Multi-platinum, seven-time GRAMMY®-nominated R&B superstar GIVĒON has formally announced his second studio album, BELOVED, July 11th. The forthcoming release is led by the hit single “Twenties,” and the album’s second single, “Rather Be,” released this month.
BELOVED marks the end of a multi-year hiatus for GIVĒON, whose proper debut album, Give or Take, released in 2022. BELOVED features production from Matthew Burnett, Jahaan Sweet, Gitty, Sevn Thomas, Maneesh and more.
BELOVED is on its way and is available for pre-order here.
[Pre-order: [Giveon.lnk.to/BELOVED]GIVĒON, ‘BELOVED’]
Magenta Moon is an indie rock spaceship co-piloted by Elaina Whitesell (vocals, bass) and Joey Petrarca (guitar, vocals). Their unique sound transports passengers to a realm of delight where melodies echo through alleys of dark romance and rhythms lure listeners into dramatic action. Magenta Moon’s live show is an energetic spectacle, blending storytelling with multimedia elements while offering common ground to audiences of all ages, races, and creeds. Recent releases, “Perceive Yourself,” “Move Me,” “More,” and “Red Again,” have received praise from EARMILK, Mystic Sons, and Indie Midlands. They were recently named among Music Connection Magazine’s Hot 100 Artists of the Year.
Andrew Spice is a classically trained pianist, vocalist and songwriter who grew up in rural Manitoba. He earned numerous accolades during his early music education, and was headed toward a career as a concert pianist. Then, influenced by the raw confessional albums released by artists such as Tori Amos, Fiona Apple and PJ Harvey in the 90s, Andrew began writing his own songs. The process proved powerfully cathartic. As a coming-of-age queer person, he soon caught the attention of 3-time Juno nominee Emm Gryner. Andrew moved to Toronto, set his classical aspirations aside, and signed with Gryner’s label.
The result was 2003’s Pretty Demons (Dead Daisy Records/Outside Music). Publication after publication raved about his debut: “So sensitive it will break your heart” (The Varsity); “profound, beyond-Thom Yorke melancholy…a genuine talent whose lyrics are carefully wrought poems” (Now Magazine); “between the loopy highs of Tori Amos and the degraded depths of Trent Reznor…with the talent on display on this album, I can see Andrew Spice one day reaching their status” (Swerve); and “this songwriter has the rare ability to make a profound statement using a minimum of words and notes… Spice manages to put his finger on our collective hearts”(The Toronto Star). Andrew performed with artists such as Jason Collett (Broken Social Scene), Amy Millan (Stars), Danny Michel, Dayna Manning and Jann Arden. He played a showcase set at NXNE, and was nominated for Outstanding Debut Recording at the OutMusic Awards.
Nadia Younes is an independent recording artist, songwriter, and dancer from Saratoga, CA. Before stepping into pop and R&B, Nadia studied classical music and performed in Operas and musical theatre while also training in ballet and competitive dance. In 2019, she released her debut single, “You Can’t Love Me At All.” This ultimately led her to Los Angeles in 2020, where she collaborated with young artists as a songwriter, mentor, choreographer, and backup dancer. Nadia is featured on rapper Conejo’s song “H.O.P.E” earning a GRAMMY consideration for Best Gospel Performance Song. She can also be heard on the theme song for season three of YouTube’s Austin High series, upcoming independent film soundtracks, Warner Chappell’s “Cover Nation” pages, and on Kevin Bacon’s upcoming film, Connescence.
In June 2024, Nadia opened for American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer Jon B. at the first-ever Independent Artists Music Awards (IAM Awards). In September 2024, she released her first-ever EP, Anybody but You, in collaboration with 3013 Music. With many more to come, Nadia released her first single of 2025, “One Day,” in collaboration with The Kickback Music.
Nadia Younes draws inspiration from musical greats such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, and Ariana Grande. She creatively combines the nostalgic sound of early 2000s R&B/soul with current pop sonics to create a unique, catchy, and danceable sound that resonates with older and younger generations alike.
Hinterland Music Festival is gearing up for the 10th annual festival. This year’s music and camping festival is set to take place Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 3, in St. Charles, IA, just 30 minutes south of Des Moines. Highlights include Tyler, the Creator, Kacey Musgraves, Lana Del Rey, Clairo, The Marías, Bleachers, Remi Wolf, Sierra Ferrell, Still Woozy, Royel Otis, Wyatt Flores, Role Model, Glass Beams, Gigi Perez, and more. The Hinterland 2025 lineup is below.
Since the festival’s inception, Hinterland has drawn attendees from near and far. While located in central Iowa, just south of Des Moines, Iowa, nearly 50% of the attendees come from out of state. This year, exciting new site enhancements are set to elevate the Hinterland experience even further. The festival grounds have expanded, offering more space to relax and explore. A newly relocated main stage significantly increases the event footprint, adding more room to spread out, additional shade from trees and structures, and increased water access, including upgraded filling stations and strategically placed misting fans throughout the concourse. Hinterland’s new stage continues the festival’s tradition of a seamless, single-stage setup, so there’s no need to move between stages for different sets. Ticket options for 2025 include 3-Day and 1-Day General Admission, VIP, and SAINTS, along with a number of camping (tent, car, RV, glamping), parking, and shuttle options starting at just $25 down with a payment plan. Sunday tickets have already sold out. A limited number of other ticket options are available while supplies last at hinterlandiowa.com/tickets.
Camping will be sold on a per-tent or campsite basis, not per person. Improvements for VIP and SAINTS include dedicated entry lines, an upgraded Premium Lounge with a VIP and SAINTS level, an air-conditioned SAINTS lounge in the Premium Area, and more. A new free look policy allows VIP and SAINTS ticket holders to return their tickets if they aren’t satisfied within the first hour of arriving.
Hinterland 2025 will once again offer three days of music and more within the scenic landscape of rural Iowa. Once the headliners close out the main stage, the Campfire Stage located inside the campgrounds, will keep the music going into the night. In addition, camping and parking areas have been moved to create additional parking, more convenient camping, and more. Further enhancements include improved shuttle efficiency, additional entrances and exits, and more food vendors (including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options). ADA improvements include additional parking, convenient camping options, a shaded ADA viewing area, and more.
Also new in 2025, Hinterland is introducing a “90 Degree Guarantee,” which allows ticket holders the option to request festival admission ticket returns for any day that is predicted to reach 90° or higher.
Alejandro Sanz and Shakira have just released the official video for their latest collaboration “Bésame,” an intimate piece filmed during rehearsals for the opening night of Shakira’s U.S. tour on May 13 in Charlotte, North Carolina. With “Bésame,” Sanz and Shakira pick up right where they left off, delivering a heartfelt performance that highlights the magic they create together, honest and timeless.
Directed by longtime creative partner Jaume de Laiguana — who’s worked closely with both artists for over two decades — the video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the powerful chemistry between two of Latin music’s most iconic voices. What started as a rehearsal turned into a spontaneous and emotional moment that set the tone for the night, with Sanz joining Shakira as a surprise guest onstage to perform “La Tortura.”
The track is featured on ¿Y ahora qué? (And Now What?), Sanz’s latest project, a six-song release that marks the beginning of a bold new era in his career with features like Manuel Turizo and Grupo Frontera. Released on May 23, the EP is the first chapter of a larger creative journey that will continue to unfold this year. With ¿Y ahora qué?, Sanz asks a question that feels more relevant than ever — a simple phrase loaded with meaning. It’s a moment of reflection, a call to evolve, and above all, an invitation to feel. In 2025, this is his answer: music.
Singaporean dreampop group Blush today announce their signing to Kanine Records and share the single/video “X My Heart”. The track is a slice of undeniably sunny guitar pop that subverts the melancholy message encapsulated in the line “cross my heart and I hope to die in this sick sad world that’s never mine.”
“X My Heart” is accompanied by a vibrant visual that takes a macabre spiral from wistful lovesickness into dark romantic delusion.
Sons of Levin is a blues-driven jam band rooted in Boston, MA, led by brothers Dylan and Connor Levinson. With a dedication to delivering high-energy performances, their sound seamlessly melds classic blues-rock influences with an improvisational edge. At the heart of the band are Dylan’s dynamic vocals, Connor’s captivating guitar riffs, funky dueling keyboards, and a rhythm section that gets audiences moving. Drawing inspiration from rock legends like The Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, and the Grateful Dead, Sons of Levin crafts music that honors the past while infusing it with a fresh and modern twist.
Formed during their childhood days in Fairfield, CT, the Levinson brothers have been performing together since middle school, evolving their passion into the compelling act known today. They’ve graced venues across New England, showcasing their ability to engage audiences through skillful instrumentation and merging cerebral jam sessions with melodic hooks, creating a memorable and electrifying experience.
The band’s songwriting spans from introspective explorations of one’s self and classic tales of blues heartbreak to lighthearted, feel-good tracks that highlight their versatility and authenticity. Sons of Levin’s upcoming 2025 EP dives into their blues-rock roots, capturing the spontaneity and raw energy of their live performances through carefully crafted tracks. Produced with an emphasis on live tracking and instrumental jams, the project offers a genuine reflection of the band’s evolving sound.
Sons of Levin stands out not only for their musicianship but also for their genuine love of music and their ability to connect with audiences. With a blend of classic influences and modern sensibilities, they are making their mark as a jam band ready to bring joy, groove, and an unapologetic dose of dad-rock to listeners far and wide.
To Canada by way of Lebanon, Raphaela is a multicultural singer/songwriter crafting songs that blend romance, self-discovery, and emotional depth. Her music feels like a love letter to the deeply personal moments in life—where longing, self-discovery, and romance intertwine.
Growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, in a musically rich household, she was immersed in melody from an early age. With a mother who was a professional opera singer and a father who listened to the classics daily, Raphaela’s love for music was inevitable. She began writing songs at 14 and recorded her first EP in Lebanon before moving to Ottawa, Canada, where she further developed her craft.
Raphaela’s music has evolved into a reflection of life’s dualities—the beauty and the heartbreak, the uncertainty and the hope. Her past releases, including Fifth Street, South of France, Happy Endings, and Be My Hero, have captured these emotions with a delicate yet powerful touch.
Her latest single, Leave Him First, marks a turning point—bridging the sorrow of heartbreak with the promise of something better. It sets the stage for her debut EP, a collection of songs that explore love with newfound warmth, optimism, and a touch of dreamy nostalgia.
Cory Cullinan is a chart-topping musician, commissioned composer, author, award-winning teacher, speaker, and studio owner. His new release is a cathartic multigenerational multimedia collaboration entitled 2025 Alive. The streaming soundtrack is a high-tech improvisation by himself and his daughter acclaimed singer-songwriter Riley Max, and the film is a cinematic fantasia by his daughter Sidney Cullinan. He shares, “They express the myriad of thoughts and feelings we’ve had during this unconventional cultural year that, regardless of where you stand… feels like a test of some sort. A test of new ideas. Of old ideas in a modern world. Of stamina. Willpower. Intellect. Empathy. Patriotism.”
He further confides, “2025 Alive has vocals throughout but only one lyric: “Test.” This word is immediately deconstructed and splintered into pieces, like so much in our modern world. Whether current events are testing your resolve in a culture you loved, or you support those who are testing just how far we can break or reform our norms, this premise is apropos of what you are experiencing in 2025. We hope you find our work meaningful in this amazing and overwhelming year to be alive.”
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
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