Electronic R&B’s heartthrob duo, DRAMA, composed of producer Na’el Shehade and vocalist/songwriter Via Rosa, released their latest single, ‘Dollar $hort’ today. The track features the Australian DJ duo composed of Hugo Gruzman and Jimmy Lyell of Flight Facilities. ‘Dollar $hort’ is the latest single off the duo’s highly awaited EP, Till We Die, dropping on November 10th. ‘Dollar $hort’ continues to demonstrate the natural synergy between Shehade and Rosa’s distinctive sonic talents, as well as their ability to collaborate with others seamlessly to produce another powerful yet familiar anthem that advocates for independence and self-love.
London-via-Australia DJ/producer Loods debuts on Diplo’s house/techno label Higher Ground with “Freedom,” featuring coveted Australian vocalist/songwriter KLP. The new single is the latest soaring number from Loods, who taps into the raw, rapturous sound of pure house music that has pulsed through the walls of all-night-long parties since its origination in 1980s Chicago.
Reflecting the themes of what house music is all about, “Freedom” embodies the cathartic, liberating feeling of getting lost in the music. The lyrics, so joyously brought to life by KLP, really say it all. “This is a wink in the rearview mirror to the wonderfully warm era of house music that I grew up with,” Loods remarks on the track. “I hope you can hear the anemoia we tried to bottle up in this. Positive affirmation dance music never dies!”
Koncept’s songs have been landing major sync placements with his single “SHOOT” being placed with NBA2K, as well as multiple outlets on ESPN, his single “Up The Mood” as the closing song in the new Jo Koy “Easter Sunday” Movie released via Dreamworks/ Universal Productions in Movie Theaters and on Amazon Prime now, and the Theme Song for“Grails”on Hulu / ABC starring Michael Jordan, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, and more where Koncept single, “Walking On The Sun” is played at the beginning and end of every episode.
Grammy nominations, Hip Hop Kemp Festival in Czech Republic, European Tours, speaking and performing at Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain, performing at Olympic Stadium in Seoul, South Korea for 70k people, selling out shows across the United States, and an official sponsorship as Brand Ambassador for Sovereign Brands (Luc Belaire Champagne, McQueen & The Violet Gin, Villon Liquor, Bumbu Rum, Deacon Whisky) alongside Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Khaled, Fivio Foreign.
Featured and performed alongside the likes of ASAP Ferg / ASAP Rocky, Travis Scott, Rick Ross, Ty Dolla $ign, Masego, EarthGang (Dreamville/ Roc Nation), Ghostface Killa (Wu Tang Clan), The Roots, Action Bronson, Techn9ne, Pharoahe Monch, Brother Ali, Token, Blu & Exile, Scoop Deville, as well as overseas superstars Jay Park, Twopee, Thaitanium, Paloalto, VMC, and many more.
Featured in Publications such as MTV, Revolt TV, Hulu, ABC, Amazon, The Fader Magazine, Wordplay Magazine, PopMatters, Hot New HipHop, HipHopDX, 2Dopeboyz, Shade45, Hot97, Newspapers and Magazines, Public, College, and Private Radio across the globe.
Claude VonStroke releases his new Halloween-inspired house track ‘The Creeps’ featuring Barry Drift, out now via Dirtybird Records. Alongside the single comes a pair of bonus remixes from flock favorites Steve Darko and Mike Kerrigan.
Embracing the evil spirits lurking this time of year, Claude VonStroke is celebrating Spooky Season with his weird and wonderful original ‘The Creeps’. Delightfully spine-chilling, ‘The Creeps’ is an eerie concoction of spellbinding melodies, shadowy rhythms, and Barry Drift’s ghoulish pitched vocals. A hair-raising tale of horrific hallucinations, ‘The Creeps’ is a blood-tingling house hit that will leave listeners with goosebumps.
“A good horror film is very difficult to make because it has to be scary enough to make your skin crawl but fun enough so you can enjoy grabbing your partner’s arm during a jump scare. I decided to go for it and make a track just for Halloween based on the concept that a guy takes drugs and cannot figure out if he is in reality or a horror film. It’s a precarious balance between cheesy and creepy, but that’s the entire fun of Halloween, isn’t it?” – Claude VonStroke
Parcels have today released their new album ‘Live Vol. 2’. Out now via Because Music, it is
available digitally and on 180gsm double vinyl.
‘Live Vol. 2’ consists of twelve tracks, all recorded live by the band at a secret gig in Paris last
year. Of those twelve tracks, 5 brand new & unreleased songs are included. The album follows
on from Parcels’ previous live album, ‘Live Vol. 1,’ released in 2020 and a fan favourite for its
display of the band’s distinguished musicianship and one-take performance.
But ‘Live Vol. 2’ sees the 5-piece – from Australia but based in Berlin – explore a new,
club-inspired direction and sound, first trialed at their live shows last year.
Of the process behind recording and producing the album, Patrick Hetherington of the band
says:
“We were less purist than we have been in the past. We edited the songs down here and there, took some of them out completely. We produced and mixed more actively, shooting for some sort of live/dance/studio hybrid. At the same time we strived to maintain the spontaneity, the little moments of improvised playfulness, a few sweet mistakes, and hopefully we captured something close to what it really felt like in that club on that strange evening.”
Tracklisting for ‘Live Vol. 2’ by Parcels is as follows:
alternative electronic artists Grabbitz and Lucille Croft come together for their collaborative new single ‘Falling Over You’, out now via Rezz’s HypnoVizion.
Part rock ballad, part dance floor anthem, ‘Falling Over You’ is a spellbinding collaboration from the multi-disciplinary duo. Instantly inducing listeners with its melodic, pop sensibilities, angsty rock energy, and bold bass-leaning production, Grabbitz’s heady vocals offer a bittersweet tale of lust amidst strumming guitars and deep percussive kicks of Croft’s production. A perfect pairing that highlights their edgy yet romantic lyricism and alternative take on electronic music, ‘Falling Over You’ falls in line with the rocktronic sound HypnoVizion has continued to elicit following Rezz’s recent IT’S NOT A PHASE EP.
“I’ve always been a fan of Lucille and her approach to not only music, but art and fashion as well. This track has been a long time coming. It follows suit with both of our shared influences and contains a crossover into many other genres. Put simply, it rocks.” – Grabbitz
“This song started as a demo that I played to Nick when we met when I first visited the US in 2019. We spent hours talking about our inspirations and mutual love and admiration for Nine Inch Nails, and the song came together seamlessly after that. Falling Over You is a little different to my usual style, but I love that. I think it’s bold, and emotionally charged. This song is meant to be felt as much as it’s meant to be heard.” – Lucille Croft
the Brooklyn based rock band The Sees have released their second single, “Voices” off their forthcoming album Conversations With My Future Self set to be released on November 17.
Listen to “Voices” here
Better together, “Voices” speaks to the voice of many. Born out of frontman Jamie DiTringo’s Greenpoint apartment during the first phase of the pandemic, it was the daily commotion of pots and pans outside, a homemade orchestra dedicated to the frontline of essential workers, that instilled DiTringo with a sense of hope.
With the intent of coming together to raise our voices as one, the track is an introspective protest anthem standing against the oppressive systems in place, encouraging listeners to come together to break down barriers. Crunchy guitars make way for massive instrumental breakdowns, proving that our voice will be louder as a collective if we come together to take a stand.
A grittier track than its predecessor, “The Calling,” the uplifting anthem reminds us that even in the midst of chaos, we must hold onto our sense of community and find ways to stay connected while striving for a brighter tomorrow.
“Voices was written one evening in the summer of 2020 sitting on the fire escape of my Greenpoint apartment pondering the state of the world, strumming my acoustic guitar whilst banging a pot and pan applauding our COVID first responders” shares DiTringo. “This evening ritual was one of those positive communal experiences living in New York during the pandemic. The voices of my neighbors shouting and cheering on these inspiring people gave me a sense that there is something beautiful despite the feeling of fear, melancholia and loneliness. I started strumming the guitar, hummed what would become the vocal melody and the idea of a song started to form. I had the ending guitar solo melody on my iPhone from another COVID evening writing session and knew I wanted a song with emotion that supported our right to protest against everything happening at that time. The beginning of “Voices” was born that night.”
M3F Fest, North America’s most celebrated non-profit music festival, has announced the lineup for its 2024 edition in Phoenix, Arizona from March 1-2. M3F donates 100% of festival proceeds to charity with $2 million donated since 2022 and $5.2 million in total since its inception in 2004.
The festival has also announced the move to a new venue for the 2024 edition, taking place at Steele Indian School Park. Fans can expect the same M3F experience as past years with an even larger footprint than before, along with brand new art activations with more details to be announced. The historic venue will continue the evolution of M3F’s growth since its debut 20 years ago.
With the 2024 lineup, M3F continues to build on its reputation of bringing global hit makers and rising acts across the worlds of indie, pop, R&B, electronic, and more to Phoenix. Highlights from the bill include the dreamy sounds of Dominic Fike and Anjunadeep favorite Lane 8, plus a strong showing of the UK’s top electronic talent with Gorgon City, Duke Dumont, and SG Lewis all making appearances.
M3F’s lineup will also feature award-winning London vocalist Arlo Parks, Minnesota indie rockers Hippo Campus, the mesmerizing sounds of Bakar, and fan-favorite Dayglow, along with German vocalist Roosevelt, genre-defying Los Angeles artist Fiji Blue, Chicago duo DRAMA, the disco vibes of Poolside, and the catchy alternative pop sounds of Toronto’s Valley. Electronic music continues to find a home at M3F with additional sets on deck from a diverse range of acts including Elderbrook, Coco & Breezy, GORDO, BUNT., Vandelux, it’s murph, WhoMadeWho, Young Franco, and more.
Tickets On Sale Now
Website Link
Mad Kelly, pioneering face of the New Nü Metal scene, set out to honor the first single of Disturbed’s debut album with an electrifying rendition of “Stupify”.
This dynamic cover, featuring Mad Kelly’s distinctive vocals, his eclectic production methods, and the track’s powerful message, promises to be a thrilling tribute to the original while adding a fresh, exciting twist.
“Disturbed was one of my favorite bands growing up, so I wanted to pay homage to their iconic sound while flipping it with a fresh nu-metal style. Working with Killvein and Tom Kaduk to produce this track felt effortless and allowed me to accomplish the sound I envisioned.”
– Mad Kelly
Mad Kelly’s rendition of the song is a testament to his dedication to the craft of music and his commitment to connecting with his equally nostalgic audience. His powerful vocal performance and genre-bending recreation of the instrumental breathe new life into the song while paying homage to the original. This cover is destined to be a fan favorite, appealing to both die-hard Disturbed enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Mad Kelly celebrated the release during his live show at iii Points Music Festival in Miami on October 20th. “Stupify” is now available on all platforms.
True to its name, Houndsteeth’s forthcoming album, Hold Your Horses, is the result of patience and persistence. Grace Ward, Jolee Gordon, and Izzy Da Fonseca’s friendship is the animating force behind the New York/Los Angeles-based trio’s sophomore album – a release that straddles the line between indie rock and pop music, then ropes listeners into a world of controlled chaos.
Some four years after Houndsteeth’s debut album, Hold Your Horses offers a nod to the pillars of the Boston DIY scene where the band started while taking listeners on a ride through the breadth of their own sonic range. With the security of a combined decade of friendship, Gordon, Da Fonseca, and Ward traverse the song worlds they create with both conviction and curiosity. Humble lyrics are woven into sonic webs of dissonance, close counterpoint, and adventurous vocal lines. Hold Your Horses showcases the trio’s capacity for experimentation, making the most of each member’s unique skill sets. As a result, the album is a playground of auxiliary sounds, operatic rock guitar moments, and Meredith Monk-style vocal harmonies.
Much like in Houndsteeth’s last release, the lyrics on Hold Your Horses are reliable vignettes of all-too-familiar feelings. As lyricists Gordon and Ward dissect once-fleeting emotions, there is a comforting ambiguity for listeners to soak in–a style of writing that has become characteristic of the project.
King Dream is a Bay Area rock ‘n’ roll band helmed by Oakland native Jeremy Lyon, a lifelong songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who crafts dive bar anthems with heart, brains and soul. Hard-rocking yet poignant, his music combines a love for American rock masters like Springsteen and Petty with ‘60s West Coast psychedelia and more contemporary torch-bearers like My Morning Jacket and The War on Drugs — all brought to life by a band of Northern California’s most in-demand players.
Lyon has played Outside Lands and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, toured nationally and internationally, and also knows what it’s like to busk on the street. King Dream songs deftly balance hope and world-weariness. They seem wise beyond their years, and they also have a way of sneaking up on you. Their shout-along choruses and searing guitar solos are at home in a darkened saloon, to be sure, but also — you know the giddy, ragged vulnerability that arrives when you’ve been awake for way too long on a road trip? Between the good times and the clinks of beer bottles these songs inspire a wistfulness, deep in your bones, for a place you’ve never been.
Only very few songwriters and arrangers have succeeded in leaving their mark on several generations with their compositions and their performances. Omar Rodríguez-López is one of these exceptional artists. His complete solo works from 2004-2024 will now be honored with an impressive vinyl box set.
Within 20 years, multi-instrumentalist and mastermind Omar Rodríguez-López released multiple solo records – on top of his works with The Mars Volta, At-The Drive In, Bosnian Rainbows, De Facto, and Antemasque. Pending somewhere between Jazz, Prog, Latin, Alternative, Electronica, and Classical Music, his music covers an impressively wide range of genres.
After celebrating the digital release of his entire oeuvre in May 2021, Rodríguez-López’ Hamburg-based label Clouds Hill now takes the next step: These solo records will be made physically available for the first time in a unique vinyl box set. 57 albums, including records that have only been digitally available until now, and also two previously unreleased records. The collection contains highlights like the collaborative record with John Frusciante, the chaotic but beloved “Cryptomnesia”, the more accessible “Solar Gambling” or a classic like the early “Se Dice Bisonte, No Bùfalo”.
YOSHIKI, world-renowned composer, pianist, drummer, and leader of rock band X Japan, delivered an emotional and unforgettable performance of the YOSHIKI “REQUIEM” Classical World Tour this past Friday (October 20) at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA.
After dazzling audiences and receiving standing ovations at Royal Albert Hall in London (October 13), Tokyo Garden Theater (October 9), and Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA (October 20), YOSHIKI returns to headline Carnegie Hall this week on Saturday, October 28 in New York City. This marks the first time a Japanese artist has headlined all of these historic venues.
For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.yoshiki.net/worldtour2023.
FYA FOX has returned with the brand new offering ‘DUVET DAY’. With hints of Haim and Fleetwood Mac, it’s no wonder FYA had a busy 2023 summer, emerging onto the Irish festival scene, playing Indiependence, Sea Sessions & Stendhal to name a few.
The Irish alternative pop singer-songwriter, is packing a punch with a fresh new sound. A force to be reckoned with, FOX doesn’t hold back with a catchy melodic chorus and hook line ‘I’m not listening’. Speaking about the track FYA said “This track is about anxiety, all those little voices, little fears and worries creeping in making you want to crawl up like a caterpillar in your duvet hiding from the world. I wanted to take back control and for anyone feeling like this, this is that hairbrush anthem they can sing to”.
Already receiving major support across Irish national & regional radio (RTE2FM, Spin South West, Today FM, FM104), with track of the week features for previous releases, FYA has also gained UK support, tracks played on BBC Radio 1 & Co-op UK. Releases to date have gained over 284K Spotify streams (play listed on ‘NMF’, ‘Fresh Finds’, ‘Fresh Finds Pop’, ‘EASY’, ‘Chilled Pop Hits’ & ’New Pop Revolution’.
alt-electronic artist Crywolf and alt-bass producer AWAY return as ANTAGONÏZER with their debut OMNIVIOLENCE EP, out now via Rezz’s label HypnoVizion. The EP includes previously released singles ‘STATIC’ and ‘BOW DOWN’.
A dark and dangerous expedition into the defiant and apocalyptic corners of bass music, ANTAGONÏZER’s debut EP is as conceptual as it is unconventional. Driven by a primal aesthetic and tales of power, domination, and survival, OMNIVIOLENCE analyzes the disorder and anarcharial nature entangled within the natural human psyche. Twisting and turning through rebellious sonic landscapes, the EP is a combination of Crywolf’s raw, poetically ruthless lyricism and AWAY’s daringly brutal production. A collection of six originals that span from spine-tingling to hair-raising, OMNIVIOLENCE goes beyond the usual edges of electronic music to expose ANTAGONÏZER’s complex and nonconformist underbelly.
“OMNIVIOLENCE is raw energy and instinct transformed into sound. Living in the most abyssal recesses of the mind, this EP isn’t just music — it’s an exploration, a confrontation with the primal drives we often bury. Each track delves into the raw chaos and brutal truths that punctuate our existence. With OMNIVIOLENCE, we embrace the tempest within, unapologetically and unfiltered.” – ANTAGONÏZER
marks a massive point in the young but fiery career of Scottish-Zambian DJ/Producer KILIMANJARO, who has released his highly-anticipated debut solo single, “Hit Em With It.” The track is out now on Diplo’s house and techno label, Higher Ground.
KILIMANJARO is currently in the midst of a meteoric rise following his Boiler Room performance (1.3M+) at Unit 58 in North London that preceded Fred again’s now infamous set. Since then, he’s earned sought-after bookings at Glastonbury, Italy’s Kappa Futur Festival, Manchester’s Warehouse Project, and a residency at London club Phonox. Officially debuting as a collaborator with revered UK producer Hammer just over a year ago, KILIMANJARO has become beloved by fans for the unparalleled energy he brings to his vocal work, DJ performances, and productions.
“Hit Em With It” aims to capture the live energy he’s become known for and translate that into a production that is entirely his own. The haunting, chanting vocals and a medley of percussive elements call upon his earliest music memories of listening to African gospel music at home. Inspired by his pivotal summer, KILIMANJARO wanted to come back to the clubs and close the year with an unignorable scorcher that channels that big stage energy that he’s basked in.
KILIMANJARO still has some huge dates ahead to close out the year, as he joins Swedish House Mafia for their show at Estadio Aztec Stadium in Mexico City, takes over London’s infamous Village Underground for an all-night-long set, stops in Bangalore and Mumbai for DGTL’s India’s iterations, Circoloco’s takeover at Warehouse Project, and more.
As Keys N Krates gear up for their third full-length studio album, IN:TENSION, due out November 10, the trio today delivers the next piece of the project, the blissfully dizzying house track “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” featuring Dana Williams. The new single is out now via MNRK/Last Gang Records.
In addition to the new single, Keys N Krates today also reveal the special guest on the album, who is none other than R&B superstar Ciara, set to appear on the piano house-driven “Fantasy.” These are entirely new, original vocals from the GRAMMY Award winning artist, and the first time she’s taken on pure house music in such a fashion.
With “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” Keys N Krates pull up with their signature heavy percussion, complemented by a wavy synth line and the jazzy nonchalance of Dana Wlliams’ vocals. The new track adds to the comprehensive profile of house music the trio has put out with their album singles thus far, with the deep “Need Your Love,” the heavy “Higher,” the sassy “What Girls Do,” the funky “Say You Love Me,” and the disco-leaning “Get Up.” In addition to their debut on Defected Records, “What You Done” with Rochelle Jordan), Keys N Krates has shown that their new house-driven direction, which is inspired by their lifelong musical influences Masters At Work and Armand Van Helden, fits them to a T.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a club thumper for everyone getting out and moving past relationships weighing them down. The cool, calm, and collected vocals from Dana Williams meet a hypnotic club thumper of a beat influenced by tribal house sounds and baile funk. Subtle and hard-hitting all at once, this tune is about forward motion in one’s life in the coolest way possible.” — Keys N Krates
Irish indie rock band Pillow Queens share gripping, drum-driven track “Suffer” out everywhere now. The latest offering from the group is an aching and emotive exploration of love and self-deception. Throughout November, Pillow Queens is set to perform live across the EU and UK including at Germany’s Rolling Stone Beach and an already sold out London date with tickets on sale now via pillowqueens.com. The band also announces their biggest show to date set for July 13, 2024 at Dublin, Ireland’s Iveagh Gardens with a capacity of 4,000.
“Suffer,” out today, delves deep into the raw and turbulent emotions surrounding the unraveling of a once-cherished relationship. With soul-stirring lyrics and a melancholic melody, this song captures the ache of heartbreak and the struggle to let go. The track has sonic elements of Northern Soul music and acts as a communal psalm for the oppressed, and the heartbroken and for those seeking resolve and mercy as its powerful message reverberates through its final moment. Recalling the making of the track in their home city, “We wrote it in the depths of winter at our rehearsal studio in Dublin, and the cold really penetrates the song.” The band cites inspirations for the track including Alt-J, Hozier, Feist, Black Pumas, Lana Del Rey and more.
Formed in 2016, Pillow Queens–made up of Pamela Connolly (lead vocals, guitar, bass), Sarah Corcoran (vocals, guitar, bass), Cathy McGuiness (vocals, lead guitar) and Rachel Lyons (vocals, drums)–burst onto the scene with their debut demo EP Calm Girls, leading to a string of UK and Irish dates and festival appearances. The release of their follow up EP State of the State prompted Hot Press to write the band is, “currently lauded by any critic worth their salt.” Their debut album In Waiting arrived in 2020 and received praise from The Guardian, who called them “2020’s most exciting indie rockers,” NPR, NME, and The Line of Best Fit, they were named a Band To Watch by Stereogum, received an Irish Album of The Year nomination and made their first U.S. national television appearance remotely on the Late Late Show with James Corden.
Taking the world by storm, the band went on to tour North America, UK and Europe, play at SXSW and open for Phoebe Bridgers in Glasgow. Upon the 2022 release of their sophomore album Leave The Light On, Pitchfork wrote, “Pillow Queens make the kind of noise that tends to flourish live, roared back by the faithful: burnished heartland euphoria, defiant lyricism bolstered by ragged harmonies, lashings of pride, and an unabashed love of crescendos.” The Guardian added, “Sonically, the album evokes the work of Americana-influenced alt-rock musicians such as Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten and even the Killers – a sound that is both epically transcendent and comfortingly gritty.” DIY Magazine raved about the band’s evolution, stating, “‘Leave The Light On’ swaps this sense of personal heritage for introspection, pairing delicate self-reflection with sounds far grander than their previous release,” and the band once again received an Irish Album Of The Year nomination, as well as made their debut in-person late night TV show appearance, once again on the Late Late Show with James Corden. Now, in late 2023, Pillow Queens are ready to return with more, as they only continue to reach new heights.
Canadian electronic producer/DJ Rezz taps UK-based underground artist KAVARI to remix ‘Blue In The Face’, her collaborative single with Shadient and fknsyd off her recent IT’S NOT A PHASE EP, out now via HypnoVizion.
With few official remixes released in Rezz’s catalog, KAVARI’s ‘Blue In The Face’ remix is a rare and welcome reimagination of the goth-inspired original. Diluting fknsyd’s haunting vocals with a dark, festering underground rave aesthetic, KAVARI’s ‘Blue In The Face’ remix is experimental and edgy. KAVARI transports ‘Blue In The Face’ overseas, incorporating elements of UK grime, breakbeat, and bass to bring new textures across the track. Bold and industrial, KAVARI has cemented herself as one to watch with her new ‘Blue In The Face’ remix.
Alt-electro innovator KAVARI is one of the rising stars of the UK underground music scene. A natural trailblazer in electronic music, KAVARI is known for her high contrast productions and performances that fuse industrial, ambient, club, and electronica. Her abrasive sound design and soft melodic soundscapes have garnered her the attention of Aphex Twin, Hudson Mohawke, Mura Masa, and now Rezz. KAVARI’s ‘Blue In The Face’ remix not only marks her debut on HypnoVizion, but also the first official remix to be released on the label since its inception one year ago.
Rezz invites fans to a new taste of ‘Blue In The Face’ with KAVARI’s official remix out now.
Buy/Stream ‘Blue In The Face (KAVARI Remix)’
https://hypnovizion.lnk.tt/BITFremix
Grammy Award-winning, Ivor Novello-nominated live electronic trio NERO returns with ‘Truth’, the first single off their highly-anticipated third studio album Into The Unknown, due out 2024.
It’s been nearly a decade since NERO headlined Coachella’s Outdoor Stage (2015) where they premiered their second studio album Between II Worlds. Since then, the band has turned their focus towards their side projects and personal lives, playing few live shows, and releasing one track in 2018. Into The Unknown marks a significant return for the trio, and the closing chapter in NERO’s album trilogy, which began with the chart topping, Platinum selling and Grammy winning Welcome Reality (2011).
NERO’s time away has not dimmed demand or expectation around a band that always pushed through the limits of electronic music. The musicality, live ambition and cinematic scale that elevated NERO far beyond the confines of the clubbing landscape from which they emerged, feels more essential than ever.
‘Truth’ was the first track created for Into The Unknown, written four years ago, and acts as a gateway into the concluding chapter of the NERO trilogy, taking listeners full circle, beyond the post-apocalyptic future of the first two albums, into the deep cosmos and whatever may come next for humanity.
rock band GXTP have released their debut album, Smoke & Mirrors. A conceptual project led by multi-platinum and GRAMMY nominated producer Jason Paul, multi-platinum and GRAMMY nominated producer Sasha Sirota, and Triple Sixx, the album provided the group of creatives an opportunity to tap into the rock world in a way they had not yet explored. The result is an anthemic collection of catchy hooks and heavy beats with the album’s previously released offerings garnering over 7.5 million streams and early support from the likes of E!, Forbes, Loudwire, V Magazine, Blabbermouth, Spindle Magazine, and more.
“Smoke & Mirrors has been a special project for us,” shares the band. “GXTP all started with a poem by Triple Sixx called ‘Guns & Toilet Paper’ and when we were turning it into a song we just felt like it was more of a rock song than anything else. That song stemmed into this whole band and every song on the entire project started that same way. They were all poems from Triple Sixx that we turned into songs and this whole album.”
On Smoke & Mirrors, the band hone in on their motto as “the greatest f*cking rock band of all time” as they spotlight various rock elements with the perfect amount of comedic relief. The album opens with the adrenaline-fueled “Accusation,” an exhilarating track of redemption and defiance, followed by explosive single “Contraband” featuring the legendary Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe which was praised as a “rock and roll banger” by V Magazine and quickly climbed up the Top 40 Mediabase Active Rock chart.
Meet Brooklyn’s latest rising pop-rock unit, Razor Braids. Consisting of all queer, female / non-binary members, the soaring harmonies and magnetic sound the band create offer a cathartic sound unlike any other. Recently performing at 2023 SXSW and 2023 Boston Calling openingfor The National and Foo Fighters, Razor Braids have also received praise from Brooklyn Vegan, Philthy Mag, Analogue Trash, and Creem Magazine, to name a few. Currently, the four piece are gearing up to record their sophomore album, which is slated for release in 2024.
Insomniac Events has announced the artist lineup for its ninth annual New Year’s Eve extravaganza, Countdown NYE. The captivating year-end blow-out welcomes back headlining dance music talent to San Bernardino’s NOS Events Center from December 30th to December 31st, ringing in the new year across five immersive stage environments with over 80 artists.
Countdown NYE’s otherworldly lineup features the scene’s leading names, spearheaded by the patron saint of modern electronic music and mau5trap founder deadmau5, Grammy-award winning hitmakers The Chainsmokers, veteran dance megastar Tiësto, party-starting tech house sensation FISHER, and genre-defying producer extraordinaire Porter Robinson. The expansive star talent continues with larger-than-life dance icon Alison Wonderland, the heavy-hitting NGHTMRE, energetic jungle-pop house duo Sofi Tukker, and queen of techno Nicole Moudaber.
The Countdown NYE lineup is stacked with Insomniac’s characteristic blend of titanic acts and fierce rising stars. While experiencing the excellence of pioneering British trio Nero or the transcendent sounds of Seven Lions, you can also groove out to sets from house upstarts like Miss Dre and Max Styler or melodic techno tastemakers Township Rebellion. Lineup highlights continue with the Grammy-nominated Audien, a sub-shattering set from Slushii, and the orchestral meets future-forward bass of Apashe.
Two-day GA, GA+, and VIP tickets are on sale now at countdownnye.com
Slash Feat. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators will be heading to Australia in February 2024 as part of the massive The River Is Rising-Rest of the World Tour ’24 of international dates. The newly announced shows will visit Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne with special guests The Struts and Rose Tattoo. General on sale for tickets begins Friday, Nov. 3 at 12:00 PM local time via www.destroyalllines.com, fans can access pre-sale tickets starting on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 12:00 PM local time on: https://daltours.cc/SLMKC24.
The River Is Rising-Rest of the World Tour ’24 will officially kick off with the band’s return to Mexico City’s Pepsi Centre WTC, on January 23, and will see SMKC hit 21 countries, and 35 cities across the globe. Support on the various dates of SMKC’s The River Is Rising-Rest of the World Tour ‘24 will come from Mammoth WVH, with The Struts and Rose Tattoo opening on the Australia run of shows, see all dates below, and visit: https://www.slashonline.com/tour/.
For 150 years, Epiphone has been a leading innovator in instrument design. By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the future, Epiphone has set the stage for the next era of sound for present and future generations. Heavy metal guitars don’t get more iconic than Kirk Hammett’s 1979 Gibson Flying V™. Epiphone is proud to unveil its first official global release and partnership with Kirk Hammett, legendary guitarist of the multi-platinum-selling and GRAMMY® Award–winning band Metallica. In partnership with Gibson Custom Shop, Epiphone is bringing the genre-defining sound of Metallica’s early albums to every stage with the Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V – a painstaking recreation of Kirk’s prized original, available in Ebony and Purple Metallic finishes worldwide on www.epiphone.com.
“I am extremely honored to be able to put out an Epiphone Flying V today,” says Kirk Hammett. “Epiphone represents great sounding guitars at accessible prices, which is fundamentally important for up-and-coming musicians. I’m beyond pleased that I can offer the ‘79 Flying V in this capacity. It means so much to me to be able to put good guitars in the hands of young players.”
“We’re bringing the collaboration with the legendary Kirk Hammett to every stage for the first time through Epiphone, allowing every guitarist to wield the power and passion of Metallica’s music.” – Jenny Marsh, Director of Global Cultural Influence at Gibson Brands
Critically acclaimed Irish folk trioThe Henry Girls announce their eagerly awaited new album A Time To Grow, produced by the renowned producer Tommy McLaughlin at Attica Audio, Co. Donegal, which will be released Jan 26th 2024. The band, consisting of Karen, Lorna, and Joleen McLaughlin, has woven their enchanting harmonies into a collection of captivating and alluring songs.
In addition to the album announcement, The Henry Girls have joined forces with singer Ríoghnach Connolly, the current BBC Folk Singer Of The Year, to release a powerful single, Not Your Fight, Nov 10th. This composition was born from a writing collaboration between Ríoghnach and Karen McLaughlin of The Henry Girls during Rioghnach’s time as Artist in Residence at The Nerve Centre, Derry at the invitation of Head of Music, Marty McGill. Not Your Fight is a moving message for all those who find themselves helplessly witnessing a world torn apart by ceaseless conflict and violence. The single serves as a reminder of the shared human experience and our capacity for compassion and understanding in a world too often marked by discord.
The upcoming album is a testament to The Henry Girls’ musical evolution and their ability to create a rich tapestry of sound. Known for their folk-inspired music, The Henry Girls have gained a dedicated following worldwide, and their upcoming album showcases the depth of their artistry. Working with Tommy McLaughlin (Soak, Ailbhe Reddy, Pillow Queens) whose work has been celebrated in the industry, has enabled the group to deliver a musical experience that is both sonically exquisite and emotionally profound.
“Collaborating with Tommy McLaughlin has been a transformative experience for us,” says Karen of The Henry Girls. “This album is a reflection of our growth as musicians and our desire to create music that inspires and connects with people on a deeply emotional level.”
This album was part funded by the Arts Council of Ireland’s Music Industry Stimulus Package, which is managed by First Music Contact.
The album is set to be released on 26th January 2024 and Not Your Fight will be available from the 10th November 2023 on all major streaming platforms.
The Henry Girls would like to thank Malin artist Tim Stampton for the album cover design and Richard Walsh at ZooCreative for the single cover.
Visionary Avant-Pop duo Faux Real has unveiled the new single, “Faux Maux,” available now via their new deal with legendary independent label, City Slang. A starry-eyed ode to staying in and logging out, the track (pronounced /fō mō/) is joined by a self-directed official music video, featuring cinematography by longtime collaborator Léo Schrepel and streaming now on YouTube.
LISTEN TO “FAUX MAUX”
WATCH OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
“Faux Maux” sees Faux Real – a.k.a. Los Angeles-based Franco-American brothers Virgile and Elliott Arndt – shining brighter here than ever before, with melodies that never land where one would expect, two-part turnarounds, plastic splashes of sound design, and irresistible vocal hooks. Forever expanding their faux-cabulary, the Arndts have melded a particularly 21st Century malaise with a layer of sarcastic French wordplay, with “Faux Maux” quite literally translating to “fake aches.” Initially conceived in a pre-COVID world, the song’s key message of the phone as emblem of our times (“Call me up / I’ll turn you down”) has since piled on several new coats of meaning, with its themes of isolation and social anxiety also echoing the environmental illness of Julianne Moore’s character in Todd Haynes’ Safe (1995). As they set forth on their new era, Faux Real invite us into their singular playhouse, opening the door on the idiosyncratic and ingenious home they have been building from the inside out.
“Faux Maux” follows last year’s acclaimed single, “Full Circle,” joined by a disquieting – yet captivatingly choreographed – official music video, directed by Faux Real and streaming now at YouTube. With a meticulous new sound favoring ultra-digital software instruments, brutalist production, and the duo’s long-standing knack for hugely catchy vocal melodies, the track was met by applause from media outlets around the world outlets with EARMILK hailing it as “another off-beat, alt-pop gem…‘Full Circle’ fuses organic, melodic beats with dynamic drum hits. Hints of synth creep up to the catchiest of choruses, slipping between the brothers’ vocals, complimenting each other seamlessly with double tracks and stacks…The video is equally as stirring, with the pair’s quick moves in time to the beat reaching out of the screen.”
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
