East Nashville-based rock band Her Leather Jacket is already making a name for themselves as the spirit of the early pop-punk scene prevails in the music and the atmosphere they create. When Manny Blu (vocals) found himself in the right setting, he was finally able to create the band and the music he wanted since moving to Nashville in 2018. Blu had an open slot for a best friend, and drummer Wes Snyder was first in line. Citing such influences as Blink-182, The All-American Rejects, and All Time Low, the duo’s debut self-titled EP released in the Fall of 2023 embracing the pop-punk sound, but they’re calling 2024 their “Fuck You” Era with a chaotically epic new EP on the horizon.
The essence of HLJ: make good fucking music and have a good fucking time.
Alt-Pop sensation Dela Kay has once again captivated audiences with the release of her latest single, “Nasty.” Co-written by Dela Kay herself, the track is a bold departure from her previous works, showcasing a daring and uninhibited side of the artist. Dela Kay reveals, “I got together with friends and co-writers, Ryan and Cas (Jordan A Casty), and I wanted to write a song that was different from all my other songs. I wanted to express another side of myself I don’t really share with my fans. Something that felt very ‘in your face’ and almost a fantasy type of song, showcasing what I feel is my alter ego, allowing myself to be blunt, sexy and just have a bit more fun.”
New York native singer-songwriter ROREY (24) grew up bi-coastal between Manhattan and LA. She started playing guitar at age six and taught herself piano at age 14. In 2019, she left college and moved back to LA to pursue music, releasing her first single, “Predictable” in 2021.ROREYprides herself on her unique rhyme schemes and brutally honest, vulnerable lyrics paired with unforgettable hooks.
ROREY draws lyrical inspiration from anything and everything. She will even pull lyrics from text conversations. “My songwriting has been my greatest confidant and my creative process my only reprieve from the precarious nature of life,” she confides. Although ROREY is the only musician in her family, her house was never quiet. Her early musical influences attributed to her parents were Santana, Pink Floyd, and Jethro Tull.
In 2021 ROREY was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It was during this time she wrote six of the eight songs featured on her upcoming sophomore EP, Dysphoria, set to be released on May 17th. Co-produced by longtime friend and collaborator, Scott Effman, the collection of music emulates her cognitive dissonance navigating her mental health journey through haunting melodies, ethereal vocals and swirls of hypnotic instrumentals. Leading single “Standby” is a raw and candid account of her first step in recovery. “I wrote this song during a manic episode in 2021. It was my ultimate epiphany in understanding that my healing process wasn’t going to happen instantaneously, I couldn’t just “stand by” waiting for it to happen. I had to take action and commit to getting better, no one was going to do that for me. I had two choices to accept the help offered to me or continue lamenting that everybody was living life and I was stuck getting nowhere,” she confides.
ROREY organically caught the ear of Apple Music’s Zane Lowe show. and has since landed coveted spots on Spotify and Apple Music playlists, such as Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds Indie, New Music Daily, New in Pop and a myriad of Japanese editorial playlists. She has further gained notoriety in prominent publications like Office Magazine, Ladygunn, Notion, and more following the release of her debut EP, Apt 7d (Anna Shoemaker, Ryn Weaver, and Blonder). She most recently played Baby’s Alright in Brooklyn, opening for singer songwriter Mitte Hope. She is performing her first headline show at the Knitting Factory (Baker Falls) in Manhattan’s East Village on April 25th.
ROREY is here to unnerve you and push you to confront the depths of your psyche. She shares, “I think I say outloud what some people are afraid to say. It keeps me going to know my songs help people get intouch with their emotions.” Whether you want to cry in your bed, or dance alone in your room – ROREY has a song for you.
VALA return with their follow up EP to last years’ I Love The Sound. Previous singles from the new record have already gained radio-play across the BBC, including BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, Amazing Radio and ‘track of the week’ on XS Manchester. The singles so far have gained over 400k streams on Spotify and received praise from publications like So Young Magazine and Baby Steps.
A true labour of love, Fishing God is the culmination of a lot of hard toil and ideas that the band have been shaping and stitching together. The record’s highlight is upcoming single Change Your Mind (I Just Wanna), a carefree indie bop with sleek riffs that came together like magic.
Dropping on April 10th 2024, VALA’s Fishing God is packed with the indie pop energy and feel good vibes that the band have become synonymous with.
Houston-born rapper SaxkBoy KD’s new music “Saxk Shit” is available at all digital partners via Cash Money Records. Get it HERE along with the accompanying music video out now HERE.
Channeling a distinct southern swagger, SaxkBoy KD unleashes another anthem anchored by his deft delivery and hard-hitting hooks. “Saxk Shit” positions KD as an emerging force within Houston’s next era, upholding his city’s musical legacy and extending it on his own terms now.
It also lands in the wake of the buzzing “All Doves.” The music video has already reeled in over 142K YouTube views and counting. In addition to looks from HipHopSince1987, 24Hip-Hop, and more, ATTACK THE CULTURE proclaimed, “It’s a chin up and grind time for Houston rap artist Saxkboy KD in 2024. So what better way to get into zone than zoning out with an anthem like the ‘All Doves’ music video?
About You writes music about the listener. The indie rock/alternative artist draws inspiration from the stories of friends, fans, and strangers alike, weaving these narratives into songs that resonate deeply with audiences, making each listener feel seen and understood. “I wanted to provide a countermovement based on supporting our collective community, explains Max Poscente, the creative force behind About You. “I wanted to take people’s stories and turn them into songs.”
Armed with a collection of old guitars, 808s, and a deep passion for music, About You is carving out a unique musical path to bring these stories to life. The forthcoming debut album, crafted from years of collecting and adapting these tales, promises to be a compelling exploration of human experiences and emotions. Poscente gives a voice to the voiceless while speaking on tougher topics such as suicide, homelessness, climate change, and more.
About You’s journey has seen them tour extensively across the United States, captivating audiences and selling out shows in major cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York. Their live performances have also graced prestigious festivals, including 3 appearances at SXSW and 5 appearances at Mile of Music. Additionally, they’ve had the honor of opening for acclaimed musician Shakey Graves, further solidifying their presence in the music scene. With over 1 million streams across various platforms, About You’s music has resonated with audiences far and wide, earning them a dedicated and growing fanbase.
As the mastermind behind About You, Max Poscente hails from Dallas, Texas, where he was raised in a family with a remarkable background—his father being a former Olympian in downhill speed skiing, having set a world record that has since been surpassed, and a successful serial entrepreneur mother. Poscente’s musical influences are as diverse as they are influential. The Beatles hold a special place in his heart, influencing him on every level of his musical voyage. He admires Leonard Cohen for his poignant lyricism, David Bowie for his iconic, visual brand, and innovative music, and Jack White for his ability to repurpose old and new sounds. Radiohead’s commitment to musical innovation and boundary-pushing, as well as Bon Iver’s groundbreaking use of electronics and folk elements, have also left a profound impact on Poscente’s musical style and approach.
With an unwavering dedication to storytelling and musical authenticity, About You is poised to continue sharing its message with the world through the release of new music and forging connections through its evocative soundscapes. Follow About You on socials @ABandAboutYou.
With her soulful pop sound and powerhouse vocals, Beth Brandy has confidently launched herself onto the pop and funk music scene. Hailing from Essex, UK, Beth initially found viral success through smashing Ariana Grande’s infamous high note in “Bang Bang,” which gained her a following of 100k on TikTok overnight. She soon began working with leading producers Etienne and John Lindhal to write and produce her own music. More recently, Beth Brandy has been working closely with Grammy award-winning songwriter and executive producer Sam Hook. Under his mentorship, the duo has collaborated to release her debut singles, “Magic” and “Irresponsible,” and her new EP Double Standards.
Beth Brandy’s musical inspirations include Anderson .Paak, Michael Jackson’s funk-driven beats, and Silk Sonic’s original and modern take on 80s funk music. Christina Aguilera and Ariana Grande’s aesthetics and vocal ranges not only molded Beth Brandy’s visual look, but have also inspired her to push herself to emulate their vocal abilities.
Released in spring 2024, the Double Standards EP delivers songs with clever and cheeky narratives, like making fun of herself for having ‘double standards,’ sharing beautiful love ballads, and confessing to the guilty pleasure of being ‘irresponsible.’ “Sam really helped me make my sound come to life,” Beth explains. “I said I wanted my music to sound like ‘Ariana hopped on a Silk Sonic beat,’ and that’s exactly the type of music we made.” To keep up with Beth Brandy’s playful banter and commanding voice, visit BethBrandy.com.
Formed in 2018, Scott y los Pelmazos is an alternative hip-hop band hailing from Puente Alto and La Florida, Chile. They’re currently based in Santiago.
Scott y los Pelmazos present themselves as an alternative to traditional hip-hop, drawing from modern influences, unafraid of experimentation, and rejecting confinement to a particular style.
They promote their music primarily through live shows, and their latest release is a compilation of tracks for Analog Machine Records taken from previous EPs like “Scotty Tape 01” and “Calma/Diamante”.
The String Cheese Incident have unveiled “County Road Blues” the second bonus track to be released from the band’s most recent album Lend Me A Hand (2023). “County Road Blues” follows “Windy Mountain” which was released last month.
“In Bluegrass, the guitar players call these ‘floaties.’ You pick the notes and let the open strings ring out,” says Bill Nershi. “When I bring bluegrass to the band it usually morphs into other styles and takes on a character all its own.”
Lend Me A Hand, is the band’s 8th studio album is a poignant yet high-spirited reflection on love, loss and resilience, and emerged as SCI coped with such life-changing events as the sudden death of their close friend Jesse Aratow (a member of their management team for most of the band’s history). As they dreamed up a batch of songs firmly centered on their storytelling, the band joined forces with Brad Cook (Bon Iver, Hiss Golden Messenger, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Waxahatchee), a producer whose distinct vision helped SCI to fully embrace the album’s rootsy simplicity.
Known for an immersive live show that continually pushes into unexpected terrain, the Colorado-bred six-piece handles everything from bluegrass to dubstep to psychedelia with equal parts abandon and ingenuity—a feat that’s found them sharing stages with such wide-ranging artists as Lauryn Hill, Skrillex, James Brown, Billy Strings, Perry Farrell, Sheryl Crow, Zac Brown Band, and more.
SCI will kick off 2024 with their first live incident on April 6 at Texas Eclipse and will tour across the country making stops at some of the best amphitheaters nationwide including their annual three-night stand at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
All news and up-to-date information can be found at https://www.stringcheeseincident.com/.
Rising star Kayla DiVenere, is continuing to take the music scene by storm with the release of her music video for “Small Talk.” Drawing from personal experiences and emotions, Kayla’s newest track delves into the longing for deeper connections and meaningful conversations. “Small Talk” encapsulates the feeling of yearning for something more than small interactions, as Kayla shares, “I’ve had a secret crush on my brother’s best friend ever since I was 14, and this song was created in my longing to have more than 5 minute fleeting conversations with him every time he would come over.”
emerging alt-pop artist Tragic Sasha shares her latest single ‘I Gave Permission’, which is a song oozing with atmospheric, pop sensibility and raw introspection in true Tragic Sasha fashion. Leaving nothing unsaid, Sasha reflects on her past interactions and in hindsight now sees them for what they really were. The project is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘I Gave Permission’ below:
https://apollodistro.lnk.to/tragicsasha
Tragic Sasha expands on the inspiration behind her new single, sharing; “‘I Gave Permission’ is one of the last tracks I wrote for this era of my project. It’s about realising that you have let people hold power over you. One of the first lines I came up with for this song was ‘you walked all over me and I gave permission’ and lyrically I felt like the song wrote itself after I found this line.”
As the final track in this era of releases, what came before ‘I Gave Permission’ is a poetic assortment of alt-pop singles that created a strong image of the workings of Sasha’s mind and an insight into the stories and experiences that make up her sense of being. Most recently, Sasha shared the blissfully melodic ‘Number One’ last February, and prior to that ‘Call It Even’. ‘Prettier in Person’ and ‘Fishbowl’.
Oritsé Williams returns with a brand new single ‘Language’ showcasing his unique, authentic style of music which he describes as ‘Afro-Island’ whilst stepping into a new chapter in his career.
An undeniable modern love anthem that steers away from the generic love themed songs, ‘Language’ connects people as human beings incorporating the universal expression ‘now you’re talking my language’ as an infectious hook. Oritsé takes you on a feel-good wave right from the start, that he smoothly rides with his unique vocal style, playfully switching up his flow along the songs hypnotic groove, exuding pure vibes and flavour.
The single produced by Jhn Alxs (Central Cee ‘I Will’) reminds us that love is a universal language which Oritsé understands having grown up between the UK, the Caribbean and Africa.
Oritsé is on an exciting new path in his solo career, working with the likes of Davido who he went to school with in Nigeria and Oritsé also mentored, along with other collaborators that feature on his debut forthcoming project such as Stylo G, producer/rapper Ayo Beatz, and Central Cee producer Jhn Alxs.
Tune into ‘Language’ and let Oritsé take you on a beautiful journey.
indie-pop singer-songwriter Luís Fernandes shares his new single ‘Let You Go’, which comes almost a year after his last release, and is the result of a busy year spent writing new material. Originally from Portugal, Luís is now based in London, and carries the influence of both cultures with him in the creation of his music. The project is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘Let You Go’ below:
Speaking on the inspiration behind ‘Let You Go’, Luís shares; “This is a song I wrote about missing your chance on a meaningful relationship and that “too little, too late” feeling. I wanted the chorus to be everything you wished you could say to this person but never will, a cry for help basically. This track also marks a change in my sound, having a more pop leaning hook but still keeping a few acoustic and indie elements. I wrote, produced and mixed it by myself and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
To date, Luís Fernandes’ music has always been enriched with a prominent layer of relatability, and today’s release is no different. Lyrically, ‘Let You Go’ brings out a certain sense of vulnerability in Luís as he reflects on the ending of a relationship and the mistakes that were made. It’s an experience that many people will be able to relate to, which makes his music widely accessible and made with his audience in mind.
‘Let You Go’ is the follow up to Luís’ debut EP ‘Breaking Point’, which was released March last year, and is comprised of 5 beautifully melodic tracks that articulate the experience of being in your twenties and feeling lost and unsure of what’s to come in your life.
The Luna Collective – “Fernandes charms listeners with velvety vocals that comfort like a warm hug from a long-time friend.”
The nine tracks on Edging‘s newest album Concrete Cumming are raw and uncompromising dispatches that delve deep into the complexities of the human experience. Drawing from direct experiences with mental health struggles, trans and queer identities, societies inevitable collapse and everything else in the middle. This is an album that serves as a cathartic exploration of trauma, misogyny, grief, and social injustice.
Concrete Cumming was announced by the double a-side single “Fuck You Sir” b/w “Sick Box”. These two new songs channeled the band’s raucous live performances and transformed it into a visceral and unflinching sonic exploration of the human condition. “Fuck You Sir” dealt a pointed attack at misogynistic prejudice with vocalist Faith Callaway seething “Don’t call me ma’am when I ask for sex. Don’t call me ma’am, when I land on the fucking moon.” While “Sick Box” targetted a broken health care system with an unrelenting battering of crunching guitar and driving sax. For a collection of nine rapid-fire songs that average well under two minutes each, Concrete Cumming is a strikingly diverse set. Callaway’s howls and growls are regularly bolstered by the vocal backing of guitarist and co-lyricist William Sallee, who also occasionally takes lead vocal duty (including the ripping album closer “Sunburn”). Elsewhere the record runs the gamut of dynamics, from the spacious reflection that eases in “DAWN” to the unbridled anger of “ACAB”.
multi-dimensional singer-songwriter Jessiqa Jones releases her first single of the year, titled ‘it’s milk, DON’T CRY!’ which is fuelled by an influx of boisterous grunge angst and electronic guitar-led instrumentals.
Take a listen ‘it’s milk, DON’T CRY!’ below:
Speaking on the inspiration for the new release, Jessiqa shares; “The track “it’s milk, DON’T CRY!” emphasizes on the feeling of adolescence and consoling oneself by minimizing and downplaying the conflicts one faces in life. This song was one of the most meaningful songs I’ve ever written and most seemingly effortless to write. Going through so many changes in the time I wrote this, switching jobs, moving, and leaving everything that felt comfortable to me, I ended up writing a song in a genre I had grown up loving, but always felt dismissive of creating in. It wasn’t “comfortable” for me. Always hearing the phrase “Don’t cry over spilt milk.” has made it a super interesting quote to me just because I cry over everything, but also the Importance of turning your cheek to things that aren’t worth your time. But on the other side of things, it’s incredibly easy to do the same and substitute or push past roadblocks in life to keep moving forward. This song helped me learn a lot about myself and deal with things of the past, head on. To also make a song that I feel represents so much insecurity, it’s just brought a lot of sense of self.”
Egypt and the region’s premiere boutique festival experience, Sandbox Festival, celebrates a decade of unforgettable music on the beautiful Red Sea Riviera in El Gouna from May 16-18th, 2024. This special edition of the music and travel getaway will once again assert itself as a leader in the region with a discerning mix of long-proven performers, legendary pioneers and scene-defining local and emerging artists.
Full information and tickets are available now at www.sandboxfestival.com.
Sandbox and its creators, events and entertainment powerhouse Nacelle, represent Egypt’s leading voice in the world of underground music; a combined force that continues to set trends, break headliners and craft unforgettable experiences in its own backyard. These efforts have helped give a platform to a rich local scene through its meticulous attention to detail from line-up to production to immersive stage design. It remains the warm, diverse, open and globally representative crowd that makes the event what it is.
Providing the musical backdrop this year will be the likes of dexterous DJ and inter-genre specialists Call Super, dynamic Paris instrumentalist Chloé Caillet, and famously deep digging soul and house man Danilo Plessow akaMCDE. Headlining talent turns to some of the world’s most celebrated starts like Innervisions label founder and emotive selector Dixon, Detroit’s first lady DJ Holographic, Life And Death founder DJ Tennis, the masterfully eclectic and love-fuelled Hunee and techno talents Paul Kalkbrenner, TSHA, Traumer and Paula Tape. Sandbox’s eclecticism reigns once again with a live show from Japan’s melodic house master Soichi Terada, cult house, breaks and electro star Sweely and much more.
Brunch Electronik has today announced its debut USA editions, taking place in Los Angeles on July 6th and September 21st. Held in partnership with premier underground event collectives Minimal Effort and SBCLTR, Brunch Electronik’s US debut will offer fans the unparalleled daytime, open-air experience the brand is renowned for, soundtracked by the leading selectors in house and techno.
Established in 2013 as a Sunday afternoon weekly party in Barcelona, Brunch Electronik has since expanded into a globally renowned music project, hosting events across the world in cities such as Madrid, Paris, Lisbon, Lima, and São Paulo, as well as launching their debut festival in Barcelona last year. Known for its dynamic atmosphere and innovative programming, Brunch Electronik skillfully fuses forward-thinking lineup curation, gastronomy, and sustainability initiatives to foster inclusive and diverse communities on their dancefloors.
Based in Los Angeles, Minimal Effort has established itself as a premier destination for dance music enthusiasts, hosting meticulously curated lineups of global electronic music luminaries in unique locations throughout the city. Minimal Effort’s parent company Underrated Presents is an independent event production company renowned for crafting top-tier musical experiences that epitomize the essence of electronic music culture. Underrated Presents is also behind one of LA’s most established underground destinations, Clinic Wednesdays. Clinic Wednesdays has served as a weekly soirée at Hollywood’s intimate Station 1640, featuring a dynamic rotation of both established and rising DJs for the last decade.
Register for presale ticket access here.
Jean Caffeine has lived nine lives, starting out as scenester, zinester and drummer on San Francisco’s first wave punk scene in the late 70’s. These years are chronicled in her 2017 release, “Sadie Saturday Nite”. A companion performance piece was also performed in Austin and the Hamilton Fringe Fest, Buffalo Infringement and in the back room of the legendary Cameron House in TO.
In 1980, Jean migrated to New York, where she worked Danceteria, DJ-ing, and checking coats. While playing in a Velvet Underground cover band at Club 57, on St. Marks Place, she was recruited by Ann Magnuson to drum for Pulsallama, a theatrical percussive buzz band who opened shows for the Clash. In 2016, Pulsallama was sampled by edgy hip hop artist Danny Brown’s on “Dance in the Water”. When Pulsallama disbanded, Jean joined Clambake, featuring writer Holly George-Warren on guitar. Clambake’s unreleased EP was more-than-mixed by Alex Chilton and Jean sublet Alex’s Treme apartment while he was on the road one summer.
With two of the Clambake gals (Cathy Crane, Liz Gall) hailing from Austin, that led Jean to moving there. She also move from behind the drum set to front her ’allternative country band, Jean Caffeine’s All-Nite Truckstop.
Martí is a bilingual pop artist based in Los Angeles. Born in Manizales Colombia, Martí moved to the US at just three years old, where he grew up in Illinois. His unique and intoxicating sound is the result of wanting to bring together his love for both English and Spanish artists to create something which dances between electronic and Latin elements.
Martí’s music is vulnerable and honest, as he opens up about his experiences navigating being a young gay immigrant man in Los Angeles, as well as coming from a small town, breakups, relationships and hookups. The artist confides, “I also write about being an anxious depressive person and how I internalize a lot of feelings.” Connecting with his listeners on a deep and personal level, Martí encourages you to push through the uncomfortable times, whilst reminding you that sometimes it’s ok to not be ok.
His latest single “See You Again (Volverte a Ver)” narrates a time when Martí was looking for someone to fill the space that his ex left in his life, as he romanticizes random hookups and encounters. The synth-laden track shimmers with Martí’s ethereal vocals that glide over a dancey beat and melodic electronic flares.
Then there is “So Are You Over Me”, which sees Martí reflecting on a past relationship, feeling stuck in it and yet unable to pull the plug. The versatile track switches between harsh electronic parts and intimate soft spoken sections, representing the mix of emotions the songwriter was experiencing at the time. Both songs are produced and engineered by Michael Lipp (OYLS), who was indispensable to the entire Martí project. As he welcomes listeners into his world, Martí shares, “The music is inspired by my love for pop, indie pop, and Latin music that I have grown up around, as well as EDM I listened to growing up in Illinois, acts like Louis the Child, ODESZA, Lorde, Two Door Cinema Club and Daddy Yankee.” 2024 is set to be an exciting year for Martí, kicking off with “See You Again (Volverte a Ver)”.
London alt-pop artist Millie Turner shares a self-directed official music video for her stunning recent single ‘Starfish’. Showcasing the otherworldly alt-pop stylings that have seen Millie pick up support from areas such as NME, The FADER and more, ‘Starfish’ is the latest deep dive into the arresting artistic universe of Millie Turner. The project is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘Starfish’ below:
https://apollodistro.lnk.to/millieturner
Expanding on the story behind her new song, Millie Turner shares; “Starfish is the twin sister of Venus, who fell to earth and now lives in everything strange and chaotic. She sympathises with madness and exists like the dark side of the moon. She’s crazed by the smell of petrol on the dance floor, and wires herself to electric guitars eating nothing but chili oil. But she will always hold your hand if you’re walking in the dark”
The grey-scale music video, directed by Millie herself and filmed by Maia Walker is a retro, gothic style production which acts as the perfect accompaniment to the soundtrack of ‘Starfish’.
South African-born, NYC/Dublin-based folk-rock musician Tuelo announces her bold second studio album, Regarding My Heart, due out September 27 and available for pre-order now. Alongside the big news, Tuelo shares the cutting title track and its accompanying music video out everywhere now. With her most refined, self-assured sound to date, Regarding My Heart is a sweeping sonic exploration of love, loss and loneliness that allows Tuelo to proudly re-introduce herself as she carves a space in folk-rock that is all her own.
Tuelo will celebrate the new music tonight in NYC with a free show and happy hour at M. Wells (RSVP here). She’ll take the stage at The Historic Apollo Theater in NYC on April 17 with tickets on sale here. Also, she’ll be performing on April 25 at Debbie’s at Dutch Kills in NYC with more information here.
Tuelo’s forthcoming cinematic second full-length studio album, Regarding My Heart, brings together her humble beginnings with who she is today–filled with lush textures, dynamic sounds, layered strings, horns and guitars, soaring vocals and intimate lyricism. With its vivid storytelling and unbridled honesty, the project has provided Tuelo with the space to heal, listen to herself and center her voice. Tuelo says, “This album has been the way that I could explain a life I thought was over. It has been the way I could explain a love I thought could be the only one. I could be silent. After many years of fear as a migrant alone, I had a story to tell, and when it came to my heart I needed to remind myself that I am deserving of some kind of love.” Beginning with one central song and building from there, Tuelo crafted a resonant glimpse into her heart from different perspectives. On her unique songwriting process that generates dozens of songs, Tuelo shares, “With ‘Regarding My Heart,’ I began to write over 70 songs that are called songs and shadows, which is a particular songwriting process I came up with of one core song followed by additional songs inspired by and answering back to this main song in different ways to include nuance in a journey.”
Electronic tastemakers Kito and Chrome Sparks have unveiled their new collaborative project IS U IS U with their debut single ‘All I Need’ out now via Mad Decent.
At a combined height of 12’ 3”, IS U IS U is the new DJ duo poised to tower over dance floors worldwide. IS U IS U is made up of Kito, the skyscraper of sound, and Chrome Sparks, the mountain of melody, who have a robust catalog of solo releases and collaborations across many genres with artists such as Skrillex, Flume, Khalid, Channel Tres, and Jorja Smith.
For their debut effort, Kito and Chrome Sparks have beautifully blended the inklings of their indie inclinations with the danceable rhythms and bright motifs of their electronic roots. Instantly intoxicating, ‘All I Need’ shimmers with bouncy basslines, shiny synth stabs and fluttering guitar accents. An all-absorbing listening experience, ‘All I Need’ flaunts Kito and Chrome Sparks’ affinity for textured soundscapes through a euphoric medley of glazy sampled vocals, lush tones and mesmerizing melodies. ‘All I Need’ is the first glimpse into the sonic wonderland Kito and Chrome Sparks will create as IS U IS U this Spring.
Holly Munro is an Irish musician reshaping indie pop with her captivating vocal and distinct songcraft. She releases her new single ‘Dead Ends,’ off the back of a phenomenal 2023, which explores not wanting to miss chances and face regrets, and emphasises how every decision we make shapes our future Listen to ‘Dead Ends’ here. Watch the video for ‘Dead Ends’ here.
Holly’s debut EP Up Against Your Nature (released in November 2023) garnered acclaim on UK radio, featuring on John Kennedy’s Radio X show and BBC 6music’s NMFDaily, as well as achieving praise from Irish press like Nialler9 and GoldenPlec. Her 3 singles were each featured on Spotify editorial playlists including New Music Friday UK, and culminated in a heavily attended showcase at Ireland Music Week.
Speaking of new single ‘Dead Ends’, she says, “I wrote this song after finishing a meditation that involved seeing my footprints in the sand from above. It got me thinking about my life as one big journey with all these powerful detours along the way – some paths you start on but never continue, just as some parts of yourself remain unexplored. It’s about questioning the choices you make and reflecting on how they shape your future in ways you can’t always predict or control.”
Together with producer Luke Potashnick, she works at Wool Hall Studios in Frome, Somerset, which was previously owned by Tears for Fears during the recording of their Songs from the Big Chair album. With her unique vocals and lyrical style drawing inspiration from electronic acts like Bjork and Kate Bush as well as earthier artists like Joni Mitchell and Big Thief, she has crafted a sound that blends electronic elements with folk-pop sensibilities.
DJ, producer & cultural trailblazer Charisse C releases a brand-new single ‘Morning Sun’ on Friday 15th March lifted from her debut EP ‘EVERGREEN’.
Raised in the UK, with Zimbabwean and South African heritage, Charisse C is spearheading the electronic dance music soundscape with Amapiano rooted sets that explore the breadth of African dance music. Her authority on the genre has led her to host London’s first Amapiano Boiler Room as well as play three Boiler Room sets of her own, perform at Afro Nation, Benji B’s Deviation party, support Scorpion Kings at Printworks and Major League DJz at The Warehouse Project, amongst others.
The exciting artist holds a powerful presence in dance music with her label Abantu – running events, podcasts, and cultural happenings such as her NTS radio show and is now set to release her own music which is truly fitting and a perfect time.
Single ‘Morning Sun’ is a euphoric, trumpet adorned, 3 Step dance record about the experience of finally falling in love. With this song, we see Charisse C, come into her own as a recording artist. Written and sung by Charisse C herself and produced by DJ Kwamzy; Morning Sun was inspired by the enveloping rays of the morning sun that floods into her bedroom in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Her debut EP ‘EVERGREEN’ will introduce us to a new element of her artistry coming into her own as a singer/songwriter. In true Charisse C fashion, this debut is a hybrid of genres and influences, honing into the latest emerging sound from South Africa, 3-Step. Partnering up with Ghanian-British producer extraordinaire, DJ Kwamzy, and South African Soulful House aficionado, Shazmicsoul on production. EVERGREEN is a rich body of work; still with the heavy-hitting impact of the Amapiano log drum and the soulful curiosity Charisse C is known for.
Along with unveiling her new music, Charisse C will also be launching her Abantu label at Village Underground on Saturday 16th March. Both these moments are a huge moment for one of the leaders in dance music.
After making waves with his viral TikTok covers, Stockholm-born sensation NOEL unveils his brooding debut EP, Headed North, out now.
Longing, heartbreak, and introspection find their way into our lives at one point or another – sometimes all at once. On his debut EP Headed North, NOEL gracefully, yet powerfully, confronts these all-too-human feelings in a series of striking and goosebump-inducing ballads that are sure to envelop the listener sonically and emotionally.
NOEL: “This EP will always be special to me as it is my first and in many ways my introduction into music and songwriting. I started writing songs together with others a little over two years ago, without any real concept or deeper thought behind it. Eventually I found that the songs over time started to find their place and became a coming-of-age story that I’m excited to finally share.”
Opening with the enticing focus track ‘Hurt Somebody’, NOEL’s lyrics convey the state of disrepair we are left in when hurt by another, feeling all too real. “I’m sharp on every side, ever since you left me I cut like a knife, I can’t stop.” Accompanied by this set of visceral lyrics full of anxious energy is NOEL’s serene and full vocal tonation – akin to pop superstars such as Lewis Capaldi and James Arthur. The singer explains that the song ‘plays into the cliché, yet very true saying “hurt people hurt people.” For me, it describes a feeling of numbness and desperation. There was a period in my life where I carried around unresolved hurt, which ended up affecting people around me who didn’t deserve it.’
And don’t miss the gripping music video, with the singer a figure in blue among a sea of red, eventually dissolving into chaos. Speaking on the process of making the video, NOEL says: ‘Making the music video for ‘Hurt Somebody’ was one of the craziest experiences I’ve ever had. The entire set was built from the ground up and was crafted with a lot of love. It involved hours of finding and thrifting everything you see in the interior, and sooo many hours of painting it all red. In the end it was kind of bittersweet breaking some of the stuff that I had grown attached to.
‘The room is a metaphor for a relationship that you try to nurture and care for but small things from your past build up and haunt it. You dance around the problem instead of actually dealing with the real issue. It doesn’t matter how hard you try, it always ends up with the same result.’
With an artist moniker that pays homage to iconic figures of rock and roll, Blackie Lawless (of W.A.S.P.) and Ace Frehley (of KISS), Blace draws inspiration from the rock legends who carved their names into the annals of music history while still creating his own unique brand of rock meets pop-punk meets emo rap.
Blace emerged onto the music scene just three years ago due to the unexpected downtime created by the pandemic, bringing to fruition his love affair with music. Blace soon delved into the realms of songwriting and acting, igniting a creative fire that has now become a full-fledged artistic endeavor. Embracing a diverse array of influences ranging from the raw energy of Motley Crue and early pop-punk bands like Green Day and Sum 41 to the theatricality of KISS to the dark allure of Ozzy Osbourne, and the lyrical contents of MGK, Juice Wrld, The Kid Laroi, Blace’s sonic landscape traverses the contours of rock, punk, and alternative genres with effortless fluidity.
Blace’s formative years were spent moving around from Maine to North Carolina and Minnesota before finally settling in the music-centric city of Los Angeles. Blace, born Justin Blace, has chosen to put down the roots of his career here and create his own legacy. With his passion and persistence, Blace stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to break boundaries and spark genius. To keep up with his music, follow him on Instagram.com/Blace.wav.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
