featuring @cissne_jpn @jc_taxidriver @charls.charls.charls @jaxsonfree @forlackofaterm @heyitskimmcclay @djeclyps @bradleyjago @majorsgolfband
Emerging from Tokyo’s diverse heavy music scene, experimental trio Cissné releases their debut EP Awake children under the moon, out now via Lauren Records and available on all major streaming platforms.
Awake children under the moon unfolds as a single continuous piece, designed to be experienced in full rather than as isolated tracks. Across five tracks, the EP drifts through screamo, post-black metal, ambient, and shoegaze with a persistent sense of nocturnal unease.
Dedicated to anyone who learned how to endure the night before learning how to sleep, the EP captures moments spent awake beneath a distant moon.
Colorado’s Jesus Christ Taxi Driver releases “Have It,” the final single ahead of their new album Taxi The Rich (April 24 via Midtopia). The upcoming record’s opening track, JCTD is burning the candle at both ends, doing all the things they were told would make them successful. No matter how fast you run, the carrot is always being dangled just a little further than you can reach when you’re trying to make it in America— Stream.
Guitarist and vocalist, Ian Ehrhart said, “The American dream promises you can have it, but at a cost… You work til your fingers bleed, then you die. The things that are truly important begin to slip through those bloody fingers. ‘You could have it if you wanted to’ is a lie. They don’t want you to have it.”
The band’s Colin Kelly further explained that “Have It” is “a song about the plight of the common person in America. It seems that the American dream (whatever that is) has become less and less attainable, especially in this gilded era.”
With JCTD’s upcoming second album release right around the corner, some lucky fans already have access to the music physically via Midtopia’s Buy Before You Stream initiative. Holding a spotlight to the worst society has to offer, JCTD pull no punches on their irreverent, politically pointed suite of new songs. Pre-order Taxi The Rich on vinyl here.
London-based singer-songwriter CHARLS releases her brand new single, ‘Out In The Open’. Today’s release follows self-affirming single ‘Trust My Gut’, the anthemic ‘Begging On My Birthday’ and vulnerable track ‘Heads Up’. Previously co-signed by Elton John and Lewis Capaldi, CHARLS continues to make strides as an independent artist with an emotionally honest and ambitiously intimate sound. Listen to ‘Out In The Open’ HERE.
A ballad for the ages, CHARLS’ voice shines as she sings of the pain of a breakdown in communication in a romantic relationship. “The longer things are left unsaid, the further apart it drives you,” CHARLS comments. “I wrote this song after witnessing this happen to people close to me, then went through the same situation myself and re-listened to the demo. It completely knocked me for six and I knew I had to release it.”
Before her joyous performance at KOKO last month, CHARLS performed an exclusive session of ‘Out In The Open’ at the Recording Studio at Ellen’s as part of Miraval’s Artist Spotlight series. Giving an insight into the sheer breadth of CHARLS’ talent, the session is released alongside a live video and is beautiful in its simplicity. “It was so special to be given the opportunity to record this live version of Out in the Open in exactly the way it was intended to be heard,” says CHARLS. “Live, raw and unfiltered. One take, one shot, working with the most talented team at KOKO studios.”
Chart-topping songwriter Jaxson Free today releases his latest single, “Don’t Come Lookin,” a catchy send off toward the toxic ex who just keeps coming back around. It’s another example of how deep Free’s musical talents can go with its ability to convey so much emotion and deliver so much vibrance, while backed solely by acoustic guitar. With an impact reminiscent of Bieber’s “Love Yourself,” the track finds Free sternly protecting his peace when the toxic ex comes knocking for the millionth time.
“Don’t Come Lookin” highlights Free’s vocal abilities and raspy southern swagger while stopping listeners– and the drama in its tracks. Written by Free, Peter Gonzales, Sarah Solovay, Madi Yanofsky and Aldae sitting poolside in Costa Rica, the track has a relaxed and stripped down air to it, with minimal production from Free, Johny Simpson and Peter Gonzales.
the New York-based alt-punk trio For Lack of a Term have released their new EP Not Quite You. Conceptually, the EP explores themes of lost love, relationship struggles and personal growth. Sometimes when you evolve as a person, you leave behind the things and the people that once felt most comfortable and familiar to you.
The band shared their sentiments on the EP below:
“This EP’s about the five stages of grief when it comes to the life and death of a relationship and it’s about personal growth. The clarity that comes after separating from something toxic, it was adjacent to things each of us were experiencing or have experienced at one point or another. However, out of poor circumstance we created something beautiful with the assistance of our friend Sam Stauff. We are proud to present ‘Not Quite You.’”
Prior to their EP release, they put out two singles from the project, “Chemistry Imbalance” and “Heartbeat.” Both tracks are designed to tell a connected story about the emotional push and pull of holding on to a relationship that’s already fallen apart. You can watch the music video for those tracks HERE.
This is rising South Florida pop-punker AyoDylan, who just announced his newest EP, Knuckle Head, out everywhere on May 27th. He’s been turning heads by fusing emo and pop-punk nostalgia with viral, meme-driven content to build his devoted online following, and you can check out the high-energy first single, “Kurt Cobain (Play It Faster)”
Grammy-nominated, West Coast singer-songwriter, producer, and visionary BLXST teams up with fellow Los Angeles rapper Big Sad 1900 for their new single and video, “Day After Day,” out now via EMPIRE.
Self-produced by BLXST, the track reflects the true cost of showing up every day. The song samples Lori Perry’s 1996 record “Up Against the Wind,” weaving her vocals throughout as BLXST speaks on growth through setbacks – touching on betrayal, resilience, and the reality that even after making it out, challenges don’t disappear, they evolve. Big Sad 1900 adds perspective on pain, loyalty, and what it means to carry the weight of coming from nothing.
Directed by Maxwell Alldread and filmed at a home in Los Angeles, the video balances street realism with the warmth of home. It opens with BLXST and Big Sad 1900 on a rooftop before moving through intimate, everyday moments of sacrifice– acts of care that often go unseen: a woman taking time out of her day to braid BLXST’s hair, another tending to her garden, and a family preparing and serving a meal to the next generation. Rather than focusing solely on the struggle, the visual centers what sits on the other side of it: family, community, and connection. Scenes of laughter, conversation, and togetherness anchor the story, reinforcing that the day-to-day grind is ultimately about the people you do it for.
“Day After Day” also marks BLXST’s return following his 2024 album and short film, I’ll Always Come Find You – a 20-track concept musical divided into four acts and executive produced in part by Sounwave. The album represented a personal and creative rebirth, pushing his narrative ambitions to new heights and solidifying his status as one of modern music’s most distinctive voices.
Channeling feminine rage, heartbreak, and a desperate feeling of hope, Kim McClay‘s forthcoming EP, Worth It, releasing June 26, 2026, is a self-described commentary on the democratic system, the challenges of working together towards a common goal, and, most specifically, the complications of the female experience.
“I wanted to pose questions about value,” Kim says. “What are we worth to each other? What do we owe our neighbors? Our family? Our friends? I wanted to touch on the importance of vulnerability- how valuable it is to turn into what’s uncomfortable and face it head-on.”
Worth It‘s first track and lead single, “Velveteen Girls,” comes out swinging with one of those questions: “A pretty face, a ‘pretty girl,’ is that all I am to you?”
Milwaukee’s melodic trap standout 414JungleBaby is known for defying the odds. The 300 Entertainment signee is ready to announce her forthcoming debut EP Jungle This, Jungle That this Friday, April 10th. Along with the exciting news, the rapper is also sharing her new single and video “Yo Baby” – showcasing her taffy-like melodies over a beat that mixes Milwaukee’s signature low-end sound with breezy, propulsive R&B.
Packed with the rapper’s signature sing-song flows, the upcoming EP looks to silence doubters and set the record straight, proving once and for all that Jungle is one of the most promising rappers in her city’s fertile scene. Home to the recent single “BANG,” an energetic and chirruping motivational anthem, Jungle This, Jungle That will arrive on Friday, May 15th.
Deemed as “A female rapper you need to know!” by New Scene Magazine, Jungle grew up immersed in the 414’s distinctive and bustling rap scene. She has been a symbol of resilience since childhood, first making national headlines as a first-grader when she stood her ground after a teacher infamously cut off one of her braids in class. She grew a hard shell while living in her city, using music as an outlet for her true feelings. 414JungleBaby recounts how she was given her rap name one day in an Atlanta studio at 14 years old: “They were like, ‘Who got this baby in the studio?’ I’m like, ‘I’m from the jungle, I’m not no baby.’ They were like, ‘Okay, JungleBaby.’ So that’s what I just ran with; started calling Milwaukee ‘the Jungle.’” Drawing inspiration from both her hometown and ATL, her sticky melodies and gritty street stories have earned her collaborations with Chicken P on “Blood On My Socks,” Ricch Millie on “Deja Vu,” and SME Taxfree on “I’m Speeding.”
“Kyle T. Hurley’s solid-state music contains effective blues, stirring lead guitar licks, wonderful ballads and competent melodies that stick like gum to the memory.”- No Depression
On a new single, Hurley explains, “‘Ode to Irish John’ is about the giver of memory, and the one who received it and references the book The Giver, in which the protagonist is the sole person who holds the memories of the past, and learns the dark secrets behind his community’s controlled existence.”
This talented artist has received accolades from several media outlets, including No Depression, AXS, Impose Magazine, Vents Magazine, and more, proving his ability to blend genres and deliver a fresh take on classic country and rock music with a 90s-grunge-inspired twist. Hurley explores different stylistic ideas and sounds, always trying to stray from the obvious musical choices available in crafting songs. This exploration of his craft is underpinned by songs exploring the night life of Europe as an artist.
With deep roots in the Los Angeles music club scene, Kyle has perfected a modern approach to the classic country blues and rock style. His self-titled debut album was recorded at the famous Castlesound Studios in the UK, where renowned artists like The Proclaimers, R.E.M., and Mark Knopfler have also recorded. His second and third albums, “KTH II” and “KTH III” were recorded in London and finished at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, featuring Amy Winehouse guitarist Robin Banerjee. Kyle brings a unique style to his recordings and live performances, blending the old-school blues standards with new modern melodies and timbres. Currently residing in London, he’s gigging all over the UK and Europe, captivating audiences with his original and innovative musical style.
DJ E-Clyps is joining Flight Week with his new two-track Blackbird IIEP, out now via Dirtybird. The eighth release to arrive as part of the writing camp series features appearances by Black V Neck, Khyenci, and Life On Planets.
Flaunting an undeniable swagger, Blackbird II is an immediate knockout, showcasing two distinct sides of DJ E-Clyps’ sound. ‘Fly You Out’ with Black V Neck pulls from hip-hop influences central to his style, pairing a bass-forward groove with a tongue-in-cheek hook. Its companion, ‘Ready Or Not,’ moves in a different direction, rooted in a classic house foundation. The piano-led arrangement is buoyant and crisp, shining with the duality of Khyenci’s soulful vocals and Life On Planets’ rhythmic flow.
Blackbird II offers another refreshing taste of Flight Week while continuing to showcase the many flavors of Dirtybird’s sound. The writing camp has become a creative retreat, giving artists like DJ E-Clyps space to stretch their style and experiment with new collaborators. Showcasing artists both new and known to the flock, returning Flight Week contributors Black V Neck and Life On Planets continue to expand their sonic lens with each appearance, while Bay Area newcomer Khyenci added vocal depth to the sessions. Together, these combinations reveal fresh facets of each artist’s sound, resulting in a series of collaborative tracks that feel both unexpected and unmistakably Dirtybird.
Ottawa’s self-proclaimed “#1 Band in Golf,” MAJORS, return with their electrifying new single and video, “Bullet on a String,” out now on all streaming platforms. The track is the latest preview of their forthcoming self-titled full-length album, set for release on May 14.
Bursting with momentum and swagger, “Bullet on a String” captures the rush of those rare, perfect days when everything clicks. It’s an upbeat, punchy anthem driven by sharp hooks, driving guitars, and the band’s signature blend of early-2000s pop-punk energy with a playful, modern twist.
“It’s inspired by those days where your body and mind are perfectly in sync, and you feel like you can do anything—when you’re on top of the world,” says vocalist Justin Camarena. “Everyone’s had those magic days where a relationship, or work, or a personal project is going perfectly. For us, it’s a round of golf when you’re smashing the ball a mile and can hit any target at will. Hence, ‘bullet on a string.’”
The accompanying music video mirrors that same unfiltered energy. Shot over two days during the band’s November 2025 headlining tour, the video captures live footage from performances at Ottawa’s Rainbow and Montreal’s Turbo Haus. Directed and produced by Ryan Stacey – known for his work with Live Nation and Escapade Festival – the video embraces a fast, DIY approach that reflects the band’s raw performance style.
Working within a tight touring schedule, Stacey and the team built a nimble production setup that could travel in a van, blending Hi8 handycam footage with modern digital visuals. Guerrilla-style filming in Montreal alleyways added to the gritty, spontaneous feel, resulting in a video that feels immediate, chaotic, and true to the band’s live presence.
MAJORS have built their identity on a high-energy fusion of modern rock and classic pop-punk, paired with their tongue-in-cheek, golf-inspired storytelling. As “The #1 Band in Golf,” the group continues to carve out a lane entirely their own, proving that punk rock can be as irreverent as it is catchy.
Bradley Jago, the emerging artist behind his self-described ‘queer soul for queer souls’, returns with his second EP ‘My Inner Vitriol’, a six-track project that brings together soul, pop melodies, and subtle R&B influence.
‘My Inner Vitriol’ is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Listen to ‘My Inner Vitriol’ below:
https://ffm.to/bradley-jago-my-inner-vitriol
Introspective by both name and nature, ‘My Inner Vitriol’ looks inward. The project traces the patterns of thought, doubt, and self-reflection that shaped it, offering a candid snapshot of Jago’s mindset as he tried to understand those feelings in real time. Through autobiographical writing, the EP explores queer love in all its complexity, not just connection and intimacy, but the internal dialogue that can exist alongside it.
Musically, the project is rooted in piano-led arrangements and carefully placed strings which allow Jago’s voice to take focus, revealing both its range and power. His delivery is measured and polished, bringing a sense of control to otherwise deeply personal material.
Speaking on the project, Jago explains: ‘I made this EP as a way to process unspoken thoughts. I was in a space where doubts were my biggest troubles, and trying to decide if it was an intrusive thought or a real thought.’
He continues: ‘My Inner Vitriol’ is about after all the work I did when I was single to get to a space where I was happy, I found old thoughts rearing the head in different shapes once I was in a relationship.’
‘I wanted to create a project that was diverse in sound, but that was understandable to everyone in terms of subject, because it boils down to having low self worth a lot of the time.’
DAVID AYSCUE
“When I’m With You”
• David Ayscue releases upbeat pop track “When I’m With You,” a cinematic ode to the irresistible pull of wanting to be near the person you love and seeing the world through a different lens as you fall deeper.
• “I wrote this song in the first couple of weeks after I moved to NYC and was inspired by the mix of cultures and thriving energy of the city. The song is about finding love in a big city, ‘doing’ the city with somebody special and seeing the city through a whole new lens when falling in love.” – David Ayscue
• The single is released alongside an official visualizer with creative direction by Jacob Hiss (Heather Morris, Alexis Warr Burton).
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @frazer.live
- @neill.outloud
