| Robert Ouyang Rusli has created an eclectic score to match the strange, fairytale-like world of Julio Torres’ Problemista. Moving between bubbling, whimsical melodies to propulsive classical minimalism, the score features orchestral arrangements that combine synthesizers with a live choir. Sounds from the surreal world of the film bleed into the music: ominous clocks ticking, 56k dial-up modems shrieking, filing cabinets, and keyboards creating rhythmic backdrops for the bureaucratic nightmares of the American immigration system. |
| Everything in Problemista’s surreal world can be personified, and the score is no different. It’s a colorful living creature in the film. Acting like a Greek chorus that urges on the film’s characters, the score’s choir sings and chants in an invented language formed from deconstructed words that describe their deepest desires and fears. |
| Problemista’s score features contributions from many heavyweight artists in New York’s experimental music scene like Randall Dunn of Sunn O))), yuniya edi kwon, Holland Andrews, and more. And the entire music team, from the musicians to the mixers, is based in New York—the city that provides the chaotic, pulsing backdrop to the film. |
Brett Landin is an emerging female country artist taking country music by storm. Bridging the gap between pop and country with a tinge of rock influence, her performances are both dainty yet powerful. With a set list of breakup songs that will get you on your feet and ready to block your ex and love songs that get you slow dancing with your partner- seeing Brett live is nothing short of artful storytelling. Backed by a band equipped with incredible musicians, seeing Brett Landin live is an opportunity to be transported by slide guitars, thumping bass and clean vocals. Having played venues such as The Troubadour, Hotel Cafe and most recently, the Beachlife Ranch Musical Festival alongside Wynonna Judd, Midland, and Brad Paisley- her musical stylings have been compared to the stylings of Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, and LeeAnn Womack.
UK alternative rock band The Mysterines announce their new album Afraid of Tomorrows, the highly-anticipated follow up to their critically-acclaimed Top 10 debut album Reeling, is set for release on June 7 via Fiction Records. Alongside the announcement, they have shared the lead single “Stray,” which premiered on BBC Radio 1 today as Clara Amfo’s Hottest Record. Listen here and watch the Matilda Harding-Kemp directed video here.
Vocalist and guitarist Lia Metcalfe comments on the track, “‘Stray’ focuses on the aimless and untamed nature of the polarities of behavior that we experience when dealing with suffering. Whether it’s guilt, paranoia or unexplained feelings of grandiosity. Often when the hands of loneliness have a firm grip over one’s eyes it can turn dangers into open doors inviting you in. We find a certain point of no return and we’re often led astray.”
Japanese voice artist Hatis Noit‘s first full-length album for international release,Aura, was released on UK label Erased Tapes (Nils Frahm, Ólafur Arnalds) to widespread critical acclaim, and she will be appearing at European festivals and tour the US this spring. Dates include Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with tickets available here. Additionally, Aura will be re-released physically in North America on March 15th, just in time for her US tour dates. Listen to the album here.
Following contributions from L.A.-based avant-garde composer William Basinski and legendary London producer Matthew Herbert, Hatis Noit’s Aura Reworks series continues with a re-interpretation of “Jomon” by producer Preservation (Mos Def, RZA, MF Doom) and cult NY rap duo Armand Hammer (billy woods & ELUCID).
It’s the subject of an Origins feature at Consequence today, and you can check out the new collaborative track here. Hatis Noit and Armand Hammer will both appear at this year’s Big Ears Festival in Knoxville (March 21-24) and Mission Creek Festival in Iowa City (April 4-6).
“Robert Raths from Erased Tapes reached out to me to show love for my work on billy woods’ album Aethiopes. I had been listening to a lot of music on Erased Tapes while living in Hong Kong and working on my album Eastern Medicine Western Illness. When he introduced me to Hatis Noit, I was impacted by her powerful audio and visual art form. I didn’t want to manipulate her stunning vocal, so I sought to bridge sonic time periods through my re-envisioning. I invited Armand Hammer to collaborate and they brought it full circle.” — Preservation
“I welcomed the opportunity to work with Preservation again, so when he hit me up I was excited to hear what he was cooking up with her. I know that he is always doing the unexpected but even so, I was blown away when I heard the work-in-progress. The energy and vibrations are off the charts, so I just tried to meet them there.” — billy woods, Armand Hammer
THE REVEREND follows New York gospel-rock icon and activist Reverend Vince Anderson. After coming to New York in the 90’s to enter seminary, Vince dropped out to follow his second calling – music. With his band The Love Choir, he has played a now-legendary weekly show for over twenty years. Reconnecting with his faith and using his intense soulful music, he began to preach a type of spirituality that is open to all, meets people where they are, and moves everyone that sees him perform. Deeply involved in social justice, Reverend Vince also works with other progressive faith leaders in New York and around the country to build inclusive communities.
Featuring Questlove, members of TV On The Radio, and an ensemble of eccentric musicians THE REVEREND is a rocking concert film as well as an intimate portrait of Reverend Vince’s inspiring personal and spiritual life.
Montreal-based multi-faceted artist and trance connoisseur TDJ debuts on Diplo’s Higher Ground label with her first-ever standalone single, “Come Back Home.” Alongside the new music also comes a wistful music video directed by Kevin Elamrani-lince.
A nostalgic, sentimental nod to 00’s trance/Eurodance, “Come Back Home” showcases each dimension of TDJ’s one-woman-show skillset. She writes, produces, and sings on the track in addition to serving as the star of the video. “The song is about past life relationships that somehow resurface,” TDJ explains. “There’s this feeling of chasing after something that gets closer and further away at the same time.” Shot in a desert panorama, the video reflects this feeling, embracing the poetic idea of a quest that lasts forever.
TDJ is perhaps best known for her boundary-pushing DJ mix/music video crossover trilogy SPF INFINI, a creative audio/visual masterpiece that Pitchfork once described as “a Black Mirror episode about leisure-class narcissists at some dystopian afterparty.” The project, which recently concluded with its final installment, is a testament to her unique approach to her craft. While she portrays a particularly icy character in the SPF INFINI series, her personality shines during her sets in real life, as seen during her performances for Boiler Room and HÖR Berlin.
Iceland Airwaves announces the first names for its 25th Anniversary edition, taking place from 7th – 9th November 2024 in Downtown Reykjavik. Alongside the news, the festival has released ticket & travel packages for 2024, which are available now.
Celebrating two and a half decades of bringing Iceland’s thriving creative community together with some of the world’s strongest new music talent, this year’s edition promises to be one of Airwaves’ most exciting to date.
“We are incredibly proud to be celebrating not only 25 years of Iceland Airwaves, but 25 years of playing a key part in the careers of some of the world’s most talented artists,” says Ísleifur Þórhallsson, Festival Manager for Iceland Airwaves. “Over the years we have seen many of our Airwaves alumni grow from strength to strength, often developing into some of the industry’s most acclaimed artists. It is an honour to continue to bring new talent to Reykjavik, and share our beloved Icelandic community with the world.”
Leading today’s announcement is South London singer and producer Shygirl, renowned for her mid-2000s club-pop bangers, the 2023 Mercury Prize nominee boasts acclaimed solo albums alongside collaborations with the likes of SOPHIE, Arca, and FKA twigs.
„Nobody wanted but everybody needed.” Exactly how much does this opening line from Oxford Drama’s newest single refer to the song itself?
“The Leader” is the first single promoting the Polish duo’s new LP, out this spring. Three years after releasing their third album, Oxford Drama is back with a big statement and an even bigger promise.
Political satire wrapped in a pulsating dance, “The Leader” sees Małgorzata Dryjańska and Marcin Mrówka enjoying the comfort of their own musical skins while also dipping their fingers into new sonic explorations. With this late-summer-jam-turned-societal-critique, Oxford Drama is flexing newfound confidence, bold and upfront like never before.
The song’s propelling rhythm, its narrative glimpse into modern-day absurdities, and the feeling of pure excitement all prove that even bad leadership can sometimes bring positive outcomes. Both musically and lyrically, “The Leader” is Oxford Drama at their most playful, courageous and energetic yet – a band that’s set out to achieve exactly what they’ve planned on their way to the fourth record.
Anamoe Drive is the solo moniker of songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Oisín Leahy Furlong.
Fresh off the heels of the first track “Goodbye & Goodluck” garnering attention for its distinct brand of lo-fi indie meets alt folk, Anamoe Drive has just announced the debut album “Breakfast in Bed” due March 8th 2024 on Faction Records. This news also comes with the announcement of the single “Procrastination” dropping on Feb 22nd, and a string of Irish dates on sale now.
Anamoe Drive’s musical evolution, guided by producer Rian Trench (known for his work with Saint Sister, J. Colleran, Gnod), showcases experimentation and spontaneous first takes peppered over a bedrock of airtight pop songwriting and arrangements as indebted to Daniel Johnston as they are to The Beatles. The result is a sonic tapestry that captures a confidence and authenticity that is offset by lyrical themes of vulnerability and heartbreak.
The “Breakfast in Bed” LP due March 8th is a breakup album told in 3 parts. The non-linear narrative flits between the throes of heartbreak to the bliss of new love, from the depths of loneliness, to the slow dissipating of these feelings in the rearview mirror. The album’s title reflects different meanings depending on which song you view it through – from a kind gesture, to a lonely act, to the masticating of these themes in solitude. It also doubles as the place where most of these songs were written – perched on a bed, the morning after the night before, recapping these events in song.
With influences ranging from Big Thief to Thom Yorke, Phoebe Bridgers to Mount Eerie, or Sparklehorse to Bright Eyes, Anamoe Drive brings a fresh perspective to indie folk, and Breakfast in Bed is a testament to the artist’s ability to craft emotionally charged, introspective songs that leave a lasting impact.
LIVE DATES:
March 9th – Workmans Club, Dublin
March 14th – Roisin Dubh (Upstairs), Galway
March 15th – Dolans, Limerick
a luminary of the alternative-R&B renaissance, Sylo releases the first single and video off of his forthcoming full-length record, “Fall Into Me.” His debut release via The Orchard sees the Korean-Canadian artist thoughtfully plucking all the beauty from the mundane. Wielding a voice with the viscosity of honey, Sylo leaves his fingerprint of intimate care on every second of the song — Stream.
“When I wrote ‘Fall Into Me,’ it felt like it was coming from a place of compassion,” Sylo shares. “For all my own faults, traumas, failures, and in turn, being able to do the same with the person I was with. And there’s nothing like that journey of self-actualization than doing it with someone who’s completely on the same page as you.”
Gibson, the iconic and leading global instrument brand, has shaped sound across generations and genres of music for over a century, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved music brands around the world. Today, February 22, Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, Sir Brian May, James Bay, Rosie Frater-Taylor, and more Gibson artists joined the Gibson team and fans to celebrate the opening of the Gibson Garage London, which officially opens to the public on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Music fans lined the streets to get a first glimpse of the Gibson Garage, inside they enjoyed a special “In Conversation” event with legendary guitarist Jimmy Page, as well as live music from the Gibson Garage London stage. The Gibson Garage is the ultimate guitar experience and destination for music lovers across the globe and the place to explore Gibson’s 130-year music history. The Gibson Garage London marks the first-ever Gibson flagship store outside of the U.S. and follows the successful opening of the Gibson Garage Nashville. The Gibson Garage London is located at 61-62 Eastcastle St, London, UK just off Oxford Street.
At the Gibson Garage London kickoff event, Gibson announced it has entered into a collaborative partnership with one of the most influential musicians in history, Jimmy Page, an icon across all genres of music, art, and culture and co-founder of one of the biggest bands of all time, Led Zeppelin. Being the main music writer in Led Zeppelin, Jimmy leveraged his blues and folk inspirations to orchestrate the pioneering rock sound that became the signature of the band, and revolutionized rock across all of its future variations.
“When I met with Cesar and he explained what the future of Gibson looked like, I knew I needed to be involved. There is a spirit in the place; after seeing the people working at the factories and getting a connection with them, I knew that picking up that Les Paul Custom and the Doubleneck all those years ago was certainly the right decision.”
—JIMMY PAGE
Esteemed punk act Bayside is thrilled to announce their forthcoming album There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive. The highly anticipated record serves as a follow up to their dynamic 2019 release Interrobang, and features tracks from the previously released The Red and The Blue EPs as well as six brand new songs. These new songs see the band continue to captivate with a mix of introspective storytelling and powerful blend of punk, rock, and metal. There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive is set to leave an indelible mark on the music scene, solidifying Bayside’s position as one of the most influential bands of their generation.
Fans can stream Bayside’s haunting new single “The Devils“. Pre-save / pre-order There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive, out digitally on April 5th and physically on May 10th, here: https://ffm.to/baysidealive.
On the new single, frontman Anthony Raneri shares: “We just wanted to write a ripper that keeps you on your toes. The chant was a melody that I kept humming to myself when I was walking my dogs. I put some words to it and we were going to use it as a bridge. We loved it so much we thought the song had to start that way.”
Grammy-nominated band Sum 41 has shared their newest single “Waiting On A Twist Of Fate”, out now via Rise Records, from their upcoming final album Heaven :x: Hell. The second single from the double album’s pop-punk Heaven side, “Waiting On A Twist Of Fate” harkens back to the earliest days of the band’s pop punk roots. The track opens the album the only way long-time fans would expect Sum 41 to open an album – a flurry of guitar riffs, drum fills, and vocals powerful enough to raise the dead.
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.
EMPOR, the fourth studio album by the Hamburg Techno Marching Band MEUTE, is released via their in-house label Tumult. EMPOR showcases the evolution of the band’s musical identity through the elaboration of techno-inspired original compositions and reinterpretations of well-known techno tracks.
The album title not only symbolizes the feeling of boundlessness after the pandemic, but also the extraordinary journey of the live techno phenomenon that once started on the streets of St. Pauli, in Hamburg, Germany, and is now celebrated worldwide.
“EMPOR is the collective ascent, the revival of possibilities, and an embrace of the boundless potential that awaits us,” says band leader Thomas Burhorn regarding the choice of the album’s name.
The album consists of ten tracks, featuring four MEUTE originals: “Vermis,” “Aurora,” “LoCKeDoWN2,” and “Hypnose.” Additionally, reinterpretations like “Loss of Hope” by Innellea and “Come Together” by Henrik Schwarz add layers of complexity to the record. The latter became even more organic through collaboration with the children and German youth choir The Young ClassX.
MEUTE will set out on a North America limited tour run this Spring alongside electronic music legend deadmau5 at the Hollywood Bowl and Brooklyn Mirage, as well as two headline shows in San Francisco and Toronto.
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.”
Jazmin Bean unveils their highly anticipated debut album, Traumatic Livelihood out via Island Records/Interscope including the focus track “Shit Show,” available now at all DSPs.
LISTEN TO TRAUMATIC LIVELIHOOD
Fans can expect an immersive experience as Traumatic Livelihood takes them on a journey through Jazmin’s evocative storytelling and explores the complexities of life through their lens. It reflects their mastery of blending genres, pushing boundaries, and creating a sonic landscape that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
The album showcases a fusion of Jazmin’s emotive lyricism and pop-perfect vocals, that resonate with their diverse fanbase.
Jazmin adds “This album is an amalgamation of reflections, stories, and feelings glued together by cinematics and all the things I love about music. I wrote it in a time of healing and I hope people can do the same with it. It’s a body of work I’ll always hold very dear to my heart. I’m so excited the world gets to have it now.”
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.”
Gibson TV, the iconic and leading global instrument brand Gibson’s award-winning, worldwide online network-features original series about music and culture from the world’s best storytellers. Gibson TV has premiered the new episode of the original series titled “The Scene”-a unique series that showcases historic music locations and venues across the globe. Hosted by Mark Agnesi, Director of Brand Experience at Gibson, the series travels to different music hot spots across the globe to discover important music landmarks that shape that city’s music scene. Viewers get special behind-the-scenes tours of notable record stores, venues, and recording studios like the Grand Ole Opry House, The Troubadour, Station Inn, Carter Vintage Guitars, RCA Studio A, Capitol Records Studios, Third Man Records, Amoeba Music, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, the Gibson Garage Nashville, and more. All Gibson TV original shows are streamed for free on Gibson.com HERE; subscribe to Gibson TV on YouTube and be notified when new episodes become available HERE.
In the latest episode of Gibson TV’s “The Scene,” watch as host Mark Agnesi and special guests Dan and Justin Hawkins of The Darkness take viewers on a full tour of the new Gibson Garage London before its official opening this weekend on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The ultimate guitar experience and destination for music lovers across the globe, the Gibson Garage London marks the first-ever Gibson flagship store outside of the U.S. and follows the successful opening of the Gibson Garage Nashville. The Gibson Garage London is located at 61-62 Eastcastle St, London, UK, just off Oxford Street, and is open daily.
Alien Ant Farm have released another new single from their upcoming album ~mAntras~ to be released April 24, 2024 through Megaforce Records. “Fade” is now available to stream on all digital platforms at this link: https://orcd.co/aaffade
“If you’re looking for classic AAF ingredients, “Fade” is well represented,” says guitarist Terry Corso. “With urgently swung rhythms and heart felt, to the point lyrics, this track brings the bands creative history with the DeLeo brothers into the present and future.”
The song follows the release of “So Cold”, the band’s first new song since their musical hiatus, which can also be found on the new album. Watch the official music video here.
~mAntras~ is a record that will not only challenge your preconceptions of the band, but will also firmly reassert their place in the world. The band’s sixth full-length, it was shaped by personal change and growth, and it represents as close to a new beginning as a band first formed in 1996 can get. At the same time, it’s not a record that dismisses and disregards the past. Far from it. A record of deep contemplation, ~mAntras~ was born out of various trials and tribulations—its songs don’t just take the listener on a musical journey, but, as its title suggests, also on a personal and spiritual one.
Alien Ant Farm have encountered a lot of adversity since blowing up in 2001 with two iconic songs—first their own composition, “Movies”, and then their classic, generation-defining cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”—but none more so between the release of Always And Forever and this record. It’s no surprise, then, that a lot of it has been captured on the 11 tracks that make up ~mAntras~. As guitarist Terry Corso puts it: “Growing up, divorce, children, family, death, band break-ups, surgeries, illness, health—everything is in this record. It’s literally a product of all the fucking shit, good and bad, that we went through.”
All of it, though, was channeled into crafting the most confident and self-assured album of the band’s career (“The manure makes the flower grow,” quips vocalist Dryden Mitchell). And despite the false start, when Alien Ant Farm felt they could pick things up again in terms of making new music, they did just that. What’s more, they found themselves thoroughly reinvigorated and re-inspired. Older and wiser and no longer as eager to please the music industry, the band really leaned into what it meant to be themselves on this album.
Dream-pop sensation Ghostly Kisses ignites anticipation for their upcoming album, Darkroom, set to release on May 17th, 2024, with the release of their mesmerizing single, “Keep It Real.” Following the international acclaim garnered from their debut album, Heaven, Wait, and fueled by a burgeoning fanbase across the globe, Ghostly Kisses showcases their signature blend of ethereal melodies and poignant lyricism in this latest offering.
Crafted in collaboration with acclaimed producer Oli Bayston (known for his work with Rachel Chinouriri and Olivia Dean, as well as electronic trailblazers Barry Can’t Swim and Yuné Pinku) “Keep It Real” delves into the complexities of relationships, exploring themes of authenticity and emotional vulnerability. Fronted by the enchanting vocals of Margaux Sauvé, the track envelops listeners in a sonic dreamscape, inviting them to delve deep into the intricate layers of human connection.
Indie-pop artist Reevah returns with her latest single ‘Golden’, the final release of her critically acclaimed debut album Daylight Savings. The single comes alongside her headline show in The Empire, Belfast on Feb 29th. The track beautifully delves into life’s highs and lows, with a bold yet reflective message that encourages listeners to appreciate and celebrate every moment, as our time here is delicate and fleeting.
“Golden” encapsulates the essence of Reevah’s musical journey, offering a moment of appreciation and reflection amidst life’s complexities. As she prepares to enchant audiences at SXSW 2024, Reevah continues to solidify her position as one of Ireland’s most exciting new artists.
On ‘Golden’, Reevah aka Aoife Boyle, explains, “Golden is about appreciating life and the beauty of what surrounds us. This track is about taking a step back to observe and feel the golden moments.In whatever way that may look for you. Appreciating your family, friends, nature, a moment to yourself.Golden is a set of contradictions met with a moment of realisation. The opening line of the track refers to us as humans and how we rationalise and process the word, life and the inevitability of it all.
I wrote this track in July 2022 on a warm Irish summer evening. It came about after a challenging time. The air was warm, the sun was setting in the sky and as the lyrics state ‘the sky had painted a masterpiece.’ I observed the kids playing and laughing in the garden, and in that moment life felt light and perfect. That was my Golden moment of appreciation, realisation with a true sense of calm and peace.”
Following the release of her album Reevah supported Snow Patrol at a sold out gig in The Limelight for BBC Introducing Live, which she was selected for by BBC Radio 1’s Introducing team as one of Ireland’s most exciting new artists.
Her single “Call Me Up” was nominated for two NI Music Prizes including ‘Best Single’ & ‘Best Video’ and has been featured in E4’s Made in Chelsea, Channel 5’s Harry Wild and Sky Atlantic’s premier comedy ‘The Lovers’.
Brandon Lucas, the producer, vocalist and DJ, returns with a collab featuring a titan of Chicago house, K’ Alexi Shelby, and the venerable Dr. Cornel West. ‘Love Warrior’ is an uplifting house track that has become a focal point of Dr. Cornel West’s Presidential campaign and will be released on Lucas’ Purple Label Sound, which he formed to elevate Black voices in electronic music.
Lucas and K’ Alexi Shelby were connected by Seth Troxler several years ago in Chicago, and the two have produced several unreleased records together, including the forthcoming title “Ain’t No Stopping Us.” The pair created ‘Love Warrior’, which features a vocal sample of Dr Cornel West’s opening remarks and invocation at Harvard’s Black Graduation in 2019, a couple of years back.
‘Love Warrior’ was originally earmarked for release as part of a broader dance music project with Dr. West, which has been delayed by his decision to run for President. After West’s campaign named its legion of super volunteers ‘Love Warriors’ the track naturally became their rallying cry, and Lucas, who is part of West’s campaign staff, was given the blessing to release the track.
“‘Love Warrior’ is a call to action to love warriors around the world. It’s inspired by Dr. West’s mission of truth and justice, with love at the center of it, and informed by the Black Musical Tradition,” said Lucas. “That Tradition – in terms of artistic creativity, spiritual fortitude, and moral courage — deals with what Doc refers to as the funk of catastrophe but not allowing it to have the last word. In this uncertain time in history, “Love Warrior” will help soundtrack this moment in the movement that Dr. West is leading for his millions of supporters worldwide, as he runs as an Independent candidate for President of the United States.”
Taking inspiration from the likes ofSt Vincent, Feist, Dirty Projectors, Nai Palm, Unknown Mortal Orchestra & Connan Mockasin, ‘Last Time Forever’ is an enchanting piece rich in textures and dynamics. Having learnt classical double bass from age seven, and playing in orchestras as a child, it was in her teens that Stevie seriously felt music as a calling – when she picked up a bass guitar and got into Radiohead and Pixies. Hearing Esperanza Spalding’s ‘Chamber Music Society’ made her realise “Oh – that’s actually possible for a bassist!” and the seeds of her solo project began to take root.
Throughout her new record, Stevie questions the idea of space and time within human interactions. “‘Last Time Forever’ is an isolated lyric from the album. The song is reflecting on the fact that there will be a final interaction between yourself and each person you encounter and that you may not recognise this as it happens. The phrase also appeals to me as those three words, last, time and forever, conjure up images of both finality and the infinite, which feel like 2 sides of the same coin.”
The first singles lifted from the album ‘Wake Me Like’ and ‘Into You’ already received support from Deb Grant and Tom Ravenscroft on the New Music Fix (BBC Radio 6 Music) and John Kennedy on Radio X.
Comedic genius Kyle Gordon has shared his newest single “The Irish Drinking Song (feat. The Gammy Fluthers)”, out now via BMG. With a lilting melody and lyrical runs that are sure to play on repeat in listeners’ heads, the new single arrives just in time for your St. Patrick’s Day preparations – whatever that may entail.
“The Irish Drinking Song (feat. The Gammy Fluthers)” is available to stream now at https://kylegordon.lnk.to/TheIrishDrinkingSong.
“The Irish Drinking Song (feat. The Gammy Fluthers)” will be featured on the upcoming debut album from Kyle Gordon, Kyle Gordon Is Great, out March 1 via BMG. Featuring smash hit “Planet Of The Bass (feat. DJ Crazy Times & Ms. Biljana Electronica)”, “My Life (Is The Worst Life Ever) [feat. Our Wounded Courtship]”, “Girls Are The Best (feat. Tanya McCabe)”, and “Ugliest Girl On The Beach (feat. Antonio Frankfurt)”, Kyle Gordon Is Great is the culmination of years of characters and genre parodies that Kyle has developed and perfected in his one-of-a-kind live shows.
Pre-save Kyle Gordon Is Great now at https://kylegordon.lnk.to/KyleGordonIsGreatID
Limited edition signed copies of Kyle Gordon Is Great and other exclusive merch is available at https://kylegordon.rosecityworks.com/
Reinterpreting the old Irish classic, “Kill a Bloody Englishman,” this 1990 recording of “Kill a Fucking Englishman” from the Irish Republican band The Gammy Fluthers was recorded live at The Bloody Stream in Dublin. Though only one in a long line of classic Irish Rebel songs, this tune has proved particularly provocative and popular across the Emerald Isle and throughout the Irish Diaspora. A poll of BBC listeners voted the song “the 63rd most violent Irish song of all time.”
acclaimed Irish indie rock band Pillow Queens share their latest track and official video for 90s-soft rock-inspired “Like A Lesson” out everywhere now. The band’s triumphant third studio album Name Your Sorrow is due out April 19 and available for pre-order now. This June, Pillow Queens will perform live across the UK and will support Snow Patrol in Limerick, IR on July 12 ahead of their biggest show to date on July 13 at Dublin, Ireland’s Iveagh Gardens. Tickets are on sale now for all shows via pillowqueens.com/live.
Out today, the guitar-driven “Like A Lesson” explores longing for intimacy and a desire for closeness as well as the fears and insecurities that come with sharing one’s self. On the raw subject matter, the band says the track dives into, “The notion of finding safety and comfort in the presence of love of limerence is emphasized, contrasting with the paralyzing fear of making mistakes or ruining your life or someone else’s. It delves into the feeling of being a lesson for someone, a side character in someone else’s story.” Over a hooky guitar riff, the track swells until the backing instruments fade for a moment and lead vocalist, bassist and guitarist Pamela Connolly belts, “I don’t wanna ruin my life/But I wanna go home with you.” Here, the band illustrates the thin line between fear and desire and the risk involved in vulnerability.
It slowly became a blend of each band member’s music taste and is now a favorite to play live. The band continues, “Sonically, we were influenced by a range of artists from Blur and REM to Seminsonic, New Radicals, and Squeeze. It began as a song we felt had a strong country music influence and morphed into something that referenced a wide range of our musical tastes. It’s the 90s soft rock song on the album.”
East London-born rapper MAK emerges revitalised, unveiling his latest single, “Please,” with newfound vigour and inspiration. Embracing his innovative spirit, MAK defies genre constraints, crafting a soundscape uniquely his own, seamlessly blending hip-hop with a future-retro vibe. The result is a super-chill, sultry melody that perfectly harmonises with his candid lyricism, offering intimate insights into his life’s perspectives. With “Please”, MAK confidently steps into the next chapter of his artistic journey, setting his sights firmly on success.
On the inspiration behind the single, MAK explains, ““Please” is a reintroduction of myself in a weird way. I’ve had a lot of experiences over the past year that I’ve drawn from to create this record. I’m sharing my views on life in recent times. I touch on various subjects such as family, hobbies, women, and ultimately what I see for myself in the near future.”
Directed by Sebastian Luke-Virgo, the official video immerses viewers in a kaleidoscope of vibrant, colour-coded backdrops, accentuating MAK’s effortlessly sleek monochrome fashion sense as he moves rhythmically to the beat. While eschewing a conventional narrative, the video captivates with its playful exploration of colour palettes, infused with his infectious energy. “Please” heralds MAK’s first release of 2024, following the success of his previous tracks “Fortress,” “Check,” and “25,” each accumulating hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify and solidifying his presence in the music scene.
Australian electronic duo Flight Facilities returns with their first new solo music in two years. “Trouble,” their new single featuring longtime friend and collaborator Owl Eyes, is out now via the treasured label Future Classic.
A trip to the altar of 2000s dance music, “Trouble” was born during the pair’s 2023 run of Ibiza DJ sets when late nights (sometimes) evolved into missed flights. Be it the Chaka Khan hook of Stardust’s “Music Sounds Better With You,” the emotionally evocative collaboration that became Todd Terry’s edit of Everything But The Girl’s “Missing,” or the mirrorballed drumroll of Spiller’s “Groovejet,” “Trouble” is the collision of magical moments from a period that gave warm and ecstatic music for fans to escape into, with the inimitable freshness of a Flight Facilities anthem.
Following the success of their critically acclaimed 2021 sophomore album FOREVER, the new single marks a return to the duo’s roots as they extract the essence of Sydney’s club scene in the mid-to-late 2000s, where they met and played across the thriving scene in the midst of a DJ renaissance. Flight Facilities’ upcoming shows will be centered around filling dance floors as the duo play both intimate clubs and massive stages The Trouble Tour will begin with Miami Music Week parties alongside Claptone and Purple Disco Machine and conclude at Coachella with their debut at the heralded Yuma Tent stage across both weekends. The tour will also hit New York City, Denver, Chicago, Toronto, Mexico City, and more.
Goldie Heart is the effervescent evolution of the beloved singer songwriter Katie Welch, who is here to reintroduce herself to the world authentically and unapologetically. A lifelong performer whose sultry vocals and intoxicating energy have captivated audiences from nightlife to entertainment’s elite, the emergence of Goldie Heart signals more than just a name change for Welch. It’s a renaissance.
Born from a journey of self discovery to find her own voice, Goldie Heart is the glittering manifestation of a golden era of ‘pop sensations’ reimagined through her own, deeply personal lens. Harnessing a sonic vision that fuses together elements of 90’s pop, the infectious groove of Disco and the allure of 2000’s R&B, Goldie Heart’s distinct, genre-transcended sound dances uniquely and carefree in a category of its own. Simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic, her story unfolds sonically in each track to envelop listeners in a glamorous celebration of the magic to be found in the moments in which we release our inhibitions and embrace our truest form.
inspired electronic music extraordinaire Kasbo announces his first new body of work in four years, The Learning of Urgency. The project is Kasbo’s third studio album to date and will arrive via ODESZA’s revered Foreign Family Collective label on June 7. Along with the news comes two brand new singles, “Drift” and “Atlantis,” the latter featuring Shallou and Swedish singer BJOERN.
For Kasbo, The Learning Of Urgency is an extremely important concept. The songwriting orbits around slowing down, as the past few years of his life have been ridden with a sense of acute pressure, manifesting into a subconscious compulsion to constantly achieve and do more. The result nearly cost him his career, as he developed rare, stress-related hearing loss. The natural slowdown of the pandemic put these stressors into perspective, and through addressing them, he was able to get back on track, personally and professionally, and write this new album.
Last year, Kasbo returned triumphantly with a pair of singles (“The Way You Had Me” and “Alive”), marking his first solo original releases in three years since his previous album, The Making of a Paracosm. Now, he’s ready to unveil his most meaningful work to date. Previewing The Learning Of Urgency with two new singles, “Drift” and “Atlantis,” Kasbo himself elaborates on how the aquatic nature of these two tracks ties into the album concept:
“My new album is inspired by the feeling of being submerged in water. Underwater, the world moves slowly, sounds fade, and there’s this feeling of stillness. To me, there was this direct relation to being on a stormy ocean surface, trying desperately to keep your head above water. Whereas the world beneath the surface represented this stillness where you allowed yourself to move at a slower pace and appreciate the beauty of things around you. And sure, as much as you need to move forward and build something in life, you also need to swim up to the surface and take that next breath. I think it’s important not to let that thought consume us and prevent us from appreciating those moments of tranquility underwater.” — Kasbo
Only Fire, the boundary-breaking, Berlin-based DJ and producer, is excited to share his latest single, “Blowjob Queen,” from his forthcoming EP Moana Lisa, out Friday, March 22.
Excited to announce this new era, Only Fire says, “For the Moana Lisa EP, the idea was to put together a fun selection of 5 club-ready bangers that I got the inspiration for while living in Berlin, after moving there from Croatia. My music usually contains lots of moaning samples, so I felt like Moana Lisa was a nice play on words to use as the title along with the yassified version of Mona Lisa on the cover.“
LISTEN TO “BLOWJOB QUEEN”
PREORDER MOANA LISA EP
Today’s release of “Blowjob Queen” offers fans a preview of what’s to come from Only Fire next month upon the release of Moana Lisa, his first official EP. Following last year’s singles “Up n Down” and “Squirt,” Only Fire continues to break new ground, provoking thought and inspiring listeners to embrace their individuality. As he gears up to release this new EP, Only Fire’s footprint in the music industry and popular culture is poised to expand even further.
A member of the 2023 DAZED 100 list featuring trailblazing creatives, Only Fire has grown leaps and bounds as an artist over the past year. After moving from his hometown of Zagreb, Croatia to the dance music capital of Berlin, Germany, he’s incorporated his experiences within the queer nightlife scene and techno-house spaces to create this dazzling new EP. Featuring digitally charged soundscapes blended with touches of industrial production, Moana Lisa arrives as a showcase of Only Fire’s abilities as a DJ sensation and masterful producer.
Known for his explosive beats and club-ready anthems, Only Fire fearlessly manipulates the Siri voice to express sentiments that most artists would shy away from. Through his playful yet sophisticated approach to hyper-sexual phrases and metaphors, Only Fire crafts a unique musical experience that resonates with a diverse range of listeners.
Only Fire will make a highly anticipated live appearance at New York’s beloved Knockdown Center on March 16, as direct support for COBRAH. For more information about the even
Gibson, the iconic, leading American instrument brand has shaped sound across generations and genres of music, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved brands around the world. As part of Gibson’s commitment to artist-first culture, and music discovery, Gibson has launched the brand’s first-ever Gibson’s Artist Spotlight program which features a revolving and diverse roster of musicians and provides emerging artists around the world with global exposure and services committed to their career growth. Today, Gibson is thrilled to introduce two of the talented musicians from the Gibson Artist Spotlight roster, Alex Ritchie from Los Angeles, and Mona Lindgren from Sweden. Fans can learn more about Gibson Artist Spotlight musicians every month HERE.
Alex Ritchie is a Los Angeles based artist, writer, producer, and creative entrepreneur who is well on her way to success as a multi-hyphenate in entertainment. As part of the GRAMMY Next program defining the next generation of music industry leaders, Alex made her Grammy telecast debut at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards on CBS, alongside nominees H.E.R. and Giveon, and has worked with the likes of Ziggy Marley, music supervisor titan Tracy McKnight, and Grammys CEO, Harvey Mason Jr. Alex became the youngest sitting committee member in the history of the Recording Academy’s Los Angeles Chapter, where she served for 4 years–advocating for LGBTQ+ and Asian American representation in the music industry.
in celebration of Women’s History Month, dance music powerhouse LP Giobbi’s nonprofit FEMME HOUSE releases its new 14-track compilation Femme House Vol. 2, in partnership with Insomniac Records.
“I am honored to celebrate Women’s History Month with the release of Volume 2 of the FEMME HOUSE Compilation on Insomniac. Only 2% of producers are female, and this compilation highlights some of my favorite female and gender-expansive producers/artists that are changing the game right now.” — LP Giobbi
Femme House Vol. 2 features all-female and female-identifying artists, including LP Giobbi herself, FEMME HOUSE Chief of Education/synth-pop artist mini bear, dancefloor dominator Mary Droppinz, inclusivity advocate Baby Weight, rising sister house duo Lisbona Sisters, and more. As LP told Billboard, “You can’t be what you can’t see,” which is why FEMME HOUSE has been a top-priority initiative for her since its launch.
FEMME HOUSE stays true to its ethos with this release, continuing to amplify the voices of marginalized communities with workshops, activations, panels, and pop-up events planned for 2024. On March 7, FEMME HOUSE and Insomniac Records will host a pop-up at Homage Brewing Chinatown in Los Angeles, featuring a “soundcheck” set from Mary Droppinz followed by a meet and greet and DJ support by Robyn Balliet. Guests will have the option to enjoy a custom “FEMME HOUSE” inspired Jasmine Rice brew on-site. To RSVP, please click here.
FEMME HOUSE is also participating in Miami Music Week for its second year on Friday, March 22 at W South Beach. Mark your calendars for an engaging educational panel featuring industry leaders, with details coming early next week. To RSVP, please click here.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
