Guin Records is excited to announce the formal single release of “No Love In Chicago,” from the buzzworthy creative visionary, Ness Heads featuring Kembe on May 12, 2023. “No Love In Chicago” is the lead single from the upcoming album Junkyard Hearts, Vol.1 slated for a Fall 2023 release.
Ness Heads is considered one of the hottest artists emerging out of the Midwest. Hailing from Chicago and currently residing in Los Angeles, Ness provides a fresh sound as she leans into her spheres of identity as a Latinx, queer woman, resulting in pulpy and full-bodied work. Featured in notable music outlets such as NPR and DJ Booth, Ness Heads blends together substantive lyrics while combining elements of pop and electronic over a mix of Trap and Latin beats. Her music garnered a significant amount of attention leading to an opportunity to be included as part of the coveted 2022 SXSW performances.
“Life is in reverse but I’m riding, Had to clear the smoke to see inside of you. Shit is picture perfect when you hide it, Wonder if you’d care if I was dying ? Know it’s hard to love me let me save you from me, You can keep your 2 cents you been penny pinching money, I learned only friends are ones living inside of my head side my head, ya all love is dead. My pains dripping all over my floor, yeah. All my over my floor, yeah. Dripping all over my floor ya. Bitch I’m gonna fall,Bitch I’m gonna fall.” – Ness Heads, “No Love In Chicago”
“No Love In Chicago” is a creative collaboration and ode by two Chicago’s own. While set over a moody beat, the lyrics come through as it shares a transparent perspective about overcoming challenges and self-doubt.
“This song’s a reminder that sometimes you gotta sit in pain, understand it, then pour it out before getting to the celebration. It’s been over 2 years since my last release so I’ve had a lot of time to sit in my pain and reflect. I’m excited to just now be getting to my celebration. I hope other people use this song to find theirs,” says Ness Heads
Off the success of the breakthrough hit “ZIG ZAGGING” garnering over 10M streams independently, Hip-Hop & R&B newcomer Asha Imuno is set to release his debut album Pins & Needles with the first single from the project “PUSHING BUTTONS” available today on all platforms. The hauntingly mellow track is the perfect introduction to the level of personal and emotional self-discovery the buzzworthy newcomer has lovingly packed into this nuanced and sonically beautiful new collection of songs. Along with the single, Imuno has delivered an equally emotionally rich video that captures the same range of emotions built into the song’s lyrics and production. “PUSHING BUTTONS” can be viewed HERE.
For the Moreno Valley, CA native, “PUSHING BUTTONS” represents karma, the reapings of carelessness, and a reminder to self that impulsive reactionary decisions tend to come with steep consequences. The song is also a reflection of times that Asha has let himself down; and as such, it opens with the multi-hyphenate musician giving fans insight into his inner dialogue. “What you dodging, why you ducking?,” Asha sings, with his honey-coated vocals softening the blow of the embedded self-confrontation and recognition of the unhealthy loop of quick fixes & vices he has used to mask his true feelings.
While the sentiments within Asha’s lyrics are universally relatable, “PUSHING BUTTONS” was inspired by a personal, traumatic moment in the young artist’s life. After surviving a six-car accident caused by a dispute in his hometown, Asha was left with a lingering feeling of shame, acknowledging the danger he had put himself in, and reckoning with the impermanence of life. The video for “PUSHING BUTTONS” finds Asha in several dystopian settings, alternately capturing moments of suppressing his feelings and hiding from his emotions; intentionally sitting in self-reflection; and moments of hope into a better way of living – just as the song does.
Produced intimately by Asha and close friend and collaborator Zach Ezzy (Jordan Ward, Alex Isley) Pins & Needles finds the 22-year-old fearlessly sharing his exploration into all facets of his life – his identity, his family, his childhood, his mental health, his vices, his art, and his love for music. The multi-hyphenate has spent the last few years growing alongside the Los Angeles-based POC-led artist community, KOGO (with Curtis Waters, Alé Araya, CONNIE, KOAD & more) & building his experiential brand, WAITINGROOM, via which he sold out two major events in Los Angeles last year.
PINS & NEEDLES signals the next chapter for Asha, reflecting on the growing pains of youth, diving into the nuance of his own vices, and iterating on the complications of navigating childhood as a young black kid from the Inland Empire. The album explores all of these experiences intimately, but gently, with emotionally provocative refrains cuddled next to intricate, aggressive rap pockets. Inspired heavily by New Amerykah Part 2 by Erykah Badu & To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar – honesty & originality are the through-line, as Asha seamlessly weaves between hip-hop, R&B, soul & all of his influences in between.
He will be releasing his forthcoming album via Guin Records – ADA/Warner in the fall.
US indie rapper James Salvato returns with his thought provoking new single “We Don’t Dance”.
Whilst the content is challenging, the tracks sits on a quirky and infectious beat produced by Marxman.
James said:“The song is about how Covid divided the United States into two sides on numerous topics. I feel the news and media is to blame for all of that. Throughout the pandemic and race riots, the media has helped heighten fear and division. They’ve not been as honest as they should have been, and dare I say manipulate us for personal gain.”
The result is aptly named song “We Don’t Dance”.
James’ message has been made clear, “come together and stop letting the media divide us”.
Get ready for a mind-bending trip through the Hiphop cosmos with the one and only Kool Keith.
Black Elvis is back with his long awaited sequel.
Kool Keith takes his information-age rhymes to a whole new level, with a sound that’s equal parts streets and space. Featuring collaborations with Marc Live, Raaddrr Van, Dynamite, Agallah, and the legendary Ice-T, this album will leave you reeling.Plug in your ethernet and dial up to travel through Kool Keith’s multi-verse.
on the official start of summer, Malibu debuts a modern remix of the karaoke crowd pleaser, “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” with pop music and social media sensation, Jax, to introduce summer as a state of mind.
“We’re celebrating Malibu’s status as the go-to brand for Piña Coladas1 by spotlighting the iconic cocktail’s ability to unlock carefree confidence and inspire our consumers to Do Whatever Tastes Good,” said Matt Foley, Vice President of Marketing, Malibu. “We hope to further establish the Piña Colada in culture, making it symbolic of a lifestyle not just during the summer, but one that goes beyond that with this feel-good favorite song that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere.”
Malibu’s collaboration with Jax re-captures the 1979 classic’s summer spirit, originally made famous by Rupert Holmes, while reimagining the song for a modern audience. Jax’s unequivocal sound comes to life both sonically and visually with a music video directed by the acclaimed Drew Kirsch, renowned for his star-studded collaborations, which was conceptualized and created by Wieden+Kennedy London. Blending ’70s and ’80s nostalgia against the backdrop of a Piña Colada-themed celebration, the film embodies the essence of what it means to Escape while still embracing the summer mindset that’s all about carefree fun, sunny optimism and doing what you truly love. Complete with synchronized swimmers, vibrant fashion, celebrity cameos and guests embodying Malibu’s signature free-spirited attitude, the bright and colorful aesthetic creates a space to unplug and live in the moment.
Only Fire, the 24-year-old music producer and DJ from Zagreb, Croatia, ignites airwaves with his latest release, “Squirt,” available today at all DSPs. Written and produced by Only Fire himself, this daring and empowering single pushes artistic boundaries, captivating listeners with its unapologetic exploration of sensual themes. With the release of “Squirt,” Only Fire continues to break new ground, provoking thought and inspiring listeners to embrace their individuality. As he works on his highly anticipated upcoming EP, scheduled for release in Q3 2023, Only Fire’s footprint in the music industry and popular culture is poised to expand even further.
Known for his explosive beats and club-ready anthems, Only Fire fearlessly manipulates the Siri voice to express sentiments that most artists would shy away from. Through his playful and hilarious hyper-sexual phrases and metaphors, Only Fire crafts a unique musical experience that resonates with a diverse range of listeners. “Squirt” is more than just an erotic good time; it’s a liberatingly honest expression of artistry. Only Fire fearlessly challenges societal norms, empowering individuals to embrace their desires and celebrate their true selves. By pushing the boundaries of what is typically considered acceptable in mainstream music, Only Fire creates a space where listeners can break free from the confines of social expectations.
Only Fire will make a highly anticipated live appearance at New York’s beloved LadyLand Festival tonight, June 23, alongside LGBTQ icons such as Honey Dijon, Peaches, Big Freedia, COBRAH and more. For more information about the event, please visit ladylandfestival.com, and see below for a complete list of Only Fire’s upcoming shows.
Detroit house and techno legend DJ Minx has officially relaunched her seminal independent record label, Women On Wax, with a brand new compilation that coincides with Pride Month. DJ Minx Presents Queendom Vol. 1 celebrates some vastly underappreciated North American queer dance artists, with new music from Shaun J. Wright, Nita Aviance, Sydney Blu, DJ Cent, Debbie Graham, and DJ Minx herself.
Minx, who came out publicly in 2021, originally founded Women On Wax in 1996 as a collective/mentorship for women DJs and singers from Detroit. In 2001, the label was born with fellow Detroit artist Moodyman’s guidance, with the goal to amplify local and global talent rooted in the legacy of the city’s music. With Minx now finally getting the respect and recognition she deserves, she’s refocusing her efforts, dedicating herself to lifting up the Detroit sound and paying homage to the underground while highlighting new talent.
“Women On Wax Recordings has been dormant for a bit, but she’s baaaack! We’ve sorted some music from a few of my dopest friends to present to you for Pride 2023. Queendom, Volume One, is a compilation of tracks produced with love by 5 adorable LGBTQ+ artists. We’re so happy to be back!” — DJ Minx
Following a streak of dazzling new singles, performed live for fans first on a North American headlining tour, alternative-pop band Valley – comprised of Rob Laska, Mickey Brandolino, Alex Dimauro, and Karah James – release their anticipated, sophomore album Lost In Translation today through Capitol Records/Universal Music Canada. James describes, “Lost in Translation is a tribute to our relationship over the many years as friends and bandmates, working through misunderstandings, and finding our way through the radio noise” – Stream.
The 15-track record follows their debut album MAYBE (2019) and collects the band member’s individual reflections over the past three years of creating the project. Laska reflects, “It poses more questions than answers which has been an accurate description of our lives since releasing our first album. It’s been a maze to figure out what this all means, why we still do it, what’s been found and most importantly, what’s been lost along the way.”
Lost In Translation comes together like glimpses of a journal, drawing from pop-culture references, inspired by iconic bands through the decades, rooted in personal experience and laced with hints of distinctive Valley soundscapes. James notes, “’Evenings & Weekends’ is one of my favorite tracks on the album. I remember waking up that day in our little A-frame house in the Hollywood Hills wanting to write an ABBA-like song. We started with a tempo like ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ and went for the same dark 70’s pop vibe that song has. It’s about conditional love and how it feels to be disposable to a person.”
Columbia, MO based Heavy Rockers Dark Below have delivered their powerful new single “Make Believe”. What began as a humble trio making music for their friends in the Midwest has grown into a promising force on the national scene.
The song features a massive, wall of sound vibe – Thanks to award-winning producer Malcolm Springer (Matchbox 20, Collective Soul, Fear Factory, Josey Scott). The song was recorded at East Iris Studios in Nashville, TN. The band is influenced by Chevelle, Breaking Benjamin, and 10 Years – and that heavy alternative sound shines through on this new release.
Dark Below’s Josh Campbell says “Make Believe’ is a song about the power of imagination. I grew up without any siblings and spent a lot of time on my own – so I think it was inevitable for me to become a really imaginative person. What I learned is that your imagination has the ability to bring you out of really dark places… But it also has the ability to put you back there, if you aren’t careful.”
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
