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INsiders Guide: Ashley Elle, viisi, The Harpoonist, Carmen Braden, Kimonos And Sounds Of Rituals, Izzy S.O…

Ashley Elle’s love for music was evident from an early age. She would spend hours singing and playing the piano and guitar. But despite her natural talent, she was always a bit humble and shy about it. It wasn’t until her dad encouraged her to record her voice in a studio that she realized her passion for music was stronger than she thought.

Since then, Ashley began to study the songwriting process as it is important that the music she shares will be authentic to her. As industry folks began to hear her early recordings, many quickly took notice and reached out to work directly with her. She has worked tirelessly with producers to hone her craft and develop her unique indie-pop sound. To date, the themes of heartbreak, maturing, love, and mental health are central to Ashley’s music. She writes deep from the heart, drawing on personal experiences and struggles. For Ashley, music is a way to express herself and connect with others. Her vulnerability as a songwriter is both scary and rewarding, and she hopes her music resonates with her listeners as much as it does with her. She always wants to stay real and authentic and for her, that includes sharing her most vulnerable feelings.

Ashley Elle’s hard work paid off in 2019 when she was signed to a publishing deal by Given Entertainment out of Nashville. She has since been writing and recording new material, pouring her heart and soul into each song. She has a deep catalog but is always working to make the next song better.

Now based in Los Angeles, Ashley attends Loyola Marymount University and collaborates with talented producers and writers. With her upcoming singles “Heavy Heavy Heavy” and “Somebody’s Somebody,” Ashley Elle is eager to share her music with the world and hopes that her authentic story will inspire others. Visit her website at AshleyElleMusic.com. 

Good things come in fives. Dropping his first rough cut as a high school freshman when he was just fourteen, Matthew Borley, couldn’t have known that five years later he’d be touring Europe, playing packed-out shows in the South of France. Initially sparked by his father during his teenage years, he was Introduced to select verses from ‘90s hip hop pioneers and most controversial rapper of his time, Eminem, Matt was profoundly impacted by his connection to the raw and unapologetic nature of the scene. 

viisi (the Finnish word for “five”) represents past, present, and future. The young alternative/hip-hop phenom is determined to push the boundaries of what it means to be an artist in the modern era. Through his powerful and raw storytelling (inspired by his love of 90’s hip-hop legends), his music transcends the unique and universal human experiences that have shaped him. With a lyrical honesty and unwavering dedication to his craft, viisi is unafraid to delve into his personal experiences pulling from family conflicts, fallouts, reality checks, and struggles with self-worth. Writing prose with messages of life and dreams and of merit and substance, his visceral, yet familiar approach will surely leave fans moved and stunned.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES (@itsviisi):

With his upcoming debut solo album on the way, The Harpoonist (aka Shawn Hall) has released the scuzzy bluesy new single ‘Show Me The Green’.

Following the hazy psychedelic electronica of previous single ‘Good People’, harmonica virtuoso The Harpoonist continues on the journey towards his debut LP Did We Come Here to Dance by unveiling the down-and-dirty groove of ‘Show Me The Green’ (out via Tonic Records). With founding member Gordie Johnson of Canada’s Big Sugar on production duties for the album, the band’s influence snakes its way in through the single’s stinging guitar and gospel-inflected vocals.

Watch the video here

At the same time, Shawn Hall acknowledges the influence of his previous band (The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer) on this track. With these worlds colliding, he describes the track as thus in his own unique way: ‘A lust with the utmost respect for feminine power and grace, all embedded in jade stone.’

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After 17 years as part of acclaimed duo The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer, Canadian vocalist and harmonica virtuoso Shawn Hall aka – The Harpoonist now goes it alone and has confirmed details of his first solo record, Did We Come Here to Dance, out on 4th October 2024 via Tonic Records. 

As one half of his former band, Shawn has toured far and wide across his home nation, and been praised by Canadian institutions like The Globe and Mail newspaper, and CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation). Under the guise of The Harpoonist (inspired by the line ‘I pulled a harpoon out of my dirty red bandana,’ from the beloved song ‘Me and Bobby McGee’), he has already released a string of singles etched in blues and psychedelia. His first full-length solo album turns this sound up to eleven, bringing swampy grooves and heavy soul into the mix thanks to his collaborative efforts with the founder of one of Canada’s biggest selling band’s Big Sugar – Gordie Johnson here on production duties.

Recorded within a 10-day whirl at Gordie Johnson’s ranch in Austin, Texas, Shawn describes this time as one of the most enjoyable experiences of his creative life. “He has these three shacks he calls the Sugar Shacksdown the hill from his house that overlook Dripping Springs, Texas… One for drumming, the other for his guitars, the other for singing and mixing. We would bounce back and forth between shacks and write lyrics on the deck.’ While journeying between these shacks, Shawn also explains that ideas came together from all over, such as a graffiti line spotted in a bathroom stall married with a piano line he’d had in his head, and looking through scribbled notes and listening to phone memos to see what would stick. The result is an album he describes as joyful, and one that showcases ‘a version of me that’s always existed but just not quite captured on record before.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

July 13th – Cultivate Festival, Gabriola Island, BC

August 3rd – Mosaic Music Festival, Pender Island, BC

August 10th – Nanaimo Blues Festival, Nanaimo, BC

Photo Credit: Hannah Eden

Award-winning singer-songwriter and contemporary composer Carmen Braden shares her new single and video ‘Voice in the Dark’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.

‘Voice in the Dark’ is the lead single from the Yellowknife artist’s new album A Hard Light, set for release on December 5th and produced by Carmen’s long-time producer Mark Adam (Music In the Woods, Nova Scotia). Carmen wrote the track about the importance of community and connection in the Northwest Territories of Canada. 

“One day there was a major system failure where my friend worked as a radio host,” says Carmen. “They knew no one could hear them, but they had to keep talking in case the signal managed to get back on air. The song is about holding onto thin threads of hope, about connection between people over big spaces and through dark times. It’s also an homage to radio and the power it still has to connect – something that’s still a strong part of culture and community in Canada’s north.”

A multi-talented artist recognized as an “acoustic ambassador of the Canadian Subarctic” (Musicworks Magazine), Carmen has played intimate theatres and main stage folk festivals, smoothly jumping between genres of songwriting and composing. Her contemporary classical compositions are nationally recognized, with commissions and performances by world class ensembles and performers, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, James Ehnes, and the Canadian Chamber Choir. 

She’s released three studio albums: Seed Songs (2021), Songs of the Invisible Summer Stars (2019), and Ravens (2017), and earned national recognition by winning the Western Canadian Music Award for Classical Composer of the Year in both 2020 and 2019. Additional nominations include Classical Album of the Year 2020 at the East Coast Music Awards, Classical Artist of the Year (2019 WCMAs), and Classical Composition of the Year (2017 WCMAs).

‘Voice in the Dark’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services worldwide. For more information, please visit carmenbraden.com.

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Kimonos and Sounds Of Rituals have united for a new single ‘Alemagou’ featuring Kuuda, out now via Rose Avenue Records. Along with the original, ‘Alemagou’ arrives with an official remix by Samson

Previewed earlier this year during RÜFÜS DU SOL’s headline DJ set at Coachella’s newest Quasar Stage, ‘Alemagou’ was created for midsummer sunrise dance parties, drawing on Kimonos’ time in Mykonos. Tapping Brighton-based three-piece Kuuda to supply rich harmonizing vocals, ‘Alemagou’ is a slow-burning arrangement of shiny piano melodies and rhythmic percussion. The track offers a lush escape, providing a blissful five minutes of angelic builds and euphoric breaks that bridge Kimonos and Sounds Of Rituals distinct styles. ‘Alemagou’ comes alongside Samson’s official remix, complementing the original’s melodic techno with rolling deep house.

LA-based deep house duo Kimonos (Gabriel Falanga and Omri Malka) have been garnering attention since their debut single ‘En Su Lugar’ with Malóne in 2019. Their originals have landed on labels like Hurry Up Slowly, Natura Viva, Witty Tunes, and Dear Deer and their unique house and techno sets have taken them to the stages of BPM Festival, Art Of The Wild, Burning Man, and more. Earlier this year, Kimonos performed at Coachella’s Yuma Tent before making their debut on Rose Avenue with ‘Alemagou’. 

Izzy S.O shares her outstanding new single HOMESICK ahead of her new EP, due for release on the 9th of August.

Listen on Spotify HERE

everywhere else HERE

Getting to grips with change can be notoriously challenging. Homesick is your reminder to look forward and trust yourself. Slick nostalgic guitars met with Izzy S.O’s gorgeous vocals make Homesick an endlessly playable and empowering next move. 

Sharing more behind the track, Izzy explained: ‘Homesick’ is about that free falling feeling when you’re no longer tied to the things that made you feel safe. It’s an observation of the fear whilst fully knowing you’re in the right place and that these changes are good.

Homesick was written at the start of last year when I was going through some big life changes. It was a really scary time but there was also this undercurrent of excitement about this unknown future. Listening back to it today makes me feel proud of where I am now . It makes me want to give my younger self a hug to remind her that she’s strong enough to do all the things.’

Homesick is the final single to be released ahead of Izzy’s upcoming new EP, also titled Homesick, which will arrive on the 9th of August.  

Today’s new single is the follow up single to ‘Crisis’ which arrived back in April. The euphoric guitar banger reflected on a challenging relationship and embraced being single. Crisis was the third single that Izzy S.O has treated fans to this year and each release sees her go from strength to strength. 

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‘I Swear I Made You Up’ arrived at the start of March. The raw and captivating track was warmly received by press including The Line of Best Fit who labeled Izzy S.O as an ‘an innovative rising voice’ and described ‘I Swear I Made You Up’ as ‘Crooning guitars and rhythmic drumbeats’ that ‘ruminate gently, allowing each line to hit with a powerful transparency’.

2024 looks to be a great year for rising Izzy S.O as she continues to establish herself further with each move. She kicked off the year with Refuse back in January and the angsty offering didn’t go unnoticed. Clash Magazine described her sound as 90s production with Gen Z bedroom pop’ whilst describing Izzy herself as ‘an absolute powerhouse’.

Oklahoma-born and raised grunge-pop sensation 44phantom shares his brand new single ‘Kansas’. Packed with emotion and passion, the song comes straight from the heart, showcasing 44phantom’s unique ability to blend heartfelt lyricism with his signature grunge-pop sound. ‘Kansas’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Listen to ‘Kansas’ below:

https://cecilparkrecords.ffm.to/kansas

‘Kansas’ begins with an intimate and melodious introduction, drawing listeners in with 44phantom’s emotion led lyricism and delicate vocal delivery. As the song progresses, it evolves into a powerful anthem, merging his emotive lyrics with the alternative grunge sound that has become his trademark. This seamless blend highlights 44phantom’s ability to convey deep emotions while also delivering a hard-hitting performance.

Female producer, DJ, and vocalist TINYKVT has shared her new single ‘Down’, out now via HypnoVizion

Marking TINYKVT’s debut on Rezz’s label imprint, ‘Down’ appeals to the vocally-led midtempo bass stylings that have distinguished HypnoVizion’s unique curation. ‘Down’ is striking as it harnesses the powerful catharsis of emotional release through tortured lyricism, haunting tones, and electrifying melodies. The track is an immaculate showing of TINYKVT’s multitude of talents, from her edgy songwriting to the varied yet cohesive production that distinguishes ‘Down’. 

“Down is a very personal track and sonically it’s the best I feel I’ve been able to represent my project thus far. I wrote it during a massive period of personal growth and I’ll leave the rest up for interpretation.” – TINYKVT

Dirtybird alumni Kidd Mike and MAGNVM! have joined forces for a new single ‘Brain Chatter’ out now via Dirtybird Records.

‘Brain Chatter’ sees two of the label’s most eclectic talents team up for a bombastic new collaboration. Rumbling with rippling bass lines, cheeky vocal chops, and snappy percussion, ‘Brain Chatter’ was built for dark rooms and underground dance floors, in line with the mischievous sounds of Dirtybird’s discography. The collaboration speaks to the global impact Dirtybird has had on dance music for nearly 20 years, bridging a bi-continental pairing of South Africa’s Kidd Mike and Italy’s MAGNVM!.

“The distorted bassline of ‘Brain Chatter’ twists and turns as it evolves into a beast of its own. Built with the purpose to elevate any dancefloor, the hypnotic vocals lead into the break where we are left in suspension… and then we meet the lead drum that thumps its way into your body, making you throw your hands and smile as you know the set is about to peak.” – Kidd Mike

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Nashville femmecore rockers The Dreaded Laramie today share their debut full-length Princess Feedback.

With this album The Dreaded Laramie revel in claiming their own space in one of the last true bastions of straight white guy machismo – cock rock.  Taking, from this, their unabashed love of shredding guitar licks and audacious delivery, they meld it with sunny pop melodies and radical vulnerability. The result is a sound they term femmecore.

This approach allows them to deliver something unique on Princess Feedback; a breakup album like no other. One that subverts the traditional melancholy of heartache with strident hooks and repurposed machismo, all juxtaposed against singer/guitarist MC Cunnigham’s striking emotional vulnerability. Where else are you likely to hear lyrics like “you said you didn’t want me, and that’s fine, I’m humiliated” backed with crunching power chords and soaring licks.

This unvarnished honesty marks a shift in Cunningham’s songwriting. While The Dreaded Laramie have built their reputation on songs that wear their hearts on their sleeve, they did so only up until a certain point. Cunningham harboring a natural reticence to fully put her feelings on the line, and up for public scrutiny. That changes with Princess Feedback. Her songs unveil their truth in the clearest possible terms.
She explains, “it’s about acknowledging and giving voice to so-called darker feelings and thoughts as a way of reckoning with them, befriending them, giving them kind of a space to be; in order to move through and past instead of repressing.”

Louisiana’s rising stars Onsight Deeda and TBoss join forces on a dynamic new song, “SNA” out now via Cash Money Records. Get it HERE. Check out the video HERE.
 
Produced by Sinista On Da Traxx, “SNA” is set to a throwback beat with a thumping bass line.  Onsight Deeda raps about a lowkey tryst and TBoss counters with a fiery female perspective on the same situation, while making her demands clear and going just as wild on the beat.
 
Recently, Onsight Deeda dropped “Add Me Up,” generating 535K YouTube views on the music video. Earning critical acclaim, KAZI hailed Deeda as “a self-made artist whose story represents that of the underdog; the struggles and challenges he faces fuel his music,” and 24Hip-Hop raved, Onsight Deeda is an emerging star in the music industry attributed to his profound lyrics and passionate delivery of his tracks.

eaJ is the musical moniker of American musician, singer, songwriter, and composer Jae Park. Born in Buenos Aires, raised in Cerritos, California and of Korean descent, Park first drew industry attention online as a YouTube musician and is best known as a former vocalist and lead guitarist of chart-topping South Korean rock band Day6. eaJ’s solo project has garnered millions upon millions of views and has collaborated with artists such as MAX, Rich Brian, keshi, Seori, DPR Live, and more.

His latest single “right where you left me” featuring Hindia is a reassuring song written from a flipped perspective of someone who is willing to wait as the other side matures and returns. Park shares, “It is written from the outlook of someone who is waiting for a loved one to come back from an emotional journey of self-discovery. They understand that life isn’t a movie and that things change from time to time. With a big heart of understanding and wanting to be of help for the person more so than one’s self, they sacrifice their own emotional well being to further encourage the other to explore as much as possible, with the reassurance that they will be right where they left them, if they choose to return.”

Temmpo is the musical moniker of Australian producer Tonino. Originally from Sydney and now based between Bergen, Amsterdam and London, Tonino is a complete and seasoned writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and artist, with 100+ releases gathering a total over 500+ million streams to date.

His latest releases under Temmpo sees the artist rework classic songs and turn them into dance pop anthems. The first of which is the hit song “Before You Go” by Lewis Capaldi, which is almost unrecognisable in its new electronic, dance form. Emitting a fun, energetic and nostalgic vibe, the fast-paced, move-inducing track shines bright, soaring with iridescent synths and dynamic beats.

Tonino shares, “I have always loved reworking classic songs and find it both fun and challenging to reimagine classic works. These new releases were always some of my favourites so I drew inspiration from my love of the original versions to see how far I could take them into a new direction.”

Speaking of the creation of the songs, Tonino explains, “I produced all of the records and got my wife Frida Amundsen (aka Bad Lucy) to sing the covers at a slower, more natural tempo. We then bumped up the speed to these covers and shifted keys to make it fit a more modern, commercial dance sound.” 

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.

Her new single “Taste for Blood” is an irresistible and invigorating electro pop banger. She confides, “The lyrics describe how I’ve conquered my demons and how I’m ready to do that for someone else now—and not just that I’m ready, but that I’m craving it. I think the song sounds like what love feels like for me. Like this wild, cinematic fantasy. It’s demon slayer, it’s outlaw, it’s a different kind of love song. Mike and Nico made it into the western, glam, symphony of my dreams. I think if you listen it’ll give you that beautiful, uneasy feeling of “no turning back.”

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New single and video ‘1234 Satisfy’ is laying the groundwork for the release of MINNY POPS’ new album ‘Stockholm_1974’ on 17 July 2024.


1234 Satisfy” is all about instant gratifications, fulfilling your desires and connecting with your loved ones. The song is uplifting with Mark Ritsema and Louise Woodcock the catchy ‘Satisfy – Satisfy’ chorus.

Stockholm_1974’ is Minny Pops’ first full-length album in 40 years, after the release of their highly underrated ‘4th Floor’ album in 1984.

Of the new Minny Pops album, frontman Wally van Middendorp says:

‘Stockholm_1974 is based on the year 1974-1975 when I was an exchange student in Brunna, Sweden about 40 minutes outside of Stockholm. It brings back memories of my new family and my own family; and I felt privileged that I had two dads and two mums that year. And a new brother and sister. At times I was homesick and lonely, I missed my dad, and I missed our dog, but that year and this experience helped me become who I am.’’

MannyA, a N.Y. based, Cuban born multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter with well-earned bragging rights as a seasoned master percussionist. 

Yet, despite his notable and well-deserved accolades spanning an illustrious career, Manny maintains an unassuming humility that is both rare and refreshing.

He cut his teeth as a teenager playing in tourist hotels all over Cuba and eventually left his homeland in 2003. MannyA may be a long way from his homeland of Cuba but has never forgotten that it is the place that shaped him. Archetypically Latin but quintessentially Cuban, Manny is the embodiment of the modern day Latin American musician. Whether playing an intimate NY Jazz club or at Carnegie Hall, Manny brings not only his technical proficiency to the stage but also an understated refinement, elegance and class reminiscent of years gone by.

Most recently, he played the prestigious Toros y Salsa Fest in Southern France but routinely shares the stage with Hernan Romero, a world renowned classical Flamenco guitarist as well as Edwin Perez and Yuniel Jimenez. 

He has toured extensively with David Broza, an Israeli singer-songwriter and has performed with Braily Ramos of Celia Cruz fame. Most noteworthy, his creative contributions in 2016 with the late Andy Gonzalez yielded a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album

Take a moment to acquaint yourself with his fresh highly addictive debut single “Que Siga La Gozadera” (Havana Mix), an uptempo dance track with an infectious hook that seamlessly blends a signature Latin rhythm with tastefully infused melodies. 

Que Siga La Gozadera” is an homage to the joyful spirit that Latinos everywhere embody, especially my people from Cuba who, despite their profound suffering, have always found joy and happiness in music and dance. With this in mind, I invite all of you to dance and continue to enjoy the marvelous gift of this life!- MannyA

Midheaven is the lovechild of Andy DeLuca & Sarah Eiseman’s romantic and creative partnership.

They initially found each other after becoming fans of the others ’art. Sarah was making an impact in the Polaroid and film-photography community while simultaneously working in healthcare and taking care of the elderly; Andy was heavily involved in the music industry as a touring photographer, visual artist, and video director. While Andy was on tour with 5SOS in 2018, he had a day off in NYC where Sarah had been living at the time. They officially met in person and instantly started creating art together. They had become inseparable from that moment on, making all kinds of art anytime they were in the same room. Sarah had grown up with a gift for poetry and singing, and Andy had grown up playing drums in bands and recording instrumental demos. When they discovered they could make music together, it was the perfect fit. Sarah would primarily contribute lyrics and melody, whereas Andy would focus on the instrumentals and production side of things.

Having a shared taste of 80s and 90s music, they found themselves initially writing a blend of shoegaze/dream pop, alternative, and new wave-inspired pop songs. Even though they began writing in 2018, it wouldn’t be until 2023 that they would release their first piece of music as they felt they needed to further craft their songwriting and music production abilities.

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They released their first self-produced debut single “Heaven” in November of 2023 while living in Los Angeles. “Heaven” is a heavy-hitting + ethereal blend of

shoegaze and new wave, combining 90s dream pop/shoegaze elements (My Bloody Valentine, Lush, Slowdive) with the elements of bigger 80s new wave production (Depeche Mode, Kate Bush, Echo & The Bunnymen, Tears For Fears). The result is a full and lush arrangement where the vocals sit on top of a gritty bass riff that drives the song, and guitars and synths that flood every remaining corner of the mix.

Because Andy + Sarah have spent years as visual artists and directing music videos together, they were able to shoot/edit their own music videos, create their own single art, and take their own press photos — all while living in the comfort of their own home, being deeply in love and spending time with their beloved shih-tzu, Pebbles.

Introducing Another State: the UK’s first ever pop/ country male vocal harmony group. Their distinctive sound blends the heartfelt authenticity of country storytelling with the infectious hooks of pop, creating a genre-defying sound – set to make waves on the ever-growing mainstream country scene! Their debut single, “All You Need,” lands on 22nd July 2024, and promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

Another State exude a wealth of talent, ambition and commitment and are ready to take on the world. Band member Sean Ryder Wolf has already enjoyed a taste of stardom having previously been signed to Simon Cowell’s label Syco in 2015 with ‘Jack Pack’ and coming 4th on Britain’s Got Talent. He subsequently achieved success with his debut album charting at an impressive number 8!

Buoyed by his successes to date, Sean Ryder Wolf has gone on to create Another State and is also co-writer of many their tracks. The band are deeply committed to their musical future together and have recorded a wealth of original songs, alongside recording unique country versions of Boyz 2 Men’s “End of the Road” and Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.”

Another State’s inception into the country/pop crossover music scene follows, and is inspired by, the success of artists such as Post MaloneTaylor Swift, and Beyoncé who have gained popularity making music in the country scene. Their UK roots will set them apart creating a unique soundscape compared to their American counterparts; catchy melodies and relatable themes reflecting every day experiences will be certain to make waves global audiences alike.

Drawing inspiration from classic country legends like The EaglesFleetwood Mac, and Lady A, Another State pay homage to the genre’s rich history while pushing boundaries of influences from the modern era. The band mindfully craft songs that resonate with listeners: from the storytelling prowess of traditional country to the contemporary edge of pop. Even their name was chosen with thought and feeling, as Ryder Wolf says: “Our name has an American feel but also it represents ‘another state of mind’”.

Four incredibly talents individuals across the music industry from different corners of the world join forces for a brand-new collaborative Afro/r&b single ‘Jealous’. 

‘Jealous’ brings together UK singer Loick and Roc Nation U.S singer Ambré for a female empowerment single. The two sonically complement each other throughout the track with their beautiful vocals, whilst African Rap giant Sarkodie takes a verse about his leading lady bringing a raw Ghanian flavour to the single

Loick leads the way with his voice floating above the simmering keys delivering beautiful melodies with Ambré taking over effortlessly, singing in her sweet, compelling voice. Their vocals then blend over each other in a unique way, intertwining so smoothly.

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KJ Spio says “it’s about treating someone so well and making someone so happy that others are jealous of the relationship”

The track delves into appreciation of women and treating them right which is shown in the visuals.

Check out this beautiful single and watch out for more to come from KJ Spio

Brighton (UK) punks THE BAR STOOL PREACHERS have released a brand new reimagined version of their single ‘Doorstep’. The single is taken off the bands new EP ‘Below The Static’, which features reimagined versions of songs from the bands 2022 album ‘Above The Static’. The EP is out 13th September 2024 via Pure Noise Records. Pre-orders available – HERE

Speaking about the new single the band said, “The fattest riff on the album, played on cellos, violins and a huge fxmale vocal? What’s not to love!” .

Grand Rapids, Michigan based indie rock band The Crane Wives share upbeat, introspective track and official video “Bitter Medicine” out everywhere now where the group embraces imperfection. The self-produced, rousing fifth studio album Beyond Beyond Beyond is due out September 6 and available for pre-order now. Plus, The Crane Wives have announced a new fall leg of their tour starting with the official album release show on release day in Grand Rapids, MI. Get tickets this Friday, July 12 at 10 AM local time here and catch them in the midst of their summer tour through August.

Despite its driving, upbeat guitar riffs and playful energy, “Bitter Medicine,” out today, is an ode to impostor syndrome, the internalized shame of having others look up to you for guidance on a subject you feel like you’re failing at. Drummer Dan Rickabus and bassist Ben Zito create a bouncing groove that turns the self-deprecating lyrics into a cathartic confession: “don’t look up to me.”

Vocalist and guitarist Emilee Petersmark shares, “For me, songwriting has always been a safe place for honesty and vulnerability. ‘Bitter Medicine’ is one of many songs on this record that explores what it means to be an imperfect person making imperfect choices.” Pondering her place in the world, particularly as a person with a young audience, Petersmark adds, “The older I get, the more I feel the weight of younger people’s eyes, and I often find myself questioning if I am the kind of person that deserves to be a role model. This song touches on the insecurity that comes with that line of questioning, and the acceptance that maybe the answer is ‘no’.”

Fascinations Grand Chorus return to announce their new EP Summer Love and to share the title track.

On this new “Summer Love” single, the duo of Stephanie Cupo and Andrew Pierce capture sonic sunshine in a quest to deliver a perfect moment of freedom. This track is also the first hint of an upcoming three-strong EP that pays timeless pop tribute to summers past, present and future.

Since the release of their 2019 debut LP, Fascinations Grand Chorus have seized the title of indie pop heavyweight champs of Jersey City and conquerors of seaside amusements. Scene-stealers in the Garden State’s biggest hidden scene. Songwriting rivals? Analog allies? Do they even know at this point? 

Few who heard the duo’s 2022 slasher-inspired Terror In The Night LP could’ve expected the followup to be these hymns to long days and warm nights. These color-soaked new songs signal a purposeful and playful upending of the band’s own trajectory. With this new EP, they trade horror for the hope of summer romance and create something as familiar with nostalgia as it is alive with creative ambition.

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This shift outlines a defining feature of Fascinations Grand Chorus; their commitment to joyfully following their muse. Armed with analog synths, bright percussion, and Brian Wilson-esque layers of warmth, they create vibrant soundscapes, evoking emotions from sinister to sweet. 

Their Summer Love EP will arrive on September 12th. In the meantime, the duo invite you to check out the title track, and to step out of time and into an endless summer.

Indie rock band Saint Social has released their latest single, “Holiday Forever,” addressing the idea of embracing one’s entire self and finding bliss despite past anguish. The track serves as the closer to their upcoming full-length album. Stream and download “Holiday Forever” now on all platforms worldwide.

With vivid, imaginative lyrics alongside the band’s distinct blend of pop, rock, and synth elements, the song showcases the bright side of their catalog and strives to instill listeners with the same jittery excitement as going on an actual holiday. “‘Holiday Forever’ marks the culmination of the narrative arc on our upcoming full-length album,” explains lead singer Quinn Erwin, who wrote and co-produced the track. The single also plays as an anthesis to the power-centric opening track, “Swagger,” released earlier this year, and represents the band’s beachier and sweeter side. The songs showcase two sides of the Saint Social coin, and both feature the lyrical motif of the tiger. “‘Holiday Forever’ speaks to the healing and ultimate joy of being embraced for everything a person embodies. It also conveys the thought that heartache can add up to something good in the end.” The unabashedly, earnest celebratory track was mixed and co-produced by Hunter West (Little Image, The New Respects, Mountains Like Wax) and mastered by Joe Causey (Underoath, Switchfoot, The Dandy Warhols) at Voyager Mastering.

With over 1.5 billion streams under his belt, buzzing UK-based singer/songwriter/producer Artemas debuts his new single “dirty little secret” as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record in the World. Get it HERE via 10K Projects.

Arriving just two days before the release of his anticipated yustyna mixtape, the single arrives on the heels of RIAA-platinum certified breakout single, i like the way you kiss me” – which has amassed over 900M global streams60M video views, reached #1 on Billboard’s Global 200#12 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on the UK Official Singles Chart, and surpassed 3M TikTok videos.

Next month, Artemas kicks off his 35-date global headline tour in Riga, Latvia on August 12th. Featuring stops in Europe, Australia and the United States, including two nights in both New York and Los Angeles, the tour has already seen most dates sell out including the entirety of US dates. The triumph continues to cement the rising star as one of today’s most tantalizing live shows, arriving mere months after wrapping his sold-out debut headline tour earlier this year. Beyond his tour dates, Artemas will also be taking the stage at a slew of festivals this summer including Ireland’s Electric Picnic and UK’s Reading & Leeds festival. See full tour dates below.

Emerging artist LIVIA, a rising star in the ambient-pop scene, has released her highly anticipated debut EP titled Oculus today. This collection features six meticulously crafted tracks, including the pre-released singles “Through The Cracks” and “By A String.” LIVIA, a multi-talented musician, has taken a hands-on approach with Oculus, contributing as a co-songwriter, co-lyricist, and co-engineer for the EP. Emphasizing
authenticity, the entire project was recorded using analog equipment, which adds a
distinctive warmth and depth to her sound. The EP explores the story of a fictional
young girl who exists outside the boundaries of time and place, grappling with her
identity in a world that feels unfamiliar. Oculus opens up with “Departed,” featuring a traditional Moog synthesizer that pays homage to Vangelis’ iconic “Blade Runner” soundtrack. This track encapsulates a futuristic yet nostalgic soundscape that resonates with listeners. The pre-released single “Through The Cracks” is a notable track with its sparse vocal arrangement, creating a haunting sense of ambiguity and unreality. The song incorporates a unique organ-synth sound that challenges conventional expectations but remains compelling. A particularly innovative track on the EP is “Home,” which incorporates the actual sound of NASA’s Perseverance Rover. This audio was used throughout the piece, symbolizing the rover’s journey and the melancholy of being able to see its home but knowing it will never return. In “Out Of Time,” LIVIA showcases her fondness for unconventional instruments by using a continuum to produce shimmering, ethereal sounds, adding to the track’s otherworldly quality.

Knuckle Puck, have released a cover of the global hit, ‘Stick Season’ by Noah Kahan and added their pop-punk spin.

The single falls ahead of starting the Sad Summer Fest in Sacramento, CA. The band will be playing shows with Mayday Parade, The Maine, The Wonder Years and more all Summer.

Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer

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