In 2023, Sum 41 announced their breakup after 27 years of making music together – the news was reported on by The New York Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, CNN, Bloomberg, Pitchfork, TODAY, CBS, Billboard, and countless other major news outlets globally. Heaven :x: Hell is aiming for nothing short of greatness, a perfect parting gift from the band to the fans that have supported them endlessly. Deryck spoke about it with GQ here.
“I love Sum 41, what we’ve achieved, endured, and stuck together through, which is why I want to call it quits,” Deryck leaves off. “There were so many times we could’ve broken up. For some reason, we kept sticking it out. I’m proud of that. It’s the right time to walk away from it. I’m putting all of my energy into what’s ahead.”
Looking back at the band’s storied 27 year career, Sum 41 has firmly cemented their place in rock history with over 15 million records sold worldwide, multiple Billboard Charting releases, a Grammy Award nomination, 2 Juno Awards (7 nominations), a Kerrang! Award in 2002, multiple Alternative Press Music Awards, and countless other accolades.
Only Fire‘s journey as an artist began at a young age when he discovered his passion for music. He delved into the world of audio production at the age of 15, teaching himself the intricacies of programming and beat-making on Logic Pro. Under the pseudonym Only Fire, he released his early music, capturing the attention of a growing fan base drawn to his infectious energy and unique sound.
With cult favorites like “ASMR” and “Cruel Summer,” Only Fire quickly amassed a dedicated following across the United States and Europe, including a substantial LGBTQ fanbase. His distinctive musical style, characterized by the Siri-esque robo-voice, resonated deeply with listeners, leading to over 20 million streams on Spotify alone.
In 2022, Only Fire embarked on his first tour, joining SHYGIRL as a supporting act for her headline tour in the UK. Since then, he has made memorable club debuts in Berlin, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Prague, Lisbon, Paris and more. Notable appearances have included performances at Boiler Room Festival, Standon Calling Festival, LadyLand Pride Festival, Bushwig and supporting Brooke Candy at her headline show in Brooklyn’s Elsewhere.
Beyond music, Only Fire has become a prominent figure in the luxury fashion space, DJing events for renowned brands like Loewe, JW Anderson and MISBHV. His creative prowess extends to the fashion industry, where he has crafted original works for esteemed fashion houses such as Rabanne and Ludovic de Saint Sernin. Profiles in i-D, Interview Magazine and Paper Magazine further solidify his influence within the music industry and pop culture.
Rising pop artist HERDD is the product of Frankie Cote, who brews up diverse electro-pop with a focus on being unafraid to challenge genre norms. On the upcoming album Afterlife, snapshots of Cote’s recovery from past mental health crises are navigated in a cathartic way, along with themes of sexual liberation and healing from past relationships. HERDD‘s unique take on songwriting has enabled him to work with multi-platinum award winning producer Rob Wells (Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber) and even earned him praise from Billboard as an artist similar to “early Gaga with shades of Daft Punk“.
Pulverizer is set to be released on March 29th, which serves as the follow up to the Gambler’s 2022 release When We Exit – which features dream-pop meets indie-rock track “Another Dose” featuring Mick Jenkins (the track has garnered over 9 million streams on Spotify).
Gamblers have arrived at a rousing fusion of organic and electronic sounds. You could say they’ve come up with the ultimate afterparty album that hasn’t entirely left the celebration behind, no matter how weary or tenuous the grip. A contemplative record, to be sure—one that takes-on weighty, difficult subjects—but spiked with irresistible hooks and, ultimately, a zest for life that bursts through the grooves.
Vancouver-based rising pop artist Xana shares anthemic, rebellious dark-pop/rock track “Homewrecking Era” out everywhere now. Alongside the release, the artist officially announces The Sex Was Good tour that will move across the U.S. this June and July beginning on June 1 in Portland, OR, with tickets on sale now via xanaofficial.com/tour. Find a full list of dates below. Xana’s intimate, empowering sophomore album The Sex Was Good Until It Wasn’t is due out May 10 and available for pre-order now. The forthcoming gripping collection sees Xana confront dark truths and deep pain as she learns to process and heal past wounds through shimmering melodies, captivating vocals and candid, clever lyricism.
Out today, “Homewrecking Era” is a shameless, playful exploration of toxicity and sees Xana step into a villainous role. Dripping with her signature seduction, the lyrics–paired with breathy, flirtatious vocals–depict a character who gets what they want, no matter the cost. Xana says the track is the record’s “bratty child,” as it dives into the forbidden pleasures of a toxic love affair one that, Xana states, “becomes the magnetic force that keeps two souls entwined, despite the impending chaos.” Describing its spirited sonic qualities, Xana adds, “The anti-pop-rock soundscape provides the perfect backdrop for this seductive odyssey, with gritty guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and a rebellious energy that mirrors the defiance in the narrator’s moral compass.”
The forthcoming project The Sex Was Good Until It Wasn’t goes where Xana has never gone before, touching on incredibly personal–and at times traumatic–subject matter. Over fifteen vivid tracks, she puts herself in the driver’s seat, taking charge of her own story while offering listeners a place of refuge and freedom. Unbound to a single genre or a particular moment, the album unapologetically builds a heartfelt world that is as explosive and bright as it is profound and dark, providing the necessary space for all–Xana included–to heal. The artist sees this body of work as a refined, fully formed evolution from her past work, in part due to her brutally honest songwriting and the free-flowing trust built with producers Liam Moes and Shane Stephenson. Thrilled to welcome listeners into this new cosmic world, Xana explains, “It’s an album that I’ve been wanting to write for a long time and I went into it knowing exactly what its purpose would be.”
Racing out of Oakland, CA, Spurts is the sentimental slacker rock group composed of hometown friends Robert Sanlis (guitar / vocals), Nathan Graves (keys), Chris Schubert (bass) and Jack Kovacich (drums). With their DIY recordings and energetic live performances, Spurts deliver music that embodies listening to a playlist full of forgotten 90’s bangers. Though their tracks have a glaze of nostalgia imprinted in them, the four-piece offer a cynical, yet self-aware take on indie rock that is explored further on their forthcoming LP That Was Mean And I’m Sorry (due May 3rd).
Chanpan is an up-and-coming Asian American group composed of Grace Dumdaw and identical twins Lance and Matthew Tran. Since their start busking the streets of Chinatown to being caught in viral videos, they’ve already been praised by Vogue as a “very cool New York band”, featured in New York Times’ T Magazine, and recognized by LiveNation’s Ones to Watch.
Their first song Jungle has organically smashed 160k+ streams and has been featured in Spotify official editorial playlists Pollen (1.3 million likes), New Music Friday, Fresh Finds, Jasmine, and more.
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.”
Fans can hear new music live for the first time on Bayside’s forthcoming North American headline tour. The Worse Things Than Being Alive Tour, kicking off on April 3rd in Pittsburgh, features support from Finch, Armor For Sleep, and Winona Fighter. Raneri adds: “We’re so excited to be touring with a couple of real pioneers in this genre. It’s been close to 20 years since we played a show with either band. So excited to finally run it back.”
We are all film lovers. After completing our last music video, I Don’t Wanna Talk About It, which was directed by Cain Cox, we wanted to go all in on creating a longer-form narrative film that still emphasized the band’s music and vision. The result is Total Control, a short film also directed by Cain Cox, that expands upon the themes and narrative we were only able to scratch the surface of in our first video. This film, which concludes at just under 30 minutes, explores themes of choice, consequence, and self-control. Inspired by grindhouse, horror, and slasher movies of the 1970s and 1980s, the film strikes a balance between disgusting, gross-out horror and slapstick humor with an array of set design and special effects that were all created in-house by the band and director Cain Cox. The film premieres on April 13th in Denver, Colorado at Glob. The film will go online for viewing outside of Denver on April 16th, kicking off an announcement for the band’s second full length LP, Comatose.
Eddie Witz‘s journey is a testament to the resilience and the transformative power of music. After facing the challenges of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome stemming from personal trauma, he didn’t let adversity define him. Instead, he turned to music as a source of healing and inspiration. His debut EP, “I Am What I Am,” slated for release in the summer of 2024, reflects his journey of self-discovery and growth. Drawing from influences like Jack Johnson and Jimmy Buffett, Eddie’s music blends pop, Americana, folk, and reggae/world music, creating a unique and captivating sound that transports listeners to a tropical paradise. Collaborating with industry giants like Native Wayne Jobson and Jeff Barry, Eddie’s album features renowned musicians such as Sly Dunbar and Robbie Lyn, adding depth and richness to his compositions.
His debut single, “My Island,” released in October 2023, quickly gained popularity, reaching #3 on college radio charts in multiple countries and earning regular rotation on Sirius/XM Vacation Radio Channel. Eddie Witz invites listeners to join him on his musical journey, where he transforms adversity into artistry, spreading messages of hope, healing, and harmony through the universal language of music.
Rock band Telltale are excited to announce the band’s debut full-length record, Telltale, is set to be released on May 17th via Rude Records. Several years in the making, the album follows previous EPs Good intentions, Timeless Youth, and Lie Your Way Out. It features the recently released tracks “Otherside”, “Cardinals”, and “EDDY”, as well as new single “kissinginacarcrash”. Listen now, here: https://ffm.to/kissinginacarcrash.
“It’s taken us three EPs and over half a decade to finally create the album we’ve always wanted. This is Telltale,” the band shares. “If there is one major takeaway from the record, it’s that escaping into the isolation of your vices isn’t a solution to the feeling of disconnection.”
About the new single, they add: “This track is for anyone who enjoys a late-night drive while they reflect and self-deprecate about every past relationship they’ve had.”
country/pop sensation Caldwell shares a dynamic remix of his hit single “Flyin’ Pass,” featuring Mod Sun and Yung Pinch. The remix blends Caldwell’s signature country charm, Mod Sun’s infectious energy, and Yung Pinch’s distinctive rap style, making it an electrifying fusion of talent and genres.
LISTEN TO “FLYIN’ PASS” FT. MOD SUN & YUNG PINCH HERE
“This song holds a special place in my heart — it all came together when my team and I were in LA, celebrating the iTunes and Amazon chart success of ‘Flyin Pass,’” shares Caldwell. “The love and support from fans have been incredible, so we decided to breathe new life into it by collaborating with two amazing talents who are sure to elevate it to new heights.”
Originally released back in November 2023, “Flyin’ Pass” made waves by soaring to #3 on the iTunes Country Charts and landing in the Top 10 of the Amazon Music Global Charts. The track has since garnered over 2 million streams globally.
Caldwell is not your average artist – he’s the pioneer of “Playboy Country,” a genre that blends soulful country twang with hip-hop beats. The 24-year-old Carolina native seeks to reshape the boundaries of country and pop and create a sound that resonates globally.
Gab Rhome injects a vibrant, dance-infused energy into ”Dance Alone”, masterfully blending the iconic vocals of SIA and Kylie Minogue, with his distinctive sound design. Originally released in February 2024, SIA and Kylie The pair’s original “Dance Alone” serves as the second single to be released from SIA’s forthcoming tenth studio album “Reasonable Woman”. The original production has quickly captivated listeners, amassing over 10 million streams on Spotify to date. With his reinterpretation, Gab Rhome offers a fresh perspective while preserving the original’s melodic charm, transforming it into a vibrant dance floor anthem.
Multi-faceted artist and tastemaker Zack Bia drops his infectious new single “DAMN!” in collaboration with production powerhouse Teezo Touchdown via Field Trip Recordings/Capitol Records. Listen to “DAMN!” “DAMN!” showcases Zack Bia’s undeniable talent and artistic range as Teezo Touchdown infuses the track with his signature vocal magic. Marking the first house music production from Teezo Touchdown, “DAMN!” is primed to become a surefire hit.
Combining a love of Suicide, Stereolab, Sonic Youth and shoegaze, The PVP make a blur of psychedelia-infused indie rock. Forming in 2021, the group comprises drummer/vocalist Brendan McInerney (Bleeding Heart Pigeons), keyboardist James Reidy (His Father’s Voice), and guitarist/vocalist Chris Quigley (Cruiser).
Their eponymous debut album is set for release through Pizza Pizza Records on 25th May 2024. Preceding that release is their first single ‘Callan’ – out March 25th, which falls somewhere between My Bloody Valentine’s warbling sonic mastery, Duster’s expansive wistfulness and J Mascis’ fuzzed-out amp worship. The album was produced by Chris Ryan (Robocobra Quartet/Just Mustard/NewDad) and mastered by Shellac’s Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Service. The trio are set to perform across the island (tour dates below) in support of the album, accompanied by a live liquid projection show by artist Catriona Osbourne.
Frontman Chris Quigley says: “Callan is about the misgivings older generations have about the younger, with the first verse being from the younger perspective and the second from the older. The perspectives feel a bit interchangeable – which is kind of the point. There’s a tendency to worry about little things, individual moments, when there’s probably bigger things to deal with. The chorus is first person nonsense. It’s muddled, agreeing to do something it had no intention of ever doing. Classic teenager.”
“The song name comes from a lake by the village where I grew up, which was a common drinking spot for young people, especially the abandoned house. Legend has it the butler of the abandoned house went on a bender, neglecting to feed the dogs kept on the land. When he returned, he was devoured by the dogs.”
“We recorded this in Start Together and the guitar solo on record is one I immediately wrote off as my high e string broke, and I spent half the take unwrapping the broken string from around the others. When I came in to change my string and get ready for another, no one could see why.”
Post hardcore band SeeYouSpaceCowboy have today announced their highly anticipated new album Coup De Grâce. A complex and imaginative new record that invites listeners into a neo-noir world of the band’s creation, Coup De Grâce is set to be released on April 19th via Pure Noise Records. Fans can check out a brand new double music video for their singles “Respite For A Tragic Tale (ft. iRis.EXE)” and “Silhouettes in Motion” now, here: https://youtu.be/SIQs-sab_wo.
“This album was a chance for us to refine some of the melodic elements we had recently introduced to the band while also playing around with all things and bringing back reinvented version of past parts of our identity,” shares frontwoman Connie Sgarbossa. “The hope is that we made something that mixes the innate emotion of post hardcore with the cathartic essence of dancing and allure of cabaret/burlesque in a package reflecting the tale of a city on fire and it’s all to tragic individuals and their indulgence and woes.”
It’s a rainy day here in New York, so I figured it’d be an appropriate time to pitch you some grunge-y goodness, in the form of “Severed” by Mia Day.
“Severed”(RIYL: Sky Ferreira, Soccer Mommy, Wednesday, Big Thief, Waxahatchee) is a love letter to the greats of the Seattle music scene. With her new single, the PNW native returns to her roots: grungy, raw music she listened to in the car in her youth.
With a guttural scream, “Severed” ends as Mia Day finally emerges from the morass, angsty and loud.
acclaimed New York City-based electronic musician, producer and activist Moby announces his first live dates in over a decade, performing his greatest hits in Europe in September, including in London, Berlin, Paris and more. Released on May 17, 1999, the album Play featured the classics “Porcelain,” “Natural Blues” and “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?” and sold over 12 million copies worldwide, winning numerous awards and becoming the biggest-selling electronic album of all time. Tickets for the select dates go on sale beginning Wednesday, March 20th at 10 AM GMT for the O2 and artist presale, Thursday, March 21st at 10 AM GMT for the venue + Met presale and the general sale begins Friday, March 22nd at 10 AM GMT here. See a full list of dates below.
Says Moby, “It’s been over 10 years since I’ve toured, but someone reminded me that 2024 is the 25th anniversary of the release of ‘Play,’ so it seemed like it might not be the worst idea to do a short European tour to commemorate and celebrate. The show will feature well known songs from ‘Play,’ but also a bunch of audience favorites, like ‘Extreme Ways,’ ‘We Are All Made Of Stars,’ ‘When It’s Cold I’d Like to Die,’ and even some old rave bangers like ‘Feeling So Real’ and ‘Go.’ What makes the tour most exciting for me is that I won’t be paid anything. 100% of my tour profits will go to European animal rights organizations.”
Additionally, Moby announces the release of his next album always centered at night, due out June 14 via Mute. He shares the newest track and video from the collection, “dark days” featuring soul-jazz singer-songwriter Lady Blackbird, out everywhere now. The album features a different collaborator on each track, including the late British poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah, as well as previously released songs boasting a varied list of accomplished collaborators like Gaidaa, (“transit”) José James, (“ache for”) Akemi Fox, (“fall back”) serpentwithfeet, (“on air,”) and Aynzli Jones (“medusa,”) with collective streams of over 15M across platforms. With decades of critically acclaimed music and over 20 million records sold, Moby’s next act includes uplifting the next wave of musicians, lending his platform to rising voices of whom he’s a fan. Thrilled to bring this dynamic body of work to the world, Moby explains, “For the last 30 years, I’ve worked with amazing singers–everyone from David Bowie to Freddie Mercury, Gregory Porter to Jill Scott. ‘Always Centered At Night’ continues my love of collaborating, but has a focus of working with amazing singers who might not be as well known as David Bowie and Gregory Porter.” Though all tracks are collaborations, the music remains unmistakably Moby, dripping with glittery melodies and warm, hypnotic instrumentals.
Laced with significance and power, Dream-pop sensation Ghostly Kisses have shared their latest hypnotic release, “Crimson” in the lead up to their highly anticipated album, ‘Darkroom’, set for release on May 17th, 2024. Coming after the ethereal anthem “Keep It Real”, and the announcement of their forthcoming headline tour across the UK, EU, and North America, Ghostly Kisses unfasten a compelling single layered with substance.
Well-known for their enchanting slices of heaven, Ghostly Kisses called upon celebrated producer Oli Bayton (reputable for his work alongside Rachel Chinouriri, Olivia Dean, Barry Can’t Swim, and Yuné Pinku) for another unblemished display of other-worldly art. With Margaux Sauvé’s captivating vocals sitting at the forefront of the release, “Crimson” delves into themes of individual rights and freedom, a message which holds momentous weight in today’s world. Held together with a percussive dreamscape speckled with orchestral elements, we are greeted with further glimpses of the upcoming album.
When asked about the inspiration behind the song, Margaux Sauvé, lead vocalist of Ghostly Kisses explained, ”Crimson holds a special place for us within Darkroom, primarily due to the emotional depth of the themes it explores. Through the Box of Secrets, we received numerous revealing confessions of homosexuality, and the challenges individuals face in expressing or living their love due to familial or societal constraints. Crimson aims to be a broader reflection and claim on individual rights and freedom, also echoing events such as the tragic death of Mahsa Amini and the Iranian protest movement for women’s freedom.”
“I know it’s not us, I know it’s not us, I know it’s not us to flee and hush
I know it’s not us, I know it’s not us, they bruise they crush, they kill the love instead”
Margaux Sauvé went on to share, “This passage vividly captures the intensity of their emotions – the profound anger, the deep-seated pain, and an unwavering resolve to persist in the fight for their rights and freedoms. Being the most lyrically intense song of the album, we wanted to couple that with the most intense musical production as well. The verses are sung by one voice, but as the message comes “I know it’s not us”, it’s progressively joined by more and more voices as a metaphor of how a movement starts. Through Crimson, we hope to offer a powerful medium to amplify the voices of those who are silenced.”
Last month, critically acclaimed Irish artist Niamh Regan announced her sophomore album ‘Come As You Are’, due out May 2024 via Faction Records, along with a gentle and stirring first single Madonna. Ahead of her upcoming UK tour next month, she shares the follow up single ‘Belly’, with an accompanying lyric video created by Julie Bryant. Ruminating on the song, Niamh says “Belly is a light-hearted song with full band production dealing with an idea of feeling like a broken record and not being heard.” Official Lyric Video: https://youtu.be/xH_c8H3HTHU
Niamh Regan’s 2020 debut album ‘Hemet’ introduced her as an artist with a gift for crafting folk-tinged songs with a quiet, reflective intensity. The release started to make waves and achieved over 1 million streams on Spotify and led to nominations for both the RTÉ Folk Awards and the Choice Music Prize ‘Album of the Year’. Since its release, Niamh has embarked on headline tours around Ireland, UK, Australia, and more. Pairing this with many festivals and a variety of support opportunities with artist such as CMAT, Villagers, John Grant, SOAK, Patrick Watson, Sam Amidon, Cormac Begley, Sorcha Richardson, Josh Ritter, and many more.
Electronic music extraordinaire Kasbo continues to build anticipation for his upcoming album with new single ‘This Is It’ featuring Swedish singer-songwriter Frida Sundemo, out on March 20th.
The third single on his album release trail, after last month’s acclaimed double single ‘Drift’ and ‘Atlantis’ featuring Shallou and Swedish singer BJOERN, ‘This Is It’ provides another glimpse of Kasbo’s much-anticipated LP, combining Frida Sundemo’s sweet, reverb-soaked vocals with a cascade of synth melodies.
‘This Is It’ continues the fruitful collaborative partnership between Kasbo and Frida, who have worked together on every Kasbo album to date, first on ‘Over You’ from 2018’s Places We Don’t Know, and then on ’Shut The World Out’, a highlight from 2020’s The Making of a Paracosm.
Speaking on the record, Kasbo mentions, “Me and Frida have been working together for years and she’s always been one of my favorite singers. I wrote to her about making something new together and sent over a few instrumentals. For one of them, she wrote the vocal idea for “This Is It.” As always with her there was just so much emotion and presence that I felt I wanted to produce something new for it specifically to do her vocals justice. We wanted to channel the feeling of realizing you’re like “right where you’re supposed to be.” Letting go of wants and needs and feeling content with where you are right now.”
Set to debut in Washington, D.C. this May, Colors of the East, announced today, is a brand new music festival highlighting East African music from acclaimed event promoter and production company Duke Concept. Encompassing sounds from the eastern region of the continent, Colors of the East will bring artists from countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda to the Capital One Arena on May 24th.
The 1-day indoor festival will feature performances by Tanzanian bongo flava artist Diamond Platnumz, Ethiopian hip-hop act Lij Mic, Congolese rapper Innoss’B, Kenyan R&B vocalist Otile Brown, and Rwandan Afrobeats act The Ben. Also set to take the stage are Somalian singer Suldaan Seeraar, Sudanese act John Frog, Ugandan genre-blender Joshua Baraka, Zambian act OC Osilliation, Tanzanian songstress Nandy, and more.
For tickets and more information, please visit:
https://www.dukeconcept.com/colorsoftheeast
Hot Mulligan has released a brand-new song called “Stickers of Brian” today. It’s the first new song since the band’s most recent and popular album ‘Why Would I Watch’ was released last spring.
Gibson ambassador and blues-rock powerhouse Jared James Nichols is confirmed to perform at the Gibson Garage London this coming Saturday, March 23. The Gibson Garage London is the ultimate guitar experience, marks the first-ever Gibson flagship store outside of the U.S., and is located at 61-62 Eastcastle St, London, UK just off Oxford Street.
Jared James Nichols is currently in the midst of a winter tour in support of his latest self-titled studio album, Jared James Nichols available everywhere via Black Hill Records HERE. The new album was recorded live at Blackbird Studios in Nashville with nothing more than a Gibson Les Paul slung over Jared’s shoulder, a warm amp turned all the way up, and a hot microphone on and ready. Jared churns out the kind of rock that rips, roars, and rolls without filter or apology. Jared delivers a one-two punch of gritty vocals straight from the gut and incendiary fret fireworks. The album, produced engineered and mixed by Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan, Slash, Rival Sons), marks the third full-length offering from the Nashville-based multi-talent and the truest representation of his authentic rock and blues-inspired sound.
Watch/share the Jared James Nichols performance “Saint or Fool”–from Jared’s self-titled album–was recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, TN and directed by Joseph Llanes
MyCompiledThoughts is setting the stage for his upcoming EP ‘Soul Brother,’ (out March 29), with the release of the scintillating new single, “Bite Me.”
This multi-talented artist, known for his prowess as an R&B singer, songwriter, and producer, reveals the magic behind the track, sharing, “Roberto Murillo played 80 notes, then vanished, leaving me with an explosive burst of inspiration—a spicy love song straight from the depths of my soul. Shane Dylan adding a layer or chords gave real depth to the record.”
Anchored by deep R&B bass and modern synth drums, the track invites listeners into a seductive world of longing and desire. MyCompiledThoughts’ vocals drip with desperation as he spins a tale of falling under the spell of a captivating seductress, leaving listeners spellbound from start to finish.
To elevate the experience even further, MyCompiledThoughts is unveiling a mesmerizing lyric video for “Bite Me,” featuring choreography by Samantha Steiniger.
Check out “Bite Me” now on all streaming platforms and don’t miss the lyric video debut today, promising an immersive journey into his ‘Soul Brother’ EP.
After returning from Milan, YOSHIKI has now revealed the full runway show for his high-fashion brand, MAISON YOSHIKI PARIS which debuted during Milan Fashion Week last month to widespread media acclaim.
MAISON YOSHIKI PARIS is the latest move in the world of high fashion by the iconic musician, designer, and filmmaker, fusing YOSHIKI’s visions of fashion and lifestyle with ready-to-wear glamorous and genderless designs. YOSHIKI’s cutting-edge line debuted with 37 looks – including apparel, accessories, and shoes.
“The concept of MAISON YOSHIKI PARIS is edgy, genderless, sustainable, and upcycled,” says YOSHIKI.
A select number of MAISON YOSHIKI PARIS items will be available soon on the official website: https://www.maisonyoshikiparis.com/. View the debut MAISON YOSHIKI PARIS collection here: https://www.maisonyoshikiparis.com/collection.
multi-platinum Artist and Entrepreneur Lil Mosey drops his new pop alternative single “Life Goes On” along with accompanying visualizer via Love U Forever/Cinq Music Group. This is the first offering from Lil Mosey’s highly anticipated spring 2024 EP and represents his first collaboration with super producer, Harvey Mason Jr. (Justin Bieber, Beyonce, Chris Brown) on the lead track. LISTEN HERE
Of the single, Mosey says, “Things happen in life. Not every day is going to be the best. You get knocked down you get back up. Sometimes you must go through hard times to get to the good times. It’s a reminder that Life Goes On.”
“Life Goes On” delivers a fresh, predestined look at what is to come from Mosey’s first studio project since 2019’s Certified Hitmaker and promises to showcase Lil Mosey’s musical evolution. No longer is he the up-and-coming kid from Seattle, he is now poised for worldwide superstardom.
Turkish superstar DJ/producer Mahmut Orhan delivers his highly-anticipated debut album, Pangea, out now via Ultra Records. The project arrives just ahead of a string of massive performances at Ultra Music Festival, Coachella, and Tomorrowland.
A culmination of Orhan’s diverse musical journey, Pangea blends together musical elements from a wide geographic range, fusing traditional instrumentation with modern dance music. Lending itself to the climactic nature of spine-tingling, dramatic techno, Orhan’s music taps into both the physical and emotional side of the listening experience with booming energy and stirring melodies.
The vast range of featured artists on the album reflects Orhan’s vision of music being the connective tissue between starkly different cultures. Hence the title Pangea, which refers to the prehistoric supercontinent of Earth before it drifted apart. From Turkish stars like TUANA, Lebanese singer Ribale Wehbe, tBerlin vocalist and producer Paul Brenning, to The Boxer Rebellion singer Nathan Nicholson, Orhan utilizes voices from all around the world.
Off the heels of an eventful week at South By Southwest, GRAMMY-nominated, Platinum-certified singer-songwriter, Cassadee Pope, shares her brand new single, “Eye Contact.” Co-written by Cassadee, Mitch Marlow and Devon Lewow, the punchy track divulges on experiences of betrayal and its lasting impacts. With this release, Cassadee hopes listeners will know it’s okay to hurt, and the healing process isn’t linear. “Eye Contact” gives both her and her audience an outlet to scream out those negative emotions and heal from the past.
Listen to “Eye Contact” HERE.
Speaking on the song, Cassadee shares, “I wanted to write a song about the lasting effects a liar has on someone else. Sometimes the very thought of maintaining eye contact with someone after being betrayed can feel impossible. I wanted to compliment the lyric with a heavy approach sonically and I feel like that really gets the frustration across.”
Rock band Parallels have today released their latest single, “No Way Out” featuring Maxx Xero. With “No Way Out,” the band hopes for listeners to find the strength to ask for help when needed and to be there for those around them who are the ones reaching out.
Speaking on the new single the band shares “It’s difficult when we find ourselves in challenging situations that we mistakenly believe we can’t escape. This notion often stems from past trauma, trapping us in a cycle of feeling helpless. Asking for help becomes daunting, as it requires vulnerability, which may have been discouraged or met with judgment in the past. Consequently, many refrain from seeking assistance.”
German quartet Letters Sent Home have shared their newest single “Final Battle” via SharpTone Records. This empowering and dynamic track is the last glimpse into the band’s upcoming album Forever Undone, delving into vocalist Emily Paschke’s experience with, and eventual escape from, religion.
“‘Final Battle’ is a first glimpse into the religious (trauma) chapter of this album. It is about escaping a toxic community I was trapped in for too long and how I am finally being able to speak up and stand up for myself,” shares Paschke.
Oregon’s own Southtowne Lanes is thrilled to announce their highly anticipated new album, Take Care, set for release on May 10th, 2024 via Dog Knights Productions. The album – a collection of tracks inspired by loss and struggling through the stages of grief – marks the band’s first new music since 2016’s Give Up The Ghost.
“On the surface, this record was written largely in dedication to my father, whom passed away in a brutal and sudden manner in September of 2021,” shares lead singer/guitarist Matt Kupka. “The album, song by song, dissects the stages of grief: how they relate, how they changed me, how I dealt with them, and how they led me down to the depths of my own mortality, where it seemed there could be no light.”
He continues: “In the end, Take Care is about the shreds of hope that are found buried in the wreckage of loss and grief. It’s about peeling back the layers of hurt, and finding resilience in the human condition.”
Fans can look forward to the first single “Go Cold”, which will be out on March 29th.
UK singer/songwriter and proud feminist Bonnie Milnes, aka Bonneville returns for 2024 with compelling new single “Chimpanzee” alongside her debut studio album “New Lady” out Friday 22nd March.
At the age of 19, Bonnie, originally from York, moved to Manchester.
Peering out from a high-rise flat in student halls on Oxford Road, she found herself comparing her feelings to the chimpanzee they shot into space in the 1960s. Feeling a thousand miles from home, spaced from bad-weed and heartbreak, Bonneville wrote Chimpanzee.
Chimpanzee transcends this compelling narrative, providing a melancholic atmosphere, echoing the sentiments of drifting around, feeling lost in space.
Paired with Bonneville’s alluring vocals the track has country influences, painting a hazy but vivid picture on her experience of moving away from home for the first time.
Within the album itself, her overall narrative is inspired by real life events and journeys. Other tracks including “The World (Was Built By A Man),” “Lady Be Free,” and “You Know,” are all narratives upon inequality of women, and they inspire feelings of freedom and escapism.
The album reflects Bonneville’s diverse taste in music, with a nod to the nostalgia of noughties pop soul, including notes of country, neo-soul, jazz, and compelling sonic influences throughout.
All production on the project is from Isaac Mccinis (Crooked Rooms Studios,) recorded at Young Thugs Studios, and mastering was by Kevin Tuffy (Mastering Engineer of the Year 2022) at Man-Made-Mastering in Berlin.
New Lady mixes sensitive production and classic, quality song writing. The strength found in community that threads through the lyrics is reflected in the album’s production, written with a small group of friends and musicians whom Bonneville trusted with intimate stories.
Alongside her musical career, Bonnie Milnes is also an aspiring actress, with credits including 2023 series “The Gallows Pole”, written and directed by Shane Meadows.
With a gritty, alt-pop sound, Toronto’s Eric Punzo offers his own brand of passionate, introspective songwriting. With his first EP release “Gridlock”, Eric is poised to make a powerful impression on the international music scene, while expanding his fan base through both full band shows and intimate acoustic performances. Following up in 2024 with his newest acoustic single, “Only Love”, Punzo continues to showcase his signature soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics.
Managed by Toronto-based Coalition Music, Eric continues to hone his craft with producer Steve Molella (Finger Eleven), with more releases planned on Molella’s label, BAMO Records. Eric’s latest single, “Find a Way To Love (Somebody Else),” is a dark-hued banger, and follows his warmly received singles, “Criminal,” “Nauseous,” and “If I Told You That I Missed You.” With the release of his debut EP “Gridlock”, Punzo explores the dark themes that come with finding yourself in your 20s. Of the EP, he says, “This is a collection of songs that represent the feeling of being stuck. Questioning the progress of my life, career, relationships, if all the hard work is even worth anything. There’s a certain energy in this project that relays the emotion of helplessness but ironically, also empowerment.”
Like many artists of his generation, the concept of genres doesn’t seem to apply any longer when it comes to Eric’s sound. What matters most is using all of his skills to create something fresh and exciting. As he draws inspiration from a vast array of artists ranging from Mac Miller to City & Colour, expect Eric Punzo to keep finding innovative ways to bare his soul through his music.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
