Acclaimed playwright/songwriter/performer Dan Fishback releases his new EP today. Ill I: Laughing with Lizards is out now. Watch the official hand-animated video for “Laughing with Lizards” here [directed and drawn by Dan Fishback; edited by Sean Puglisi].
Dan Fishback on the project: “Ill I: Laughing with Lizards is the first of three short albums, documenting feelings and impressions from my life as a chronically ill, queer Jew in an age of rising fascism. Ill (the word “ill” with a capital “i”) speaks to dysfunctional imbalances, not just within my own body, but within the body politic, and this first collection focuses on that political disorder. The subtitular track, Laughing with Lizards, explores the grief of witnessing injustice and the solace of knowing that ours is not the first generation to fight against overwhelming political cruelty.”
A full artist statement around the release can be found below.
About Dan Fishback
Playwright and songwriter Dan Fishback is perhaps best known for a performance that never happened. In 2017, the American Jewish Historical Society abruptly canceled a staged reading of his musical Rubble Rubble, citing his advocacy for Palestinian human rights. While Rubble Rubble’s cancellation provoked controversy, it was only one moment of crisis in Fishback’s ongoing artistic inquiry into the forbidden shadows of Jewish and queer life in the United States.
Fishback began performing in New York City in 2003, finding a home in the Lower East Side’s anti-folk scene and releasing several albums, both solo and with his band Cheese On Bread, which dropped its most recent recording The One Who Wanted More in 2018, along with a video for their song “Bad Friend,” directed by legendary underground queer filmmaker Stephen Winter, and featuring trans cabaret legend Justin Vivian Bond.
As a playwright, Fishback is known for comedic political theater, in which multiple time periods frequently collapse into each other, exploring legacies of historical trauma. The Material World, which found a family of Jewish socialist immigrants confronting the promise of Soviet utopianism in the 1920s, was called “quietly revolutionary” and “the best downtown musical in years” by Time Out New York in 2012, and his 2009 play You Will Experience Silence, which reframed the Chanukah story in the context of the Iraq War, was called “a forceful, often hilarious reflection on the politics of American occupation” by the Village Voice. Fishback’s 2011 solo performance thirtynothing confronted the then-under-discussed history of the early AIDS epidemic, and sought to understand the meaning of gay mass death for gay men who were children in those terrifying years.
In 2013, spurred by the political questions inherent in his thirtynothing project, Fishback founded The Helix Queer Performance Network–a programming platform designed to bring queer generations together and redress inequities in the world of queer arts and culture. He directed Helix’s slate of intergenerational festivals, workshops and public events through the platform’s conclusion in 2020, including La MaMa Experimental Theater’s annual festival La MaMa’s Squirts: Generations of Queer Performance, which continues today, now curated by Alexander Paris.
Fishback has myalgic encephalomyelitis–also known as chronic fatigue syndrome–and hosted the podcast Sick Day with Dan Fishback from 2018 through 2019. His work continues to engage with Jewish and queer political crises, always with a historical element, and with a newfound emphasis on disability justice, marked by Fishback’s experience as a high-risk person in a world that has ended collective efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID.
Artist Statement on Ill I: Laughing with Lizards
A few weeks after Trump’s election in 2016, I read that the Zionist Organization of America’s upcoming gala would honor Trump’s notoriously fascist advisor Steve Bannon. I immediately began laughing at the absurdity–a Jewish organization praising an antisemite for supporting Israel, while that same antisemite was empowering an unprecedented explosion of domestic antisemitism. But this laughing soon melted into crying, as my fear of fascism overwhelmed me.
I described this on social media, and asked, “Is there a Yiddish expression for laughing at fascism because it’s ridiculous, but also crying because it’s terrifying?” To my surprise, a friend responded that there basically is. To laugh out of bitterness (rather than joy) is lakhn mit yashtshterkes, literally translated as, “laughing with lizards.” Upon reading this, I was overwhelmed, not only by the surreal, mysterious beauty of the image, but by the tangible sense that my ancestors had gifted me with cultural wisdom, to prepare me for that moment. The problem was that I couldn’t readily access those gifts, because I did not speak Yiddish. Like so many members of so many displaced peoples, I dream in a language I do not speak.
Ill I: Laughing with Lizards is the first of three short albums, documenting feelings and impressions from my life as a chronically ill, queer Jew in an age of rising fascism. Ill (the word “ill” with a capital “i”) speaks to dysfunctional imbalances, not just within my own body, but within the body politic, and this first collection focuses on that political disorder. The subtitular track, Laughing with Lizards, explores the grief of witnessing injustice and the solace of knowing that ours is not the first generation to fight against overwhelming political cruelty. Hope Hurts, which I originally released as a music video in 2020, further digs into the intergenerational struggle of the Jewish left, expressing exhaustion at our defeats, but insisting upon hope despite absurd odds. A gentle interlude, Yr Beautiful / It’s Dangerous zooms into the dark, intimate details of political violence, depicting the aftermath of a homophobic street assault through the longing eyes of the survivor’s ex-lover. The dark rock track Take It All Away winds through a lifetime of violence–experienced, inherited and witnessed–in an insistent prayer to move beyond that pain. The collection ends with the orchestral lullaby The Beautiful Part–a self-reminder that moments of progress are always fleeting, and that justice will always require vigilance.
The music video for Laughing with Lizards, which I animated by hand, brings some levity to these themes of trauma, injustice and resistance. My protagonist, a young Jewish leftist, creates a golem (a sort of android protector from European Jewish folklore) out of mashed potatoes, in the shape of one of her shtetl ancestors. She and her Bubbe Golem go on adventures in Brooklyn, using the Bubbe Golem’s magic powers to right various wrongs. (They turn an I.C.E. detention center into an abortion clinic, they turn a cop into a baby goat, etc.) While the video was finished before last year’s October 7th Hamas attacks and the ensuing Israeli bombardment of Gaza, the video’s climax features the Bubbe Golem attending a Jewish solidarity rally for Palestine, where she confronts a Zionist counterprotestor and heals him of the pain that distorts his thinking. The gesture is part of a long history of left-wing Jewish resistance to Zionism–a phenomenon that grows more powerful and urgent by the day.
Ill I: Laughing with Lizards marks my first solo recording in over a decade, and, to be honest, I spent much of the last several years assuming I would never record again. I have myalgic encephalomyelitis–also known as chronic fatigue syndrome–a disease that punishes my body for intense exertion. The process of recording an album is physically grueling, and as my condition has worsened, my future in music seemed more and more unlikely. And so none of these songs or videos would exist if it were not for my producer Matt Katz, who invited me into a recording process built around my own limitations. The result has been slow-going, but illuminating and rewarding, thanks to Matt’s kindness and omnipotent musical talent.
All of these themes of history, trauma and illness collide in the Ill I: Laughing with Lizards album art by Avram Finkelstein, the legendary artist and activist who co-created many of the most iconic images from the early AIDS activism movement, including SILENCE=DEATH. The album art is a detail from his stunning 2023 mural, Tourist (BRAF V600E Mutation J/6), in which a drawing of the January 6th insurrection (with graphite marks distinguished by Avram’s hand tremors) is overlaid with a similar graphite rendering of Avram’s own cancer cells–as though Avram’s cancer is invading the Capitol building. When you are sick, and the world is also sick, it can all feel like the same thing. I am lucky to have a friend like Avram, who has fought these battles before, just as I am lucky to have ancestors who have fought and learned and left their gifts for me to find along my own way. Ill I: Laughing with Lizards is a collection of songs about living through dark times, but these songs also insist that we are not alone, that we are not the first, and that we are not the last.
Formed in 2018, comprising members Emma Armstrong (lead vocals), Max Kaiser (lead guitar, keys, synths), Danny Moriana (bass guitar, backing vocals, synths), and Jake Biggs (drums and percussion), the band has developed a tremendous social media presence through TikTok and Instagram, where they regularly debut original music and covers of well-known classics. It was through that online presence that the band was discovered and recently endorsed by Howard Stern on his SiriusXM radio show. Though much of their success is owed to their social media engagement, it is their genre-defying original music and energetic live performances that have generated a loyal, consistent, and far reaching following. This young and professional-sounding foursome is prepared to deliver a show that concert goers will remember for a lifetime.
Continuing to build excitement for the upcoming album, Heavy For A While, the cinematic indie-rock artist, Byland, releases “Two Circles” on February 16, 2024. This new single was first premiered on February 14, 2024, by DJ Kevin Cole on KEXP, one of the NPR stations in Byland’s home base of Seattle, WA. LISTEN TO “TWO CIRCLES” HERE.
Born of a dream of home but then waylaid by disappointment, frustration, and eventual acceptance, the journey through the past of singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Alie Renee Byland and her husband and co-writer Jake Byland led to the extraordinary new album, Heavy For A While. With its shrewd sonic template and Alie’s striking vocal performance at its center, Heavy For A While expertly marries themes of intimacy and heartache, nostalgia and hopefulness, the quest for home, and the complexity of holding onto it once it is found.
“To me, this song feels like meeting another version of yourself at the bar and experiencing for yourself the curiosity and compassion that you might lend a stranger,” Jake says of “Two Circles.” “We all know this person and many of us have been this person – the one that never grew up.”
“It was an honor to help usher this song into what it is today,” Alie, who wrote the melody to what she calls a “Jake Masterpiece,” continues. “It carries a full myriad of ideas and emotions, and feels like it changes meaning each time I get to sing it. I see myself in this song. I see others. I see love, pain, anger, frustration, joy, shame, angst, everything and nothing – a fullness in duality.”
Urban One’s HelloBeautiful.com, a digital content property owned by iONE Digital, has released its Black History Month cover featuring actress and singer Patina Miller. In this new cover story, Miller speaks on her feelings about Power Book III: Raising Kanan coming to an end, and the character she portrays on television, Raquel “Raq” Thomas.
“It’s important for women to see themselves as bosses, women to see themselves as beautiful,” Miller told HelloBeautiful. “Those things can coexist, and you can do both, women, do it all the time.”
While speaking with journalist Keyaira Boone, the actress gave us insight into the impact of being a dark-skinned actress and the positive effect it’s had on other women and the importance of representing other women.
“I get people in my DMs all the time, women who say, thank you for representing for the chocolate girls,” Miller told HelloBeautiful.
While discussing representation, Miller also spoke about the significance of telling the stories of Black Women.
“I’m trying to think about what stories can I tell. How can I move the needle in my own way?” Miller continued. “I don’t necessarily want to tell the stories that have already been told; it’s time for us to sort of do different things.”
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.
Female powerhouse AleXa kicks off 2024 with the release of her highly anticipated single, “sick.” This track marks a pivotal moment in AleXa’s career, following her history-making performances at iHeart Radio’s Jingle Ball as the first solo Korean artist in December. Notably, AleXa exclusively performed “sick” during Jingle Ball and on The Kelly Clarkson Show before its official release date, offering a sneak peek into her new era of artistic expression. After selling out three fan-meeting stops during her first U.S. visit, AleXa has prepared a new and exciting performance, and she is ready to embark on another U.S. tour this spring. Join AleXa where she’ll be performing “sick” and many other hits. “sick” delves into the complexities of a toxic relationship, exploring the inner turmoil of one side lacking self-love while feeling undeserving of the seemingly perfect partner. AleXa poignantly expresses the universal struggle of being blinded by rose-tinted glasses while in love, being unable to fully embrace the love bestowed upon oneself due to low self-worth, creating an interesting narrative. Throughout the accompanying music video, AleXa is fighting this version of her boyfriend that she used to put on a pedestal. The climax of the video, where she metaphorically battles and “kills” the idealized version of her boyfriend, signifies her liberation from the toxic influence and her determination to move forward independently. “sick” thus serves as a poignant reminder of the strength inherent in self-discovery and the pursuit of healthy love.
R E L is the artist project of LA-based singer-songwriter, Arielle Sitrick. She makes music of a genre she coined, “EVOCAPOP”, evocative pop music. R E L grew up in Chicago and then LA, with musical influences ranging from Queen, David Bowie, the Beatles and Beach Boys to Sara Bareilles, Sia, Florence and the Machine, Stromae, Caroline Polachek and Beyoncé. She released her self-titled debut EP in 2015, which she funded with a successful kickstarter campaign. Industry tastemakers and music lovers called the project dream pop, alt r&b and electro pop.
R E L ‘s music brings her enchanting ethereal vocals together with thoughtful emotive lyrics and both electronic and organic production elements. Since dropping her first project, R E L has released several singles, an album (EVOCAPOP Side A, the first piece of a three side visual album project), a collaborative EP with long-time collaborator, Jynjo, and in 2020 she co-wrote and performed a song called “Night City” for feature in the video game, “Cyberpunk 2077,” which was used for the game trailer and has become a fan favorite across the globe. “Night City” has amassed over 20 million streams across platforms.
R E L has played several shows in LA and NY since 2015, at venues and showcases including School Night, The Echo, Resident, Hotel Cafe, Moroccan Lounge, BMI Acoustic Lounge, Rockwood Music Hall and Peppermint Club. As an independent artist, she has amassed over 12 million Spotify streams and 6 million Youtube streams. She has been in the studio working on her second album, EVOCAPOP Side B, along with a couple other projects. The new music has a distinctive art pop feel while staying true to its “evocapop” label.
Her latest single “Intuition” delves into the profound journey of self-discovery and healing, emphasizing the importance of embracing vulnerability and authenticity. R E L’s poignant lyrics invite listeners to feel everything, acknowledging the strength that lies in sensitivity. The single encourages individuals to remove metaphorical masks and connect with their inner selves, finding hope and bearability in the process. In the accompanying music video, R E L takes on the persona of a pierrot, symbolizing the facade we often wear. As the video unfolds, she sheds her costume and mask, revealing a newfound freedom and inner strength. The visual narrative beautifully captures the essence of the song’s message – that by stripping away our protective layers, we can discover resilience and power within ourselves.
Julian is a 27-year-old singer-songwriter from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Growing up in a musical family, Julian picked up the guitar at an early age, and he fell in love. Playing, singing, and writing songs quickly became his number one passion in life! Spending most of his weekends performing at venues around his city, it’s a wonder he hasn’t written any songs about bars yet!
When he’s not playing music, Julian spends his free time time fishing and cruising the back-roads with his friends. Between his country lifestyle and his unconditional love for the genre, country music is what Julian always gravitated towards when it came time to write.
Julian takes great pride in writing his own songs, and tries to make sure that every single word he writes means something to him, based on his own experiences. As an independent artist, Julian’s primary goal is to continue creating good music that people can relate to, whether it’s a love song, or song about cold ones with the boys!
Seismic Dance Event, the South’s premier boutique house and techno festival, has announced the lineup for its 2024 Seismic Spring Lite edition. The event will return to Austin, Texas on May 10 and 11, boasting a slew of thoughtfully curated world class dance music talent at The Concourse Project.
Over the last 15 years, RealMusic Events has made an indelible impact on the dance music scene in Austin, showcasing internationally renowned house, techno, and underground electronic talent at its venue of The Concourse Project, which opened in 2021. Between its hundreds of standalone artist shows per year and dual production of its flagship Seismic Dance Event alongside the Seismic Spring edition, debuted last year, the brand has firmly established its standing as a leader in the global underground dance music space.
This two-day Spring edition of Seismic Dance Event will feature one outdoor stage, where fans can celebrate the turn of the seasons’ warmer months under the sun all day long, leading into afterparties at night within The Concourse Project’s main room. The intimate nature of Seismic Spring will allow festival goers to appreciate every artist being showcased on the bill.
House and Techno fans attending Seismic Spring this year can revel in a lineup stacked with dance music favorites. Headlining the fest is progressive house and trance titan ArminVanBuuren, known for his hypnotic beats and renowned A State of Trance radio show, whose recent releases have seen him fuse his original style with heavier techno sonics. Armin will be joined by British legend JamesHype and Italy’s MEDUZA as they present their exhilarating b2b experience Our House, first debuted with a knockout Hï Ibiza residency this past summer.
Additional depth on the lineup includes a variety of international talent from Dutch sound design architect Colyn, Slovenian selector BrinaKnauss, German Afterlife standout and Seismic Spring returner ChrisAvantgarde, plus UK progressive house flag bearer Cristoph. The stacked lineup continues with hybrid techno icon Sevenn, UK tech house-duo Solardo, and rising star Kill Script.
RealMusic Events takes pride in its top-notch production, sustainable and eco-conscious footprint, eclectic lineups, and one-of-a-kind homegrown crowds. Seismic Dance Event continues to prove itself as one of electronic music’s hidden gems, with its Spring Lite edition being no exception.
The Concourse Project is a fifteen-acre venue run by the RealMusic Events team. The venue was recently ranked 39th in global DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs list, while Seismic Dance Event was also nominated in the Best Boutique Festival category for DJ Mag’s Best Of North America awards series for 2023.
Tickets are available now and can be purchased on the Seismic website here. This includes 2 Day GA and 2 Day VIP options with payment plans available. Seismic is an 18+ festival.
Luke Middleton‘s forthcoming DEBUT EP, nothing ever after, is out now. In case you’re not familiar, Luke has lived through near-death experiences, love & loss, and the hell-bent involvement as an infantryman in the U.S. Army. In the wake of all this chaos and destruction, Luke screams at the top of his lungs. As a symbol of hope, he is propelled to use his musical talents to help people who struggle with depression. Because of the realness and grit of his story, Luke has amassed millions of views across social media platforms.
nothing ever after draws from his time as an infantryman in the Army and tackles some pretty heavy topics ranging from the process of him readjusting to life post-service, the emotional trauma and mental health challenges that he’s faced and has been working to overcome. His music became an outlet for release and that vulnerability is present in his lyrics as he pours his heart out for the world to hear. He hopes that this EP serves as a reminder to listeners that we are not alone in our struggles and we all have a story that deserves to be heard.
Ready to take the pop world by storm, singer, songwriter, and producer Matty Marz reveals her infectious new single, “EPILL,” out today on all streaming platforms.
Produced by Akira Akira (Mad Decent), Matty’s new single, “EPILL,” is an instantly catchy, club-ready anthem that will transport listeners straight to the dance floor. Taking inspiration from the gothic undertones of the late 90s electronic movement and the seductive pop sonics of the early aughts, Matty has created something undeniably unique and captivating.
“‘EPILL’ was a song I always wanted to make but didn’t know how to articulate until its conception,” she says. “It’s a dark and seductive mid-ecstasy hit electronic record that explores the highs and lows of a trip.”
New York-based Matty Marz is part of a new generation of young trans women who are dominating the pop music game. Weaving a rich tapestry of unapologetic lyricism, experimental electronic beats, hypnotic pop melodies, and wide-ranging genre influences, Matty is carving out a sonic lane all of her own.
Matty brings to the table a technical background in classical music (vocals and composition) and years of experience producing, performing and writing. Additionally, she recently graduated from the Los Angeles Academy for Artists & Music Production (LAAAMP), where she was able to fine-tune her skillset.
With numerous hit singles already under her belt, Matty is ready to reach new heights in 2024 with the release of her debut album, m.w.u. Inspired by artists such as Ethel Cain, Charli XCX, Bjork, & Infected Mushroom, m.w.u is a story of euphoria and release. Touching on a wide-range of genres like industrial, electronic, drum ‘n’ bass, and trap, Matty has created a diverse and immersive project to wow listeners and transport them into a different plane of consciousness.
Rising alt-pop sensation Caroline Romano reveals her anthemic new single, “Used by You,” out on all streaming platforms today.
Over the course of her last few singles – “girl in a china shop,” “Tell Her I Said Hi” and “Used by You” – Caroline has unveiled a bolder sound that blends her pop sensibilities with dynamic alt-rock instrumentation. But, as her sound continues to naturally evolve, her authentic storytelling never waivers. On “Used by You,” Caroline tells a relatable tale of unrequited love, set to a backdrop of melodic guitars and anthemic percussion.
“If I had to describe ‘Used by You’ in one word, I think that would would be brutal,” says Caroline. “It’s unabashedly honest, blunt, and real. It’s a song about the side effects of unrequited admiration. It’s about loving someone to the point that you’re willing to move mountains for them, even when they’re not willing to move an inch for you. It’s the fear of losing someone so much, that’s you’d rather lose yourself just to keep them. In the name of being honest, no matter how terrifying, this is ‘Used by You.’”
At just 22-years-old, Nashville-based Caroline Romano has established herself as a versatile artist, effortlessly transitioning between misty-eyed ballads and fiery alt-rock anthems. Memorializing the highs and lows of young adulthood with her unflinchingly honest songwriting, Caroline has captured the hearts of fans and tastemakers alike.
In 2022, Caroline released her highly-anticipated 16-track debut album, Oddities and Prodigies. She followed the album with her 2023 EP, A Brief Epic, a 6-track project that explored love and loss. With each new single that’s followed, Caroline has continued to reveal new layers of her artistry, resulting in some of her most confident and authentic songs yet.
This Spring, Caroline will be heading on tour with Smallpools and Grayscale for their West Coast dates. Tickets for all dates are on sale now: https://carolineromano.com/tour
Caroline Romano Tour Dates:
April 26 – Bend, OR @ Domino Room
April 27 – Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall
April 28 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
April 30 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
May 2 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
May 3 – Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room
May 4 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
May 7 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues Cambridge Room
May 8 – Austin, TX @ Antone’s Nightclub
With their first album in five years just around the corner – HOLLOW COVES – are today teasing one of its most blissful offerings: “See You Soon”.
With over a billion streams to their name and soaring, the Brisbane indie/folk duo’s second album, ‘Nothing To Lose’, couldn’t be more anticipated upon its release on 1 March 2024 (via the Nettwerk label).
STREAM “SEE YOU SOON” ON ALL SERVICES HERE || PRE-SAVE ‘NOTHING TO LOSE’ HERE
Capturing the blue-sky ideologies and open sense of adventure that courses through their new album, “See You Soon” is a masterclass in their spacious acoustic songcraft.
Creating a pin-drop aura with chiming guitars and those glistening Gold Coast harmonies that Matt Carins and Ryan Henderson call their own, this latest single from the childhood friends is a testament to the unbreakable bonds and unforgettable memories we make in life. As they explain:
“So you have made a new best friend somewhere in the world and you’ve shared so many great memories with them. Your time together comes to an end and you go your separate ways. Life gets busy and your communication together gets more and more distant. Eventually, you forget to ever contact them or call them but you always have moments in your life that remind you of them or the memories you shared together. This song is all about this feeling and trying to encourage the listener to reconnect with those people. Just send them a message or give them a call and see where they’re at. I’m sure they’d really appreciate it.”
emerging Los Angeles- based R&B artist SAYAK DAS releases his latest single ‘If You Don’t Love Me (Tell Me)’, marking the start of his next musical era with a bang. ‘If You Don’t Love Me (Tell Me)’ is out now on your streaming service of choice, via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘If You Don’t Love Me (Tell Me’ below:
Speaking on the makeup of the song, SAYAK DAS shares; “If You Don’t Love Me (Tell Me)” is a song built off a universal feeling – noticing someone you love pull away. I found myself dreading that feeling in my relationships, sometimes leading to me causing them to exist in the first place. Those are the times that I wish I could just read someone’s mind and not have to decipher their actions. Might be a little paradoxical, sure, but I think it’s something everyone can relate to.”
Starting the year off on a high, SAYAK DAS brings a bold flavour of explosive R&B energy to the table with ‘If You Don’t Love Me (Tell Me)’. Through seamlessly blending elements of hip-hop, pop and rock together, he achieves a sound that is a unique fusion of everything that inspires him in the creative space. As an independent artist, writer and producer, SAYAK DAS can only be described as a musical chameleon, who is always playing with fresh new sounds and concepts to keep pushing boundaries.
Today‘s release is the follow up single to Sayak’s latest EP ‘No Loss only Change’, featuring his hit debut single ‘DID U RLY?’ which started it all off back in 2022. Since then, he has gone on tour with fellow R&B artist Hojean, as well as Jai Wolf and ISSUES, featured on the new Tiger’s Apprentice Soundtrack, and garnered reputable support across press and DSPs.
Ones To Watch – “Like a deep exhale, the promise of a fresh breath of Sayak is undeniable.”
Rolling Stone India – “The result is a flurry of guitar melodies both intricate and shimmering, going over Das’ urgent pop vocals.”
With his emergence back into the music scene with today’s single, ‘If You Don’t Love Me (Tell Me)’, SAYAK DAS begins a new chapter in his music career, with lots more expected to come from this rising creative.
Montréal-based cross-border collective and event series Moonshine releases their mixtape Fédération Internationale du Bruit, the inaugural release of UK dance music star Aluna’s new label, Noir Fever Records. The release features the many diverse members of the Moonshine collective, as well as Aluna, Sango, Branko, and more.
Fédération Internationale du Bruit, “International Federation of Noise” in French, stands as a cutting-edge musical odyssey conceived by the innovative minds behind Moonshine—an avant-garde, cross-border collective that curates lunar-based experiences, music, fashion, and cinema rooted in the realms of African and electronic club culture. Born from their dance floor journey, extending from Lisbon to Los Angeles, FIDB emerges as the quintessential cultural amplifier of the club, offering a haven for self-expression and unity.
In this realm, FIDB shines a brilliant spotlight on the boldest and most inventive African and diasporic club and electronic artists of our era. From the pulsating beats of batida and amapiano to the infectious rhythms of jersey, the “International Federation of Noise” aims to be the resounding heartbeat of dance floors—transforming them into sanctuaries of self-expression and peace, from the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles to the vibrant alleys of Abidjan.
Emo punk/hardcore outfit SHORELINE have released their brand new album ‘To Figure Out’ today via Pure Noise Records. Listen to the record in full – HERE. To celebrate the release the band have released new video and single for ‘Darius.’
The track shows a fast, aggressive but yet innovative hardcore track, making it the heaviest SHORELINE song to date. DARIUS is a reflection on what being a “professional” band means and how the relationship between artist and their art is shifting throughout time.
Speaking about the new single the band said, “I remember when we started the band all we wanted to do was play live for the sake of playing. Making music for the sake of music. It was very weird and delusional to experience how the music industry works and how people treat you based on numbers and the success you have. Now that we’ve been doing this for a couple of years I notice how I start thinking the same way. A show is not sold out? then it’s not good. We only sold x records on that day? Should do better next time..
DARIUS is my reminder to value the experiences we get to share with the band and appreciate what we were allowed to do. It is named after a good friend that we spent playing so many “bad” DIY Europe tours in our early 20s and looking back it was the greatest time.”
Nigerian-Irish singer & songwriter Tolü Makay returns with her new single, “Mind & Body,” out on all streaming platforms today. “Mind & Body” was co-written with and produced by Steph Marziano (Phoebe Bridgers, Hayley Williams, Odesza) and mixed by Dan Grech-Marguerat (Lana Del Rey, MUNA, George Ezra).
On “Mind & Body,” Tolü’s strong, soulful vocals take center stage, elevated by a lush bed of ethereal production. Speaking on the poignant message behind the song, she says, “’Mind & Body’ explores the anxiety we feel when our body is numb to the moment while our mind is drowning in senses, screaming for us to be present in the here and now. It’s about allowing ourselves to breathe, about taking care of our bodies, about being present even when everything is moving so rapidly. In this cultural moment we are so concerned and cornered by our thoughts, our appearance, our voices and narratives that we tell ourselves. It is so hard to simply just be. ‘Mind & Body’ is a reminder to be present. To come together. Not just with yourself, but with each other. In Mind and Body.”
AUSTIN SNELL
“Everybody’s Friend”
• Austin Snell releases his first track of 2024, “Everybody’s Friend.” The Georgia native’s signature blend of “grunge country” is captivating audiences, and he’s already hit a combined total of nearly 175 million streams. Snell is currently playing a series of shows with Chase Matthew and will soon be joining Jason Aldean’s Highway Desperado Tour and making his first festival appearances.
• “‘Everybody’s Friend’ is about all the struggles we all deal with in life. I’ve had my fair share of battles in my life and wanted to write a song that reminds people that no one walks through fire alone.” – Austin Snell
New Zealand’s L.A.B return with their 6th studio album, L.A.B VI, out now via Easy Star Records / Loop. After recording & releasing their first five albums in a five-year span, L.A.B VI arrives after an almost two year-long period of writing, recording, tweaking & finessing what is their strongest album to date.
Listen to L.A.B. VI on all streaming services now HERE. Physical copies will be released in North and South America on March 22nd.
Recorded with frequent collaborator Lee Prebble at Wellington’s Surgery Studios, the album was written over the course of the last two years while the band has been touring across the globe, performing sold out shows in New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the UK & Europe. Incorporating all aspects of the band’s unique sound, the album combines reggae/roots & soul with funk & elements of rock.
The album features the previously released singles, “Take It Away,” “Casanova” & “Oh No (Pt. 2),” which show all the different sides of the L.A.B sound. Their single “Casanova” is currently the most-played song on New Zealand radio across all formats for over a month and is currently in rotation at over a dozen Triple AAA stations in the US.
Up next, L.A.B will be performing at Electric Avenue Festival in New Zealand and a return to the iconic Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia. They will also return to Hawai’i for two co-headline shows with Iration in March before a run of shows in the mainland U.S., including a return performance at the iconic California Roots festival. See below for a full list of dates and keep an eye out for more dates to be announced soon!
indie rock mainstays GROUPLOVE release their frenetic new single “Chances” to kick off their headline North American tour. With the band’s vocalist/keyboardist Hannah Hooper at the helm, the new offering is an overstimulated, hallucinogenic, aggressive singsong. A band that transcends their ever-shapeshifting genre, GROUPLOVE too has evolved over the last decade, channeling their ecstatic energy into the deepest tensions of the human psyche, all while playing with the contradictions and complications of existing — Stream “Chances.“
With this new single following their 2023 album I Want It All Right Now, and smashing the bottle on the ship of the Rock And Roll You Won’t Save Me Tour, GROUPLOVE will spend the next month on a massive headline run with support from Bully. VIP packages for the tour include access to an intimate pre-show soundcheck performance and Q&A, as well as an exclusive fan zine designed by the band. The months of May and June will also see the band make stops at Wildflower! Festival and Bonnaroo. See all upcoming tour dates here and below.
“I’m reclusive, I get in my head a lot and I write a lot of lists,” Hooper shares. “I’m painfully aware that all the magic in my life happens when I’m not like this. When I take chances — big ones, small ones, scary ones… whatever they may be, that’s when I grow.”
Comprised of brothers Max (Vocals, Guitar), Jake (Drums), and Nate Knoth (Bass, Vocals), along with Mitch Garcia (Keys), and Andrew Deters (Guitar), The Skinny Limbs bring a bright mix of soothing melodies and energetic rhythms together to create a sound inspired by the wind and waves of Lake Michigan. Fans of classic outfits such as The Beach Boys, The Police, and maybe even Henry Mancini will enjoy the band known as The Skinny Limbs. The boys put out two new singles in 2023, “Too Little Too Late” and “For So Long!” and plan on following up these strong releases in 2024 with a new EP titled Mozart for Martians, which will venture into sonic territory that has never been approached by the band to this point.
hotly tipped electronic artist 98 Poly teams up with UK electronic music producer D•LINGS on new single ‘Brakes’, which takes the form of a cocktail of infectious electronic beats and progressive, distorted production. The single is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘Brakes’ below:
https://apollodistro.lnk.to/98poly
Growing up in the suburbs of London equidistant from city raves and expansive British landscapes has carved the capricious sound of artist, producer and singer 98 Poly. Carving a sound that’s both ethereal and underground, 98 Poly combines heavy industrial beats, manipulated vocals and surrealist lyricism centred around themes of time, perception and the imagination.
D•LINGS ("deelings") is a UK producer of electronic music. His close connection with hardware synthesisers and samplers is prominent in his sound, which centers around Melodic Techno, Breaks & Ambient.
Together these two rising creatives have merged their expansive range of skills and unique, contemporary sense of musicality, to create a track full of electric energy.
For 98 Poly, today’s release follows her former single’s ‘PIIAG’, ‘Earthstar’ and ‘360’, which all earnt her a multitude of repeatable support from The BBC and kick-started her career as an emerging electronic artist.
Walker & Royce have returned with Part 3 of their upcoming No Big Deal album out now via Dirtybird Records. The latest installment of the duo’s No Big Deal series sees them team up with Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling artist James Patterson (and 1/2 of the electronic duo The Knocks) for a new single ‘Might Just’.
Hot on the heels of Part 2, Walker & Royce are back with an anthemic original that is sure to shake up dance floors around the globe. Imbibed with the no-holds-barred style that has made them one of dance music’s most charismatic duos, ‘Might Just’ bursts with hypnotic melodies, bouncy basslines, and James Patterson’s catchy vocals. Reflecting on the trio’s roots as DJs in New York City, ‘Might Just’ blends dark underground sounds with playful toplines and rambunctious energy.
“It’s great to finally release Might Just. We made it with our long time friend James Patterson. We have spent many long nights DJing in the Lower East Side and Brooklyn with James, so it means a lot to have him involved with No Big Deal. We think this one is going to be a fan favorite.” – Walker & Royce
“The Walker and Royce guys are OGs in the New York scene and I have always loved their music and the way they DJ, so to get to work with them on music again was a huge pleasure for me. A big reason I love them is their originality and this track speaks volumes to that. They took my vocal and turned into something super unique and something I think every dance floor will love.” – James Patterson
Hood River, Oregon’s alt-pop pride and joy flor are riding out the joy of independence with the release of their new single “Warm Blood Pt 2.” With the song’s precursor dating back to their 2016 debut album come out. you’re hiding, part two wasn’t initially created as a follow up. But as the band began writing with the intent of creating something as rapturous as the original, things started to fall in place — Stream.
Lead singer Zach Grace shares,“When we got together to start working on ‘Warm Blood Pt 2’ we were trying to make a song that felt as euphoric as ‘Warm Blood’ did when we played it live. We wanted to compose a new song with that inspiration in mind.”
He continues, “It didn’t dawn on us that the perfect name for the song was ‘Warm Blood Pt 2’ until we were all sitting together around Thanksgiving and talking about how perfectly the songs fit together. The lyrics even tied themselves perfectly to the consequence of a choice made in the video game that heavily inspired ‘Warm Blood.’ It’s about the collateral damage of love.”
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
