Magenta Moon (@MagentaMoonParty) is a surf music spaceship co-piloted by couple Elaina Whitesell (lead vocals, bass) and Joey Petrarca (guitar, vocals). Their dynamic and groovy sound transports passengers to a realm of magical delights full of romantic ballads as well as rock anthems. MM’s carefully written songs boast poetic lyrics and accessible sonic complexity. Live, Magenta Moon offers common ground to audiences of all ages, races, and creeds. Rely on The Moon to get your body moving! Magenta Moon is currently parked in Los Angeles, California, USA, Earth.
rising UK producer, DJ, and synth extraordinaire Demi Riquísimo delivers his time-lost new Windows 95 Anthem EP, a wistful yet driving two-tracker out now on Higher Ground. The release includes remixes from global house icon Chloé Caillet and trance-influenced Berlin producer Spray.
Equipped with his vintage synths, Demi Riquísimo plunges into ‘90s prog and house on the title track, which all started with the quirky output of his Casio CZ-3000. “Every time I move the chorus slider on it, the sound crackles, which I love,” Requísimo says. “The M1 and the strings, however, really turned the idea into a track.” The B-side, “The Force,” dips its toes into trance with its vibrant synths and quick tempo. With the support from the likes of Job Jobse, Eliza Rose, and Peach, the release is already doing damage on dancefloors around the world.
Aligning with Riquísimo’s ethos, Windows 95 Anthem will be the first physical vinyl release from Higher Ground, available for purchase today here. While the two original tracks are available for streaming today, the remixes from Chloé Caillet and Spray will arrive on April 2 (and are featured on the physical copy).
On March 21, Demi Riquísimo will arrive in Miami to perform at Higher Ground’s Miami Music Week party, which (alongside Demi) boasts a lineup including Brazilian standout Maz, Australia’s Luke Alessi, producer & songwriter Mia Moretti, and more. The event is set to take place at Medium Cool, a venue under the Gale South Beach Hotel that’s outfitted with a retro, art-deco, classic Miami vibe.
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:
“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
‘Bad News’ is a scathing takedown of abusive men and the people that enable them. Inspired by the likes of Charli XCX and Ashnikko, COWZ are delivering a unique blend of hyperpop cut with an edgy, alternative flair which offers today’s generation music that is full of urgency and experimental qualities.
Today’s release is the follow up track to the duo’s debut single “Most Fun I’ve Had In Ages” and “Domination” in January, which resulted in them picking up reputable support in areas such as BBC Radio 1 ( Jack Saunders), Kerrang and Clout Magazine. With much anticipation and drive behind them, the pair gear up to the release of their debut EP ‘That’s Cute! Baby’ coming later this year.
CLOUT – “The lyrics here are pointed and fierce while having the instantly endearing and playful edge that COWZ are growing known for, while the musical palette is packed full of neat sonic quirks and intricacies that makes for an engrossing and fun listen that never has a dull moment.”
Electronic visionary Rezz has released her anticipated new album CAN YOU SEE ME? out now via HypnoVizion.
Unfolding over 10 tracks, CAN YOU SEE ME? is powerful and commanding as it explores the depths of Rezz’s curiosity and evolution in the bass music genre. Created in her Toronto home studio, CAN YOU SEE ME? is Rezz’s most collaborative body of work to-date, featuring previously released tracks with Subtronics, Blanke, and HOLLY, as well as new collaborations with rising stars INZO and CYCLOPS, and HypnoVizion alumni EDDIE, Digital Ethos, and KAVARI.
Kicking up the pace from her usual midtempo signature to a faster 140-150 BPM, CAN YOU SEE ME? swerves with kinetic energy as Rezz experiments with industrial tones and psychoactive elements. Instrumentally-led and crafted with her live set in mind, CAN YOU SEE ME? goes beyond her haunting builds and hypnotizing drops as Rezz introduces a new sonic era. Each track defies the conventionalities of the genre, skewing typical structure and tempo, and even incorporating Rezz’s own vocals on ‘CAN YOU SEE ME?’.
Venturing into uncharted territory, CAN YOU SEE ME? showcases Rezz’s transcendence in sound as she cloaks the eerie themes of her catalog with a harder, heavier edge. The album is absorbent of Rezz’s off-kilter antics, embracing her rebellious tendencies on tracks like ‘CUT ME OUT’ and ‘OPEN UR EYE’, and unleashing her adventurous sound design on cuts like ‘Exorcism’ and ‘Maleficent’. Continuing into new realms of bass music, CAN YOU SEE ME? capitalizes on Rezz’s metamorphic capabilities as collaborator and the trailblazing sounds she’s inspired for nearly a decade. The album also features a special rendition of Rezz and deadmau5’s 2023 REZZMAU5 collaboration ‘Infraliminal’.
We introduce you to Ekali’s new music label, Awakening Records. As our first compilation release, ‘Awakening Compilation 01’ stands as a testament to the vibrant journey of Awakening Records and the triumphant return of our founder, Ekali, to the dance music space. Out March 29, this compilation celebrates Ekali’s dedication to the genre and marks the beginning of a new era for both him and the label.
Featuring hand-picked records from emerging artists like CURE97, NXSTY, DJ RIDE, and Dabow, ‘Awakening Comp 01’ pays homage to Ekali’s infamous Awakening mix series, where he expertly curated music from a myriad of artists, setting the stage for the distinctive sound that defines Awakening today. Built as a double album, the compilation is split into a bass-forward, club-ready A-section followed by a B-section composed of moody, experimental records. ‘Awakening Compilation 01’ marks the beginning of a new era for the Ekali project, as he feels more inspired than ever to develop his sound further and champion the young, talented artists around him who deserve the spotlight. It’s a celebration of Awakening’s past and a glimpse into the exciting future we are shaping.
In conjunction with the release, Ekali will kick off his Alinea Tour on March 22nd at Q Nightclub in Seattle. The tour will take him to iconic venues across the United States, including Soundcheck DC on March 30 and Webster Hall on April 12, and will feature support from artists featured on the compilation.
Calling All Crows, a nonprofit organization that connects and mobilizes music fans to join feminist movements for justice and equality, announces three new initiatives in celebration of Women’s History Month this month. Additionally, Calling All Crows will continue to be present at select shows of Mitski‘s U.S. tour to provide information and resources about their Here For The Music program, which fights against sexual violence and aims to build safety at shows and festivals across the country. The program has been supported by boygenius, Clairo, Goose, The 1975, Courtney Barnett and more. Plus, Calling All Crows is thrilled to announce Director of Here For The Music’s Maggie Arthur has been named one of Pollstar‘s 2024 Women Of Live honorees.
On March 19, the organization will host a Women’s History Month livestream across their social media channels with the Resilient Sisterhood Project (RSP). The Resilient Sisterhood Project’s mission is to educate and empower women of African descent regarding common yet rarely discussed diseases of the reproductive system that disproportionately affect them. A careful approach to these diseases and associated issues is done through a cultural and social justice lens—as the group believes that poor knowledge of reproductive health is primarily related to health, racial, and socioeconomic disparities. Join the livestream on March 19 at 1PM EST via facebook.com/callingallcrows.
RSP is delighted to work with Calling All Crows to bring their shared vision to life. The organization shares, “The Resilient Sisterhood Project is so excited to be partnering with Calling All Crows because of our shared commitment to justice and equality. And we want to thank Calling All Crows for their support of our mission to educate and empower women of African descent regarding their reproductive health and rights.”
Three days later, Calling All Crows will celebrate their 16th Annual Benefit Weekend with a sold out performance by Chadwick Stokes of Dispatch and The Pintos at Somerville Theatre in Somerville, MA on March 22nd. Stokes will debut songs from his forthcoming rock opera, 1972.
The following day, on March 23rd, Calling All Crows will host an in-person event at The Sinclair in Boston, MA in celebration of their announcement of a new service project with Reproductive Equity Now. Registration is now open for all in the Boston area here. The event will work to increase access to reproductive care and bring awareness to reproductive health, including a training that will provide volunteers with crucial guidance on abortion advocacy: abortion care 101, how to talk about abortion like an advocate, how to access abortion care, how to identify (and avoid) dangerous anti-abortion centers, and ways all individuals can help ensure reproductive equity for all.
Calling All Crow’s Annie Bailey shares that the organization is happy to partner with Reproductive Equity Now and aims to make an impact on all people and on legislation. “They are an incredible organization that provides critical education on abortion advocacy and reproductive justice. Our service project with them will be a great way for our volunteers to get excited about advocating for reproductive rights in their own communities, and will make a tangible impact on supporting abortion care providers and letting local legislators know that their community desires reproductive health protection and care for all.”
Alongside the new initiatives, Calling All Crows is pleased to announce Heatherjean MacNeil has been appointed to Executive Director. Here For The Music Director Maggie Arthur shares, “After having worked in nonprofits for several years under a wide variety of leaders, I am so happy that Calling All Crows found Heatherjean MacNeil. Not only does she bring with her immensely impressive knowledge and resources in business and DEI initiatives, but she also is an eternal optimist with gorgeous dreams and a major commitment to our mission that the organization really needs to keep growing and pushing forward.”
Through their work, Calling All Crows visualizes a world where all people’s full humanity is realized, and local and global communities are equitable, just, and thriving. Get involved now at callingallcrows.org and on Instagram and Facebook.
Los Angeles-based, Miami-raised, Atlanta-bred songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist artist Major Myjah releases his new single “Trying” fresh from the recent release of “By Your Side.” Produced by Major and Deion Gill, this new offering weaves together reflective songwriting and magnetic vocals as Major poeticizes a call to action to make things official with a significant counterpart.
“Trying” glides with infectious production, building the track to soaring heights from start to finish. With each release, the rising star is shaping up a showcase of his dimensional artistry that is not confined to one genre or feeling—at best, the most accurate definition to describe his style, sound, and swag is Major Myjah.
“Trying” follows the revered release of “By Your Side,” which was released earlier this year. The track has earned placements on coveted playlists across major platforms, including Apple Music’s “New in R&B,” “Smooth and Easy,” Tidal’s “New Arrivals: Pop & R&B,” and Pandora’s “Indie R&B,” and “Trap Soul,” playlist cover. The track has reached global highlights in the press space, including spotlights from London publication VIPER Magazine and Quip Magazine, Canada’s Faded 4U, as well as wide-spread of coverage nationwide such as Global Grind, Rolling Out, Earmilk, Urban Bridgez, and more.
Los Angeles-based artist KIA emerges onto the music scene with a compelling blend of alternative R&B and neo-soul. Having grown up in The Netherlands, the half Dutch and half Indonesian singer/songwriter infuses her sound with a plethora of textures and emotions to perfectly capture the story behind her lyrics.
Her latest single “Okay, Alright” is off of her upcoming EP, Retrospect, which shows KIA returning to the end of a previous relationship and reflecting on how it wasn’t good for her. As she delves into her past, she turns loss, anger, confusion and sadness into acceptance, ultimately allowing herself to be open and vulnerable in meeting new people again.
“Okay, Alright” specifically details when KIA was still in this unhealthy relationship, questioning where things went south and trying to fix what was most likely already gone in the first place. Weaving authenticity and raw emotion into everything she does, the songwriter shares, “We used real recorded rain sounds when it was pouring in LA to set a mood, as well as some video game sounds that took me back to a moment in life where I felt smaller. There are subtle sound effects on the vocals that represent my deep, introspective thoughts.”
Beyond solo projects, KIA’s music has been featured in movies on major streaming platforms including Netflix and Hulu, as well as in theaters across the U.S. and Europe. Over the last few years KIA has received both the NAMM President’s Innovation Award and the Ultimate Music Awards for Best Single-Pop of the Year and Best Female Artist of the Year. She was a top finalist at the IMSTA Songwriting Competition, the UK Songwriting Competition, won honorable mention at the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) and recently won the weekly John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
2024 is set to be an exciting year for this artist on the rise. Stay tuned for more from KIA.
Built around his soulful, worn-in voice and wrapped in tender harmonies, Alex Coley & Afterlove explore the elemental tension between joy and pain; heartache and healing; what was and what will be. Alex Coley is a Nova Scotia-based songwriter and indie-folk musician with an affinity for novelty, big feelings and good questions. Music has always been a compulsion for Alex – his headspace an enduring and immutable arc of melody. It became an obsession after a long drive across the Maritimes with his dad. It was the first time he heard Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides Now’ over the crackly speakers from the back seat of his dad’s red Ford Aerostar. Like all things worth enduring, Alex’s relationship with music has been complex, terrifying and inevitable.
In his debut album The Arc, made possible by a Canada Council grant, Alex’s thoughtful songwriting uses the personal as a portal into the universal. His vulnerable and intimate lyrics will be sure to dredge up feelings you forgot were there – inviting you to gracefully move through melancholy. The deeply emotional, stirring songs offer a clarity you can often only find when you get really quiet; at the end of a long winding road travelled alone. His songs seek to articulate what we lack the vocabulary for, helping us make sense of the things that often don’t.
The album was written in isolation, but came to life in community; it is alive with the people and landscapes that were foundational to its creation. Most of the recording happened in a small studio in rural Nova Scotia during the heat of the summer, nestled amongst an old birch forest, with all six bandmates crammed between an old CRT TV and an Atari game console. Alex and his bandmates, Braden Kammermans (bass), Ted Morris (drums), Connor Robins (lead guitar), Sarah Roberts (harmony), and Dan Richards (keys), each brought their unique sound and perspective to the album. The Arc was produced by bandmate and friend, Braden Kammermans (Sleepy Kicks), who encouraged the disruption of folk cliches by offering a less predictable and more scuzzy sound.
The Arc arrives at the end of this locked-down, fearful era when gazing backward was all we had, serving as a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of introspection. The songs that emerge are both melancholic and hopeful, capturing themes of nostalgia, resilience, heartbreak and unexpected clarity. Alex Coley & Afterlove’s music reminds us that the darkest, windiest days are often the days we feel deeper and love harder.
New York native singer-songwriter ROREY (24) grew up bi-coastal between Manhattan and LA. She started playing guitar at age six and taught herself piano at age 14. In 2019, she left college and moved back to LA to pursue music, releasing her first single, “Predictable” in 2021.ROREYprides herself on her unique rhyme schemes and brutally honest, vulnerable lyrics paired with unforgettable hooks.
ROREY draws lyrical inspiration from anything and everything. She will even pull lyrics from text conversations. “My songwriting has been my greatest confidant and my creative process my only reprieve from the precarious nature of life,” she confides. Although ROREY is the only musician in her family, her house was never quiet. Her early musical influences attributed to her parents were Santana, Pink Floyd, and Jethro Tull.
In 2021 ROREY was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It was during this time she wrote six of the eight songs featured on her upcoming sophomore EP, Dysphoria, set to be released on May 17th. Co-produced by longtime friend and collaborator, Scott Effman, the collection of music emulates her cognitive dissonance navigating her mental health journey through haunting melodies, ethereal vocals and swirls of hypnotic instrumentals. Leading single “Standby” is a raw and candid account of her first step in recovery. “I wrote this song during a manic episode in 2021. It was my ultimate epiphany in understanding that my healing process wasn’t going to happen instantaneously, I couldn’t just “stand by” waiting for it to happen. I had to take action and commit to getting better, no one was going to do that for me. I had two choices to accept the help offered to me or continue lamenting that everybody was living life and I was stuck getting nowhere,” she confides.
ROREY organically caught the ear of Apple Music’s Zane Lowe show. and has since landed coveted spots on Spotify and Apple Music playlists, such as Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds Indie, New Music Daily, New in Pop and a myriad of Japanese editorial playlists. She has further gained notoriety in prominent publications like Office Magazine, Ladygunn, Notion, and more following the release of her debut EP, Apt 7d (Anna Shoemaker, Ryn Weaver, and Blonder). She most recently played Baby’s Alright in Brooklyn, opening for singer songwriter Mitte Hope. She is performing her first headline show at the Knitting Factory (Baker Falls) in Manhattan’s East Village on April 25th.
ROREY is here to unnerve you and push you to confront the depths of your psyche. She shares, “I think I say outloud what some people are afraid to say. It keeps me going to know my songs help people get intouch with their emotions.” Whether you want to cry in your bed, or dance alone in your room – ROREY has a song for you.
Nigerian-born, Hackney-raised artist Tarm is set to continue on his upwards trajectory with the release of his latest single, ‘Mazzine’. Known for his authentic rap style and raw sound, Tarm has spent the last five years honing his craft and has emerged with a track that embodies confidence, belief, and reassurance.
Bringing his unique blend of Rap, Jersey and Drill to the forefront, ‘Mazzine’ captures the essence of Tarm’s journey, reflecting on extraordinary experiences and the relentless pursuit of greatness. The word ‘Mazzine’, meaning extraordinary, encapsulates the track’s vibe, driving home the message of working hard and striving to become the best version of oneself. Tarm draws inspiration from personal achievements and the unexpected turns that life has taken, creating a narrative that resonates with listeners.
With over 2 million streams on Spotify, 1.5 million views on YouTube and a growing fan base across all digital platforms, the release of ‘Mazzine’ marks a new chapter in his career, and fans can anticipate more ground-breaking projects, collaborations, and performances in the near future.
Natalie Shay is one of the most exciting singer-songwriters emerging from the UK indie-pop music scene. Having performed at the world’s biggest festivals for new music SXSW and The Great Escape, as well as well-renowned festivals like Reading, Latitude and Victorious, the North Londoner is making her way across the globe, turning heads with her explosive live performances.
Picking up the guitar at the age of five and attending the prestigious BRIT School in her teenage years, music has always been a part of Natalie’s life and her passion from a very young age. Known for her honest and relatable songwriting, Natalie is creating songs that empower and support, from infectious heartbreak anthems to up-beat tracks on love and friendships. She also doesn’t shy away from topics, speaking openly about mental health and anxiety.
Her latest single, “Like You Boy” narrates the demise of a relationship. Through raw, relatable lyrics, simple acoustic guitar and powerhouse vocals, “Like You Boy” is the perfect breakup song to cry to. Produced by Kaity Rae and mixed and mastered by Jonathan Vears, the stunning song features layered harmonies which emit a celestial atmosphere, building up to a climatic chorus which reflects exactly how Natalie felt at the time of writing the lyrics.
The songwriter shares, “The song is about the moment after you get dumped or a relationship ends. When you’re curled up in bed accepting that the relationship has ended and learning to let go of that hope of potential. You start thinking things over and trying to figure out where it went wrong, in this case blaming myself, for always screwing things up. And also blaming yourself for opening up in the first place.”
Natalie has already surpassed 9 million streams on Spotify alone, made it onto New Music Friday in 10 countries, including multiple times in the UK and received strong support from BBC Radio 1. She has also gained critical acclaim from the likes Billboard, Wonderland, Clash, The Line of Best Fit, Notion, 1883 Magazine and many more.
Get ready to be blown away by the electrifying sound of TYDL. This dynamic Brighton based duo, led by the fierce Rebecca and backed by the rhythmic force of percussionist Jack, is about to take the music scene by storm. Their fusion of genres creates a mindblowing sonic journey that hooks you instantly.
TYDL’s infectious pop vocals and relentless drum beats will make your heart race and your body move. Imagine the irresistible vibes of Sigrid, Bastille, and Avicii colliding in a spectacular explosion of sound. It’s a musical experience like no other.
Unveiling their debut four-track EP, Ethereal, TYDL have created a collection of songs that emanate villain energy and hype the listener up, emphasising that it doesn’t matter if what you’re doing is “wrong” as long as you’re true to yourself. Regaining her power, Rebecca shares, “I wanted to create music that reflected the part of me that I had lost.”
Title track “Ethereal” is written from the perspective of someone who was obsessed with an imagined love interest and so overwhelmed with lust that she trapped them in a spell that meant they would be together forever. Rebecca explains, “The song is really about how we all have a part of us that can’t be controlled and we need to accept that and use it to our advantage.”
The EP also includes “God Complex” which is the ultimate F U to bullies. One big sarcastic viewpoint on how people use jealousy as an excuse for bullying, the track is based on personal experiences from when Rebecca was a teenager.
Ethereal is produced by the award-nominated Brighton producer Lewis Amoroso. Through his adaptable and versatile style, he allowed the artist’s personality and character to shine through, creating a positive atmosphere full of creative and innovative energy. Sonically, the EP pulls influences from electronic, hip-hop, R&B and gospel genres.
These trailblazers have already received multiple plays on BBC Introducing and conquered prestigious venues across the diverse city of Brighton, including the legendary Concorde 2 and Komedia. Their live shows are a sight to behold, radiating pure energy and leaving audiences mesmerised. TYDL thrives on connecting with their fans, making every moment an unforgettable part of the TYDL experience.
TYDL is redefining what it means to be cool, edgy, and undeniably captivating. Brace yourself for a sonic revolution with Ethereal.
“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:
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.
More on Frances Baker …
Frances Baker is a singer, songwriter, and producer based in Brooklyn, New York. After releasing her first project in 2021, Baker was discovered by Arlo Parks. This relationship led to Baker supporting Arlo Parks on tour for the UK Leg of the Collapsed in Sunbeams tour. Baker went on to release several singles, including collaborations with Reggie Pearl, French record label Kitsuné and Ava McCoy. During this time, she has been working tirelessly on her debut album.
Yukon-based orchestral folk musician Erica Dee Mah shares her new single ‘The Garden’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
‘The Garden’ is the lead single from her new EP Paper Wealth set for release on May 8th. Erica wrote the song as a tribute to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
“I see the garden as a symbol of long-lasting cultural resilience,” says Erica. “I was inspired to write the song after visiting the new Chinese-Canadian museum in 2021 with my brother and seeing how much the Chinatown community was struggling.”
A singer-songwriter and contemporary guzheng player, Erica grew up in Smithers, BC, and then lived in Vancouver from 2000 to 2014 before moving to her current home in Whitehorse, Yukon. In 2022, she released The Sargasso Season, an original collection of songs written on the traditional 21-stringed Chinese zither. The album, which received national media recognition, is an exploration of sounds and possibilities on the versatile instrument, and seeks out a place for the guzheng in Canadian folk-roots music. Erica writes about transoceanic journeys, Chinese-Canadian identity across generations, and finding connection in new landscapes. Her highly anticipated new EP Paper Wealth draws on similar themes, but with much deeper knowledge of the traditional instrument.
‘The Garden’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services worldwide. For more information, please visit ericamah.com.
Vancouver alt-rock musician Naomi King shares their empowering single ‘Fetish’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
‘Fetish’ is the lead single from Naomi’s new album, Black Water, set for release on May 17th. They wrote the bare bones, in-your-face lyrics about one of their friends, who unfortunately turned out to be exactly what Naomi had thought.
“‘Fetish’ is a song I wrote about a friend,” says Naomi. “Funnily enough, just a few months after I’d written it, he proved himself to be exactly what I knew he was. If only I’d listened to myself and trusted my gut. I know who I am in the eyes of men – I’m a fetish.”
‘Fetish’ is a fun single that comes with a sexy music video. Naomi admits, “I really leaned into the whole fetish thing. Maybe a bit too much.”
Music has always been a part of Naomi’s life. In fact, their mother says they sang before they spoke. They began learning to play the piano at four years old, picking up the violin at six, and when they were nine, Avril Lavigne released her first single. And Naomi was never the same. They stole their mother’s guitar and never gave it back, and have been writing songs ever since.
When Naomi was fifteen, they started posting their original songs on YouTube. Over the years, they would not only grow as a singer and songwriter, but as a producer. They have released over twenty albums independently, and while you can tell they didn’t really know what they were doing in the beginning, Naomi wears that badge with pride. But with Black Water, they did it differently.
KOBRA PAIGE
“Freedom”
• Kobra Paige, founder of two-time Juno-nominated hard rock band, Kobra and the Lotus, releases “Freedom.” Written with Blair Daly (credits include Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw) and Tommy Karevik (of Kamelot and formerly of Seventh Wonder), the track is part of Paige’s forthcoming project centered on topics of social change and transformation.
• “This song has got a chorus as cozy as a campfire, but a conviction fierce enough to knock a person back into their truth. ‘Freedom’ is about self-liberation from fear, reclaiming yourself as the advocate of your own life, and dismantling your shame cycles so you may set yourself free. This isn’t just a song – it’s a declaration and an invitation to no longer treat yourself like an apology.” – Kobra Paige
JACK
“jet”
• JACK releases “jet,” produced by Rick Carson (GRAMMY-nominated producer and engineer of Make Believe Studios). The track spotlights a softer side to the Omaha-born indie artist, and follows his imaginative cover release of Everclear’s “Father of Mine.”
• “‘jet’ is a song I’ve had for almost four years now and was the first post I ever made on YouTube. I remember writing this one first thing in the morning and having no trouble doing so. It just came out of me. I was inspired by my relationship with my girlfriend, Jet. As you listen through the track, you will hear an honest take on true love.” – JACK
• JACK released his debut album, SAD SONGS IN C MAJOR, in the fall of 2023. He recently wrapped his co-headline “True Love Tour” with Social Cinema, and will have more show announcements coming soon.
With over 2 billion streams under his belt and over 9 million monthly listeners on Spotify, rising pop sensation Nicky Youre releases his second single of the year “Part Time Lover.” Get it HERE via Thirty Knots/Virgin Music.
“’Part Time Lover’ is about the feeling that takes over when you have to tell someone how you really feel about them, regardless of how they feel about you,” says Nicky. “It is filled with the same energy that fuels my favorite 90s/2000s Rom-Coms. It’s meant to feel nostalgic, lighthearted and hopeful for what’s to come.”
Accompanying the song, also arrives the official video which premieres at 9am PST/12pm EST. Watch it HERE.
The new single follows the release of “S.A.D.” – listen HERE and watch the video HERE – a track that chronicles the aftermath of a broken relationship and the feeling of finally trying to get over someone, “I don’t want to be emotional; I don’t want to keep on holding on,” he sings. Circling between the good memories and the frustrations, he isn’t sure how to fully move on but feels empowered admitting that he knows it’s time, “S.A.D overload, I just want to be okay alone.”
After announcing their musical union under the new moniker Kiss Bang, Los Angeles’ Kaya Stewart and Max Mercier today release their debut EP Horrors Of Your Hometown. Available now via Bay Street Records, the label founded by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, the four-track-offering is a hopeful, blithe journey through romance, sex, uncertainty, tragedy and substance use. Stewart’s unignorable voice, paired with Mercier’s deft production makes for a proper introduction to the left-of-pop duo — Stream.
Following a chance meeting, Stewart and Mercier found the perfect partnership for creating music that isn’t confined to a particular era. Whether in 1985 or 2050, Kiss Bang’s debut EP fully circumnavigates the sterile lines that have been drawn in pop music for the last 20 years. Taking the winding route to avoid falling into any one formula to create music, Kiss Bang makes truly timeless earworms.
Stewart shares that, “Each song written for this EP comes from personal experiences that we both share, yet are so relatable. We both feel everything so deeply and our outlet has always been music. We didn’t write this EP with a story in mind, but listening back it really feels like a window into the life of two young people just figuring out who they are and taking everything as it comes.”
Mercier adds, “I think these four songs greatly showcase our range as artists, performers, and people. There are moments of refined recklessness, preemptive heartbreak, and deep hopelessness, but in true Max and Kaya fashion it’s whimsically packaged up with a ‘f*** it’ attitude. There are so many long nights, Sonic Diet Cokes (with the good ice), so much laughter, and so much love behind the creation of these four tracks and we couldn’t be more excited to get it out into the world.”
San Diego-based producer/DJ Dillon Marinez is back with a new single ‘Ecstatic’ out now via Dirtybird Records.
Serving as the follow-up to his 2022 hit ‘Wormhole’, Dillon Marinez has returned with a tantalizing original that is sure to make the rounds on dancefloors across the globe. Driven by bright, textured melodies, ‘Ecstatic’ kicks into high gear as Marinez slowly builds around his vibrant synth lead with snappy percussion and sharp kicks. Anthemic and upbeat, ‘Ecstatic’ captures the magnetic energy that is omnipresent throughout Dirtybird’s near 20-year catalog.
“Ecstatic was made to captivate an audience. The burn of the build-up lures the listener into a tractor beam causing excitement and awe.” – Dillon Marinez
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:
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”.
Heavily inspired by her scandi roots, Josefine is bringing a welcomed flavour of scandi-pop to the UK music scene. Full of emotion, enchanting ballad vocals and soft piano chords, ‘What Did I Do’ is a romantic endeavor that showcases Josefine’s strong sense of musicality.
Today’s release is the follow up track to Ridell’s debut single ‘When You Were Mine’, which came out November last year and stunningly kicked off her campaign as an emerging artist in the UK pop scene, with lots more to come!
Philadelphia’s Julia Pratt releases “Carolina,” the first single from her forthcoming EP, out now via RECORDS. Baring her most core anguish through music, from the destruction of her family, to her lived experiences as a woman of color, Pratt’s new music is her most therapeutic and necessary writing to date. While applying R&B techniques to indie-folk, her sky-grazing music exists to let listeners know they were never alone — Stream “Carolina.”
On “Carolina,” Pratt folds all of her history into a haunting song about returning to someone, something, someplace you used to love, but just can’t seem to recognize anymore. The song’s layered exploration of identity, of what it means to be a daughter grown and changed, of searching for home, matches the echoey wordless harmonies and loping guitar. With her youth full of questioning and conflict, Pratt now turns inward for her present conviction of identity.
“‘Carolina’ is about returning to a person/place that was once called home and realizing that it is no longer that,” shares Pratt. “The song that spawned this project, ‘Carolina’ recounts a moment when I returned back to North Carolina, the place where my family ended, and was hit with the true realization that it was all over. I struggled to accept that I am not who I was then, and it pained me to think that this place, that has held so much significance in my life, may not even recognize me anymore. ‘Carolina’ is about belonging, loss, grief, and the concept of home, told through the eyes of a woman who feels she has no place in this world.”
Energetic, hard hitting and hooks for days, Royal Castles make nostalgic but contemporary garage-power-pop. Hailing from Guelph, Ontario, the 3-piece blend riffy guitar licks, wooly bass and ear-candified harmonies.
Their sophomore album, ‘Just The Hits’ was released in 2021 and recorded at North Of Princess Studio with producer Zane Whitfield (Glorious Sons, Blue Stones).
They have partnered again with Whitfield and are currently releasing 5 new songs towards a new EP called ‘Singles Night.’ STAGE FRIGHT is the third single.
Royal Castles are Katrin Sawatzky, Jordan Gabriel and AJ Johnson.
emerging alt electro-pop artist aimei 媚 shares her first release of the year, titled ‘I Like U Looking At Me’, which is bursting with an infectious, electronic vibrancy, that is cut with a catchy pop-driven tone, coined by the artist as ‘Pop-Noir’. The single is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘I Like U Looking At Me’ below:
The contemporary, static flair that aimei 媚’s production champions injects the song with a bold, upbeat energy that is certified as dance inducing and categorically makes ‘I Like U Looking At Me’ a feel-good track.
Today’s release is the follow up track to aimei 媚’s debut single, ‘V&V’, which was met with a promising response in both playlisting and press, and kicked off her campaign as an artist under the name and identity of aimei 媚; an artist fuelled by her love for the unity between her British and Chinese heritage and its shared influence on her unique sound.
The Line of Best Fit – “aimei 媚 has a different kind of value to her contemporaries. Though she spills her guts on the same romantic actions and emotions, her artistry removes a twee perspective, instead throwing up prisms of colour and sound.”
As aimei 媚 continues to bring her unique, one of a kind sound to the masses, she looks at releasing lots of new tune throughout the course of 2024, so keep an eye out for lots more to come.
Despite a 2022 that saw Stela Cole hit the 1m monthly listener mark, 4x her social media following, and have her strongest streaming year to date. Stela (real name Hollyn Shadinger) felt mentally and emotionally apart from herself. Creatively unfulfilled, overwhelmed, and uninspired by social media. Stela Cole used 2023 to address her mental health, exit her label deal, black out her profiles, delete the apps, and trade doom scrolling for her guitar, the studio, and her favorite records.
Working closely with a core group of collaborators, Stela has meticulously crafted a sonic world inspired by Fleetwood Mac, The Mama’s and Papa’s, Tame Impala, The Eagles, Arctic Monkeys and more. The result is more than a musical evolution; it’s a rebirth.
Partnering with Award-Winning Director Eliot Lee, Stela has created a cinematic world through a series of music videos and vignettes featuring co-star Noah Gonzalez. Each piece of content is thoughtfully connected to one another in an endless loop. It is these endless loops, repetitive cycles, or habits that inspired the themes of the upcoming body of work.
Debut single “Die Hard”, thrusts Stela’s vocals into the spotlight with a performance that is equally flawless and harrowing. The accompanying music video delicately mirrors this duality with an insidious narrative and goosebump inducing finale.
Second release “Midnight Killer” is an autobiographical song filled with healing. Stela confides, “It’s about the revival of empowerment and re-discovery after losing myself. It’s about becoming stronger through the pain, and learning how to protect my heart and energy moving forward. It’s the Phoenix rising from the ashes. No more sacrificing my character. No more losing myself.”
“Blood Orange Wine” is the third release in the trilogy. “The song is about the adrenaline wearing off after being emotionally yanked around by a person I loved. For months I was turning to vices to bury the pain and I soundtracked this period of my life with a lot of Fleetwood Mac and Electric Light Orchestra. I’m not surprised they ended up having a huge influence on how the record ended up sounding. It turns out that time is the only thing that truly heals, and honestly thank God for that,” the artist confides.
Boyce Avenue is an American band formed in Sarasota, Florida by brothers Alejandro Manzano, Daniel Manzano, and Fabian Manzano. They are the most viewed independent band in the world (Guinness Book of World Records). They have done many successful musical collaborations with actors, influencers, and artists like Sarah Hyland (Modern Family), Bea Miller (X-Factor), Fifth Harmony, and Connie Talbot (Britain’s Got Talent). Boyce has had massive success in touring, headlining shows in over 20 countries, and selling out legendary venues like Royal Albert Hall and Araneta Coliseum.
Mitchell Makoons (He/Him) is a Roots/Rock musician from Brandon, Manitoba. Mitchell started playing guitar at the age of seven to accompany his grandfather and brother playing Metis fiddle tunes. Mitchell continues to be an active member of the Manitoba Metis community. The songs Mitchell writes incorporate traditional Ojibway music and culture with modern influences.
Mitchell has toured several times across Western Canada and has begun to break in the Canadian festival scene. In 2023 Mitchell performed at Dauphin’s Countryfest, Ste. Madeline Metis Days, All Folk’d Up Music Festival and Winnipeg Fringe Festival, to name a few.
Makoons has released 4 singles and 1 EP to date. He has received radio play across Canada, United States and on Sirius XM. 3 of Mitchell’s singles have made it to the top 10 on the Indigenous Music countdown with “Still My Father’s Son” peaking at No. 5. Mitchell has been nominated for 5 Manitoba Country Music Awards, 3 in 2022 and 2 in 2023.
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!
At the moment, she’s preparing more music for release soon.
Leeds-based alt-pop artist Karina Stone shares single number 2, titled ‘daylight robbery’, which is made up of notes and sentiments that are tender, raw and hauntinly beautiful. The single is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘daylight robbery’ below:
Speaking on the story behind her new track, Karina shares; “I wrote ‘daylight robbery’ whilst watching someone close to me go through a destructive breakup. it’s about the vulnerable aftermath & how in someone’s absence you realise how much they took from you & wore you down. On some level, it’s definitely written too, about my younger self/ a reflection on my own experiences.”
Written with the style of Billie Eilish and Gracie Abrams in mind, Karina Stone delivers a gentle yet powerful sound in ‘daylight robbery’, which uplifts the emotional exhaustion in her soft voice.
Today’s release is the follow up to Karina’s debut single, ‘afterparty’, which introduced listeners to the melodic, sweet sounding vocals of Karina Stone, and found support from music blogs of the likes of Babystep Magazine, The Honey Pop and Hoezine. With two releases under her belt, Karina gears up for the release of her debut EP later this year.
The Daily Music Report – “A Melodic dive into the hazy realms of youth and heartache”
The Honey Pop – “This track is intimate and has a rich, mellow sound. Drawing from Karina’s own experiences, the narrative is a heartbreaking journey through youth.”
Fave Sounds – “Laden with the atmospheric aura of a late-night gathering, Stone’s poignant lyrics evoke vivid imagery, capturing the essence of youth and heartache.”
rising Norwegian talent, Henrik Heaven, sets the mood to smooth on this devilishly cool and extremely personal new single “Enough” that would be home in any traditional R&B playlist you may have.
Listen to Enough now: https://open.spotify.com/track/4veNxtJa7Od1FUqiHSpZri?si=99410189021d489e
Speaking about the song, Henrik explains “I always thought love would come natural. I used to never look and hope that the right one would «pop up». The song describes the longing feeling of needing someone, and the longing for someone to like you back.”
Henrik is a true music chameleon, blending pop elements with indie soul and R&B that work beautifully with his soft yet impactful vocals and heart-on-his-sleeve lyrics. Listen to the likes of “Healing Kinda Feeling” and “I Don’t Feel That Way” to hear the confidence in style that’s familiar in the likes of Troye Sivan & Olly Alexander.
Henrik plans to release an EP this year and continue to bring his gender fluid brand of music that is freeing to his yet-to-be-announced energetic shows.
Silent Mass invites disciples of Post-Punk, Ethereal Wave, Shoegaze, and 90s Alternative to a wailing wall of sound that is irresistible for anyone who has prayed for a darker and heavier Enya or is beckoned to embark on a sonic pilgrimage through territories claimed by The Cranberries, Chelsea Wolfe, Cranes, and Dead Can Dance.
Silent Mass emerged as a solitary pursuit in sun-drenched pre-pandemic Los Angeles by Ammo Bankoff. Her debut single, a cover of ‘Total Recall’ that Big Takeover Magazine called “melancholic escapist dreamery,” was released in 2020 on Dune Altar as part of the charity compilation ‘Do You Feel That Way Too? A Tribute to Adrian Borland & The Sound.’
Encompassing haunting vocals and lush guitar lines with primal percussive rhythms that nod to Ammo’s punk-infused youth, Silent Mass released two more singles, ‘Rose + Crown’ and ‘A Cold War City’ in 2021. “Ammo recalls so many different artists (Kate Bush, Jane Siberry, Cocteau Twins, Slowdive), while not sounding particularly like any of them very much. This is melancholic loaded reverie, capable of entrancing you into Lynchian territory” noted The Spill Magazine.
Ammo eventually relocated with audio engineer and guitarist Robert Duncan to join drummer and producer Alex Posell in NYC. With demand for live performances, bassist Kevin LoBiondo completed the band’s final incarnation.
Currently hailed as “ethereal Brooklyn goths” by Brooklyn Vegan, Silent Mass will get you into a “dreamy state” with a sound that has disseminated to sold-out shows as far as Berlin and Los Angeles. They have shared the stage with occult rockers True Widow and played NYC’s five-day New Colossus Festival. Leading single “Land of Heart’s Desire” is about unfulfilled aspirations inadvertently affecting those around you. The track is the first release leading up to their debut LP ‘The Great Chaos’ out 6/21 in honor of the Summer Solstice.
Dalia is ready to spill her guts in her latest single, ‘nineteen’; a sentimental song delving into the emotions of heartbreak and the lingering impact of past relationships.
Since the launch of her debut EP ‘’every beginning ends’’ last year, Dalia has been making waves with early nods from BBC Introducing and esteemed radio stations in Spain, including Onda Cero and Cadena 100. She spent the better part of last year performing live with her band all over London and renowned UK festivals.
Take a listen to ‘nineteen’ below:
The track captures the rollercoaster of feelings that arise from an unexpected run-in with an ex-lover, transporting listeners back to the intensity of youthful heartache. Speaking about her new single, Dalia explains ‘’Running into my ex caught me so off guard, it sent me straight into a spiral. I hadn’t felt that kind of
sadness and pain in years. It scared me how such a small moment in time could
overshadow all the progress and work I had done in myself. This song is for
anyone who has ever struggled to let go of that one person’’
At 23, Dalia stands out as a promising pop sensation, lauded for her soulful melodies, clever lyricism, and catchy hooks. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Gracie Abrams, Bon Iver and Phoebe Bridgers, she infuses raw emotion into her music, which resonates with her audience on a deep and personal level.
‘nineteen’ is a prime example of Dalia’s divine vocal capabilities and intricate lyrical relatability, as an emerging voice in the UK pop scene today.
Rosalie James is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Cornwall, UK. She grew up learning piano and guitar, listening to The Beatles and The Bangles on her bright yellow Sony Walkman, weeping over the impassioned drama of 80s synth-pop and new wave, obsessing over the lyrics of 90s dreampop and indie artists and drawing inspiration from anyone who could write a good song.
Rosalie has experienced sensory sensitivities and difficulty managing emotions and social interaction since she was nine years old. She has been treated for severe depression and anxiety, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and substance use issues but it wasn’t until January 2023 that she was finally diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. For the first time, she feels able to live an authentic life. After two degrees and ten years working as a Social Worker in social care and mental health, Rosalie decided in June 2023 that it was time to return to her creative roots. Her desire to change the world abides, instead using her music to raise awareness and reduce stigma in areas including neurodiversity, domestic violence, addiction and mental health.
Rosalie’s recent Kickstarter campaign raised £5000 in 28 days on the strength of a short video including clips of her songs. She played a range of festival gigs over the summer of 2023, supported top UK pianist Ben Waters at Mylor Sessions and appeared on Radio Cornwall for some amusing and direct interviews. Her previous singles Will We Ever Rest? and her cover of Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill received adds on BBC Introducing South West to huge positive response from listeners.
Rosalie writes and records prolifically and has a back catalogue of over 200 songs (growing every couple of weeks), giving her a head-start for future albums and publishing/sync deals. Her songs have already been featured on UK primetime soap opera Hollyoaks and US drama The Black Donnellys.
Rosalie’s music is expected to appeal equally to fans of classic songwriters (Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Carole King, Kate Bush, Fleetwood Mac, Deacon Blue) and progressive and emotionally literate indie artists (Conor Oberst, Elliot Smith, Sharon Van Etten, Angel Olsen, Bon Iver, boygenius, The National). She has a broad reach, with brutally honest and striking lyrics, hooky tunes, a dreamily soulful voice, and a slightly chaotic stage presence.
It is relevant that a lot of Rosalie’s forthcoming album Full of Chemicals was produced and recorded in Los Angeles. Her father lived in California during the early 70s, touring as a stage manager, roadie and lighting engineer for Grateful Dead, Wings, Santana and The Tubes. She’s spent her whole life hearing about the West Coast of the US, both the landscape and the musical influences, and this gives an interesting circular narrative. Her recent trip to Los Angeles allowed her to finalise the lead vocals for the album in Balboa Recording Studio, with producer Daniel Knowles (Sharon Van Etten).
To give an idea of the quality of work you can expect, Rosalie’s forthcoming album features contributions from Jorge Balbi (Sharon Van Etten), Lukas Frank (Storefront Church), Steve Jackson (Leo Sayer, Elkie Brooks), Garett Lang (Henry Wolfe, Lisa Loeb) and Jason Abraham Roberts (Norah Jones, Ben Kweller).
Leading single “Girl I Was” is a storytelling narrative of a series of destructive relationships from the artist’s past. The raw and honest song chronicles when someone gives one owns power away and the self growth that needs to occur to move on.
Full of Chemicals is a lush mix of dreampop, indie rock, folk and Americana. The upcoming album is a cathartic and important listen, an autobiographical diary of the artist’s own struggles with neurodiversity, toxic relationships, addiction and mental health.
“There is so much I want to say, and the depths of terminal sadness and fleeting joy can only be properly expressed through music – any other form of communication is corrupted by confusion and doubt. Maybe feeling too much is actually feeling exactly the right amount when you’re trying to make something meaningful. Anyway, I can’t stop now.” – Rosalie James.
“Sad” is a powerful and raw piano ballad that calls for emotional sustainability as a prerequisite for a deeper and more meaningful relationship to ourselves and the world around us.
Fie Eike is a composer, songwriter and producer, born and raised in Denmark, to Norwegian parents. Based in Copenhagen, her atmospheric songs and compositions are often inspired by experiences and childhood memories from nature, especially the Danish forests, the coastline of The North Sea and the fjords and mountain landscapes of Norway, where she would spend her summers growing up. Through melodic and playful instrumentation, her compositions are laced with a deep emotional imprint and infused with a Nordic sophistication and mystery. Fie Eike also captures this atmosphere in photographs and other artwork, stating that visual expression is an integral part and extension of her writing and composition process.
“Sad” is the second single from Fie Eike’s upcoming debut album that comes out later this year. A powerful and raw, piano ballad with sparse arrangement, strong vulnerable vocals and lyrics with a clear message. The song is an expression of sadness about the emotional wounds we humans cause ourselves and others, often unknowingly, when we fail to take responsibility for our challenging emotions such as sadness or anger, but instead avoid them, numb ourselves or project them onto others.
The raw and sparse expression and composition is inspired by nature on the North West Coast of Denmark by the North Sea. Nature there is very raw, sparse and temperamental especially during the winter months, with strong winds and large powerful waves that continue to shape the coastline, while the wide sandy beaches, the sky and the ocean melt into each other, becoming one. For me “Sad” and our deepest emotions have a similar movement as the powerful yet vulnerable sensibility and volatility of nature. Just like the waves washing away all footprints and traces in the sand over time, the connection to our challenging emotions and tears can help us heal our wounds over time.
The song was written and recorded in a matter of hours, from a stream of consciousness and emotional expression and reflection. The songwriter shares, “We live in a time, where there is a sort of allergy towards challenging emotions. There seems to be a misconception that challenging emotions somehow limit our productivity and wellbeing when in fact it is quite the opposite. Because at the end of the day, everything that is unresolved eventually seeps out through the cracks and ends up controlling our subconscious, hindering our wellbeing and causing hurt not only in our personal lives but also on a more structural, collective level. If we dare to feel and be present with our deepest most challenging emotions, we give ourselves the chance to heal.”
“Sad” is a call for emotional sustainability and provides a musical space with an invitation to surrender and be present with the sadness, pain and other challenging emotions through the music. According to Fie Eike, daring to feel and be present with our challenging emotions such as sadness and grief is necessary in order to heal and can help us gain a deeper and more meaningful connection to ourselves and the world around us.
Fie Eike’s debut album has already received support from Koda Kultur and the Danish Musicians’ Union. 2024 is set to be an exciting year for this artist on the rise.
The Neighbourhood Watch’s story-driven blend of folk and indie rock clearly touched a nerve when they released their album Community Protected (2017). The album was a kind of anthology: a collection of songs about the dissolution of family, the philosophical angst of turning seventeen, and what it feels like to get a bit too high for your own good. Without any sort of label or industry support, the album racked up 10 million+ streams and became the main soundtrack for the indie film Midnight at the Paradise (2022). The DIY release laid the groundwork for the band’s future success.
They followed this release with the albums Goodbye Childhood (2019) and Lost in Bloom (2021). The records both honed in on the fear that often accompanies growing up—with songs about heartbreak, lost friendships, and the forced solitude of the COVID-19 pandemic. The albums received strong recognition, with features in the Toronto Star, blogTO, Exclaim!, and Indie88 contributing the albums’ 2 million + streams. More recently, the band’s song “20 Year Dream” was featured in a commercial for the international consulting company KPMG.
Now, the band is ready to release their fourth album: a meditation on family, illness, and loving what life gives you nonetheless.
With an artist moniker that pays homage to iconic figures of rock and roll, Blackie Lawless (of W.A.S.P.) and Ace Frehley (of KISS), Blace draws inspiration from the rock legends who carved their names into the annals of music history while still creating his own unique brand of rock meets pop-punk meets emo rap.
Blace emerged onto the music scene just three years ago due to the unexpected downtime created by the pandemic, bringing to fruition his love affair with music. Blace soon delved into the realms of songwriting and acting, igniting a creative fire that has now become a full-fledged artistic endeavor. Embracing a diverse array of influences ranging from the raw energy of Motley Crue and early pop-punk bands like Green Day and Sum 41 to the theatricality of KISS to the dark allure of Ozzy Osbourne, and the lyrical contents of MGK, Juice Wrld, The Kid Laroi, Blace’s sonic landscape traverses the contours of rock, punk, and alternative genres with effortless fluidity.
Blace’s formative years were spent moving around from Maine to North Carolina and Minnesota before finally settling in the music-centric city of Los Angeles. Blace, born Justin Blace, has chosen to put down the roots of his career here and create his own legacy. With his passion and persistence, Blace stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to break boundaries and spark genius. To keep up with his music, follow him on Instagram.com/Blace.wav.
the mighty force of London-based artist Eden Rain returns with a blissful new melancholic and heartfelt single ‘Closer’. On this intimate account of love and loss, Eden evokes a powerful sense of helplessness and pain through her songwriting, as she witnesses the effects of grief in someone she loves. The project is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Take a listen to ‘Closer’ below:
https://apollodistro.lnk.to/edenrain
Speaking on the sentiment behind ‘Closer’, Eden shares; “It’s definitely been my most cathartic song to write- I wrote this song about my experience of loving someone who is going through grief. It’s about the feeling of someone being so close to you but unreachable at the same time, the pain of not knowing how to be around them or knowing that you’re powerless in helping them. I wrote it one afternoon with Conway (halfrhymes) and then I cried all the way home on the tube listening to the demo.”
Permanent Moves is Shane Chapman and Julia Sirna-Frest, an indie-electro-folk-rock duo from Brooklyn, NY. They started writing music together in 2016 based on found texts and have grown into an unique blend of eclectic orchestrations and soaring, emotional harmonies that The New York Times has called “sonically gorgeous.” Their forthcoming concept album Don’t Forget Us: A Chekhovian Song Cycle – out on April 12 – uses the work of Anton Chekhov as inspiration and their north star. The project features Chris Giarmo (American Utopia), Jessie Shelton (Hadestown), Karl Blau, Starr Busby and many other special guests. It also features translations by Laurence Senelick. Today they unveil a video for “Don’t Forget Us” (featuring Jessie Shelton of Hadestown). A few weeks ago, they released a video for “200 Years.”
Permanent Moves will celebrate the release of Don’t Forget Us: A Chekhovian Song Cycle with a live performance on April 16 at Brooklyn’s Sultan Room. Tickets are available now.
Artist Statement:
For the past 7 years we have been working on and performing these songs in a myriad of ways from a 16 person band at Ars Nova to a duo set in a living room in Vancouver, Canada. We have both been drawn to Chekhov’s work because it speaks to the questions we often sit around talking about. What are the lives not lived? How does one survive the monotony of everyday life? Failure, living up to one’s potential, longing for a bigger life. You know, the hits of the human condition.
This album feels very ripe for this moment because the past few years has led many people to reassess their lives, to question whether they’ve made the right choices. For us in the performing arts, the entire industry was yanked away and it feels like a chance to ponder our existence, a very Chekhovian thing to do. His work reminds us that life is lived in the in-between moments. Huge things happen in a Chekhov play, people die, love is lost, a gun might go off but the focus is watching the characters muck through it as we all must do. We’re hoping to give people a good soundtrack for their personal mucking. We can all be uplifted by a good horn section, right? As Charles McNulty put it so elegantly: “Chekhov’s art doesn’t seek to correct but merely to point out that as we’re dreaming of better days our real lives are quietly unfolding.”
36 Chambers is excited to announce the release of Brooklyn rapper Weather Park’s new single and video SPOTLIGHT via 36 Chambers/The Orchard out today.
Produced by Supertouch and Chino, “SPOTLIGHT sees Weather Park’s return with the single and video for “SPOTLIGHT” directed by @shotbydoomi. Weather Park is beaming out triumphant, euphoric bars with an explosive beat on the new track where as he shines and exclaims – “We light up the dark….SPOTLIGHT, SPOTLIGHT!”
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO WATCH/LISTEN TO “SPOTLIGHT”
Born Allah McCall, Weather Park was influenced by his surroundings soaking up the colorful imagery of his neighborhood where the streets proved enlightening as he drew inspiration from fellow poets and the city itself. As the son of late Wu-Tang Clan icon Ol’ Dirty Bastard, he instinctively embraced music. Between listening to everyone from A Tribe Called Quest to Drake and Mac Miller, he absorbed energy from his surroundings. Previous to this release, Weather Park released the single “Vibe” in 2022. In 2018 he released the EP and album “Look Alive” and Abandonship, respectively as well as singles “Green” and “Hold On” in 2021. Seeing this as a new time, Weather Park is embracing his legacy and looking to make an impact on hip hop and the culture that made him. He’s had shows at the Gramercy Theater, and The Brooklyn Bowl.
“Weather embodies a softer more sensual side of NYC hip-hop, a poet unafraid to speak of love and life” – FLAUNT
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
