INsiders Guide

INsiders Guide: HUNTER DAILY, NERO, MILKSHAKES IN THE VALLEY, SXMPRA, Quarters of Change, Emotional Oranges, Serena Ittoo…

• Emerging singer-songwriter Hunter Daily releases “Girl Friend,” a whimsical, raw, and euphoric new single. Written with The Futuristics, Madi Yanofksy, and BROCK, this track is the perfect introduction to Hunter’s new era following her 2023 debut EP, Die in LA.

• “The song ‘Girl Friend’ is about having a girl crush. It’s a confusing feeling, being close to a girl who’s so effortlessly cool and beautiful — do you want to be friends with them, be them, or be with them?” – Hunter Daily

• Daily is like a California poppy – an LA native who is effortlessly natural in beauty, casually powerful, and resilient to the elements. She offers a fresh and compelling singer-songwriter soundscape that includes dreamy tones, a stripped-back ethos, and impactful “punch-in-the-stomach” lyrics. With a remarkable collection of new music on the horizon, Hunter is sure to be on your mind Daily.

Grammy Award-winning, Ivor Novello-nominated live electronic trio NERO are back with ‘Blame You’, the second single off their highly-anticipated third studio album Into The Unknown

Hauntingly nostalgic and wondrously futuristic at the same time, ‘Blame You’ marks NERO’s long-awaited return to their drum and bass roots. Their first dip into the genre in over a decade, ‘Blame You’ is captivating as it traverses through cosmic builds and whirlwind breakbeats. With Alana Watson’s sultry vocals steering the fast embrace of rushing synths and fervent drum patterns, ‘Blame You’ catapults listeners into the next phase of Into The Unknown

Reminiscent of the early drum and bass additions to their 2011 debut Welcome Reality, NERO’s latest single harnesses the neo-romantic motifs and galactic tones that have propelled their album trilogy. The follow up to ‘Truth’, ‘Blame You’ offers a glimpse into the sonic depth of Into The Unknown and alludes to the cinematic collision of NERO’s past and present that fans can expect to hear on the album.

“It’s been 14 years since we released a Drum N Bass song. We felt it was time to return to the genre.” – NERO

boundary-busting buzzing duo Milkshakes In The Valley—a.k.a. Powfu and Cody Lawless—serve up a brand new single entitled “LUCKY MERMAID” out now via 10K Projects.

Listen to “LUCKY MERMAID” HERE.

On the track, bass thumps like waves in high tide, while a sinewy guitar riff swims through the chilled-out groove. Over this ethereal soundscape, the lyrics conjure imagery of “a mermaid chased by pirates,” as the buoyant beat anchors a head-nodding hook. With evocative storytelling and glitchy hand-designed beat-craft, Milkshakes In The Valleyfloat through vibes effortlessly, striking a balance between lo-fi sonic architecture and indie pop ambition.

Stay tuned for the premiere of a cinematic and stunning music video to accompany the single.

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Milkshakes In The Valley initially materialized last year with the debut single “WALK ON WINE. Illuminating the chemistry between these two mavericks, it generated over 750K Spotify streams and counting. It also introduced the downright magic bond between multiplatinum phenomenon Powfu and acclaimed indie disruptor Cody Lawless. The collaborators both grew up a stone’s throw from Vancouver in Mission, British Columbia, even attending the same high school. During 2023, they united for the first time as Milkshakes In The Valley, bringing the project to life.

Powfu, Cody Lawless, Jomie and now Milkshakes In The Valley will all be hitting the road in Feb/March of 2024. The tour kicks off February 29 in Vancouver, BC at Fortune Sound Club, visits major markets coast-to-coast, and concludes March 20 in Washington, D.C. at The Atlantis.

New Zealand underground rap force SXMPRA has unveiled his new record, “SMOKE” with, Jasiahvia 10K Projects. Get it HERE.

Following the release of his iconic collaboration with Juicy J in “Business Man,” SXMPRA is blowing up 2024 with his newest drop with “SMOKE.” The brand-new track features a 90s boom bap inspired beat with a haunting, horrifying piano roll. Paired with SXMPRA’s signature, high intensity vocals, Jasiah joins in to finish the vibe perfectly.

Fresh off his 25-date North American tour with HAARPER and Sinitzerand boasting 3.8M+ monthly streams, the New Zealand-based rapper is shredding on “SMOKE.” With his recent track “COWBELL WARRIORS!” with Ski Mask the Slump God racking up over 170M+ streamsSXMPRA is the underground’s most exciting artist. Last year, he also teamed up with the powerhouse duo Terror Reid and Pouya collaborating on “Midnight Sun” leaving fans stunned on their seamless collaboration.

One of the fastest rising rock bands coming out of New York City, Quarters of Change, today release their album Portraits via 300 Entertainment. After decamping to Woodstock, NY, for two weeks, the band left with their most collaborative, exposed-nerve writing to date; something with a piece of each of them etched into it. Where their last album Into The Rift was staring into the dark tunnel ahead, Portraits is close to the other side, with the band surfacing for some light — Stream

“The album is made up of individualized fragments that provide different perspectives and create their own little vignettes,” shares frontman Ben Roter. “I think of each fragment as a portrait, reflecting a separate emotion or moment. Overall, it dives into themes of addiction, isolation and exploration.”

Quarters of Change continued to put themselves to the test by self-producing this body of work back in the Big Apple, joined by a handful of collaborators including GRAMMY® Award winning producers Mikey Freedom Hart (Jon Batiste, Taylor Swift, Bleachers, Lana Del Rey) and Dave Tozer (John Legend, JAY-Z), in addition to fellow artist Charlie Burg and producer Brandon Shoop. 

“We tried to preserve the beauty of what a performance by a band should be,” Roter explains. “When you hear the album, I hope you can tell we’re real humans playing instruments, and it’s honest.”

LA based duo Emotional Oranges and Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer, Nonso Amadi have released their first collab EP ‘Blended’ releasing via Avant Garden (& Public Records in Canada), Distributed by Colture. After having successfully worked together in the past on their single ‘Not Worthy’, the trio’s undeniable connection in the creative space strikes again with this vibrant 4 track R&B meets afropop body of work. Speaking on the release, Nonso Amadi states:

“I had a lot of fun working on this project with Emotional Oranges. It was my first time in LA and the experience was amazing thanks to the EO team. Being from different parts of the world, I believe the music here is significant in pushing the barriers of genres forward. There’s a blend of R&B, Afrobeats, Soul, Amapiano and so many other musical inspirations that birthed the fittingly titled EP, “Blended”. I’m excited to have everyone take it in and can’t wait to perform the songs as well.” – Nonso Amadi

Serena Ittoo, a singer-songwriter from Enfield, UK, uses her music to explore and express the emotions we all experience in our daily lives. Her emphasis on authenticity highlights the importance of embracing our unique selves, both in her music and in her interactions with others.

Following her debut release, “Nature Foreseen”, Ittoo is now unveiling her latest single “So Blue”. The conception of the song encompasses the idea that less is more and stems from a conversation Ittoo had with a friend who reminded her that sometimes simplicity within songwriting can deliver a more impactful and profound message. 

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“So Blue” is a receptive and emotive conversational song that narrates the story of one person expressing their true feelings to another, what they have heard, as well as opening up about their deepest fears of not knowing whether this person will ever proudly reciprocate their love and allow their pure connection to blossom. Sonically, the soul pop track emits a strong jazz essence, with ambiguous lyrics that nod to the ambiguity in the connection due to a lot of unspoken feelings between the two people.

Her commitment to her craft has opened doors to amazing opportunities, such as writing and performing an original song at Sir Paul McCartney’s childhood home. Serena has also collaborated with renowned songwriters like Grammy winner Gary Nicholson and multi-award-winning Jeff Cohen in Texas. Ittoo has garnered acclaim from the likes of Earmilk, Atwood Magazine and Record of the Day, as well as having featured on numerous podcasts. 

Dive into the world of Serena Ittoo’s music and discover her relatable melodies that connect listeners across language and cultural boundaries. Her songs will inspire you to appreciate your own individuality and recognise the shared experiences that unite us all. 

Alt-electronic artist fknsyd has released her new solo single ‘Apparitions’ out now via HypnoVizion

Alluring and ethereal, ‘Apparitions’ indulges in the edgy, alternative tones and paranormal themes that swirl throughout fknsyd’s catalog. Through layers of echoing vocals, hypnotizing guitar riffs, and grungy basslines, fknsyd takes listeners on a bone-chilling journey into the occult. With her paralyzing blend of intoxicating songwriting and gothic sounds creeping out of the shadows, ‘Apparitions’ is a bewitching introduction to fknsyd’s solo ambitions. 

“I’ve been softly obsessed with the paranormal, and things of that nature as far back as I can remember. So, this is maybe just a reflection of those interests.” – fknsyd

fknsyd is a songstress and producer known for collaborations alongside Rezz, RL Grime, and SLANDER. Supernatural lyricism, haunting melodies, and dark phenoms lurk throughout each of her originals. 2022 saw fknsyd make her HypnoVizion debut alongside Rezz and Shadient for ‘Blue In The Face’ and release her Taste.test mixtape. ‘Apparitions’ marks fknsyd’s first solo venture on HypnoVizion.

Stream fknsyd’s new single ‘Apparitions’ available now on all platforms.

Kicking off the new year strong, J Hus shares the official music video for fan favorite track “Cream featuring Newham drill rapper CB, taken from his acclaimed third album Beautiful and Brutal Yard. In the Anime video, directed by Nicholas Lam, we find Hus’ character facing constant attacks from opponents – but he always manages to powerfully persevere and ultimately becomes invincible with help from CB’s character. The storyline perfectly resonates with the song’s lyrics. Watch HERE.

But that’s not all – J Hus’ efforts have gained him four nominations at the prestigious BRIT Awards 2024, in the categories Mastercard Album of the YearSong of the Year and Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act. Additionally, the hit “Who Told You” featuring Drake – which charted at #2 in the UK Single Chart for two weeks straight – is nominated for Song of the Year.

2024 has only just begun but J Hus is on a roll already. Stay tuned for much more to come.

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Photo credit: Kirt Barnett

Nashville-based alternative pop/rock artist Kitty Coen shares two cinematic new tracks “cadillac” and “el paso” out now. Inspired by her time in West Texas and Western films, each track takes on a life of its own, delving into tumultuous love affairs and late night drives over smooth guitar licks and mesmerizing melodies.

Out today, “cadillac” rolls in like the height of an old Western movie with a brooding baseline, and sultry vocals that paint a picture of smoke, an old car, a horse and “talking smack.” Exuding an unmistakable dark and stormy energy, Coen describes the track as a “metaphorical dance with the devil on fateful night in a desolate West Texas saloon.” The artist cites old spaghetti Western films and Quentin Tarantino as inspirations that touch on her roots to bring a refreshed sound that is uniquely Coen.

The second single out today, “el paso,” swiftly picks up where “cadillac” left off, evoking a Southern Gothic aura that envelops the listener. An autobiographical plunge into heartbreak, “el paso” sheds light on the pain that addiction can inflict on users and their loved ones. The Western-tinged acoustic ballad, Coen says, is “a true story about love and loss in my own life. In my opinion, being in love with an addict is one of the hardest things a person can go through.” Musically, Coen points to the emotional country heavy-hitters like Noah Cyrus, Kacey Musgraves as influences, and reveals it was the creation of this song that pulled her in a similar direction, where she intends to keep going. Coen admits, “I’ve always been a Bluegrass girl at heart even if I’ve been fighting it my whole life.” With her heart on her sleeve, Coen shares her own experiences of joy and pain with unwavering honesty and uncompromising artistry.

Kitty Coen, a rising star in the indie music scene, has been hailed for her unique blend of alt rock, pop rock, and what has been referred to as “witch rock.” A spell-casting of sorts, her music weaves a web of enchantment that draws listeners in with a captivating charm.

The haunting “everything’s a mess,” that arrived in October 2023, sees Coen embrace her own imperfections, and through a melancholic melody, sultry vocals and 90s-inspired guitar tones, bravely examine feelings of despair and confusion. Written in the midst of moving from Austin to Nashville, Coen found herself in a rough patch, clinging to the wrong people and getting hurt. It was this track that brought her back to herself–a healing reassurance. Coen recalls, “This song was my therapy, I sang it over and over again until I didn’t feel hurt anymore.”

The track offers refuge to others in the midst of hardship, to those that feel lost or overwhelmed–a gentle reminder that it’s OK to not have everything figured out. Coen adds, “It’s a song that encourages you to embrace the messiness of life, to find beauty in the chaos, and to keep going even when everything seems to be falling apart.”

Christian Lopez will make his debut Grand Ole Opry performance this Saturday, January 27. Ahead of the performance, Lopez is thrilled to share his brand new song titled “I’m Not Alone.” 

“This song goes out to the ‘hopeless romantic.’ I wrote this song thinking about the person I love most, and the deeper understanding that it’s the most vital part of our nature.”

Lopez’s Opry Debut and new song follow his’ deeply personal record Magdalena which was released in 2023. 

“The universe has a way of peeling back the layers to either break us down or give us clarity,” says Lopez. “ It was a year ago this past April that I lost my little brother to a fentanyl overdose in West Virginia, and it’s been a year since I married the love of my life. I’ve felt love and loss that I never would’ve expected this early in my journey, but now as I get older, my only goal is to leave behind the purest form of what I can do and give. This album is just that.. no frills, no cowrites, no studio band, no compromises…Just me.”

Christian Lopez Live

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January 27 @ The Grand Ole Opry | Nashville, TN

February 24 @ Brues Alehouse Brewing Co. | Pueblo, CO

March 28 @ The Hamilton Live | Washington, DC

March 30 @ MUSIC4LIFE Living Arts Center | Clearwater, FL

Emo Orchestra has released tickets for their Spring 2024 tour with Escape the Fate. Tickets are available at now at https://www.emo-orchestra.com/tour 

Pairing the rock band’s live performance with a full professional orchestra arrangement, Escape The Fate will be performing their hits along with some of the most beloved emo classics from My Chemical Romance, New Found Glory, Panic! At The Disco and more. 

The special event made for emo lovers and orchestra aficionados alike offers a one of a kind, amplified sensory experience for even the most seasoned concert goers.

The tour follows the success of their inaugural run with Hawthorne Heights last year. The nationwide run kicks off on April 17 in Cincinnati, with stops to follow in Boston, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and more. For a full list of dates, please see below or visit: http://www.emo-orchestra.com/

New York-based riser Deadbeat Girl (Val Olson) returns with their gritty latest offering ‘Everything You Wanted’

Listen HERE

Deadbeat Girl is back with their intoxicating latest cut ‘Everything You Wanted’.

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 Born from the push and pull of a less than healthy relationship, the melancholic, grunge inspired track is an impressive response, arriving for anyone who might need it. 

Sharing more, Deadbeat Girl said: The song is about someone that you are with starting to be flakey/sketchy with you. The second you try to leave, all of a sudden you are everything they wanted. So for anyone who can relate, I would love for people to find comfort in it.

This song is heavily influenced by the grunge genre overall but more specifically the sound of the neighborhood. I’m obsessed with their moody, melancholic, edgy vibe and I wanted to emulate it in the song in my own style!

Everything You Wanted arrives in the wake of a spectacular 2023. The hotly tipped newcomer marked their territory as an exciting artist to watch back in February when they released their debut EP ‘What Will It Take?’. The record resonated with many as Deadbeat Girl shared their poignant journey of self acceptance and discovery through their music. They went on to release a handful of stand-out indie-alt moments over the year racking up over 2.3 million streams on Spotify alone. Not to mention a wealth of support at press with love from the likes of Clash, Kaltblut, Atwood Magazine, Ones To Watch, Them, Wonderland and more!

Marzzhia Janine (MJ) Ancheta, mononymously known as MARZIA is a filipino-canadian r&b singer born and raised in General Santos, Philippines. She has gained recognition around the world for her live performances, vocal range and with soulful taste in music, she is well on her way to make a name in music.

Releasing her new debut single “She is Her” in January 2024, she cites Ariana Grande, H.E.R and Giveon as her biggest influences.

“I love music that makes you just feel a certain way you know? …and with this song being my first debut single, I wanted to do just that.” – MARZIA

MARZIA carries a strong influence from R&B, Soul and Pop music.

“Growing up I loved to sing to all the ballads and reaching those wowing high notes my family would always get me to do. Then on the other days, I would be dancing, singing and making choreo to all the pop songs as if I was already on a world tour. Music has always been such a huge part of me.” – MARZIA

AJA returns with feisty new single ‘If I’m Honest’

Listen HERE

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With dreamy vocals and razor sharp songwriting, ‘If I’m Honest’ sees AJA push back with her exceptional talent for coming out on top. Still just 19-years-old, AJA is making her mark as an empowered songwriter and impressive role model.

 ‘If you’ve ever been in a toxic manipulative relationship with a narcissist as a boyfriend then this song is for you’ AJA shares.

If I’m Honest arrives off the back of a huge US tour with the amazing Leah Kate. AJA opened for an impressive 22 show dates, wowing audiences across the continent with her unmistakable talent, energy and powerful vocals, night after night. 

AJA has been making a name for herself since she launched in 2020, when she was just 16. Like many artists who found themselves building their career during a global pandemic, touring had to take a back seat. However, with performing live at the core of who she is as an artist, your new favorite bop-star is making up for lost time – watch this space! 

Throughout AJA’s journey she has been winning hearts and turning heads at every step. 

From being coined the iHeartRadio Future Star for her smash single “Red Button,” to receiving acclaim from the likes of Billboard, Clash, Consequence, The Line of Best Fit, Dork, Spin and Flaunt. Not to mention she’s scooping a wealth of DSP support from the likes of NMF, Young & Free and more!

ADMT reveals his anthemic new single ‘North’. 

Listen HERE

Written as an ode to the north of England, North arrives as an illuminating tribute to the rising artist’s hometown. Already putting Doncaster on the map as his career soars, North is a heartwarming nod to British culture, whether it be the good bits or not so good bits, he is a proud representative.

North arrives as the follow up to ADMT’s hugely popular rework of the 50 Cent track ‘Best Friend’ which dropped at the end of the last year. The single marked a significant moment in ADMTs career as it saw his following and fanbase multiply at breakneck speed! 

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In an unexpected twist, 50 Cent enabled more people to discover and adore this exceptional artist. 

Never afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, ADMT’s songwriting has a refreshing transparency when it comes to navigating matters of the heart and head. He’s worked tirelessly to normalize the conversation around mental health and wellness, something that’s been essential to tackle, particularly amongst men. 

ADMT is a grafter. Despite launching his music career in the midst of a global pandemic, he has never stopped moving. Whilst touring was off the table he took to the streets, and through busking he found a way to give people a taste of their much missed live music. By taking matters into his own hands, he captivated thousands of new fans in the process and even bagged a feature on Apple Tv’s Ted Lasso. “Busking was my saving grace throughout the pandemic. It’s been my fresh air. It’s allowed me to be me.. And without it I’m not sure I’d have made it through it as easily.”ADMT added.

Executive produced by Glitter Rain EntertainmentMaya J’s RIAA-member record label that she has been operating since 2014, “Chills” came to life under the guidance of engineering producer Jacob McCaslin. The collaboration emerged just months after their initial meeting, resulting in a track that stands out in the contemporary music landscape. “Chills” draws comparisons to the works of acclaimed artists such as Sabrina Claudio, SZA, Lana Del Rey, and Billie Eilish.

“Even when I’m in church, can’t put my strap down.” —21 Lil Harold

21 Lil Harold, standout member of 21 Savage’s Slaughter Gang music imprint, arrives today with his introspective new single, “Sundown,” featuring fellow Atlanta rapper J.I.D. The record, produced by Jetson Made and CGutta (Lil C), also sports a brand new music video, directed by Diamond Visuals, starring both rappers. Available now.

Despite a 2022 that saw Stela Cole hit the 1m monthly listener mark, 4x her social media following, and have her strongest streaming year to date. Stela (real name Hollyn Shadinger) felt mentally and emotionally apart from herself. Creatively unfulfilled, overwhelmed, and uninspired by social media. Stela Cole used 2023 to address her mental health, exit her label deal, black out her profiles, delete the apps, and trade doom scrolling for her guitar, the studio, and her favorite records.

Working closely with a core group of collaborators, Stela has meticulously crafted a sonic world inspired by Fleetwood Mac, The Mama’s and Papa’s, Tame Impala, The Eagles, Arctic Monkeys and more. The result is more than a musical evolution; it’s a rebirth.

Partnering with Award-Winning Director Eliot Lee, Stela has created a cinematic world through a series of music videos and vignettes featuring co-star Noah Gonzalez. Each piece of content is thoughtfully connected to one another in an endless loop. It is these endless loops, repetitive cycles, or habits that inspired the themes of the upcoming body of work.

Debut single “Die Hard”, thrusts Stela’s vocals into the spotlight with a performance that is equally flawless and harrowing. The accompanying music video delicately mirrors this duality with an insidious narrative and goosebump inducing finale. 

Masters of the modern era of glam-rock, The Dirty Shirts, has unleashed an impassioned rendition of Chris Isaak’s timeless classic, “Wicked Game.” Their version of this iconic song is a testament to the band’s musical prowess, delivering an interpretation that’s both emotionally raw and undeniably provocative. “Wicked Game” is now available for streaming and download.

“Wicked Game” is a song that’s incredibly direct with its message and taps into the exposed depths of human emotion. The Dirty Shirts’ cover captures the essence of vulnerability, a feeling that resonates with all of us. Nick Santa Maria’s soulful, sultry falsetto vocals evoke a profound sense of sentimentality and otherworldly melancholy, particularly during the haunting bridge where he sings, “I never dreamed that I’d meet somebody like you, and I never dreamed that I’d lose somebody like you.” The Dirty Shirts channel Isaak’s signature charisma into the cover, bringing it to life at Modern Electric Sound Recorders in Dallas, TX, with producer Jeff Saenz (Leon Bridges, Reverend Horton Heat, Old 97’s), engineering by Joel Raif, mastering by Jordan Richardson, and Will Van Horn on pedal steel.

Making waves online is UK new singer/songwriter FromJerome. The half Nigerian half Grenadian artist is making his entrance onto the music scene with single ‘Next Day Delivery’ showcasing his Dancehall/Afrobeats/R&B style in this track.

Building up a huge hype on Tik Tok and gaining a core fanbase with fans begging him to release the track, FromJerome has finally given them their wish with the track dropping the audio this week and the video on 14thFeb in time for Valentine’s Day setting the mood.

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‘Next Day Delivery’ showcases FromJerome’s emotive lyrics and silky-smooth vocals with a sound palette as varied as the city that acts as his inspiration. 

FromJerome says “Next Day Delivery’ was just a fun little track I put together in my bedroom. One of my favourite songs I’ve written as I was able to have a lot of fun recording it. Whether it be the lyrics, to the vocal stacks and harmonies, I was in my element with this song and it means a lot to me because it’s the perfect example of growth in all aspects of my music.”

Delve into the debut single from this talented new artist as you will be sure to hear more from him with an EP on the horizon and more singles before then.

To punctuate the end of 2023, Doe Boy, the standout Cleveland rapper signed to Future’s Freebandz Epic Records imprint, released “Way Too Long,” an emotionally tinged melodic rap record, meant to ignite his fanbase and prepare it for more Doe Boy music in 2024. 

Just a month later, “Way Too Long” is one of the country’s fastest-rising songs, thanks to Apple syncing it into its new iPhone 15 Plus commercial, “Miss You.” Doe Boy soundtracks the popular commercial, which is Apple’s newest effort to promote its latest phone, the iPhone 15 Plus. The spot has been viewed five million times on YouTube alone and regularly airs during the most-watched national sporting events, including the NFL Playoffs and primetime NBA matchups.

There is something truly captivating about Canadian Juno Award nominee Kellie Loder. They are a passionate storyteller and accomplished songwriter with a voice that conveys warmth and power. Their unrivaled lyrical brilliance is honest and vulnerable in ways that make the music feel deeply personal. Inspiring profound emotion among audiences with their heartfelt songwriting and playful charm, Loder is nothing short of, “a bona fide entertainer,” theindependent.ca.

Described as, “a multi-genre marvel,” (hidden-beats.com), Kellie’s musical journey began on the shores of Newfoundland & Labrador, lending to their unmatched songwriting prowess, and distinctive blend of folk, Americana and indie pop influences. Loder’s signature sound coupled with their magnetic stage presence has earned them notable accolades including, “Songwriter of the Year”, and “Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year” at the 2023 East Coast Music Awards, placing first-runner-up on Canada’s Got Talent (2022), and co-writing with household names such as Alan Doyle, Steven Page, The Good Lovelies, and Grammy award-winning musician and producer, Greg Wells to name a few. Loder’s empowering anthem, “Fearless” was used as the soundtrack behind the CBC’s Tokyo Olympics coverage and in the Superpower Dogs IMAX Trailer narrated by Chris Evans (Captain America/Avengers). Their groundbreaking video and compelling song “Molded Like A Monster” was recognized with the 2021 ECMA Video of the Year Award and the MusicNL Ron Hynes Songwriter of the Year Award.

CARMICHAEL. is an artist originally from the UK but has firmly planted his roots in the DC and Maryland area for over 20 years. Carmichael. A past mainstay in the Emo/Post-hardcore scene in the 2000’s being the front man of numerous groups and touring alongside bands like (Downtown Singapore, Cutlery, The Receiving Ends of Sirens, All Time Low, etc.). Once the band disbanded in about 2009, he took a lengthy hiatus and ended up in the corporate world but with the birth of his son back in 2018 he was inspired to pursue music again as mostly a solo artist yet he has been able to carve out a live band for shows and is looking forward to the his first EP and album to come out in 2024.
Dubbed the ” Emo- Crooner” by Roadie Magazine look for Carmichael to blend genres including rock, hip hop/ R&B and indie music. 

Carmichael, a diverse musician and song-writer delivers a silky, honest and gospel-touched conscious hip hop/ Nu-R&B offering on “Nude Pumps” ft Jonny Craig

London based alt-pop artist Ella Tobin reveals her debut EP, ‘Favourite Place To Hide’. Led by gorgeous new single ‘Golden Hours’, this body of work showcases the beautiful vocals, intricate production and heart-swelling lyrics of an artist who has been building tastemaker buzz throughout the last year.  

Listen to ‘Favourite Place To Hide’ EP via your streaming service of choice below 

https://apollodistro.lnk.to/ellatobin

The EP features four beautifully melodic tracks, including her recent releasesThe Ghost’, ‘Wanna Go Home’, ‘Older’ and brand new single ‘Golden Hours’. Although a newcomer to the scene, with this being her debut project, Ella is actively proving herself to be a force to be reckoned with as we enter a new year in music.

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Speaking on the story behind lead single ‘Golden Hours’, Ella Tobin shares, “Golden Hours is a platonic love song for the people and places that always feel like home. It’s an ode to the precious moments spent together with your best friends where for a short while, it feels like time slows down and the world is a little lighter. With melancholic themes running through the rest of the EP, I wanted to end with Golden Hours as a reminder that, despite all the heavy stuff, there are always things to be celebrated and cherished, especially the people we hold closest to us.”

Mixing pop and melodic rap over a reggaeton beat, emerging artist and one-to-watch Camilla K has already commanded the full attention of industry insiders with her unique and flawless mastering of multi-genre pop. Now living in London by way of Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to make a splash in the UK’s talent-rich city as she releases her new music, laden with catchy hooks and melodies, high-calibre production and strong lyrics. Camilla’s latest single is the sassy and uncompromising “Pretty Bitch Gang” – available across all download and streaming platforms from 2nd February 2024.

Born and raised in Sweden, Camilla K can proudly boast a rich heritage: Finnish heritage (her mother) and Iranian (her father.) She was raised in a multilingual, culturally rich environment in what is a hugely diverse area of Stockholm. She speaks four languages: Swedish, Finnish, Persian and English fluently and has a real understanding of what rewards diversity can bring. She says, “… this made me the open-minded person I am today. I understand different cultures more and respect people’s differences. Not only that, she can boast some royal DNA: “One of the old Swedish Kings, Gustav Vasa had a mistress, with whom he had two sons, and the mistress is related to us!”. Ironically, her own upbringing was anything but privileged, but Camilla K has fought hard to forge her own success story.

As a result, Camilla K is someone who has absorbed a wealth of influences from many cultures and social strata; she pours this experience freely into her music and also into charity work with kids that have had similar experiences. A portion of proceeds from her music is being given back to children in the form of music and arts through her charitable foundation, “Chelsea House”. 

Izzy S.O reveals her gorgeous new single ‘Refuse’

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Tender vocals and shimmering guitars take flight as Izzy S.O delves into the complexities of heartache and what comes after. Dripping in angsty nostalgia, ‘Refuse’ is an anthemic dose of 90’s inspired, guitar-laden magic. 

Sharing more behind the single, Izzy explained: ‘I wrote Refuse last January from a future perspective, as if I was trying to guide myself out of the chaos and ahead to a time where I felt stronger and things made more sense. 

Releasing it a year later, it’s clear how healing time can be and I have found so much more peace and clarity now. You’re stronger than you think, find that strength within yourself so that you are your baseline, it’s dangerous to be dependent on other people for your happiness.

Refuse is here as the follow-up to Izzy S.O’s sophomore EP ‘Silly Me’ which came out back in November last year. The impressive 5-track body of work was a powerful coming of age moment that scooped much support amongst tastemakers. Ones To Watch described it as a ‘is a sonic rampage through adolescence’ whilst Clash magazine made comparisons of’ prime Garbage singles, or even Alanis Morrisette’, putting the London-based youngster in the spotlight as a talent to watch. 

Born in the West Midlands, Izzy S.O was raised in a creative household with plenty of space for musical expression. As a huge lover of books, she naturally gravitated towards poetry writing as a creative catharsis. Later this evolved into a natural talent for lyricism and over the pandemic she had the opportunity to develop herself sonically with producer Dustin Dooley. 

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Fast forward to today, Izzy has found her feet as an emerging artist bursting with potential. With two brilliant EP’s out in the wild, Izzy has cemented her sound which toes a line between pop-rock and indie with nods towards grunge. She’s scooped support from the likes of Clash, Ones To Watch, Fizzy Mag, Noctis, A1234 and not to mention multiple plays on Radio 1 and BBC Introducing

Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer

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