Where we at widdit? Keeping the streets fed is paramount. You thought Boldy was going to let the year end without breaking off one more project (the just-released Hidden In Plain Sight)? Well, it’s a double-feature, as Boldy also released a new single, “Achilles,” from his forthcoming project, Murder During Drug Traffic, which will be released on 1.3.25.
In early January of 2023, nearly two weeks after suffering a nearly fatal and traumatic car accident, Boldy James released Indiana Jones, a collaborative project with Blended Babies producer RichGains, which immediately struck a chord with fans.
Now, Boldy and Rich are back at it, with their forthcoming sequel project, Murder During Drug Traffic, which will set off the new year right on 1.3.25. You can now stream the project’s first single “Achilles” below.
A rapper, actor, and film-maker, from San Gabriel, CA, who now resides in Spokane, WA, Wildcard has traversed the world sharing his music and art, touring the globe with Krayzie Bone & Wish Bone, Madchild, Apathy, and Celph Titled. He has also collaborated with Krayzie Bone, Kxng Crooked, Slaine and Apathy.
Wildcard has released eight albums over the course of his career, and now, after a year in the making (including performing a few of the album cuts at this year’s Gathering Of The Juggalos—his third such appearance at the Gathering), Wildcard & C-Lance have now released their new collaborative project The Zodiac Project.
The Zodiac Project is produced in its entirety by C-Lance, and features appearances from Apathy and A-Wax. The album was inspired by the 12 Zodiac signs; and includes Wildcard’s pops playing guitar on eight tracks.
Vinyl and CD versions of The Zodiac Projectand every Zodiac sign cover T-shirts are also now available.
Wildcard & C-Lance’s The Zodiac Project is now available at all DSP’s.
Beloved kids’ musician Laurie Berkner invites families to welcome 2025 with her new music video, “Happy New Year,” which is out today.
Laurie hopes everyone will join the Conga line and celebrate the New Year each time they watch this video. The danceable Afro-Caribbean beat will have kids partying no matter where they are. Grab a pot and spoon, be part of the rhythm section, and count down to midnight!
What happens when you randomly search for Hanukkah on the internet and find a sweet beat? Well, that’s Kosha’s story on collaborating with Nigerian producer Ko.Sce for a new holiday banger that is already being featured on various YouTube, Spotify, and Pandora.
In advance of NYC’s 1st ever Hannukcon, Kosha Dillz, and his friends run from a Crown Heights Bodega after a rough year, and still uplift spirits from the MTA’s 3 Train to Radio City Music Hall to Rockefeller Center celebrating Hanukkah while they tear up NYC with a massive Dreidel during Manhattan’s annual SantaCon with the “Dreidel Dreidel” Video. “Dreidel Dreidel” is now available at all DSP’s and you can watch the new video below.
Why shoot a Hanukkah video during SantaCon? Well, this is the first year in a very long time that Hanukkah and Christmas land on the same day; leading to an unusual, but pleasant celebration and collaboration of holidays. According to history, this event has happened 8 times over the last century +, with the last such example happening in 2005. Who knows when the next time it will happen, but this song promises to be a fixture every year at holiday parties.
Kosha’s holiday run is quite different from his usual antics. He comes off joining the Wild N’ Out Love Tour, making appearances at sold out shows in LA, Brooklyn, and New Orleans with Nick Cannon, Justina Valentine, DC Young Fly, YG, Big Freedia, Rick Ross and others.
The “Dreidel Dreidel” Video is a precursor to Kosha Dillz’ Hannukcon (NYC”s 1st ever) @ Mercury Lounge in the Lower East Side, which includes a spinning Dreidel spinning tournament, Knishes from Yonah Schimmel, Kosher Sufganiyot from Dough Doughnuts, and a “regifting” suite for all the presents you don’t want, along with a headline show featuring Kosha, Yiddish Rock with Riki Rose and DJ J-Ronin spinning a Jewish rap set alongside Klezmer classics. Word is there will also be interviews with unemployed Jewish Santa Clauses.
Embedded in the revolutionary spirit of house music birthed by LGBTQ+ DJ’s as a means of demonstrating freedom and equality, Austin Coven aims to channel this same raw energy laid out by his predecessors. By embracing the genre’s origins and aiming to shatter their limitations, the Long Island-based musician crafts sonic landscapes that are equal parts unpredictable as they are unforgettable. His debut album The Hummingbird Cabin releases in February 2025.
Internationally acclaimed vocalist, dancer, multi-instrumentalist and country music artist, Mags McCarthy is set to captivate audiences once again with her new single, “Our Song”, releasing on all digital platforms January 10, 2025“. Our Song” is poised to resonate deeply with listeners, offering a poignant reminder of the transformative power of love and the beauty of finding a true soulmate.
“Our Song” encapsulates the essence of love that connects two people destined for one another. “This song is a tribute to love in its purest form—what it means to find that one person who feels like home,” Mags shares. “I hope it inspires people to cherish their soulmates and to never stop believing in the power of love.”
The track seamlessly marries Mags’ rich Irish heritage with the soulful storytelling of country music. The music was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of country music, while the vocals were laid down at the iconic Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, Ireland—a nod to Mags’ roots. “Recording this song was an absolute joy. To bring together these two worlds that mean so much to me was truly special,” she adds.
Hailing from a family farm in County Cork, Ireland, Mags McCarthy’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. She began her artistic pursuits at just four years old, mastering Irish dance before expanding into a world of music, with the fiddle becoming her signature instrument. Mags gained international fame as a principal performer with the Irish dance troupe Rhythm of the Dance, touring 46 countries and performing on prestigious stages including The White House, The European Parliament, and Dollywood, where she shared the stage with country legend Dolly Parton.
In recent years, Mags has solidified her place in Nashville’s vibrant music scene. Her previous singles, including “Run”, “Emotional Honesty” and “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” have achieved significant success, climbing the charts both in the U.S. and Europe. She has also garnered accolades such as the Music Row Magazine Discovery Award and widespread acclaim from radio stations and media outlets.
Mags’ unique artistry blends the storytelling and authenticity of country music with the rich traditions of her Irish heritage. Known for her dynamic performances—where she often combines fiddle playing with high-speed Irish tap dance—Mags continues to win hearts around the globe. Her deep connection to her fans and passion for giving back is evident through her long-time support of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and numerous free benefit concerts.
With the release of “Our Song” Mags is taking another step toward her ultimate dream: performing at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. As she continues to build her legacy in Nashville, Mags remains a trailblazer, representing a fresh, global perspective in country music.
Acclaimed Donegal folk duo Without Willow return with their new single ‘Sink My Teeth’, a stripped-back, folk-influenced track that quietly addresses the idea of standing up for yourself, released Jan 10th.
With a focus on simplicity, Sink My Teeth offers a reflection on finding the courage to assert yourself in difficult situations. The song features minimal production, with guitar and vocals taking centre stage, allowing the song’s message to speak for itself. “I think a lot of us try to keep the peace in difficult times, often at the expense of our own well-being. The song is a way of saying, it’s okay to stand up for yourself when you have to,” Karen says.
Recorded in Blast Furnace in Derry, Sink My Teeth marks a subtle shift in style for Without Willow, moving towards a more stripped-back sound. While the arrangement may be deliberately simple, the intricate guitar playing of Simon McCafferty and the haunting, heartfelt vocals of Karen Kelly are far from it.
Without Willow, the enchanting acoustic folk/singer-songwriter duo, hails from the picturesque Co Donegal and has steadily built a reputation for their exceptional talent and emotive performances. Known for their ability to create music that deeply resonates with listeners, the duo has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Mick Flannery, Moya Brennan, and Declan O’Rourke. Their global appeal is evident from their sold-out headline shows in Germany and Canada in 2019 and 2022.
Karen, a former qualified nurse, brings profound emotional depth to their music with her distinctive, captivating voice. Her vocals intertwine seamlessly with Simon’s artistic vision. Simon, a virtuoso guitar player and graphic design student, infuses passion and technical brilliance into their sound, showcasing a synergy that beautifully explores the human experience.
Without Willow’s debut album, Left Behind, released in early 2024, garnered critical acclaim, further cementing their place in the Irish music scene. They have continued to capture audiences with their ability to tell stories through raw, honest, and deeply personal lyrics.
Sink My Teeth will be available on all major streaming platforms on Jan 10th 2025. Tickets are on sale now for their headline show at Lifford Old Courthouse, Co Donegal, on April 12th, 2025, with plans for an Autumn Tour later in the year. Don’t miss the chance to experience Without Willow’s heartfelt performances and unique sound live.
Electronic music visionary Damian Lazarus has released his fifth studio album, Magickal via Crosstown Rebels. In a move that defies industry norms, the album lands as a shock drop—bypassing the trend of staggered single releases and instead offering the extended artistic experience from day one.
“With Magickal, I wanted to do things differently. I’ve sought to bypass the current trend of drawn-out single drops and fragmented album experiences. For me, this is about returning to the idea of an album as a complete, cohesive artistic statement—a pinnacle moment rather than an afterthought. After the release, we’ll explore the music further with singles, remixes, and a world tour, where I’m planning to present the album in some fresh, innovative ways. All to be revealed soon.” – Damian Lazarus.
Coinciding with the album’s release is Day Zero, Damian’s legendary annual festival that brings music, nature, and community together. Created to celebrate the end of the Mayan calendar in 2012, Day Zero has become more than just an iconic event, and stands as a cultural pillar and benchmark for immersive experiences on the global festival circuit. Set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty deep in the Mexican jungles of Tulum, Day Zero seamlessly blends music and cutting-edge production with deep respect for local culture, heritage, and traditions. By integrating rituals and customs into its programming while adopting sustainable practices, Day Zero sets a precedent for how modern events can honour ancient traditions in meaningful and contemporary ways. A central piece of Damian’s expansive world, this ethos not only inspires his creative vision and process but also forms the foundation for the immersive world of Magickal – mirroring the album’s themes of unity, transcendence, and the magical power of connection, and providing the perfect launchpad for the LP.
Rock band L.S. Dunes is excited to share the title track from their forthcoming album. Fans can stream “Violet” now, and watch the brand new music video here. L.S Dunes’ highly anticipated sophomore album, Violet, will be out on January 31st, 2025 via Fantasy Records. Pre-orders are available now at https://found.ee/LSDunesViolet.
“I think ‘Violet’ is the song that fully encapsulates everything we do as a band. Frank brought the demo to the band as a fully structured song, and it seemed that we all just knew immediately what we had to do,” shares bassist Tim Payne. “I hear quite a few elements from songs on Past Lives, but it’s filtered through the lens of a more established musical language between us, and we were able to take this already incredible song Frank wrote and elevate it to a place I don’t think any of us imagined it could go.“
Adds front man Anthony Green: “This song is about someone getting exactly what they deserve. This song helped me get through the feeling of being ghosted.“
Theatrical indie-pop band, Bandits on the Run, have announced a string of national tour dates supporting The Wood Brothers, in the midst of an ongoing residency at New York’s Bowery Electric.
Known for their distinct combination of cello, guitar, accordion and found-percussion with sophisticated three-part harmonies and rotating lead vocals, the trio of Adrian Blake Enscoe (he/they), Sydney Shepherd (she/her) and Regina Strayhorn (she/her) sprang from a chance encounter while busking in NYC’s bustling subways. The Brooklyn-based outfit burst onto the national stage in 2019 when their song, “Love in the Underground,” was featured on the NPR Tiny Desk Contest’s Top Shelf. After recording their 2021 EP, Now Is The Time, with producer Ryan Hadlock (Brandi Carlile, The Lumineers), the Bandits took to the screen, devising a short musical film, Band At The End Of The World, commissioned by Prospect Musicals. Since then, they have continued to explore the nexus of indie-folk and theatrical storytelling, composing music for the Netflix animated series, Storybots, scoring the movie, The Same Storm, adapting several songs from texts by William Shakespeare for a production of As You Like It, receiving an NEA grant for a new musical with Prospect Musicals, all the while touring the globe with appearances at the Cambridge Folk Festival, Floydfest, Summerfest Milwaukee, Americanafest, F1 Singapore Grand Prix, Mile of Music, and the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival.
Enscoe recently received rave reviews for their performance as Little Brother in Swept Away on Broadway, featuring music written by The Avett Brothers, who invited Enscoe to join them onstage during their sold out New Year’s Eve concert.
Bandits on the Run are currently working on the stage musical adaptation of the novel What’s Eating Gilbert Grape in association with MCC Theater, alongside actor-musician Christopher Sears and Academy Award Nominee Peter Hedges, who wrote the original book and screenplay.
Eddie Kaine and Rim are two emcees from the Bedstuy and Brownsville sections of Brooklyn. They are both solo artists with extensive catalogs in the underground circuit, but when they record together as a duo, they form Stuyville (a mash-up of the boroughs they represent).
Eddie & Rim are also members of a Hip Hop collective entitled, The Walkers, which consists of Rome Streetz, Ty Farris, Bub Rock, Spoda, and more. With a dominating stage presence together and stellar work ethic to match, Eddie Kaine & Rim have now released their new collaborative project Welcome To Stuyville, which is now available at all DSP’s. They also released a new visual for “Never Stop” featuring Che Noir which can be viewed below.
Welcome to Stuyville consists of 11 tracks, all produced by Griselda’s own Camoflauge Monk and .38 Spesh of Trust Music Group with features from Benny the Butcher, Kurupt, Hus Kingpin, Che Noir and Fred the Godson (RIP).
Welcome To Stuyville is now available, and also available in all physical formats via www.1332RECORDS.com.
Acclaimed Canadian rock band Silverstein have today shared their brand new single “Don’t Let Me Get Too Low”. Fans can stream the track now here, as well as check out the new music video here.
Shares front man Shane Told: “’Don’t Let Me Get Too Low blends our classic sound with our pop-punk and also our hardcore influences. It’s a song that is hard to describe because it does so much in under 3 minutes. The video was a lot of fun to film, we were in the middle of the desert outside Las Vegas and I was digging my own grave with a big smile on my face. Luckily no cops showed up to ask us what we were doing, that might have been hard to explain.”
“Sometimes the only person that can save you from yourself is… yourself? That’s what the lyrics say, anyway. If you watch the video, it’s actually the opposite. Either way, though, we had a great time making this song,” adds guitarist Paul Marc Rousseau. “Some of it came to us quickly, but a few parts kicked our ass for a while. I lowkey kind of love when the whole room is just grinding out like 10 seconds of music for 2 hours, though. It feels like the most important thing in the world but also so absurd at the same time. That’s the thing with writing something this short: you have to make sure every second serves a purpose, and I think we accomplished that here. Zero wasted seconds. 100% banger.”
Acclaimed Donegal folk duo Charles James & The Rise are set to release their haunting new single, “Greatest Prize”, on January 16th, 2025. Known for their evocative storytelling and cinematic folk sound, the husband-and-wife team continues to deliver profound narratives that resonate deeply with their audience. Coinciding with the release, Charles James & The Rise will be performing live at Your Roots Are Showing, Ireland’s leading folk and roots music conference, on January 16th.
“Greatest Prize” is an introspective exploration of the demons that haunt us, inspired by Charles James’ own struggles with recurring nightmares. Through poetic and self-aware lyrics, the song unpacks how unresolved traumas—“ghosts of the past”—linger beneath the surface and inevitably demand acknowledgment.
In Charles’ own words, “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve suffered a lot with nightmares—never the same ones, but always something. ‘Greatest Prize’ came from being strung out because I was waking so often through the night. Through the lyrics, I’ve tried to explore the idea that your demons, ghosts of the past, or whatever it happens to be, always live with you whether you realize it or not—and they’ll find a way to the surface if you don’t deal with them.”
Yet amidst the song’s darker themes, Charles brings moments of wry self-awareness and humor, admitting, “I’d be the first to tell someone to get help and the last to actually take my own advice!” This balance of vulnerability and levity is a hallmark of Charles James & The Rise’s music, and it shines through in “Greatest Prize.”
Fans can expect the duo’s signature cinematic sound, blending Charles’ raw, heartfelt delivery with Catherine O’Donnell’s ethereal harmonies. With its layered storytelling and rich melodies, “Greatest Prize” is sure to leave a lasting impression.
This new single follows the success of their November release, “The Sailor & The Saint,” which received critical acclaim and continued to build momentum for their debut album, set to release later this year. Already recognized as one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s (ES) “20 Artists You Should Know for 2024,” Charles James & The Rise are solidifying their place as one of the most captivating folk acts on the scene.
genre-blending multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter, Isaiah Stone, released his second single “Get Down”. The release highlights Stone’s signature style of funk and R&B fusion. Stream the track HERE.
Written by Isaiah, “Get Down” is a high energy groove that will make you want to dance while simultaneously exploring the tension between ambition and temptation, and the push and pull of striving for something greater while carrying the weight of frustration and disconnection. The new single features a perfect blend of rock layered instrumentals and energetic and soulful vocals.
“I chose this song because it reflects my journey, the drive to create something timeless while balancing the other parts of life. There is an urgency to transcend, but also a reminder to stretch out and have a little fun along the way,” said Stone. “In other words, when all else fails, just get down.“
Stone truly has a unique and inspiring story turning his life experiences into emotionally deep and uplifting lyrics and beats.
After growing up in a community where television, music and outside influence were blocked, music still found its way to Stone. Now Stone’s music draws inspiration from classic rock-n-roll legends, Sly and the Family Stone and Jimi Hendrix to songwriting heroes like Prince and DeVonte Swing of Jodeci.
“Get Down” builds off the momentum of Stone’s recent debut single, “No One Cares”, an electrifying track that highlights Stone’s mellow raspy voice and fusion of punk funk beats and gritty guitar licks. The song takes listeners through carefully crafted lyrics that illustrate his life and serves as a reminder to enjoy the ebbs and flow of life. Stream the debut single HERE.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
