featuring @lyla.music_ @factor50protectyourskin @itsnotvanes @ryann.ross @beaelmymartin @somefearmusic @belleandchain @itskenton @sophiagalate
Emerging pop artist Lyla introduces herself with her debut single ‘Untouchable’ a confident first step that sets the tone for what’s to come. Built on bright production, sharp songwriting, and a strong sense of identity, the track leans into modern pop without losing its individuality. ‘Untouchable’ is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Listen to ‘Untouchable’ below:
‘Untouchable’ is driven by a fast, punchy rhythm and an irresistible hook. There’s a balance between polish and personality at place with clean, contemporary production paired with a vocal that feels direct and self-assured.
Although this is her first official release, Lyla’s sound has been years in the making. With a background in songwriting and vocal training, she’s developed a style rooted in honest pop writing – melodic, structured, and intentional. Every element of ‘Untouchable’ reflects that foundation, from its tight arrangement to its clear sense of tone.
This release marks the beginning of Lyla’s journey as an artist, offering a first look at her approach to pop, with more to come soon.
Bristol-based five-piece Factor 50 return with their new EP ‘The Core’ a four-track release that captures a band in transition, shaping a sound that’s layered, exploratory, and hard to pin down.
‘The Core’ is available on the 13th February on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Listen to ‘The Core’ below:
https://ffm.to/factor-50-the-core
Speaking on the making of the EP, Factor 50 share: “This record is the culmination of 3 years of work and documents our growth through the early-mid 20s grinding through thankless jobs, searching for some form of meaning in this world and constantly looking back with nostalgia! It’s a period of time blanketed in the youthful glow of possibility and also anxiety for what is to come.”
Factor 50 describe their sound in their own terms: “post art, pre-punk, neo-folk, just before Indie, bodyboard rock., almost crank, open hearted” It’s an intentionally loose definition, but it speaks to the way their music pulls from different directions without settling into one lane. Across the EP, textured instrumentation and shifting dynamics create a sense of movement – moments of lightness and clarity sitting alongside tension and noise.
There’s a contrast at the heart of ‘The Core’. Bright, almost weightless passages give way to denser, more chaotic sections, echoing the push and pull of the themes they explore. Vocals move fluidly through this space, cutting through the mix while still feeling part of its unpredictability.
Emerging queer alt-pop artist VANÈS returns with her new single ‘STARFUCK’ a track that thrives on tension, contrast, and grit. Blending electronic textures with alt-pop influences, the song feels volatile in the best way. Distorted, high-energy production undercuts her soft, almost weightless vocals, creating something both intimate and unrestrained.
‘STARFUCK’ is out now on your streaming service of choice, via APOLLO Distribution.
Listen to ‘STARFUCK’ below:
‘STARFUCK’ captures an urgent and chaotic state of mind, driven by a pounding beat that mirrors the push-and-pull of a relationship where control is never quite settled.
“I wrote ‘STARFUCK’ at a female writing camp in London while my single “Kiss Me Slow” was still blowing up online” VANÈS explains. “My life felt like pure chaos – playing shows, dealing with a breakup, never at home and writing new songs in between.”
That sense of instability runs through the track. The title itself reflects the duality at its core – playful but confrontational, soft but sharp. “I chose this title because I love how playful and aggressive it sounds at the same time” she says. “It matches the contrast in the track: soft, almost innocent vocals sitting on top of dark trap-pop production, somewhere between Chase Atlantic and Billie Eilish.”
Sonically, ‘STARFUCK’ sits in a space that nods to alternative pop’s more experimental edge, but it’s the perspective that sets it apart. At its heart, the track is about the power game inside a queer relationship – that moment when you realise you might be getting played but instead of walking away you decide to play along because you know you’re still the one holding the cards.
With ‘STARFUCK’, VANÈS continues to define her place in the queer alt-pop space, by embracing contradiction and self-expression. The single marks the beginning of her next chapter, setting the tone for an upcoming EP that promises to push even further into her distinct sonic world.
Leaning into their signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and easygoing charm, Chilliwack, British Columbia’s Tim & The Glory Boys return with “If I Go Missin’,” a laid-back country anthem that celebrates the simple act of stepping away. Rooted in themes of escape, rest, and reconnecting with what matters, the track captures a feeling that’s instantly familiar: the urge to leave the noise behind, even just for a little while.
“There’s this quiet instinct I think a lot of us carry around,” songwriter and frontman Tim Neufeld shares. “The desire to disappear for a bit, not because life is falling apart, but because there’s a place somewhere that feels truer.” Written as both a personal reflection and a universal invitation, the song speaks to overworked, worn-out listeners looking for a moment of peace soundtracked by sun, open roads, and the promise of nowhere to be.
Alternative-folk-soul singer-songwriter Ryann Ross unveils her latest single, ‘Your Side Of The Moon’, offering another intimate glimpse of her forthcoming debut EP, ‘On The Marsh’, arriving this Spring. Stripped-back and emotive, the track lets Ross’ haunting voice and acoustic guitar carry the emotion, highlighting her nuanced vocal control and vivid storytelling.
Listen to ‘Your Side Of The Moon’ via your streaming service of choice below:
Every note is considered, every word sung with soul and sincerity. While her control and range are undeniable, the performance never feels polished to the point of losing its rawness. The human element remains at the heart of Ryann Ross’s music.
Speaking on the meaning behind “Your Side of the Moon’ is about seeing someone you love with someone else for the first time after some time apart. It’s the feeling of still being connected while trying to let go… even when that person won’t let you.”
Following her debut singles ‘My Thomas’, ‘Sleep Talk’ and most recently ‘Blubird’, Ross has steadily introduced listeners to her distinct sound – a blend of melodic precision and emotional depth. Each release has helped build the foundation for ‘On The Marsh’, her first full project, which draws from years spent between Los Angeles, London, and the English countryside.
The EP captures the turbulence of Ross’ early twenties: breakups, power imbalances, and the disorientation of starting over in new cities. Through her music, she translates these experiences into songs that are deeply personal yet universally resonant, balancing meticulous craft with a raw, human edge.
Bea Elmy Martin is carving out a vital space within the UK alternative landscape. London born and bred, her music is defined by emotional precision, blending ethereal vocals, orchestral intimacy and brooding electronics. Raised on the sounds of classic soul artists like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Donny Hathaway, Bea developed an early understanding of melody and feeling, using songwriting as a way to process life, love and loss from a young age. She describes songwriting as her journal, a way of breaking overwhelming emotions into something tangible and manageable, allowing moments of beauty, pain and connection to surface naturally.
After the release of her 2021 debut single “Blue Escape”, which earned early BBC tastemaker support from Jack Saunders and Lauren Laverne, Bea began a slow, intentional creative journey alongside her producer Dominick J Goldsmith (HÆLOS). That collaboration led to Under The Yew (Vol. 1), released in May 2025, a luminous meditation on loss, healing and renewal. She has continued that emotional thread through subsequent releases from Under The Yew (Vol. 2), including “Lost”, “Born To Fly”, “Unscarred” and more recently “Anouk”, each one deepening the world of the project ahead of the arrival of her upcoming album Under The Yew (Vol. 2).
Electronic music visionary REZZ today unveils her new A Shift In Perspective EP out now via HypnoVizion.
A Shift In Perspective represents a bold evolution in REZZ’s sound, pushing her signature hypnotic world into darker, more kinetic electro landscapes. Each track is sculpted with precision, where tension and negative space drive a sense of forward momentum, and sonic textures unfold with meticulous intent. The project carries a cinematic pulse, with compositions that move from moments of melodic clarity into off-kilter, layered rhythms that build toward climactic peaks, creating a listening experience that feels both unexpected and unmistakably hers.
Across the EP, REZZ treats each track as a reflection of where she is now, rather than where she’s been. ‘Circuit’, created with new HypnoVizion signee Limbo Slice, introduces a sharper, more immediate shift in pace that signals a break from expectation, while ‘CAUTION’ with Street Fever unfolds with a sense of purpose that feels newly defined. On ‘Hysteria’, a brief piano-led passage cuts through before dissolving into uneven, textured movement, marking a turning point that mirrors the EP’s broader sense of recalibration. Previously released single ‘SICK FUCK’ anchors the project within this transition, reinforcing a version of REZZ that feels more distilled, self-defined, and aligned with how she wants her work to exist moving forward.
“The title of this EP alludes to the idea that we can all shift the perspective of others based on how we dress, the art we make, the way we speak, our actions and our behaviors. We have the power to alter the way the world reflects back to us, and that’s a thought that I personally love. It’s an inspiring thought that perspective can shift and the way you are currently viewed, have been viewed in the past, and view yourself can change. The music in this project is a clear representation of how I want to be perceived now and how I want my art to sound and feel.” – REZZ
Some Fear is an Oklahoma City collective that captures the vast and quiet atmosphere of the American Great Plains. What started in 2021 as a solo project for songwriter Branden “Bran” Palesano has since grown into a full band and a steady fixture in the U.S. slowcore scene.
The project began with Bran writing alone, using minimalist chords and lo-fi textures—inspired by the archival slowcore of the Numero Group catalog—to process feelings of longing and isolation. As the songs became more complex, he brought in a circle of close collaborators, including drummer and visual artist Ray Morgan. They cut their teeth at The Sanctuary, a local DIY spot that helped them transition from bedroom recordings to a massive live sound that moves between fragile whispers and heavy, instrumental peaks.
Their sophomore offering, Word Eater, marks a step away from their lo-fi roots toward something more polished and intentional. It’s an exploration of the things we leave unsaid: the weight of anxiety in “Stay Home,” the resentment in “I Don’t Want to Spend My Money,” and the disgust of “99 diner”. Ultimately, Word Eater is about trying to find a little harmony and trust within the beautiful mess of adulthood.
Word Eater captures the struggle of being drained by the powers that be, while highlighting the radical importance of community and close relationships as our only means of survival. Across 8 slow-motion songs, the band matures from their lo-fi roots into a more polished, high-fidelity sound characterized by dense and patient textures. The record serves as a deep dive into the internal monologue, exploring the heavy toll of unspoken emotions, financial burnout, and the isolation of modern times. By balancing these weighted themes with a search for harmony and connection, the band carves out a unique space in independent music where fragile introspection meets expansive, intentional production.
Few bands captured the scale, precision, and uplift of arena rock quite like Triumph—and now, as the Canadian trio steps back into the spotlight, their most defining songs return in one essential collection. The Best of Triumph arrives June 12th, offering a focused retrospective of the band’s most enduring work at a moment of renewed momentum. Featuring powerhouse anthems such as “Lay It on the Line,” “Magic Power,” “Fight the Good Fight,” and “Hold On,” the collection traces Triumph’s ascent from a Canadian breakout act to an international force in rock. Available on LP, CD, and digital formats, the release coincides with Triumph’s long-awaited return to the stage for their first major tour in more than three decades.
Alongside today’s announcement, “Lay It on the Line (Single Edit)” is available now on streaming platforms for the first time. Newly mastered from the original analog tapes—part of a full-album remaster—the track presents the concise, radio-ready version that first introduced Triumph to a broad audience in the late 1970s. Many of the single edits featured in this collection have not previously been available on digital platforms, offering listeners a rare opportunity to experience these original versions.
Featuring a lightly-tropical groove and driving, melancholic piano arpeggios, “Too Late” is the new dance-heavy single from LA producer Robert Ruby. Inspired by a combination of real-life and fictional romantic fights, the new track explores the terrifying, yet exhilarating feeling of being the needy partner in a relationship.
Amassing millions of streams on digital platforms and turning heads with their riveting performances, Boston-based OK Goodnight are gearing up to release their third studio album this summer. With a sonic style and aesthetic indicative of Turnstile or PVRIS, the new single “22” combines heavy guitar riffs with dark, nostalgic synths and carefully integrated samples. Backed by a dreamy music video showcasing change through movers disassembling a room, “22” is bound to leave a lasting impact on its audience.
LA-based rock duo Belle and Chain share their debut single, “Don’t You Worry Babe,”out today viaNotes From The Underground/Not Dead Yet Media. The single arrives in the midst of their North American tour supporting British singer-songwriter Barns Courtney. Tickets for the remaining tour dates are available here.
Belle and Chain is an alt-country gothic rock duo with a sound that feels wide open and weather-worn, shaped by the dust and darkness of the American West. Their music is both haunting and melodic, with beauty and depth tightly intertwined. What began as a solo project for actor, filmmaker, and musician Spencer Grammer has since evolved into a full band with the addition of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Davis IL.
Built on shimmering textures, breathy vocals, and restrained, evocative lyricism, “Don’t You Worry Babe” offers a clear introduction to Belle and Chain’s sound. At its core, the song is about letting go of a relationship that was never meant to last, approaching the moment with tenderness rather than heartbreak. As Grammer shares, “It’s similar to a breakup song, but it takes a more gentle approach to letting someone go and letting them know that they’ll be alright on their own.”
From supporting young rap kingpin Pozer and rap powerhouse LeoStayTrill on their respective UK tours, to delivering a key cypher slot at the NEW BALANCE activation in London and a scintillating ‘On The Radar’ freestyle, MLizzy has also worked on a campaign with adidas and Lionel Messi’s official MAS+ drink, providing an exclusive verse for a Fermz and Renz-produced track which was subsequently shared across Lionel Messi’s official social accounts.
With a surprise “MLizzy x Nemzzz Flow Freestyle” release landing on NYD— clocking 300K views within its first 24 hours—MLizzy continues last year’s momentum, with 2025 proving to be a milestone year for the young rapper. From supporting young rap kingpin Pozer and rap powerhouse LeoStayTrill on their respective UK tours—also making a guest appearance at Leo’s private listening party to support the launch of his new EP, Home Alone—to delivering a key cypher slot at the NEW BALANCE activation in London and a scintillating ‘On The Radar’ freestyle, MLizzy received further co-signs from the likes of Chy Cartier and Headie One across socials and beyond.
Industry support also continues to grow, with BBC RADIO 1XTRA’s Kenny Allstar consistently championing MLizzy’s music in recent months alongside an exclusive BBC freestyle. Elsewhere, charting artist Lola Young (40M+ Spotify listeners) has followed MLizzy, praised the lyric referencing her name, and used his viral sound on TikTok—further amplifying the track’s cultural impact and visibility. Tastemaker support has also come thick and fast, with the likes of ROLLING STONE UK, WONDERLAND and CLASH championing MLizzy as an exciting rising talent who must not be slept on.
Having only released nine official singles until this point—as well as a recent “Next Up” freestyle with MIXTAPE MADNESS—MLizzy has seen exponential growth, racing to over 100K monthly Spotify listeners and clocking in excess of 6M streams on two of his tracks—4.6M on “CDM” and 2M on “Like Von”. His most popular track to date, “CDM”, exploded to 1M streams in its first month, placing on key Spotify playlists Rap UK and WhoWeBe as well as hitting #10 in the TikTok Viral Top 50 Charts and #29 in the Spotify Charts.
The son of Taiwanese immigrants, KENTON grew up in sunny Irvine, California, a place where he struggled to find his footing as an Asian American. In some of his earliest memories, the now Los Angeles-based artist watched his father teach music in their home, eventually cultivating a fervency for songcraft. As he grew out of his childhood home and became a full-fledged adult, his parents moved back to Taiwan, leaving the actor and singer-songwriter in the States to grapple with his queer identity and how it juxtaposed his traditional upbringing.
Sweetmouth, the multidisciplinary artist’s full-length debut, takes its inspiration from a 2022 visit KENTON took to Taiwan to see his parents for Thanksgiving, marking their first time seeing one another in nearly six years. KENTON describes Sweetmouth as his way of “processing the shame, guilt, grief and anger (he’s) harbored over the years, of honoring the heritage of (his) ancestors, and of learning the art of forgiveness so that (he), as an adult, can choose love.” The album navigates tension surrounding religion, queer identity and self-love, all while paying tribute to familial love.
The album takes its title from KENTON’s childhood nickname, sweetmouth (甜嘴), a Chinese phrase for an adorable and obedient child. It was given to him by his mother for his sweet words that alleviated her pains. “I was really good at placating her and saying what she needed to hear,” he says. “Simple things like, ‘We love you, Mom,’ or ‘Nobody appreciates all the work you do.’ And it’s really hard. I never really processed what that did to me, or how that impacted me emotionally, taking on that caretaker role.”
KENTON says that while part of his impetus for making the record was finding a way to forgive his parents for not accepting him as he is, he also wanted to honor them with his music. His father had a stroke prior to his 2022 visit, and complications rendered his father unable to play music like he used to.
KENTON has previously established himself as a sought-after pop-singer, collaborating with projects such as Postmodern Jukebox and Scary Pockets and supporting pop artists including Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Kesha, Demi Lovato, Portugal. The Man, Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson, among others. He toured for several years with Katy Perry, while part of her Las Vegas residency.
As an actor, KENTON has appeared in over a dozen national commercials, and several TV shows: Superstore (NBC), Platonic (Apple), Night Court (NBC), The Rookie (ABC), Perfect Harmony (NBC), and Room 104 (HBO). He recently voiced the character Mogui in Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld (Netflix), and was a featured singer in the animated movies Wish (Disney) and Wish Dragon (Netflix). Keep up to date with KENTON by visiting ItsKenton.com.
Following the release of her debut album For My Own Entertainment, Sophia Galaté has just completed her first headline North American tour, and the results speak for themselves. Playing a fully independent run of shows across the US and Canada, she sold out half the dates, with the remaining shows reaching at least 85% capacity.
For an emerging artist operating outside the traditional label system, the tour marks a clear turning point. What began as a self-led run quickly built momentum, with word-of-mouth and a growing online audience translating into packed rooms in cities including Houston, Brooklyn, Toronto, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Bringing For My Own Entertainment to life on stage, Galaté delivered a set that mirrored the album’s energy, blending rich vocals with playful confidence and moments of vulnerability. The project itself introduced a bold new chapter for the artist, weaving together nostalgic R&B influences with vibrant pop and funk, and featuring collaborators including Dende, alongside production from Grammy-winning names D.K. the Punisher and Akeel Henry.
Ottawa, ON singer-songwriter and pianist Alanna Sterling (they/them) shares “More,” a quietly powerful and emotionally exposed pop ballad that sits in the tension between desire and acceptance. Blending chill, nostalgic, and moody textures with piano-driven songwriting, “More” explores the fragile space between wanting deeper connection and learning to live without certainty of its return.
At its core, “More” is about emotional honesty in its rawest form; those unspoken needs for more presence, more truth, and more love, even when it’s unclear whether they will ever be fully met. Rather than resisting that feeling, Alanna leans into it. “It’s me learning to sit in that vulnerability instead of running from it,” they share.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
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