Alice Chater is back today with her dynamic new single, “Come Alive,” which is as much of a party igniter as its title suggests. The new single, Chater’s second since joining Epic Records, was produced by R&B/Pop legend Tricky Stewart and JerkPoP.
With her Epic debut, “Don’t Let My Boyfriend Get In Your Way,” safely out into the world and globally impacting (nearing one million YouTube views), Alice Chater returns with an encore performance, as she straps on her pointe shoes to deliver a powerful, ballet-driven performance in the single and music video for “Come Alive.” The video, a performance piece replete with brilliant choreography directed by Thom Kerr (Meghan Trainor, Kim Petras), leans even further into Chater’s dance background than its predecessor, “Don’t Let My Boyfriend Get In The Way.” Chater is settling in, and unafraid to elevate the elements of her artistry that make her unique.
“Don’t Let My Boyfriend Get In Your Way,” released in July, sent social media into a frenzy as the British pop star launched her domestic campaign, prompting fans on Instagram to draw comparisons between Chater and Madonna. The video, equal parts sultry and scintillating, drew praise from Flaunt Magazine, who wrote that “DLMBGIYW” was the “cherry on top” of this year’s summer.
For her second act, Chater intends to pirouette her way into the hearts of her current and incoming audiences, and “Come Alive” is an undoubtedly confident next step in her campaign.
Bristol-based, New York-bred Angélica Allen crafts dreamy yet danceable Avant-Pop with her project MyMidnightHeart. Combining ethereal harmonies, hypnotic drums, and surreal soundscapes, she self-produces a brand of Alternative R&B that is equally reminiscent of Janet Jackson as it is Kate Bush.
Following the success of her previous work, including a tour supporting Tegan and Sara, opening slots for Solange, Blood Orange, and Foxes, and features in publications like Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Vice Magazine—Angélica retreated from performing to focus on music production and sound design to be able to fully control her sound along its journey from conception to completion.
Exploring various expressions of her art while the world tumbled into chaos during the pandemic, Angélica cultivated a singular and sacred sonic space through her music production which evolved into a multi-sensory presentation of her work.
Each forthcoming release will be offered in multiple formats including remixes, visuals, and a variety of physical and sensory offerings that the listener can experience both from home and through intimate performances. These carefully crafted installations blur the line between digital and organic, viewer and performer, art and wellness.
The first installment is “anew,” a track written when Angélica was pregnant with her second child and grieving the woman she had fought to become. The songwriter confides, “Four years after my daughter’s birth I had only just begun to feel like myself again. My brain, my body, my blood finally felt like they belonged to me. I decided it would be my year. My moment. But when I realized I was pregnant with my son, I knew I would have to start the journey all over again.”
“anew” speaks about how pregnancy and early-motherhood requires an ego-death. It is a completely devotional practice; sacrificing all of yourself for the survival and happiness of someone else. Angélica continues, “I struggled so much reclaiming my identity with my firstborn, I wrote this song wanting to allow myself to enter a speculative space where I gave of myself easily… Opening to the possibility of being alchemized in the process.” The hypnotic release enters with crystallized vocal synths and oscillating beats, creating an ethereal and iridescent atmosphere. The music video for “anew” presents a fresh take on motherhood, featuring a montage of lofi videos that depict Angélica’s pregnant body in a darker, more futuristic style. This artistic approach challenges traditional portrayals of pregnancy, offering a bold and innovative perspective that is both edgy and alluring.
Accompanying the release of “anew” is a new series of modern meditative practices that Angélica has created called My Midnight Rites. These multi-sensory in-home rituals are aimed to complement, intensify and completely transcend the traditional listening experience. Speaking about the offering made specifically for “anew” the artist explains, “It’s inspired by my own mental health journey and a way to break through the two-dimensional and distracted listening environment we’ve all grown accustomed to.” My Midnight Rites can be purchased through the My Midnight Heart website and through Spotify’s merch integration.
Shrines – the moniker of Brooklyn-based singer and musician Carrie Erving (Ponyhof, Will Butler) – announces her new EP, Seasons, out on October 18. Seasons, produced by Rosana Cabán (Psychic Twin, Cosas Cosas), spans four songs exploring the fragility of the individual seasons. At turns reflective, poppy and celebratory, Seasons documents the collective cognitive dissonance of the fluctuations between celebration and trepidation that arise while living in a time of rapidly escalating climate change. In Seasons, Shrines’ lyrics suggest that allowing ourselves to savor the present moment may be one of the keys to grappling with the larger challenges of our time. Shrines will celebrate the release of Seasons with an EP release show on October 23 @ Brooklyn’s C’mon Everybody.
Shrines’ new single and video, “Witch Season,” is her homage to spooky season. With lyrics drawing from themes in Irish traditional folklore, “Witch Season” explores getting lost in the woods, immersing oneself in the unknown, and reconnecting with one’s own wild nature, as the music crescendos into a mysterious, Stevie Nicks coded fever-dream.
Drawing comparisons to Björk and Sinead O’Connor, Shrines skillfully weaves influences of pop, electronic music, indie rock, and Irish sean-nós (traditional ‘old style’ Irish singing) into her music, delivering shimmering art-pop that The New York Times described as ‘spellbinding.’
Shrines: Official Site / YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / X
“Sin City” was motivated by Karisa’s experiences with heartache and the feelings of missing what was and the idea of gambling on love. She set out to explore reliving memories of love and loss through a blend of new wave 80s synth and electropop. Karisa was moved by the nostalgic and sin-filled lights and atmosphere of Las Vegas and wanted to capture that idea through imagery and her routine synth sound in the single. She delves into the tension between chasing desires and indulging in a surface-level relationship, reminiscing on past relationships in a new light.
Based in Toronto, Karisa is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician who has had a passion for music from a young age. In 2020, she began releasing music with her debut EP titled Vapercoast and has been releasing music since. She embraces her “blonde bombshell” aesthetic and combines nostalgic visuals with synth/guitar-based instrumentals that use sounds from the 1980’s New Wave and 1990s-2000s pop dance beats.
“forts” is the feeling one gets when they are deep in reminiscing about being a child and how it is to navigate life as a full-time adult. The track draws listeners in, tugging at their heartstrings and allowing them to connect with their deepest emotions. Ren Genevieve’s approach to songwriting and storytelling is what makes her stand out amongst many, “forts” is a prime example of her mastery. With its expressive and deep-seated lyrics, the track hits home for many listeners, while presenting a relatable angle on the struggles of adulthood and how it re-molds past connections people had. With the blend of soul-touching melodies and soft vocals, Genevieve captures all the elements perfectly.
Born in Boston and raised in New York, Michigan, and Bermuda, Genevieve has always been one for the arts. Genevieve started singing, acting, and dancing at a young age, her college years at NYU were what pushed her to pursue writing and sharing her music. She made a name for herself back when her single “I Like You (I Think)” dropped in February 2022 which was then followed by her second single “tongue-tied” in November 2022. Her first few projects were created to share with her friends and family, however, she took the idea and ran with it to perfect her producing skills. Genevieve’s singles helped pave her way as an ardent introduction to her story.
“A talented vocalist and pianist, Olie Beckett is sure to be an influential figure in pop.” – Earmilk
“For a young artist, Olie Beckett is a stand out because of his unique sense of self and optimistic outlook on life.” – Atwood Magazine“There’s a captivating retro charm to Beckett’s high tenor, infusing the lyrics with yummy tonal surfaces.” – V13
Olie Beckett is a 14-year-old artist with an unwavering passion for music, a love that has been with him for as long as he can remember. His journey into music began after hearing Marshmello spin, sparking his dream of becoming a DJ. Growing up, music was a constant presence in his life, from the tracks his dad played in his radio office to the melodies his mom would hum around the house. These early influences ignited his passion to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter and create a sound all his own.
At the beginning of his musical path, Olie dove in headfirst. He auditioned for a national choir, took vocal lessons, and performed at his local church. His vocal teacher, Melissa, with her background in musical theater, played a significant role in shaping his artistic style, introducing him to the dramatic power of performance. Olie also worked closely with Mr. B, a dedicated music coach, who taught him the essentials of music composition and professional tools like Logic Pro X. Melissa’s theatrical influence and Mr. B’s technical expertise have helped Olie develop a unique and versatile approach to creating and performing his music.
Olie’s creative process truly came alive when he began composing on the piano, and eventually, on the computer. He quickly fell in love with every element of songwriting and production, becoming fully immersed in his craft. Now, he handles every aspect of his music, from writing the lyrics to composing the instrumentation and delivering the vocals. He knew he was destined for this when he realized how deeply he loved the entire process.
Today, music occupies nearly every part of Olie’s life. He admits that it can be hard to focus on school when all he wants to do is write songs and sing. As he’s grown, so has his taste in music. He draws inspiration from artists like Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, SZA, and Rosalía. While it’s easy to admire other artists, Olie finds that discovering his own unique voice as an artist is a more complex, but exciting, process. The creative spark truly shines when he blends his own personality with the music he’s making.
When Olie writes a song, everything begins with emotion and inspiration. Once he locks in on the feeling and knows the chords, the rest falls into place. The bassline comes to him naturally, and adding the drums completes the composition. For Olie, songwriting is a sensory experience, combining a taste for music, a sense for lyricism, an ear for melody, and the right touch on an instrument. But the most essential element of all is passion. When everything aligns, that’s when the magic happens.
Kurdish Pop princess Bana is back with her empowering new single ‘Lil Freak’ Listen HERE.
The sultry anthem features Bana’s distinctive fierce attitude and power vocals, whilst also delivering inspiring lyricism. Reminding listeners to step into our power, have the courage to embrace who we really are, and be anyone that we want to be, Bana delivers her fun yet introspective lyrics candidly, as she sings “What is it you want from me / I got something else in mind”. Prepare to be entranced by Bana’s brand new offering, as the earworm chorus hooks you in from the very first moment.
Firmly established as a popstar in her home region of Kurdistan, Bana’s newest English language material fuses musical elements of her roots with a maximalist pop sheen. Frontrunning the hub of surging talent from her hometown, Bana has arrived to empower, and proudly represent Kurdish women in the industry.
Speaking on the new single, Bana said: “Writing ‘Lil Freak’ was by far the most fun I’ve had creating any song so far. It’s an upbeat, energetic party anthem, but it also challenges traditional relationship roles where men are often seen as the dominant ones. Even though the title might suggest otherwise, I’ve long been viewed as a “little innocent girl.” Through this song, I wanted to show a different side of myself, revealing that I’m no longer that girl and in the best possible way.”
She further explained: “For me, this song is a metaphorical shedding of that old image. ‘Lil Freak’ represents breaking free from societal constraints or former versions of ourselves. It’s about reclaiming power, whether in relationships or life in general. Ultimately, I believe we should embrace the freedom to be whoever we want to be, without letting anyone or anything dictate that for us.”
California, US- Aggressive pop-punk band Stateside, who recently announced signing to Pure Noise Records, have released new single ‘Juliet Has A Gun (Not A Song). The single is taken off the bands brand new digital EP ‘Songs To Remember You By’ which is out today. Listen in full – HERE.
Speaking about the new EP Stateside said, “On the whole, Songs To Remember You By is a self-reflection. Thinking about the way things happened in the past, as a way to grow for the future.”
Adding about the new single the band said, “Juliet Has A Gun (Not A Song) is a bitter message to that person in your past that wronged you, but is difficult to let go of.”
The musical collective daysormay (the English phonetic of the French “désormais” meaning “from now on”) is made up of Aidan Andrews on vocals and twin brothers/rhythm section Carson and Nolan Bassett. Growing up in the small town of Vernon, BC, Canada, the trio started out in sixth grade ignoring all the trappings of typical teenage life and dedicated themselves fully to making music – playing in cover bands before shifting to writing their own material. Now 25 years old, in Vancouver, with a full album and EP under their belt, the members of daysormay have no intention of slowing down.
The group has connected with 3-time Grammy and Juno award winning producer Chin Injeti (Dr. Dre, Drake, Eminem, Aloe Blacc, Anderson. Paak) and T-Minus (Lil Wayne, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd) for their new full-length album, MODERATION.
The name MODERATION reflects two meanings. The first being the lyrical content of the album detailing Aidan’s struggle with the act of moderation itself and his inability to moderate things in his life that are enjoyable or pleasurable. Often to a point where he is no longer doing them for enjoyment, but out of habit. This applies to food, content, social media, etc. The second touches on how there is a major focus on minimalism in the production on the album. daysormay is focused on communicating the ideas in their most concise and simplified form. Melody, lyrics, bass, and drums are the primary focus. daysormay is functioning more as eliminators than producers, cutting any unnecessary layers or sections from the songs.
Aidan explains, “The perspective starts off as a self-focused, very narrow field of view, only focusing on myself and my problems/vices. It stays in this view for the first few tracks on the album, and then the perspective gradually shifts to a wider field of view, by the end of the album focusing on my relationships with others and how I’m affecting them, my influence on the world around me, and my shortcomings and how those have affected people in my life.” There are several allusions to religion and addiction on this album, specifically referencing saints from Roman Catholicism and steps from addiction recovery programs. MODERATION is also shortened to MOD ERA (“modification era”, or: “a time of change”).
os Angeles pop singer-songwriter Ashley Elle is back with another exhilarating track, “One More Night”, a poignant exploration of the bittersweet nature of relationships, out October 24th. With lyricism that is both heart-wrenching and introspective, Elle perfectly captures the deep conflict of loving someone who is no longer good for you. Featuring warm acoustic melodies and intoxicating atmospheric layers, Ashley Elle continues to give listeners a refreshing glimpse of authenticity as she invites them to reflect on their own experiences of love and loss.
East Nashville-based rock band Her Leather Jacket is already making a name for themselves as the spirit of the early pop-punk scene prevails in the music and the atmosphere they create. When Manny Blu (vocals) found himself in the right setting, he was finally able to create the band and the music he wanted since moving to Nashville in 2018. Blu had an open slot for a best friend, and drummer Wes Snyder was first in line. Citing such influences as Blink-182, The All-American Rejects, and All Time Low, the duo’s debut self-titled EP released in the Fall of 2023 embracing the pop-punk sound, but they’re calling 2024 their “Fuck You” Era with a chaotically epic new EP on the horizon.
The essence of HLJ: make good fucking music and have a good fucking time.
Harnessing the powerhouse talents of Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science, Pretty Lights), Josh Fairman (SunSquabi, Analog Son), and Ian Gilley (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), Nitecap fuse modern, synth-drenched neosoul with R&B sensibilities and a hint of jazz-funk to create a unique sound that is captivating, fresh, and timeless.
Nitecap’s upcoming album also features recently released soulful, synthy debut single “Plátanos” and, as the product of the pandemic, stands as a testament to resilience and a reminder that something horrible can give birth to something beautiful. Despite being a brand-new group, Nitecap made their live debut Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom before performing as part of KUVO’s Jazz Odyssey Presents, Denver’s long standing, prestigious jazz station and have no shortage of accolades: Adam Deitch (drums) is a four-time GRAMMY-nominated drummer, songwriter, and producer, Josh Fairman (bass & engineer) has become a household name as both a bassist and engineer known for his innovative production techniques, and Ian Gilley (keyboards) has made waves with his longtime duo project DIASTRATA (fka RECESS) and as the keyboardist for Midnight.Blue.
Australian hitmaker Ruel releases the feel-good single “Cats on the Ceiling,” via Giant Music – Listen HERE. The track premiered exclusively on triple j radio in Australia. Written by Ruel, Mark Landon, Elias Danielsen, Sam Romans and Jake Torrey and produced by M-Phazes and Joshua Shpak, the song captures the exhilarating whirlwind of being in love, and the buzzing, head-spinning excitement that comes with it.
Ruel on “Cats on the Ceiling”: “I think there is so much more out there for us to experience in this life if we can just “let go” of all that pent up self-control from time to time. I wrote Cats to express the joy that comes from giving in to the great unknown and I want people to be able interpret that in whatever way feels good to them.”
The lush pop production, layered with rich harmonies and buoyant rhythms, pairs with vulnerable yet uplifting lyrics to serve as an ode to the fiery spirit of passionate devotion. Through imagery depicting two halves of a perfect whole, the song paints a vivid picture of a relationship between people who bring out the best in each other. Lines like “I can’t see any colour without you” and “All I remember before you is a blur” speak to the transformative and enriching nature of a relationship to a life that previously lacked vibrancy and meaning. Reminiscent of early 2000s love songs, the empowering melody of “Cats on the Ceiling” creates a heartwarming anthem about shedding inhibitions and truly experiencing life for the first time.
The single arrives following an eventful summer for Ruel. He moved to LA from Australia; made his Lollapalooza live debut, performed a select run of sold-out headline shows and made an appearance at New York Fashion Week. Additionally, he released a 5-track covers EP titled Adaptations, in August. Produced by GRAMMY-award-winning producer M-Phazes (Eminem, Madonna, Kehlani, Demi Lovato) Adaptations features reimaginations of Tobias Jesso Jr.’s “Hollywood”, The Weeknd’s “Call Out My Name”, Sixpence None the Richer’s “Kiss Me”, Imogen Heap’s “Hide & Seek” and Miley Cyrus’ “Malibu”. Most recently Ruel was featured in Esquire, VMAN, Newsweek and more.
Award-winning DJ/producer W/FRNDS (originally from Toronto and now based in Nashville) began creating music in his late teens while pursuing a professional hockey career and is now blending ingredients of pop, house, country and techno to create a new flavour of music that has something for everyone’s musical taste buds.
As his former folk-rock band broke into the festival scene and started gaining industry hype, his dreams shifted from playing in areas to performing in them. When members of the band started to develop other interests, W/FRNDS followed his passion and began writing and producing music for other artists where he fell in love with the art of collaboration and songwriting.
Latest single, “SOUTHERN DRAW(L),” is a co-release with talented folk artist Paige Penney whose career also began in Canada before bringing her to Nashville. The smoky country track shows reverence to the Southern accent.
Cult heroes – HENGE – are back with a high-octane new single ‘Ascending’. The track marks the dawning of a new era for the interplanetary prog-rave joymongers, with the release of their fourth album ‘Journey to Voltus B’ scheduled for 2025.
WATCH “ASCENDING” VIDEO HERE || STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE
‘Ascending’ showcases HENGE’s sound that is difficult to define but occupies a space somewhere between rave and prog-rock that nobody knew existed – with robotic vocals, thundering drums, hyperdrive bass, rude guitar and soaring synths combining to provide a euphoric soundtrack to a space launch. The single is accompanied by a spectacularly cute 3D animated music video by filmmaker and visual artist Antony Barkworth-Knight – watch it now here.
Rising West London based newcomer ultravividpink is back with her latest heart-rendering release “Hate 2 Hate u” – out 17th of October.
Emotive acoustic guitar chords lay the flawless foundation for ultravividpink’s delicate and distinctive vocals in this earnest and vulnerable heartbreak anthem. Reflecting on a painful break-up, the upcoming talent sings: “Hate to hate you, push you off a pedestal, I’d love to shake you lose.” Perfectly pitched harmonies are effortlessly laced with intricate twinkling keys and soulful melodies creating rich layers of unfiltered emotion, proving ultravividpink’s ability to encapsulate her feelings through the vessel of her music.
Talking on the track ultravividpink tells us: “I wrote this song when I had been stuck in a rut with music. For the first time ever, I had my heart broken and didn’t really know how to feel myself again. My friend Hugo Silvani who is in a band called Pale Waves is an amazing producer and we had a session booked in. We were also working with a great writer and guitar player Sam Finklestein. I went in dreading the session, it had been months since my breakup and I couldn’t shake my ex off my brain. Hugo and Sam helped me so much and it ended up being one of the most cathartic sessions I ever had. I hope the song can help whoever feels the same, whoever feels crippled by a breakup. Once the writing was complete, Hugo got busy with his band’s album and I knew I had to have this song on my project, so I took it to my main producer/best friend Tim (AKA block) and he arranged it in the way you hear it now, including the amazing harmonies (he’s the harmony king). It means everything to me. It was truly made with love to combat the lack of love I was feeling for myself at the time.”
North Carolina-based indie-folk duo, Couldn’t Be Happiers, continue to build anticipation for their forthcoming album, Couple(t)s, with the release of new single, “When I Die.” With the goal of “offering hope and joy in a chaotic world,” married couple Jodi Hildebran Lee (drums, vocals, harmonica) and Jordan Crosby Lee (guitar, vocals) crafted the album around several themes that naturally occurred in their songwriting – folklore, protest, love. Named after the duo’s favorite poetic device, Couple(t)s will be released in two parts, with each half consisting of six songs organized thematically into pairs: two love songs, two protest songs, and two folk story songs on each side.
“When I Die” follows “Come Back Tomorrow” and completes the “love song” couplet from Side A while depicting non-romantic love. Featuring lead vocals by Jordan – who was inspired to write the song after his father’s sudden death from brain cancer – the song sweetly admits to human frailty and speaks to the narrator’s desire to leave the world a little better off than he found it.
ANDRY is an incredible vocalist- very much in the classical metal tradition of Dio, whom she adores. However, lets be clear: she is much more than just a singer and frontwoman: she is also an accomplished songwriter, guitar player and a very gutsy feminist! She first appeared on the scene in 2013, when she founded her band The Harps but it was in 2017 when she took Greece by storm after winning a blind audition on The Voice, covering a spectacular version of Deep Purple’s Burn. The video garnered more than one million views on You Tube! After finishing as the runner-up at The Voice of Greece, Andry released the album Love Strikes Doves with the Harps and was featured as guest vocalist on several albums, including The Vivaldi Project and prog metal act Pyramid, where she duetted with Tim Ripper Owens on the smash song Stygma.By 2022 Andry decided to take fate in her own hands and wrote and recorded her first solo-album “Skies”. Mixed by sound wizard Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Winery Dogs, Steel Panther), the album features contributions from Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Winery Dogs, David Lee Roth), Mike Lepond (Symphony X), Russell Gilbrook (Uriah Heep) and Stephen Platt (Devin Townsend). Most of all, “Skies showcases the amazing vocal range and songwriting talents of ANDRY, a strong and confident woman who has taken control of her own career and life. ANDRY insists: “One chooses her own destiny. Are you a slave to your emotions or your goals? Life is like a jungle: eat or you’ll be eaten.” There is simply no denying the personal power and focus she radiates. “Skies” very much embodies this. She says:“Skies is about empowerment and rising through the ashes of a nuclear war having many allegories of female abuse and my personal life. The artwork of the album is inspired by the space and how it might look in the future. Since you can’t live in the past it is consoling to dream about the future and about the changes it will bring.”
Based in Paris, SACHA is the musical project of multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer Sacha Arnaud, formerly known as Johnny Longlegs. Following years of creative work and touring with many different artists and bands in the Berlin and Paris scenes, SACHA is now unveiling the first single from his upcoming debut EP, CHANGE OF HEART. Marking a turning point of his career and the start of a deep search for authenticity, SACHA delves into themes of family and identity.
Recorded live in Paris alongside three fellow musicians, JESA (Erik Truffaz, Johnny Jane, Motel Club) on guitar and vocals, Remi Klein on guitar, synth and vocals, and Nathan Mollet (Hausmane, Aaron Goldberg) on piano and synth, CHANGE OF HEART showcases four deeply personal tracks. The songwriter shares, “This EP is the first step towards being more in tune with myself and sharing a glimpse of my inner world. It is the embodiment of my quest for authenticity but also the door towards larger sonic exploration and deeper lyrical experimentation.”
The first single to be released from the upcoming EP is “Broken Love,” which initially started as a song about the person SACHA was with at the time, but through self-reflection, he realized it was actually about himself. Led by a warm, acoustic guitar and SACHA’s raw, honest vocals, “Broken Love” oozes with emotion.
Through CHANGE OF HEART, SACHA invites listeners into his world, offering a poignant reflection on family, identity, and the complexities of love, marking the beginning of an authentic and deeply personal musical journey.
Nashville-based shimmer pop band Moody Joody announce their debut EP Dream Girl due out November 8 via Photo Finish Records and available for pre-save now. Alongside the announcement, the trio share “Cuts Deep” and its matching visualizer, out now. Plus, celebrate the new music live with Moody Joody at their official EP release show on November 8, at Nashville’s Row 1. Synthy, sexy and earnest, Dream Girl allows Moody Joody to feel everything and encourages listeners to dance through it all.
Beginning this week, Moody Joody will join alt pop/rock group MisterWives on the MisterWives: Just For One Night! tour on select dates. Tickets are on sale now here and see a full list of dates below.
The forthcoming debut project from Moody Joody embodies the duality of being human–from dance floor anthems to tracks that embrace the less glamorous side of life and being a musician. Embedded throughout are singers Kayla Hall (lead vocals, guitar) and Kaitie Forbes (lead vocals, guitar) experiences as women–the hardships, the joys and everything in between–resulting in an empowered, cohesive collection that serves as an outlet to express their high hopes and deep fears and sonically, is a blend of their eclectic tastes. Forbes says the project allows her to release expectations of perfectionism–being a Dream Girl–and embrace who they each are. “‘Dream Girl’, our first body of work, is a story of romance, existential crisis’, loss & rebirth. The duality of the high-energy optimistic dream pop versus the darker, honest and vulnerable edge is our way of owning our humanness, and stepping down from the pedestal that we’ve been placed on in our lives.”
musician and content creator, Harry Daniels, has released his debut single “I’m Him” which debuted on Z100, New York’s #1 Hit Music station. Written after reflecting on his rise to fame, this self-referential track skillfully fuses his experimental electronic production with infectious pop hooks. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Doja Cat, Britney Spears, and Yung Lean, it marks Harry’s first dip into the music world. Known for his satirical Can I Sing For You videos which have amassed over a billion views, Harry’s transition into music comes with significant anticipation. He’s been featured in People, Rolling Stone, NYLON, Vogue, Interview, and the The Guardian.
“I wanted to talk about my new experiences and how all the rapid growth has made me feel in relation to what I aspired to be growing up,” Harry shared with Billboard exclusively today. “sort of my “When I Grow” Up by The Pussycat Dolls moment.”
Morgan Wallen, AEG Presents (producers of Stagecoach, California’s Country Music Festival and Hangout Music Festival) and the Hangout Festival are proud to announce the debut of Sand In My Boots. The new three-day music festival and beach vacation is set to take place on the Hangout Festival site on the idyllic shores of Gulf Shores, Alabama, May 16-18, 2025.
Wallen is excited for this opportunity to connect with his fans in a new way with Sand In My Boots. This one-of-a-kind festival features a highly curated multi-genre lineup with some of Wallen’s closest friends, favorite artists, those who have inspired him, and that he has always wanted to perform with. Every artist, activity, and experience will be handpicked by Wallen, driven by his excitement to share great music and create memories with fans, friends, family, and peers.
Wallen shared the news with the world today in a video message, here, stating, “Morgan Wallen here to share some exciting news me and my team have been working on for a while for y’all. We’re heading south to the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama and I’m bringing some good friends with me. Mark your calendars for May 16 – 18, 2025 for the Sand In My Boots Fest. Stay tuned and we’ll get you some more info soon!”
Stacy Vee, EVP of Goldenvoice and Producer of Stagecoach shares, “Creating a Festival with Morgan has been a dream come true… and some of the most fun I have ever had booking a show! I can’t wait for fans to come and experience one of the most eclectic and electric lineups and on-site experiences the world has ever seen.”
AEG Presents and Hangout Festival Producer Reeves Price adds, “The opportunity to bring Morgan’s world to life on the beach in Gulf Shores is something very special. The fact that it coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Hangout Festival only makes it more special. We can’t wait to see everyone back on the beach in May.”
Sand In My Boots’ complete lineup and ticketing details will be announced soon. The central location of Gulf Shores, AL – just a three hour drive from New Orleans, six hours from Atlanta, and eight hours from Nashville – makes it an ideal destination for travelers, offering varying accommodation options for those traveling from near or far. To sign up to be the first to receive new info, visit the official website here.
Building upon Play On Shakespeare’s mission to enhance the understanding of Shakespeare’s plays in performance, Play On Podcasts bring timeless tales directly to modern audiences. The series – presented by Next Chapter Podcasts in partnership with Play On Shakespeare – has released Macbeth, Pericles, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Coriolanus amongst various other titles over the last few years. Play On Podcasts recently won two Signal Awards – for Best Original Music/Score (Gold) and for Best Scripted Fiction (Silver). Play On Podcasts also recently won at The Ambies – for Best Original Score and Music Supervision [Lindsay Jones for Othello].
On Monday (October 21), episode 1 of Play On Podcasts: Julius Caesar will be released. Marcus Gardley’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s roiling political drama takes us into the heart of the Civil Rights movement and its aftermath. Directed by Harry Lennix and translated into modern English verse by Shishir Kurup, featuring the voices of Michael Potts, Glenn Davis, Megan Boone and Jeremy Tardy, with original music composition and Sound Design by Lindsay Jones.
Introducing Nicky Lawrence – A forward thinking innovator, singer, songwriter, actor, playwright and director who releases her debut album on October 18 to coincide with Black History Month. ‘Ugly Black Woman’ – a powerful, moving collection of songs and poems is also the soundtrack to Nicky’s critically acclaimed production of the same name, which was performed to sold out audiences at Toronto’s Paradise Theatre in 2022.
“Ugly Black Woman is a window into my soul,” says Nicky. “As black women we are consistently accused of being angry yet UBW is a beautiful cacophony of sorts conjured up through the dissonance I feel with such a powerful stereotype. It is the depths of my emotional degradation, pain, sorrow, fears and joy. It’s also a way for me to share so closely and relate with other black women, the suffering and the commonalities of hurt which we share without even necessarily knowing each other personally. This album has become a way of relating to all women no matter race or class.”
“There have been so many life events that have happened alongside this album which have been tragic, humiliating, joyful, painful, laughable and solidifying. I’m ready to release that energy out into the world and tell my story, hopefully the people are ready to feel those intense emotions with me.”
South London artist and creative Ashley Henry continues his dominant return with Who We Are – the first new album in five years – released via his own label Royal Raw Records and naïve.
Equal parts rugged, tender and self-assured, Ashley Henry’s blossoming sound has defined him as one of the most important voices in London. Embodying genuinely
authentic jazz and soul, his deep cultural awareness and dazzling exploration of textures carve out spaces that feel as nostalgic as they are contemporary. Having just announced his official European tour (here), taking on a pivotal performance at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Hall in April 2025, the acclaimed pianist, vocalist and composer is solidifying an electrifying legacy as his new album enters the spotlight.
An intimate journey that unites his ethereal affirmations alongside a clear vision for real change, Who We Are becomes a portrait of London through the ever-evolving eyes of Ashley Henry. With his own experiences of hope and frustration, powerful influences past and present, and the cultural knowledge gained from his environment, Henry builds universal sounds representing Black British music – a rare, impactful approach elevating the vibrant sonics that surround him.
“Why?” is the brand new single from Beans on Toast.
STREAM “WHY?” ON ALL SERVICES HERE
A song all about those existential questions with potentially non-existent answers, Beans says of the track:
“Why? Is a song about life’s big questions, the ones that don’t have answers. Sometimes, it’s good to just ponder the mystery of it all. It’s fun. I kinda see it as an old skool hymn with a twist!”
Pairing universally mind-bending conundrums to those tongue twisting lyrical quips that Beans does best, its exultant accompanying keys come courtesy of Matt Millership.
The track follows recent single “Myths & Legends”, with both songs due to feature on Beans on Toast’s approaching new album release ‘Wild Goose Chasers’ (out 1st December, pre-save the album here).
New York City-based artist and producer Will Sass made waves last month with the release of his debut single, “Alicia (feat. Alvin Risk).” Today, he shares London-based producer/DJ Otik’s electrifying remix of “Alicia.”
A rising force in the electronic scene, Otik reimagines “Alicia” with his signature blend of euphoric synths and deep, atmospheric techno. His remix pulses with a raw, hypnotic energy, transporting listeners straight to the heart of a dark underground club. This rework is made for those moments when the beat consumes you, and the dance floor becomes its own world.
Stream “Alicia (feat. Alvin Risk) [Otik Remix]” on Spotify, Apple& Soundcloud.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
