Creative collective MILLENNIUM PARADE have today released their new single “GOLDENWEEK.” Listen HERE. The track marks the beginning of a new era for the band and will feature as the campaign anthem for a visually incredible collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment featuring the PlayStation® PULSE Elite™ wireless headset.
MILLENNIUM PARADE are a vibrant collective from a variety of creative fields including music, film direction, visual effects, design and illustration. They are led by Tokyo-based producer/songwriter Daiki Tsuneta, who also fronts one of Japan’s biggest bands King Gnu.
“GOLDENWEEK” treats listeners to a captivating glimpse of the visionary landscape meticulously crafted by the collective. Through a mesmerizing blend of innovative synthesized vocals developed by Daiki Tsuneta and dynamic electronic arrangements, the song immerses audiences in a kaleidoscope of sound. With each beat and pulse, the music defies categorization, yet maintains an irresistible groove that resonates with dance floors worldwide.
Speaking about the track Daiki says: “My inspiration comes from my personal experiences. I changed my environment to create this music, going to places like London and Los Angeles, and I had the chance to see how people there reacted to my music for the first time. It inspired me to play around with MILLENNIUM PARADE’s sound.”
The group’s vision strives to present Tokyo’s new values to the rest of the world. Emerging in 2019 with single “Veil,” their innovative launch party utilized 3D technology and live shows which rapidly sold out. In 2020, their single “Fly With Me” was the main theme song for Japanese animation “Ghost In The Shell” which was remixed by acclaimed DJ & producer Steve Aoki. Tsuneta’s creative prowess has helped MILLENNIUM PARADE work with some of the biggest names in J-pop, including heavyweights such as Sheena Ringo and Chara. Furthermore, the group have been presented with unique opportunities such as composing the theme song for director Mamoru Hosada’s acclaimed 2021 film Belle, which emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
Already established as one of the premier collectives in Japan, the next phase of MILLENNIUM PARADE aims for something bigger. Daiki Tsuneta says. “We’re ready to bring the sound of Tokyo to international listeners…From the beginning of MILLENNIUM PARADE we’ve been thinking about the perception of international listeners and what they think about Japan.”
Collaborating closely with Art Director Cota Mori and Creative Director Shu Sasaki, the collective introduces Kong Tong Tokyo, an imagined version of Japan’s capital set in the future. This visionary project aims to redefine Tokyo’s creative landscape both visually and sonically, offering a platform for international guests to contribute their unique narratives to the MILLENNIUM PARADE universe.
Prepare to embark on an electrifying journey with MILLENNIUM PARADE as they unveil “GOLDENWEEK” and pave the way for a new era of creative expression.
Ruth Theodore’s new album I Am I Am is a record sixteen years in the making. Since her 2008 debut, Theodore has created genre-expanding alt-folk that explores the interplay between beauty and chaos. These works encompass the self-described “beautifully twisted political and personal mayhem” of Worm Food to the anxious search for mental wellbeing that ran through White Holes Of Mole Hills, through the agony and ecstasy of love lost in Dear Lamp Love Moth, to the bold new sounds that were born out of collaboration with co-producer Todd Sickafoose on Cactacus.
I Am I Am represents what Theodore refers to as “a full landing”. A return to a new beginning where the lessons and questions from her last four albums are reformed by a fresh perspective. On returning from a European tour in 2019 Theodore was diagnosed with breast cancer and soon underwent successful chemotherapy treatment that spanned the worst of the pandemic. In her hands, this time of upheaval served as an opportunity to channel energy into what she loves, creating music every day, and the result is a trove of insightful new material.
Two recurring themes that run through I Am I Am are the unity of matter, and the breaking down of barriers. The fragments of matter that appear in each song – be they people, birds, glass, or the sounds themselves- are in states of constant change. Like the starling murmuration in the album’s cover art, they are continually becoming and unbecoming one another, and uniting to become greater than the sum of their parts. Says Theodore, “I believe this is true for everything. We are so sold on the idea that we are individuals that we forget we are also one whole thing.”
Hudson Valley-based singer-songwriter Jack Manley prioritizes himself with candid love song “Save Your Own” out everywhere now. Manley’s tender, contemplative debut solo EP Unmeasurable Terms is due out May 10 and available for pre-order now. The latest track details Manley’s fight against addiction and falling victim to codependency, where he reminds himself to put on his own oxygen mask first. Jack Manley will celebrate the EP release with a live show at BIGCAT in Kingston, NY on May 10.
An honest appraisal and a lovesick plea, “Save Your Own” emerged amidst Manley’s battle with addiction as he learned to navigate the relationships that matter most to him. Building around a melody that is threaded together with a hint of hopefulness, the new offering sees the artist present a love song about codependency and that, Manley says, “in the chaos of addiction and treatment, sometimes the best you can do is take care of yourself first–put on your own oxygen mask first. It’s a plea to my partner Anna to take care of herself and let me go.” Manley took an unconventional approach to crafting the track by recording live vocals and guitar in the same single take to get the rawest, most emotionally resonant result possible.
Sonically, Manley says it mimics his real state of being, “Once the rhythm guitar, bass, and vocals come in, there is a major dynamic shift in energy and excitement, almost mimicking the manic state of mind I was in when writing it.” On his sonic inspirations, Manley continues, “The downstroke, inverted chords that make up the verse take cues from my love of The Strokes, whereas the lead guitar takes cues from post punk and shoegaze.” Producer Jeff Berener elevates the track with a closing melodic, noisy solo that evokes the unease of the tumultuous experience of navigating love, addiction and recovery.
From the fiery depths of personal evolution, the enigmatic and bold multi-instrumentalist, Cindë, emerges with her latest creation, “Villain Origin Story.” This new single carves a narrative of metamorphosis from anguish to empowerment, chronicling the seismic shift from a betrayed lover to worst nightmare. “Villain Origin Story” is streaming now on all digital platforms worldwide via Spooky Action Records.
“Villain Origin Story,” which is a centerpiece of her forthcoming EP, More Awake Less Alive, heralds a turning point in Cindë’s musical odyssey. The track encapsulates the catastrophic level of rage born out of grief—painting a vivid picture of an angelic figure’s fall from grace and the resultant birth of a villain. It’s a song that’s as much a personal purging as it is a universal anthem for anyone who’s ever felt transformed by the trials of life. Cindë channels her tempestuous journey through the visceral lyrics and the thunderous chords, orchestrating a symphony of raw emotion that’s both haunting and invigorating. On the track’s making, Cindë reflects, “There was a point where the series of events that transpired and the level of hurt I experienced changed me as a person. I wrote the lyrics using dramatic biblical references combined with a heavy drop C guitar riff to really drive home the depth and proportion of the rage I felt.” With production helmed by the acclaimed Mike Tompa (Silverstein, The Devil Wears Prada), the song’s intricate layers are expertly mixed by GRAMMY-nominated Phil Hotz (Elton John, Alvvays, Dua Lipa) and brought to full dimension by the mastering of Kristian Montano (Ciara, Alice Glass). This song is poised to become a rallying cry for those who refuse to remain silent in the face of adversity and encourages the listener to rise, and be indomitable and defiant.
French multifaceted artist Folamour releases his new song “Ya Just Need 2 Believe in Yaself (A Decade Together Mix),” which commemorates a decade of music thus far in his career. The release precedes his debut at Coachella, where he’ll perform at the heralded Yuma Tent.
Over the course of a decade, Folamour has performed at bucket-list venues across the world, such as the Olympia in Paris, the Geneva Cathedral for Cercle, the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Paradiso in Amsterdam, Printworks and Hackney Church in London, and many more, including festivals like Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, and Sónar. Folamour’s ability to connect with his audiences on each of his dates makes him a simple, accessible artist who succeeds in creating a unique atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.
In 2023, he released his third studio album, Manifesto, his most accomplished but also most personal project. This opus features a wide range of prestigious artists such as Amadou & Mariam on the track “Vorage,” as well as Baccus, Jungle By Night, Khazali, Emmanuel Jal and Tim Ayre. Folamour proved again his ability to diversify as a producer on the project while retaining the electronic and club aspects that make him a fully-fledged artist at every level of production, composition, and writing.
Trap pioneer UZ today teams up with burgeoning producer barnacle boi for their debut collaboration, “Venom,” on Monstercat Uncaged.
UZ, previously known as DJ Troubl, boasts nearly two decades of influence in the electronic dance music scene, establishing himself as a standout artist with a collection of genre-defying classics. His renowned Trap Shit series, which catapulted him into the spotlight in 2012, remains a token to his innovative soundscapes. Notably, he’s secured a #24 position on Billboard charts with one of his albums, and has collaborated with major artists in the music industry, such as Ice Cube, T-Pain, Flosstradamus, Zeds Dead, and most recently TroyBoi on his latest Monstercat release, “IBTFY.” The two-time DMC world champion has captivated audiences worldwide with his unforgettable live performances, gracing stages at Coachella, EDC Las Vegas, Ultra Music Festival, and more, leaving a long-lasting impression on his audiences.
DJ, producer, and vocalist barnacle boi is lauded for his distinct atmospheric, underground soundscapes and unique production skills. His collaborative efforts span notable artists such as Bones (TeamSESH), Holly Stell, Madi Larson, and more. He’s gained the likes of Alice Glass (Crystal Castles), Finn Wolfhard of the Netflix series “Stranger Things,” and others, who have underscored his rising popularity. With his creative musical prowess and growing accolades, including playing at renowned events and venues like Imagine Festival, Wakaan Festival, and Red Rocks, barnacle boi is certainly an artist to watch.
Driven by a similar musical harmony, UZ stumbled upon barnacle boi’s work on a track shared via social media. As the duo connected, barnacle boi laid down a dark and heavy foundation, setting UZ up to fuse his energetic soundscapes with elements reminiscent of 90s rave stabs. The outcome is a heavy-hitting masterpiece that showcases a solid blend of their styles driven by a deep, dark energy and an electrifying allure.
UZ shares, “I saw this thing barnacle boi was cooking up on socials, and it totally gave me déjà vu. The vibes, the energy, it just clicked for me. Hit him up for the stems, and the rest is history! I took that track to a whole new level, blending our styles while keeping it upbeat and ready for the dance floor.”
barnacle boi adds, “UZ and I have been tossing ideas around for a couple years or so and when I sent him this project, something really clicked and he absolutely took it to another level. This heavy hitting trap banger is super special to me and I can’t wait to work on more. Honored to work with the legend!”
Fans can stay tuned to see UZ live, while barnacle boi sets forth on his Spring European tour, with shows coming up at HAVEN in Eindhoven, Netherlands, A38 in Budapest, Hungary, and Bootshaus in Cologne, Germany.
The FMs announce the first-ever Frankie Fest – an annual queer rock festival honoring the legacy of Frankie Rex – taking place on May 11 at Coney Island USA. The event, which will also serve as the record release party for PINK + BLACK (details below), will feature the first performance from The FMs in over four years – and the first-ever without Frankie. Frankie Fest highlights a range of cutting-edge, NYC-based queer performers showcasing indie rock, goth, riot grrrl, punk, metal, and more. The inaugural Frankie Fest lineup is as follows: Pink Velvet Witch // Jordan Fiction // Villains // Llynks // The FMs // Frida Kill // Miss Cherry Delight. Tickets are available now. Doors at 4pm, shows until 10pm.
Frankie Fest is a benefit for CFLC (Chosen Family Law Center). Proceeds benefiting CFLC’s new “Frankie Maddox Rex Memorial Fund” will support low-income TNBGNC New Yorkers with free legal services to support the dignity and safety they deserve, including name changes, support with identity documents, asylee green card applications, and medical advance directives.
Singer-songwriter MAYA IXTA is set to debut her first bilingual single, “Time,” on May 2, 2024. The Los Angeles-based musician is no stranger to accomplishments. She began professionally training at 8 years old and in 2022 was named the youngest student to complete the “Music Industry Essentials” Certificate Program from the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She was recently accepted to the Grammy Museum Songwriting Intensive, where she has studied with a smattering of famed songwriters and music industry professionals. She’s no stranger to gracing the stage at unforgettable venues including The Grammy Museum, Radio City Music Hall, House of Blues, and The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, to name a few. But it’s her desire to give back to other students in the arts that truly sets her apart — Maya founded the non-profit HeARTs of Maya which awards educational scholarships to artistic youth. To date, she has awarded 50 scholarships and in 2019, was awarded the SPARK! Award for her philanthropic contributions.
On her debut Spanish/English language track, she explores the anxiety that comes with facing the passage of time. She cowrote the track with her mentor and producer, Daniel Jimenez Afandor, crafting a rich tapestry of pulsing rhythms and instrumentation meant to emulate the movement of the clock. Beginning with an effusive Spanish guitar that waivers effortlessly beneath her ethereal vocals, the track morphs into a stunning rhythmic experience that plays with synthy vocalizations and layers of harmonies. Maya showcases her incredible command of both languages, allowing the ticking of the clock to guide the storyline no matter the language currently telling it. Listeners feel the anxiety that builds and the subtle release as the track cascades around you like a waterfall.
multi-platinum R&B iconoclast, style icon, and entrepreneur Brent Faiyaz takes a much-deserved and well-earned global victory lap in the music video for his latest single “Best Time” out now. Watch HERE. Of course, the standout graces the tracklisting of his acclaimed chart-busting opus, Larger Than Life, out now. Listen to Larger Than Life HERE.
The new visual, directed by Lonewolf, follows Brent on a journey around the world. It intercuts footage on tour, in clubs, at afterparties, and behind the most exclusive velvet ropes in Milan, Tokyo, Sydney, and beyond. Black-and-white vignettes dissolve into vibrant animated breaks, adding an elevated aesthetic to the clip. Bottles pop, cameras snap, models surround the superstar, and fans cheer. Akin to a vlog in motion, it lives up to the refrain of “The best time she’s ever had.”
“Best Time” has soared as the most-streamed song on Larger Than Life, piling up over 97 million plays on Spotify alone.
Maintaining incredible momentum, he recently uncovered the music video for “WY@” co-starring none other than Academy® Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o [Black Panther, US, 12 Years a Slave]. Watch HERE.
Garnering widespread acclaim, Variety hailed Larger Than Life as “the best Neo-Neo soul album to date,” going on to tout the “high-speed” music video as well. EBONY spotlighted “WY@” and raved, “Faiyaz’s influence cannot be overstated; he’s a true force to be reckoned with, shaping the landscape of contemporary R&B with his unparalleled talent and authenticity.” It has already reeled in 3.8 million YouTube views and counting!
emerging NYC based, indie-pop artist denn. triumphantly returns with a dazzling new single, ‘think.’ which experiments with tone and pitch to create a song full of dimension and originality.
Listen to ‘think.’ below:
Entering the track with a helium induced-esque vocal, denn. plays around with pitch and vocal manipulation to bring depth and an additional layer of interest to the pop centered sound of ‘think.’ Resonating sonically with the style of Rex Orange County, denn. brings forth a concoction of bright hip-hop notes and a catchy bedroom pop rhythm to the track, achieved through his appreciation for music of all styles and genres.
Towards the end of last year, denn. released his latest singles ‘uh uh uh uh UH?’ and ‘It’s Happening’, which were both met with great support and acclaim within his loyal fanbase and in press and playlisting. As he gears up to the release of this debut EP later this year, with all the love he’s received on his recent singles under his belt, it has quickly become a highly anticipated project within the NYC indie-pop space.
The Line of Best Fit – “Every word packs a punch on “it’s happening?”, with denn.’s quivering and heavenly vocals spilling out confessions with an earnest vulnerability.”
Metal Magazine – “With sincerity as his trademark and his sound still being unclassifiable, the New Yorker has released a new single, Uh Uh Uh Uh Uh?”
Atwood Magazine – “Achingly intimate and brutally vulnerable, denn.’s lovesick new single “it’s happening?” is a soul-stirring eruption of heartache and longing wrought into this world from the dark, visceral, and lonely depths of despair.”
Jharis is known as a first call drummer, with a pocket full of gear endorsements and coveted touring gigs. Here, though, he steps out as a leader for the first time, and the results are ‘dazzling’ as per John Morrison’s excellent writeup below.
Sometimes, Late At Night is new-generation music, boundaryless creative music – in the first 30 seconds a head-bobbing beat made up of stark hi-hats and electronic handclaps is suddently interrupted by a torrent of arhythmic blown out drums, which then tumbles back into a groove and leads into Jose James moody vocal take. All of this turbulence reflects the record’s emotional core of loss and heartbreak (my first thought was that it was emo at heart, if not in genre), but also captures the cartoonish and playful energy that JY brings to his music. “Let Her Go” is a frenetic drum clinic, “Remedy” left turns from a pounding beat into a solo piano reverie – Japanese keyboard maestro BIGYUKI (A Tribe Called Quest, Yebba, Meshell Ndegeocello) provides a perfect foil: shifting synthesizers that mirror Jharis’s manic energy and creative drive.
Edmonton singer-songwriter Christin Hyshka shares his new single and video ‘Something That I Can Believe’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
‘Something That I Can Believe’ is the lead single from his new album Rescue set for release on June 13th. The hopeful folk-roots song speaks to the search for faith and meaning in today’s world.
“I wrote ‘Something That I Can Believe’ as a case for belief,” says Christin. “Maybe it’s belief in your family or your country, in principles or in God. We have so much information coming at us in all directions today that it’s hard to know what to believe, but that doesn’t dismiss its importance.”
Christin grew up in rural Manitoba listening to Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Steve Earle and was greatly influenced by the imagery that these artists depict through their songwriting. He now lives in Edmonton, Alberta, where he recorded his debut album, The First Word, in 2021 and his sophomore album Rescue, which is set for release on June 13th. His new album is a storyteller of songs that reflect on the human condition exploring themes of fear, longing, faith, and desire.
R&B-reggae sensation, artist Tosh Alexander serves up a sizzling return with a sultry new offering “Chat To Me Nice.” Get it HERE.
The intoxicating cut wrapped in warm, crisp vocals and lush production finds the acclaimed Jamaican-American artist entering a new chapter & fresh start as she aims to showcase her wide range of musicality that expands beyond the coats of the Caribbean seas. “Chat To Me Nice” the official music video will premiere at 1PM EST on April 12 via Tosh’s official YouTube channel HERE. Directed by Djuvane Armstrong (Sean Paul, Masicka, Shenseea) the visual experience is poised to propel the enchanting allure of Tosh Alexander on center stage—bringing the essence of the track to cinematic heights.
Referencing the new track, Tosh shares, “For Chat To Me Nice, the melodies came to me first, and then I started to ask myself how you would want a guy to approach you. I knew I wanted to go for a record that feels very 90s with a modern twist. Chat To Me Nice has all the elements of Tosh Alexander, R&B, Reggae, and a bit of Dancehall mixed in, with a strong baseline to coincide with the tempo and instruments.”
“Chat To Me Nice” follows Tosh’s explosive 2022 release “Cum Yah,” which reigned Top 10 via iTunes Reggae charts. Wonderland Magazine described the track as “bold and energetic,” and notable publications such as Dancehall Mag, Grunge Cake, and Jamaica Gleaner followed suit with praise for the vibrant track.
For her first song release of 2024 tied to a quickly approaching string of freshly squeezed new singles and visual releases, all to come in 2024 independently, Tosh vows that everyone will be seeing more of her swiftly as she places the final touches on her debut project arriving later this year. Hit play and get the 411 on “Chat To Me Nice” HERE. Buckle up for a sensational ride…Tosh Alexander has joined the chat.
indie-folk duo Eletto have released their debut EP ‘I Wanna Be The Star!’, which comes complete with two brand new singles ‘Out Of My Mind’ and ‘Hey Yah!’. Composed of South-Yorkshire best friends Zoe Aradipioti and Mila Whitaker, the duo have been gearing up to today’s release since the start of this year, and they do not disappoint with the wave of mesmerising contemporary folk energy they channel across this new body of work. The project is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to Eletto’s ‘I Wanna Be The Star!’ below:
https://apollodistro.lnk.to/eletto
Having kicked off 2024 strongly through introducing this project with their first single off the EP ‘Fool’, which was later followed by ‘Danced with a Stranger’. In doing so, Eletto have built great anticipation surrounding today’s release and gave their audience a satisfying taste of what was to come. Alongside ‘Fool’ and ‘Danced with a Stranger’, the EP also includes two brand new singles, titled ‘Out of My Mind’ and ‘Hey Yah!’
JB Elwood has released his newest rock-forward single, “Lost In My Ways,” a track about redemption, reminding us that we don’t always know what people may be going through, and the latest offering off his upcoming full-length album, due out later this year. You can stream and download “Lost In My Ways” on all platforms worldwide.
JB Elwood’s newest single, “Lost In My Ways,” digs deep into the topics of empathy and second chances. With powerful vocals and a unique instrumental accompaniment, this song truly makes you reflect. His lyrics tell a story, “I know I tried to tame all the chaos inside, I am reckless and alive, But it’s so hard to change, Cause I’m so lost in my ways.” The track follows the thoughts of an alcoholic battling with their addiction and attempting to find a glimmer of hope in the darkness they’re surrounded by. “‘Lost In My Ways’ is a song about redemption,” Elwood explains. “Everyone deserves a second, third, maybe even fourth chance. You never truly understand someone’s situation until you step in their shoes. A person going through hard times may have the desire to change, but they may not know how. That is why they might push people away and continue putting themselves in bad situations, ultimately leading to a life crisis where they come face to face with their inner demons.” Although the song is centered around the topic of alcoholism, the underlying themes about remembering to be kind and gentle with others can be applied to almost any situation you may experience. “Lost In My Ways” showcases Elwood’s ability to be vulnerable, thus allowing his audience to open up and also be vulnerable. The track was written by JB Elwood, and produced by Andrew Middleton.
Broken Gold today share the glistening power pop ripper “Fault”. The track is the final single to be released in advance of the band’s second studio full-length Wild Eyes.
On an album that is riven with reflection, “Fault” stands as a particularly striking testament to realization. From the opening salvo, “Feeling like the living dead, The dream had died inside my head” Broken Gold singer/guitarist Ian MacDougall navigates the equally cursed and blessed nature of being a touring musician. Years spent playing stages in places you’ve always dreamed of, all the while watching your home life disintegrate as relationships are strained and an exhausting never-ending search is undertaken for part time jobs to fill the downtime.
It’s a topic close to the heart of seasoned road dog MacDougal, who’s served lengthy stints with Band Of Horses and a legion of punk and crust bands, as well as over 20 years as a founding member of beloved Texan punks Riverboat Gamblers.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
