Southern California garage rock band Foxtide releases their new EP Paradise. Bringing together a haughty aloofness in vocal delivery with themes of self-doubt and internalized fear, the product is a lightweight package of heavier introspection. Harkening back to the golden age of early 2000s rock, while experimenting with the stickiness of modern pop formulas, Foxtide shows off their youthfulness forged by the SoCal DIY scene – Stream Paradise.
Opening with “What Good Is It,” one of the EP’s previously released singles, listeners are immediately dropped into a landscape of yesteryears, giving a place and time for the body of work. Furthering their sense of guitar-driven nostalgia, “Bumps and Bruises” comes barreling in like a wave of head-on uncertainty. The band’s frontman Elijah Gibbins-Croft said, “’Bumps and Bruises’ is one of the first songs we wrote together. Reflecting the band’s environment, the song has a surfy, loose, yet sharp, sound. It’s ultimately about keeping your inner high schooler alive and the struggles of change while getting out of being a teenager. What’s a good story without your bumps and bruises?”
Up next comes the EP’s first single, “Hold On,” which Paste Magazine heralded as, “a dancey, summery anthem, full of sunny guitar hooks and nonchalant vocal belts.” Then the EP’s title track “Paradise” plays out like an internal conversation, bargaining with yourself about which things in life deserve your fixation and which you need to step away from to put back into proportion. “Staring At The Wall” is a relatable representation of dread under the guise of psychedelia meets early 2000s grunge.
To close things out, “Running from Myself” according to Gibbins-Croft is “about not liking yourself for the reasons other people don’t like you.” Self-critical but hellbent on getting better, Paradise is the goal. Seeking, stumbling, and not taking things too seriously along the way, Foxtide is growing up on their new EP.
British producer/DJ and label owner Steve Lawler releases his new single ‘The More I Love You’ featuring Aquarius Heaven, out now via Dirtybird Records.
A rolling house stunner from one of clubland’s longtime favorites, ‘The More I Love You’ carries the underground aesthetic and rebellious nature deeply ingrained in Lawler’s signature style. Driven by dynamic percussion and robust melodies, Lawler crafts a hypnotic backdrop for Aquarius Heaven’s sensual vocals on ‘The More I Love You’. Pulling inspiration from Pezzner and Aquarius Heaven’s 2018 collaboration ‘We Are Not Who We Are’ on Get Physical, Lawler worked with Aquarius to re-record a fresh new original vocal for this release. Deeply rhythmic and instantly infectious, Lawler’s Dirtybird debut will leave listeners intrigued and wanting more.
“For whatever reason, I really felt the desire to make a dirty low slung acid house groove with a full featured vocal. I love Aquarius’ unique style of vocals. I built this entire groove around his sample, but then reached out to him, showed him what I did, luckily he loved it and he agreed to cut a fresh new original vocal for me, and this is where the song’s vocal direction came from. I personally love working with original vocals as I do on most of my singles because it’s that collaboration of creative minds that can deliver magic. This song would not be what it is without Aquarius.
My creative side in the studio means I always purposefully write something that isn’t really out there, the complete opposite to copying music that’s popular and trendy. I follow my own path, meaning the branded camps of the world can’t fit me into any genre, but I have to be authentic in everything I do or I simply don’t want to do it, a rebel through and through. My integrity is not for sale. This track is for the rebels out there.” – Steve Lawler
Colombian/Mexican multi-hyphenate artist Sinego and Spanish DJ/producer Argia have united on “Desconocidos,” a new single that seamlessly fuses Latin folk music with the limitless possibilities of melodic techno. The track is out now via Diplo’s tastemaking house and techno imprint Higher Ground.
“Desconocidos” is a meeting point. Sinego’s spine-tingling vocals and characteristic samples merge with Argia’s synthesizer mastery and dancefloor creativity. The track merges organic roots and folk rhythms and distributes them through an electronic pulse. Mariachi trumpets, acoustic guitars, and maracas blend seamlessly, creating a vibrant backdrop for lyrics exploring love in the digital age. This song is a celebration of love’s resilience, a fusion of cultures, and a testament to music’s power to bridge gaps.
Hot off the heels of his highly-anticipated debut album, Alterego, Sinego is on a mission to connect regional Latin and underground electronic music by fostering inclusivity, education, and representation in the music industry. He has earned his place among the leading figures in Latin-flavored dance music and has collaborated with renowned artists like SOFI TUKKER, Nervo, The Knocks, Bomba Estéreo, and more. As part of his mission to spotlight key talents and cultures across Latin America, Sinego has been handpicked by Apple Music as an official mix curator and is one of only three Latin artists selected to curate an official DJ Mix on Spotify. He also curates his official Spotify Track IDs playlist, which is widely followed in Latin America. He hosts an exclusive mix series for Apple titled “Viajero,” dedicated to promoting Latin-Dance Music globally.
TYLER HALVERSON
“Tiffany Blue” with Carter Faith
• Tyler Halverson shares the first single from his upcoming 2024 EP for Atlantic Records today. “Tiffany Blue” is a collaboration with North Carolina native Carter Faith, named one of CMT’s Next Women Of Country earlier this year.
• The new song is accompanied by a music video with both Halverson and Faith filmed at Nashville’s landmark Springwater Supper Club & Lounge by Halverson’s longtime collaborator, Wales Toney.
• Tyler Halverson continues his busy live schedule into the new year with highlights including a show at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas with Turnpike Troubadours next month and a tour supporting The Panhandlers in January.
CHLOE STROLL
“Homesick”
• Rising singer-songwriter Chloe Stroll releases her most personal song yet, the evocative new single “Homesick.” The song puts Stroll’s ethereal vocals on full display as she reflects on her past and the presence of inevitable change. Produced by Tyler Spry and Simon Oscroft, “Homesick” was written by Stroll alongside Irish singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill.
• “In life, change is inevitable, which can be both scary and exciting at the same time, and this song reflects just that. Change is a constant in all of our lives and being homesick is ok and can come with that.” – Chloe Stroll
Rising Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter, DLG. continues his momentum, teaming up with DJ duo Koastle on new single “STRANGERS” out today.
Get it HERE via 10K Projects.
“’STRANGERS’ is about my girlfriend,” says DLG. “I met her only two weeks after moving to LA and we’ve been together ever since. She’s the best person I’ve met, and this song is about how, even from that day, we’ve never felt like strangers.”
On the track, DLG. teamed back up with Koastle, who previously collaborated on the viral indie hit “Stay Close,” which amassed over 7.5 million streams on Spotify and millions of views on both TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Finnish alternative pop artist Lxandra shares her immersive, cathartic EP Might Not Wanna Wake Up out everywhere now and the latest potent track and official lyric video “FU4EVER” out now. Accompanying the full project, the musician will share a self-directed short film due out November 30 that masterfully brings the music to life, inviting viewers into her gripping audiovisual world that explores self-discovery, grief, and healing.
Out today, Might Not Wanna Wake Up, is built upon the ruins of the past versions of Lxandra, capturing an intimate portrait of unfiltered humanity and follows the five stages of grief. Lxandra explains the project is “a story on longing and letting go. A return to the ruins of my past and a last goodbye to the one I used to be.” Over six songs that glide between darkness and light, the musician opens up about their experiences with pain and hardship–and what it means to make it to the other side of these challenging moments. Lxandra continues, “Struggling with grief in many different ways made me want to put this EP together. I wanted to dive deep into it and create a fairytale world appreciating all the different stages.” Made intimately in Finland’s countryside or in a quiet home at the piano, the EP is an honest depiction of life’s raw, messy moments that ultimately allow Lxandra to find strength and beauty in who they are today. Alongside the music, Lxandra finds their story best told through visuals, resulting in a captivating self-directed short film to accompany the EP.
“FU4EVER,” also out today, sees Lxandra embrace anger like never before. Its lyricism is direct and unapologetic, something that Lxandra was initially afraid to pursue, but ultimately felt right. On the building, stirring sonic qualities, the musician explains, “I wanted the production to really support the rawness, anger and drama of the song.” Here, she remains committed to plunging into the depths of humanity through art and to tell her complete truth, even if it scares her.
GRAMMY®-nominated artist ZHU and acclaimed Australian-born, Los Angeles-based producer Wax Motif unveiled their first-ever collaboration, “Better Recognize.” Released via Astralwerks, the incendiary single is a bold statement of intent from two influential artists at the top of their game. ZHU and Wax co-wrote the track and produced it together, recording at San Francisco’s iconic Grace Cathedraland at Zhudio, ZHU’s Los Angeles studio. Listen to “Better Recognize” HERE. View the visualizer HERE.
When discussing the collaboration, ZHU says, “In the midst of experimenting with new sounds and direction for a new project, I wanted to keep something consistent. Wax and I made a banger for the clubs.“
Additionally, Wax states, “It’s been a long time coming that ZHU and I were able to finally catch up in the studio and work together on music. After years of friendship, it was bound to happen but never forced. Better Recognize is the product of two friends coming together and actually making a product we are proud of and something not forced. I hope that everyone enjoys it.”
Wax Motif is regarded as a central orchestrator in developing the house sound across the U.S. Incorporating hip-hop, electronic, disco, and R&B elements across his discography, Wax has landed collaborations and releases with artists such as Euro Trash, Diddy, 220Kid, AC Slater, Diplo, and more. The talented producer is coming off the release of his debut album, House Of Wax which has accumulated over 33 million combined global streams. His North American tour of the same name included a record-high number of sold-out shows including the established Hollywood Palladium, The Shrine in Los Angeles, and a Las Vegas Mainstage B2B with Malaa and special guest and past collaborator, Ty Dolla $. The 2023 tour concludes at the Belly Up in Aspen on December 2.
Alternative-pop band, Valley – comprised of Rob Laska, Mickey Brandolino, Alex Dimauro, and Karah James – wrap up an eventful year with a holiday release, sharing a reimagined version of the Coldplay original “christmas lights” through Capitol Records/Universal Music Canada. Released last week, the Valley version has already garnered 178K global streams.
Initially released in 2010, Valley unanimously chose “Christmas Lights” to cover because of the special place the Coldplay original holds in their hearts around the holidays. Lead vocalist, Rob Laska reminisces, “I remember walking home from high school every December and listening to the original version of this song on repeat. I have a lot of beautiful memories playing it at home during the holidays on a piano my parents shipped from my grandparents’ house back in Poland. It’s a nostalgic and powerful song for me and it’s always felt like the perfect sonic depiction of what the holidays feel like for us.”
On their own version of “christmas lights,” the band shares, “we decided to reimagine the song through the lens of it feeling like an 80s ballad your grandpa throws on the record player in the other room by the tree while everyone’s at the table. This one’s almost meant to feel like a song that would soundtrack that last Christmas dinner with your grandparents or the final scene of a holiday episode of your choice. It’s sad to think about the people you love not being around forever and the holidays tend to remind us of their missing presence when they’re gone. Let this cover hold your hand and give you some form of comfort during the holidays, when some need it the most.”
the Los Angeles based, alternative pop singer, songwriter and storyteller Emma Zander has released her cinematic, ethereal music video for her latest track, ‘Not A Fairytale.’
Watch the video for “Not A Fairytale” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr3pH2uCHmw
Starring herself and actor Connor G. Floyd (The Young and the Restless), the short film-esque masterpiece, directed by Kimberly Aboltin, looks back at a complicated romance in the rearview mirror through a suspenseful, dreamy lens.
From the dopamine-highs to the devastating mascara-stained lows, “Not a Fairytale” tells the melancholic tale of how the most toxic relationships can be the most intoxicating. The reflective track, produced by Jon Lundin of Point North, follows a pair who meet and fall quickly, madly in love. And while everything appears to be picture perfect, the relationship is actually full of cracks, secrets, and lies…
The emotional video flashes through 8mm footage fantasies of what could’ve been. The dream life. The house. The wedding. The babies. But in the end, we’re left wondering what was real and what was merely imagined.
Outside of romanticizing the magical moments, the video begins and ends with a tragic cliffhanger – leaving viewers to hypothesize the ending. Was it ever really a fairytale – or was she lying to herself to preserve the fantasy?
“I wanted to leave the ending open for interpretation — so that anyone who watched it would walk away with their own idea of what went down” Emma admits. “Everyone I talk to has a different idea of what happened to the characters — and it’s in line with the message of the song, because it’s all about how love warps our sense of reality.”
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.
GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist BEAM releases the hard-hitting track “FU” via Legacy Recordings (listenHERE) , the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, and accompanying music video via Epic Records (watch HERE). Bringing a fresh spin to the Fu-Schnickens’ classic record “True Fuschnick,” the track is the debut single off of the EP, The Replay: A Remix Collection, which will be released in early 2024. In celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th birthday, the 6-track EP will spotlight up-and-coming artists across the Sony Music Entertainment roster paying homage to the classics via cover versions, interpolations and remixes.
With November marking National Hip Hop History Month, “FU” illustrates how the early sounds of the genre have inspired the new wave of talent. Hailing from Brooklyn, the Fu-Schnicken were known for their high-speed raps and unique rhythm style. Their 1992 debut album Don’t Take It Personal became RIAA Gold-Certified. BEAM has a special connection with the group’s standout track “FU” as his father, Jamaican singer Papa San, influenced the Fu-Schnickens.
“I fell in love with the song because of the fast rap, which is something my dad did a lot,” said BEAM. “It was one of the first songs I was always listening to after coming to America.”
BEAM brings the track to life with a black-and-white music video. Directed by madebyJAMES, the visual channels the early days of Hip Hop in New York City.
“St. Paul’s” is the second single off Kandle’s new album to be released spring 2024. A hypnotic -and sexy- waltz through the corridors of pain and grief, St. Paul’s is catharsis in the face of despair. Coming back bolder than ever, self produced and in charge, this fearless chanteuse shows us once again that her cinematic, raw songwriting can’t be packaged up and put in one simple category. With a wide range of influences ranging from Portishead to PJ Harvey, “St Paul’s” is just a taste of the highly anticipated upcoming album from one of Canada’s finest songwriters.
Pushing the boundaries of music & tech, a CON THE ARTIST live show features “iCon,” his live virtual assistant, that’s “programmed from the future.” An artist to his core, this South African-Canadian multi-disciplinary bleeds creativity into anything he touches. From writing & producing, to film scoring & sound design CON has his hands in all aspects of his art. Now w/ a team that includes powerhouse manager Timothee Youngson (of Lorde fame), Wax Records (UMC/Virgin Music) & a year-long audio-visual rollout plan, this project is ready to take off into the stratosphere
Nashville based artist, Taylor Acorn, shares a brand new single, “Basement,” out now via OneRPM. Co-written by Taylor, Emma Lynn White and Dan Swank (All Time Low), “Basement” captures the raw beauty that emerges from the depths of despair. Through its expressive melody, the song serves as a testament that things won’t always be as bad as they seem to be. This is just a page in our story and we will find our way back up once again.
Listen to “Basement” HERE.
Taylor also shares the accompanying music video for the track today. Directed by Doltyn Snedden and filmed in Nashville, TN, we’re transitioned between scenes of group therapy sessions and raw vocal performances of Taylor: allowing us to see her expressing and coming to terms with her internal battles and negative thoughts. Watch the video HERE.
“I absolutely love this song! I wrote it with my really great friends Emma Lynn White and Dan Swank and we wrote it at a time where my life couldn’t possibly seem to get any worse (looking back now it wasn’t that bad) but it just felt like the negative energy just wouldn’t end,” shares Taylor. “I think that feeling of hitting ‘rock bottom’ and wanting to be on the incline but still feeling incredibly lost is such a real thing. We put ourselves under so much pressure to never misstep, to never have a bad day or a bad year, but that’s the beauty of being human and so it’s just really important to share these feelings and times of struggle that I’ve had especially if there is someone out there who may be going through the same thing.”
Born from the complexities of navigating romance, ME B4 U is a gorgeous display of self-discovery and mindfulness, taking shape as a playful alternative pop song.
Merryn Jeann is a multidimensional artist, exploring both visual and sonic arts. Her sound embodies a rich world of creativity that transports listeners into her blissful, one of a kind universe.
Produced by Rob Ellis (known for his work with PJ Harvey), today’s new single is accompanied by a self-directed video, featuring Merryn’s niece, Eden Rain, who also co-directed the video. Endearing and playful it brings the audio to life and serves as an intriguing and enticing insight into the poetic intricacies of Merryn Jeann.
In the video, Merryn Jeann is a teenager, who is realizing that she shouldn’t give too much of herself away to other people. She knows there is more to explore in the world and embarks on her odyssey of self-discovery. Sharing more, Merryn Jeann explained: It’s a song about understanding that one must surrender themself to one’s life before the ability of truly bringing someone in and feeling good around them too. I guess you can still really love someone even if you’re a bit rocky with yourself, as long as there’s self reflection and the willingness to get to know yourself alongside them/the relationship. It’s also a coming of age song I’ve envisioned people listening to in the car, windows down and hands playing with the wind like in every indie love film ever.
I’m a public figure in American philanthropy and a little-known figure in American music, and looking to change that!
My first band was with my mother and my sister Nancy. My mother would lead us around the kitchen table on the second-floor of our two-family house in Malden, Massachusetts banging pots and pans and we’d all sing, “McNamara’s Band” at the top of our lungs.
I’m gay and my husband and partner of twenty-two years and I have fifteen year-old…triplets. Yes, three of them.
I’ve been writing songs for forty years, but took about a thirty-year break in the middle to create the AIDSRides, the Breast Cancer 3-Day walks, and the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention walks. We had 182,000 people take part in one of these epic, heroic journeys. They raised nearly $600 million in nine years—more money raised more quickly for those causes than any events in history, and were the subject of a Harvard Business School case study. In September of 2022 we have a documentary movie coming out based on my book, “Uncharitable,” about the need to liberate the nonprofit sector to its true potential. It features Edward Norton, and the heads of TED, the Ford Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, Charity:Water and many other organizations. Stephen Gyllenhaal directed it. My TED talk on charity is the 16th most commented TED talk of all time. I’ve written five books, served on two school boards, and sang the national anthem at a Los Angeles Rams game, and did not forget the words!
My music and my commitment to making a difference in the world are inseparable. I try to write songs about the human condition, as experienced by all kinds of human beings across all manner of circumstance, and songs about the possibility of a world that could work for everyone.
My songs are folks songs. I play guitar. Sing. I released my first album in twenty years in 2022 – “American Pictures.” My next, “Winnebago Dreams,” will be released this year.
People have said nice things about me and my songs. Deepak Chopra said that “Dan is the embodiment of authenticity, integrity, courage and higher calling.” Clive Davis called me, “a gifted poet.” Steve Earle called my writing, “groundbreaking.”
My Mom and my sis are still around, but the band’s been broken up for some time.
Los Angeles singer-songwriter Michael Isaak fuses dreamy indie pop with intimate acoustic folk on his journey through a world that is ever-changing and tragically beautiful. The former Princeton neuroscience student draws audiences into his deepest cerebral spaces, showcasing music as a profound tool for healing.
As a first-generation Egyptian-American, Michael offers an ethnic twist to his genre, having grown up on Arabic music. He learned to play piano and ukulele from an early age and later taught himself how to play guitar and use digital audio workstations, receiving his first production credit at 15. Taking inspiration from artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens, he went on to put out his first single “Don’t Like Being Lonely” in 2022.
Since then, Michael has grossed nearly 100,000 streams across platforms. He headlined his first show at The Hotel Cafe in December 2022, and has played on some of LA’s most iconic stages including The Whisky A Go Go.
Alternative pop artist ROKI unveils her Lovable EP, and her singles “The One” and “Hands Up” have already been met with positive reviews. Produced by ROKI, Ben Kaplan (Mother Mother) and Winston Hauschild (Wanting Qu), Lovable heralds a new era of sound: dreamier, brighter, and hopeful for new possibilities, and carries with it a message that we are all lovable, even in our imperfections.
“Natural” is ROKI’s second songwriting collaboration with Tea Petrovic (who she previously worked together on “Hands Up”), as well as Nat Jay. ROKI wanted to write this song as a gift for someone close to her heart, to celebrate their positive relationship.
Lovable’s message and core theme is of love, the ups, the downs, the desperation at times, and at other times the ease. It’s an ever-evolving, ever-changing dynamic that pulls at our emotions.
rising “Prince of Afropop” Oxlade returns with a two-song EP, KATIGORI/PIANO, along with a new music video for “KATIGORI.”
A sweeping Afropop epic, “KATIGORI” (produced by Timmy) is a lush showcase for Oxlade’s honeyed vocals, as he goes about proving that he is a cut above his imitators–they’re not in the same category. Meanwhile, “PIANO” (produced by P-Prime) mixes the Lagos Afrobeats sound with the signature log drum of amapiano, the ascendant South African dance genre, as Oxlade layers his vocal harmonies and rhythmic flows over the propulsive percussion.
“‘Katigori’ is a three-year-old record, it was created in a space where I had fame but not success,” says Oxlade. “It was me manifesting where I am now and prophesying my future because I feel like there’s a moment in my music career where everybody will accept that I’m the GOAT.”
“On the other hand,”Oxlade continues, “‘Piano’ is a result of all my fast-paced records that didn’t get the blessings they deserved. Now that I have the audience and numbers, I want to show everyone the fast, club side of Oxlade. ‘Piano’ is the strongest song I’ve dropped this year MUSICALLY. I want everyone to have 2 sides of the coin, the cautious Oxlade and the party Oxlade. ‘Piano’ is a love song, ‘Katigori’ is a statement piece, letting them know that we’re not mates.”
Izzy S.O shares her sophomore EP ‘Silly Me’. The gorgeous 5-track body of work arrives with two previously unheard tracks; ‘Growing Pains’ & ‘Do I Make You Feel Alive Yet’.
Listen to brand new single ‘Growing Pains’ HERE
Listen to brand new single ‘Do I Make You Feel Alive Yet’ HERE
Taking shape as an impressive coming of age record, Silly Me is rich in life lessons. Created as Izzy navigated her way through the early years of adulthood, it represents an empowering journey which has led her to be the confident and talented artist you see today, who is bursting with potential. Sharing more, she explained: The EP sums up my emotions from leaving school at 16 to now – it’s been a whirlwind but I finally feel like life is making a bit more sense. That’s why it was important to me that the last single of the EP was Growing Pains. Growing pains was the lesson out of all the emotion and chaos, it’s finally facing myself without any attachments or distractions. See Below for the tracklist;
Silly Me
- Silly Me
- Without You I Don’t Like Sundays
- Would We Make It
- Growing Pains
- Do I Make You Feel Alive Yet
Today’s EP drop follows Izzy S.O’s most recent single ‘Would We Make It’, an emotive and reflective track displaying Izzy’s impressive vocal talent. With two other stand-out releases teased earlier this year; ‘Silly Me’ & ‘Without You I Don’t Like Sundays’, Izzy has been pinning herself as an artist to watch. Since the record’s title track Silly Me came out back in August, the rising artist has scooped much support from the likes of Clash magazine, Noctis, Fizzy Mag, A1234, Ones To Watch and more!
Eliza Rose and Calvin Harris have come together to release a track called ‘Body Moving’. A pulsating house track accented by horns and funk-laden melodies which unites Calvin’s world-class production and Eliza’s irresistible vocals, the collaboration was sparked after a DM exchange last year. The studio sessions quickly led to the creation of the single and after Eliza was invited to perform at one of Calvin Harris’ Ushuaïa shows in Ibiza this Summer, they reconnected and agreed to get it out.
“So excited to get this one out! Eliza is amazing!” – Calvin Harris
“My goal was to create a track that captures the essence of summer while also igniting the dance floors. The vibe with Calvin has been fabulous. He couldn’t be more down-to-earth. It’s been an honour to work with one of the best producers in the world! It’s something I never thought would be possible. We have created something that I believe has really combined our two identities into something unique and also reflective of our own personal work.” – Eliza Rose
Known for pushing the boundaries, rapper, artist and activist Kelvyn Colt unveils a
transformative and vulnerable EP ‘REBIRTH’, paired with a cinematic accompanying
short film. The 8-track work of art illustrates life’s ups and downs, all the pain and
happiness Kelvyn endures and ultimately, an awakening and a feeling of rebirth.
“Every moment is a chance to initiate something new. A new life, a new you. The
choices we make, the steps we take define the path we walk and therefore the
destination we arrive at. Throughout the project I go through cycles of reflecting,
pain, anger, joy and happiness – all interconnected. and at the end of it all, I am
reborn. For me personally, I was dealing with the issue of turning a blind eye to
people doing me wrong (Problem, Yeah I Know) and justifying their mistakes
(Truth). I then pursue hedonism (Hello, Love), channel my anger and vent (Rage),
as well as adapt a braggadocious attitude (Enormous) to cover up that I am
hurting. Finally I admit that I am not the “I don’t care about anyone” guy I tried to
be in order to protect myself (Not a Thug). Rebirth.” – Kelvyn Colt
The indie surf-rock artist, Modern Love Child (MLC), has left the West Coast for a new home in Miami. After the success of his debut album, MLC, he juggled time between LA, London, Austin, and Costa Rica. Now, with his feet firmly planted in the tropical Floridian sands, he’s ready to take on the world with his unique indie vibes.
The first song born out of his new surroundings was the 60’s garage banger, “Diet Cokes,” which dropped in March. Now, MLC releases “Tia,” an intimate love song that highlights his signature emo-authenticity.
“Tia” was inspired by the actress who played the surfer girl in MLC’s video for “Golden Brown.” “I didn’t really get to know her on set of the video shoot, but she was exceptionally beautiful, so I tried to write a super romantic song to reflect that,” admits MLC.
Both of the 2023 singles are a taste of what lies ahead on Modern Love Child’s forthcoming sophomore album, set to be released in 2024 via the Noise Company (aka NoiseCo), the independent label / music co-op founded by artist Ben Kweller, a longtime collaborator of MLC.
Accomplished producer, multi-instrumentalist and artist Stevie Matthew readies his solo artistry by teaming up with fellow actress and singer Olivia Holt on his debut single “a song to make out to.” The single showcases Stevie’s exceptional talents mixed with a fusion of nostalgia and innovation. “I’m so excited for everyone to hear this first record. It means the world to share it with someone as dope as Olivia. We all just gotta make out more!” – Stevie Matthew
Born and raised in Los Angeles, the young musical prodigy gravitated towards playing the drums when he got a mini drum-set on his second birthday. A home full of musical instruments helped harness his innate talent and boundless curiosity.
At the age of 18, Stevie has already made a name for himself as an accomplished
record producer and multi-instrumentalist working with many of today’s top artists.
Stevie began his work behind-the-scenes as a ghost producer for a multitude of
world-renowned artists, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a young, evolving musician.
Taking the next step of his career, Stevie is readying his solo artist debut, driven by a
desire to create music that reflects his unique vision. Drawing from extensive musical knowledge, Stevie combines the timeless ambiance of the 70s with contemporary sounds, pushing the boundaries of modern music.
“Working with other artists, my job is to make their dream songs. This project is really special to me because I get to have wild creative vision, and keep chasing until I nail it.”
Stevie Matthew
After building up buzz with widespread tastemaker praise around the globe, acclaimed U.K. singer, songwriter, and performer Absolutely proudly presents her anxiously awaited debut album Cerebrum out now via Epic Records.
Listen HERE and view the trailer HERE
Living up to its title, Cerebrum beckons listeners down a rabbit hole and straight into Absolutely’s multi-dimensional world. Each of the record’s 13 tracks corresponds to a different “room” or chamber of her mind. It opens with Daylight where ethereal hums peek through distorted synths. As momentum builds, she issues an ultimatum on the refrain, “Baby I just need you here, it’s now or never.” Then, there’s Arrivals.She uncorks a flurry of emotions over warbling production. Holding nothing back, she wonders aloud, “How much love can I hold?” Expanding this vision, Glass hinge on an otherworldly guitar riff punctuated by head-nodding 808s and hi-hats. Fittingly, the journey concludes with Window. As if letting in a rejuvenating burst of energy, she urges, “Take a breather baby, open up a window.
electronic innovators NGHTMRE and Rezz release their highly-anticipated collaboration ‘All Night’ featuring dark-pop vocalist DeathbyRomy out now via Gud Vibrations & HypnoVizion.
A wayward original that complements each of their signature styles while testing the boundaries of their collaborative spirits, ‘All Night’ serpentines through haunting builds and riveting mid-tempo drops. Encapsulating the energy of a psychological thriller, DeathbyRomy’s hypnotizing vocals tell a dark and disorienting tale amidst meddlesome melodies and distorted basslines. Riddled with twisted tones and eerie lyricism, ‘All Night’ will leave listeners with goosebumps.
“I originally started writing this idea as a part of the DRMVRSE live show. I don’t often make mid-tempo style dance tunes but I was really inspired by Rezz’s style and felt it created a really unique switch-up for the audience during the show. The first drop went over so well in my sets, I felt I had to release it. I eventually got the incredible vocal idea from Romy and sent the rough idea to Rezz as a collab idea. She loved it and immediately took the track to another level with the second drop and finalized the arrangement. Together, we dialed in all the final details and everything came together perfectly in the end. So stoked to share this one with the world!” -NGHTMRE
On the heels of her CMA Awards red carpet debut, emerging country artist, host of the online cooking show “Taste with Grace” and former D1 soccer player Grace Leer is adding another credit to her resume: ACTRESS. Leer is co-starring in “Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas,” a holiday romance with a strong mystery element, airing on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries on Thursday, November 30 (8 p.m. ET/PT). Leer co-stars alongside leads Shenae Grimes-Beech and Chris Carmack in the new original movie that is airing during the annual “Miracles of Christmas” programming event. The film, executive produced by Blake Shelton, is the sixth installment of the popular movie franchise based upon the book Time for Me to Come Home by Dorothy Shackleford and Travis Thrasher and Blake Shelton’s song of the same name. Leer performs Shelton’s hit “Time for Me to Come Home” in the movie as well.
“Acting has always been something I’ve wanted to pursue outside of music and the fact that my first acting gig is a Hallmark Christmas movie feels like a dream,” says an emotional Leer. “I am so grateful for the opportunity and to the entire Hallmark team who were so supportive and encouraging to me as a first time on screen actor. It was an incredible experience and I learned so much acting alongside Chris and Shenae as well as my director Ali Liebert,” continues Leer. “This movie is exactly what Christmas is about and I cannot wait for fans to see it!”
See Leer’s reaction about getting this call here.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Grace Leer to the Hallmark family in her acting debut,” said Samantha DiPippo, Senior Vice President, Development, Programming, Media. “Her warmth and likability shine through in this role, and her beautiful voice will leave our viewers wanting more.”
Continuing an unprecedented hot streak, Lil Durk proudly presents his new OTF (Only The Family) compilation project, Nightmares In The Trenches, out today. Get it HERE. He paved the way for its arrival with the scorching song and music video from Doodie Lo and YTB Fatt titled “Last One,” available now. Stream “Last One” HERE. Watch the music video HERE. With Lil Durk at the helm, OTF (Only The Family) consists of Doodie Lo, Chief Wuk, Dede, CoKilla, Booka, Boonie Moe, and THF Zoo making them Chicago’s premiere rising hip-hop conglomerate.
“Last One” laces otherworldly synths with a boisterous anthem and a thumping bassline. That track introduces OTF’s very own Doodie Lo and YTB Fatt, as their unmistakable vocals practically put the beat in a headlock as they each drop distinctive bars with an anthemic and introspective hook, “That live sh*t I don’t even want to talk about it.” In the cinematic visual directed by Joe Moore, features Doodie Lo and YTB Fatt as they links up with friends and the family and turn a parking lot into a party, hop off private jets through lavish travel and turn up in the club.
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.
Earthquake Lights is a four-piece rock outfit from NYC. Having all met during their time at college, the band quickly saw success with their very first EP, earning placements in a national NBA/Tissot ad campaign and an Alex Gibney documentary. Their music has received critical acclaim alongside multiple Spotify editorial playlists and a placement in Isabel Sandoval’s award-winning film Lingua Franca, as well as a feature on Vulfpeck’s album The Joy of Music, The Job of Real Estate.
Their latest single “Silhouette” is about the search for life, penning the question, “What’s the connection between music and space?” Lead singer Myles Rodenhouse shares, “The search for life can be within yourself, within your own world but it would also be within outer space. It can be feeling like you’re always by yourself, but you find out along the way that you’re not traveling alone. EQL is always learning to make music that can be specific to every person’s lens. It is not very literal to how exactly you should interpret this song, it can be seen differently through everyone’s own lens.”
From the dawn of time, humans have been very curious, always searching and yearning to discover. Whether it’s within the universe, new species, new planets, new stars, or simply within ourselves which is its own universe. This song is a representation of that. Rodenhouse continues, “We hope that people who might feel like they’re being lonely or searching for something out there can find solace in this.”
Built around the desire to add more irregularity into their sound, “Silhouette” features a 5/4 time signature, reminiscent of the chromatic lines of Serge Gainsbourg, as well as the bombast and showmanship of early David Bowie. For the lyrics, the band reached out to their friend and poet Andy Axel. He was drawn to a story in the New York Times that described “luminous fast blue optical transients” and “silhouettes” in space, which he felt was a great fit for the sound of the music, and which also connected with their aspirations to pay homage to old Bowie records. Rodenhouse explains, “Andy leaned into the “what if there was life elsewhere in the universe?” question and ultimately we felt it was interesting as just a question alone, without an answer. You could be alone or you could be surrounded by others.” Despite the lyrics touching on loneliness, sonically the track emits a mood of excitement for something new.
Earthquake Lights have garnered millions of streams for their music to date and have charted on iTunes four separate times in the Top 40 and Top 20 in good company with artists and bands like John Mayer and The Killers. “Silhouette” marks yet another remarkable chapter for the band, bringing 2023 to an explosive finale.
GRAYtheband is an Edmonton-based alternative, neo-soul, R&B project fronted by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Gray Ford and a cast of rotating artists. GRAYtheband results from traditional instrumentation mingling with modern production forming an unfiltered yet refined take on the genre.
In an effort to honour the Edmonton music scene, Ford has recently recorded a long-awaited debut album, All Done – a poignant look at the insidious nature of modern society, relationships, and the complexities of self-preservation. With an overarching theme of love and disparity, the album will resonate with listeners from all walks of life as we navigate this world, conquering the ups and downs.
Funded by the Alberta Foundations for the Arts, eight tracks were recorded with Royal Studio’s Arnel Ethier and feature masterful local talents such as K-Riz and Janay Thomas. All Done is the product of steadfast collaborative effort and a vital contribution to the genre. The band’s polished yet raw approach complements Gray’s warm, melismatic vocal style, capturing a powerful sound.
The album includes tracks such as “All Done,” an emotional introduction to the album which references overcoming a particular period in one’s life that was exceptionally challenging, as well as “Locked In” where Gray cheekily compares the speaker’s ambivalence in engaging in a relationship to signing a loan contract.
Then there is “That Much of a Life,” a testament to the transformative power of boldly embracing a love that otherwise seemed impossible. Gray shares, “The song explores feelings of gratitude and wonder experienced while forging an unanticipated bond with someone who will forever change our sense of self and purpose.”
“That Much of a Life” serves as the last song on the album, bookending not only the outlier anthemic folk sound we observe on the first and last songs but also reinforcing the theme of death and rebirth. The first song, “All Done,” marks the end of a chapter of turmoil in the speaker’s life, while “That Much of a Life” offers hope and wonder at the beginning of a momentous union.
Through an intoxicating sonic soundscape and heartfelt, emotional lyricism, GRAYtheband is commanding the attention of listeners across the globe as they anticipate the upcoming debut album, All Done.
Essex punk-rock risers – PET NEEDS – have announced details of their third album ‘Intermittent Fast Living’ (out 16 February 2024 via Xtra Mile Recordings).
Featuring lead single “Separation Anxiety”, the announcement precedes an extensive UK Tour this November/December, which includes their biggest headline show to date.
PRE-SAVE ‘INTERMITTENT FAST LIVING’ HERE || LISTEN TO “SEPARATION ANXIETY” HERE
New album, ‘Intermittent Fast Living’, their third studio release in as many years, is inspired by the relentless, breathless, stop-start lifestyle PET NEEDS have found themselves living in recent times.
Founded with humble bedroom-band beginnings by brothers Johnny (vocals) and George (guitar) Marriott and later joined by Jack (drums) and Ryan (bass) only a matter of years ago, PET NEEDS’ career has been sky-rocketing ever since the release of their acclaimed debut ‘Fractured Party Music’ in 2021. From getting signed to SOLD OUT shows, rave reviews to rabid fans, and embarking on extensive global tours with the likes of Frank Turner, The Hives, The Lottery Winners, Skinny Lister; demand for these four lads from Essex has been on a trajectory with the stratosphere.
But being strapped-in to the big dipper that is living the rock’n’roll lifestyle most kids can only dream of, while trying to balance a steady family life at home, is not without its challenges. And by perpetually riding around what frontman Johnny describes as “a dream-like tornado”, they have found themselves jolting between a life in the fast lane and “the security and stillness” of being with those they love. Channelling the chaos of their dichotomous lives into their visceral latest work, Johnny explains:
“In the last 18 months we have been catapulted from steady jobs and playing in our small town local bars to world tours at a million miles an hour. The life we’d grown accustomed to is constantly thrown behind us until it disappears into the distance in our rear view mirror.
We thunder forward, show by show, adventure by adventure, until [normal life] returns as a speck on the horizon like an oasis in the desert. Then suddenly we’re home again. I sit content on the sofa with a beer, my wife and our new little puppy wondering what the hell just happened for the last three months.”
Beth Baines is an emerging singer-songwriter based in Toronto. She has previously written and recorded material with the band Dream Whip and released music under the name Brushsigns. Beth has performed with acts like Sheer Mag, Shannon & the Clams, and La Luz.
Meet Lovetta, the alter-ego of Roanoke’s Taylor Dupuis. Her brand of indie pop music is emotive and opulent, decorated by tenderly raw, relatable lyrics and topped with feminine empowerment. While it’s perhaps a stereotypical Midwesterner trait but Lovetta, who hails from Michigan, writes earnestly and with little restraint. With Lovetta, Taylor feels the freedom to confront her emotions and experience catharsis within her songwriting. She braves the exploration of themes of love (positive and negative — with everything in-between), empowerment, and self-discovery with an untamed and authentic approach. Her resilience shines through in her music and is reinforced with honest lyrics. Wearing her wild heart on her sleeve, she aims to encourage others to permit themselves to live —really live — as authentically and romantically as her music reveals her life experiences to be.
With Lovetta, Taylor feels the freedom to confront her emotions and experience catharsis within her songwriting. She braves the exploration of the themes of love (positive and negative — with everything in-between), empowerment, and self-discovery with an untamed and authentic approach. Her resilience shines through in her music and is reinforced with honest lyrics.
Uniting for an unprecedented collaboration, XXL and two-time Grammy nominated rapper Latto join forces for XXL Cypher Lab Presented By STARZ’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan out on November 28. As a natural extension and evolution of the famed XXL Freshman Class Cyphers, the collaboration makes history as the first XXL Cypher to star an ALL-FEMALE group of MCs.
The premier cultural and hip-hop outlet recruited its current cover star, RCA Records global superstar artist Latto, to spit bars and personally handpick the lineup. Now, she goes bar-for-bar with a once-in-a-lifetime collective of RCA Records’ labelmate Flo Millli plus Maiya the Don, Monaleo and Mellow Buckzz. A display of unabashed and undeniable lyrical mastery ensues, punctuated by one quotable line after another. There’s nothing quite like it.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
