“What myths do we inherit that keep us away from ourselves?” asks STEFA* (aka stefa marin alarcon), the self-proclaimed “genderless” and “genreless” vocalist, composer, educator and multimedia performance artist.
Born and raised in Queens to Colombian immigrants, STEFA* takes on this question through their amalgamation of punk, experimental pop and classical maximalism to reconsider their own origin stories “because so many of those were lost along the way of colonization. Born With An Extra Rib was me creating a story of myself and of my own becoming.” Written over the course of nine years, stefa describes “all the versions of myself that I’ve been while writing all of these songs – I feel like a completely different person. There’s a lot of unlearning in this journey – still things that I’m trying to practice unlearning.”
Following their debut EP Sepalina (2018), which NPR called “gorgeous and hypnotic,” stefa’s forthcoming multi-media debut album Born With An Extra Rib expands in scale and scope, being released alongside a ritual performance film that they created as Artist-In-Residence at NYC’s oldest experimental art institution, The Kitchen.
Born With An Extra Rib: The Film(2023) won the Queer|Art|Prize for Recent Work, a Jury Award at TRANSlations Seattle Film Festival, and premiered at The Kitchen as a one-night sold out engagement. “The questions that I was asking myself were coming from a place of rage and I wanted it to feel that way,” describes STEFA*. “I wanted it to feel very grand and was thinking about scale. I was thinking about ‘Costillas’ almost as a film and what it would look like on screen, and that then went back to what it was going to sound like. I was thinking about the voice and taking up space and also using my voice in a different way, thinking about opera and these bigger vocal pieces.”
Susan O’Neill has announced her solo album ‘Now in a Minute’ due for release this September. The twelve song album goes on pre-order today. Recorded over the past 18 months between Clare and Cork, with Wexford brothers Cillian and Lorcan Byrne, Killian Browne and Christian Best also on producing duties.
Susan’s first album ‘Now in a Minute’ follows on from Susan’s 2021 collaboration album with Mick Flannery ‘In The Game’ which was nominated for the Choice Music Prize and the RTE 1 ‘Best Folk Album of the year’, The album was the biggest independent selling Irish album that year. As well as collaborating on many songs with all of the musicians on this new album, ‘Now in a Minute’ also see’s Susan reunite with Mick Flannery on a selection of co-writes for this record.
On announced the album today, Susan said:
“I’ve been tipping away at this thing behind the scenes. Now, it is an album and it’s finished. I’m very much looking forward to sharing it with you. I had a great pleasure sharing the process with these wonderful humans who helped me manifest these recordings. Thank you to everyone who listens, comments, and supports. It means more than you know”
In March, Susan released ‘Drive’ revealing her first new music since her ‘Now you see it’ EP in 2022. ‘Drive’ has been described by Hot Press Magazine as being “..rife with poetic flow and rich, juxtaposing lyricism” and has featured on many playlists since. Accompanying the album announcement today, Susan has also released her official video for the second single to be released from the album ‘Bright Eyes’ filmed in the wilds of county Clare and produced by Susan herself.
Hardcore group Sunday Morning is thrilled to announce that they have signed to Open Your Ears Records. The band will be releasing their label debut EP Forget Me Nots on June 21st; fans can stream lead single “Broken Glass” now here: https://ffm.to/broken-glass-.
“Forget Me Nots is an emotionally-charged, six song powerhouse,” the band shares. “Bridging the gap between hardcore and alternative influences, it shows range and technicality from start to finish.”
About the new single, they add: “From driving breakdowns to sing-along choruses, ‘Broken Glass’ is a perfect representation of the musical range in Sunday Morning. This song depicts the hardcore and alternative influences of the band.”
Stay tuned for more coming soon from Sunday Morning.
The Dangerous Summer signed their first record deal as high school seniors and quickly established themselves among the alt-rock world’s elite. Passionate delivery, confessional authenticity, and deeply resonant musical storytelling define their sound. The band writes hooks that serve as soundtracks for important life moments for a diverse group of listeners spread across the globe.
The audience is more family than a fanbase. The community feeling is apparent at every gig, from Slam Dunk to Riot Fest, from touring with State Champs to headlining shows. Reach for the Sun is the record that “shot them into the pop-punk pantheon” (Kerrang!). Powered by unshakeable, enduring alt-rock anthems, the Ellicott City, Maryland band’s debut album made them heroes of the Warped Tour world, all while they carved their own unique path. 2011’s War Paint was a sophomore-slump-smashing follow-up. Grantland likened the “tall and wide” riffs of 2013’s Golden Record to The Hold Steady and U2. (“Catholic Girls” even earned The Danger Summer praise from the famously discerning Pitchfork.) Alternative Press saluted The Dangerous Summer as a group that stayed true to their sound, praising the songs on their 2018 self-titled comeback album as equal parts charismatic and addictive. 2019’s Mother Nature conjured an emotional storm, with an uplifting bent. Underoath’s Aaron Gillespie appeared on the 2020 EP, All That Is Left Of The Blue Sky.
Produced by Will Beasley (Turnstile, Asking Alexandria), 2022’s Coming Home ushered in a new era for TDS. The Dangerous Summer never sacrificed their unique, diverse sonic identity, one that appeals to fans of everything from Kings Of Leon and Coldplay to Jimmy Eat World and Bright Eyes. Coming Homeis a triumphant summary of what The Dangerous Summer is all about, past, present, and future.
beccs has announced that she will be opening for the French singer and songwriter Pomme at her upcoming Boston and New York City shows this June. The indie pop artist will be added to the June 12 date at Boston’s The Sinclair and New York City’s Webster Hall show on June 15.
The Story So Far have returned with their new album I Want To Disappear. Comprised of ten songs, it contains everything that’s brought them international acclaim and success since their inception. The current lineup features Parker Cannon (vocals), Kevin Geyer (lead guitar, keys), Ryan Torf (drums, rhythm guitar, and keys) and Will Levy (guitars).
When speaking about the record, it’s hard for the band to pinpoint what inspired them in writing its songs, but for the four of them, there was a lot going on both personally and professionally in their lives. “We kind of grew out of our 20s between this record and last” says Torf. “Like a lot of people, you go through so many different things in life and you’re faced with new challenges. As a band, when you go through hardships you realize that some things are more important than music. These can and do take priority over playing, and that can feel divisive. It’s sometimes necessary though, to get to where you want to go.”
“We were waiting for all the stars to align for our individual situations,” adds Geyer, “so that this record could be the priority, and that we had the time and space to make it happen in the way that we wanted to. We went through a lot as people, and as a band, to discover what was working about it, and we leaned into that.”
CRSSD Festival has announced the lineup for its Fall 2024 edition, returning to downtown San Diego’s idyllic Waterfront Park September 28 and 29. A cornerstone of the global electronic festival circuit, CRSSD unites the brightest house, techno and eclectic live stars of past and present in a setting unique to Southern California.
Renowned for its progressive approach to curation, CRSSD Festival’s 2024 fall lineup showcases a diverse array of international tastemakers spanning from established veterans to next generation’s rising talent.
Billing highlights include a live performance from legendary French superproducer Gesaffelstein who continues a massive year on the heels of his latest Gamma LP. He’ll be joined by globetrotting Ninja Tune mainstays BICEP, who present their ambitious new project CHROMA hybrid A/V live show and the inimitable Four Tet. Additional live sets include multi-genre producer and Young Art label head TOKiMONSTA, the ethereal production of Dutch duo Tinlicker, London-formed live trio Kerala Dust, and Los Angeles indie-dance duo NEIL FRANCES.
Tino Drima, the alternative indie rock band led by Gregory DiMartino, have released a new single today called “Life On The Patio”, which features vocals from legendary musician Michael McDonald, best known as a member of Doobie Bros and Steely Dan.
The latest track by the Los Angeles-based band is catchy, upbeat and directly draws its inspiration from all that came before. And in this instance, the presence of featured vocalist Michael McDonald helps immeasurably. The song leaps out of the speakers and will bathe listeners with a warmth and familiarity that, above all else, feels real good.
Alternative rock group The Early November is back with another new single; “Tired Of Lying” is out now, along with a brand new music video. “Tired Of Lying” is the third track to be released from the band’s forthcoming Self-Titled album.
Shares frontman Ace Enders: “This song is about overcoming childhood trauma and demons while at the same time learning about and trying to face your new ones. The vicious cycle many of us sadly find ourselves in.”
Watch the new music video for “Tired Of Lying” here: https://youtu.be/y7hWSkDHdbA. The Early November is set to be released on June 14th via Pure Noise Records. Pre-order the album now at: https://purenoiserecs.lnk.to/TheEarlyNovember.
“Cita Soñada” is the first single off SANTA CRUZ, named after the reggaetonero’s hometown of Santa Cruz Del Norte. The 10-track album, made with collaborator and producer icekream, is El Larra’s love letter to the evolution of reggaetón. Drawing inspiration from contemporary reggaetón history, El Larra masterfully weaves together elements of house, electronic, and classic perreo with a dembow beat to create a dynamic and unforgettable sound. SANTA CRUZ showcases El Larra as an exciting new voice within el movimiento (a collective term acknowledging the interconnectedness of music genres such as reggaetón, Latin trap, Latin R&B, and dembow), bringing a fresh perspective and undeniable talent to the scene.
Initially finding his rhythm in the boxing ring, Leandro Soriano grew up an hour east of Havana. Influenced by the streets of Cuba and artists like Nicky Jam, Daddy Yankee and Wisin y Yandel, Soriano’s musical journey took shape. Despite leaving Cuba at 10 years old, he explored his passion by freestyling between menial jobs. In 2019, Soriano made up his mind about pursuing music seriously and released a stream of singles during the 2020 lockdowns under the moniker El Larra. He would eventually meet producer Issam Freiha, also known as icekream, and the pair would go on to forge a genreless sound that is rooted in the roiling dembow rattle at the heart of reggaeton. With over 2 million streams to date, El Larra continues to position himself as one of el movimiento’s most exciting new rising stars.
Written as a way of rejecting certain paradigms and embracing honesty, “Dirty” furthers the allure and mystery LITTRELL gives off sonically. With vocal styles similar to Lykke Li or Banks, the new track urges partners in love to communicate better with each other. Ultimately, LITTRELL embraces the emotional and physical messiness of a relationship and the ways these affect each other. The track mirrors these comparisons between “clean” and “messy” by inputting gritty tones amidst more flowery ones, creating a turbulent, yet exciting sonic landscape.
![LITTRELL - Dirty [Official Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tNEHFXWrOYw/hqdefault.jpg)
New York metal band Brotality have announced their new EP It Feeds, due for release on June 28. Constant in its passion and refreshing vigor, the new EP finds Brotality hungry to establish their voice in the vast world of metal music. Through five songs – including recently released singles “It Feeds” and “Black Abandon” – Brotality aims to offer hope for those who have felt confined to despair by death’s looming reality.
Fans can pre-save It Feeds now at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/brotality/it-feeds-ep
Alongside the announcement, Brotality has shared new single, “Cryptic Worship”. Through soaring harmonies and a cathartic end-of-song guitar solo, the track showcases the multiple unique artistic inspirations that Brotality pulls from.
“In regards to death and other heavy topics, we don’t claim to have every answer,” the band shares on the new track, “and this song is essentially a litany of self-reflections on personal belief, the modern-day church, and the idea of dying. Despite these unknowns, you can have confidence that beauty and love will flower out of the rot of this broken world.”
Over the course of four years, Vintage Culture spent a great deal of time finalizing the auditory narrative of “Promised Land”, ultimately resulting in a sophisticated anthology that transcends the fleeting nature of singles in today’s fast-paced music industry. The pandemic served as a catalyst for Vintage Culture, one of which inspired the enigmatic mastermind to finalize and weave his abundant creations into one, cohesive story that signals an apex in his prolific career and artistic portfolio to date.
Carly Cosgrove, have released a new single taken from their upcoming new album ‘The Cleanest of Houses Are Empty’ out June 14 via Wax Bodega. “Fluff My Pillow” can be heard here: https://go.mhe.fm/cc_fluffmypillow
“Fluff My Pillow puts a spin on lethargy by portraying it in an enticing way,” says singer/guitarist Lucas Naylor. The narrator justifies their inaction, treating their isolation and sleep as if it’s a drug or a temptation”
The band previously released the first single and music video for “You Old Dog” out now and recently announced an acoustic performance and record signing event taking place at Repo Records in Philly on June 21. More details on the event and entry rules can be found here.
Beloved children’s musician and content creator Jules! is back, with new music and a new video! “Pizza Party,” a delicious single from their upcoming album, Jamming with Jules, is out today, accompanied by a delectably fun music video, which will have its world premiere tonight at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Fans who’d like to share the fun at Jules’ LIVE “Pizza Party” Premiere Party may join Jules HERE tonight at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Please RSVP HERE to receive a link.
For those who can’t make it to the Premiere Party, the “Pizza Party” video will be available HERE after 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 24.
alt-pop artist CLAY (she/they) has released her highly-anticipated EP Waiting for God in the Garden. The 6-track collection is a purge of emotions that kick-starts an inevitable period of healing, reminding listeners that their reparative journey is non-linear. Instead, as we grow we experience life in a spiral, facing similar situations more than once but experiencing them from a different perspective.
Alongside the release, CLAY also shares a new music video for “Same Wall (Intro)” where she brings the EP’s cover art to life. An interpretation of Italian painter Botticelli’s Primavera, the artwork depicts the daughters of Zeus — otherwise known as The Three Graces — who represent beauty, grace, fertility, and rebirth, pillars examined throughout Waiting for God in the Garden. The project explores the intersection of sacred and secular as CLAY seeks for what connects us as human beings, finding the transformative power of self-love along the way.
WhoMadeWho joins forces with Canadian electronic duo Blue Hawaii on dreamy new single “Kiss Me Hard,” the third offering from their upcoming album, Kiss & Forget, to be released on September 13. Further expanding their ever-flourishing collaborative roster, “Kiss Me Hard” serves as a lush ode to romance and adventure, while offering another taste of the musical range that will be present in their ninth studio LP.
Expert keys player for the likes of 30/70 and Elle Shimada, alongside one-half of Close Counters, this debut LP was Finn’s conscious departure from the realm of groove-based jazz. Instead, ‘Dawn Is A Melody’ places the piano and arrangements centre stage, giving Finn and his fellow Melbourne crew freedom to explore the spaces in between, new emotions and alternate soundscapes. In Finn’s own words: “My intention with Dawn Is A Melody was to create a world; a microcosm of colour. Something rich and beautiful that allowed the melodies and compositions to reach their full potential. It was driven by hope, curiosity and the search for beauty and reassurance in this ever-changing world. The emotion behind the music is really about the journey of life, growing up and changing, as well as my relationship with Tasmania’s natural landscapes where I grew up, a part of the world that is incredibly unique and beautiful.” The album arcs between opening, middle and end.
Plotting a course from Alice Coltrane, through Herbie Hancock, to Arthur Verocai, this is a debut nourished by the past but firmly made in the present. A record unable to be age-stamped, casting ambiguity as to when, what era and by whom it has been crafted. Like a vintage lens capturing a current scene, ‘Dawn Is A Melody’ is warm and familiar yet focused on the here now.
multi-platinum-selling Canadian pop-rock band Marianas Trench, is excited to announce their 2024 North American tour. The Force of Nature tour – produced by Live Nation – will kick off on September 12th and make stops across the US and Canada, including shows in Anaheim, Dallas, Orlando, Nashville, New York, Chicago, Denver, and more, culminating with the tour’s final stop in the band’s hometown, Vancouver, BC.
The Marianas Trench Fan Club presale for the tour will begin on Tuesday, May 28th at 12:00 pm local time and end on Thursday, May 30th at 10pm local time. VIP packages will also be available starting on Tuesday, May 28th at 12pm local time. Fans can register for the Fanclub here and find out more information on the VIP packages here. General onsale will start on Friday, May 31st at 10am local time.
“There is no greater feeling than the thunderous roar of thousands of Trenchers permeating our eardrums when we set foot on stage to perform,” said Matt Webb of Marianas Trench. “We have longed for this feeling, dearly, over the last few years, and are f&*king thrilled to be back with the Force of Nature tour, coming to a city near you soon!”
New England’s superior rock band, Four Year Strong, has today announced their forthcoming album analysis paralysis, set to be released on August 9th via Pure Noise Records. Fans can check out new single “uncooked” here: https://purenoiserecs.lnk.to/FYSmusic and watch the music video here: https://youtu.be/ZfG0lH9LeZg. Pre-orders for the new album are available at https://purenoiserecs.lnk.to/FourYearStrong.
Fans can catch new music live for the first time this summer as Four Year Strong hits the road with A Day To Remember and The Story So Far. They’ll also be performing at this years Four Chord Music Festival and When We Were Young Festival. For a full list of dates, please see below or visit: http://fouryearstrong.com/.
New York-based producer, composer, and artist Nick Zanca announced Hindsight, his debut album as a singer-songwriter, will be out on August 2 with American Dreams. The release marks his first songwriting release since concluding his beloved electronic project Mister Lies and follows a period of producing albums for adventurous up-and-coming artists such as Wendy Eisenberg and Lucy Liyou.
To introduce this new chapter of his work, Zanca shared the lead single/video “Little Professor,” a heart-on-sleeve song detailing early experiences with neurodivergence. From the outset, groovy Wurlitzer and percussion buttress Zanca’s steady, smooth baritone; eventually the music explodes into a raucous, kaleidoscopic guitar solo. The lyrics eschew tragedy and victimization, though, highlighting the transformation of neurodivergence from a handicap to a superpower. “As someone who received an Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis as a child at the turn of the millennium, I witnessed firsthand the haphazard cultural stance, crooked pedagogy, and alienating language that was used to engage with children on the spectrum,” Zanca says. “This song is not only an attempt to offer up a more constructive alternative to how all that could have looked, but a middle-finger refutation of those attitudes that could allow a kid to see anything for themself other than their full potential.”
The North Star Boys (NSB) are about to make summer even hotter with the release of their newest single and music video, “Bug.” Dropping Friday, May 31, “Bug” is the ultimate love song of the summer, guaranteed to have you catching feelings and dancing to its infectious beat.
NSB’s “Bug” is all about the magic of finding love, being in love, and catching the love bug. With lyrics like “Caught the bug that bit me on my shoulder” and “Glad that I found you on Yuzu,” this track perfectly captures the joy and excitement of friendships and romantic connections. It’s playful, it’s vibrant, and it’s everything you need for a perfect summer soundtrack.
The “Bug” music video is a visual delight, featuring the NSB boys in a sunny mansion, having the time of their lives. Taking viewers on a vibrant journey filled with scenes of endless playful moments and poolside antics, the music video captures the essence of young love and summer fun. The video’s fun and colorful aesthetic perfectly mirrors the lively personalities of the NSB members, making it a must-watch for fans.
“Bug” features catchy lyrics and an irresistible beat, with hooks that you’ll be singing all day long – in the best way possible. The song and music video radiate positivity and happiness, making it impossible not to smile and dance along. Highlighting the modern love journey, NSB’s shoutout to Yuzu in the lyrics brings a fresh, relatable twist to the love song genre.
Yuzu, the new social and dating app for the Asian community, plays a starring role in “Bug.” Mentioned throughout the song and featured prominently in the music video, Yuzu helps set the stage for this heartwarming love story. The video itself is a colorful celebration of love, friendship, and fun, reflecting the dynamic and energetic spirit of both NSB and Yuzu.
Stream “Bug” on all major platforms and watch the music video on YouTube. For more updates and exclusive content, follow NSB and Yuzu on their social media channels.
YUZU
North Star Boys
BMG Production Music + Creative Synch teamed up to lend a track to the recently released soundtrack to the third season of the Netflix hit show Bridgerton. The team brought on superstar composer Archer Marsh to produce a stripped down cover of Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything”, as part of the special co-lab initiative. The instrumental soundtrack also features orchestral covers of hits made popular by artists like Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey, BTS, Sia, Nick Jonas, Pitbull and more.
Since its May 16th release, the “Give Me Everything” cover has become a viral phenomenon across social media, sparking TikTok videos of fan reactions and fans dancing to the track. The track, which scores the long-awaited “carriage scene” in the show, has fans abuzz. Excited fans’ reaction videos have flooded Instagram and TikTok with reels using the cover as background track. Composer Archer Marsh’s Spotify listeners also saw major growth now over 900,000 monthly listeners.
Executive producer Ali Pistoresi brought in Archer Marsh to create the neo classical album covering BMG works, titled Sequens.
Archer Marsh, says, “Getting to re arrange Pitbull’s ‘Give Me Everything’ was so much fun! A fantastic track, with a bunch of energy! To have it used on Bridgerton is so cool! I’m grateful to everyone involved who has made that happen!’”
Bridgerton Music Supervisor, Justin Kamps tells Netflix’s ‘Tudum’: “I think everyone was a little bit shocked that they were so in love with this Pitbull song cover for this sequence, of all things,”. But the song is amazing, and it has this great build to it, and that’s what the scene really needed. It needed this anticipation and then an explosion into the main chorus of the song as we see what’s happening on-screen.”
![Give Me Everything - (Cover by Archer Marsh) [Bridgerton Season 3 (Netflix Series)]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BPgro9iPCCo/hqdefault.jpg)
Super American has announced their third full length album, Gangster of Love, to be released May 31 via Wax Bodega. They’ve also released the first single and music video for “Hopefully Pitchfork Doesn’t Hear This”, a tongue in cheek track that rides palm-muted guitar chunks into a soaring, anxiety-fueled chorus.
Punk rock act Winona Fighter has today shared a brand new video for their single “Subaru”. Paying homage to the movies Anchorman and Wayne’s World, the video showcases the band’s mischievous side as they play chaotic news anchors determined to tear the studio down. Fans can watch the video now, here: https://youtu.be/O3eMjdKbchM.
“‘Subaru’ was truly never written to be as important as it is… but during our most recent tour, the amount of people who told us it’s their favorite Winona Fighter track was crazy. The fans really made me have a whole new love and appreciation for it so we’re extremely excited to re-release ‘Subaru’ into the world,” frontwoman and multi-instrumentalist Coco Kinnon shares. “My literal hand-me-down Subaru got me from New England to Nashville, Nashville to Los Angeles, Los Angeles back to Nashville, and through a multitude of tours when Dan (guitarist) and I had just started playing together. She deserved a song.”
She continues: “Austin and I wanted to tap into that nostalgic feeling with late 90’s/early 2000’s punk instrumentation plus a dose of satire, fun, and “leave your hometown” lyrics. Subaru summer? More like song of the summer amiright? We hope our fans have as much fun with this song as we do. I think this song was a lesson for us on not taking ourselves too seriously. If you’ve heard this track before, we hope you enjoy the new mix and drums…if this is your first time hearing it, we cannot wait to scream it with you at a festival or show soon!”
On the video, Kinnon adds: “We took that dose of satire from the song and used it to fuel the ‘Subaru’ music video. It only took one meeting for Jake Johnston (creative director) and Dan Masso (producer) over at We’re All Gonna Die to really gauge our sense of humor. Dan, Austin, and I are never not having a little laugh so it was really awesome to let our natural selves shine on set. We took inspiration from our favorite comedy shows and movies growing up. From ‘Anchorman’ (a movie that came out when we were kids) to ‘I Think You Should Leave’ (a show that has us in a choke hold as adults) we were in a melting pot of Winona Fighter humor. Absolutely cracking up at any and every take. Is there a big meaning behind the video? I’d say it is whatever you interpret it to be about. I think this music video shows the most true side of the band which is that we love what we get to do so much and we are going to have fun with it whenever we can. Jake, Dan M., and the rest of the crew + cast gave this video so much life! Big thanks to them.”
Philadelphia-based indie pop star Kississippi officially announces a West Coast run of tour dates with indie rock musician talker throughout July 2024. Before the artist heads out on tour, she’ll hit the stage at Philly Pride 365 BE YOU Festival in her home city of Philadelphia at the Muses Stage on June 2. A full list of tour dates can be found below and tickets are on sale now via kissys.world/tour. Kississippi promises much more is in store this summer.
The tour will officially begin on July 18 in Seattle, WA and will make its way down the West Coast stopping in Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco before ending in Los Angeles on July 26. Looking forward to getting back on stage, Kississippi shares, “Through live music, I’ve met so many unforgettable people and I’ve been so lucky to tour with artists who deeply inspire me. Celeste [talker] is no exception. I’ve made a lot of really special memories on the West Coast, and I couldn’t wait any longer to get back and make more.”
musician and writer Scott Guild shares his innovative, immersive debut LP, Plastic: The Album, out now via North Street Records, a label in partnership with The Orchard and Sony Music, along with track “Lightning.” The album is the musical component of his unique book-and-album project, which includes his acclaimed debut novel, Plastic, out now via Penguin Random House. This summer Guild will embark on a second wave of national touring for the project (for a total of 25+ shows this year), including an official release show tonight at the iconic Green Apple Books in San Francisco, the city’s largest bookstore. The event can be livestreamed on YouTube via this link. Find a full list below with additional dates to be announced.
Plastic is set in a future world of plastic figurines, and the album tells the story of the novel through a cycle of dynamic art-pop songs. Stranger Cat (a frequent collaborator of Sharon Van Etten and Sufjan Stevens) stars on the record, singing in the voice of Erin, embodying her struggles. While many of the tracks use lyrics from the musical numbers in the book (where the figurines break into song), the tracks also branch off in their own directions, expanding the plastic universe of the story. “All my life, I’ve been obsessed with art that pushes boundaries,” Guild says of telling a story through music and prose, “especially boundaries of genre and format. I love art that creates an immersive world, that lets me lose myself in someone’s vision. That’s my hope with Plastic: to find new ways to tell a story, to put people in a vivid space of imagination.” For more about this, read Guild’s own account of creating the album on the prominent book site Literary Hub.
The album is a collaboration between Guild and the visionary artist Cindertalk (Son Lux, My Brightest Diamond), as well as the GRAMMY-winning producer Peter Katis (The National, Sharon Van Etten). Together, the novel and album create an unparalleled multimedia storytelling experience, both a love story and an exploration of urgent contemporary themes. As NPR‘s Beth Golay notes, “With climate change, gun violence, and nuclear fallout, this dystopian comedy looks eerily similar to our world.”
Cindertalk shares that he has a deep personal connection to the project, and particularly the song “Lightning”: “I met my life partner when we were both recovering from trauma and each facing an uncertain future, so the story of Erin and Jacob deeply resonated with my own life. I’ve always thought of ‘Lightning’ as “a gentle pulse of love in a time of war.” Scott’s line, “This is where love found me,” is one of those lyrical gifts that don’t come around too often. It jumped off the page: a beautiful hook, a deep truth.”
Stranger Cat felt a similar deep connection to the album, and adds, “I felt into my heart space and my own life’s experience, and I let it come through my body as if those words were my very own. That’s what’s really important to me; that’s where connection lives. Humanity lives within the story, words and sounds.“
Throughout the recording process, the collaborators stayed aware of the book’s unique narrative world, and tried to match this world in the album’s sonics. Cindertalk says, “We knew we didn’t want to make a contemporary sounding album. We didn’t want something that felt like it was fixed in the sound world of 2024. Instead, from sonics to beats, we tried to find something that felt futuristic and cinematic, yet simultaneously anchored in the pop music past. Anything that felt too “of the moment” had to be purged to find some sort of timeless (or nostalgic) essence.”
On the heels of their acclaimed new album, Heavy For A While, Byland releases the official music video, “Two Circles.” Directed by Chris Cunningham of Dark Details, the video places frontwoman Alie Renee Byland into limbo, wandering through fragments of her past. Eagle-eyed fans may spot some familiar mementos, such as a pair of chattering teeth (a nod to the “Two Circles” single art and lyrics) and a spinning chair that has seemingly separated from the laws of gravity and physics. WATCH HERE.
legendary DJ/producer MK releases his first new single of the year, “She’s In The Club,” featuring 20-year-old Iranian singer and rapper Asal, out now Ultra Records / Columbia UK.
Debuted on the mainstage at EDC Las Vegas last weekend in front of a crowd of over 70,000, the track is already poised to be heard at festivals and clubs all summer long. The vocal is an unexpected yet welcome shift in MK’s sound as he taps into Asal’s deep, monochrome vocal style that effortlessly rides along a punchy house groove.
With over 1 billion global streams across his catalog and past performances at Coachella and Glastonbury, MK continues to be one of the most prolific and influential producers in dance music worldwide. His hit “Rhyme Dust” with Dom Dolla, the house song of summer in 2023, has amassed over 150 million streams globally and sustained a #1 position at US Dance Radio and a Top 10 record. The record also earned MK his first ARIA Award in Australia.
Best known for his two decades of fronting scene icons The Used, Bert McCracken has officially announced his brand-new solo project robbietheused. When people reach a milestone birthday, they tend to celebrate the occasion with an appropriately big gesture — a special vacation, maybe, or an extravagant gift. When robbietheused turned 40, that meant adopting a brand new moniker and making a leap to a brand new genre.
“I wanted a nice 40th birthday present for myself,” he says. “So I decided to make a pop record.”
robbietheused found the transition from aggressive rock music to keyboard-driven pop music rather easy to navigate. “I’ve always tried to push for the poppy stuff for The Used records,” he says. “And the band really likes to keep it heavy. So this is my way of getting all those pop songs that maybe wouldn’t make a Used record out into the world.”
To kick off the new chapter, robbietheused has released his debut single “Just A Little Bit” via Big Noise. Produced by John Feldmann, the track showcases the familiar angst of robbietheused’s lyrics overlaid with a hesitant hope for brighter days, wrapped up in a synth-tinged pop groove that makes it impossible to stand still while listening.
AWOLNATION has announced his forthcoming fifth studio album, ‘The Phantom Five’, which will be released August 30, 2024. A new single and music video for “Jump Sit Stand March” featuring Emily Armstrong found on the album is out today.
“We’ve played a few shows with Dead Sara over the years and I’ve always been a fan of Emily’s voice,” says Aaron Bruno aka AWOLNATION. “She is a vocal superstar. She ripped it on this track, and it’s really fun to have the male and female vocals together, especially in the chorus where the textures are so nice.”
“The song is about overstimulation and being frustrated with having to please everybody’s virtues all at the same time,” he continues. “There’s a lot of pressure to think a certain way. It’s the opposite of a protest song; it’s actually pointing out that just because everybody’s telling you need to do something, it doesn’t mean you do. Like C.S. Lewis said, “When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind.” I know I’m not alone on that.”
“Aaron and I have known each other since the days of Warped Tour and have worked together before but this is finally the first release together,” adds Emily Armstrong. “The making of this song was truthfully all him and when I first heard it, I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of it. I have to say this is a special track and I’m beyond stoked at how it turned out.”
‘The Phantom Five’ is a collection of ten songs that highlights every different impulse and urge Bruno has learned to master with AWOLNATION in a cohesive, anthemic pastiche of modern music. It functions almost as a “greatest hits” album, in the sense that it offers something for everyone who has followed the band’s arc in its celebrated, shape-shifting way. Appearances on the album include features from the aforementioned Emily Armstrong from Dead Sara and Del the Funky Homosapien. ‘The Phantom Five’ is concerned with trying to find one’s way to happiness in a bizarrely upside-down time.
The globally recognized, most viewed independent band in the world, Boyce Avenue, is a cover band of three brothers Daniel, Fabian, and Alejandro Manzano. The brothers began releasing music in 2007 and have since amassed an impressive international following with over 16 million subscribers on YouTube. Boyce Avenue has been featured by well-known publications including Billboard, Variety, and NME and has worked with notable talent such as Fifth Harmony, Modern Family’s Sarah Hyland, X-Factor’s, Bea Miller, and Britain’s Got Talent’s, talented Connie Talbot. The band is also embarking on the US leg of their world tour this August!
Singer-Songwriter Chloe Stroll released her powerful new single “Water Over Sand,” adding yet another track to her impressive repertoire of music. Written by Stroll and Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Swagg R’Celious, this latest release explores feelings of loneliness and captures the strong emotions of a crumbling relationship. Fans can stream/download “Water Over Sand” HERE and watch the official music video HERE.
“I’ve always loved the symbolism water represents,” Stroll said. “Water can go from creating life to destruction. It can represent love and depth, but at times even emptiness as well. When writing this song, this felt like the perfect reference because no matter how many times you fight against it, the water will always come and wash away your hard work.”
The chorus sings: “So who’s gonna fight for us / When I can’t fight no more,” with Stroll explaining “you can’t fight a battle for any relationship unless you are both willing. Similar to water, it’s a useless fight.”
The accompanying music video brings the lyrics to life as Stroll embraces the emotions of the track while singing in the pouring rain portraying a sense of longing, frustration, and the struggle to maintain a failing love.
Chloe Stroll is a songwriting force whose earnest and raw storytelling, sparkling vocals, and melancholia-laced pop captivates listeners and offers us all a place of solace, healing, and ultimately, hope.
Press around the globe are already buzzing about Chloe. She made her national US TV debut this year on the Kelly Clarkson Show where Kelly called her a “talented songwriter whose songs cut right to the heart.” She followed up with a moving performance of her single “Dizzy” on the highly-rated Good Day NY where host Rosanna Scotto said the song “is going to be in her ear all day!” The AP noted, “Chloe Stroll, the sister of Aston Martin [F1] driver Lance Stroll, has built a nascent singer-songwriter career celebrated by the sport’s fans.”
Outlets like Popdust declared her song “Pedestal,” “has the makings of a classic” calling it “powerful, emotional” and highlighted her “delicate, yet prominent vocals;” The Knockturnal proclaimed her music “incorporates a mixture of vulnerability, personal lyrics, and beats that prompt the urge to dance” and the Daily Mirror UK wrote, “no doubt she’ll race up the charts with singles including ‘Dizzy’.” Music News UK covered her London Showcase and said she took the audience on a “musical journey,” and were moved by her “vocal brilliance.”
MyCompiledThoughts continues to prove his “knack for romantic retellings” (Vanyaland.com) with the release of an inspired new music video to accompany “Castaways,” a standout track from his EP, Soul Brother: Chapter 1 (out now). While his first single “Bite Me” was praised for its “real New Jack swing sound” by SIRIUS XM Whooosh! host and Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon, “Castaways” reveals a more vulnerable side of this introspective Soul singer-songwriter.
“I wanted to write a song about two star-crossed lovers, searching for the truth behind their love,” says MyCompiledThoughts. He drew inspiration from James Cameron’s epic film Titanic, aiming to transform the concept of being lost at sea into the theme of being lost in unrequited love.
MyCompiledThoughts’ buttery vocals on “Castaways” are modulated to create a sad, dreamlike tone. “There’s a certain warmth we all found in the studio when we made the shift in pitch,” he explains. Wailing guitars and the midnight blue hue of the video set in Hollywood, California, add to the melancholy masterpiece, enhancing the song’s emotional depth.
With Soul Brother: Chapter 1, MyCompiledThoughts continues to push the boundaries of his vintage R&B sound, offering listeners a poignant exploration of love and loss through his unique musical lens. The new video for “Castaways” is a testament to his evolving artistry and his ability to evoke deep emotions through both his music and visuals.
Experience the emotional journey of “Castaways” on YouTube.
Los Angeles-based indie dance supergroup ASHRR’s dance moniker ASHRR SOUNDSYSTEM has released their remix for “Different Kind of Life” via esteemed UK label 20/20 Vision Recordings.
The group, composed of GRAMMY-nominated producer, composer, and mixer Ethan Allen, piano prodigy, guitarist, singer, producer, and songwriter Josh Charles, and vocalist Steven Davis, represents a fusion of talents and expertise across pop, rock, R&B, and big band. With each individual member drawing from their deep experience and musical knowledge, they combine to form a sum greater than their parts.
The trio’s range of influences comes together with effortless Saturday night swagger on the ASHRR SOUNDSYSTEM version of “Different Kind Of Life ” as they carve out an extended dance floor groove. Dubbed-out vocals, shining synths, reverb-soaked guitar licks, and a magnetic bassline transform the original track, bringing listeners into the club-friendly world of the ASHRR universe.
“We went into the studio from scratch and started with the vocal hook from the stem of ‘Different Kind Of Life. We rebuilt the entirety of the song from the ground up, starting with a driving bass line and house-like drums, while also incorporating salsoul style percussion and a sorta dance punk vibe. “ — ASHRR
Rock supergroup Lé Tired has today released their new single “Far Out”. The song, featuring violinist Sean Mackin of Yellowcard, speaks to the rise of the internet and how – in a world that is more connected than ever – people have become disconnected and complacent. Fans can stream the song now, here, and watch a special “Making Of” video here.
“Being the last generation to grow up “pre internet” has given us a wild perspective on the impacts of technology on our culture. People seem to be completely removed from reality at times, and even more strange, they seem ok with it,” shares Joey Bradford. “It was a casual conversation we had with our childhood hero, Sean Mackin from Yellowcard, before humbly asking him to make a jam with us. The irony is, Yellowcard was the first band I ever illegally downloaded when the internet started poisoning us all. ‘I just find it far out’.”
Lé Tired is 3 best friends making music together for the first time in 20 years. Featuring Cove Reber (SAOSIN/Dead American), Joey Bradford (The Used), Kyle Rosa (Atreyu/Dead American) and their talented friends from around the world, making art for mental health. The band and concept to write, record and release a song every month, was born in January of 2024 after a casual conversation between old friends. “We should just start making music together again, right” Cove Reber shouted in Joeys studio during a late night Dad hang. 10 days later the band launched with the release of “My Seasonal Ghost”, followed by monthly releases all year long.
1 0 0 1 is a musical exploration of the nature of the human mind and contemplates the implications of artificial intelligence, raising questions about the essence of humanity in a world increasingly intertwined with advanced technology. Designed for “intentional listening” – to be experienced as a whole, in the same way as we take our time to contemplate a painting or a sculpture – Dustin O’Halloran’s immersive new album provides a space in which to slow down and reflect on some of the complex philosophical questions facing our ever-more-rapidly evolving world.
O’Halloran recorded 1 0 0 1 at RRO Studios in Reykjavík, where he was joined by his longtime collaborator Bryan Senti on violin, a hand-picked eight-voice choir, Paul Corley (Sigur Rós) on electronic production, and the Budapest Art Orchestra orchestrated by Roman Vinuesa– all mixed by Francesco Donadello. The album is out now on Deutsche Grammophon.
1 0 0 1 began life, in fact, as a collaborative piece created with London/Tokyo-based dance artist and choreographer Fukiko Takase. Its seeds were planted more than a decade ago while O’Halloran was working as one half of the ambient music duo A Winged Victory for the Sullen on Atomos, a dance piece for Company Wayne McGregor. O’Halloran and Takase discovered that they shared a profound interest in the science and metaphysics of human consciousness. Their wide-ranging philosophical conversations touched on Masamune Shirow’s manga Ghost In The Shell, a story about the concepts of mind-body dualism. O’Halloran’s exchange of ideas with Takase led to the creation of a dynamic dance work in three movements that explored the interaction between humans and machines. They presented the piece for the first time in 2019 but were forced to cancel a scheduled run of performances the following year due to the pandemic.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
