It’s only taken a year for Middle Sattre to establish themselves as a central voice in the queer indie-folk scene of Austin, TX. Between tours of the Mountain and Midwest states, the emerging band released their debut single, “Pouring Water.” The momentum was enough to land them a coveted place as a 2024 SXSW showcasing artist. Now, Middle Sattre returned to announce their full-length debut, Tendencies. Mastered by Heba Kadry (Björk, L’Rain, Sufjan Stevens), it’s set for release on February 9th via Sad Tree Records.
Along with the announcement, Middle Sattre shared a double single, “Pornography” and “Stop Speaking,” which deride the dangerous rhetoric people employ when discussing two marginalized groups: young girls and queer people, respectively.
When asked about the tracks, lead vocalist Hunter Prueger shared: “I can recall more than a few instances where an adult sexualized a child in the name of modesty or chastity. ‘Pornography’ recounts two of those instances—one on a youth trip and one at a high school musical. It was usually men in their forties and fifties talking about teenage and pre-teen girls, but no-one was really immune to that kind of gaze.” Reflecting on the backstory of the latter track, Prueger elaborated: “Stop Speaking’ is about the harmful language people use to talk about queer people. It references several anti-LGBTQ stances, announcements, proclamations, practices, and speeches from church leaders and politicians.”
Middle Sattre originated as Prueger’s private songwriting practice while living in Salt Lake City. The act’s early work came to life using a cheap microphone and discarded instruments acquired as a product of working at a middle school. Gradually, Prueger looped in collaborators from across the country, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the current eight-piece lineup. In early 2022, Prueger moved to Austin, TX with S. Wallace (vocals, keyboard) and Mitch Stevens (guitar, banjo, piano). From there, the band grew to include Jordan Walsh (prepared guitar, drums), Juniper Card (guitar, drums), Kai Jasmin (viola, guitar), Sophie Mathieu (cello), and James Tabata (bass).
Minneapolis hip-hop pioneers Atmosphere have shared another single off their forthcoming Talk Talk EP, the instant classic “Traveling Forever,” paired with a stark, black and white visual directed by ZooDeVille and Slug. The new single is preceded by the double single “Talk Talk (feat. Bat Flower),” and “Rotary Telephone.”
The genesis of the Talk Talk EP was during a recording session for the title track, “Talk Talk”, which originally appeared on their latest album, So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously. On the forthcoming EP, the Minneapolis legends dart across threads of space-time to grab hold of the one where they became titans of the electro-rap genre that was foundational to their youths. By evoking acts like Kraftwerk and Egyptian Lover, Atmosphere makes visions of the future from four decades ago seem new once again.
The Talk Talk EP is available for pre-order now. Additionally, a limited vinyl variant, cassettes and exclusive merch items can all be pre-ordered via atmospheresucks.com. The limited vinyl variant features alternative cover art and is also a zoetrope – as the record spins, sequenced images will appear and listeners will be able to see a moving picture in the vinyl.
The pioneering hip-hop duo will continue their nonstop 2023 touring schedule, kicking of their Tour De Friends headline dates supported by HEBL & NOFUN!, which includes their first hometown shows of the year, performing at Minneapolis’ First Avenue on 24 Nov (Sold Out) and Saint Paul’s Palace Theatre on 25 Nov. Additional Sold Out shows on this run include Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom, Sacramento’s Ace Of Spades, Los Angeles’ The Bellwether, Bozeman’s The ELM, San Diego’s The Observatory (North Park) and Seattle’s The Showbox. Tickets for the upcoming tour dates can be purchased at atmospheresucks.com.
In what’s been a landmark year for the duo, Atmosphere not only released their new album So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously earlier this year, but also released for the first time ever their early 2000’s cult mixtape Sad Clown Bad Dub 2. They were recently featured on The Danny Brown Show podcast and Slug contributed to The New York Times’ “50 Rappers 50 Stories” piece in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop this year. The band also announced an official collaboration with Victrola, the leading vinyl record player manufacturer of turntables and music-related products for more than 115 years, which included a limited edition run of Victrola’s portable Revolution GO record player branded with an iconic Atmosphere touch. This limited run is available via victrola.com
The new music documentary film YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY will be released in the U.S. and U.K., with limited engagement showings announced for November in the U.S., and in December for the U.K. More countries and locations and special events will be announced soon, following the film’s successful run in Japan with a release in over 70 theaters through Toho Cinemas.
YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY – International Theatrical Release
US –Tickets Available Now: TCL Chinese Theatre
U.K. – Starting December 1, tickets: ODEON Cinemas
U.K. Special Event: YOSHIKI Live Q&A – December 5: ODEON Covent Garden
This September, YOSHIKI–world-renowned composer, pianist, drummer, and leader of rock band X Japan–became the first Japanese artist to be honored with a handprint and footprint ceremony at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood since the tradition began in 1927.
YOSHIKI then returned to headline a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall last Saturday in New York City, after dazzling audiences and receiving standing ovations at Royal Albert Hall in London, Tokyo Garden Theater, and Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The October headlining tour marked the first time a Japanese artist has headlined all of these historic venues.
YOSHIKI: UNDER THE SKY gathers an extraordinary collection of international artists post pandemic for an emotional journey through the pain of losing loved ones and uniting globally through the healing power of music.
Shot in Germany, Beijing, Tokyo, and Los Angeles, the film features interviews, and performances from Sarah Brightman (UK), Nicole Scherzinger (USA), St. Vincent (USA), Scorpions (Germany), The Chainsmokers (USA), HYDE (Japan), SUGIZO (Japan), SixTONES (Japan), Jane Zhang (China), and Lindsey Stirling (USA), to celebrate voices joined from across international borders post Covid.
Throughout the film are interviews with YOSHIKI about his passion for music and the pain of having lost loved ones, including a heartbreaking interaction with the husband of a terminally ill fan. UNDER THE SKY celebrates the deep healing power of music and YOSHIKI’s resolve to never give up.
Walker & Royce release Part 1 of their new No Big Deal album, out now via Dirtybird Records. Featuring recently released singles ‘Cheap Thrills‘ with Barney Bones and ‘Stop Time’ with Glass Petals and Elohim, No Big Deal (Part 1) arrives with the announcement of Walker & Royce’s anticipated sophomore album, due out in 2024.
A rowdy 4-track introduction to the playful and cheeky spirit of Walker & Royce’s forthcoming album, No Big Deal encompasses the bombastic, no-holds-barred style that has shaped the duo’s sound. Emblazoned with the boisterous, unruly nature of their over-the-top signature, No Big Deal is expressed through the lens of Walker & Royce’s party-starting mindset. From the overzealous basslines of ‘Let’s Live It Up’ to the sharp, tech-driven synth stabs of ‘Cheap Thrills’, Part 1 is a sonic rollercoaster that features new collaborations with Indian-Canadian hip-hop artist Harm Franklin, South Central vocalist Barney Bones, and comedic musician Reggie Watts. Vocally-led and full of personality, Part 1 is as bold and brash as the duo themselves, and will leave listeners excitedly awaiting the next phase of No Big Deal.
No Big Deal (Part 1) arrives amidst Walker & Royce’s headline tour that will see them perform at New York’s Knockdown Center, Denver’s Mission Ballroom, and Chicago’s Radius, along with festival stops at Seismic Dance Event and PROPER NYE.
Toronto-based Breeze are back with their highly anticipated album, “Sour Grapes,” set to release December 8, 2023 through Hand Drawn Dracula Records. The album delivers a distinctive 90s-inspired sound that explores the complexity of relationships and builds upon the brit-pop new-wave sound that garnered critical acclaim for their 2021 release, “Only Up,” praised by the likes of CBC Music, Stereogum, and NPR.
“Sour Grapes” represents an exciting direction for Breeze, capturing the essence of their evolution as a band. Originally a solo project helmed by renowned producer Josh Korody (known for his work with Tess Parks, Dilly Dally, Fucked Up, Weaves), Breeze has since transformed into a five piece following their debut performance on KEXP Live At Home Session. The album was recorded and meticulously crafted by Korody at his Candle Recording studio, with additional recording at Hotel 2 Tango alongside Shae Brossard, and mastering by Mark Gardiner (of RIDE) at OX4Sound studio.
Indie Pop Singer Sonnet Simmons Wants Listeners To Face Their Fears
Singer Sonnet Simmons releases new raw single, “What If The World Goes Black,” challenging stereotypes that women must have it all.
LA’s emerging musical sensation Sonnet Simmons (she/her) will introduce listeners to a captivating and deeply personal new single, “What if the World Goes Black,” on November 3. The new single is Sonnet’s reflection on a pivotal moment in her life. She grapples with relatable dilemmas of identity, desire, and metamorphosis.
“This song is about the moment where you’re standing between two worlds,” Sonnet explains, “the safe and familiar world that is no longer serving you, and the other unknown world, where you have to give up everything you know to become everything you really want to be.”
The single serves as a beacon for those navigating their own personal abysses. “The essence of the track lies in those moments of uncertainty, where solitude and fear loom large. But it’s also a calling to the strength within, the spirit that urges you to move one to tread forward even when the path ahead is veiled in darkness,” Sonnet shares.
Listeners can download the song on Spotify, Itunes, or other digital platforms and share their own moments of metamorphosis in Sonnet’s Instagram page. The singer wants listeners to continue on their own journeys of self-discovery and embracing change even while experiencing doubt.
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Sonnet Simmons’ distinctive voice and soulful storytelling is highlighted in this new song with its evocative lyrics, haunting melodies, and the profound depth of human emotion.This song was produced by Billy Lefler (Ingrid Michaelson, Avril Lavigne, Dashboard Confessionals)
“What If The World Goes Black” will be available on digital platforms everywhere on November 3rd.
XXIM Records/Sony Masterworks is proud to announce the release of another new single, ‘Umbra’, as well as the extended version of Néo-Romance, the critically acclaimed record from French-Canadian pianist and composer ALEXANDRA STRÉLISKI. The previously unreleased piece is accompanied by a music video shot by Nick Helderman at La Marbrerie in Montreuil, France, featuring Julia Kotarba, Natalia Kotarba, and Maxime Navert, members of STRÉLISKI’S touring band.
“Umbra”was the very last piece composed for the project and was finished after most of Néo-Romance had already been recorded. “‘Umbra’ refers to the darkest part of the shadow, but this piece was created to try to put some light in it,” says STRÉLISKI. Having become herstandard set closer, the piece is now something of a fan favourite, garnering a rapturous reception wherever she has played.
“It’s now one of my favourite pieces to play live,” adds STRÉLISKI. “It started out as the finale to my show, with solo piano, and was made into a collective celebration, based on improvisation. I have so much fun playing it with my wonderful musicians Julia and Natalia Kotarba, and my longtime partner Maxime Navert on synths.”
Ophelia Records star MitiS officially announces the forthcoming release of his third studio album, “Unity”. The upcoming LP lands 3 years after the resounding success of his 2020 album “Lost”, which clinched the #1 spot on iTunes Dance/Electronic charts and amassed over 20 million Spotify streams. Alongside the much-anticipated announcement, MitiS graces listeners with the second single from the album, “With You Were Here”, featuring Los Angeles-based rock band Beauty School Dropout, who are currently captivating audiences on their 26-date “Ready To Eat” Fall 2023 U.S. Tour. The release directly trails “Phantom Love” with Sarah De Warren, the album’s unannounced yet mesmerizing debut single. “With You Were Here” is out now and available to stream across all platforms via Ophelia Records.
Canadian pop artist Kyle Richardson is thrilled to share his debut album, “Louder Than Words”, which was released on October 13th across all digital streaming platforms.
“Louder Than Words”: tinyurl.com/LouderThanWordsSpotify
A 11-track effort, “Louder Than Words” was produced by Jeff Dawson (Daniel Powter, Kelly Rowland) along with Alan Poettcker (These Kids Wear Crowns) as a special co-producer on one song. Richardson was a writer on each of the album’s songs, with additional co-writing contributions from Dawson, Poettcker, Andrew Allen, and Tea Petrovic. The finished record showcases Richardson’s rich, polished vocals across a variety of pop genre branches.
Speaking about the release, Richardson says, “For my debut album, I wanted to offer a mix of songs that draw from a range of influences but are still tied to a distinctly pop vibe that is engaging and uplifting. Instead of chasing trends, I focused on heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and true-to-life storytelling. This album is an equal representation of who I am as an artist and as a person.”
“Louder Than Words” arrives after the momentum of Richardson’s three 2023 singles, “Can You Hear Me”, “Anything”, and “Fight the Good Fight”. In addition to those tracks, “Louder than Words” includes the longing and romantic title track, the nostalgic and effervescent “Fun”, the moody love-fueled “Perfect Crime”, the intoxicating genre-blending “Everything About You”, the soulful throwback “Memory Lane”, the breezy Motown-influenced “Sooner or Later”, the joyously upbeat “Nice to Meet You”, and the emotion-heavy piano ballad “Keep the Faith”.
Richardson was raised in Vernon, British Columbia before moving to Vancouver to pursue music over a decade ago. Since then, he’s written with the likes of Carly Rae Jepsen, DYLN, and Garrett Neiles, enjoyed TV sync placements and radio play through his past work, and reached over 1.5 million Spotify streams as a guest vocalist on Bobina’s 2016 single, “Love is the Answer”. A proud member of the LGBTQIA+ artist community, Richardson has performed at local Pride shows and is quick to lend his voice to advocate for equal representation and diversity in the music industry.
With “Louder than Words”, Richardson is set to reinforce his industry status as a smooth vocalist and crafty songwriter while allowing the album’s enduring power for others to come from its relatable themes and hopeful delivery.
He says, “This is an album about the universal themes of friendship, love, loyalty, and getting through the hard times with positivity and confidence. For listeners who discover the album, I hope they feel understood, uplifted, and encouraged.”
Kyle Richardson’s “Louder Than Words” is on all digital streaming platforms. A music video for the album’s featured single, “Keep the Faith”, will arrive in the weeks ahead.
Irish indie band Good Strangers is poised to captivate audiences with the release of their EP, ‘Adult Teenage Novels’ on November 10th. Leading the charge is the evocative lead single ‘War In My Head’ a soul-stirring composition born from the depths of personal struggle.
Best friends since 3, turned bandmates Niamh Kirby and Conor Quinn along with bandmates Kevin Farrell (guitar), Luke Butt (bass) and Des Brodie (drums) have channelled their creative synergy into a sonic journey that resonates with themes of love, loss, sexuality, and the tumultuous transition to adulthood. The name “Good Strangers” pays tribute to the profound impact of the diverse individuals they’ve encountered on their musical odyssey.
The EP, produced by the acclaimed Alex Borwick (Sam Fender, Lankum, Catfish & The Bottlemen), features six tracks which masterfully weave together shimmering guitars and ethereal vocals.
‘War In My Head’, the EP’s lead single, emerged as a powerful testament to the band’s commitment to authenticity and vulnerability. Penned amidst a personal battle with mental health, Quinn, the main songwriter, crafted a song that candidly delves into the struggle to balance the demands of everyday life. The track’s composition evolved from a contemplative Paul Simon-esque vibe to a resounding anthem infused with elements of 90’s rock and folk.
Quinn reflects on the songwriting process, stating the song emerged during a pivotal moment in the summer of 2023… “I wrote ‘War In My Head’ while finalizing mixes for the EP. It poured out quickly amidst the chaos of life and my struggle with mental health.” The recording process mirrored this spontaneity, with Niamh adding, “It was the quickest turnaround from writing to recording we’ve ever had, capturing the raw essence of the song’s meaning.” The track’s sonic evolution from Americana to a heavier sound pays homage to influential bands like The Cranberries and The Stone Roses.
The ‘Adult Teenage Novels’ EP stands as a testament to Good Strangers’ ability to harness personal turmoil and transform it into a cathartic sonic experience. With tracks like ‘Private Hell,’ ‘Egyptian Summer,’ ‘Reno,’ and ‘The Garden,’ listeners can expect a visceral journey through the complex tapestry of human emotion.
The overall concept of ‘Adult Teenage Novelsʼ was inspired by main writer Quinnʼs personal struggles with his mental health following the end of a significant relationship. Quinn says ‘ʼThe songs on the EP are mostly about a break up. I know itʼs an overdone cliche, but I wanted to write about the end of a relationship from a personal perspective and document that
experience in real time as it was happening to me through writing. Break ups are a universally shit thing that most of us as humans, will have to go through at least once in our lives. I think that the intense emotions felt through the end of a long term relationship & losing someone you genuinely cared about can very much be associated with the feelings associated with grief.’
Quinn continues, “Although the lyrics of the songs off the record are quite depressing and dark,we wanted the music to be an almost juxtaposition of that sadness. When we went to record the songs with Alex, we were mindful of the fact that we wanted to have a hopefulness & an uplifting energy to the music to counter the nostalgic feelings of grief & regrets that often comes with the concept of a break up album”.
“Adult Teenage Novels” was meticulously crafted in Black Mountain and Grouse Lodge Recording Studios Ireland, ensuring a rich and immersive auditory experience for fans of indie rock.
Utah’s hidden threat to the modern alt-pop world, Maz releases her cover of Dinosaur Jr.’s “Little Fury Things.” Her spacey take on the song shows the bridging of generations done by the grunge legends. If the original version of the song is considered urgent and driving, Maz’s rendition is a celestial stroll. Vapory in texture the song is propelled forward by her floating, effortless vocals – Stream.
Pulled from Dinosaur Jr.’s 1987 You’re Living All Over Me, “Little Fury Things” has been a longtime favorite of Maz’s growing up listening to the band. Both versions of the song feature a sense of aloofness and heavy distortion, presented in very different packages that are reminiscent of the time each emerged within. Maz’s cover was produced by Nate Pyfer and Boone Hogg.
Maz said, “Dinosaur Jr. Is one of my all-time favorite bands, so covering a song by them has always been a dream of mine. One of my favorite things about Dinosaur Jr.’s sound is that it is raw, gritty and loud. In the studio, playing around with the song, I realized the depth and emotion of the lyrics and the beautiful melody that was there. I thought it would be interesting to highlight those aspects of the song. A softer, dreamier version.”
Grammy Award-winning, Ivor Novello-nominated live electronic trio NERO release the official music video for their newest single ‘Truth’, the lead off their highly-anticipated third studio album Into The Unknown, due out 2024 via Create Music Group.
Directed by Markus Lundqvist (known for his work with Daft Punk, Beyonce and Lady Gaga) and Daniel Stephens, NERO’s official ‘Truth’ music video encapsulates the cinematic mystique that has long set the trio apart. Encompassed in dark smoke and industrial elements, ‘Truth’ is a foreboding gateway into NERO’s universe and the first in a multi-part video series. Rising out of this post-apocalyptic world, the music video sees NERO reborn and their planet revitalized and awaiting what may lie ahead for humanity.
Written four years ago, ‘Truth’ was the first track created for Into The Unknown, and acts as the lead single into the concluding chapter of the NERO trilogy. ‘Truth’ perfectly captures the brutality and beauty of NERO, the ethereal quickly supplanted by the ecstatic. A propulsive track, underpinned by a sample of Amanda Palmer reading Neil Gaiman’s The Mushroom Hunters, a poem that tackles themes essential to NERO – motherhood, scientific reverence, the past and the future and humanities capacity for creation and destruction.
style icon Sita Abellán officially announces her debut EP under her techno alias SITA, a conceptual project titled Generacion XDISIS via her close cohort Héctor Oaks’ label, KAOS. Along with the news comes a new song, “333,” and video directed by Tomas Peña (previous work: Rosalía, Arca, The Prodigy). The body of work is a new milestone in the ever-evolving creative world of Sita.
“333” features SITA’s own production and vocals, drawing upon influences from Eurohouse, the post-Franco Spanish techno Ruta Del Bakalao era in ‘90s Valencia, Belgian new beat from the ‘80s, and modern Berlin techno. The song pays homage to her main musical reference and idol, Miss Kittin. The video shows the transformation of SITA through her teenage/punk years in high school to swerving paparazzi in her early 20s to her marriage, becoming a mother and channeling her inner child, and finally, emerging as a victorious warrior. All of these amazing looks in the video were styled by Sita herself.
“It was amazing to work with my long-time friend Tomás Peña. He is so talented! It was great to see him translating the parable of fame, failure, and true success the song talks about into images. I particularly enjoyed styling myself into the different 5 versions of Sita that the video shows throughout the different scenes.” — SITA
Born out of the relentless winter months of the Pacific Northwest — where Christmas sweaters adorn even the animal statues — this holiday record hits different.
The Portland Cello Project, known for their delightful and dedicated performances of modern and classical music (previously taking on the music of Radiohead and having collaborated with the likes of Thao Nguyen, as examples), join forces with Prince’s New Power Generation alum vocal powerhouse Saeeda Wright to bring a complement of uniquely arranged holiday jams.
Today they announce the upcoming mini album Under the Mistletoe with Saeeda Wright, set for a December 8th release date — just in time for the holidays. The first single from the project is the uniquely haunting, lilting version of “What Child is This?”, which you can check out via YouTube.
Elsewhere on the album, there’s a playful “What are you Doing for New Years Even?”, to stunning classical instrumental versions of “O Holy Night” and “Winter Wonderland,” the latter featuring modern jazz great and fellow Portlander, Farnell Newton, on the trumpet.
The record is a showcase of cross-genre collaborative arrangement, coming from a three-way synergistic connection between the group’s longtime drummer and another Prince alum, Tyrone Hendrix (Prince, Stevie Wonder, Allen Stone), the group’s new pianist and multi-instrumentalist, Alex Milsted (Stevie Wonder, Liv Warfield, Mike Phillips), and The Cello Project’s Artistic Director and longtime arranger (with over a thousand string arrangements to his credit for the group), Douglas Jenkins.
Kramer, the original Made to Rock Hard guitar brand has been setting trends with premium, performance-focused instruments since 1976. Kramer is proud to announce the first offering from the new Kramer Historic Collection, Made in Japan. This new legend is lovingly handcrafted in Japan based on scans and details from an original “Holy Grail” Baretta. The Kramer 1983 Baretta Reissue is now available globally and at all authorized Kramer dealers and on www.KramerGuitars.com.
In 1983, the Kramer Baretta was first introduced to the world. Few models can claim to have changed the course of musical history, but that is exactly what the Baretta did when it was embraced by a new generation of highly innovative hard rock and metal guitarists. The wildly successful Baretta was the perfect platform for their fretboard pyrotechnics, and its success was a major contributor to Kramer becoming the most popular guitar brand in the world by the mid-1980s. With its double cutaway maple body providing excellent sustain and unimpeded access to the Rosewood fretboard, the powerful simplicity of the Baretta’s single Seymour Duncan® ’59 pickup paired with a single volume control, and a Floyd Rose R5 locking tremolo that stays in tune under even the most demanding wiggle stick acrobatics, it is still the quintessential hard rock and metal guitar that is Made to Rock Hard. This faithful reissue of the groundbreaking 1983 Baretta was lovingly crafted in Japan to vintage specifications and comes with a Kramer hardshell case.
the Los Angeles based, alternative pop singer, songwriter and storyteller Emma Zander has shared her latest single, “Not A Fairytale” produced by Jon Lundin (Point North).
From the dopamine highs to the devastating mascara-stained lows, “Not a Fairytale” tells the melancholic tale of how the most toxic relationships can be the most intoxicating. The reflective track follows a pair who meet and fall quickly, madly in love. And while everything appears to be picture perfect, the relationship is actually full of cracks, secrets, and lies…
The song starts with a slowed, pop-dance beat evoking a sense of nostalgia before comparing the relationship to a carousel that whirls around until the journey comes to an end. This palpable and poignant song stands as a tragic poem about a once beautiful love story, set to an infectious beat that sweeps listeners into a dream world that distorts our sense of reality.
To beautifully place a capstone on the era of her debut album, Mereki today announces her series of live performance videos from Death of a Cloud filmed at Friar Park. Every week from today through December 6, the Australian/English savant of purposeful pop will release a new live session recorded at the infamous Victorian estate in England. The series begins with today’s videos for “Wake Up Dead (Live)” and “Presence (Live).”
Joined by guitarist and keys player Jerry Bernhardt, harpist Iona Thomas, and Dhani Harrison on guitar, the video series was directed by Mereki’s frequent creative collaborator Danny Sangra and produced by Sarianne Plaisant. The Friar Park Sessions are a playful and honest adaptation of Mereki’s music, seeing her in an effortless state of creativity.
Mereki said, “Friar Park Studios is one of those special places that makes you believe in magic. It was beyond a dream to record there and with such loved and beautifully restored vintage equipment. I felt extremely grateful to be playing music there.”
Norwegian pop artist Malin Pettersen continues to branch beyond her original foundation in the Americana scene with her latest single “Crying”. A stunning duet with R&B artist Stefanos Yowhannes, “Crying”. encapsulates the essence of the pop music that shaped her formative years, transporting listeners to a time when these melodies formed the very soundtrack of her life. Reflecting on her connection to these songs, Pettersen shares, “I found solace in these songs when I was young. I have a huge respect for all the fantastic pop and R&B music I was raised on, and especially how the songs managed to really capture the emotions I was dealing with.”
“Crying” is not only a journey through Pettersen’s musical influences but the harmonious feature with Stefanos draws comparisons to the likes of D’Angelo, adding an exceptional layer to the song’s late 90s/early 00s R&B vibe. Evoking memories of Destiny’s Child and Alicia Keys, the track showcases a unique synergy between the two artists as both trade lead vocals against a backdrop of infectious beats, complemented by a chorus of voices that elevate the sonic experience.
Originally celebrated for her enchanting country and bluegrass harmonies, Pettersen has unveiled a remarkable transformation in her musical journey. With an audacious leap into uncharted territories, she melds both genres and emotions as well as universally relatable lyrics that resonate with listeners worldwide. Her remarkable journey has been recognized with a prestigious Spellemann award, coveted appearances on shows like Lindmo and Stjernekamp, and features in renowned publications including Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Forbes Magazine. This Fall, Pettersen has been given the opportunity to open for country music star Gavin DeGraw during his Norway dates:
September 19th – Sentrum Scene, Oslo, Norway
September 20th – Sentrum Scene, Oslo, Norway
September 23rd – Train, Aarhus, Sweden
September 24th – Vega, København, Sweden
Following a string of supremely successful singles, including collaborations with Copywrite and RoQy TyRaiD, UK producer Montao ain’t slowing down…
His swift return is via brand new post apocalyptic posse cut, teaming up with none other than Slug of Atmosphere, Koncept, and Lane Shuler.
‘What in the World?’ is a landscape of ideas, what if’s….could it really happen!?
An unfortunate topic which is ever relevant, and forever in the forefront of the news and the world stage.
The music and production manoeuvres around a familiar piano riff, forged by Montao’s favourite all time composer, creating a perfect backdrop to set the scene.
It kicks off with the introspective and poetic veteran that is Slug of Atmosphere, painting a seamless and eloquent picture in his own unique way.
Next in line adding some spice is Koncept ramping up the tempo with his innovative style and flow, paving the way for new kid on the block Lane Shuler.
Lane blasts out his take with drama, tension, and intensity creating the perfect ending to an epic piece of work.
The track is a cinematic Hiphop masterpiece, sketching out a vivid animated story of the unknown.
What in the World? is out now- https://ffm.to/montaowhatintheworld
dance music superstar-in-the-making LP Giobbi unites with rising UK producer Redfield and multi-faceted artist DJ Rae on “Waiting,” a rapturous new house single that comes via Diplo’s tastemaking imprint Higher Ground.
“Waiting” follows a sizzling past few months for LP Giobbi, as she released her debut album Light Places via Counter Records (Forbes called it “masterfully produced”), launched her own label imprint called Yes Yes Yes, embarked on an international headline tour, and most recently, released an official remix for the one and only Taylor Swift. The track swells with the carefree, euphoric vibe she’s cultivated via her music and live performances. It also packs a bit of a punch with its surprisingly percussive groove.
“This track came to life in London when Redfield brought an idea into the session, and we started building a track around DJ Rae’s vocals. After some back and forth, ‘Waiting’ was born. I’ve played this track all over the world for a variety of dance floors, and it has been incredible to see how universal this song is.” — LP Giobbi
electronic music trio Keys N Krates delivers their third full-length studio album, IN:TENSION, a succinct body of work that sees the Toronto-based outfit blending their lifelong influences and versatile production chops into a passion project chock-full of talent. IN:TENSION, featuring tracks with R&B superstar Ciara, songstress Lion Babe, alongside rising singers Taite Imogen, Dana Williams, and the late, great singer Aaron Carl, is out now via Last Gang/MNRK.
Channeling their innate love of pure, timeless house music, Keys N Krates pivot from the sound that once took them to the biggest stages in EDM to a more refined, precise, and intentional effort. On IN:TENSION, they dig deeper than ever before into their own personal tastes—citing influences from sampling master Armand Van Helden and house music legends Masters At Work— a sound that speaks to why they fell in love with dance music decades ago. They do this all without sacrificing their signature crisp rhythms and wall-shaking low-end that their fans have adored since their original hip-hop origins.
multi-platinum Melbourne-born, LA-based producer/DJ Hayden James releases a pair of new singles ‘Beggin’ You’ featuring SAYGRACE and ‘Nevermind’ featuring Jillian Loux out via Future Classic.
Continuing to expand his collection of vibrant, vocally-led dancefloor originals, Hayden James’ latest two-pack is another dynamic showcase of his elevated and emotive house-pop signature. ‘Beggin’ You’ is instantly infectious, flaunting a retro flair that will immediately get bodies moving. Glamorous and effortlessly groovy, Hayden James surrounds SAYGRACE’s sultry vocals with lush piano stabs and swinging basslines. Its companion takes a softer approach, building an intimate, slow-burning soundscape around Jillian Loux’s wistful lyricism. Fluttering with euphoric synth melodies and rhythmic percussion, ‘Nevermind’ carries the impassioned sentiments present throughout Hayden James’ catalog.
On ‘Beggin’ You’, Hayden James says, “When I heard the SAYGRACE vocal it sounded like a sample.. a classic house vocal. I didn’t want to introduce too many elements in the track – Bassline, Drums, Piano, Vocal.. that’s it. I’ve been playing the record in my sets the last few shows and loving the crowd reaction. It’s a real moment in my set.”
“‘Nevermind’ is one of those records I just couldn’t get out of my head. Jillian’s vocals are crazy. So smooth and intimate. The moment I wrote that weird lead synth line in the drop it all came together super quick. I’m very excited to release these two records together. Feels like they belong together,” adds Hayden James.
Following the success of their 2022 EP Don’t Wait Up, DRAMA, the Chicago-based collaboration between producer Na’el Shehade and vocalist Via Rosa, delivers their clubbable fourth EP, Till We Die. The seven-track project refreshingly captures the duo’s trademark sound of two unlikely musical pairings: dance and R&B. Late-night groovy, dance anthems of independence and self-love carefully replace the duo’s typical broody heartbreak sounds.
ill We Die highlights the duo’s distinctive musical talents, Shehade’s versatility as a producer and the emotive power of Rosa as a singer/songwriter. To Shehade and Rosa, it’s their most confident project to date, alluding to the fact that despite the dark title, the EP positively inspires listeners to find the beauty in confrontation and tough conversations.
The self-titled single “DRAMA” captivates listeners with an infectious spur to action that plays around with Shehade’s funky house beats complimented by Rosa’s sassy vocals, unarguably a seductive start to a night out. Inspired by amorous connections made on the dance floor, “Tighten It Up” energizes listeners with an upbeat tempo and a carefree lyrical delivery. “Till We Die, Inshallah” plays an ode to classic house that leaves fans yearning more from Rosa’s sultry affair. “Dollar $hort” ft. Flight Facilities, demonstrates the duo’s seamless ability to collaborate with other artists to produce a powerfully addictive tune.
Rising Cork singer songwriter Seán Parnell is gearing up to enrapture audiences with the release of his highly anticipated second single, “What Can I Do”, out November 17th. Following the success of his debut release, ‘Over Feeling Down,’ Parnell continues to showcase his talent as a singer-songwriter, offering a fresh and captivating perspective on the complexities of life and love.
“What Can I Do” holds a special place in Parnell’s heart, as it was initially recorded on a humble €30 microphone from Wish, a gift from a friend during his secondary school years. The track, later brought to life by the skilled hands of producer BRIEN (known for his work with Kojaque and Kean Kavanagh), weaves a narrative of frustration with Irish weather and recurring thoughts of someone, all set against a backdrop of subtle R&B-inspired guitars and catchy pop melodies.
Seán Parnell, a standout figure in Cork’s vibrant music scene, is already making waves with his distinctive sound and emotive storytelling. His debut release, ‘Over Feeling Down,’ dropped on October 12th under Faction Records, receiving acclaim for its poignant lyrics and seamless fusion of pop sensibilities with alternative R&B-inspired production.
The song captures a unique blend of influences and emotions, drawing on Parnell’s experiences in both London and Cork. With frustration as the driving force, “What Can I Do” showcases Parnell’s growth as an artist and his ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
New York City’s premier underground event collective Teksupport revealed their full New Year’s Week programming, featuring some of the world’s most noteworthy house and techno selectors for a series of seven shows across three venues.
Opening the marathon New Year’s Week celebrations on December 28th is a five hour set from Chicago native John Summit joined by Israeli rising star Mita Gami at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. On December 29th, seven-time Grammy nominee Bonobo will perform his acclaimed DJ set alongside three special back to backs with Ellum Audio boss Maceo Plex b2b new wave techno producer Avision, Life and Death label head DJ Tennis b2b Swiss powerhouse Jimi Jules, & Miami-based rising star Miluhska b2b Brooklyn-based DJ and producer Tony y Not at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
On December 30th, Day Zero founder and Crosstown Rebels head Damian Lazarus will play an alluring four hour set, set to the immersive backdrop of ArtsDistrict Brooklyn’s 360-degree visual projection technology. On December 31st (NYE), Teksupport returns to the Brooklyn Navy Yard to host Drumcode Records founder Adam Beyer, Berlin-based duo Mind Against, Trick label boss Patrick Topping, Italian techno pioneer Ilario Alicante, & rising star HoneyLuv.
Ringing in the New Year on January 1st, Teksupport will host NYC native Victor Calderone at Sony Hall, Innervisions icon Âme + more artists TBA in Brooklyn, and a special six hour set from Bronx-born The Martinez Brothers at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Founded by Rob Toma, Teksupport have spent the last decade pushing the boundaries of traditional nightlife in NYC through their cutting edge production, forward-thinking musical curation, and never-before-used locales. The pioneering event visionaries have now expanded beyond NYC to throw events across the nation, positioning themselves as the premiere partner for stateside takeovers from revered global institutions.
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