Emerging pop-rock sensation Erin Greider has released her new single, “45th Minutes Without Traffic.” In an era of music that often leans towards the extravagant, Greider’s approach is refreshingly down-to-earth. The Native Angelino captures the feeling of dating, embracing the thrill of spontaneity, and reveling in life’s lighter moments. Her lyrics are a testament to the Southern California feeling, bringing listeners on a captivating journey. “45 Minutes Without Traffic” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
As Greider explains, “This song is essentially about dating, having fun, and not taking anything too seriously.” These sentiments resonate throughout the track, making it a relatable anthem for anyone looking to embrace the spontaneous joys of life. “45 Minutes Without Traffic” isn’t just a song; it’s a musical embodiment of the Californian way of life. Produced by Michigan native Topher Mohr, a longtime collaborator, the song is sure to capture the hearts of every listener.
Born in Oxford before moving to London, Kfromkway’s journey from quiet streets to the bustling music capital is forming a true rap success story in the making. Finding his voice at the tender age of 8, the young artist quickly became a musician and developed a blossoming artistry, producing, recording and writing his own records in the comfort of his bedroom. Since these intimate sessions, Kfromkway has gone on to work alongside renowned artists and producers like South London veteran Skengdo, multi-platinum producer Jackson Romain (Nines, Young Steflon) and UK staple Chris Rich (Central Cee, Digga D, Unknown T). Displaying an unwavering confidence while rubbing shoulders with some of the country’s finest, his soul-stirring vocals and lyrical focus have caught serious attention from key tastemakers including CAPITAL XTRA and BBC 1XTRA to SBTV and TRENCH – establishing his deep-rooted influence at street level and visionary conviction as clear markers of a growing talent.
With authenticity and a clear creative vision shining at the forefront of his stylish musical approach, I’d love to hear your thoughts on Kfromkway and his debut mixtape
‘Candy Pop’, the new EP from AWOLNATION is out today. The release includes two new remixes of the title track by the artists Elohim and Flamingosis. Fans can stream the EP in full at this link: https://orcd.co/candypopep and watch the visualizer for “Candy Pop (Elohim Remix)” here: https://youtu.be/KpqwdOzlMgs
“Elohim is so talented and a dear friend. I was honored that she wanted to do a remix of the song. And I recently became familiar with Flamingosis’ work, and I instantly became a fan. So, it was exciting to be able to have him put his spin on this new single,” says AWOLNATION on the artists who remixed “Candy Pop”.
Elohim adds, “I love working with honest authentic artists who know what they want and are also open to collaboration and sounds they wouldn’t normally turn to. Aaron is that. A wonderful friend and a joy to collaborate with. When I get calls from him asking if I want to participate on something it is always YES. As soon as I heard his vocal on candy pop I knew I wanted to dive in and dissect it. I had a lot of fun chopping this up and making this remix!”
“This was a fun tune for me to get out of my comfort zone and try some new things for this remix,” says Flamingosis. I had no idea where I was going to go with this one, ended up making it into a wonky boom bap flip while letting the vocals glide on the beat. I had fun putting my own spin on it, and hope you guys dig it as well!”
‘Candy Pop’ also includes the previously released singles “Freaking Me Out” and “We Are All Insane”. When “Candy Pop” was released, the music video completed the trilogy of videos directed by Eliot Charof. The videos take inspiration from classic film and paranoid fiction, revealing a dreamlike world that feels both futuristic and bygone, and have amassed over half a million views each. You can watch the trilogy in full here:
Following the success of their 2022 EP Don’t Wait Up, DRAMA, the Chicago-based collaboration between producer Na’el Shehade and vocalist Via Rosa, delivers their clubbable fourth EP, Till We Die. The seven-track project refreshingly captures the duo’s trademark sound of two unlikely musical pairings: dance and R&B. Late-night groovy, dance anthems of independence and self-love carefully replace the duo’s typical broody heartbreak sounds.
Alt-R&B darling Dana Williams unveils her new single “Not The One” and accompanying visualizer via Stem Disintermedia. The new record comes off the heels of her collaboration with South African electronic duo Goldfish on “Coffee In The Afternoon” and the summer 2023 delivery of her EP ‘Talk Therapy’ and bonus edition tracks.
Swooning with her signature jazzy nonchalance, the poignant new record “Not The One” looks at Dana’s continued journey of self-discovery, healing, and emotional evolution. Dana has undeniably learned how to use her voice to vocalize her needs.
She describes her sound as “ethereal soul folk” and is heavily inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Carole King, Norah Jones, Nina Simone, and Sam Cooke.
“’Not The One’ tells the story about when the honeymoon period of a summer fling came to a screeching halt. The red flags became apparent, and I decided to come to terms with reality and move on.” – Dana Williams
Miranda Joan is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and musician. Born in Montréal, Miranda spent her formative years growing up on the north shore of Vancouver, filling diaries with emotions and experiences; creating a safe place to land for both her heart and her imagination that would go on to form the basis of her song writing. Her influences range from Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, and Carole King to Anderson Paak., Little Dragon and Robyn, drawing on both the classic and the contemporary. Miranda’s personal experiences and the artistic and spiritual energies of the places she has called home flow through intricate song writing and playful production to form a unique blend of Soul-Pop.
With the fluidity of growing up along the Pacific Ocean in Vancouver and the joy-de-vivre and creativity that Montréal exudes radiating through her music, Miranda has always sustained strong roots in Canada. A shy child, her first experiences of music and performing came from high school drama and musical theatre. Leaning into Soul, R&B and Jazz sounds, she found a natural home for her voice. Miranda began to shape her sound using her lifetime of journals and influence from the singer-songwriters of all genres that had fed into her writing process throughout her life. She moved to New York to study Jazz and opened her inquisitive sound and creative style to a host of artists and producers in her musical surroundings, as well as the grittiness and intensity of the city.
Establishing herself in the Brooklyn Soul/Jazz community, Miranda is the co-host and co-founder of Brooklyn’s Femme Jam (NYC’s first all-female led jam session); a community initiative to create a womxn-led space with an emphasis on female musicians that fosters inclusivity. Arts mentorship has been an important through-line in Joan’s career and for the past eight years she has been a music mentor with the non-profit SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young where she works with youth 8-18 who stutter.
She has performed on national tours, played sold-out and headline shows at well-known New York venues, provided backing vocals for the likes of The Killers, Shawn Mendes, Lorde, Kylie Minogue and Andy Grammar, and joined Sly5thAve at Montréal Jazz Festival with the Orchestre National de Jazz de Montréal, in a tribute to Dr. Dre. In 2021 she was selected as one of First Up with RBCxMusic Emerging Artists as she released her debut album ‘Windborne’, the follow up to her 2019 EP “Still”. Both releases received consistent radio airplay in Vancouver and Los Angeles and led to a sync placement on Canadian TV show The Strays. Recent singles “Overstimulated” and “I Love You, Dwayne” have received support from NPR, Consequence, EARMILK, Exclaim! and airplay from CBC and MountainFM in Canada and Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM) in the UK.
Blossoming out of what was originally intended as a one song collaboration, Miranda has spent recent years collaborating with Ben Carr AKA CARRTOONS on her sophomore album ‘Overstimulated’. “It is an album book-ended by songs of affirmation, of rooting, of returning to and loving oneself, intertwined with the messy, chaotic and interconnected web of my hopes, dreams, imagination, love, and heartache”, Miranda muses. Simultaneously leaning into and letting go of the excessive and overstimulating, the LP sees Miranda shift into a space of contemporary Jazz and Soul, where the instrumental and acoustic meets the electronic. Developed song writing and storytelling sits alongside production from CARRTOONS and additional offerings from the likes of Sly5thAve, Jake Sherman, Ben Williams, The Huntertones and Kristine Kruta.
Harley Luck, who released his EP, Cloud Cover, this musical journey is a poignant exploration of teenage romance and heartbreak, capturing the essence of coming of age and the universal experiences that resonate with most teenagers. Written and produced by Harley Luck, Cloud Cover offers a unique blend of youthful energy within its lyrics and themes, artfully juxtaposed with mature instrumentation and production.
With his sold-out, record-breaking, and critically acclaimed 2023 Utopia – Circus Maximus Tour currently underway, Travis Scott today announced the second leg of his tour, hitting 8 new cities next year. The second leg begins Wednesday, January 3, 2024 in Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum, with additional stops in Montreal, Columbus, Chicago and more. Rescheduled shows in Toronto, Boston, Miami from the 2023 run will also be included.
Tickets for 2024 dates of the Travis Scott Utopia – Circus Maximus Tour will go on sale Friday, November 10 at 10am local time at travisscott.com.
$2 from every ticket sold will go to Cactus Jack Foundation which is a 501(c)3 with a mission to uplift Houston youth through toy drives, scholarship programs to HBCU college students, and fulfilling expenses for education and creative endeavors.
The announcement follows Travis Scott’s historical performance at SoFi Stadium this past Sunday, making him the first rapper to headline and sell out the 70k capacity venue. What was his biggest headline show to date, saw the groundbreaking, global trailblazer put on an electrifying performance to a dedicated and captivated crowd for what was truly a monumental and historical night for both rap music and for Los Angeles.
The Utopia – Circus Maximus Toursees Travis at the height of his career, with over 500,000 tickets sold and more than $80 million grossed to date. Travis has also broken multiple records for most merchandise sold in one night, including more than $1 million sold at American Airlines Center in Dallas and at Denver’s Ball Arena. At SoFi Stadium, Travis sold an incredible $3.8 million in official merchandise.
Earlier this year, Travis Scott unveiled his CIRCUS MAXIMUS film in select AMC Theatres which sold-out instantly nationwide. Taking his audience on a mind-bending visual odyssey across the globe, woven together by the speaker rattling sounds of UTOPIA. The film is a surreal and psychedelic journey, uniting a collective of visionary filmmakers from around the world in a kaleidoscopic exploration of human experience and the power of soundscapes. Written & Directed by Travis Scott and additional directors: Gaspar Noe, Valdimar Jóhannsson, Nicolas Winding Refn, Harmony Korine and Kahlil Joseph.
Continuing an unprecedented hot streak, Lil Durk proudly presents his forthcoming new OTF (Only The Family) compilation project, Nightmares In The Trenches, out next Friday November 17th. Pre-order/Pre-save HERE. He paved the way for its arrival with the scorching song and music video “Smurk Carter,” available now. Stream “Smurk Carter” HERE. Watch the music video HERE.
“Smurk Carter” laces otherworldly synths with boisterous horns and a thumping bassline. Durk’s unmistakable vocals practically put the beat in a headlock as he drops distinctive bars with an anthemic and introspective hook, “Money is the root of all evil, Smurk I mean Durk be in the trenches with his people.” In a moment of raw reflection, he exhales a sigh, “‘Cursed’ I mean hurt that they just taking all my people.” In the cinematic visual directed by Jerry Production, Durk links up with friends and family as the music video opens up with Durk’s uncle as the voice intro and cameo appearance. The mood undeniably resembles an ode to Lil Wayne’s Carter/Carter II era Lil Wayne as Durk pays homage through the imagery.
In other big news, Durk just snagged a GRAMMY® Award nomination for “All My Life” [feat. J. Cole]. At the 2024 ceremony, he will compete for “Best Melodic Rap Performance.” Stay tuned for more.
The original “All My Life” picked up a platinum certification, soared to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, reeled in over half-a-billion streams in addition to 124 million YouTube views on the music video, and reached #1 at Rhythm and Urban Radio for consecutive weeks. Not to mention, it vaulted to #1 on the Billboard Rhythmic Chart and at Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart.
Lil Durk released his critically acclaimed blockbuster album, Almost Healed , earlier this year. Nearing half-a-billion streams, Almost Healed, marked his fourth consecutive Top 3 debut on the Billboard 200 and third straight #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart.
Durk shows no signs of stopping or slowing down though.
Casii Stephan is a Minnesota born, indie-pop meets soul-rock singer-songwriter now based in Tulsa, OK. Her “gorgeously emotive voice inspires comparisons to alt-pop artists like Florence Welch and Fiona Apple with a writing style reminiscent of Carole King”, proclaims NPR.
Stephan’s vocals are fierce and fearless, but this was not always the case. She grew up shy and afraid of her voice until she started writing songs on the family piano when she was 16. Moving to
Tulsa in 2014, Casii Stephan had the intent to give up her pursuit of a music career, however with a little encouragement from a friend, she continued songwriting and started releasing music in 2016. Since then, Casii Stephan has received numerous songwriting awards, headlinned tours, performed official SXSW and Folk Alliance showcases, and received praise from top tier outlets including Billboard and American Songwriter. The authentic songwriter writes her songs honestly, from the depths of her emotions, with lyrics that push back on negative societal norms like sexism, ageism and “playing nice” as a woman. She uses writing to deconstruct her own beliefs with an underlying hope that things can change, inviting listeners on their own journey.
Her latest single is a timeless and emotional cover of
Leon Russell’s “A Song for You”. Recorded in one take at The Church Studio in Tulsa, which he founded, Casii’s rendition is soulful, evocative and seductive. She confides, “I believe this song is one of the greatest when it comes to best-written love songs. It’s also just not an easy song to cover. Part of me viewed this as a challenge to myself and the other part viewed it as a way to express my respect for what Leon did as a songwriter and musician. Recorded in one take (It was Take #4), it forced me to accept the performance with all its nuances just like the song describes the acceptance between the two lovers. It ain’t perfect and that’s the beauty of it.”
The latest in a series of fascinating collaborations with world-renowned authors – MULL HISTORICAL SOCIETY – is pleased to present “Not Enough Sorry”.
The new single arrives as the Scottish artist and author announces a limited series of unique shows for 2024 which will see Mull Historical Society & Special Guests performing his classic debut album ‘Loss’ as well as his acclaimed 2023 album ‘In My Mind There’s A Room’ live and in full.
the release of “TAG TEAM,” a dynamic and sassy pop collaboration between rising pop sensation ellakate and the talented Whitney Bjerken. The song is a catchy, girl power anthem that delves into themes of friendship, overcoming bad exes, and embracing the spirit of badassery.
“TAG TEAM” is a testament to the power of female camaraderie and the strength that arises when two individuals come together against a common adversary. Written and sung by ellakate and Whitney Bjerken, the song narrates the story of two empowered women joining forces to confront an ex-lover who failed to treat them with the respect they deserve.
The chemistry between ellakate and Whitney shines through, creating a musical experience that is not only catchy but also emotionally charged.
Naarm-based artist Hayku Kyah is set to release her debut EP ‘I Thought You Should Hear It From Me‘ on the new moon of November 13th, marking a new chapter in her career as a genre-bending artist and poetically inclined rapper. This also marks a new chapter in Elefant Traks’ books with Hayku Kyah being the first artist to be released via the new development label ‘Future Shade Recordings’. Platformed as a unique voice who creates narratives that ultimately seek to challenge the phantasm we live in; painting vivid imagery in her listeners’ minds.
The project consists of 5 tracks, each representing a bold statement that highlights Kyah’s talent as an artist. The EP’s focus track ‘Lune‘, meaning ‘moon’ in French, opens with a series of voice notes in which Kyah sets the tone for the project. The listener is lulled into the story with a clarinet that’s reminiscent of an old Hollywood charm, before Kyah takes centre-stage with lyrics that declare her intention to be heard.
Kyah lays out her ambitions and sense of purpose with lines like: “Highly underrated, but I’m staying until they know what my name is – like a Hollywood star.”This focus track is a testament to her alignment with cosmic forces greater than herself, and her willingness to forge ahead with her career and leave the results up to fate.
The accompanying tracks on the EP — ‘Earth Angel‘, ‘Sour‘, ‘Swan Dive‘, and ‘do not feed the artists‘— build on this sense of purpose and engage with one another to create a cohesive, symbiotic whole. Hayku Kyah’s talent is on full display, with the help of talented and esteemed producers (Teether, IJALE, Kwasi, SwissBerry, UNO Stereo and herself) offering a unique blend of influences that defy easy categorisation.
Dea Doyle is a singer/songwriter from West London. Born into a household of music, Dea always knew she wanted to be an artist, having written her first song at just nine years old. Inspired by the likes of Carole King, Haim, Fleetwood Mac and Hall & Oates, she offers quick-witted lyrics about life, love and heartbreak, yet always with a memorable chorus.
Her latest single “One For Me” is about an unexpected love. Dea sings about the type of relationship that comes out of nowhere and ends up being the best thing that ever happened to you. Hoping to encourage people to take risks and be more spontaneous, Dea shares, “Don’t worry when life starts to feel a little stagnant as you never know what new adventure is around the corner.”
Emitting a feminine, lighthearted and upbeat tone with a warm melody and a catchy chorus, “One For Me” finds inspiration in Katy Perry’s candid songwriting and naive lyrics in her first album, One of the Boys. As an active performer around London, and having received extensive blog coverage including the likes of Earmilk and Atwood Magazine, Dea Doyle is quickly becoming one to watch.
Birmingham born, Bali based producer, audio engineer, and Inward Records label head Pippi Ciez returns to All Day I Dream to release his ethereal three track Limitless EP. Having previously graced Lee Burridge’s revered imprint with the Riziki EP in 2020, contributed to the Summer Sampler 2021 VA, and released his chart-topping debut album Multiple of Three on the label in 2021, Pippi Ciez is back to weave his sonic magic within the enchanting realm of All Day I Dream. The Limitless EP is a testament to his creative prowess, featuring three beautiful compositions: ‘Seeking Solitude,’ ‘Limitless,’ and ‘Guardians.’
2023 has been a massive year for Pippi, leaving his mark on various labels including his own Inward Records, Hidden Hands, AireSoloSeriA, and TRYBESof, another of Lee Burridge’s esteemed imprints. The Limitless EP is a standout project of Pippi’s, showcasing musical sophistication that solidifies his place amongst melodic house royalty.
The EP’s titular track is uplifting from the get go. We are greeted with an isolated complex percussive pattern, but it’s not long before a charming melodic element is introduced. As Pippi continues to layer in additional melodic soundscapes, the track takes on an inspirational feel, true to its title. Around the halfway mark, the track breaks down, and a sharp synth solo takes the spotlight. As the synth notes climb higher and higher, the percussion is brought back in, before finally tension is released and we return back to the familiar melody of the track’s first half. For the final verse, Pippi introduces a portion of the track that is elegant yet high energy, before the various components of the track slowly fade out, and we are left with the same percussion that commenced the track.
The release of the Limitless EP comes at an exciting time for Pippi, having just completed a string of shows in Boston, New York, and Vegas, as well as a very special show with Lee Burridge at the legendary venue Savaya in Bali- which is where the two first played together back in 2021.
In their follow up to hit Bleed Together, VALA show off their poppy side with Fishes – it’s as catchy as it comes with sleek vocals, melodies and hooks galore. Fishes blends mesmerising processed vocals over sparkling guitars and striking drums as VALA continue to dip their toes into a future-pop sound whilst maintaining their indie hero status. Not the simple pop song it sounds on the surface, Fishes is a lasagne of layers that delves deep and could be one of the best tracks of the year.
With a genre-crossing sound VALA are a fusion of indie rock and pop, incorporating melodic hooks and smooth guitar riffs which has seen them likened to indie giants like The Strokes, Willie J. Healey and more. VALA will return home to Manchester to headline The Deaf Institute with support from Foxglove for S.J.M. Concerts on November 17th. Guestlist is available for journalistic purposes, please just get in touch.
New York City’s premier underground event collective Teksupport revealed their full New Year’s Week programming, featuring some of the world’s most noteworthy house and techno selectors for a series of seven shows across three venues.
Opening the marathon New Year’s Week celebrations on December 28th is a five hour set from Chicago native John Summit joined by Israeli rising star Mita Gami at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. On December 29th, seven-time Grammy nominee Bonobo will perform his acclaimed DJ set alongside three special back to backs with Ellum Audio boss Maceo Plex b2b new wave techno producer Avision, Life and Death label head DJ Tennis b2b Swiss powerhouse Jimi Jules, & Miami-based rising star Miluhska b2b Brooklyn-based DJ and producer Tony y Not at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
On December 30th, Day Zero founder and Crosstown Rebels head Damian Lazarus will play an alluring four hour set, set to the immersive backdrop of ArtsDistrict Brooklyn’s 360-degree visual projection technology. On December 31st (NYE), Teksupport returns to the Brooklyn Navy Yard to host Drumcode Records founder Adam Beyer, Berlin-based duo Mind Against, Trick label boss Patrick Topping, Italian techno pioneer Ilario Alicante, & rising star HoneyLuv.
Ringing in the New Year on January 1st, Teksupport will host NYC native Victor Calderone at Sony Hall, Innervisions icon Âme + more artists TBA in Brooklyn, and a special six hour set from Bronx-born The Martinez Brothers at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Register for presale access here
Shows
December 28th: John Summit and Mita Gami at Brooklyn Navy Yard
December 29th: Bonobo (DJ Set), Maceo Plex b2b Avision, DJ Tennis b2b Jimi Jules, Miluhska b2b Tony y Not at Brooklyn Navy Yard
December 30th: Damian Lazarus at ArtsDistrict Brooklyn
December 31st: Adam Beyer, Mind Against, Patrick Topping, Ilario Alicante, Honeyluv at Brooklyn Navy Yard
January 1st: Victor Calderone at Sony Hall
January 1st: The Martinez Brothers at Brooklyn Navy Yard
January 1st: Âme + more TBA
When you meet someone new, are you able to enjoy every moment while getting to know the other person? I was starting a new relationship at the time and thought I didn’t want to rush things – even if it didn’t work out, it’s lovely to savour it, living fully in the moment in the company of someone I care about and see where it can lead to without any haste.
Figure it out, slowly and in puzzles.
Here is a blossoming romance – when both parties give clear signs but still play it cool and coy.
🧩 Watch the official “In Puzzles” music video on YouTube 🧩
When we wrote Into The Blue Night, we realized that we can overcome significant obstacles and continue to make art in the face of them. That you can throw yourself into something head first, recklessly and without hesitation and it just might turn out OK.
🧩 Hear our debut album Into The Blue Night now on all streaming platforms 🧩
There are many recurring themes that run through this record. Love, Loss, Loneliness, Self Isolation, Beauty, Joy, Nostalgia and Remembrance. The album was inspired by the bits of all of these emotions and how they intersected during a global pandemic.
Thank you for listening,Mai Diaz Langou of SWiiMS
Indie-rock band Mom Jeans have announced their new record Bear Market, set for self-release on 17th November 2023.
Although it could have just been a standard collection of older songs re-done acoustically, Mom Jeans approached their new record Bear Market with the same level of detail and intention that they have every other project. The result is an indie rocking, fun, and thoughtful album that reflects the strength of the bands’ songwriting, which translates easily across genre lines.
“We had all these great songs laying around and we figured we might as well re-record them.” says vocalist Eric Butler about the record, “people should really hear this stuff.” He says with a smile.
BEAR MARKET – TRACKLISTING
something
death by cup
danger can
40 hands
gsc
sweet
shred cruz must die
kevin eats cats
skinny Bart
wassup;)
clown
hippo (in the water)
elevator theme song
cry baby:’(
tie die
10 min
Vinyl copies of Bear Market will only be available on the bands forthcoming US tour or pre-sale HERE
acclaimed New York City-based electronic musician, producer and activist Moby shares the emotional animated official video for downtempo reworking of Cream’s “We’re Going Wrong” with Brie O’Banion out everywhere now via Moby’s label, Always Centered At Night.
The “We’re Going Wrong” accompanying animated video sheds light on the harsh realities of animal cruelty and the dark side of the meat and dairy industry. On the goal of the visual, Moby says, “I try whenever possible to use my platform as a way to address the tragic horrors of meat and dairy production, and I believe the animated video for ‘We’re Going Wrong’ does this in a heartbreaking, poignant way.”
Watch “We’re Going Wrong” ft. Brie O’Banion (Official Music Video)
The idea for Moby’s version of “We’re Going Wrong” emerged years ago when he was going through old vinyl records and getting ready to sell them to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Listening to some old favorites, he re-discovered the Cream track written by their bassist Jack Bruce. Moby recalls, “I was struck by how plaintive and beautiful it was, and how sadly germane it was for the current moment. I wrote a downtempo version of the song and asked my friend Brie O’Banion to sing it, and her voice brought a wonderful beauty and depth to it.”
Ashley Elle’s love for music was evident from an early age. She would spend hours singing and playing the piano and guitar. But despite her natural talent, she was always a bit humble and shy about it. It wasn’t until her dad encouraged her to record her voice in a studio that she realized her passion for music was stronger than she thought.
Since then, Ashley began to study the songwriting process as it is important that the music she shares will be authentic to her. As industry folks began to hear her early recordings, many quickly took notice and reached out to work directly with her. She has worked tirelessly with producers to hone her craft and develop her unique indie-pop sound. To date, the themes of heartbreak, maturing, love, and mental health are central to Ashley’s music. She writes deep from the heart, drawing on personal experiences and struggles. For Ashley, music is a way to express herself and connect with others. Her vulnerability as a songwriter is both scary and rewarding, and she hopes her music resonates with her listeners as much as it does with her. She always wants to stay real and authentic and for her, that includes sharing her most vulnerable feelings.
Ashley Elle’s hard work paid off in 2019 when she was signed to a publishing deal by Given Entertainment out of Nashville. She has since been writing and recording new material, pouring her heart and soul into each song. She has a deep catalog but is always working to make the next song better.
Now based in Los Angeles, Ashley attends Loyola Marymount University and collaborates with talented producers and writers. With her upcoming singles “Heavy Heavy Heavy” and “Somebody’s Somebody,” Ashley Elle is eager to share her music with the world and hopes that her authentic story will inspire others. Visit her website at AshleyElleMusic.com.
GRAMMY-nominated global artist Matt B has released a new music video for single “OGALA TRAVELER,” out now via Vitae Records. The percussive-led down-tempo track tells the story of a boy named Ogala, meaning “leader” in Igbo, who seeks exciting journeys to find a good life. The visual, directed by Matt’s wife, manager, and producer Angela Benson, shows the beautiful sights of Uganda and Namibia as he comes to terms with his own transformative journey.
“After all my experiences in Africa, I truly consider myself to be an Ogala Traveler,” explains Matt. “Ogala is a name of Nigerian origin (but also common in Uganda, Kenya, and Gabon) and it means ‘a leader’ or ‘a king that will change our lives and carry all burdens.’ The record speaks about someone who is determined to journey far and wide in search of a good, prosperous life for himself and his family. It’s a song of inspiration, and a reminder for people to never stop pushing for your goals and dreams despite all challenges. This song is very special to me and one that really speaks to my soul. My work and drive stems from my family and the legacy I will one day leave for them, it’s why I work so hard as an artist.”
Newcomer frances mistry reveals powerful new single “pick at my skin.” The Loud LDN collective member will be a new name to many, but is making music that’s unforgettably punchy yet delicate at the same time. Frances is a refreshingly original, autistic alternative-Indie artist,whose songs’ autobiographical stories are carried along by her haunting melodies and strident guitar riffs. BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders lauded Frances as a “proper, authentic artist.”
“The Hard Way” is basically a classic “get your girl back” song. It’s about realizing you have a special bond with someone and deciding whether to step forward with them or leave each other behind forever. It’s from the perspective of someone feeling uncertain but offering up their full commitment this time.
Sometimes you weigh whether you should attempt this relationship again because it’s either going to be the best decision you ever made, or destroy you both completely. So with your full heart on a sleeve, you ask them to meet you and there’s only one way to find out if they will truly show up.
Listen to “The Hard Way” on streaming platforms everywhere.
Watch the official music video here.
“The Hard Way” is from our new album, Tall Tales. It’s definitely our most straightforward pop album to date. But I also think this batch of songs and the accessible tone they were written in basically decided that for us. It represents several concepts of self-acceptance, living in the present, learning to move on and looking wide-eyed into the future.
Hear all eight tracks from Tall Tales now.
The recording process was actually really fun and to be honest, with very little expectation of people even hearing it. I think being able to maintain that mindset of artist freedom throughout really made this record a bit of a gem.
Thanks for listening,
Jesse Landen of Jiants
One of music’s greatest auteurs – André “3000” Benjamin – will release his debut solo album, New Blue Sun, on November 17th, 2023 via Epic Records. Co-produced by Benjamin and lauded multi-instrumentalist Carlos Niño, and featuring the playing of Nate Mercereau, Surya Botofasina, Deantoni Parks, Diego Gaeta, Matthewdavid, V.C.R, Diego Gaeta, Jesse Peterson, and Mia Doi Todd, New Blue Sun is an entirely instrumental album centered around woodwinds; a celebratory piece of work in the form of a living, breathing, aural organism.
Benjamin discussed the creation of New Blue Sun – in addition to a myriad of other topics – with Rodney Carmichael of NPR Music in a special edition of the All Songs Considered podcast; listen to the interview HERE.
Over the past decade, André 3000 has lived without anchors, gently floating in a breeze. Blink and you might miss him: There he is in Japan, flashing a bright smile and a peace sign, his other hand holding a custom wooden flute. There he is again, this time in an airport terminal, playing a few spare notes to pass the time. Wait, is that André in SoHo with a latte? Casually walking around like he’s not who he is? It’s why you’ve seen him in scattered social media clips in recent years: The brother is so admired that any glimpse of him needs to be preserved.
But here’s the gag: André isn’t BigFoot. He isn’t some mythical being living in the hills. He’s very much aware of his legend as an award-winning actor, one-half of the GRAMMY-winning rap duo OutKast, and master of the show-stopping guest verse. Despite the fame, he’s still a journeyman, a student of nature and creativity — searching, navigating, listening to the wind.
Middle Part – Andy Selkōw’s artist moniker – is hellbent on pouring his heart out and proving that earnest emotion and endless hooks can coexist within the distorted landscape of his nostalgic sound. Drawing inspiration from the late ’90s and early 2000s, Selkōw’s unique brand of unconventional pop music pays homage to the era, resonating with the confessional lyrical prowess of artists like Alanis Morisette, Third Eye Blind, and Michelle Branch. Selkōw, confides, “I’m so sensitive and hate to show it, but it just bleeds through all of my music.”
The debut album from Middle Part, Disruptor, intricately combines elements of distorted maximalism with an undercurrent of heartfelt sincerity. Exploring themes such as depression, self-acceptance, and the challenges of aging, the album creates an immersive sonic journey. Infusing post-grunge and new millennium tones with innovative twists, the LP captures a fresh sense of reinvention. Selkōw’s poignant label for the album as “a depiction of insanity” alludes to the persistent theme of the Sisyphean struggle against corporate-level productivity and the pervasive emotional deprivation we often face.
The album’s opening track, “Get Fixed,” sets the tone for the record—a spirited and raucous anthem that could easily soundtrack a coming-of-age comedy set in the early 2000s, reminiscent of American Pie. It channels the angst of growing up while grappling with the acceptance of aging and the weight of regrets.
Much of the album was written and recorded between New York and a friend’s cabin in Maine near Sebago Lake, with Middle Part collaborating alongside long-time friend and producer Brian Zaremba, as well as producer Michael Andrews, Frank Corr of The Drums and Morning Silk as well as James McDermott of DBA James & Bayfaction.
Beyond the music, Middle Part places a significant emphasis on the visual narrative that Disruptor inhabits. The album’s visual landscape pays homage to the golden era of MTV, subterranean societies, gritty bedrooms of troubled souls, and the squalor of downtown streets. The visual center piece of this album is a glass box; their most vulnerable and exasperated states on display, representing an exaggerated epitome of the “Tortured Artist”. Worn VHS tapes skitter and bend across screens, inhabiting liminal spaces, while mirrors reflect mirrors, casting a cascade of funhouse-like imagery, paying homage to some of their favorite directors like Greg Arraki, and David Lynch.
With the release of the new single, “Settle My Mind,” cinematic indie-rock artist, Byland, announces her sophomore album, Heavy For A While. Born of a dream of home but then waylaid by disappointment, frustration, and eventual acceptance, the journey of singer-songwriter / multi-instrumentalist Alie Renee Byland and her husband and co-writer, Jake Byland, led to the extraordinary new album. Fueled by Byland’s spirited, eclectic musical approach, songs like “Settle My Mind” are widescreen expressions of longing and isolation, weaving deep-rooted melodies, candid lyrical communication, and sophisticated arrangements with whispers of nostalgia and an unstoppable sense of forward motion. The result is a singular vision both familiar and unprecedented, bittersweet yet strikingly life-affirming.
“Coming from a family where blood was synonymous with ‘loyalty,’ it was so difficult to dream for myself of any life that looked different than my family’s expectations of me,” says Alie, explaining that “Settle My Mind” is a very literal account of some of the ugly moments that led to the couple deciding to move to Seattle from her childhood home of New Mexico in 2022. “Listening back, I can literally watch as I walk myself to the realization that ‘I can’t make myself love this,’ no matter how badly I wanted to – and tried to. Although writing this song was me spelling out a million reasons to leave, convincing myself it’s okay to do what’s best for me, I only needed to grasp that I don’t need permission from anyone to be happy.”
SPELLES, the sonic duo made up of Luc Laurent and Kathryn Baar, has released their long awaited debut album Diving Into the Arms of the Divine via Sierra Bonita Records. The eleven track collection is a mystical, cinematic, and imaginative exploration of our inner worlds and what private hells lie within. The album expresses a sense of longing with an emphasis on dreams, and the journey towards contemplation over darkness.
SPELLES broke out in 2014 after their unreleased song “Bird in a Cage” was placed on the hit TV show Pretty Little Liars. Since then they’ve released two EP’s: SPELLES and Skeleton Coast I, and multiple singles. They’ve also had the good fortune of getting their songs placed on numerous shows, such as Good Girls, Big Sky, Charmed, and Nancy Drew, as well as on a TV promo for ABC. In 2017 their song “Dead in the Water” was played on BBC Radio 1 and they were sponsored by Taco Bell for their Feed the Beat program. Baar co-wrote a song in 2022 with Jordan Frye called “Let It Out” that landed an HBO promo. She also lent her vocals and writing skills to the song “Fly” by The Avener and vocals to “Fade Away” by Claptone, the latter of which was initiated via a personal email by legendary producer Stuart Price (Madonna). SPELLES has also performed live in Los Angeles on the same bill as LP, Dorothy, Cannons, Skott and Niia.
Influenced by artists such as Portishead, Radiohead, and Nina Simone, SPELLES has combined different musical influences along with poetic and evocative lyrics to create an already commanding and moving body of work that speaks for itself.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
