Toronto-based multi-platinum artist and producer elijah woods shares his new single, “losing a friend,” out on all streaming platforms today. Emotionally raw and profoundly introspective, “losing a friend” delves deep into the complexities of human relationships and the tumultuous journey of self-discovery.
With haunting lyrics that resonate with honesty and vulnerability, the song captures the essence of grappling with imperfections and the weight of unspoken truths. From the poignant confession, ‘I’m not perfect, I think you thought I was,‘ to the haunting question, ‘Is this the end? Is it over?’ every word is a soul-baring exploration of love, loss, and the relentless search for closure. Through a captivating blend of heartfelt melodies and raw emotional conviction, “losing a friend” is a reminder that sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones fought within ourselves.
“’losing a friend’ was written about a very personal experience,” elijah says. “The progression from a small, intimate piano ballad to a full-out rock-inspired soaring outro encapsulates the love, confusion, disappointment and grief. The song speaks to the end of a friendship and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.”
The wait is finally over. Today, Judas Priest release their hugely anticipated new studio album Invincible Shield, out via Epic Records. Get it HERE.
The album is a raging slab of electrifying metal, brought to you by one of the most iconic bands in the world. Tracks released so far have amassed a whopping 15 million streams and created a phenomenal global buzz of excitement from their loyal fanbase. Not only that, but the critics are raving about Invincible Shield, with universal acclaim pouring for the body of work. The 11 tracks highlight exactly how the band, 50-plus years in, is at the height of their powers in 2024.
The Associated Press has stated that Invincible Shield finds Judas Priest “rocking faster and harder than ever before” while Blabbermouth said it “could be the most consistent and flawless album this band have made in decades.” Metal Injection has declared it “the best record of 2024 thus far,” while Stereogum proclaimed that it “feels like a victory lap for the band.” As Ultimate Classic Rock put it, “this is Judas Priest operating at near hall-of-fame levels.”
Izzy S.O shares her brand new single ‘I Swear I Made You Up’
Reflective and raw, I Swear I Made You Up arrives as a reminder of just how much things can change. From lovers to strangers and all the pain that comes in between, Izzy S.O’s new single is a cathartic keepsake to be cherished. Sharing more, she explained: ‘I Swear I Made You Up’ was inspired by one real moment when I met up with someone I once loved and we were acting like strangers. It was a weirdly polite conversation, where we both pretended to be fine like we had put these walls up to protect ourselves.
Focus on your journey and how you feel about you; don’t let someone else’s behavior stunt you or distort your view of yourself. Focus on being a good person for you; everything else is out of your control.
I Swear I Made You Up is the follow up to ‘Refuse’ which came out back in January of this year. The angsty offering was laden with shimmering guitars and didn’t go unnoticed. Clash Magazine described her sound as ‘90s production with Gen Z bedroom pop’ whilst describing Izzy herself as ‘an absolute powerhouse’.
Izzy S.O’s been working hard and bringing her A game since she launched and things are beginning to fall into place big time. Back In November last year she released her sophomore EP ‘Silly Me’. The impressive 5-track body of work was a powerful coming of age moment that scooped much support amongst tastemakers. Ones To Watch described it as a ‘is a sonic rampage through adolescence’ whilst Clash magazine made comparisons of’ prime Garbage singles, or even Alanis Morrisette’, putting the London-based youngster in the spotlight as a talent to watch. Already back at it this year, we can’t wait to see what the next few months hold for quickly evolving talent.
Born in the West Midlands, Izzy S.O was raised in a creative household with plenty of space for musical expression. As a huge lover of books, she naturally gravitated towards poetry writing as a creative catharsis. Later this evolved into a natural talent for lyricism and over the pandemic she had the opportunity to develop herself sonically with producer Dustin Dooley.
Fast forward to today, Izzy has found her feet as an emerging artist bursting with potential. With two brilliant EP’s out in the wild, Izzy has cemented her sound which toes a line between pop-rock and indie with nods towards grunge. She’s scooped support from the likes of Clash, Ones To Watch, Fizzy Mag, Noctis, A1234 and not to mention multiple plays on Radio 1 and BBC Introducing!
LOLA BROOKE sets the streets ablaze with the release of her new track “Bend It Ova” featuring A Boogie and Big Freedia via Team Eighty Productions/ Artista Records. The enthralling cut from Brooklyn-born rap star Lola Brooke interpolates breakout Cash Money Records hit “Back That Azz Up” by Juvenile, Mannie Fresh and Lil Wayne, which recently marked its 26th anniversary.“ Bend It Ova” takes on a new twist for the call-and-response cultural hit track with an upbeat, shock-value vibe that magnifies the flare and intensity of New Orleans bounce music while spotlighting the swag and dimensionality of the New York City rap scene today. Get it HERE.
Along with today’s latest music offering from Lola, the rap sensation has also unveiled an April 5, 2024, release date for the deluxe edition of her debut project, Dennis Daughter, which was released last November. Pre-save HERE.
“I’m ready to raise the temperature on Dennis Daughter. It’s Gator season, and I’m gearing up to release more music that makes my fans want to go outside and have a good time. It was very important for me to share my story first, but now the Brooklyn girl wants to go out and do the things she likes to do.” Lola shares in reference to the deluxe release of Dennis Daughter and the tone it’s slated to encapsulate. “On Bend It Ova, two worlds come together here and Boogie [A Boogie] and Big Freedia were the perfect fit for the energy I needed on this one. I know the energy while performing this song will go to the roof.”
Chicago-based alternative indie rock band Neptune’s Core treat fans to a hard-hitting double single release, “Box” and “Anyway” out everywhere now. With each track, the band charts fresh sonic territory with gripping lyricism and slick instrumentation that complement one another. Most recently, the band joined Chicago indie-rock duo Friko at Chicago’s Metro earlier this month and are gearing up for their official showcase at SXSW in Austin, TX next week, followed by a string of live dates around the U.S. Tickets are on sale now here and a full list of dates is below.
Out today, “Box” and “Anyway” each scratch a new itch for the band, achieving a powerful, particular sound the band has yet to fully touch until this point. It wasn’t until a late night studio session that Sofie Richter (vocals/guitar) landed on a specific melody that prompted the punchy “Box” to form, and in that moment, each bandmate knew it was something special. Richter recalls the “life-changing” experience, “We all were beaming and screaming and we just felt so good. The four of us all hopped in the vocal room and together, recorded the lyrics, ‘over again, never be all yours.’ Creating this part of the song is one of my favorite memories of being a musician.”
Both tracks feature contrasting vocal parts that encourage listeners to really listen. For the first time, “Anyway,” brought Richter and Jackie Cywinski (vocals/guitar) together as co-writers. Emotionally stirring and delicately dreamy, Hannah Richter (bass) says the track stands out from the rest of the band’s music. “It’s unlike any of our other songs in how subtly bold it is. We experimented a lot with this song and I think it shows in the breathtaking melody. The feeling this song evokes in me is one that is hard to put into words because I feel like the instrumentation does the talking, but ‘Anyway’ feels like space.”
Amistat inhale inspiration from life experience and exhale deftly crafted alternative folk anchored by the gentle brotherly back-and-forth of twins Josef and Jan Prasil. Together, they explore what it means to be human over breezy soundscapes laced with threads of soft acoustic guitar, organic piano, and intimate harmonies. Amistat make the kind of music that reminds you it’s fine to feel whatever you need to in order to hope once again. The duo sing candidly about all of our ups, downs, insecurities, anxieties, hopes, dreams, and everything in between. In doing so, they allow an unfiltered perspective into their respective personalities and their identity as a collective. Against light soundscapes, the emotion breathes the loudest. These feelings unfurl without filter on their 2024 EP, a moment in the sun.
a moment in the sun sees the duo stripping things back to the basics, as they touch on day-to-day problems, with the brothers not shying away from addressing some of the hardest moments in their lives. Jan shares, “The new EP is about the struggles with personal life, private life, and mental health that my brother and I have been going through over the last two years.” Jan continues, “We’re showing everyone it’s totally normal to struggle, but there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. On social media, you only paint an amazing picture of the great times. However, life isn’t always that way. We’re acknowledging every aspect of existence—and still enjoying it.”
“This is a reminder it’s okay to go through whatever you go through,” they both agree. “We all have experiences that shape who we are. We all have our baggage. It’s important to understand what’s going on emotionally inside, be connected to yourself, talk about it, and not pretend everything is just great. Be vulnerable, show your emotions, and share them with your close friends. The moment you open up is real healing. It’s okay to be a mess. Not everything is always rainbows and sunshine. The EP acknowledges the bad times, but reminds there are good times ahead. We’re all in the same boat.”
Maya J, the dynamic artist known for her prowess in acting, songwriting, and musical composition, has unveiled her newest musical masterpiece, “Princess.” Released on her birthday, this sassy mid-tempo Pop-R&B-trap fusion is poised to captivate audiences worldwide with its infectious beats and empowering lyrics. Fans and critics alike have already heralded “Princess” as a “Certified Pop Banger,” perfectly suited for those embracing their confident era, and some even say it’s 100% HBCU-ready for the field and band. Presented by Glitter Rain Entertainment, Maya J’s RIAA-member record label that she has been operating since 2014, “Princess” marks another milestone in her musical journey. As both the creator and performer, Maya J infuses the track with her trademark style, seamlessly blending pop sensibilities with elements of R&B and trap. “Princess” boasts Maya J’s signature violin tricks woven throughout the recording, showcasing her multifaceted talent. Notably, the strings and violin showcased in the song are performed live by Maya J herself, offering listeners a rare glimpse into her instrumental prowess.
Electronic pioneer – THOMAS DOLBY – has announced three UK dates this Summer.
Confirming appearances at Newcastle O2 City Hall (16th August), Manchester’s O2 Ritz (17th August) and London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire (22nd August), the shows will provide a rare opportunity to see the celebrated musician, producer, composer, entrepreneur and professor, revisiting his inspiring back catalogue live on stage.
Previously announced to be appearing on the Totally Tubular Festival tour throughout June and July in North America (alongside acts including Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Modern English, Men Without Hats, The Romantics, Bow Wow Wow, Tommy Tutone, and The Plimsouls); Dolby’s only other European appearance will be at the W – Festival in Ostend, Belgium on 24 August.
Last seen in the UK for a one-off appearance at Electric Dreams festival in 2017, these will be his first official headline shows this side of the Atlantic in over a decade.
In a statement, Thomas Dolby said:
“This summer I’m going to be doing a big tour called the Totally Tubular tour which will be going all around north America – around 20 dates – with a great group of other acts including Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Modern English, Bow Wow Wow, The Plimsouls, The Romantics and others. There are a couple of dates in Canada, none currently set up for Europe I’m afraid. However, I’m going to be doing a festival called W – Fest in Ostend in Belgium at the end of August and I’m going to try and slip in a few UK dates around the end of August just so as to not disappoint you UK fans. I’m very excited about this… Please do come and see us during this tour and look out for my novel later this year.”
Support for the UK dates will come from Special Guest: Martin McAloon, who will be performing the songs of Prefab Sprout live across both nights.
Tickets are on sale now at these links as follows:
Academy Events presents…
THOMAS DOLBY – 2024 UK DATES
Friday 16th August – Newcastle O2 City Hall
Tickets on sale here:
https://www.academymusicgroup.com/o2cityhallnewcastle/events/1474912/thomas-dolby-tickets
Saturday 17th August – Manchester O2 Ritz:
Tickets on sale here: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/3E00604D922809BC
Thursday 22nd August – London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Tickets on sale here: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/3E00604CEE22266B
D Power Diesle is back with a bang, dropping the sizzling second single from his upcoming EP project ‘Graphene 4’. Featuring renowned Nottingham emcee, Wariko and produced by Audio Slugs, this grime banger calls back to the notorious LOTM3 clash carrying the same electrifying energy.
After crossing paths on the mighty clash series ‘Lord Of The Mics’ Volume 3 back in 2011, the pair were pinned up against eachother producing one the most memorable clashes in the UK Grime scene. Lauded by top artists, industry giants, and global music lovers alike, this dynamic duo reunite in ‘Start This’, recapturing the raw energy of their legendary basement clash.
Produced by Grime heavy hitters Audio Slugs, Diesle and Wariko ride the 140bpm beat going back to back, while gifting us with references from the famous battle. The chorus and verse integrate seamlessly, with the London and Nottingham accents playing off each other harmoniously.
Gearing up to release ‘Graphene 4’ this Spring, its prior three volumes were 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. 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.
The FMs announce the release of PINK + BLACK, out on May 10. Their sophomore double album was completed the moment the pandemic started and is now making its release after the tragic death of singer Frankie Rex in 2022. Recorded throughout 2017-2019 on an old ferry boat docked in the middle of Bushwick, Brooklyn, PINK + BLACK was produced by bandleader Matte Namer, with Brian Forbes acting as co-producer and mix engineer. The material highlights Namer’s love of analog synthesizers combined with etherial guitars and takes a more psychedelic and emotionally dynamic turn as compared to their debut album spanning themes from sexual irreverence, the nature of dreams and human connection, to hope for the future of gender freedom. The album is sonically ambitious and thematically expansive, yet presents with a unified concept and feel within the context of The FMs journey. “The concept for PINK + BLACK began seven years ago and includes over a thousand hours of blood, sweat and tears put into the recording process. This is Frankie’s legacy and the world deserves to hear it.” – Matte Namer
Of the lead single and video for “Transformation Dreams,” Matte Namer shares: “Working with NYC trans filmmaker & musician Dylan Mars Greenberg, we wanted to create a video for ‘Transformation Dreams’ that was both narrative but not based solely in current practical reality. It transcends time, the mortal realm, and gender but culminates in a message of hope and love. The song’s lyrics are delivered from different periods of time, and the song took on an entirely new meaning after Frankie passed away and I wrote a new chorus for it. The film is somewhat autobiographical in nature for both Frankie and I as it follows a version of myself living in a dystopic future like world full of traumatic patriarchal messaging and then that character discovers a queer universe where Frankie is undergoing gender affirmation surgery. We see the news that Frankie has passed on, and the video continues with me undergoing gender affirmation surgery and exploding out into a kaleidoscope of hope, love and the true freedom to express our queer and trans selves. Ultimately I have inherited Frankie’s hopes and dreams for transformation and push back against the idea that a life cut short means a life of failure.”
London alt-pop artist Millie Turner shares a self-directed official music video for her stunning recent single ‘Starfish’. Showcasing the otherworldly alt-pop stylings that have seen Millie pick up support from areas such as NME, The FADER and more, ‘Starfish’ is the latest deep dive into the arresting artistic universe of Millie Turner. The project is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘Starfish’ below:
https://apollodistro.lnk.to/millieturner
Expanding on the story behind her new song, Millie Turner shares; “Starfish is the twin sister of Venus, who fell to earth and now lives in everything strange and chaotic. She sympathises with madness and exists like the dark side of the moon. She’s crazed by the smell of petrol on the dance floor, and wires herself to electric guitars eating nothing but chili oil. But she will always hold your hand if you’re walking in the dark”
The grey-scale music video, directed by Millie herself and filmed by Maia Walker is a retro, gothic style production which acts as the perfect accompaniment to the soundtrack of ‘Starfish’.
rising Brighton based alt-pop duo COWZ share their latest single ‘Bad News’. Comprised of artists Saga Wahlström and Natasha ‘Tasha’ Nicholl, COWZ have been developing a reputation for creating pleasingly chaotic alt-pop music, showcasing intricate production, catchy vocals and important social messaging. The project is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘Bad News’ below:
https://apollodistro.lnk.to/COWZ
“It’s very simple really – men always think they can get away with treating women like shit. Bad News not only calls out abusers, but their friends and enablers. The people who excuse their bandmate because ‘he’s such a nice guy’, so therefore it must not be true, or should be excused. If as a man this triggers you, it’s probably a good thing because it means you should be watching your own behaviour, and gives you the opportunity to be honest with yourself about the type of people you surround yourself with. This song pretty much says ‘you are very stupid for thinking there are no consequences for your actions, and now I’m going to tell everyone what you did and I will end you” – Saga
Swedish-born, London-based pop singer-songwriter Josefine Ridell reveals her latest single ‘What Did I Do’. As a new voice on the block, with this bewitching song only being her second release to date, Josefine sings and writes with great confidence and style which gives you the impression that she’s a seasoned artist, rather than one at the start of her musical career. The project is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘What Did I Do’ below:
https://apollodistro.lnk.to/josefineridell
Speaking on the meaning behind her new single, Josefine shares that; “What Did I Do” is written about falling in love in the most uncomplicated way. Where all the pieces fall into place so effortlessly it almost feels too good to be true compared to previous experiences in love. It highlights the self doubt you can feel when stepping into a new relationship after having had your heart broken before, and asking yourself the question of “what did I do to deserve something this good”.
“Wait For It” , the first single off of Frances Baker’s LP “ Blossom” arrives with sweeping strings. The song marks a turning point in her career, transitioning from sample heavy songs to a composition laced with live strings and intimately recorded vocals. Starting with a Lush string arrangement, before boiling down to a scratch vocal and guitar, Wait For It whisks one away into an acoustic ballad that could double as the backdrop of a ballet performance.
The project is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Tumble into Frances Baker’s world with “Wait For It” below:
https://apollodistro.lnk.to/francesbaker
Blending analog synthesis, live strings and nylon guitar, Frances Baker merges modern and vintage production styles for a clever and understated arrangement. “When you feel like there is no answer as to why what happened happened” Baker explains. The acoustic ballad is laced with a stunning string performance by three of the members of Nebulous Quartet.
Determined to focus more on live instrumentation, Baker has collaborated with instrumentalists to diverge from the sample based production style heard on most of her work thus far.
Primed for a breakthrough this year, buzzing Baton Rouge, LA rapper TBossserves up a new single and music video entitled “Pick A Side” out now via Cash Money Records. It also notably marks her official debut for Cash Money Records. Watch & listen HERE.
The track tempers a thick beat with a bright piano melody as TBoss practically devours the production with unapologetic bars, incendiary flows, and raw hunger. In between a hard-hitting hook, she slows down her cocky cadence just enough to proclaim, “Bitch, I’m six stars.” The song introduces her as an uncompromising and undeniable voice for hip-hop straight out of Baton Rouge. The accompanying visual reflects this energy, showcasing her charisma and star power all at once on screen. One thing is for sure, there’s a new boss in town!
LOLA BROOKE sets the streets ablaze with the release of her new track “Bend It Ova” featuring A Boogie and Big Freedia via Team Eighty Productions/ Artista Records. The enthralling cut from Brooklyn-born rap star Lola Brooke interpolates breakout Cash Money Records hit “Back That Azz Up” by Juvenile, Mannie Fresh and Lil Wayne, which recently marked its 26th anniversary.“ Bend It Ova” takes on a new twist for the call-and-response cultural hit track with an upbeat, shock-value vibe that magnifies the flare and intensity of New Orleans bounce music while spotlighting the swag and dimensionality of the New York City rap scene today. Get it HERE.
Along with today’s latest music offering from Lola, the rap sensation has also unveiled an April 5, 2024, release date for the deluxe edition of her debut project, Dennis Daughter, which was released last November. Pre-save HERE.
“I’m ready to raise the temperature on Dennis Daughter. It’s Gator season, and I’m gearing up to release more music that makes my fans want to go outside and have a good time. It was very important for me to share my story first, but now the Brooklyn girl wants to go out and do the things she likes to do.” Lola shares in reference to the deluxe release of Dennis Daughter and the tone it’s slated to encapsulate. “On Bend It Ova, two worlds come together here and Boogie [A Boogie] and Big Freedia were the perfect fit for the energy I needed on this one. I know the energy while performing this song will go to the roof.”
Norwegian alternative R&B-soul singer-songwriter Beharie shares the accompanying visual to his playful, swirling track “Desire“ out now. This week, the musician will make his SXSW debut with six showcases throughout the week including Paste Magazine, SX San Jose, SoFar Sounds, Future of Music and more. See a full list of shows below.
Beharie’s vibrant, dynamic debut album Are You There, Boy? is out everywhere now. The passionate, playful project sees the artist at his most authentic–weaving together narratives of love lost and gained and exploring complexities of human emotion with ethereal vocals and dazzling production.
The accompanying visual, out today, finds Beharie against an all white backdrop learning he can’t fit a square peg into a round hole–literally. It’s a lesson in standing firm in your beliefs and being yourself no matter what. On the video’s concept, director Martin Kopperud says, “We explore the idea of self desire, to do and be yourself, and how we often meet forces that don’t necessarily agree or comply with what you believe in, that’ll rather tell you how something works. We hope this can be a reminder to always stay true to yourself and to stand for your beliefs.” Beharie is thrilled to share the visual and how it brings a new perspective to the track, adding, “It has been a really fun and interesting experience working with Martin Kopperud. The track is a quite playful and energetic tune, but put together with this visual universe it becomes a bit more mysterious and quirky.”
Danger Danger! Electric Six will be back in the UK for a headline tour this Winter.
Following the roaring success of last year’s comeback record ‘Turquoise’, the Detroit renegades will be back to perform fresh cuts and immortal classics at a run of Academy shows in November. Dates and details can be found below.
Mixing garage rock, disco, punk, new wave, and metal into cleverly dumb, in-your-face songs celebrating hedonism in multiple forms, Electric Six found international success through a relentless touring and recording schedule and an unerring commitment to their over-the-top style, delivering energy and absurdity in equal measure.
After winning a local following as the Wildbunch, Electric Six scored a major hit in the U.K. in 2003 with the song “Danger! High Voltage“, and their debut album ‘Fire’, released the same year, earned them a major cult following with tunes like “Dance Commander” and “Gay Bar“. From then on, musicians would come and go from the Electric Six line. The proportions of electronics to guitars would shift back and forth from album to album, but their essential formula of dance-friendly rock brimming with bombast and lunacy would never change. From 2005 onward, not a year would go by without a new E6 album and a string of shows in which Dick Valentine and co. would whip their fans into a frenzy.
While the COVID-19 pandemic put them on pause for a while, 2021’s covers set, ‘Streets of Gold’, put them back on their unstoppable schedule, and 2023’s ‘Turquoise’, a set of originals, presented them in high-spirited and irresponsible form.
Electric Six. The band that released an album a year for what seemed like 666 years. The most reliable act in show business, there was simply no question that each year would bring another E6 record on Metropolis Records. Mayans based their calendar on Electric Six. Flocks of migrating birds used the new Electric Six record as a homing device. Small-time criminals were sentenced to four to seven E6 albums with time off for wonderful behaviour. In a business so fickle, unreliable, and difficult to navigate…the only constant was Electric Six. There was always an album a year…….until there wasn’t.
Saint Social is the Gulf Coast-based indie rock band of longtime friends Quinn Erwin, Bryan Bourque, Justin Gollott, and newest member Ben Lowrimore. Pulling from influences far and wide as much as they have traveled far and wide to be together, Saint Social is the sum of their musical and cultural experiences.
“Yeah, we all live in different cities within a four-hour radius from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to the Florida panhandle to Birmingham, Alabama,” shares lead singer Quinn Erwin, “and I think that the lengths we’ve gone to be a band shows how much our friendship and this music mean to us.”
Although they are closer in proximity today, it wasn’t long ago that each of the members of Saint Social lived even farther apart, and we’re on different life trajectories before coming together to form this band.
As far as friendship and being connected musically is concerned, Erwin and drummer Bryan Bourque have been playing in different formations for over two decades as far back as high school. Erwin, Bourque, and Bourque’s brother-in-law, guitarist Justin Gollott, having been playing together just shy of that.
While Bourque and Gollott were building careers in 9 to 5 jobs and playing in various bands together in Biloxi, MS where they all grew up, Erwin left a career in education there to pursue music full time in Nashville, TN as a solo artist and the front man of a band called Afterlife Parade. Erwin on his own accord, amassed a worthy resume of recording and touring and found commercial success in licensing with prominent placements in independent films all over the world and TV shows on MTV, Netflix, and Hulu including major commercial spots during Super Bowl LIII, and BMW’s 2020 Light It Up holiday campaign. Throughout his decade long stints of recording and touring, Erwin always found his way back home, however, and managed to play with Bourque and Gollott in some form or fashion.
Los Angeles based artist SMILEZ is no stranger to standing out in the crowd with his vibrant presence. He is the missing link between grungy punk catharsis and unrestrained hip-hop bravado, with the artist stating, “I like to put my DNA into everything I do which is why it feels so personal.”
His new single, “Self Sabotage,” produced by Digital Nas (Kanye West, Playboi Carti) is a blend of hip-hop and punk rock. Speaking on the story behind the track, SMILEZ shares, “I found myself reflecting a lot and saw that I had a tendency to self sabotage and wanted to explore that.” With both the lyrics and music complementing each other, “Self Sabotage” emits a chaotic and contagious energy, emphasized by throbbing beats and clashing percussion elements, as the artist chants, “I over complicate it with bells and whistles // Turn something good to something bad cause I’m the saboteur.”
SMILEZ met Digital Nas last year at a party he threw and the two became friends and started working on what would become SMILEZ’s new project Saboteur, coming later this Spring. SMILEZ has emerged as a rare disruptor in the new RAGE space. He had multiple successful tours, opening for the likes of Trippie Redd, Wiz Khalifa, and JuiceWRLD. In 2021, he released a string of singles, including the track “HAPPY,” which hit #1 on the SoundCloud charts, racking up more than 7 million streams. With his notable brand making waves in the industry, he ended 2022 with a deeply emotional track in honor of his late brother titled “Sit Back & Relax”, which serves as a PSA to the fentanyl epidemic. In 2023 SMILEZ started the year with a Genius ‘Open Mic’ Performance, and release of his debut project Ur in My World. 2024 is set to see SMILEZ take his music to the next level, kicking off with “Self Sabotage.”
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
