INsiders Guide

INsiders Guide: H3RIZON, Gabriella Zauna, Jonny Stanback, Cristina Hart, HUNNY BUZZ, MINNY POPS…

Photo credit: Nadia Razlan

Rising Australian girl group H3rizon today releases their brand new single “Soul Ties (Don’t Give It Up).” A sunny-but-cautionary number that expands on H3rizon’s introduction to the masses, the song is available at all DSPs HERE.

On “Soul Ties (Don’t Give It Up),” new and returning fans of the trio made up of Bernie, Gabby and Tiara are treated to an exhibition of the high bar. Tonally perfect harmony, contagious octave changes and strikingly sharp vocals combine on the group’s new single for an irresistible pop jam. The song was produced by Tricky Stewart while H3rizon handled all vocal arrangements. It was written with Theron Thomas, this year’s inaugural winner of the GRAMMY for “Songwriter of The Year.”

Says H3rizon“we’re super excited to get this feel-good tune out into the world Whoever you’re obsessed with, ‘Soul Ties’ is the summer bop you never knew you needed! As R&B girlies, we love adding our vocal sauce on our tracks. Listen out for all the harmonies and layering… you know this ain’t your standard pop track!”

“Soul Ties (Don’t Give It Up)” follows a busy start to the year for H3rizon, who released two singles, “Naughty” and “Wanna Love You,” in January. Now, the Sydney-bred group is set to continue its global expansion as it charges through 2024.

In late 2023, the Sydney-based trio announced that they were the first Australian and first Asian-Pacific girl group to sign with Epic Records, in partnership with RZ3 Recordings. With that, they shared the harmony-driven record “You Don’t Know Nothin’,” which gave stateside fans a glimpse of what the talented trio had been cultivating as they generated momentum around the globe. Though H3rizon is the first-ever Australian girl group to sign to Epic Records, it isn’t just their home country they’re looking to make proud with their ascent. “Especially as young Filipino Australian women, we hope that this can inspire other aspiring artists that look like us,” the group shared with Rolling Stone Australia, “And hopefully pave the way for them to be able to chase after whatever dream they hope for.”  

Be on the lookout for a lot more from H3rizon, coming soon.

Born, raised, and based in Los Angeles CA, Gabriella Zauna has proven to be a jack of many trades. At just 19 years old, she has emerged as a multifaceted artist, blending her talents as a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer in the captivating realm of alternative dark pop, which she describes as pop music with a bit of an unstructured darker twist. A fusion of pop sensibilities with an evocative edge, she seamlessly weaves together melodies that linger in the shadows, inviting listeners into a world where emotions are raw and experiences are profound.

Gabriella’s journey into music began early, with the melodies of her soul finding expression as early as seven years old. Fueled by personal experience and an inner battle with herself, her art became not only a means of expression but also a lifeline during moments of deep depression. Through her music, she discovered a language that transcended the limitations of words, a conduit through which she could channel her innermost thoughts and emotions.

Embracing the role of a “one-woman band,” Gabriella takes full ownership of her creative process. From inception to execution, she meticulously crafts each element of her music, breathing life into her compositions with a rare authenticity and vulnerability. Her dedication to her craft is evident in every note and lyric, as she strives to create art that resonates deeply with her audience. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of artists such as Lana Del Rey, RAYE, and The Japanese House, Gabriella is enamored with the power of lyrical writing that transcends the conventional boundaries of expression. She revels in the ambiguity of metaphor, crafting narratives that not only engage the mind but also stir the soul.

Beyond her musical prowess, Gabriella possesses a rare gift: synesthesia. For her, each song is not merely a composition of sounds but a rich tapestry of colors, textures, and shapes. This sensory disorder infuses her music with a palpable authenticity, as she draws upon the kaleidoscope of sensations to breathe life into her creations. The color blue, in particular, holds a special significance in her artistry, serving as a visual anchor amidst the swirling depths of her sonic landscape.

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With each song she shares with the world, Gabriella Zauna invites listeners on a journey into the depths of her soul. It is a journey marked by moments of introspection, passion, and unbridled creativity—a journey that resonates with all who dare to embark upon it. As she continues to weave her sonic tapestry, one thing remains certain: Gabriella Zauna is an artist poised to leave an undeniable mark on the world of music.

Hailing from Los Angeles, Jonny Stanback is no stranger to the music scene. Formerly the lead singer of the indie rock band “THE JACKS”, Jonny Stanback has embarked on a solo journey with the release of his album BRONCO in 2023 – a masterful blend of folk, indie rock, and Americana.

His new release, “Intertwined”, is a poignant acoustic pop track that delves into the intricacies of long-distance relationships. Inspired by Stanback’s personal experience during a period of separation from his partner, the song captures the essence of connection despite physical distance. Stanback shares, 

I wrote ‘Intertwined’ during a long-distance period of my relationship. Even though we were more than 6000 miles apart, we still felt connected almost invisibly and I thought that was sweet. I think I wrote the song for myself and her to catalog that moment in time. It felt special and I think as an artist you try to capture those little moments so you can bring them with you. It’s fun to collect them as you go along.

As part of his ambitious “Hail Mary Hundred” challenge for 2024, Stanback is on a mission to release 100 songs. As a result, he dropped his new album, BRONCO II, which delves even deeper into themes of hope, love, letting go, isolation, and adventure.

London-based pop singer-songwriter Cristina Hart is set to captivate audiences with the arrival of her debut EP ‘Online Therapy’, led by brand new single ‘Offline’. Featuring a selection of heartfelt and emotionally charged songs, this EP showcases Hart’s undeniable talent as a songwriter and performer, cementing her as a promising voice in today’s contemporary pop scene. ‘Online Therapy’ is available on all streaming services now, distributed via Apollo

Listen to ‘Online Therapy’ below:

https://apollodistro.lnk.to/cristinahart-OT

Sharing the story behind ‘Online Therapy, Hart expresses: “The writing on this EP is me in my rawest, most vulnerable form. After losing my grandparents and having an unexpected surgery all in the same 3 months at the tailend of covid, I felt so battered and bruised. My anxiety was through the roof and the grief was eating away at me. I couldn’t focus on small everyday things and I felt lost. It was hard to pick myself back up but I was lucky enough to go to therapy and slowly but surely, the anxiety started going away and deep rooted emotions were allowed to be felt.”

“This gave way to a whole new way of writing for me. It’s funny because you go to therapy for one thing and then you find out that there’s a lot of other things you weren’t really allowing yourself to face. This 4-track EP is born out of what was uncovered in those therapy sessions – online because of covid. Just like those sessions helped me deal with my emotions, I hope this EP can make someone feel less alone in whatever they’re going through and create a safe space for them to feel those complex emotions.”

Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and observations of the modern world, ‘Online Therapy’ delves deep into themes of love, loss, anxiety and mental health, resonating with listeners on a profound level. With each track, Hart invites her audience into her world, as she taps into the most vulnerable and honest side of herself. 

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As an up-and-coming artist, Hart has already experienced great support with the singles leading up to the release of ‘Online Therapy’. Garnering praise from fans and critics alike, her music has struck a chord with her growing audience and built great anticipation for today’s release.

Bristol’s vibrant music scene is set to embrace a new wave of creativity as HUNNY BUZZ reveal their debut EP, ‘Welcome to Our Garden‘. This highly anticipated project promises to captivate audiences with its up-beat, guitar-led energy, indie sensibility, and emotive melodies. The track is available now on all streaming services, distributed via Apollo.

Listen to ‘Welcome to Our Garden’ below:

https://apollodistro.lnk.to/hunnybuzz

HUNNY BUZZ, a dynamic 4-piece band hailing from Bristol, brings a unique blend of beachy, carefree energy and playful lyricism to the forefront of their music. Drawing inspiration from sun-kissed shores and laid-back atmospheres, their sound transports listeners to a place of blissful joy.

For the past 3 years, HUNNY BUZZ have been delicately crafting their Indie-pop sound amongst Bristol’s booming music scene. The 6-track EP perfectly delivers the duality of human nature in their indie-pop melancholy sound. Front woman Lyd Read delivers raw emotion as she undresses the struggles of modern love and mental health with honest stories. 

Speaking on their new single ‘Palpitations’, the band shares; “‘Palpitations’ is the last track contributed to Buzz’s hard crafted EP, ‘Welcome to our Garden’. The song itself is powerful and drastic sounding, with its commanding guitar melodies, driven bass lines and solidified drums; it instrumentally supports a delicate and personal story of thoughtful mental health challenges and lyrically targets the roots of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Read explains that, ‘Still today OCD is used in everyday generalised conversations, used as a ‘describing’ word by people who don’t actually know what this disorder is really like. I wanted to broaden and portray the meaning of OCD, so people can think again about using it in their daily vocabulary and understand it’s a mental illness.”

With ‘Welcome to Our Garden’, HUNNY BUZZ not only showcases their shared musical capabilities but also establishes themselves as a promising new voice in the indie music scene. Their dedication to crafting authentic, feel-good tunes is evident in every track of the EP, from the intricately woven guitar riffs to the heartfelt lyrics.

In recent years, core members of post-punk electro pioneers Minny Pops have been in and out of the studio to work on new recordings. Sessions were abandoned, songs were re-recorded and there was lots of soul searching and those close to the band were wondering if new recordings would ever see the light of day.

At one point in time, all doubts were cast aside and as a result, here is the new Minny Pops single “Dad Dog”. Warning, this song is not about DOGGING, working as a DOGMAN or DOG GROOMER. This song is about the unconditional love of a man for his dog. 

Praised for her “deep, soulful vocals that sing lyrics imbued with classic themes of love and loss” (Interview Magazine), Alt-R&B darling Dana Williams reveals a new, 8-track album ‘End Of The World’ out now via Stem Disintermedia. Swooning with her signature jazzy nonchalance, the poignant new record highlights Dana’s continued journey of self-discovery, healing, and emotional evolution. The fully independent, LA-based singer/songwriter describes her new album as more introspective, less heart achey and more about personal development and growth. ‘End Of The World’ speaks to the idea of how tough life can be, but the way in which we overcome obstacles and captivate moments of fleeting joy is what it’s all about. She questions this endless pursuit of happiness and how to maintain it. “Imagine the world is ending, how would you like to spend your time?” Williams queries regarding the gentle song’s themes. “What matters in the end?”

Alt-pop singer and songwriter Caroline Romano reveals her new single, “Doesn’t Matter,” out today on all streaming platforms.

Following her recent singles, “girl in a china shop,” “Tell Her I Said Hi,” and “Used by You,” “Doesn’t Matter” sees Caroline continuing to develop her distinct and dynamic blend of indie-pop and alt-rock. On “Doesn’t Matter,” her dreamy, sing-song vocals dance atop soaring dreamy synths and a driving percussive groove. There’s a playfulness to the song’s instrumentation that compliments Caroline’s captivating, stream-of-consciousness lyricism. 

“‘Doesn’t Matter’ is sort of a ‘choose your own storyline’ song,” says Caroline. “I wrote it about a relationship that felt like a double-edged sword; a relationship that had me thinking that maybe the inevitable heartbreak would be worth it. It’s a song about falling, all too carelessly, for someone on a rainy evening with the car radio playing. It’s simple and convoluted and all too accurate, at least from my personal experience.”

At just 22-years-old, Nashville-based Caroline Romano has established herself as a versatile artist, effortlessly transitioning between misty-eyed ballads and fiery alt-rock anthems. Memorializing the highs and lows of young adulthood with her unflinchingly honest songwriting, Caroline has captured the hearts of fans and tastemakers alike.

In 2022, Caroline released her highly-anticipated 16-track debut album, Oddities and Prodigies. She followed the album with her 2023 EP, A Brief Epic, a 6-track project that explored love and loss. With each new single that’s followed, she has continued to reveal new layers of her artistry, resulting in some of her most confident and authentic songs yet. 

Caroline is currently on tour supporting Smallpools and Grayscale. Tickets for all remaining tour dates are available here: https://carolineromano.com/tour

Sadye transcends the limits of mainstream pop, challenging listeners and breathing new life into the genre with otherworldly mystique and uncompromising vision. From humble beginnings as a small town singer/songwriter, Sadye writes with depth and heart, often taking on unexpectedly dark and heavy themes. Inspired by her intense struggle with cancer, dealing with toxic relationships, and finally discovering her self-worth, her lyrics are steeped in a sarcastic form of catharsis as she learns to love her literal, and figurative, scars; a theme beautifully juxtaposed by catchy, modern melodies and edgy pop production, appealing to fans of Kim Petras and Charli XCX to Nine Inch Nails and The Weeknd.

Boasting hundreds of thousands of streams, TV placements, and playlist covers, Sadye leans into her inconceivable “industry plant” aesthetic, challenging conventional notions of stardom, prompting listeners to question the essence of celebrity. Intrigued by emerging technology, she boldly ventures into the web3 space, seamlessly bringing her cult into the future with exclusive digital rewards, proof of her commitment to standing out in a rapidly evolving music landscape.

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Her latest single “The Joke Is On Me” was inspired by her intense struggle with cancer. She confides, The entire essence of the song is in the first two lines. It’s an idea that has haunted me a lot—physically surviving but becoming kind of mentally ruined. I had a lot of questions in the wake of what I went through and even years later. I put them into this record. I think we all wonder why we’re here for different reasons, so I feel like people will relate to that aspect of the song.” 

Ceara Cavalieri is a singer/songwriter from Southern California. Having graduated from UCLA with a degree in Psychology, Cavalieri has since dedicated herself to pursuing music full time. Her love for music stems from the age of three, where she found her voice and wouldn’t stop singing. In her teenage years she took to songwriting as a way of expressing her thoughts and feelings when her shyness prevented. With 10 single releases under her belt thus far, Cavalieri is carving out her own distinct sound of incredibly infectious and candidly relatable pop rock music. Her music has been featured on Spotify’s SALT, Teen Beats, Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds Pop, Dance Paradise, SLAP!, and Dance Brandneu playlists. In 2023, she opened for Leah Kate’s “Super Over” US tour and will be touring again across Europe and the UK in May 2024. Ceara Cavalieri’s latest single “That’s My Bitch” is an upbeat pop rock banger all about elevating the ones we love especially after they get out of a toxic relationship. She confides, “I wrote this song about my best friend, who had recently gotten out of a relationship with this guy who was a total narcissist and serial cheater. She was feeling extremely sad about the whole situation and I wanted to remind her that she is “That Bitch” and she’s way better off without him. The song is a Bad Bitch Anthem that hypes her up, talking about how “she’s independent” and “doesn’t need no man or attention.”

SWEET SPINE, the three-piece alt-rock sensation known for their electrifying sound and hard-hitting lyrics, are back with a bang and are ready to shake up the music scene once again with brand new guitar-led single ‘time stands still’. 

Listen to ‘time stands still’ below: 

https://cecilparkrecords.ffm.to/timestandsstill.PDA

Speaking on their new single, SWEET SPINE share; “Time Stands Still’ is a new sound for us. It’s a sharp left turn, but it’s exactly what we want to say right now. We want people to know that we are a real band, there’s no limits or bounds to what style of music we’ll make or play. We are such a new band, and have so many things to say. This next project is showing everyone what we’re capable of doing” 

SWEET SPINE is an exciting new three-piece band making a splash in South Carolina comprised of Fox Haynes (19) on guitar and vocals, Taylor Priola (21) on bass and Brannan Crook (22) on drums. Channeling the likes of Deftones, early Paramore, and the spirit of the 90s rock scene, the unsuspecting young trio have captured the attention of the Carolina scene and well beyond with their high energy live performances and viral moments.

With ‘time stands still’ SWEET SPINE delivers a sonic masterpiece that captures the essence of their bold artistry. From start to end listeners are taken on a journey through blistering guitar solos, and infectious melodies that demand to be heard.

Today’s release showcases SWEET SPINE’S evolution as a growing band while staying true to the gritty, authentic sound that has earned them a dedicated following. With the song’s powerful lyrics and explosive instrumentation, the single serves as a testament to the band’s commitment to pushing boundaries. More to the point, to promote the song the band encouraged listeners to record a part of the bridge that will be included in the final version.

As the electrifying sounds of their latest track reverberate, Sweet Spine concludes a month-long journey as the opening act for the sold-out ThxSoMuch US Tour. Today, they are set to take the stage at the “Lovin Life” music festival in Charlotte, NC.

Josh Tavares, an indie pop artist based in Toronto, is making a comeback with new music, having spent the past few years honing a more authentic sound. Beginning his musical journey at the age of 10 with the guitar, he developed a profound passion for songwriting. Josh’s creative process is spontaneous, drawing inspiration from his everyday encounters with loved ones, television, and chance occurrences.

By day, Josh is an Emmy-nominated TV producer, infusing his work with creativity, while by night, he immerses himself in his music, tirelessly crafting original material. Often starting with a title, Josh finds inspiration from diverse sources, weaving relatable stories that resonate deeply with his audience. Whether in television or his music, Josh is committed to sharing authentic narratives that captivate and connect with listeners.

Ruth Theodore shares I Am I Am; 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. 

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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.”

Bozeman, MT-based Madeline Hawthorne is excited to share her new song “Where Did I Go Wrong” which exclusively premiered via MAGNET earlier this week.

“‘Where Did I Go Wrong’ was somewhat of an anomaly in that I wrote it in a different environment than I am used to and the words you hear are the first ones that came out of my mouth. No edits. I wrote it up in my bedroom while we were having our house resided. There were men climbing the walls and a constant banging was present in the house. I had limited time off from touring, and I needed to write so I just closed my curtains and did my best to drown out all the noise. Incredibly this song just came out. Although I am happily married, I’d lie if I told you this career path does not challenge even the strongest of relationships. I never want to be that woman sitting alone at a bar wondering where she went wrong, so it’s a good reminder to nurture a loving relationship. I am reminded every time I sing the words.” 

“Where Did I Go Wrong” follows the releases of “Neon Wasteland” and “Chasing The Moon.”

Hawthorne’s new album Tales From Late Nights & Long Drives is due out everywhere on June 14 and was produced by the famed Ryan Hadlock (Zach Bryan, The Lumineers, Vance Joy) and recorded at Bear Creek Studios near Seattle, WA. 

Obsessed with music since her childhood on the East Coast, Madeline planted roots in Bozeman, MT during college and never turned back. She honed her talents through countless backup and band gigs before going solo amid the Global Pandemic. Balancing Americana, roots, folk, and rock, she introduced herself on the 2021 LP, Boots, co-produced by Brad Parsons and Tyler Thompson in Pittsburgh. In between, she shared the stage with everyone from Jason Isbell, Lukas Nelson, Josh Turner, and Kip Moore to Sierra Hull, John Craigie, and Nathaniel Rateliff. Plus, she wowed audiences at festivals such as Treefort Music Festival (ID), Americanafest (TN), WinterWonderGrass (CO), Pak City Song Summit (UT), Roseberry Music Festival, (ID), and more. Earning acclaim for tracks like 2023’s “Neon Wasteland,” Relix applauded her “powerful and unbridled singles.” Beyond features from Nashville.com, Melodic.net, and more, No Depression also raved, “She’s been crushing rootsy tunes.”

ON TOUR

June 15 @ Live Oak Music Festival | San Luis Obispo, CA

June 27 @ Rail on the River | Berthoud, CO

June 28-29 @ Yarmony Music Festival | Bond, CO

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July 4 @ High Sierra Music Festival | Quincy, CA

July 7 @ Waterfront Blues Festival | Portland, OR

July 14 @ Under The Big Sky Fest | Whitefish, MT

Aug 10 @ People Fest | Yuba, WI

Sept 20-22 @ Cascade Equinox Festival | Redmond, OR

RITA WILSON
“Set You Free”

• “I have always believed that we limit ourselves by what we think is possible or not. Anything positive starts with what’s inside our own heads. I have seen people do extraordinary things because they had no doubt they could. Every day we are alive gives us a reason to try.” – Rita Wilson

• Rolling Stone has hailed Rita Wilson’s music as “evocative” and “inspiring,” while American Songwriter praised it as “meticulously crafted.” The new song “Set You Free” is the latest single from the multi-talented singer-songwriter, actress, and producer.

• Earlier this month, Rita was named one of QVC’s first-ever Quintessential 50, comprised of 50 authentic and inspiring female celebrities, activists, business leaders, and lifestyle experts who exemplify the possibilities of life over 50.

Australian enigmatic artist EDDIE has teamed up with Seattle-based producer/DJ Quackson for a new collaboration ‘Caffeine Induced Psychosis’ out now via HypnoVizion

The latest HypnoVizion release sees two of Rezz’s previous collaborators come together for a ravenous anthem. Adrenaline-fueled, ‘Caffeine Induced Psychosis’ is as intense as its name suggests. The track blasts off with grimy, vibrating basslines and crunchy percussion in a chaotic composition of gnarly dubstep and grinding riddim. ‘Caffeine Induced Psychosis’ follows EDDIE’s recent appearance, ‘Maleficent’, on Rezz’s album CAN YOU SEE ME? and Quackson’s collaborative single ‘Gyrate’ with Rezz and Wreckno.

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“This is one of the MEANEST tunes I’ve ever written, and I’m extremely hyped it’s seeing the light of day. I have been playing this song out in my sets for a while now and it’s one of the most hype moments every time. We decided to call it ‘Caffeine Induced Psychosis’ based on themes from our own solo records “caffeine” & “psychosis”. Combined we created this monster of a tune.” – EDDIE

This marks a milestone as Brighton-based alt-pop duo COWZ unveil their debut EP, ‘That’s Cute! Baby‘, led by the vibrant new single ‘Psychos’. Comprising best friends and creative forces Saga Wahlström and Natasha Nicholl, their collaboration yields a bold fusion of contemporary influences, resulting in the explosive and unique body of work we are presented with today. The project is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.

Listen to ‘That’s Cute! Baby’ below:

https://apollodistro.lnk.to/COWZ

Emerging onto the vibrant music scene of Brighton just last year, the dynamic duo known as COWZ is set to captivate audiences with their highly anticipated debut EP ‘That’s Cute! Baby’. On this release COWZ promise an electrifying sonic journey that defies genre boundaries.

Over the last 6 months, in the lead up to today’s release, COWZ have been steadily honing their craft, drawing inspiration from their diverse musical backgrounds to create a sound that is uniquely their own. Their debut EP showcases their versatility and artistic vision, offering a compelling blend of infectious melodies, evocative lyrics, and innovative production.

Speaking on the EP, COWZ share; “That’s Cute Baby! is our first collection of songs. All five were written early in our friendship, and summarise our rage towards the patriarchy, capitalism and trauma disguised by various amounts of bouncy pop beats.”

The EP circles around anger and revenge, expressed more violently in Bad News and Rosalie, and with more humour and camp in Domination and Most Fun I’ve had in Ages.

“We finish it off with Psychos, the first song we ever wrote together in our living room when we used to live with each other. We always joke at our gigs that the song’ Psychos’ is what happens when you listen to too much Marina and the Diamonds (now known as Marina), as a teenager. Myself (Tasha) and Saga grew up on the internet in the Tumblr days of soft grunge, Halsey, Lorde, Marina and Lana Del Rey. Psychos is an ode to both the nostalgia and to be completely transparent at times traumatic experiences we endured during this era, and to perform the song as adults in our mid-twenties now feels very healing. It’s such a hard-hitting pop track, and we took our time to ensure we encapsulated the humour, excitement, fun, shame, passion and sadness that the average teenage girl feels when you’re 17 years old.”

Perfect Strangers is a Hard Rock band formed in 2022 from Brampton, Ontario. Perfect Strangers describes their sound as “Modern Hard Rock with all the classic implementations you love” and their music clearly demonstrates just that. Their live shows are energetic and packed with roaring sounds from all aspects of the band that leaves anyone attending wanting more and more.

The band released their first self titled EP “Perfect Strangers” in July of 2022 which was met with positive reviews and fan acclaim. Perfect Strangers took their music to new heights with a Canadian tour and a slot in the Canadian NXNE music festival. They released their second EP “Running From A Nightmare” in June of 2023 which was an instant classic with songs like “Want To Leave” and “Street Prowler”. In 2024 the band is releasing their third EP titled Social Decay backed up by singles Scary Movies, Polygon, Dead Man’s Hand, and Tear Me Apart. The band is embarking on a tour of Ontario and Quebec to support the record with a headlining show at Adelaide Hall in Toronto.

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Perfect Strangers has proved they aren’t here to mess around, Perfect Strangers is here to bring the best there is to the whole world one step at a time with their loud, fast, catchy, and energetic rock music.

South East London vocalist KC Clarke delivers his debut EP Myriad Dreams – released via Scorpion Music.

Equal parts tender and self-assured, KC Clarke’s intoxicating artistry is on full display across Myriad Dreams. Merging nostalgic R&B and his own mellow-wave flavour, the 5-track EP perfectly encapsulates the endless chase for true love and intimacy, as psychedelic textures playfully flirt with KC’s dream-like cadence to create a spellbinding body of work. An electric synergy that feels as beautiful as it is meaningful, the rising artist’s exploration of passion and vulnerability will set him as one of the most exciting R&B talents emerging across London and beyond.

Setting an intimate tone from the start with “No Romance”, KC Clarke effortlessly glides across potent basslines and rolling percussion, delivering smooth vocal melodies as he battles the thrilling temptations when getting close to an exciting love interest – a complex space that leaves his affinities questioning whether it’s love or lust.

Moving through hazy sessions of “With You”, we reach the apex of KC’s diverse musical makeup with “SPACESHIPS”, laced with warm, funk-infused sounds that open pockets for his stunning falsetto to shine front and centre. Backed by a high-calibre music video following two lovers on a journey across South Africa, the colourful vibrations burst to life with intimate car rides and vibrant open fields; depicting the shifting patterns of a new relationship and the blossoming connection that takes control.

Kirsty Grant shares the gorgeous visualiser to accompany her recent single ‘Wish On Me’.

Watch it HERE

& listen to the audio HERE

Weightless production and soaring vocals make this track a must listen for anyone looking to tap out of the stresses and strains of everyday life. A strong believer in a healthy dose of escapism, Kirsty Grant shares more; With “Wish On Me”, I wanted to lean into the Disney elements as much as possible, as the song itself feels like it encapsulates the child-like/dream state of having a crush. The idea behind the title was longing for a person to like you back, and for them to take a chance and “wish on me”.

Being able to bottle a feeling in such a way has proved to be second nature for Kirsty Grant. Along with her two collaborators Nova May and 444BOY, the trio unlocked a special chemistry when they created Wish On Me. Intentionally not going too deep, the track is born for daydreaming and indulging in your muse.

Wish On Me is the follow up to euphoric pop release ‘Outerbody’, which arrived back in January. The blissful bop was warmly received amongst music fans and tastemakers including Consequence of Sound, Ones To Watch, The Line of Best Fit and The Skinny. 

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Originally hailing from Scotland but now based in London, emerging artist Kirsty Grant has been nurturing her undeniable talent for merging personal lyricism with hypnotic pop-hooks, not to mention pinning herself as a budding producer too. 

Since she launched her debut EP ‘Chain Reaction’ in 2021, Kirsty has won many hearts and been the recipient of much acclaim. With support already under her belt from the likes of BBC Introducing, Wonderland, The Line of best Fit, Euphoria, Notion and more, it is evident that great things lie ahead for this exciting young artist. Not to mention she’s already racked up a cool one million streams on Spotify.

Formed in 2018, comprising members Emma Armstrong (lead vocals), Max Kaiser (lead guitar, keys, synths), Danny Moriana (bass guitar, backing vocals, synths), and Jake Biggs (drums and percussion), the band has developed a tremendous social media presence through TikTok and Instagram, where they regularly debut original music and covers of well-known classics. It was through that online presence that the band was discovered and recently endorsed by Howard Stern on his SiriusXM radio show. Though much of their success is owed to their social media engagement, it is their genre-defying original music and energetic live performances that have generated a loyal, consistent, and far reaching following. This young and professional-sounding foursome is prepared to deliver a show that concert goers will remember for a lifetime

Belfast based Lauren Ann is an alternative, indie artist whose music is packed full of garage rock exuberance and grunge dynamics, brought together with a dreamy pop edge. Having grown up listening to artists such as Nirvana, Pixies and The Cure, Lauren infuses her music with a 90’s tinge, delivering a refreshing yet nostalgic sound.

Her latest single “Bite” is the second track from her upcoming concept EP. Each song is inspired by one of the deadly sins, with her previous single “Need” symbolising greed and “Bite” focusing on wrath. The songwriter shares, “In a way I’ve created a character or alter ego who experiences all of the sins in some way. Some of the songs are also about the different types of people I have met in my own life. I feel like everyone has encountered negative feelings of greed, wrath, pride etc. at some point in their life.”

Sonically, “Bite” is influenced by the likes of Deftones, The Smashing Pumpkins and Hole. As she chants, “You’re addicted to the fear that you create, how could you love so much hate,” Lauren depicts the intense vengeance that comes with wrath. Her raw and powerful vocals are accompanied by clashing percussion, throbbing bassline and a gritty guitar, that further emphasise the destructiveness that is associated with this specific deadly sin. 

Lauren Ann has already curated a string of notable support slots with artists such as Tom Grennan in Custom House Square, NewDad, Sprints and Twin Atlantic, as well as playing at festivals and showcasing events such as SXSW, Ireland Music Week, Output and Stendhal Festival. 2024 is set to be an explosive year for Lauren Ann, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. 

Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer

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