emerging pop artist PIPPA shares her latest single, ‘Careless’, a track that embraces a carefree spirit and the joy of living in the moment. With lyrics that echo her lighthearted approach to life – “Don’t take it seriously, I’m living carelessly” – the song is an upbeat and energetic celebration of freedom.
‘Careless’ is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
rising alt-pop artist Peri Rae continues to captivate listeners with her latest release, ‘I Would’, a high-energy track that showcases her distinctive blend of hazy vocals and electrifying rocky instrumentation. This single is the latest preview of her upcoming project, set to release early next year, and solidifies her position as an artist to watch in the alternative music scene.
ROOUE, shares their first Christmas single ‘Rain Turns to Snow’. The London-based twin duo, Lulu O’Connor and Ro O’Connor, wrote this emotional song about going back to their roots in Ireland for Christmas. ‘Rain Turns to Snow’ captures what Christmas means to ROOUE, being reunited with family and loved ones by the Irish Sea.
rising Bristol-based indie-folk artist Eva Penney shares her latest single ‘you sound like the dolphins!’, a mellow, stripped-back arrangement driven by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar and Penney’s soft, soothing vocals. The simplicity of the sound allows its beauty to shine, creating an intimate listening experience.
‘you sound like the dolphins!’ is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
REVIVAL HOUSE PROJECT
Dance To The Music
• Revival House Project releases their new album, Dance To The Music, with 18 reimagined versions of beloved songs that transcend genres and invite everyone to move, feel, celebrate, and dance.
• The focus track, “Moving On Up” reimagines Primal Scream’s classic. Featuring Peyton’s soulful vocals, GeO Gospel Choir’s rich harmonies, and a club-driven beat, the track combines the feel-good vibes of disco and the classic beat structure of house.
• Revival House Project are inspired by a love for house music and a desire to make great dance records to be enjoyed by multiple generations, inspiring optimism and joy. These songs are danceable, euphoric house masterpieces that evoke an emotional, personal, and nostalgic connection.
JULIA MINICHIELLO
“always know the exits”
• “always know the exits” is a compelling pop song that delves into the nuanced balance between vulnerability and self-protection in relationships. Co-written with Lukas Klingensmith and Sara Bares, the track combines relatable storytelling with a memorable melody.
• “My favorite thing is when a song calls out such specific thoughts and emotions that I’ve always felt alone in experiencing, which makes me feel so seen. I hope ‘always know the exits’ is exactly that for people.” — Julia Minichiello
• Following Julia’s viral moment as the winner of the #Sing2gether TikTok contest hosted by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment, she embarks on a new chapter in Nashville with this track and more music to come.
Rising female dark electronic artist Poni has released her new Hellscape EP out now via HypnoVizion.
For her label debut, Poni has offered a conceptual project in the form of three tantalizing midtempo bass originals. Unraveling with haunting melodies and gothic lyricism, Hellscape is gritty yet alluring as Poni explores themes of torment and despair. Female-led, the EP features twin sister duo Satin Puppets (‘Leeches’) and Nashville singer-songwriter Notelle (‘Leave You In The Dark’) along with Poni’s own vocals on ‘Conceptual Reality’.
“Calamitous times and places that are void of hope, Hellscape tells a story of three vastly unpleasant circumstances. Vengeance and how the murdered haunts the murderer. Heartbreak and being in a toxic relationship with a narcissist, ultimately leaving them to ruin their own lives. Despair and how lost and brainwashed society is. All of which are tied together by the sinister workings of Apep, the demon of darkness and destruction (my reimagination). Is there really no hope though? That’s up for interpretation.” – Poni
London-based multi-faceted artist Gigi Wilde reintroduces herself under a new name with a cover of Fairport Conventions ‘Who Knows Where the Time Goes’. – This soulful, mellow rendition marks an exciting new chapter in her musical journey, showcasing a sound that is both stirring and intimate.
‘Who Knows Where the Time Goes’ is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Michigander – the acclaimed indie rock project led by singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jason Singer – has shared his aspirational new single, “Peace of Mind,” available now via Totally Normal Records through Thirty Tigers. Co-written with renowned producer/musician Butch Walker (Green Day, Weezer, Fall Out Boy), the track heralds the eagerly awaited arrival of Michigander’s self-titled debut album, Michigander, due Friday, February 7. Pre-orders/pre-saves are available now. Limited edition vinyl is available for pre-order exclusively at shop.michiganderband.com.
“‘Peace of Mind’ is a song about living rich on minimum wage,’ says Jason Singer. “It’s about how we as humans will never be satisfied with what we have and no matter how many goals we accomplish, we still will always want more. I wrote this one afternoon with Butch Walker. He’s an incredible human being and we had the best time together.”
ZYHIER, an emerging artist from Scarborough, infuses his music with personal stories and relatable themes. Growing up surrounded by music through his family’s involvement, he found his passion in creating authentic, genre-blending art, primarily within R&B hip hop, and pop. His lyrics reflect experiences with love, personal growth, and insights from those around him. Themes of love and self-reflection drive his work, often allowing him to express vulnerability through his music—a refreshing approach that balances masculinity with emotional depth.
ZYHIER’s creative process is both intuitive and versatile, balancing writing for crafted records and freestyling to capture raw emotions. Despite being new to the industry, he dreams of becoming a major influence worldwide. Driven by a desire to inspire others, ZYHIER creates music with the aim of leaving a lasting, positive impact.
Meggi Faye is a singer/songwriter living in Minto Township near Kitchener, Ontario. She began writing and singing songs with her guitar at age 15 and continued as a way to find healing. From love and loss to mental illness, music became her refuge and safe space.
With influences like Kathleen Edwards and Jenn Grant, her voice captivates her listeners. Her voice has a euphonic quality while her lyrics are moving and unforgettable. Her songs offer solace to wounded hearts and peace to weary minds; they’re soul medicine.
Her self-produced first EP “Meggi Faye” came while recording in a glorified blanket fort in Toronto. Her second album titled “Radiant Sun” came a few years later in 2016 and brought her and her band to venues like The Amsterdam Bicycle Club and The Free Times Cafe. She is currently working towards her third album titled “Piece It Back Together” coming out the summer of 2025. Three singles from the album will be released before the album. Moon & Back, Messed Up Place and Waiting on a rainy day.
Actor, producer, rapper, and DJ extraordinaire IDRIS has landed on Dirtybird Records with his new single ‘No Long Talk’ out now. ‘No Long Talk’ arrives alongside an official remix by GAWP.
‘No Long Talk’ is a saucy club cut that combines IDRIS’ undeniable swagger with the charismatic nature of Dirtybird’s catalog. Effortlessly smooth, ‘No Long Talk’ flaunts a bold topline provided by T.O.K’s Alx The One amidst bouncy basslines and overzealous percussion as IDRIS embraces UK and Afro House elements. ‘No Long Talk’ comes paired with GAWP’s deep tech rendition that trades the original’s energetic rhythms for darker underground tones. Serving as IDRIS’ debut on Dirtybird, ‘No Long Talk’ is a testimonial to the label’s influence in dance music for nearly 20 years.
“Having a release on Dirtybird is a dream come true for me. I’ve been spinning Dirtybird records for years.” – IDRIS
x JUNO nominated singer-songwriter Julian Taylor and his band are sharing a brand new live LP recorded at Toronto’s historic Massey Hall in the TD Music Hall, with all tracks mastered in Dolby Atmos.
“Any time you get a chance to record a live show, you gotta take it, so when Massey Hall offered to record it via their new Deanne Cameron state-of-the-art studio equipped with the best gear that the world has to offer, it was a no brainer,” explains Taylor.
“Doug McKendrick recorded, mixed it and mastered it in Dolby Atmos. It’s the first album to receive that treatment and I am excited for the world to hear it.”
This career spanning set sees the Julian Taylor Band playing with a newfound sense of comradery stronger than that on any record in Taylor’s back catalogue.
The album’s focus track is a lively rendition of the warm and nostalgic yet a touch unsettling production which characterizes “The Ridge,” the Americana title track from Taylor’s breakout 2020 record which chronicles his childhood summers spent with his sister, aunt, and grandparents at the latter’s farm in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
Madelline is on the rise as one of pop’s most daring and original voices. Crafting left-of-center lyrical bops that tackle heavy topics like life, death, and mental health, Madelline uses her witty lyricism and theatrical stage presence to captivate audiences with her blend of music, dance, and performance art – as much ‘catwalk’ as it is ‘cabaret’.
Her music has struck a chord online, leading to several viral moments across Instagram and TikTok, and earning her a dedicated following of nearly half a million monthly listeners. Most notably, her bilingual double-single “dopamine” has amassed over 15 million streams, while her dance pop anthem “I’m Only Here for the Beat” topped Billboard’s Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart at #1. Described as the love child of Lily Allen, Marina, Taylor Swift, with a spoonful of Ashnikko, Madelline brings a fresh, fun energy to pop that makes her live performances unforgettable.
Her new single “Uh Uh (Outside)”is an adventurous and bold track. She shares, “This is a genre I affectionately refer to as “Mary Poppins core”. “Uh Uh (Outside)” blends whimsical elements of vintage musical theatre nostalgia I grew up on & bratty early 2000s pop a la the icons Gwen Stefani and Fergie. For the cover art I dressed up as Mary Poppins outside a club flying on my umbrella but with thigh high, lace up, 6 inch platform boots flashing out of my skirt.” Produced by Boy Blue (Natalie Jane, Sueco, Suki Waterhouse) the song is an ode to messy club nights and the desire to let your inhibitions go.
In the end Madelline encourages others to embrace their true selves. She shares, “Allow yourself to play and always remember that you can reinvent yourself at any given moment. Don’t let others put you in a box. Be weird. Be random. Be messy. Be sexy. Be multifaceted. ❤️”
“’Queen Viper’s Kiss’ is an example of the higher octane side of the new record, driven by the swagger and rock n’ roll charm of frontman James Ryder. He’s well complemented by lead guitarist Max Knight, who doles out electrifying solos left and right. Combined together, it’s an energetic formula for balls-to-the-wall heavy rock n’ roll.” –V13.net
The band explains, “This track is a venomous tale of betrayal and survival, wrapped in a ferocious mix of searing vocals and relentless guitar riffs. ‘Queen Viper’s Kiss’ captures the essence of resilience and strength amidst chaos.” On Menagerie, Ryder reveals, “Menagerie represents a bold new chapter for Ryder. Following a lineup change in January 2024, this is the first album to feature the band’s fresh dynamic and renewed creative energy. The record is a vivid tapestry of human experience, blending raw emotion with powerful instrumentation. Each track offers a unique lens into themes of struggle, triumph, and identity, reflecting Ryder’s evolution as artists. From blistering hard rock anthems to haunting melodies, Menagerie showcases the band’s ability to tell stories that resonate deeply while delivering high-energy, unforgettable performances.”
Fronted by powerhouse vocalist and rhythm guitarist James Ryder, the band draws inspiration from legendary rock acts while carving out their own distinct sound. On lead guitar, Max Knight delivers electrifying solos that pay homage to the greats but with a fresh, dynamic twist. The thundering backbone of Ryder comes from Rod Viquez on bass and Nick Bavaro on drums, whose tight, heavy grooves create the perfect foundation for the band’s explosive energy.
Having performed at the prestigious Rocklahoma Festival in 2018, the group have also shared the stage with legendary acts including Ace Frehley, Bret Michaels, Ratt, LA Guns, Faster Pussycat, Dokken, Skid Row, John 5, and Wednesday 13, and performed at iconic venues such as Whisky a Go Go, The Chance Theater, Gramercy Theatre, Wellmont Theater, BergenPac, Webster Hall and Stanhope House. Known for their electrifying live shows, Ryder has built a reputation for delivering high-energy performances alongside some of rock’s most celebrated names. Additionally, Ryder worked with Anthony Esposito, founding bassist of Lynch Mob and current bassist for Jake E. Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel, on their debut album Killer Karma, as well as the single Lilan’s Lullaby and the EP Don’t Think Twice.
Glimmer rock artist on the rise, Vienna Vienna, is paying homage to one of his greatest influences with a cover of David Bowie’s track, “John, I’m Only Dancing.” Known for his vibrant, shimmering sound, Vienna Vienna brings his unique edge to the song, stripping down the instrumentation while amplifying Bowie’s signature theatricality. The result is a modern alternative take that nods to the original’s bold energy while embracing Vienna Vienna’s distinctive style.
When asked about putting his spin on the track, Vienna Vienna shared, “Look, I don’t do replicas, he would’ve hated that. I try to carry his virtuoso with me, while always staying true. If Bowie is Christ then I guess I’m born-again. What an honor.”
The Bowie cover tune follows the success of Vienna Vienna’s debut EP, Wonderland, released via PULSE Records and Pete Wentz’s label DCD2, which dropped in October. The EP, celebrated for its dynamic exploration of identity and queerness, has solidified Vienna Vienna as a rising voice in the modern alt-rock scene.
Fresh off a tour with Valley in Canada, Vienna Vienna is set to bring his electrifying energy to audiences once again, joining K.Flay on tour in 2025.
K.Flay Tour Dates:
Mon, Feb 24, 2025 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
Wed, Feb 26, 2025 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
Thu, Feb 27, 2025 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
Fri, Feb 28, 2025 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom
Sat, Mar 1, 2025 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall
Mon, Mar 3, 2025 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Grand at the Complex
Tue, Mar 4, 2025 – Denver, CO – Summit
Thu, Mar 6, 2025 – Minneapolis, MN – First Ave
Fri, Mar 7, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Vic Theatre
Sat, Mar 8, 2025 – Indianapolis, IN – Hi-Fi Annex
Mon, Mar 10, 2025 – Toronto, ON – Danforth
Tue, Mar 11, 2025 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
Wed, Mar 12, 2025 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
Fri, Mar 14, 2025 – Boston, MA – Paradise
Sat, Mar 15, 2025 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
Sun, Mar 16, 2025 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
Tue, Mar 18, 2025 – Charlotte, NC – Underground
Wed, Mar 19, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
Fri, Mar 21, 2025 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
Sat, Mar 22, 2025 – Kansas City, MO – Truman
Sun, Mar 23, 2025 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s
Wed, Mar 26, 2025 – Phoenix, AZ – Van Buren
Thu, Mar 27, 2025 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
Fri, Mar 28, 2025 – San Diego, CA – Observatory North Park
Sat, Mar 29, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
Vancouver fusion-pop artist Cinnamon Sandhu shares her new single ‘I’ll Be Alright’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
2024 has been a busy year for Cinnamon creative-wise. ‘I’ll Be Alright’ is the 4th single she’s released this year, following her previous singles ‘Materialistic Rani‘ (April 2024), ‘Diamond‘ (July 2024) and ‘Genie‘ (September 2024). She chose to end out the year with ‘I’ll Be Alright’ because its universal theme of self-empowerment and healing is perfect for moments of new beginnings, like the New Year, when people focus on healing and fresh starts.
‘”I’ll Be Alright’ is me telling myself that I’ve got this—it’s like a self-affirmation in the form of a song,” says Cinnamon. “It’s about reminding myself that no matter how hard things get, I have the strength to heal, grow, and come out stronger on the other side.”
An emerging South Asian artist from Vancouver, BC, Cinnamon calls her genre fusion-pop because it’s a mix of Western and Indian pop music. Her music career began nine years ago, when she began singing covers of Punjabi and English songs on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Since then, she’s gained 180K followers, 2M likes on TikTok, and 3.5M views on YouTube.
But despite this early success, according to Cinnamon, it wasn’t until years later that her career fully took off: “I consider 2021 the year my career officially launched as it’s when I released my first single and booked my first paid show at 5X Fest, a well-known South Asian Festival in BC. In 2022, I independently released four singles and one self-funded music video, with my music video reaching over 10K organic views on YouTube.”
Yazelle has returned with her latest fiery anthem ‘Marry The Mirror’, available to buy/stream everywhere today. The artist ignites her latest track as a blazing anthem that is ‘more than just a breakup song – it’s about breaking free’, following her journey of self-discovery.
Diving fearlessly into the murky waters of toxic relationships, she captures the electrifying moment of revelation when one’s true perception suddenly crystallizes, recognizing you were in love with a narcissist. “It’s about finding clarity, reclaiming your self respect and feeling the unmatched empowerment of walking away”, she reveals with raw intensity. The song’s provocative title and message culminate in her razor-sharp observation that some people might as well “Marry the Mirror” because “they’ll never love anyone more than themselves”. This transformative and unapologetic single is far beyond the realm of a typical breakup song.
Released alongside the single are the fiery visuals, which perfectly encapsulate the track’s dancefloor filling energy, and sultry essence. Featuring stunning sets and killer outfits, Yazelle gives a stellar performance in the dazzling official video.
Acclaimed alternative jesters Faux Real will bring their singularly flamboyant and creatively daring live show to clubs across North America with an eagerly awaited North American headline tour, getting underway February 8 at Austin, TX’s Hotel Vegas and then traveling through a March 1 finale in New York City. Tickets for all announced dates are on sale Friday, December 13 at 10 am local time.
Known far and wide for their genre-bending, gravity-defying live performances, Faux Real – a.k.a. Los Angeles-based Franco-American brothers Virgile and Elliott Arndt – are heralding the upcoming tour with today’s premiere of an official video of “Walking Away From My Demons,” featuring footage captured on-stage earlier this year during the duo’s live run across Europe and the United Kingdom.
“This video was shot over some 20 shows on tour between May and June 2024, in Europe, the UK and the US,” say Faux Real. “We wanted to make a video medley of Walking Away From My Demons, a fan-favorite at our shows. So we set out to film WAFMD every time we played it, in rooms big or small, day or night, packed or not. It’s all phone footage shot by random audience members, by ourselves, by our videographer Ted Kayumba, to try and reflect what a Faux Real show feels like: sweaty, euphoric, absurd, over-the-top, earnest, glamorous, disgusting, sexual, sacred. Please enjoy responsibly and see you in the pit at the Faux Ever Tour next year.”
New York-based artist and producer Will Sass is back with another standout single, “Fairweather Friends” featuring the award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt. Following his initial releases, “Into The Blue (feat. kamille)” and “Alicia (feat. Alvin Risk), Will continues to bolster his reputation as a boundary-pushing talent who crafts infectious, genre-blurring hits that stick with you long after the first listen.
His new single, “Fairweather Friends,” is a testament to Will’s exceptional talent as a producer and songwriter. The track showcases his ability to craft compelling music, cementing his status as a sought-after collaborator among today’s most talented artists.
Co-written with Nina Nesbitt, “Fairweather Friends” is a bold, anthemic call-out to fleeting, shallow connections. From its opening line—“You loved me on the good days, and ran away when things got heavy”—the track dives headfirst into the painful reality of unreliable relationships. The empowering and instantly catchy chorus, “Saying fairweather to my fairweather friends, this is goodbye, I won’t see you again,” transforms the personal into the universal, delivering a cathartic message for anyone who’s ever had to let go of people who only stick around when it’s convenient. “Everyone has had this experience at some point in their lives where they decide it’s time to cut ties with fake friends,” Will says about the song’s relatable message.
Reflecting on her collaboration with Will, Nina shares, “I’ve spent a lot of time writing with upcoming artists the past couple of years and I have loved working with Will. When he asked me to feature on Fairweather Friends I was really excited to be involved in one of his first releases. I had the pleasure of writing Will’s last song, ‘Into The Blue,’ with him and Kamille, so it’s nice to be singing on this one! He had such a clear story of what ‘Fairweather Friends’ meant to him, so it’s great to be able to bring it to life together.”
In keeping with her annual tradition, Piney Gir releases a light-hearted take on The Knife’s 2001 track ‘Reindeer’, out 13th December.
Piney Gir is an artist who’s been performing for well over 20 years – with her solo output receiving radio airplay from numerous BBC 6Music DJs and being featured in the likes of The Independent, The Guardian, The Line of Best Fit, The Quietus, and DIY Magazine, she’s also played live internationally with Gaz Coombes’ and Noel Gallagher’s touring bands over the last few years.
As a Christmas lover, Piney Gir releases a new holiday song every year, and 2024 sees her releasing an appropriately cheerful take on a dark electronic track originally by Swedish duo The Knife. The band are now separated (with founding member Karin Dreijer enjoying solo success performing as Fever Ray), but their legacy lives on as demonstrated with this cover.Piney’s more upbeat version features her signature bittersweet vocal stylings as well as luscious strings for extra festive magic, with production overseen by Scritti Politti’s Rhodri Marsden – this track is a must for any Christmas playlist!
The single is lifted from the upcoming new compilation album from Lush Cosmetics, personally curated by co-founder and passionate music fan Mark Constantine. Entitled In The Bath, it continues the brand’s series of compilations featuring a vast range of covers, following previous instalments ‘Self Preservation Society’, ‘Instant Replay’ and ‘Life’s What You Make It’. The new collection of songs will be available on triple vinyl and download via Lush’s own label Cosmetic Warriors (distributed by Proper Music).
Compositions by artists as diverse as R.E.M, The Spice Girls, Celine Dion, Tracy Chapman, The Offspring and Depeche Mode have been reinterpreted by a galaxy of established and rising stars including Teddy Thompson, Eliza Carthy, Jackie Oates, Lady Maisery, Chisara Agor, Joshua Burnside, Stealing Sheep and Honeyfeet, many of which you’ll find on Lush’s bespoke Spa Treatment soundtracks. The result is a magnificently diverse, six-sided jewel of a record.
Izza is a pop singer, songwriter, and producer, paying homage to 2000s dance pop with her electrifying melodies and self-love-inspiring lyrics.The Los Angeles native recently toured Europe and the UK, opening for artist Leah Kate in May of 2024. Through her magnetic stage presence and approachable personality, the tour grew her community of dedicated fans. The artist also garners consistent attention via social media, with a recent tongue-and-cheek Coachella campaign amassing over 100 million views on Instagram, and past posts on other platforms drawing significant attention to her music and creativity.
Izza prides herself on creating music that encourages everyone and anyone to focus on self-love and normalize vulnerability. Izza is also an advocate for mental health and has performed at 320 Festival, alongside artists like Chris Martin of Coldplay, Elohim, and Social House.
By coupling high-energy beats with positive messages, Izza prides herself on creating music that can be used as medicine for those who need it most. According to Genius, “Not many can do so with the same effortlessly confident feel and focus on playful fun as Izza.” From headlining Audacy’s “We Can Survive” 2023 concert at Prudential Center -where she was interviewed by radio sensation Josh “Bru” Brubaker about her-to selling out LA venues, there’s nothing Izza can’t do.
As a child, Camille Schmidt would sit at the kitchen table with the models who posed nude in her parents’ art studio. She occasionally wondered why, at the end of these life drawing sessions, paintings of the female body in its most vulnerable form would be given an impersonal title like “Girl with Dogs #3” or “Woman Sleeping #7.” On her debut album Nude #9, Schmidt renders revealing and personal portraits—of herself, her family, and former and future lovers. Seamlessly blending the sounds of synth-pop, folk, and punk, Schmidt’s debut album is a rapturous portrait of a songwriter realizing her full potential.
The Brooklyn-based singer and songwriter cracked open the folk-rock songbook on her debut EP Good Person, released this past June. While breakout single “Your Game” was a queer kiss-off set to the rollicking sound of alt-country legends like Lucinda Williams and Alison Krauss, there was a soft power in her wistful approach to heartbreak on “Bumblebee Drinks Lavender.” These six songs, which showcased Schmidt’s hallmark ability to balance an innately wry sense of humor with moments of quietly devastating self-reflection, hinted at something greater than the sum of their folk-rock parts.
On Nude #9, despite growing her ensemble, Schmidt sounds more present than ever before, the unflinching honesty in her lyrics front and center. Broadening her palette to include starry-eyed ambient soundscapes and thrumming post-punk rhythms while digging deeper into romance, sexuality, friendship, and her own sense of self, Nude #9 is sincere and whimsical, hilarious and deeply felt.
Pop singer and songwriter JESSIA continues her meteoric rise with the release of her new single, “I’m Not Gonna Cry.” Fresh off her first-ever headline tour, which wowed audiences across the US and Canada, JESSIA delivers a track that perfectly encapsulates her signature blend of infectious pop melodies and heartfelt lyricism.
“I’m Not Gonna Cry” is an anthem of resilience and self-empowerment. “This song is about the will to keep showing up for yourself, even when life gets tough,” JESSIA explains. “It’s choosing to celebrate the good things instead of dwelling on the negative. I want it to pick the listener up, dust them off, and get them ready for their busy day or their girls’ night out.” With its vibrant production and uplifting message, the track is tailor-made for blasting on repeat.
Since her debut in 2021, JESSIA has captivated the world with her raw talent, dazzling pop melodies, and deeply personal storytelling. Originally from Vancouver and now based in Los Angeles, she quickly became a global sensation with her viral breakout hit, “I’m not Pretty.” Her debut EP, How Are You?, garnered widespread acclaim and cemented her as a powerful voice in pop, earning her the prestigious Breakthrough Artist Award at the 2022 Juno Awards.
BERRIES have released the official video for ‘Jagged Routine’.
Taken from their s/t record of Autumn 2024, the track is one of the crowning jewels of the band’s highly-acclaimed second album ‘BERRIES’.
• Recorded in one take at the Coke Studio at Spotify Los Angeles, MARIS delivers an intimate, stripped-down rendition of “False Idol.” This track explores the disillusionment of idolizing someone who ultimately proves to be unworthy, with their charm and promises masking a lack of genuine love and support, capturing a journey from longing and heartbreak to clarity and liberation. Her powerful vocals convey raw emotion, taking listeners through her personal journey.
• MARIS recently completed a nationwide tour with indie band Melt and is opening for the New Jersey-based band A R I Z O N A tonight at The Van Buren in Phoenix. She will be returning to the road this spring, supporting cosmic-pop singer Maude Latour.
DDG has released a four-track EP, HANDLING BUSINESS, triumphantly planting his flag in a banner year. The new drop includes the previously released buzzing Real Boston Richey collaboration, “WHAT U BAD FOR,” alongside three brand new tracks, including “HANDLING BUSINESS” with Tory Lanez.
Ian North, a Canadian folk-rock artist, is back with a timely and soulful single, “The Beautiful City.” Originally inspired by his experiences living in Toronto, the song reflects his observations on urban challenges and asks what a truly livable, united city might look like. Drawing influence from gospel and folk traditions, Ian crafts an uplifting yet introspective track with a sound that melds alt-country with an ambient, gospel feel – just in time for the holiday season.
“The Beautiful City” revisits a track originally featured on Ian‘s debut album Emptiful (2001), which earned an honorable mention in Nashville’s Positive Pop Song Contest. Now, as Ian celebrates a personal milestone and his return to music after surviving a near-fatal health crisis, he reimagines the song with a renewed sense of purpose.
21 Lil Harold, the Atlanta-bred star and standout member of 21 Savage’s Slaughter Gang/Epic imprint, returns today with his new single, “Doze Off,” an end-of-year punctuation to what’s been an impressive campaign for the fast-rising artist.
The new track is produced by TKTK, and marks Harold’s first new music since the release of his latest project, the Sick of Myself EP, which arrived in May of this year.
Growing up an only child in a small town in Oregon, Tessa Violet always had a deep desire to create authentic connections with people. YouTube was the first platform which allowed her to foster those connections; as she grew up, and the platform evolved, it became a place for many budding musicians to flock. Fast forward to today and with close to two million subscribers under her belt, the now Los Angeles based artist is proving to be a force to be reckoned with.
Known for her raw and relatable anthems that deeply resonate with her fans, Tessa is now unveiling a gender neutral version of her summer single, “My Body’s My Buddy,” featuring Brye. The new remix features fellow viral sensation corook – amplifying the single’s message of inclusion, self-acceptance and body positivity for the trio’s non-binary audiences.
Tessa shares, “When I released ‘My Body’s My Buddy’, my fans asked for a gender neutral version – I was SO down and immediately thought of asking corook to jump on as the feature! I had been listening to their song ‘Emergency Contact’ a lot over the summer and I love all the new things they’re putting out. When I brought the idea up to Brye, she told me corook also had a viral song centered around body positivity, called “If I Were A Fish”! I didn’t realize they were the same person and I love how full circle that feels. I love what Corinne’s voice brings to the song and feel very honored they were willing to sing on it!”
Critically-acclaimed, Jamaica-born singer/songwriter Jada Kingdom releases her latest song, “Ready,” a captivating blend of modern Dancehall and R&B, featuring legendary Dancehall artist Dexta Daps. Get it HERE.
Kingdom’s creative output is a testament to her storytelling prowess, a quality that has captivated Reggae/Dancehall/R&B tastemakers alike. “Ready” is an immersive sonic experience that beckons fans and newcomers to a captivating collaboration by Jamaica’s finest— a ballad that exudes excellence from the start.
The new song arrives after the self-proclaimed TWINKLE made her return with “Somebody Else.” Tidal currently highlights the track via the Real Love: Best New R&B playlist as Billboard proclaimed the track as a “must hear track” and “a characteristically seductive kiss-off, [that] finds Twinkle purring her way through an R&B-infused track that balances vulnerability with strength sourced from introspection.” Revered outlet Earmilk raved “from the sultry vocal runs, unapologetic lyrics and a thumping soundscape that fuses ethereal strings and pads with a classic drum arrangement, Jada Kingdom delivers a soul-stirring performance ripe with warm vocal runs, layered melodies and authentic lyrics that evoke honesty” as other outlets such as GRM Daily, VIBE and more followed suite with praise.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
