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INsiders Guide

INsiders Guide: Olivia Reid, Shriya, FUTURE, Jordan Paul, SUNSETTO, ZOE’S SHANGHAI…

Based in NYC, Olivia Reid’s unique production style blends indie acoustics with exploratory pop soundscapes, creating a distinctive sonic space to express her most inward emotions. Reid’s artistic style fuses the expressive sounds of artists like Bon Iver, Norah Jones, Sylvan Esso, and Florence + The Machine, with the viscerally emotional experiences she channels. Her music has been featured in Flaunt Magazine, Under the Radar, Brooklyn Vegan, Wonderland, Earmilk, Celeb Mix, The New Yorker, Ones to Watch, and American Songwriter and has been added to several official Apple Music and Spotify playlists like Happy Pop, Metropolis, Chill Tracks, GLOW, Infinite Indie, Sunday Session, Dance Hits, and Golden Hour, garnering her over 40 million streams

At just 18 years old, Mumbai-based singer/songwriter Shriya is making waves in the Indian pop and R&B scene with her vibrant and innovative sound. She effortlessly combines jazz elements with R&B and soul to create unforgettable melodies, lush harmonies, and deeply resonant lyrics. Bursting onto the scene at just 14 with her debut single “Tell Me,” Shriya has since performed at over 50 live venues across Mumbai and Pune, developing a rich and diverse musical style influenced by jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Antônio Carlos Jobim, as well as contemporary artists like Daniel Caesar, Summer Walker, and Erykah Badu. Her genre-blending approach has earned her a spot on Spotify’s Fresh Finds India editorial playlist, and she has also lent her voice to ads for top brands like Nykaa Fashion, Tang, and Lenskart. At 17, she signed with Sony Music India’s sublabel, DayOne, releasing two tracks, “Ride for Me” and “On My Mind,” which collectively garnered over 180,000 views on YouTube, with “On My Mind” alone amassing over 50,000 streams on Spotify. She’s been championed by outlets such as Rolling Stone India, Tribune India, and The Sunday Guardian.

Diamond-certified, three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning hip-hop luminary Future continues his unprecedented run today with the release of the highly anticipated MIXTAPE PLUTO. Get it HERE at all DSPs.

Alongside delivering the 17-track mixtape, Future unleashes the official music video for “TOO FAST.” The Kid Art-directed feature sets Future in the streets of Harlem, NYC, as he laments the peaks and valleys of his fast-paced life. Watch the music video HERE.

MIXTAPE PLUTO was executive produced by 808 Mafia boss Southside, and co-executive produced by Wheezy. A homage to the legendary Dungeon Family and late Rico Wade, MIXTAPE PLUTO’s album art depicts infrared purple lighting emanating from the windows of the original Dungeon Family house in Atlanta. It is the location of their storied studio, and the basement of Wade’s mother’s home where the legacy of Future was born. It’s a fitting statement: the notably featureless MIXTAPE PLUTO distills Future to his core essence. 

Alongside the digital version of the album, an exclusive run of merchandise and physical product is available for MIXTAPE PLUTO at freebandz.com. Items include bundles with limited edition t-shirts, a CD, and two vinyl variants in both black and green featuring 11 core songs from the digital version.

MIXTAPE PLUTO arrives on the heels of Future and Metro Boomin’s two explosive, chart-topping collaborative albums released earlier this year: WE DON’T TRUST YOU and its follow-up, WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU.The campaign not only ignited a historic moment in Hip Hop, it also fittingly dominated charts. The albums highlight the duo’s magnetic chemistry–which Rolling Stone calls “seamless”–and went on to capture the entire music industry’s attention, piquing competitive interests in ways not seen in years. The albums officially landed Future his ninths and tenth number 1 albums on the Billboard 200, while the single “Like That” featuring Kendrick Lamar spent a blistering 3 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This run became, as Billboard stated, “the biggest story in rap.”

With MIXTAPE PLUTOFuture releases his third consecutive game-changing blockbuster in just six months, as he punctuates a historic 2024 run with a return to his rawest form. It highlights Future’s influence over the sound of hip hop as a new chapter is written in the career of one of rap’s most inventive and influential wordsmiths. A body of work stripped down to pure, unadulterated Future, it’s simply 100% Pluto. It’s MIXTAPE PLUTO.

Hailing from the westside of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, Jordan Paul is a dynamic singer-songwriter whose electrifying performances and innovative compositions have captivated audiences in Hawai’i and overseas. With an innate knack for weaving compelling narratives into his music, he crafts songs that resonate with authenticity and emotion, reflecting the rich tapestry of his experiences and inspirations.

Fueled by a passion for creative expression with influences from Motown to Hawaiian Reggae, Jordan Paul is not only a masterful lyricist but also a visionary producer, sculpting sonic landscapes that will instantly capture a listener. His compositions blend infectious melodies with intricate rhythms, creating a sound that is both hypnotic and exhilarating.

Having embarked on two tours overseas with Eli Smart and supporting the tours of Declan Mckenna, The 1975, and more, Jordan Paul has shared his musical prowess with audiences across the globe, leaving a trail of mesmerized listeners in his wake. Whether performing in intimate venues or commanding grand stages, his magnetic stage presence and boundless energy never fail to leave a lasting impression.

As he continues to evolve as an artist, one thing remains constant: his unwavering commitment to creating music that resonates deeply with the hearts and souls of listeners everywhere.

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Canadian singer, songwriter and producer sunsetto continues his rise in the alt-pop scene with his new single, “SHE’S THE WHOLE WORLD,” from his forthcoming debut album, THE SUN, THE MOON & THE BIG MACHINE.

In “SHE’S THE WHOLE WORLD,” sunsetto personifies his love through the majestic beauty of nature. With soulful lyrics and a captivating melody, he paints a picture of a world where his significant other embodies the essence of everything around him—she’s not just a part of the world—she is the world to him. Drawing inspiration from nature’s elements, the song portrays a love so deep it becomes intertwined with the earth’s most inspiring landscapes.

I wanted to express how love can be as vast and powerful as nature itself,” sunsetto shares. “It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s the most vulnerable I’ve ever been in my music.”

“SHE’S THE WHOLE WORLD” is the final single ahead of sunsetto’s debut album THE SUN, THE MOON & THE BIG MACHINE, which will be out October 4th. The 11-track album promises to take listeners on an emotional journey through love, heartache, and self-discovery.

My evolution is all here, in one album — from track to track,” sunsetto says of the concept behind THE SUN, THE MOON & THE BIG MACHINE. The title addresses the complexity of being true to yourself in today’s rapid-fire content culture: “The Sun is love, energy and warmth, The Moon is the dream of celebrity—almost too hard to reach—and The Big Machine is the giant invisible cloud we call the internet, a place where we upload our memories.”

One of the most refreshing new voices emerging from Paris, Zoe’s Shanghai delivers intimate stories across their new EP Undergrowth – released via naïve.

Blending a kaleidoscope of spacey, melodic jazz and tender vocals dripping with atmosphere and intent, Undergrowth EP marks a dream-like body of work from Zoe’s Shanghai on their dominant return this year. With vivid expressions of love, heartbreak and growth, the Paris-based outfit explores otherworldly connections and the complexities of finding self-enlightenment – a rigorous limbo that transforms vulnerable affirmations into something inspired and universal. Delivering a glistening insight into their universe of sound, Zoe’s Shanghai continues to build significant attention as a key new name across the landscape.

Opening with “Refuge”, the six-track EP instantly provides groundwork for the band’s endless chase for creative and ethereal growth, seeking solace within the chaos of our existence. Up next, “When I Care” seamlessly connects experimental arrangements with sun-kissed jazz and house, creating an intimate tone for Zoé Renié Harris (guitarist and lead singer) to focus on healing as it becomes a driving force for her to slow down and observe.

Steadily manoeuvring through midnight, hazy session on the stunning lead track “At Night”, where Zoe’s intimate temptations playfully flirt with warped synths and rolling jazz percussion, we reach the apex of psychedelia across the run of “Scratching” (watch), “Some Words” and “Aman” – closing out the EP with free-flowing vibrations as the band displays tender silhouettes that feel as beautiful as they are meaningful.

Speaking on the EP, Zoé mentions: “This collection of songs sings about processes of change. It’s a way of appearing when uninvited, or working on yourself whilst it feels like nothing is happening. These tracks wander through the panic and disorientation of loneliness at night, the thankless efforts of trying to love someone who is almost surely not ready to receive it, the slow and confused battle towards trusting a partner and the hidden wisdom in not reaching what you’d hoped for.”

BC jazz-pop musician Kate Trajan shares her debut full-length album Ancient Fires out now on all digital streaming platforms via Pastiche Records. Listen to the full album here.

Kate is also featuring the title track ‘Ancient Fires’ as the 3rd single, following previous singles No One To Dream About‘ and ‘Amazon’s DilemmaOn ‘Ancient Fires’, she delivers an emotional tribute to the bittersweet experience of parting with her first love. This heartfelt folk-tinged pop ballad showcases her lush vocals and poignant songwriting, drawing listeners into a deeply personal narrative.

“This song was inspired by the experience of saying goodbye to my first love and moving away from my hometown of Nanaimo,” says Kate. “It materialized in bits and pieces through the years, like a puzzle. I was only given a few pieces at a time. It became layered with experience from other goodbyes in my life, and the heartbreak, hope and fear that came with stepping into the unknown of what would come next.”

Currently living on Salt Spring Island, BC, Kate is classically trained in piano and voice, and her songwriting draws on two decades of experience performing with jazz, folk, and indie groups across Canada and in the UK and the Netherlands. Kate released her debut EP Yesterday Left Without Her Suitcase, featuring four original songs, in 2022. Ancient Fires, Kate’s first full-length album of original music, was recorded at Eastcote Studios in London, UK.

Says Kate: “Of course, you don’t need to go all the way to London to find a great recording studio. The reason I did was because I was working with London-based producer Sarah Gillespie to create this album. I met Sarah when I lived in the UK back in 2008 and we sat next to each other on a flight from London to Vancouver. I started following her music career online, and saw during COVID that she had begun the Create Now Academy, mentoring female artists to develop careers in the music industry. I felt like that was just what I needed to get in gear and get my original music out into the world, so I signed up and started working with her to get this album made.” 

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

‘An Invite’ is the second single from the Yellowknife artist’s new album, A Hard Light, which is set for release on December 5th. The eclectic ambient pop track feels like an immersive experience, taking the listener on a journey from the first note. The song recalls a moment in Carmen’s past, giving it a ghost-like quality, as if participating in a sense memory of someone else’s life.

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“This tune comes from a memory of a night when I was a young woman away from home,” says Carmen. “There was an encounter that brought me sharply to a moment of choices—choices about what I was ready to do with my body and with whom. I remember coming out of that moment feeling so strong, knowing that I had made deep, clear choices for myself. The music emerged from a marimba loop and improvisation by my producer, Mark Adam, which reminded me of that time in my life. The call-and-response moments with Nova Scotia singer Cas Palmer weave into the long melodies of this story-song, featuring expansive rolling grooves and drum-and-bass vibes, all of which have grown into a darkness and intensity that truly match the memory.”

Australian-born, LA-based producer, DJ and tastemaker Kito has unveiled her stunning solo BIMYOU EP out now via Mad Decent. A collection of bold, vibrant, floor shakers, the four-track EP features like-minded genre-breakers including Kah-Lo, Brazy, Baauer, Wafia, Nonso Amadi, St. Panther, and Beau Nox. 

Flirty and fun, BIMYOU flaunts the femme-centric spirit that stretches throughout Kito’s extensive discography and soundtracks her Club Kito party series. From the sultry multi-lingual dual vocals provided by Nigeria’s Kah-Lo and Brazy on ‘take your vibes and go’ to the intoxicating trade-off between Wafia and Nonso Amadi on ‘back 2 love’, the EP is heightened by Kito’s ability to dabble with an array of genres. A fierce foursome set to take over dancefloors around the globe, the companion tracks ‘die 4 you’ and ‘don’t leave’ further display Kito’s experimental tendencies.

Complex yet minimal, the eclectic production showcases Kito at her finest, skewing the curves of genre boundaries and drawing inspiration from the EP’s namesake – “BIMYOU”, a Japanese word (微)妙) that translates to “subtle” but implies that something is a little off. Refined and forward-thinking, BIMYOU is the culmination of Kito’s years as a songwriter and tastemaker.

“I have a tendency to hold on to words and names that inspire me and BIMYOU is probably one I’ve had an infatuation with for the longest. I actually had the cover artwork designed by a friend in 2016 knowing I wanted to do a project called “BIMYOU” one day. It’s a Japanese word that literally translates to “subtle” but implies that “something is a little off, and it might be better to just do without it altogether”. This EP has largely been about subtracting the stuff I felt came from a place of overthinking, and keeping the bits that felt a little “off” – in a good way. I’m really proud of this EP and am so grateful to all the artists that collaborated with me on it – couldn’t have wished for a better lineup!” – Kito

ALEC BENJAMIN
12 Notes Deluxe (16 Notes)

• Just as the North American leg of his 12 Notes Tour is beginning, singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin shares a deluxe version of his May 2024 12 Notes album, bringing the total up to 16.

• Anchored by the single “The Plan,” these four new tracks include both new songs and demos from the original album. 12 Notes has accumulated nearly 160M global streams to date lead by “I Sent My Therapist To Therapy” and “Different Kind Of Beautiful.”

• The 12 Notes Tour with Matt Hansen will include stops at iconic venues like New York’s Radio City Music Hall, Chicago’s Riviera Theatre, and LA’s Hollywood Palladium with many dates already sold out.

New York City’s very own five-piece DIY ensemble, Monobloc, continues their winning streak today with their latest single “Irish Goodbye.” Adding to their quickly evolving discography, today’s release explores the social stresses of being young in a new city, while embodying post-punk complexity and charisma. Brief but incredibly intricate and complete with a flute solo, “Irish Goodbye” is a driving track that hears the band reaching new sonic heights while maintaining Monobloc’s signature New York charm. The official video for the track also premieres today, which was shot in New York City and self-directed by the band. 

Ruti (They/She), the rising star of the UK music scene renowned for their blissful, soulful sound, is set to take their artistry to new heights with the release of their highly-anticipated ‘The Lungs Remix EP’, featuring four electronic interpretations of her critically acclaimed EP title track ‘Lungs’. Known for blending alternative and electronic elements into their signature soulful style, Ruti ventures into bold new territory with this release.

Listen to ‘The Lungs Remix EP’ below:

digital-era songwriter Veronica Everheart, who splits her time between Arizona and New York, unveils her highly anticipated sophomore EP, Lighter in the Morning (1/2). Recorded at Red Convertible Recording in Brooklyn, NY with her main collaborator Junius Karr (Gordon Raphael, The Hellp), she has released a steady stream of singles and innovative music videos this year leading up to today’s release. With introspective lyrics and a one-of-a-kind voice, Everheart continues to excavate her psyche for the sake of her songs, collaging inner thoughts with digital soundscapes to create uniquely modern music. 

“The recording of this project was a confluence,” says Everheart. “A confluence of my growth as a songwriter and woman, Junius’ and I’s respective tastes as artists and our dedication to making something beautiful.”

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LISTEN TO LIGHTER IN THE MORNING (1/2)

WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEOS

Following the release of his newest single, “Raw Dawg Dippin”, TyFontaine unleashes ASCENSION2: Act 2, the highly anticipated follow up to his album, ASCENSION2: Act 1 which featured his viral single, “adventure time (racks on my body).” The new album features 9 brand new tracks including the newest single, “Lift Up Your Head” which opens the album with heavenly optimism on what the future could bring. With a bumping 808 and gospel sample, the track explores the constant fight towards uncompromising greatness. Earlier this year, he landed on the list of Hypebeast’s Best Rising Artists of 2024 along with some of the most influential artists of the year like Artemas and mk.gee. Ty adds:
“A lot of the songs on ASCENSION2: Act 2 have been sitting in the vault for a while, so I’ve been able to connect with the fans on discord to help me choose their favorites. Most of the tracks were made traveling to Atlanta and Miami from D.C. and L.A. Bouncing around all these places got me working with really talented producers like L3GION who worked on ‘Lift Your Head Up’ so I’m really excited for the final result.”  

South African/Canadian multi-disciplinary CON THE ARTIST bleeds creativity into anything he touches. From scoring films and producing records, to sound design, video direction and recently a 34 piece orchestra in Greece, CON has his hands in every aspect of his art. With a bold approach and an avant garde vision – alongside a global team, and a year-long audio-visual rollout plan, these infectious upbeat bops are ready to set off into the stratosphere.

Fredrich Nietzsche once theorized that pleasure and pain are intertwined. Today, the rugged, avant-pop brainchild of Michael Quint, George Steel, picks up where Nietzche left off with his new single, “Pleasure is the Place.” Produced by main collaborator Ernesto Grey (prod. for Font, Farmer’s Wife), this song demonstrates Steel’s ability to create tracks that are equal parts glamorous, lyrically absurd and completely enthralling. Beginning with chants of “pleasure,” today’s single has massive sonics, complete with a mighty horn section, commanding vocals and buzzy synths. Steel continues to preview his upcoming debut album Desire on the Range, which will be released on Friday, October 4, 2024.

“’Pleasure is the Place’ takes an earnest but misguided belief to its extreme in order to bring joy out of an often painful experience,” says Michael Quint, the man behind the man. “In other words, it’s a big pop song.”

Producer Ernesto Grey affirms this sentiment, stating, “‘Pleasure is the Place’ was the first song I worked on where it made sense to bridge country and glam pop. The chorus felt reminiscent of something you’d hear at a stadium so I wanted the instrumentation to reflect that. The brass section makes the chorus feel triumphant and keeps the rhythm of the song feeling fresh.”

Dream pop singer-songwriter Riah has released her latest single “I Love You Still.” Over a flurry of synths and a percussive backdrop that quickens like a fluttering heartbeat, the track explores the lingering feelings you hold for someone who broke, but still holds a piece of, your heart. 

“This song is my attempt to capture the nostalgia and frustration that stems from a past relationship — the whiplash that accompanies the transition from complete vulnerability to strangers,” shares Riah. 

Epic Records - Wikipedia 
BRIT AWARD WINNER TOM WALKER RETURNS WITHSENSATIONAL NEW STUDIO ALBUM I AMLIVE DATES IN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK SET FOR OCTOBER 5+7TOURING UK ARENAS WITH THE SCRIPT THIS NOVEMBERWATCH THE “I AM” MUSIC VIDEO HEREImage
Album Artwork “Confessional, visceral and emotional, ‘I Am’ is a fine follow up to ‘What a Time to Be Alive’ and in many respects transcends it, thanks to the sophisticated and impassioned songwriting and delivery.” – 8/10 Clash Magazine
‘Soulful voice and masterful lyricism’ – The Sun (NEW YORK, NY – SPETEMBER 20, 2024)I will die for these songs. It’s the first time in a long time I’ve felt like that. You’ve got to ignore what everyone else wants from you, and you’ve got to back yourself.” – Tom WalkerAnd with that, coming off the back of a stellar UK and European festival run and a string of wholly unifying ‘Tom’s Towns’ pop-up appearances across the UK which took him closer to his audience than ever before, Tom Walker today makes his return with the sensational brand new studio record, I Am. It is a body of work that is both authentic and unapologetic showing an artist revitalised who is more connected to his music and fans than ever before. Get it HERE.The album has already seen impeccable releases in “Burn,” “Freaking Out,” “I Am,” and “Holy Ghost.” Clash Magazine described the album as “a fine follow up to ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ and in many respects, transcends it”, as well as The Sun detailing Tom’s “soulful voice and masterful lyricism”. He also performed “Burn” and “Freaking Out” with aplomb on Later…With Jools Holland (HERE and HERE) and this weekend will see Tom as a guest on Sunday Brunch on the UK’s Channel 4.

There was also the very personal partnering with Suicide prevention charity, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) for the release of Tom’s towering ballad Lifeline – a searingly emotional tribute to a friend he sadly lost.Where previously, Tom became known for powerful accounts of other people’s stories, including a friend’s battle with drugs (“Leave A Light On”), and articulating his own relatable feelings for his now wife (“Just You & I”); on his new album he now finds himself writing abouthis own personal struggles and anxieties, creative challenges, sadness and moments of despair. It is a sometimes-visceral account of who Tom Walker is in 2024, hence the title: I Am.

rising soulful indie-pop artist Zola Courtney is back with a deeply emotional new single, ‘Lie To You’. With her stunning honeyed vocals and raw, honest lyricism, Courtney continues to carve a space for herself in the music scene, and this latest release solidifies her name as an artist who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable in her music.

‘Lie To You’ is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.

Ghost Hounds are thrilled to release their cover of Patty Griffin’s “Long Ride Home” (feat. Patty Griffin).

LISTEN TO “LONG RIDE HOME (FEAT. PATTY GRIFFIN)

WATCH THE OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO

“Patty Griffin is a lyrical genius,” says SAVNT, the band’s lead singer. “When we were putting together our setlist for a show earlier this year, Thomas Tull (guitarist and lead songwriter), brought in ‘Long Ride Home’ to see how it’d fit the band. There are very few songs that are simple, beautiful, and pull at your heartstrings all at the same time. We all felt that same magic and knew we had to perform it. From the audience’s response, it was clear that it needed to be properly recorded, and when Patty heard it and agreed to grace us with her extraordinary voice, it was one of those moments that we will never forget.”

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Ghost Hounds are a country rock band with a heavy blues influence that proves the genre is not only alive but thriving for the next generation of rock fans. Fronted by SAVNT and backed by guitarists Tyler Chiarelli and Thomas Tull, fiddler Kristin Weber, bassist Bennett Miller, and drummer Sydney Driver, the band has made significant statements with their four studio albums. 

Ghost Hounds’ debut, Roses Are Black (2019), earned widespread acclaim from BillboardAmerican Songwriter, and more as well as millions of streams on streaming platforms. Their follow-up, A Little Calamity (2021), impressed with its classic rock sensibilities and the hit single “Good Old Days.” You Broke Me (2022) continued their tradition of blending classic blues rock with a modern flair. Their latest album, First Last Time (2023) via Gibson Records, features hit single “Last Train To Nowhere,” which racked up millions of hits via TikTok and Instagram, and was featured in Taylor Sheridan’s new TV show Special Ops: Lioness.

Ghost Hounds have honed their sound on the road, having supported legendary acts like The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Garth Brooks, Guns N’ Roses, and Bob Seger. With their chemistry at an all-time high, the band is set to bring even more blues-rock brilliance in the future.

Electronic musician, sound designer, visual artist and DJ, Eliot Lipp is thrilled to unleash his new single “Lightyear.”

“I started this one off wanting to make an old-school glitch-hop beat. The vocal sample on this one “been around for a lightyear, haters get nightmares” resonates with me. I’ve been making music for a long time and still feel as inspired as ever. I crafted some distorted synths and breakbeats to sculpt this track into a heavyweight.”

Eliot Lipp’s musical journey is impressive.  With releases on labels like Alpha Pup, Pretty Lights Music, and his own Old Tacoma Records, he’s making a significant impact in the scene. His latest album, Viper Venom, beautifully blends classic old-school electro-funk with high-fidelity future synth breaks. As half of the duo Lipphead and a collaborator with renowned NYC producer Blockhead, he brings a unique depth to his sound. Whether he’s in the studio, behind the DJ booth, or performing live, Lipp’s passion for music shines through.

Davis Gestiehr is a twenty-three-year-old, Nashville-based singer-songwriter. Born to punk parents, his formative years were spent immersed in the discographies of bands like The Ramones, Sex Pistols, and Iggy Pop. His early exposure to music resulted in Gestiehr now crafting a sound that melds brooding rock and punk textures, creating a distinct, yet familiar wall-of-sound. Gestiehr received his first taste of what it was like to perform to thousands of fans when he was just 11 years old. Having attended a Green Day concert at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA, he was pulled up on stage to perform “Longview” with Billie Joe. Gestiehr recalls, “Billie Joe proclaimed that this was “the most memorable moment of [his] entire life” and gave me his custom shop Telecaster. That solidified everything for me, and I knew that I’d spend the rest of my life chasing that feeling.” As he continues to develop his song-craft while exploring sounds reminiscent of The Cure, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Arctic Monkeys, with every song, Davis provides an expansive artistic statement, which combines palpable pain and poignant songwriting, to produce a dark yet palatable landscape. 

His latest single “Cool With It” narrates falling for someone who you know is going to be bad for you. The songwriter confides, “I think everybody at some point is involved with somebody who they know they shouldn’t be involved with. I’ve definitely thrown caution to the wind at times and fucked around with people who haven’t been the best influences on me. This song is an ode to just that. Some people can really suck as people, but those same people can be pretty entertaining as well.”

Lily Lane is a soul pop princess and alliterative artist hailing from the east coast and now taking over the west. A former Wilhelmina Curve model and outspoken advocate for body positivity, women and LGBTQ rights, this bicoastal, bisexual bombshell has been turning heads with everything she does. 

Her new five-track EP Love, Lily Lane, sees the songwriter in her new “lovergirl era” as she narrates her own love story. Encapsulating what love means to her, the EP was first conceived when Lane got engaged and has been released just in time to celebrate her wedding day. 

Having previously written in a self reflective way, where her songs were much darker and moodier, Lane is now celebrating this new chapter of her life, allowing herself to live in the light. The songwriter shares, “The sounds of this EP were inspired by love. Both of my previous EPs were about heartbreak and I think I was scared to write about someone positively if I didn’t know if it was going to be a forever relationship. The idea of performing love songs about people I don’t love anymore or people who hurt me was always hard for me. With this EP I have finally let myself write about all the aspects of love besides of the loss of it- I feel like I’ve covered that on projects prior.”

Known for their one-of-a-kind sound and signature modern production style and featuring the talents of Josh Fairman (Sunsquabi), Jay.Greens (Perception Records), and Geoffrey BremerLVNDR.SOUND fuses styles such as future bass, electro soul, house, hip hop, and nu-age funk to push the boundaries of genre to create something truly unique, such as on their debut album Lavender which welcomed collaborations from members of Pretty LightsLettuce, and Break Science and was described by Magnetic Magazine as “a must-hear album for anyone looking to discover the next big thing in electronic music.”

Casii Stephan is a MN born, indie-pop meets soul-rock  singer-songwriter now based in Tulsa, OK. Casii’s “gorgeously emotive voice inspires comparisons to alt-pop artists like Florence Welch and Fiona Apple with a writing style reminiscent of Carole King” proclaims (NPR). 

Stephan’s voice is fierce and fearless, but this was not always the case. She grew up shy and afraid of her voice until she started writing songs on the family piano when she was 16. Casii moved to Tulsa in 2014 with the intent to give up her pursuit of a music career, however with a little encouragement from a friend, she continued songwriting and started releasing music in 2016. Since then, she has received national songwriting awards, toured regionally, performed official SXSW and Folk Alliance showcases, performed at the virtual Sundance Film Festival, and has been profiled on platforms such as Billboard, NPR, and American Songwriter.

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Casii writes her songs honestly, from the depths of her emotions, with lyrics that pushback on negative societal norms like sexism, ageism and “playing nice” as a woman.  She uses writing to deconstruct her own beliefs with an underlying hope that things can change, inviting listeners on their own journey. In October, Casii signed with TRO Essex music publishing, joining the talented folk writers such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seger, and iconic rock bands like The Who, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd. 

The songwriter recently traveled to Muscle Shoals, AL to record with producer Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes, St. Paul and the Broken Bones). The concept EP Relationship Status takes the listener on the emotional journey of going from one relationship status to another and finally landing on the realization that these statuses do not define you. Relationship Status EP is out now. 

Lucy & La Mer is a dazzling indie-pop sensation whose evocative lyrics and enchanting, whimsical soundscapes have captured the hearts of fans everywhere. With her unique blend of introspective storytelling and irresistibly catchy melodies, Lucy has carved out a distinct space in the music world. Her exploration of identity, love, and self-discovery resonates deeply with a diverse audience, making her an artist to watch. Boasting over 1 million likes on TikTok, more than 5 million streams on Spotify, and a rapidly growing YouTube following, Lucy is on the brink of an exciting breakthrough that promises to redefine the indie-pop genre.

In celebration of Bi Visibility Day, on September 23rd, Lucy & La Mer released her new single, “Palm Springs.” This track is a vibrant and uplifting poolside anthem that showcases Lucy’s signature style, as well as lyrically delivering a powerful statement of acceptance and visibility for the bi+ community.

The artist passionately shared, “I set out to create a song that joyfully celebrates the journey of discovering your own unique connections and attractions. Labels should be about empowerment and visibility, not confinement. Sadly, there’s still an intense amount of stigma surrounding those exploring their sexuality, particularly those who don’t fit neatly into the straight or gay categories. We need to champion the bi-curious and foster an environment where multiple labels, or none at all, are embraced and celebrated.”

Toolroom are immensely proud to welcome SIDEPIECE to the label. In the first 5 years of them teaming up, this blistering US house music duo have simply taken the world by storm. They joined forces with none other than dance music hero Diplo for their second single “On My Mind,” that alone has aggregated more than 300 million Spotify streams and earned the trio a 2021 GRAMMY nomination for ‘Best Dance Recording’. They pride themselves on creating ‘party-starting club tracks with serious sex appeal’, and that tagline could not be more apt for their Toolroom debut, ‘Sex Sells’, that lands with a sell-out tour alongside it, of the same name.
Massive searing synths, a driving techy groove and some tongue-in-cheek vocals that will cause many a smile on dance floors across the Globe! Strap yourself in for a fun ride with SIDEPIECE!

Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer 

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