Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Hailey Knox debuts a new single entitled “Stranger.” Get it HERE via 10K Projects.
Backed by a hypnotic and stripped-back production that lures you in, Hailey’s sultry vocals shine on the track as she floats through an ethereally soft chorus, followed by more hard-hitting rhythmic R&B verses. Reflecting on a previously ended relationship Hailey sings, “being with you should have come with a disclaimer,” deciding after that she has had enough, “don’t think about me later, to me you’re just a stranger.”
“’Stranger’ is about a relationship with someone who was always looking for something better,” says Hailey. “He wants to come back once he realizes what he gave up, but by that point, he’s just a stranger.”
Preparing for the release of the song, Hailey Knox joined Marc Rebillet last week in Venice for his pop-up show, where she graced thousands with her effortless freestyle. Watch it HERE.
“Stranger” arrives on the heels of last year’s “Charismatic” and previous standout singles “Gucci Prada Balenciaga”and “a boy named pluto.”Generating millions of streams and earning acclaim from the likes DIY, American Songwriter, Lyrical Lemonade, the rising artist has been carving her own lane receiving notoriety from the likes of SZA, Zach Bryan, Teddy Swims, Ty Dolla $ign and more. This latest single promises more to come soon from the talented Hailey Knox.
Brooklyn-based alt-pop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sabrina Song announces her debut full-length album You Could Stay In One Spot, and I’d Love You The Same due out June 7 and available for pre-order now. Alongside the long-awaited announcement, Song shares the sweetly reassuring track “Okay, Okay,” out now. Tonight, Song takes the Brooklyn Made stage with rising indie darlings Shallow Alcove and will support Georgia Gets By in NYC and LA with tickets on sale now here. The forthcoming carefully curated LP sees the musician take stock of her life as a twenty-something in New York City–reflecting on the love, loss, growth and gratitude–and what may come of it all.
You Could Stay In One Spot, and I’d Love You The Same marks Sabrina Song’s first official full-length project. Supported in part by the NY Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)’s prestigious NYC Women’s Fund grant, the LP explores themes of existentialism, navigating young womanhood, gratitude, and the intensity of love. Entering 2023 with three EPs under her belt, Song felt ready for the undertaking of a full-length project, deliberately placing each track in its precise place. “I am someone who listens to albums front to back,” Song explains. “I’ve always admired the meticulous thought that’s put into the journey of a project, how the tracklist was decided upon, what story the album is telling as a whole.” She already had a collection of demos in progress when she found out she was awarded a grant from NYFA’s Women’s Fund, turning the project from an idea to a conceivable reality.
Consisting of ten measured, tender tracks with more live instruments than ever before, the album examines Song’s life and growth during the period of great change that comes post-grad––loved ones moving out of her native New York, balancing day jobs, the ebb and flow of old and new friendships. She found herself overcome with gratitude––for getting older, for having loved ones to miss, for being in love, for making music. Written between 2021 and 2023, the album’s tracklist shows a maturation in Song’s subject matter as she herself continues to come into her own. Having written and self-produced all of her work until this point, Song recruited Torna to co-produce and engineer to complete her vision of a guitar-driven album.
Out today, “Okay, Okay” steadily unfolds like a loving relationship does, and is grounded by a rhythm and melody that matches its soothing lyricism. Through writing this song, it became clear to the singer-songwriter how much easier it is to articulate nuanced emotions through music rather than conversation. Song explains, “‘Okay, Okay’ started as a long list of rambles describing the same thing: How can you fully trust that the person you love feels the same, especially in the beginning? The anxiety of being in love can be so intense because you’re at your most vulnerable, and it’s very easy to self-sabotage out of fear or insecurity.” Hoping the feeling is mutual as she takes a leap into love, Song continues, “This is a song about reassurance: ‘If I could touch the sun / If I could take the pain / I’d do it all for you / Excess with no restraint.’”
Australian producer/DJ EDDIE has teamed up with audio-visual artist FISE for a new collaboration ‘DAMNED’ featuring vocalist Colleen D’Agostino out now via HypnoVizion.
Fueled by abrasive builds and cataclysmic drops, ‘DAMNED’ is a daunting collaboration from the trio. Unleashing a tale of weaponized fear and the struggle to regain control, ‘DAMNED’ continues the chain of vocally-led experimental bass music that has captivated fans across both EDDIE and HypnoVizion’s catalogs. On ‘DAMNED’, EDDIE and FISE lay an intense and unearthly bass-heavy backdrop for D’Agostino’s emotionally-wrought lyricism to untangle, resulting in a bone-chilling original that will leave listeners awe-struck.
“We knew a collab between us could be an absolute mid tempo monster with an extraordinary visual experience. If you want a Spooky, growling sound design with absolutely epic vocals, ‘DAMNED’ is for you!” – EDDIE
Dirtybird Records is shining a light on rising Brazilian house and techno acts with its latest compilation Taste Of Brazil.
Taste Of Brazil continues Dirtybird’s long standing effort to spotlight new artists from the region. In 2023, the label highlighted some of Brazil’s hottest talents with releases from Bruno Furlan, DJ Glen, Cour T., Plastic Robots, and [http://]Danny Kolk. Offering a selection of tribal tones, overzealous rhythms, and deep basslines, Taste Of Brazil features four of the country’s finest newcomers: São Paulo-based Borgez, Curitiba-bred LET BR, Rio de Janeiro’s Rafaloo, and Goiânia-born VIRKING.
The compilation opens with ‘Millions’ from Borgez, a continuous groove with a catchy topline that will light up international dancefloors. Next up is LET BR’s relentless and percussive-heavy ‘Catch Ya’ and Rafaloo’s bass-bouncing ‘BANTO’. Capping off with VIRKING’s dark tech heater ‘Muy Bien’, Taste Of Brazil showcases a well-rounded palette of Brazilian sounds and Dirtybird inspirations.
Taste Of Brazil also serves as the debut for this year’s Dirtybird Artist In Residence Pemex, a Los Angeles-based graffiti artist known for blending Native and Ancient Meso-American cultural influences of his travels throughout South America and Mexico.
Tyler Ramsey is thrilled to release his sixth studio album New Lost Ages via Soundly Music.
“This is an album of shadows and light, “ says Tyler. “It is about the calm that follows the storm and it’s about the dark clouds when they roll back in again.”
New Lost Ages was recorded at the legendary Avast! Recording Co. in Seattle, Washington, by storied producer Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Father John Misty, The Shins, Built to Spill). The 10-song LP is an ongoing sonic quest — meticulously wandering across the musical landscape, this undulating tone of indie, rock and folk stylings.
Ramsey’s single “These Ghosts” has been active at radio for just a few weeks and has found its way into many high-profile stations across the country including SiriusXM The Spectrum, WFUV in New York, WRLT in Nashville, WYEP in Pittsburgh and Radio Milwaukee. In addition to “These Ghosts,” New Lost Ages was heralded by singles “Flare (for Neal Casal),” and the title track “New Lost Ages.”
“These Ghosts” is the lead single off the record and is a song Ramsey says, “is for anyone who has left a bad situation behind them only to look down and realize they are still carrying it with them somehow. Letting go – even letting go of something that’s no good – can take time. The pain in your head is just the smoke from a fire that burned out a long time ago.”
Slightest Clue is a Vancouver-based four-piece that probably shouldn’t work. Each member brings distinct influences and experiences: a stage actor whose playlists go from Talking Heads to Sonic Youth to Björk, a hook-obsessed recovering choir girl, an electrical engineer whose personal idol is John Bonham, and a guitarist who played for (and left) ten other bands before deciding this was the one for him. It’s like the secret after-school project of four kids who would have passed each other without a glance in the hallway at school – but once they’re plugged in and ready to play their distinct blend of post-punk, alternative rock, and dark pop, all bets are off. It wasn’t supposed to work, but it does, and they don’t have the slightest clue how or why.
Slightest Clue is Malcolm McLaren, Hannah Kruse, Sean Ries, and Nick Sciarretta.
An artist to watch in 2024, Miami-based Cash Money Records signee Eighty8 returns with his new single, “S.O.N. (Something Out of Nothing)” today via Cash Money Records. Get it HERE.
“S.O.N. (Something Out of Nothing) flexes his melodic prowess over an upbeat track. Slick verses give way to an instantly chantable chorus as he chronicles his “come up” and how he’s had to make “something out of nothing.”
Eighty8’s previous release, “Granny Baby,” notably garnered 318K Spotify streams and the video received over 451K YouTube views. Watch HERE.
In 2021 Eighty8 released his first debut single with Cash Money Records, “Hit” which placed him on the map as a force of musical versatility and a unique style of that breathes freshness in the space of Hip Hop and beyond. The track garnered press praise from Hip Hop DX, Hip Hop N More, On Smash, Respect Magazine, Hype Off Life as the Miami New Times coined him as “an artist to watch” further sharing praise for the single “Hit” as a “slick banger full of confident bars over a horn-based loop.” Eighty8 followed up with his next single, “The Realest,” which caught a salute from Earmilk as the renowned publication stated, “Cash Money Records signee Eighty8 weaves his rhythmic bars through 808s and heavy percussion on the latest release, The Realest.”
Born in Louisiana and raised in Texas, Austin based Ellis Bullard has a musical lineage steeped in rich history. His distinct sound and unique talent is the result of years of dedication and commitment to the craft. While drawing inspiration from legendary figures such as Merle Haggard and Jerry Reed, Bullard’s music seamlessly channels the spirit of Mo Bandy and Joe Stampley collaborations, resulting in a harmonious synthesis of classic and subtle outlaw country influences.
Bullard is now unveiling his new ten-track album, Honky Tonk Ain’t Noise Pollution. Inspired by life events and the people he meets along the way, the songwriter shares, “This album is everything to me. It’s over 10 years of winning and losing along the way. This record is blood sweat and tears. No bullshit. All the players on this record are like brothers to me and the energy we create on stage and in the studio is incredible. We’re thrilled that we were able to capture it all and put it on a record for you.”
Sonically, Honky Tonk Ain’t Noise Pollution is an amalgam of sounds and influences with Bullard admitting, “It’s country as cornbread but totally has some rock n roll in there. We’re calling it a “Honk n Roll” record. We’re in the clubs, dance halls and theatres alike and folks are really digging our sound and what we bring to a stage. This record was so much fun to make, we know yall are gonna enjoy it.”
Bullard and his ensemble of seasoned Austin A-listers have graced prestigious stages, opening for Texas County and Americana luminaries including Paul Cauthen, Whiskey Myers, Mark Chessnut, Moe Bandy and Gary P Nunn. Bullard has performed at ACL23 and is slated to play at both Jackalope Jamboree and SXSW this 2024. Bullard’s music has earned accolades and even captured the attention of the renowned Joe Rogan, who applauded Bullard’s electrifying performances at the legendary White Horse.
Bullard’s authenticity and humility shines through his songs, as he and his band continue to electrify stages both locally in Austin and across the nation, introducing audiences to their distinctive brand of country music.
EIDOLA, the enigmatic existential rock band have announced the release of their new album Eviscerate on 12th April 2024 via Blue Swan/Rise Records.
Seeking to explore new territory with an ambitious follow-up to their critically acclaimed album ‘The Architect’, the dynamically heavy and deeply sorrowful Eviscerate paves eclectically violent sonic ground while remaining true to the band’s profound lyricism and meaning. If you could sum up Eidola’s genre-annihilating decade of creating music it might be insightful, explorative, deeply emotional, extremely dynamic post-hardcore. Eviscerate underlines the urgency of the human condition and captures the depth of sorrow, loss, and hatred in modernity.
Single “No Weapon Formed Shall Prosper” rips right out the gate, blisteringly fast and heavy, with powerful vocals and a call to immediate action.
“It is a song that explores the depths of societal division and loathing, a song crying out to every lost soul in the overwhelming chaos of modernity. Inspired by watching a culture, brainwashed by social media, descend into depravity, deception, self-aggrandizement, and hate. A commentary on what it’s like to witness people tear each other apart from the inside out.” says Andrew Michael Wells.
Los Angeles based rapper HoodTrophy Bino (Tadashi Sayres) creates empowering music about overcoming hardships and leveling up in life. Raised by a single mother in a house with fourteen brothers and sisters under one roof in Palmdale, California and later the crime ridden projects of South Central LA, HoodTrophy Bino (“Bino”) succumbed to the gang life that surrounded him. Finding an important outlet in music when violence surrounded him, Bino began rapping himself – first being exposed to freestyle through his older brother.
Due to gang involvement and a father serving a life-sentence in San Quentin, Bino began repeating a doomed path that found him circulating in and out of jail. During one of his short stints, he met Soulja Boy who was also serving time. The two developed a friendship after Bino wrote him a letter and gave him a bag of Hot Cheetos. Shortly after his release from jail, Big Draco reached out and signed Bino to his S.O.D.M.G. (Stacks on Deck Money Gang) label having been impressed by his determination and musical talent. Venturing into the studio soon after, they recorded their first song “Racing In Traffic” in 2021.
Bino’s music discusses his life and what he’s been through; from hard-hitting bangers like “Thuggin” to melodic, soulful ballads, like “Project Baby.” Bino’s single “Dripped in Designer” was released in 2021 featuring Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. It’s a muted, melancholy rap saga celebrating luxurious dreams of distant islands and designer drip. “Most Wanted” is a potent powerhouse that shows off Bino’s quick-witted flow and upbeat tempo. Songs like “Project Baby” is HoodTrophy Bino’s raw, reflective look at his past growing up in the projects while “What You Got On” exudes the extravagant, lush energy that is a part of Bino’s post-fame reality. His latest single “Lavish Spazzin” ft. Spank Nitti James is steeped in decadence and skillfully pays homage to a significant era’s timeless elements, while boldly charting a course for the future.
The respect and love Bino has received from music has given him hope and encouraged him to show a better life to his young children. By reducing his sentence from 13 years to a 7 year joint suspension for good behavior, recently taken off parole and now officially out of the system he was in since age 13, HoodTrophy Bino is a standout example of someone who has overcome insurmountable obstacles, escaped gang life, and created a better future for himself and his family. Today, he is an advocate for gang members who grow up in the hood and witness death every other day with seemingly no way out. Developing his own PTSD, anxiety, and depression, Bino knows many young people are overlooked without an outlet for therapy or a way to express themselves.
HoodTrophy Bino has opened for Soulja Boy, Tee Grizzley, Bow Wow, Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, Omarion, Flo Malcom, Skinnyfromthe9, YN Jay, and Ohgeesy. With three new albums on the horizon and a viral single, “I Want Her” with a Kalan.FRFR remix and features with Mozzy, 03Greedo, Jehki and RadioBase, HoodTrophy Bino is a prolific rapper and motivator for his generation. “I’m not here because I’m the best, I’m here because they tried to break me and they couldn’t.”
Pioneering post/punk band – CHAMELEONS – will be embarking on one of their biggest UK tours in decades this Winter.
Formed in Greater Manchester in 1981 by singer and bassist Mark Burgess, Chameleons have remained one of the city’s most revered bands among musos ever since their inception. With notable fans including the likes of Noel Gallgher to Interpol, The Charlatans to Moby, their music has been passed down through the generations like an elixir of eternal inspiration. And here in 2024, a growing fandom of their immense canon sees Chameleons finding immortality as something of a cult phenomenon.
With their dedicated advocates finding awe in the “sonic cathedrals” in which they have constructed over the past four decades, Chameleons have released four iconic studio albums (‘Script of the Bridge’ (1983), ‘What Does Anything Mean? Basically’(1985), ‘Strange Times’(1986) and latterly ‘Why Call It Anything’ (2001)), plus many Peel sessions, live records, compilations and an EP (‘Tony Fletcher Walked on Water…. La La La La La-La La-La-La’ (1990)). Shimmering, shadowy, and shrouded in deepest mysteries, their distinctive and towering post-punk songs sound as vital today as the moment they were built.
CHAMELEONS – DECEMBER 2024 TOUR
Friday 6th December 2024 – Marble Factory, Bristol
Saturday 7th December 2024 – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London
+ Very Special Guests TBA
Thursday 12th December 2024 – Garage, Glasgow
Friday 13th December 2024 – Riverside, Newcastle
Saturday 14th December 2024 – Albert Hall, Manchester
‘Home Is Where The Heart Is 2024’
+ Very Special Guests TBA
FREYA BEER has released her brand new single “Write Her Off (WHO)”.
STREAM “WRITE HER OFF (WHO)” ON ALL SERVICES HERE
“You’ve got lust in your eyes and it takes you by surprise, but you know it” purrs Freya as she presides over the scene unfolding on “Write Her Off (WHO)”. It’s a mere pause for thought, before delivering her verdict. It’s not good news. “You’ve read all the papers on how to elate her, but it’s still not clear… Oh you fool! Such a shame.”
With lyrics taut with sexual tension and banshee-like shrieks, pressure-point ramping percussion and razored guitar breaks, on her latest work Freya Beer unspools a darkly thrilling encounter about the cat-and-mouse game that is dating.
Toying with clever wordplay in a way its subject cannot fathom, “Write Her Off (WHO)” is a track that delves into the sinister side of unrequited attractions and the shadow of loneliness it can cast. As Freya explains:
“”Write Her Off (WHO)” is a song about going after your crush and the feeling of rejection because they don’t feel any connection to you. You come to the realisation you should dismiss the love — almost as though you have to “write them off” to move on.”
A seductive, scathing alt-pop clash, “Write Her Off (WHO)” finds Freya Beer continuing her stellar trajectory from the heart of darkness. Recorded in London with Paul Burnley at The Social and Jack O’Hea at FOLD Studios. The track also sees Freya working with long-time collaborators Dave Fidler and Ray Mitchell who undertook mixing duties at The Fuse in Manchester.
New York based, Japanese producer and artist, rei brown, continues to deliver an expert level of his captivating avant-garde sound with brand new release ‘Get Me Out’. As a musician known for being incredibly creative and multifaceted in every sense of his artistry, rei brown further cements his place as an ever-evolving musician with the release of ‘Get Me Out’. Co-produced by Frankie Scoca (NewJeans, dhruv etc.) and co-written by JBACH (Jason Derulo, Barbie OST), collectively they have curated a project that wholeheartedly reflects the high intensity story that rei is telling.
Take a listen to ‘Get Me Out’ below:
Speaking on the origin of the track, rei shares; “Get Me Out” was one of the first songs I made after Xeno. I had just gotten off of a series of tours, one of which, I had an episode of psychosis/derealization. Unfortunately it’s not a new experience for me either, I’ve had a bunch of ‘episodes’ or incidents for the past 10 years. It was impossible to communicate what I was going through to my friends, and worst of all, I still had to go on stage and perform most nights. I kind of went to sleep wondering how I even get through it all… As always it kind of just eventually got better, but I think when I was writing the chorus, I subconsciously just drew from that recent experience.”
Through exploring important themes around mental health, in ‘Get Me Out’ rei speaks directly to the current youthful generation struggling with their own mental health. In shining a light on it through his art, and being publicly vulnerable, he hopes to encourage others to be open about their own struggles. This is further depicted in the official music video that accompanies the song. Written and directed by Daniel Antebi, this short film is made in its own cinematic universe, driven by intensity and distortion, and demonstrates the disturbing sensation of feeling trapped within your own mind. The video will run in tandem with the single release, and will be submitted to SXSW as a short film in its own right.
Over their 9-year career, Brontide wrapped up several critically acclaimed releases and toured extensively, playing to captivated audiences around the UK, Europe and US. Their release of ‘Artery’ in 2014 saw them cement themselves as an influential band in the post-rock scene, along with wide-spread critical acclaim. Clash described the album as “wholly bracing, carefully nuanced” and DIY called it “both inherently melodic and genre-spanning”.
Their farewell show back in 2017 was the perfect celebration of the band’s achievements and saw members go onto incredible roles within music- Bassist Nathan Fairweather is a member of Rolo Tomassi, who have become arguably one of the most unique and influential heavy bands in the UK today. Drummer, William Bowerman went on to become a musical director and co-founder of WFB Live – the award-winning musical direction company that has directed tours and performances for the likes of Post Malone, Dua Lipa,Elton John, Kylie Minogue and BLACKPINK to name a few. Finally, Guitarist Tim Hancock moved to Los Angeles where he landed a role at Fender. His work for their learning platform, Fender Play has helped millions of new players begin a musical journey of their own.
However, 7 years on, members William Bowerman, Nathan Fairweather and Tim Hancock are rejoining forces to continue from where they left off to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ‘Artery’ and play their only UK show at this year’s ArctanGent Festival.
The record is set to be re-pressed on a limited edition silver fade vinyl will be released on 2nd August and is available to pre-order HERE
Over their 9-year career, Brontide wrapped up several critically acclaimed releases and toured extensively, playing to captivated audiences around the UK, Europe and US. Their release of ‘Artery’ in 2014 saw them cement themselves as an influential band in the post-rock scene, along with wide-spread critical acclaim. Clash described the album as “wholly bracing, carefully nuanced” and DIY called it “both inherently melodic and genre-spanning”.
Their farewell show back in 2017 was the perfect celebration of the band’s achievements and saw members go onto incredible roles within music- Bassist Nathan Fairweather is a member of Rolo Tomassi, who have become arguably one of the most unique and influential heavy bands in the UK today. Drummer, William Bowerman went on to become a musical director and co-founder of WFB Live – the award-winning musical direction company that has directed tours and performances for the likes of Post Malone, Dua Lipa,Elton John, Kylie Minogue and BLACKPINK to name a few. Finally, Guitarist Tim Hancock moved to Los Angeles where he landed a role at Fender. His work for their learning platform, Fender Play has helped millions of new players begin a musical journey of their own.
However, 7 years on, members William Bowerman, Nathan Fairweather and Tim Hancock are rejoining forces to continue from where they left off to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ‘Artery’ and play their only UK show at this year’s ArctanGent Festival.
The record is set to be re-pressed on a limited edition silver fade vinyl will be released on 2nd August and is available to pre-order HERE
One of the UK’s foremost folk rock bands – OYSTERBAND – are announcing that they are calling time on their live career and will be performing live with June Tabor for the last time.
After 45 years on the road, the legendary Canterbury-formed collective will be hanging up their touring boots and bringing their unique partnership with the English folk songstress to a worthy conclusion.
But it’s not over yet… With a tour aptly named “A Long Long Goodbye”, Oysterband will be bowing-out in style with a year of unmissable shows planned at some of their favourite haunts, where they will be performing a career-spanning set, including highlights of their collaborations with June Tabor.
Recently announced for the 2024 Cambridge Folk Festival where the band have become the stuff of festival legend over the years, the band will then head-out on a string of seven shows alongside longstanding creative compadre June Tabor this October.
In a statement about the upcoming tour, Oysterband said:
“We’re hanging up our travelling shoes, but we’re taking a year or so to say goodbye to our lovely live audience. And we mean to enjoy every minute! It’s been a long, tough, joyful journey, but the time has come. In the words of our own song “Granite Years”, we’re waving you a long, long goodbye… Come help us celebrate!”
Kicking off 2024 with a bang, D Power Diesle joins forces with UK super producer Sukh Knight on new single ‘Killa MC’. This thrilling debut from his eagerly awaited EP ‘Graphene 4’, solidifies D Power’s stature as a titan in the Grime genre.
The ‘Graphene’ EP series, with its prior three volumes, was a masterstroke in Grime, garnering millions of streams, widespread acclaim across UK’s radio and press, and powerhouse collaborations with Grime’s biggest stars, including Skepta, D Double E, Manga St Hilare, and Big Narstie. Undeterred by his own success, D Power is turning up the heat with his latest track.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: D POWER DIESLE x SUKH KNIGHT – KILLA MC
Merging the raw energy of Grime with the pulsating beats of Dubstep, Sukh Knight, who has produced records for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Professor Green, Skepta, P Money, D Double E and Big Narstie, has crafted a club ready anthem. D Power’s infectious flow and lyrical prowess deliver a sneak peek into what is to come on ‘Graphene 4’.
Mark your calendars for D Power’s headline show at ‘The Hackney Social’ on Friday 3rd May, where he will be delivering a curated performance of tracks from the Graphene series.
Jamaican bombshell Jada Kingdom made her New York Fashion Week performance debut for MEFeater’s annual Galentine’s Runway show on February 10, 2024 in front of a sold-out crowd at the event venue The Glasshouse. Closing out the show, Jada performed a five minute medley mix of her most acclaimed records, including “GPP,” Which Gyal?,” and her trending hit “What’s Up (Big Buddy),” which received standing-ovation cheers from the audience as they repeated word-for-word lyrics for the mesmerizing Dancehall track. As Jada concluded the performance she gracefully walked off to “That’s It” a collobartion track with The Act, which Pitchfork highlighted as a “must-hear rap song of the day.“
Performance clips via social media have already started to circulate from MusicXclusives (watch HERE), The Hive JA (watch HERE) and more.
two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum artist Tori Kelly announces the Purple Skies Tour in North America in support of her upcoming new album, TORI.
The 12-date trek will take Tori Kelly across North America and begins on April 12, 2024, at The Majestic Ventura Theater in Ventura, CA, before wrapping up in Kansas City, MO on May 3rd. See full routing below and be on the lookout for future tour dates to be announced this year.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, February 15 at 10 AM local time. Fans can go here to purchase tickets. A special pre-sale will be available tomorrow, February 13 at 10 AM PST, where fans can DM the code purple to Tori on Instagram for early access. Additionally, on Wednesday, February 14 at 10 AM local time, fans can visit their city’s venue website for a local pre-sale.
Just this past Friday, Tori Kelly announced the imminent arrival of her fifth album TORI., a self-titled affair due April 5, 2024, on Epic Records. Representing the full picture of a woman coming into her own, it is something the artist first let fans in on with her acclaimed 7-track EP tori in 2023. That project featured a wide range of musical influences and personal inspirations, weaving together arresting grooves, unrelenting movement, and her love of Y2K-era R&B, as showcased in stand-outs like “missin u” and “cut.” On TORI., she expands on that release’s promise in a way that warrants its all-caps, full-statement title, bringing together sounds from the late ’90s and early ’00s in creative, exciting ways that put perpetual motion at the forefront—with the throughline being Kelly’s strong, versatile voice. It is truly a full 360 vision of Tori Kelly. Period.
Alongside the announcement of the album, Tori Kelly shared her brand-new single “high water,” a resilient call to action that fuses her hair-raising vocals seamlessly with a sonic atmosphere brimming with hope for the future. Stay tuned for the official music video for “high water,” coming soon.
Pre-order TORI. here and stream “high water” here.
With the imminent release of TORI., Tori Kelly is ready to step into the next phase of her life and career, and she’s keen for her audience and fans to share in that. “Now my hope is that [“high water”] will uplift others in whatever they might be going through and encourage them to keep going.”
South Yorkshire folk-indie duo Eletto, comprised of best friends Mila Whitaker and Zoe Aradipioti share their new single ‘Fool’, which comes complete with the duo’s soaring vocals that work beautifully in harmony with one another. The single is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘Fool’ below:
https://apollodistro.lnk.to/eletto
Speaking on the new release, Eletto shares; “Fool” is a country inspired track taking reference from Patsy Celine and Emmylou Harris, with a lot of heartache and a little bit of humour. It’s a classic tale about going against every good piece of relationship advice you’ve ever been given and falling in love with the bad boy.”
Radiating acoustic warmth and a bright 70s folk sound, the duo captivate the listener on this new track with their country soul at the heart of it all.
‘Fool’ is the follow up to the duo’s debut single ‘Northern Sun’, which was released on the 8th September and began their campaign in releasing contemporary folk music inspired by country greats that preceded them. With today’s release Eletto are gearing up for the release of their debut EP, coming later this year. With plenty more to come from this emerging, unique act.
Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and artist Leah Marie Mason delivers the ultimate Galentine’s Day anthem, “YOUR BOYFRIEND SUCKS,” out on all streaming platforms today.
“YOUR BOYFRIEND SUCKS” marks a new era for Leah as she breaks away from her country roots and embraces a more pop-leaning sound. On her inaugural pop release, Leah collaborated with songwriter Sara Bares and songwriter/producer Simon Jonasson (Summer Walker, HWASA, Alan Walker) to create a catchy and relatable anthem that celebrates the importance of honest and empowering female friendships.
Leah elaborates on the inspiration behind the new song: “I have this stunning, gorgeous, smart, outgoing, funny as hell friend that had been seeing this guy for a few months, and it felt like every week I heard her tell me the most awful stories about how he treated her. I was always so confused as to WHAT her infatuation with him was because he… sucked! She is THE best person and friend and she deserves to be treated that way! The song is brutally honest but I believe it’s for the better because that’s what a real friend does.”
Reality Club are ready to become North America’s new favorite international rockers. Riding high off the success of their 2023 studio album, Reality Club Presents…, the Indonesian rock band are heading on their first-ever North American tour. The tour, which runs from March 3rd until March 22nd, covers a total of 9 cities across Canada and the United States, including a 5-day stint at SXSW in Austin, TX.
Reality Club is the project of Jakarta-based musicians Era Patigo (drums), Faiz Novascotia Saripudin (vocals, guitar), Fathia Izzati (vocals, keys), and Nugi Wicaksono (bass). Their 2023 LP, Reality Club Presents…, was a hit with their worldwide fanbase and earned praise from global tastemakers like NME and Hive Magazine. The album also won the band two AMI (Anugrah Musik Indonesia) Awards for ‘Best Alternative Album’ and ‘Best Alternative Group’ in 2023.
With their eyes set on worldwide stardom, the band headed on the first leg of their ‘Reality Club Presents…’ tour in late 2023. The tour stopped in Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Now, the band are ready to bring their electrifying live show to new audiences in the US & Canada.
“Every show we do we give our all, and it’s not uncommon for the shows to be as unforgettable for us as they are for the audience, and we’re sure this first-ever North American tour will be something we never forget,” the band write. “We are excited beyond belief and we feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to play these North American cities. We can’t wait to see everyone! It’s quite literally a dream come true.”
Love is a verb. It is an action taken, one that must be renewed within the self. It is a process of learning, evolution, and the very nature of what it means to nurture ourselves and others. And few artists know this as intimately as Joy Guidry, the Texas-bred, California-based bassoonist. The fruits of her efforts can be heard through Guidry’s latest album, Amen.
“I hear other artists say, ‘I put my life and soul into this.’ And I could never relate because I have never been in an emotional place where I can just let go and not be afraid of vulnerability,” says Guidry. “But now, I’ve finally made a project that resonates with me so deeply from beginning to end. I’m so happy where I am in life, and “Amen” truly represents that there was no bullshit as I went into this.”
Born and raised in Houston Texas, Guidry first found music through the church. Growing up, if r&b was for cleaning on Saturdays, then gospel, says Guidry, was the standard for Sundays.
After years of performing other people’s music, Guidry began making her own. Focused and intentional, Guidry is a visionary. Her keen understanding of how different genres of music can speak to and meld into one another mimics the intricacies and interwoven elements of life. Her releases include commissioned works as well as her debut full-length Radical Acceptance released in 2022.
Recognizing her trans identity and embracing the need to make difficult decisions with the people in her life brought forth the heart of Radical Acceptance. “There’s nothing wrong with us. There’s nothing wrong with any of us, when we look in the mirror, and we see something wrong, that was purely taught,” Guidry says. “I felt like I could never walk into my life. So after releasing Radical Acceptance, it was time for me to truly practice radical acceptance and understanding and practicing radical self love.”
Not only a powerhouse vocalist and precise producer, but also a style icon and visionary, Brent Faiyaz unapologetically and undeniably remains an iconoclast through and through. He has never followed; he’s only led. In his wake, he has generated billions of streams, sold out countless shows, and earned a procession of multiplatinum, platinum, and gold singles. His critically acclaimed chart-busting new opus, Larger Than Life, which boasts the anthem “WY@“ is available now. It marks the first release under his ISO Supremacy imprint in partnership with UnitedMasters. However, he overtook the mainstream with his album WASTELAND in 2022, capturing #2 on the Billboard 200 and shaking the culture to its core in the process. Once again, he looks ahead in 2023 with a massive partnership with UnitedMasters for a first-of-its-kind creative agency and much more to come. Breaking the mold at every turn, Brent Faiyaz will be the ultimate enigma now and forever.
In case you’re not familiar, L.A.B has established themselves as one of the hardest-working bands in New Zealand with their relentless touring & recording schedule. They have achieved multiple chart topping singles, 17 multi-Platinum singles, 11 Gold singles and over 500 million streams across all DSPs. The band also recently took home Best Single at the 2023 Rolling Stone Awards in New Zealand for their track “Take It Away,” an award voted on by the global Rolling Stone editors & select music journalists.
After recording & releasing their first five albums in a five-year span, L.A.B VI arrives after an almost two year-long period of writing, recording, tweaking & finessing what is their strongest album to date.
Recorded with frequent collaborator Lee Prebble at Wellington’s Surgery Studios, the album was written over the course of the last two years while the band has been touring across the globe, performing sold out shows in New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the UK & Europe. Incorporating all aspects of the band’s unique sound, the album combines reggae/roots & soul with funk & elements of rock.
Inglewood, CA (February 13, 2024) – Today, HARD Events has announced the dates and new venue for the 2024 edition of HARD Summer Music Festival. For the first time, HARD Summer will take place at Inglewood’s Hollywood Park, adjacent to SoFi Stadium, on August 3 and 4, 2024.
Since its debut edition in 2008, HARD Summer has remained as a staple of the Southern California festival scene, growing steadily while showcasing its signature multi-genre curatorial ethos and Y2K aesthetic. The festival is now the largest electronic music event in Los Angeles and a stronghold for the city’s diverse melting pot of musical styles and influences.
This year, HARD Summer is relocating to the expansive Hollywood Park, situated on the renowned grounds of SoFi Stadium and YouTube Theater. Spanning 300 acres, this mixed-use development promises a fresh experience for attendees. With its spacious layout, Hollywood Park offers ample room for dancing and exploration, interactive features, and innovative activations, ensuring a fully immersive music festival experience.
“We are thrilled to partner with HARD Events to bring another festival featuring diverse programming to Inglewood,” said Adolfo Romero, VP, Programming and Booking for SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “This partnership not only amplifies Hollywood Park’s influence in the festival space but also solidifies our dedication to curating global entertainment that authentically mirrors our vibrant local community.”
The HARD stage will play host to the festival’s marquee mainstage acts, while you can find the scene’s most in-demand house and techno names at the Pink Stage. The HARDER Stage will continue to place a focus on acts spanning multiple genres, while the Green Stage leans heavily into bass and dubstep. The always evolving and forward-thinking Purple Stage will shine light on high-energy, club-minded DJ sets and larger than life live performances.
HARD Summer’s 2023 edition featured a return to Los Angeles with an array of electronic and hip-hop headliners including Kaskade, John Summit, Skrillex, Four Tet, Kid Cudi, 21 Savage, Dillon Francis, Ludacris, Black Coffee, Oliver Tree, DIESEL, and more in the festival’s milestone 15th year. Fans can expect the same level of world class talent to grace HARD’s stages for this year’s edition, with more details on the 2024 lineup to be announced in the coming weeks.
Two-day GA, GA+, and VIP festival passes will be available for purchase beginning February 16th at 10am PST. Fans will also have an opportunity at an early jump on passes via the SMS presale beginning February 16th at 9am PST. Visit HARD’s official website for more info and to sign up for presale. Additionally, in celebration of the festival’s relocation to the 310 area code, HARD is also offering a $3.10 deposit available only on February 16th.
New Jersey-based singer-songwriter Eric Sleeper carries a unique, dreamy, and tangible vibe that sets him apart from his peers. Taking pride in bending multiple genres, he encapsulates indie, acoustic rock, and folk all to create his own distinctive sound. Directing focus toward his lyrical mind frame, Eric writes his songs to be captivating, riveting, and relatable. Taking inspiration from the likes of Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, Elliot Smith, Nirvana, Tom Waits, and Bon Iver, he values their minimalistic approach to songwriting. “I am homegrown, literally recording everything on my own in my no-frills bedroom studio,” Eric explains.
Strumming the strings to his first guitar at age 14, Eric Sleeper has been making music ever since. After guitar, he immediately began writing his own songs and later picked up the MIDI keyboard. He quickly took to expressing his thoughts and feelings through lyricism, writing about his personal struggles, ambition, and tales of the underdog.
With his unique writing style, and a dreamlike ambiance that adds an element of nostalgia, alongside his edgy and rebellious attitude, Eric Sleeper is setting off on a musical journey of his own. With several successful singles including, “Emily,” “Son of a Gun,” “K is For Karma,” and “Junkie,” already under his belt and more on the way, Eric is the breath of fresh air the singer-songwriter scene needs.
When culturepreneur KJ Spio, meets Nigeria’s hottest singer Oxlade and Africa’s biggest rapper Sarkodie along with producer PuffyBeatz the outcome is ‘Undress You’ an Afrobeats inspired sunbeam of melody and seduction.
Glimmering with catchy keys and temperature rising rhythms, the song marks another step into the spotlight for a man (KJ Spio) who has worked tirelessly nurturing the talents of others from behind the scenes for a decade.
The track opens with Oxlade’s beautiful melodies with an anthemic chorus that dissolves into the listeners subconscious making them feel good on a night out or a morning in. Sarkodie comes through as a guest adding to the tracks seductive theme with his rap verse.
‘Undress You’ began as a conversation with beatmaker PuffyBeatz and the Nigerian superstar Oxlade (known for global smash Ku Lo Sa, collabs with Camilla Cabello, Sarkodie, Dave, Ms Banks & performed with Davido & Wizkid to name a few) who then brought the track to KJ Spio who sat down with the artists and developed the track.
Set on a stunning beach in Ghana with beautiful woman – the video is as feel good as the track, marking the scene perfectly for the song.
‘Undress You’ is just the start for KJ Spio, who will be delivering more singles spanning all sorts of sounds and mood – so sit back and enjoy what’s to come from the fast-rising songwriter.
ABOUT KJ SPIO
Acclaimed culturepreneur KJ Spio is a one-man mood enhancer – a musical multi-hyphenate devoted to upping the ambiance of whatever social situation you might find yourself in. “I’m all about creating a vibe that helps people have fun and enjoy themselves, whether they’re at a party or somewhere more intimate,” smiles the Ghana-born artist.
“Wait,” you might be wondering: “what’s a culturepreneur”? For Spio, the term reflects the ever-changing role he’s held down in the UK and African music industries for almost a decade now, pushing the culture forward in whatever new and exciting ways he can dream up. Sometimes, that has meant managing artists like late great British talent Cadet, whose single ‘Advice’ he helped become a platinum smash independently with over 250m streams. Other times, that has meant creative-directing and A&R for superstars like Ghanian icon Sarkodie, whose first ever virtual concert, performing at the country’s historic Independence Square, broke records for live streams. Genre doesn’t matter – only authenticity. “If it’s not progressive to the collective culture, I don’t do it,” insists the hitmaker, who began his journey in the music industry as road manager-turned-content creator for UK rap hero Big Narstie and hasn’t stopped hustling for the music scene he adores since.
Vancouver-based rising pop artist Xana announces her bold, empowering sophomore album The Sex Was Good Until It Wasn’t due out May 10 and available for pre-order now. Alongside the announcement, Xana shares the first taste of the project with risqué track + video “Better Kind Of Best Friend” out everywhere now. The forthcoming gripping collection sees Xana confront dark truths and deep pain as she learns to process and heal past wounds through shimmering melodies, captivating vocals and candid, clever lyricism.
The Sex Was Good Until It Wasn’t goes where the artist has never gone before, touching on incredibly personal–and at times traumatic–subject matter. Over fifteen vivid tracks, she puts herself in the driver’s seat, taking charge of her own story while offering listeners a place of refuge and freedom. Unbound to a single genre or a particular moment, the album unapologetically builds a heartfelt world that is as explosive and bright as it is profound and dark, providing the necessary space for all–Xana included–to heal. Xana sees this body of work as a refined, fully formed evolution from her past work, in part due to her brutally honest songwriting and the free-flowing trust built with producers Liam Moes and Shane Stephenson. Thrilled to welcome listeners into this new cosmic world, Xana explains, “It’s an album that I’ve been wanting to write for a long time and I went into it knowing exactly what its purpose would be.”
The first taste of the forthcoming album out today, “Better Kind Of Best Friend” is an ode to confidence and queer empowerment that leaves little to the imagination. With a steady build, the sultry pop-rock track is a raw celebration of sexual pleasure and bodily autonomy. The song’s inclusion on the album adds a new dimension, bringing levity, pleasure and depth to a project that delves into heavy topics, leading Xana to ask, “What’s an album about the horrors of sex without a song about the wonders of sex?” With queerness, and queer sex in particular, rarely spoken about positively publicly if at all, Xana hopes to shed light on the beauty and joy of queer sex. Xana adds, “As a queer person, my relationship with sex all my life has been a challenging road to navigate, and I think it’s really important to remind people that sex isn’t the end all be all and sex is allowed to be–and supposed to be–fun and lighthearted and pleasurable for all parties.”
JupiterReign, also known as Thaydra Gray, has been surrounded by music since the beginning of her life. She began singing in her father’s church choir in Montreal, Quebec, where she grew up directed by her mother, even before she could put together full sentences. She grew up the youngest of four daughters, and through her sisters she found her deep love for RnB music. Because of her exceptional vocal gifts, commitment to her craft, and charming stage presence, she also got the opportunity to sing background vocals with the legendary Roger Waters, of Pink Floyd; and was honoured to perform a special song with gospel icon, Donny McClurkin.
She studied Musical Theatre training at the MSOPA (Montreal School of Performing Arts) under the guidance of some of this country’s leading actors and directors. In October of 2022, she debuted her theatrical abilities and starred as the main character, Lauren Johnson, in the premier of “Love, Peace and Hairgrease”, written and directed by Tara Taylor.
After receiving a spotlight while backing up platinum award winning Canadian artist Jocelyn Alice, opportunities began to pop up. She debuted her first single “Don’t Wanna”, in the summer of 2022, which originated as a class assignment in the NSCC Music Arts program,. From there, she developed her debut EP “Intergalactic”, influenced by the sounds of Keyshia Cole, Kehlani, Summer Walker and SZA.
She is the 2023 ANSMA Rising Star of the Year award winner, as well as 3-time ANSMA nominee, including Artist of the Year and Single of the Year, and a 2023 Music Nova Scotia African Canadian Artist of the Year nominee.
Rooted in the rich traditions of R&B, her music aims to evoke emotions, tell stories, and forge connections with a diverse and passionate audience. With every note, lyric, and performance, she strives to craft a unique, sonic experience that leaves a lasting impact on the souls of those who listen. She has a profound belief in the power of music to heal, uplift, unite and tell a story.
Raven Drum Foundation – the organization founded by legendary drummer Rick Allen of Def Leppard and singer-songwriter / healing arts practitioner Lauren Monroe – has announced its first benefit concert taking place in New York City.
On Thursday, March 14th, at The Cutting Room, Allen and Monroe will perform a set of Monroe’s original music, followed by an All-Star Jam including musical luminaries such as Paul Shaffer and Will Lee (the World’s Most Dangerous Band), Peter Criss (KISS), Jim Keltner (Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, The Traveling Wilburys), Eddie Brigati (The Rascals), Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel), Duane Trucks (Widespread Panic), Shawn Pelton (Saturday Night Live Band), Corky Laing (Mountain), Christine Ohlman (Saturday Night Live Band), Simon Kirke (Bad Company), and more. Maria Milito of Q104.3 will emcee the show, with musical direction by Raven Drum Foundation board member Billy Amendola.
In addition to general admission tickets, VIP packages are available, allowing access to a reception including an artist meet & greet, silent auction, light bites, and complimentary beverages. Items in the auction will include original mixed media art by Allen and Monroe, Def Leppard summer tour tickets and meet & greet packages, a fire helmet signed by actor Steve Buscemi, and other autographed memorabilia from the participating artists.
TICKETS
Mike Evin has been wearing his heart on his sleeve for over 15 years, writing immediate and disarming piano pop songs with adventurous melodies that live inside you. The new jazz-tinged breakup ballad “I Almost Called You Babe”, his first new music in four years, may be his most emotionally raw song yet.
The intense song was written freshly after a big breakup, a couple of weeks before Evin was scheduled to go into the studio to record a new batch of songs. Almost pulling the plug on the recording sessions, Evin set aside some time to write and process his feelings. “I Almost Called You Babe” is a snapshot of those murky days after a breakup. Though never intended to be heard by anyone else, Evin and producer Chris Stringer (Rose Cousins, Timber Timbre) realised the song’s potency and captured it during an agonising couple of hours in the studio.
Choosing not to mess with the power of Evin’s live-off-the-floor piano and vocal take, all that was added was an elegant upright bass. The track is both a departure and a return for Evin — though he often performs solo in concert, this is the first time he’s captured that energy on record. No clicktrack. No headphones. Stringer and Evin were going for emotion over perfection.
Based in Toronto, Evin has developed a devoted fan base throughout North America and the UK. His honest and harmonically rich music has also made him a favourite among some of Canada’s most renowned musicians — like Barenaked Ladies and Ron Sexsmith. Originally from Montreal, Evin first gained exposure in 2005 with the vibrant and critically acclaimed I’ll Bring The Stereo, co-produced by Jim and Andy Creeggan of Barenaked Ladies fame. Since then he’s made a whole range of diverse albums. He’s toured and shared stages with BNL, Sarah Harmer, Sexsmith, Dan Mangan and Martha Wainwright, and his music has charted on CBC and Sirius XM.
Perhaps Evin’s spirit can be best described by his friend and close collaborator, Barenaked Ladies’ bassist Jim Creeggan: “Mike Evin taps into what motivates people and champions the search for happiness.”
Armed with an exhilarating blend of genres, gritty songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cindë has unveiled her latest single, “VICTIM!,” a potent and unfiltered dive into heartache, deception, and the path to self-empowerment. Renowned for her distinctive mix of pop-punk, emo, and industrial sounds, Cindë masterfully navigates the turbulent waters of overcoming profound emotional scars with her edgy power pop energy and sharp, clever wordplay. “VICTIM!” offers the first look at her forthcoming EP, More Awake Less Alive, exploring themes of love, treachery, and discovery. The track is now streaming on all digital platforms, standing as a notable contribution to Cindë’s repertoire that connects deeply with anyone who has endured the sting of disloyalty and the subsequent quest for strength.
Cindë’s musical voyage, characterized by her energetic songcraft and mastery of multiple instruments, draws significant inspiration from a spectrum of musical legends, from Green Day to SZA. In “VICTIM!,” she shares a narrative of intense individual sacrifice and the stark awakening to her partner’s unfaithfulness, transforming her anguish into a robust anthem of resilience. This launch demonstrates her adaptability as an artist as well as her talent for engaging audiences with gripping narratives and true emotional resonance. “VICTIM!” is being released on Spooky Action Records. It was produced by Mike Tompa, mixed by Phil Hotz, and mastered by Kristian Montano.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
