracks, and the project was mastered with their remote collaborator Kevin Tuffy in Berlin at Manmade Mastering.
Vocalist Du says the EP allowed them to reflect on their artistic journey and the life changes that fed their newest music. Du says, “When we think back to where we were the last time we released music–in a different city, in different relationships, and with family having moved on and around–a lot has changed. We tend to write about the feelings that are most biting in the moment, and now that the EP is finished, we’ve found that some of those moments continue to stay with us and some are no longer relatable, hence the title ‘in the rearview mirror.’” The project features more music than they’ve released before at one time, which gave them more space to expand and explore their sound and vision while maintaining their core identity. Du continues, “With a longer project like this one, we had the opportunity to experiment with new styles while hopefully keeping some of our usual atmosphericness and storytelling.”
As a young girl I was fed the idea that women are helpless and if you just focus on being pretty and sweet then a man will come along and rescue you. I used to make fun of these narratives in princess movies without even realising that I was caught in this same trap – a princess locked away in a tower waiting, and waiting. Waiting for my big break as a performer, waiting for a man to come along and make me feel loved and valued. My song, “Crown On,” was inspired by the moment I broke free from this trap, and climbed outta that dang tower by myself!
Listen to “Crown On” on streaming platforms everywhere.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
When I started writing the song I didn’t feel empowered at all. I had just given up on my dreams of being an actress and moved back home with my parents. I was not feeling, (as the lyric goes) “I’m right where I need to be.” I felt frustrated and stuck. It wasn’t until I teamed up with producers Tennyson King and Dan Hosh to finish the song and ultimately rewrite my own narrative.
The title of the song is “Crown On,” and that symbolism of “putting your crown on” is all about stepping into your personal power. It’s that moment when you stop asking for permission, and realise you have agency over your life. When I think of “putting my crown on,” it makes me feel confident and wise, powerful in my femininity.
Cheers to all of us who find our power within!
Thanks for listening,
stardrop
multi-instrumental artist, producer, and philanthropist GRiZ shares his new Ouroboros EP, which serves as his final release ahead of his upcoming hiatus. Alongside the release comes a full length video, offering an emotive snapshot into GRiZ’s life on the road throughout Summer 2023 as he concluded the final leg of festival appearances and tour dates.
After seven albums, countless collaborations, and over a decade of non-stop touring, GRiZ’s upcoming hiatus sees the beloved electronic artist taking a step back while continuing to be a role model for positivity and mental wellbeing. Throughout his career, GRiZ’s optimistic outlook and passion for advocacy and philanthropy has consistently set him apart: from his harm prevention and drug safety program, The Harmony Project, in partnership with DanceSafe to his annual 12 Days of GRiZMAS charity program, which raised over $200,000 in 2022 alone. Now the artist is turning that energy inwards.
“Life is really good and I often make myself too busy to see where I am or how far this project has come,” GRiZ wrote in an Instagram post in June. “I’m following my gut instincts so for now, I’m not going to put a hard time limit on the break.”
Unapologetically herself, MINOE bares all across the impressive 6-track body of work. The EP creates a flawless introduction to the Canadian newcomer, proving herself to be an exceptional talent to watch.
Empowering, honest and endlessly playable, Bleeding Hearts Disco is your soundtrack to self acceptance and moving forward. The record touches on experiences of self-doubt, isolation and rising above that inner saboteur that so many of us battle with. Today’s release offers two previously unheard tracks, ‘Plastik’ and ‘Love You Bby’, completing her knock-out debut collection, see below for the full tracklist;
Bleeding Hearts Disco
- Cut Me Loose
- Cherry
- Hands
- Plastik
- Sonny & Cher
- Love You Bby
The dictionary defines a “Bleeding Heart” as a derogatory term referring to a person who is considered dangerously softhearted. However, a bleeding heart is also MINOE’s favorite flower – delicate and surrounded by others just like it on a vine. Through isolation, MINOE came to realize that her sensitivity is a superpower and it’s one that she refuses to be ashamed of.
She vows not to change herself or hide her feelings, and invites others to do the same. The “Bleeding Heart’s Disco” welcomes everyone, it’s a world where crying together, dancing together and healing together is standard practice.
MINOE has been quickly growing a reputation for crafting dangerously catchy alt-pop anthems dripping in self-empowerment and queer liberation. Previously released singles ‘Cherry’, ‘Cut Me Loose’ and ‘Hands’, all of which were revealed this year, have pinned her as an exciting artist to watch and seen her scoop support from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, Consequence of Sound, Ones To Watch, Variance, Complex CA and Wonderland. Not to mention she has been listed in the top 100 CBC artists!
Pop songstress Maisy Kay is thrilled to unveil her third single, “Doorway,” from her forthcoming Metamorphosis EP slated for a November release. The track follows the August release of “After Midnight” which was proceeded by lead track “First Time” in July.
Maisy says, “‘Doorway’ is a very special song to me, it was my opening song on my very first tour. I wrote it about letting go of someone in your life that isn’t good for you and knowing your own worth. I think what I love most about it is the chorus, it feels very anthemic and freeing to me!”
CLICK HERE TO WATCH “After Midnight” Music Video
She just wrapped up being on tour with JVKE and also has joined forces with notable powerhouses like Timbaland, R3HAB, Rodney “Darkchild” Jenkins and Max Martin protégé Lukas “LULOU” Loules and more. In her newest singles, “After Midnight” and “First Time,” she continues to bring the heat to the music industry ahead of her highly anticipated EP “Metamorphosis” releasing this fall.
Maisy Kay was plucked from obscurity for her talent and dropped in Los Angeles where she honed her craft and found her voice – going from English schoolgirl to Los Angeles songstress with over 200 million cumulative streams. She has been hard at work in the studio all year and this November she will be releasing her EP, “Metamorphosis” with “First Time” and “After Midnight” being forefront singles. Fans can also anticipate more singles to be dropped in the coming months leading up to her anticipated EP. In all music she creates Maisy Kay attempts to inspire others to find their own paths as she relays in her lyrics illustrating her own journey to self-discovery, falling in love and more.
Drawing influence from a diverse spectrum of artists, the Toronto trio, SWiiMS, blends elements of 80’s New Wave, 90’s Shoegaze, Indie Rock, Brit Pop and Dream Pop together to arrive at a sound that is all their own.
SWiiMS is set to release their first full length LP, Into The Blue Night, on November 10, 2023.
“All I Die For” is an intense new track that sounds like a unique combination of uplifting music and moody, languid vocal melodies. It’s about the beginning stages of a relationship, and how you try to make yourself more intriguing or impressive than you are in order to keep that person interested. It also describes the feeling of hopefulness, bliss and loss of control that the start of any new relationship brings. Ultimately, the music progresses to match the intensity of the vocal.
Eunice Keitan is a Malaysian/Canadian singer-songwriter whose music reflects her diverse international background and eclectic influences. With a captivating blend of Neo-Soul and World Folk styles, Eunice creates a unique sonic landscape that is both soulful and innovative.
Her latest offering, “Cobalt Sea,” pushes the envelope a little further by combining South American and Southeast Asian soundscapes. It features both the marimba and gamelan while still remaining in the framework of the soul genre.
At the end of last year, Eunice found herself burnt out, grappling with both mental and physical health challenges. She made the decision to spend several months in Colombia with some family seeking simplicity and a return to her true passion: creating and songwriting. During her stay, she took a Colombian folk percussion class, where she learned to play the tambora and marimba.
“Cobalt Sea” features a Bunde rhythm and chonta marimba from the Pacific region. Traditionally, the compositions and arrangements are meant to mimic the character of the sea with its swelling waves. She was struck by the cultural similarities between Colombia and many Southeast Asian communities, particularly the significance of oral traditions and the communal nature of daily life and music were shared features. Observing how music in both cultures were inspired by everyday life, ceremonies, the land, nature, and, in this case, the sea, she became curious about blending South American and Southeast Asian soundscapes.
Electronic R&B duo, composed of producer Na’el Shehade and vocalist/songwriter Via Rosa, debuts focus track ‘Energy’ produced in collaboration with Los Angeles indie-disco duo NEIL FRANCES off the latter’s highly anticipated sophomore album It’s All A Bit Fuzzy Out that refines NEIL FRANCES’ natural, club-ready groove, alluding to a dizzy night out, followed by a pleasantly woozy morning after. It’s All a Bit Fuzzy is “an ode to house music” and ‘Energy’ will pave the way through the dance floors this season.
To coincide with the album’s release, the Los Angeles indie-dance duo of Jordan Feller and Marc Gilfry, debuts a music video for “Energy,” a highlight track from the collection with Chicago house music darlings DRAMA (producer Na’el Shehade and vocalist/songwriter Via Rosa). “Funky, fun and carefree, ‘Energy’ is inspired by the rush of creating art with your friends,” shares DRAMA. “It’s about stamina on the dance floor, music that never stops and nights that last forever, but most importantly the ‘energy’ to keep up with the person you’re leaving with.”
‘Energy’ is the latest release from DRAMA that follows the succession of the duo’s latest announcement of their highly anticipated EP, Till We Die, dropping this November. Till We Die is arguably the duo’s most danceable electronic project to date as it has earned praise across headlines from notable tastemakers on their latest singles including ‘Tighten It Up’, ‘Feel The Same’ and ‘DRAMA’. The success of their recent releases gives ardent fans a taste of what’s to come for the must-see duo.
Eleanor is a singer-songwriter with an R&B leaning sound, coloured in hues of soul and indie. She takes a narrative approach to songwriting, based 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,” says the artist, whose debut album, A Late Bloom, has come to fruition. “I hope that in being honest on this project, listeners will feel less alone.” Largely produced by 3x JUNO nominated artist John Fellner, stream it in full here.
The closing track, “Faintest Hope,” is both beautiful and unsettling, a cry for hope from a vacant and barren tundra.
Meg Smith is thrilled to release her darker version of her hit single “Cross My Heart I Hope U Die” with Chandler Leighton that is out now.
The 2021 release ‘Cross My Heart I Hope U Die’ established Meg as an exciting talent to watch. Now at almost 11 Million streams, the bewitching pop break-up anthem was featured on numerous Spotify playlists.
Meg says, “I’m excited to have Chandler join this song as a spooky Halloween treat! ‘Cross My Heart” is about how when girls come together, we can be unstoppable coven.”
Her most recent single, ‘Joni’ was featured on Spotify’s Sad Hour, New Music Friday UK, and Next Gen Singer-Songwriter. Meg’s ‘Rom Com Pop’ EP, released in February, is a collection of songs that sound like the soundtrack to an early 00s rom com. The songs were featured on New Music Friday USA, as well as various New Music Friday’s around the globe. Her debut single ‘Cross My Heart I Hope U Die’ is the theme of ‘EZRA’, the popular LGBTQ+ Vampire series on Apple TV. Meg appeared in Season 1 and is expected to appear in Season 2. The song is also featured in season 2 of ‘Ginny and Georgia’ on Netflix.
Buzzworthy Houston-born rapper SaxkBoy KD returns with his new single “Candy (Sweet & Juicy)” featuringLah Pat [“Rodeo” featuring Flo Milli] today via Cash Money Records. Available at all digital partners now, get it HERE.
With its rap-sung melody while telling the story of a suitor professing a tantalizing addiction for a love interest “Candy(Sweet & Juicy)” showcases KD’s versatility. On this latest offering, KD’s dynamism and sharp ability are on full display, demonstrating that he’s fluid in many styles within the Hip-Hop genre.
“Candy (Sweet & Juicy)” follows the release of SaxkBoy KD’s collaborative EP with fellow H-Town rapper That Mexican OT, The Show Must Go On. Get it HERE. The project has amassed 11M+ global streams with the official video for its lead single, “Just Talking” recently surpassing 1M+ views. The critically acclaimed songs have earned co-signs from All Hip Hop, Hype Magazine, Remixed Magazine, Dirty Glove Bastard, and more. This past May, he dropped a chopped and screwed version of the project produced by Houston’s own, the legendary OG Ron C via The Show Must Go On: Chopped Not Slopped.
Japan, Man share their new video for their latest single
Overdid It.
The video arrives ahead of their debut album Metropolis which will be arriving on the 18th of October via +1 Records
Watch the video for Overdid it HERE
Taking shape as a playful break-up anthem, Overdid It is a self-deprecating jam that touches on ‘overdoing it’ in a relationship.
Japan, Man’s signature groovy alt-pop vibes lead the way as front woman Laeticia leans into the irony of the situation. The result is a charming and reflective final teaser ahead of debut album Metropolis.
Sharing a little more Laeticia shares: The song attempts to capture the embarrassment of overdoing it in a relationship, or situation-ship, especially with a rather complicated label.
I think we all try to remove ourselves from the category of being an ‘emotional’ or ‘sensitive’ person these days. I think we all internalize this and try to be as unbothered and as nonchalant as possible, but we all end up forgetting how significant our tendencies to over-love, over-care, overcomplicate, and over feel really are when intimacy and romantic passion enters the picture, and that’s completely normal and definitely what I was feeling while writing the song.
The song definitely carries sass and arrogance which was very fun for me to write, and sing, as most of my songs are more serious in tone when it comes to lyrics, but I was feeling particularly playful while writing this, and wanted to take a more ironic approach.
River House Artists’ indie rock darling Zach Seabaugh is thrilled to release his new album Mr. Nobody, available everywhere now. Mr. Nobody is Seabaugh’s first full-length release which includes twelve tracks that give listeners the fresh perspective of a 24-year-old navigating the complexities of young adulthood and the excitement and heartache of relationships paired with ethereal guitars and dreamy vocals.
“Mr. Nobody is a collection of songs from the past 2 years. A little bit of love, heartbreak, ‘oh wells’, and searching for what is next,” says Seabaugh. “It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, including both exciting and sad times, but that’s what this process has been like searching through my early twenties trying to find myself. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the people around me through this project and I hope these songs reach the people that need them most and can help them feel less alone.”
Since January, Seabaugh has released four singles and has seen significant growth on Spotify, increasing his monthly listeners each month from 250,000 to over 1.6 million. The growth has been entirely fan-driven, and his singles released since June 2022 have amassed more than 40 million global career streams. This fall, you can catch Seabaugh on a 20-date tour with indie-folk band The National Parks.
Gal Musette is the artist name used by Grace Freeman, who began writing piano and guitar based lyrical compositions and performing at open mics in her home city of San Clemente, CA at the age of 10. Her graceful approach to melody-driven indie-folk has captured audiences all over Southern California.
At age 14, inspired by The Magnetic Fields’ triple album 69 Love Songs, Gal recorded her own collection titled 70 Love Songs, which caught the attention of the band, and won her an opening slot on a few of their Midwestern U.S. tour dates. In more recent years, Gal has opened for several renowned artists such as Macy Gray, Suzanne Vega, Todd Snyder, and Donavon Frankenreiter. While her artist name is taken from bal-musette, the accordion-based, waltz-style French instrumental music, Gal’s primary inspiration is drawn from songwriters including Joni Mitchell, Regina Spektor, Björk, Cocteau Twins, Burt Bacharach, Big Thief and The Cure.
In October 2021, Gal released her debut album, Backwards Lullaby, featuring a vocal duet with one of her biggest musical inspirations, Rufus Wainwright. The record explores the pangs of hopeless romances and unrequited love, what it’s like to move beyond idealized love into the acceptance of what is real and constant, as well as the cyclical nature of life and love in relationships. In July 2022, Gal released an orchestral EP consisting of three re-imagined cuts from Backwards Lullaby featuring the musicianship of Via Mardot a talented multi-instrumentalist based in Detroit, Michigan.
Her sophomore album Pendulum explores the swinging and ever changing nature of mental stability, with moments of peace, turbulence, acceptance, hopelessness, abjection, obsession, bravery and weakness. These moments are songs put in opposition to each other and sown together to make for a cathartic experience reflecting the ebbs and flows of the mind.
John Roberts, widely recognized as the multi-talented voice behind Linda Belcher on the Emmy award winning “Bob’s Burgers,” which landed him first EMMY nod in the category of “Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance” has also captivated audiences with his music and transcended the animated world. John’s first release of 2023 was a return to pop with his single “Danger” a moody mid-tempo 80’s throwback, produced by legendary DJ Junior Sanchez offerering an exciting musical landscape filled with pulsating sounds and throbbing rhythm as well as Roberts soaring vocals. “Danger” reached 38 on the MEDIABASE chart and was accompanied by an award winning music video. John’s new single “Nothin for Something”, is a timeless breakup jam, that is accompanied by a vintage inspired moody black and white video directed by Cody Critcheloe (Yeah Yeah Yeahs).
Los Angeles based event collective Stranger Than; has announced the complete lineup for Sunday Warriors, in partnership with Mayan Warrior. Held at Grand Park on October 29th, the day into night affair will feature eclectic sets from some of house and techno’s most respected selectors.
Exemplifying Stranger Than’s forward-thinking sonic curation, the Sunday Warrior’s programming features Crosstown Rebels head and Day Zero founder Damian Lazarus, Israeli DJ and producer Guy Gerber, Berlin-based duo Mind Against, melodic techno titan Innellea, Mexican underground champion Kalexis, and a b2b set from Greek producer Echonomist alongside Blue Shadow Records co-founder Jenia Tarsol.
Sunday Warriors follows Mayan Warrior’s Los Angeles Halloween event, held at Grand Park on October 28th. Hailing from Mexico City, Mayan Warrior grew from a renegade Burning Man Art Car and Soundcamp to one of electronic music’s most successful touring brands, all with unannounced lineups showcasing a mix of native Mexican and global underground talent. After the art car was tragically destroyed earlier this year, the strength of Mayan Warrior’s impact and vibrant community was exemplified, demonstrating the resilience and unity that defines this extraordinary project. The Los Angeles event will pay tribute to Mayan Warrior’s legacy.
Tickets Now On Sale HERE
Los Angeles based, genre bending artist, AZRA, releases her new music video for “ALL OUT.” The punk rock track is taken from her high-energy and empowering EP, The Chronicles of Substance Pop: The Rebellion, released earlier this year. The video was co-directed by AZRA herself, alongside John Barrett and filmed in Downtown Los Angeles. Using captivating visuals and her unique sound, the video is a manifestation of not only AZRA’s subconscious, but all of our’s in an undeniably universal experience of emotional release.
The video follows AZRA as she is battling her inner negative emotions and the positive figure that she is destined to become. Throughout the video, we see the journey of her realizing that she has to overcome her hardships and trauma and accept both the good and dark parts of herself. Through embracing her hardships and allowing herself to release that anger by going all out with the help of her alter ego, will she be able to realize her authentic self and reach her fullest potential.
The video premiered on V13, who declared, “the song has lots of punk rock attitude, brimming with infectious energy that only an artist like AZRA can provide… You can hear that fearlessness within her sound, and it’s what’s gotten her to this point.” Watch the video for “ALL OUT” now HERE.
Described as the orgy love child of The Beatles, Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead, The Gulls are a genre crossing revival of what rock ‘n roll used to be, with a unique and unmistakable contemporary edge. Their authentic, freewheeling lifestyle, living on-the-road for years at a time, is proof that this is what they were born to do. Members Will Fairhead, Kilian Aubertin and Tali Knight craft songs narrating anthemic cries of freedom, change and love.
Their latest release, “Sanitation” is a playful folk rock/gypsy anthem for all the dirty people that don’t fit into an overly sanitized world. With a raw, upbeat and provocative streak, the track is simple, brash and playful, touching on themes of personal freedom, sexual liberty and society’s influence on our desires – all of which are themes underlying much of their music.
The band shares, “We wanted to do a fun, dirty, singalong party song and so it was written in the back of the van on a summer’s day as a playful response to the way the world looks right now. It’s like society’s got this surface level sanitary sheen, and everyones carrying their passport in their pocket on the other side of a screen, and buying plastic wrapped dopamine from who knows where it’s been, and hiding their taboos and following the rules without asking what they mean, when we all know full well someone must be doing the dirty. Being a traveling rock & roll band living on the road, I guess you could say it’s not the easiest for us to keep to the sanitary expectations of society.”
The Gulls are paving their way into a new territory. Combining elements of folk, psychedelia and rock & roll, the band have concocted an amalgam of genres and influences, resulting in a sound that is distinctly their own.
In the last year they have toured extensively, playing venues, and festivals, as well as gorilla gigs on the streets and beaches across the UK and Europe. Most notably, the band pioneered a concept called
The Robin Hood Tour, creating a moving convoy of vehicles and performing unauthorized concerts in the hearts of the UK’s biggest cities. Stealing the right to play from the rich and giving to the poor, all proceeds from the tour went to the food banks.
The Gulls are people’s best friend and the council’s worst enemy.
British songwriter Florence Arman shines brightly amongst the crisises of a broken heart on sophomore EP “Loves The Worst.” Florence combines honest and tongue-in-cheek lyrics that form the fabric of the entirety of this new 7-track EP, brought together by her homely vocal and unique visual art concepts. The EP is out across all digital steaming platforms now via AWAL Recordings. Florence has also announced four headline dates for next year.
You can listen to the full EP now – https://florencearman.ffm.to/loves-the-worst
Speaking about the EP, Florence said “I feel things quite intensely, and it feels abit like having lots of scrambled egg in my brain and putting the chaosonto paper is the only thing that helps. This EP is a collection of songs that got me through the last years andmade sense of them.”
“Unthinkable was written about the moment I realised I wanted out of my relationship” explains London-based, South West-raised Zola Courtney, who today shares one of her most personal songs to date chronicling the beginning of the end of a relationship writing as she felt it at that moment.
Listen to Unthinkable now; https://apollodistro.lnk.to/zolacourtney
Explaining the process behind writing Unthinkable, Zola said “I was sat on the sofa in my old flat, writing with my guitar and I said out loud all the things I’d been thinking over the past few months before bursting into tears. It’s almost as if once I’d said it out loud, and put those feelings out into the universe, they became so much more real. I knew from that moment, it was the beginning of the end. It was an overwhelming realisation of what I was about to put myself through, and how painful it was going to be, but also so essential for my personal growth.”
Recently Zola shared her track “California” which is very much the bookends of the story which today’s release “Unthinkable” punctuates. Zola said “I did a writing trip to California when I was 19 and had a really awful time. My boyfriend at the timeflew out to be with me and I’m still so grateful he did that. That was near the beginning of our relationship and New York was the last place we visited together. The song talks about these bookend moments, as well as feelings of doubt and regret, but also care and admiration for him and all the things we did together.”
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
