Toronto-based multi-platinum artist and producer elijah woods reveals his new 3-track EP, ‘silver lining,’ out on all streaming platforms today.
‘silver lining’ features elijah’s recent hit single, “losing a friend,’ as well as two new songs, “second guessing” and the titular track “silver lining.” Emotionally raw and profoundly introspective, the EP’s three tracks delve into the complexities of human relationships and the tumultuous journey of self-discovery.
“I wrote this project to process the grief of losing a close friend,” elijah says. “I’m very grateful to have this outlet, and I hope these songs give some comfort to anyone going through something similar.”
Victoria-based indie rock group r.mason share their new single ‘Velvet Shade’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
r.mason is a project created by singer-instrumentalist Rebecca Mason, and guitar player Jonathan Blokmanis. r.mason filters soulful songwriting through explorative moods to produce music textured with paradox: lightness and tension, desperation and transcendence. And that feeling of contradiction comes through on their new single ‘Velvet Shade.’
“For years I have hated the way other people love – from my father to friends to lovers,” says Rebecca. “Their love doesn’t always look the way mine does, and like all other vibrations from our human feelings, I am fascinated by this. Through this song, I am trying to accept the way other people love, and not turn my back on it.”
Rebecca’s music career started early. She began writing songs when she learned to carry a note at age 4 and ever since, music has been a second language and the only constant in her life. Her songwriting has been shaped by childhood echoes of church music; passion writers like Bob Dylan, Josh Ritter and Kathleen Edwards; singers like Lana Del Ray, Nina Simone and Norah Jones; duos like Angus and Julia Stone; and composers like Eric Satie.
As r.mason, Rebecca and Jonathan weave Rebecca’s textured vocal tones with classically influenced electronic keys, gritty atmospheric guitar, and attractive beats, immersing listeners in the heart and depth of their evocative soundscapes.
‘Velvet Shade’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services worldwide. For more information, please visit rmasonmusic.ca.
HUNTER DAILY
“California Poppies”
• Emerging singer-songwriter Hunter Daily releases “California Poppies,” a tender and catchy ode to self-growth and transformation produced by The Futuristics (Halsey, Selena Gomez). The release follows her previous single, “Girl Friend,” and Daily will be on tour with Leah Kate throughout Europe and the UK in May.
• “Starting over comes with inevitable goodbyes. They’re bittersweet — they give you an opportunity to move on, but also force you to close a chapter, which has always been really difficult for me. Things don’t just end, rather they evolve and transform. To have an optimistic, open mind about endings might be a little bit delusional, but I prefer it that way. To me, thinking that way is more magical and less morbid.” – Hunter Daily
Award-winning singer-songwriter-guitarist Sarah King makes her long-awaited full-length solo debut with When It All Goes Down, exploring life’s seismic shifts via her own singular strain of Gothic Americana. Produced, engineered, and arranged by David Baron (The Lumineers, Noah Kahan, Meghan Trainor), the album sees King weaving classic rock ‘n’ roll, Southern soul, true country, and primal folk-blues into something inspiring and cathartic, deeply personal yet wholly universal. Fired by King’s spellbinding, seen-it-all vocals and rock solid rhythm guitar, songs like “The Longest Night” and the empowering, anthemic title track are haunting, oft-times harrowing, tales of impossible guilt and inconsolable grief, of raising hell (and the repercussions that follow), of how to stand face to face with the Devil himself yet somehow emerge bigger, better, and badder than before. LISTEN HERE.
Currently residing in the Green Mountains of Vermont, in a tiny log cabin without cell reception, Sarah King has walked many a hard road to reach When It All Goes Down. New England born and raised, King spent her early twenties down South, playing in a GA-based rock ‘n’ roll band and generally “growing up, a.k.a. becoming an adult.” She eventually moved back north but found herself at a crossroads, slightly burnt out but driven by an evolving passion for front porch folk and traditional blues, hard times music as real and true now as it was nearly a century ago.
Doncaster’s ADMT reveals his superb second EP ‘Without You’.
The six track record features two previously unreleased singles ‘Weekend Offender’ and ‘Overboard’.
Listen to Weekend Offender HERE
Listen to Overboard HERE
Hugely infectious new single ‘Weekend Offender’ is a stand-out banger to aid you in making your best, worst decisions, just in time for the bank holiday weekend!
Written in response to a situation a friend found themself in, the track is a relatable dose of mischief. Sharing more ADMT explained ‘a good friend of mine had gone out for literally just ‘one quick drink’. He was supposed to be home at a reasonable time but once that first drink hit, the giddiness took over and before he knew it, he was locked out. The sun was rising and he had a couple of empty pockets and a head full of regrets haha.’
The other brand new single on the record is the impactful new cut ‘Overboard’.
Since he launched, ADMT has been courageously open about his mental health battles and has worked tirelessly to normalize conversations around mental health, particularly amongst men. Overboard sees ADMT at his most raw and his talent for honest songwriting is particularly powerful. Sharing more he said: ‘Overboard is probably one of the most important songs I’ve ever written. I think when people are at their lowest, one of the biggest issues they face is loneliness. That was definitely a factor for me when I was suffering… This song was written to stop people doing anything they may regret in their darkest times. If it helps one person, it’s served its purpose. I want people to know they matter, that they are seen and heard and that they should never take for granted the hole that their absence would leave. I hope that if this track reminds them they aren’t alone, they can find the strength to keep going, just like I did.’
Alt-pop artist CLAY (she/they) has released her new single and music video “Think of You,” out today. The cathartic breakup song speaks on the idea that love shared between two people should not be deemed wasted just because the relationship has come to an end. Rather, as we begin the process of letting go, we should rejoice in the experiences shared with those we hold closest to our hearts. The accompanying visual, directed by Kanya Iwana (Erick The Architect, Chlöe, Lucky Daye), takes inspiration from Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet and conveys the innocence of falling in love as CLAY reminisces on memories of a previous love affair.
Out today, Los Angeles’ The Drives release their newest single “Overeducated” — available now via UnderCurrent. The garage rock band has been known since inception for the cinematic quality of their vulnerable delivery. The Drives never make their listeners extrapolate metaphors from their music. Instead, they bluntly air out their grievances with life, unabashedly declaring when they aren’t okay. Propelled by a danceable drum beat, “Overeducated” sees the band having fun while not knowing what to do with their lives — Stream.
“This song is about how completely lost and directionless I was in my college and post-college years,” shares frontman Andrew Levin. “I remember feeling like I was on this trajectory in school that was leading to the rest of my life, but it wasn’t what I wanted. It was a time in my life where I felt like I was going along with someone else’s plan. I basically had no idea what I wanted in my life. This song is basically about the headspace I was in during that time.”
Born and raised in South-Central Trinidad, John Orpheus is a multi-cultural musician, author and performance artist. Since releasing his previous album SAGA KING in 2021, he has been busy promoting his memoir SAGA BOY (Penquin Random House) and writing two children’s books and a forthcoming debut novel called BLACK CHEROKEE (Simon and Schuster). He also found the time to write and produce a new EP: GET RIGHT! It combines John Orpheus’ playfulness, fluency and affection for the past. The EP demonstrates an evolving set of tastes in Funk, Punk and Pop that maintains the artist’s vibe of welcoming in the whole diaspora: from dancehall to hip hop to funk to Afrobeats. John Orpheus and his writing alter ego Antonio Michael Downing are co-creative forces on an artistic roll in 2024.
John Orpheus’ musical journey has taken him from the Caribbean bush to festivals across Canada and the US to opening for Liam Gallagher on a UK tour. John is known for his rabble-rousing live shows filled with audience participation, chanting and impromptu dance-offs that feel more like Caribana road parties than concerts. Lush with funk, hip hop swagger and “whole school” vibes, the GET RIGHT! EP is a catchy, funky, fun send up of the era when funk, punk and pop could all be found on the same dancefloor. Influenced by early Prince, Rick James and 90s Hip Hop’s affection for Parliament Funkadelic, GET RIGHT! is a throwback that feels like 2024. “I think we all could use a dance party right about now. GET UP! GET DOWN! GET RIGHT!”
They met when she was born. 8 years apart in age. They grew up in the suburbs near Toronto, Canada only to cross paths musically later in life. Being in a band with family is not always easy; a relationship impacted by years of familiarity and family dynamics. The siblings decided to work on several songs that remained unfinished and forgotten. The result is a new project from Jackie and Mark Andrade. The name, “Jackie and her brother” is a simple way to describe their dynamic and their shared love for catchy, pop-inspired bands that they listened to across different decades as they grew up.
Growing up is a funny yet beautiful thing. In their first single, siblings, Jackie and Mark Andrade hint at the wonder and fears of coming of age that everyone goes through. Using some 80s inspired emotionally charged production, they explore the fears and inevitability of growing up”.
The song was produced and written in a cottage in Northern Ontario, and the vocals were finished in Jackie’s apartment in The Junction, Toronto.
Multi-talented producer, artist, and songwriter Little Monarch has released her latest single, “Sheesh.” Over smooth keys and cosmic synths, the self-love anthem captures the euphoric feeling of celebrating your individuality and finally putting yourself first. Casey Kalmenson, who performs under the moniker Little Monarch, recorded “Sheesh” in her home studio in Venice, California with drums by Kiel Feher (Meghan Trainor, Selena Gomez) and strings by Gabe Noel (Harry Styles, Kelly Clarkson).
multi-platinum, genre-defying creative Kaelin Ellis joins forces with Juno-award winning rapper, TOBi and shape-shifting producer Anomalie on stunning new single ‘Celebration’ via Fools Gold Records. The track glistening with an array of slick and smooth contemporary jazz notes, merged with a distorted electronic ambiance throughout.
Take a listen to ‘Celebration’ below HERE
The bliss marriage of Kaelin’s and TOBi’s vocals is a match made in heaven. Together, their sound is sonically tempting, enveloped with bold flavours of funk, hip-hop and jazz. In doing so, the pair have mastered the art of eclecticism.
With an album on the way, Kaelin is gearing up to a new chapter in his musical career, introduced today with this new release. His new body of work, including ‘Celebration’ was originally cut back in 2021, and is now soon to see the light of day later this year, after years of perfecting it’s sound! Having already received praise from the likes of USA Today, Okayplayer, NPR Music, HYPEBEAST, Pitchfork, Complex Magazine and others, 2024 is looking bright for Mr. Ellis.
legendary SoCal punk rock band, The Offspring, have shared the ninth episode of their podcast Time to Relax with The Offspring featuring multi-platinum award winning producer, engineer and musician, Bob Rock (Metallica, Motley Crue, Michael Bublé, The Offspring).
For this episode, The Offspring takes a break in between recording sessions with legendary producer Bob Rock to put him in front of the microphone. Bob and the band discuss Canadian punk rock, recording to tape back in the day and what the most important elements of an Offspring song are. Bob shares some epic tales from the studio with The Payolas, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi and Metallica. Blackball finds out that Bob has also worked with Mariah Carey.
Watch the new episode of Time to Relax with The Offspring on the band’s YouTube channel HERE. Audio downloads are available on Spotify, Apple Music, iHeart Radio and Audible.
Time to Relax with The Offspring features Dexter and Noodles alongside their longtime friend Jason “Blackball” McLean (from “You’ve Gotta Keep ‘Em Separated”). The open format video podcast brings friends into their studio to chat music, touring, life and everything in between. The debut episode of the podcast featured special guest, Fletcher Dragge (of Pennywise). The following episodes have featured Joe Escalante of The Vandals, Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan, Jack Grisham of T.S.O.L., Rob Trujillo of Metallica, Jason “Blackball” McLean, The Offspring original drummer, James Lilja and Adrian Young of No Doubt and DREAMCAR as special guests. Kick off your shoes, lean back and just enjoy the nonsense. It’s Time to Relax with The Offspring.
Amonita, the ethereal musician known for her enchanting compositions and captivating live performances, is set to release her latest body of work, the Rainbow EP, on March 29th, under Lee Burridge’s esteemed record label All Day I Dream.
Since her debut in 2017, Amonita has been on a steadfast mission to craft iconic melodies that resonate deeply with listeners, evoking emotions that linger long after the music fades. She seamlessly blends live instrumentation with electronic elements, creating an immersive sonic experience that transports audiences to a world of serenity and wonder. Amonita is no stranger to All Day I Dream; In addition to her Secret of Happiness EP in 2019 and Aura EP in 2021, Amonita has contributed tracks on two A Winter Sampler compilations, and was featured on Gorje Hewek’s 2021 Collages album released on the label. With additional releases on Anjunadeep, Highway Records, Earthly Delights, Shanti Radio, and Akbal Music, and the launch of her own record label and events series RUBICANDA, Amonita is solidifying herself as a rising star and tastemaker within the world of downtempo and organic house.
Drawing inspiration from her time spent in Turkey surrounded by nature, Amonita infuses the Rainbow EP with the essence of the awe-inspiring beauty she experienced: sun-kissed landscapes, tranquil seas, and the vibrant hues of a majestic rainbow. Her music speaks to the hearts of true dreamers – those who believe in love, walk barefoot in the rain, watch sunsets, admire the stars, and are impressed by the mystery and beauty of the moon.
AJA shares her fresh, soulful new offering ‘Find Better’.
Arriving as a reminder to trust your gut, AJA shares her latest life lesson with perfect poise. Navigating a long distance relationship is never easy, let alone when you’re 18 year-old, but AJA lives and learns. Sharing more, she explained further: I wrote the song about a year and a half ago when I was living in La. I was in the early stages of a toxic relationship that I think I knew deep down it was going nowhere good. It was a long distance relationship. He was supposed to move to LA, but that never happened. Had I known that, I would have never got involved.. Mostly, the song is about staying with someone who you know isn’t right for you.”
Find Better is a flawless next move from the Canadian artist on the rise. Still just 19-years-old, she’s quickly making her mark as an empowered songwriter and impressive role model, reflected in her multiplying fanbase. Find Better is the follow up to AJA’s first release of the year ‘If I’m Honest’. Never one to take things lying down, AJA’s razor sharp songwriting never misses.
2024 is off to a massive start for AJA. Having only just completed a huge 22 date US tour with the amazing Leah Kate, AJA has just announced that she will be back on the road supporting Charlotte Sands across the UK and Europe. With live performance at the core of her artistry, this latest opportunity looks to be truly unmissable.
AJA has been making a name for herself since she launched in 2020, when she was just 16. Like many artists who found themselves building their career during a global pandemic, touring had to take a back seat. However your new favorite bop-star is making up for lost time!
Throughout AJA’s journey she has been winning hearts and turning heads at every step.
From being coined the iHeartRadio Future Star for her smash single “Red Button,” to receiving acclaim from the likes of Billboard, Clash, Consequence, The Line of Best Fit, Dork, Spin and Flaunt. Not to mention she’s scooping a wealth of DSP support from the likes of NMF, Young & Free and more!
Donna is to become an ambassador for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement.
The upcoming album ‘Rooms With A View’ is a collaboration between celebrated singer and songwriter Donna Lewis and renowned electronic artist and producer Holmes Ives.
More than just an album though, the record documents Donna’s year long journey through breast cancer: “Cancer was the un-invited messenger, the darkdweller who I sought to banish with the love of my family, brilliant doctors and my art”.
In 2021 Donna Lewis was about to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of her breakthrough smash hit single ‘I Love You, Always Forever’ and her debut album, ‘Now In A Minute’ when a routine medical check up, (delayed by the pandemic), brought her the news that no-one ever wants to hear.
All plans in place to mark the anniversary, the tour dates, the live TV special, the remixes, were all put on hold to deal with more urgent matters. Donna then spent the next year or so undergoing treatment and surgery, all the while actively writing and recording, before finally late in 2022 she felt ready to prepare for releasing new music once again.
Donna had been introduced to the work of electronic artist and producer Holmes Ives in 2021 when he had created a reworking of a piano vocal track she had released called ‘I Told You So’. Since then she had always wanted to further collaborate with him so when it came time to get creative again she suggested they write maybe 2 or 3 tracks together as a potential release for the two of them.
All done remotely, they have yet to meet in person, musical ideas were passed back and forth and Holmes worked up tracks for Donna to write lyrics to.
As Donna began the creative writing process, she soon realised that without any intent to do so, every set of lyrics going down on the page all represented a different chapter of what she had experienced over the preceding year. Some cryptically capture the trauma and the fear of the diagnosis and treatment while others were observational recollections of more mundane aspects, such as her favourite nurse or the different views from the various treatment rooms. What had been intended to be a four track EP now became an album as how the chapters of the story unfolded made it impossible to convey this momentous journey in anything less.
“The instrumental tracks that Holmes Ives sent me coaxed the lyrics from the pages of my journals and inspired an album of stories, unlocking fears, and the climb to a healthier me -mind, body and spirit”
Donna’s strong and inspiring lyrics, enhanced by her expressive vocal prowess which she has become famous for, married seamlessly with the driving rhythmic dimensions of Holmes Ives stunning sound-beds and has resulted in an awe -inspiring testament of strength, gratitude and facing fears. As well as providing an immensely satisfying musical listening experience, it also relays support and inspiration to anyone who needs it, no matter whatever the reasons in this ever more challenging world of today.
“It is an offering of hope for anyone going through a dark tunnel. I am forever grateful to share it with you”.
World’s First Cinema will be expanding their cinematic tapestry this year with their upcoming deluxe EP Palm Reader (Silver Screen Edition), out April 12 via Fearless Records. Following the release of 2023’s Palm Reader – which featured singles “Holy Water,” “SOS,” and “Palm Reader” – the deluxe EP offers five new spellbinding tracks. Palm Reader (Silver Screen Edition) includes a new version of “Holy Water” that was recorded at The Los Angeles Theatre, making the perfect companion piece to the original single’s music video recorded at the same location.
Palm Reader (Silver Screen Edition) is available to pre-save now at https://found.ee/silverscreen
“We are so excited to release the Deluxe Edition of our Palm Reader EP as it’s been our opportunity to showcase another side to what World’s First Cinema does. We’ve always been really focused on the idea of WFC being cinematic which is what lead us to producing the ’Silver Screen Interludes’,” shares the band on the new EP. “The ‘Silver Screen interludes’ are short orchestral instrumental pieces that borrow and play with the melodies of the actual songs they precede on the record. The goal being to create a truly cinematic moment and reinforce the world we are trying to build around the band. We imagine them as the film trailer versions of our songs.”
“They originated as exclusive productions for our live show to make our set more memorable and prove that we are more than just an alt rock band. Now it’s time to share them in actual releases so people know what the future might bring. We plan on taking World’s First Cinema into the world of actual movie scoring as we grow. This is our first step at setting that stage.”
pher, a true London native, initially discovered his gift with words through poetry, which has resulted in him becoming an innovative force in rap. His lyrical flair, nurtured in the realms of freestyle and spoken word, is complemented by early musical influences from his mother’s DJ background in 80s funk and new jack swing.
The alternative hip-hop artist is now unveiling his new single, “moon.” The smooth and somber song depicts the artist’s early insights into the music industry, touching on everything from how he found the environment, to his overall emotions towards his movement within the system. pher, shares, “My music is deeply introspective and almost always showcases some sort of messaging that I want people to think about.”
Sonically inspired by Smino and his ability to craft soulful rap tunes, “moon” is an atmospheric track that features a muted guitar melody, vibey beat and captivating lyrical rap line, all coated with a nostalgic tinge.
pher, has garnered over 100,000 streams to date and received support from the likes of The Source, Reprezents Radio and GUAP Magazine. 2024 is set to be a promising year for pher, kicking off with the release of “moon.”
Mickey Cake comes from a long line of bands: Jonny & Graham met when they were eleven years old, but it was nearly a year before their first band. Hot Moccasins lasted through high school, taking feverish notes from The Strokes and Bob Dylan. Then Jonny got a drum machine in college, and Graham borrowed his aunt’s electric bass. The band’s name changed to Bully Club, and Jonny started writing music for the kids in his classrooms.
But seasons changed. Movers arrived. And the band morphed: Jonny and Brian began playing duets around Philly, eventually convincing Brian’s brother Brett to join on drums. Graham brought his bass down from New York to join in, and a live set began to take shape. They changed their name to Mickey Cake, a nod to Jonny’s early days as a beatmaker, and knocked out an album of live takes over the course of one weekend. Those recordings became their debut album, So That You Know. Sadly, Brett passed away just a month after those sessions. Jonny moved to New Zealand, Graham to Los Angeles. But the music continued: “Tame,” Ante,” and “Forever” were the first songs to be recorded remotely, and their second album, The Mickey Tape, has been coalescing, slowly but surely, over the last three years.
Montreal-based folk-pop group Mascara Wizard share their new single ‘Elderberry’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. The chill and romantic electronic-influenced folk track is the lead single from the band’s debut EP Sunbathing In The Valley Of Death set for release on April 21st. Listen here.
Mascara Wizard is a project that was created during the COVID lockdown in 2020. It all began when poet/musician Simina Banu gifted the song ‘Elderberry’ to fellow musicians Iola Patalas and Michael Johancsik to play with their acoustic band, The Oops Kitchen, who recorded several demos of the track and performed it live, but it never felt quite right playing it without Simina. And so, Mascara Wizard was born. The trio then decided to give the song new life as a more “digital” collaboration and add Simina’s singing voice back to the track, which led to the creation of a full EP.
“When I wrote this song, I was really into enigmatic lyrics that could have a variety of interpretations,” says Simina. “I wrote it a long time ago but I think it was mostly led by feelings, wordplay and sounds, and then I tried to arrange them into something cohesive.”
Following a long and storied history as archenemies on an anonymous writer’s forum as teens, Simina and Iola finally became friends over a spare Andrew Bird ticket and a bucket of beer and the rest was history. The two encouraged each other’s artistic pursuits and bonded over experimental poetry and a shared love of Buck 65 until Simina moved to Montreal and they realized they could make music together on the same couch. Michael, who never had beef with anybody, joined the project as a producer to complement Simina’s poetic writing and experimental beats and Iola’s love of harmonies and wordplay.
‘Elderberry’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services worldwide.
Street Fever is a versatile, mixed-media performance-artist residing in Boise, Idaho. Whom, remains anonymous. Their music is a gritty symphony born from profound life experiences and sonic experimentation. From the shrines of Three 6 Mafia in their bedroom as a kid, to being raised by the DIY hardcore scene- they have an eclectic background that sources inspo from hardcore / heavy rap / industrial techno / EBM / noise / electro / techno and classical music.
Rooted in an ongoing spiritual awakening, Street Fever has been on a wildly cinematic path to better understand themselves as an artist, spiritual seeker, and human being. After losing all their possessions, being institutionalized multiple times and nearly losing their life in a South East Asian prison, this project has since been reborn and aims to use it as a platform to speak on their own recovery and addiction. Now more than ever they are empowered to share their story in hopes to connect with others who are seeking personal and spiritual growth.
Street Fever deftly balances between destructive possession and holy reclamation, extending a hand to invite you into their world through the powerful mediums of art and sound. Witness their journey of self-discovery and enlightenment through their thought-provoking creations.
His latest album Absolution is a sermon addressing recovery, faith, disruption, and perseverance. Idaho-raised artist, Street Fever, paints a picture of sonically versatile and decimating performance art. They blend aspects of techno, industrial, electro, rap, hardcore and EBM to bring you a gritty symphony of seductive, captivating sound, full of light and transcendent energy. After losing all their possessions, being institutionalized multiple times and nearly losing their life in a South East Asian prison, this project has since been reborn and aims to use it as a platform to speak on their own recovery and addiction. Now more than ever they are empowered to share their story in hopes to connect with others who are seeking personal and spiritual growth.
South-London’s emerging alt-pop creative, Lauren Dejey brings the energy on brand new single ‘Nothing Ever Really Matters’, which glistens with Lauren’s signature electronic infused pop sound that has generated a great deal of growth and attention surrounding this independent artist’s career over the last year. ‘Nothing Ever Really Matters’ is available now on your streaming service of choice, via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘Nothing Ever Really Matters’ below:
“This track encapsulates what it feels like to fall in love with your best friend. The moments of not knowing if it’s all in your head or if you should take the jump and see where it could lead. Learning to let go of control because in the best way, nothing really matters anyway! I wrote it with my friend Max (one I don’t have a crush on) during a power cut at the studio. We were supposed to finalise another song but ended up writing this!”
Built on the idea of letting go and ignoring the urge to control every inch of your life, the song’s sonic vibrancy emulates this carefree mindset, and encourages the listener to view life in the same optimistic way. Letting go is said to be the key to peace and joy in life, and joy is certainly something that is felt in listening to this song.
So far this year, Lauren has continued to build great momentum since the release of her EP ‘To Sow by Scattering’ at the end of 2023. Her most recent single ‘Till I Wilt’ caught the attention of industry … and her continuously growing audience, which kicked off the arrival of a new project coming later this year with style and skill.
CLOUT – “Thoughtful, immersive narratives and nuanced soundscapes are what Lauren Dejey has grown known for, with her sounds often feeling as heartfelt and emotional as they are entirely unpredictable and creative.”
When The Horn Blows – “Hitting hard with progressive pop sounds and percussion – the track hits like an explosion of energy. Cutting deep as it explores the listeners eardrums to create an infectiously creative force of nature.”
Oculate – “Heavy in imaginative lyricism, Dejey delivers an impressive vocal performance over a compellingly distorted production.”
Following the release of today’s track, ‘Nothing Ever Really Matters’, Lauren will be playing a Sofar Sounds show on the 20th April, at a location situated around Liverpool Street, London. Tickets can be purchased online here.
The welcomed emergence of indie-rock, New York based duo Winstons Inc. with the release of their debut single ‘Runaway’, which comes complete with atmospheric, easy going indie instrumentals and soft, honeyed vocals of the song’s creators, Seb and Pepe. The project is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘Runaway’ below:
https://apollodistro.lnk.to/winstonsinc
The duo expand on the inspiration behind their sound, sharing that; “Our music narrates the transition from being a kid to becoming a young man full of gumption. Daniel Bloch did the amazing drums and the finishing touches were masterfully applied by David Davis, who mixed and added his touch of magic to the songs.”
‘Runaway’ is the first single to come from this promising duo of indie-rockers, and will soon become part of a bigger body of work in the form of their debut EP. ‘The Greatest Hits’ EP came together last summer when Seb and Pepe found themselves exploring the dynamics of watching the world unfold as if through a window. Just as how the music was made with a guitar, bass, and a microphone gazing onto a New York City street.
Chicago Indie Punks Edging today share new album Concrete Cumming. Within are nine 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”.
Auckland alt-country troubadour D.C. Maxwell is excited to share the new music video for “The Last Stand of the Killer” from his debut album Lone Rider, which arrived last year via Los Angeles record label Danger Collective Records. The track is a true centerpiece for the album, and features fine trumpet work from Liz Stokes of The Beths. The intense narrative video sees its protagonist robbing a bank as the song’s lyrics rather literally underscore the action. The video was screened last month at Auckland cinema Hollywood Avondale alongside Sidney Lumet’s 1975 film Dog Day Afternoon, which Maxwell cites as a major inspiration.
WATCH “THE LAST STAND OF THE KILLER” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
LISTEN TO LONE RIDER
“I wrote this song as a lilting Scots/Irish folk ballad of a doomed hero, inspired by the songs I grew up listening to from The Pogues,” D.C. Maxwell says about today’s release. “From the start the song/video puts you inside the head of an adrenaline-pumping maniac in the midst of a robbery gone sour. In his final desperate moments, he’s hoping against hope that the people he’s taken hostage can understand him, forgive him, and maybe even love him a bit.”
Maxwell continues, “I was very inspired by Dog Day Afternoon, and that way that film shows you that in those heightened sweaty situations when everything has gone to hell and you know there’s no way out, that’s when you find out who you really are.”
Today’s release marks the third music video from Lone Rider, completing the crime-filled and anxiety-ridden cinematic universe around Maxwell’s debut record. Released last summer, Lone Rider is a collection of vivid tales of lives lived on the outskirts. Stories like a horse thief who sees their lover killed or an old woman whose greatest love was a man she hardly knew are soundtracked by orchestral instrumentations and empowered vocals.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
