Rising Brooklyn-based rapper Weather Park, son of the legendary Ol’ Dirty Bastard, has released his latest single and music video, “Too Legit”, a breezy bop that captures the energy of enjoying life’s carefree moments. Streaming now on all platforms, the track is accompanied by a vibrant video shot under the Brooklyn Bridge that captures the song’s laid-back vibe.
“Too Legit” showcases Weather Park’s smooth flow and effortless charisma, evoking the raw, unpredictable energy of his father while channeling it into a fresh, new-school sound. The song provides the perfect soundtrack for those final warm days before the seasons change.
Following his previous single, “Spotlight” feat. Issa Gold, released via RZA’s label 36 Chambers, “Too Legit” marks another milestone in Weather Park’s rising career. He recently performed in New York City, opening for Yung Bleu at Warsaw, and will be featured in an upcoming episode of MTV’s Family Legacy, profiling the children of the Wu-Tang Clan.
Melissa Furlotte is a singer, songwriter, composer and pianist based in Montreal.
Raised in the copper mining town of Murdochville, Quebec, in the picturesque region of the Gaspésie, she grew up playing piano, singing and listening to a mix of popular, folk, country and jazz music.
Uncertain of what path to take, she first studied sciences in college but then switched to music, attaining degrees from Cégep de Sainte-Foy and Concordia University.
Before launching her own project, Melissa taught piano and singing, accompanied and played corporate gigs. “I was always checking out new music and learning but eventually I had so many ideas and stories to share that writing songs and composing happened in a very organic way.”
In 2021, she released her debut album, Old Road. The collection of 10 original songs were inspired by the landscapes of her youth, adulthood in the big city and the stories in between. Her style has been dubbed fine folk.
Releasing Old Road with the support of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Quebec was an experience of a lifetime. At the same time, it fostered a new desire to reach a larger audience.
New singles and an album are on the horizon for 2024 and 2025, including the soul-stirring, first release, “Virginia Creeper.”
Three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated global superstar and King of Afrobeats Davido will ring in his 32nd birthday in style! He takes over State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA on November 21 for the massive “Davido & Friends Birthday Concert” presented by Wynn Records. He rolls into the home of the Atlanta Hawks for what will be a sellout spectacle highlighted by his seismic performance and all kinds of surprises!
A special fan pre-sale goes live on October 3 at 10am (use code: AGOODTIME) HERE. General on-sale follows on October 4 at 10am EST HERE.
Given the worldwide demand for his stunning shows, tickets will go fast!
About the show, Ruben C.E.O. of Wynn Records commented, “Davido isn’t just one of the hottest stars in the world; he’s one of the most important and influential. We’re honored he chose to partner with us to celebrate his birthday and the anniversary of one of his most beloved releases. This is definitely going to be a night to remember. We’ll see everyone at State Farm Arena on November 21!”
Davido added, “With so many friends and family in the area, Atlanta is like a second home to me, so there was no better spot throw my birthday party! We’re doing it bigger than ever though, and I can’t wait for everybody to see what we’ve got planned. A big shout out to Ruben and our friends at Wynn Records for being such great partners. Personally, I can’t wait.”
Throughout the evening, Davido will celebrate his birthday in addition to the fifth anniversary of his international breakthrough album A Good Time—which arrived on November 22, 2019. Expect a night highlighted by boundary-breaking bangers delivered with his signature gusto and charisma as well as special guests.
A Good Time still shines as major turning point for Afrobeats worldwide. It not only boasts the Platinum-certified “Fall” and Gold-certified “If,” but it also includes collaborations with an A-list cohort of special guests such as Summer Walker, Gunna, Chris Brown, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Popcaan, and Naira Marley. Beyond tallying half-a-billion streams and counting, it earned widespread acclaim. The Guardian hailed, “Davido’s undeniable charisma and intricate understanding of warm, uplifting pop instrumentation,” and Pitchfork christened it “a buoyant, unsinkable record, one of the genre’s finest ever.”
Based in NYC, Olivia Reid’s unique production style blends indie acoustics with exploratory pop soundscapes, creating a distinctive sonic space to express her most inward emotions. Reid’s artistic style fuses the expressive sounds of artists like Bon Iver, Norah Jones, Sylvan Esso, and Florence + The Machine, with the viscerally emotional experiences she channels. Her music has been featured in Flaunt Magazine, Under the Radar, Brooklyn Vegan, Wonderland, Earmilk, Celeb Mix, The New Yorker, Ones to Watch, and American Songwriter and has been added to several official Apple Music and Spotify playlists like Happy Pop, Metropolis, Chill Tracks, GLOW, Infinite Indie, Sunday Session, Dance Hits, and Golden Hour, garnering her over 40 million streams.
SJAE, also known as Samantha Powell or Sammy Jay, is a highly acclaimed music producer, composer, and songwriter whose work spans multiple genres and mediums. A career spanning 20 years, SJAE has carved out a significant niche in the music industry, earning recognition for her versatility, creativity, and ability to transcend traditional musical boundaries, whilst being among one of very few women music producers and composers in the industry. Her upcoming EP, ‘Paper Hearts,’ due out later this year, and title track releasing 10/2/24,(premiered on Americana Highways) take her sound in a different direction, blending folk, blues, country and soul, into an emotional and raw commentary on the fragility of the human condition.
‘Paper Hearts’ was written during the height of the Covid pandemic, while political tensions were dividing America, families and friends were torn apart by conflicting decisions on everything important in their lives. Additionally, SJae had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of thyroid cancer, and underwent two surgeries, just as the world locked down and fell off its axis. SJae wanted to convey a message of hope and humility, strength and grace through radical acceptance and the notion that we are all so fragile and vulnerable, that through this insane time in history, even though our paths may differ, our destination is the same.
Ward Richmond is a Dallas, Texas-based artist, podcaster, and commercial real estate entrepreneur. He is also a human being whose vast tapestry of life experiences threads (and shreds) through his latest album, Spaciousness (self-released). A nine-track collection of songs that examines Ward’s journey to find peace after spending much of his life, living unconsciously, deep within the addict energy field.
“Today, I view my addiction issue as one of my greatest strengths. It has undoubtedly put me through hell at times, but it has also served me as a powerful catalyst for humility, manifestation and evolution,” proclaims Richmond.
The collaborative effort on Spaciousness features a who’s who array of musicians, including Ryan Ake and Scott Lee (Texas Gentlemen, Ryan Bingham), Charlie Wiles (Paul Cauthen), Phillip Bowen, Ward Williams (Randy Houser), Jordache Grant (Abraham Alexander), among many others. This ensemble of talent brings a diverse range of influences to the album, enhancing its rich, multifaceted sound. Richmond’s collaboration with these artists, combined with Burt’s masterful production, results in a sonic experience that blends modern sensibilities with classic influences.
Richmond’s life is a testament to the breadth and depth of human experience, which comes alive while listening to Spaciousness. It was almost ten years ago when Ward experienced the first of many massive spiritual awakenings and made a decision to redirect his energy towards regaining consciousness and transcending the addict energy field. In addition to in-patient rehab, talk therapy, and working the 12 steps, Ward has worked with psychedelics to such an extent that God personally asked him to “please stop using them.”
In 2020, Richmond began releasing music under his own name with Highly Meditated (produced by Beau Bedford), an introspective exploration of his tumultuous past, his path to sobriety, and his firsthand experiences with marriage, divorce, and fatherhood.
“Highly Meditated was my first attempt to write about my awakening process. I began working on that album in 2018 and I was still in the early stages of learning about the benefits of sobriety and the esoteric arts back then. It was an exciting time but I still felt pretty uncomfortable writing songs about recovery and God when I had spent the previous twenty years building a hard-partying persona while writing about the joys of getting fucked-up. Becoming conscious, remembering why we are all here, and 180’ing one’s life is not an easy process, but it is most definitely a necessary one. For all of us, I believe. I’m finally starting to feel comfortable in my own skin for the first time, possibly ever. This is still a day-to-day process, of course.”
Denver-based poet, author, musician, and spoken word artist Daniel Hayes is set to release his latest album, Butterfly with Bazookas, on all digital and streaming platforms September 20th. This eleven-track collection into Hayes’ world fuses compelling storytelling and passionate musical arrangements, capturing his ability to blend deep introspection with explosive energy. Butterfly with Bazookas embodies Hayes’ artistic voice, weaving together his exploration of life’s extremes with powerful, unfiltered rawness. Known for his passion and talents in poetry, song lyrics, music, and the occasional memoir, Hayes has created an album that balances reflective depth with visceral expression, delivering an album that melds his creative skillsets into one.
The album’s title, Butterfly with Bazookas, showcases the duality of Hayes’ artistic voice. As he describes, “I chose that name for the album because I’m like a butterfly with bazookas; I’m soft-spoken, polite, even delicate at times. But, once I’ve made up my mind about something… It never comes easy for me, as I’m constantly weighing both sides of an issue, walking in as many shoes as possible so I’m being fair. But, once I’ve settled, I have no problem telling it like it is. Also, the title refers to how some of the tracks are quiet and gentle like ‘Ecstasy,’ ‘Redemption,’ and ‘Wake Up,’ while others are explosive, uncensored, and/or feral, such as ‘The Witch,’ ‘Eat Fast,’ and ‘Bullet Train.’ I think the album’s title expresses those dichotomies in one phrase.”
New Jersey’s very own saxophone virtuoso, Nick Stefanacci, is thrilled to announce his highly anticipated fifth EP, En Fuego, set to ignite the music scene on January 9, 2026. Fans won’t have to wait long for a taste of what’s to come, as the first single from the EP, “Una Última Vez,” is out now on all streaming platforms.
Drawing inspiration from his vibrant experiences living in Spain and touring across Europe, Nick Stefanacci has meticulously crafted all seven tracks on En Fuego, infusing them with a sizzling Latin flair. To bring this fiery vision to life, Stefanacci assembled a powerhouse lineup of musicians. Among them is the renowned saxophonist Frank Elmo, whose impressive resume includes performances and recordings with legends like the Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Julian Lennon, Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and the Doobie Brothers.
Joining the ensemble are other musical giants: trombonist Ozzie Melendez (Billy Joel, Marc Anthony, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen), the extraordinary pianist Carnell Harrell (Boney James, Adam Hawley), Grammy-winning bassist Mel Brown (Gladys Knight, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Jennifer Hudson, Dave Koz), and the dynamic drummer Eric Valentine (Gerald Albright, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, Jonathan Butler). Adding a special touch to the EP is vocal sensation Richard Aveo, who lends his Latin flair to the sole vocal track and smooth jazz piano virtuoso Jay Rowe (Marion Meadows, Angela Bofill, Phil Perry, Ken Navarro).
Stefanacci, who composed, arranged, produced, and mastered the entire EP, showcases his versatility in En Fuego. With a discography that spans pop, funk, R&B, and smooth jazz, this new release marks his exhilarating debut into the world of Latin Jazz.
Master Peace unveils the final single titled ‘This Time’ from his highly anticipated EP ‘How To Make a(nuva) Master Peace’. Set to drop this Friday, the full body of work promises to be a standout project in his budding career. With the release of ‘This Time’, Master Peace offers listeners one last glimpse into what they can expect from the full project.
Following last night’s Vice Presidental debate, the rugged, avant-pop brainchild of Michael Quint, George Steel is excited to share the final preview from his debut record, “The Next Great American President.” Embodying the entire psyche of Steel, today’s ballad digs deep into how difficult it can be to loved. Featuring production from collaborator Ernesto Grey (prod. for Font, Farmer’s Wife), the song captures the strife Steel carries inside as he chases a utopian ideal that can’t break out of his own ideological scaffolding. His debut album, Desire on the Range, arrives this Friday, October 4, 2024, with an album release show at New York City’s Bowery Electric the day after.
“I was in love in America. It’s a love song,” explains Michael Quint. “How can you love anyone here? It makes perfect sense.”
“I wanted to take the sentiment of the lyrics and translate them into a production that felt equal parts faux-patriotic and melancholic,” says producer Ernesto Grey. “I sampled directly from military marches with the intention of channeling a traditional marching band into a buzzing mix of emotions.”
The lyric video “The Next Great American President” also premieres today, which details what we can expect from a George Steel presidency and acts as ‘the presidential campaign moodboard.’ Made by creator Kevin Jay Z, the video captures the times we are living through, along with what we can expect from President George Steel.
Toronto indie pop musician Lisa Humber shares her empowering new single ‘It’s Me, It’s You’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
Aradiant anthem of self-discovery and empowerment, ‘It’s Me, It’s You’, is the third release in Lisa’s quadriptych of new music for 2024. The track was created in collaboration with producer/guitarist Justin Abedin, who also produced her recent singles ‘Dance Within‘ (June 2024) and ‘The Devil’s Advocate‘ (March 2024). On ‘It’s Me, It’s You’, Lisa crafts a poignant narrative about the transformative power of self-knowledge, inviting listeners to embrace their true selves and harness their inner strength to drive positive change.
“The song reflects a period when, after enduring condescending and undermining attitudes rooted in deep-seated misogyny, I began to mirror these behaviours as a form of resistance,” says Lisa. “This shift highlights the complex interplay of power and identity, showing how one might adopt venomous tactics to protect oneself and assert one’s worth. Ultimately, the song centers on my decision to prioritize myself over succumbing to misogyny. The closing lines, ‘It’s Me, It’s You… It’s Me,’ signify a powerful moment of self-realization and empowerment. It also underscores the necessity of breaking free from destructive patterns and valuing self-worth and healing over perpetuating the cycle.”
With dynamic themes and impressive fluidity, Altara’s next installment presents an enticing next offering from the newcomer. Capturing the warmth & uncertainty of losing your head, ‘It’s Hitting You, Isn’t It’ will whisk you away, for a balmy, sunkissed interval.
Sharing more behind the track, Altara explained: ‘I started writing at the airport for some reason, I just had the idea & sang it into my phone like a crazy person… I went through a lot of different emotional stages. I think that’s why it changes so much. Started as an idea to do a love letter, then I wanted to sing in Spanish, then I wanted to have a ‘drop’ section.
Like a painting, you never really know how it’s going to look when you start, but I’m so proud of how it turned out now that I can take a step back. I’m really looking forward to hearing what people think of it.’
Ghost Hounds have released their official music video for their latest song “Long Ride Home feat. Patty Griffin.” The song is a stunning take on Griffin’s 2002 release.
“Long Ride Home” is one of those songs that evokes imagery — you can literally visualize the story unfolding in your mind as you listen. So when it came to the video we were looking for a simple story to compliment the lyrics Patty Griffin wrote, something subtle but impactful. The story in our video (Directed by Jay Arcansalin) is of an older newly widowed person leaving the burial for his long-time love. And on that ride home, he’s reflecting on the relationship. The good times. The bad and sad times. What he should’ve said but didn’t. How he could’ve said things differently. And you feel his pain in that he’s going home to an empty house where all those memories were made. It’s a really beautiful piece. And our actor, Donald Jackson, did a great job taking you on the roller coaster of emotions with him.”
– SAVNT
Hot to the touch, techno artist Amelie Lens has just announced a pop-up meet and greet at famed New York restaurant and bakery CHLOE ahead of her all-night-long DJ set at The Brooklyn Mirage this Friday 4th October 2024.
In a rare chance to hang out with one of the world’s biggest techno DJs, fans and customers will be greeted by Amelie Lens between the hours of 18:00 and 20:00 at boutique vegan eatery CHLOE, the culinary outlet of renowned chef Chloe Coscarelli located in Greenwich Village’s infamous nightclub district. When she’s not behind the counter serving the exclusive Amelie Lens x CHLOE pastry, a custom recipe inspired by her favourite flavours, the Belgian DJ will meet and connect with her community with a host of surprises in store.
Taking to social media to announce the meet and greet, Amelie Lens also satiated followers with the news that in-demand dancefloor ID ‘Falling For You’ will officially be released on 11th October 2024 via Sony Music.
Having garnered deep curiosity amongst ravers in Amelie Lens’ latest DJ sets, the formidable composition of ‘Falling For You’ sees Lens exploit her full diversity as a producer. Curating above and beyond her signature driving techno sound, lacing the soundscape with deep euphoria and notions of cinematic prowess through the pristine vocal delivery.
Ashley Elle’s love for music was evident from an early age. She would spend hours singing and playing the piano and guitar. But despite her natural talent, she was always a bit humble and shy about it. It wasn’t until her dad encouraged her to record her voice in a studio that she realized her passion for music was stronger than she thought.
Since then, Ashley began to study the songwriting process as it is important that the music she shares will be authentic to her. As industry folks began to hear her early recordings, many quickly took notice and reached out to work directly with her. She has worked tirelessly with producers to hone her craft and develop her unique indie-pop sound. To date, the themes of heartbreak, maturing, love, and mental health are central to Ashley’s music. She writes deep from the heart, drawing on personal experiences and struggles. For Ashley, music is a way to express herself and connect with others. Her vulnerability as a songwriter is both scary and rewarding, and she hopes her music resonates with her listeners as much as it does with her. She always wants to stay real and authentic and for her, that includes sharing her most vulnerable feelings.
Ashley Elle’s hard work paid off in 2019 when she was signed to a publishing deal by Given Entertainment out of Nashville. She has since been writing and recording new material, pouring her heart and soul into each song. She has a deep catalog but is always working to make the next song better.
Now based in Los Angeles, Ashley attends Loyola Marymount University and collaborates with talented producers and writers. With her upcoming singles “Heavy Heavy Heavy” and “Somebody’s Somebody,” Ashley Elle is eager to share her music with the world and hopes that her authentic story will inspire others. Visit her website at AshleyElleMusic.com.
alt-pop powerhouse Eugénie releases her highly anticipated second EP All Access is OUT NOW via Filature Recordings, alongside a stunning short film to mark some of her most personal and dynamic material to date.
The powerful short film, bridging spaces between each track on the EP, follows a journey through Paris; a dark, hazy backdrop laying groundwork for sharp cuts and intimate camera work to personify Eugénie’s chaotic affirmations, both heartbroken and self-aware as she wrestles with the complexities of love and lust. From her bedroom to the main stage, the shadowed confidence hiding in her words shines front and centre as vulnerability veers dizzily towards hopefulness, reflecting on her own experiences and turning them into something beautiful and inspired.
Speaking on the EP, Eugénie mentions: “‘All Access’ is my love language. I often choose to give complete access to the unfolding spectacle of my life as a way to connect with others. In this offering, I both lose and discover myself, always with fervour and unbridled intensity.”
With dystopian soundwaves uniting alt-pop, rock and flashes of drum and bass, the six-track collection opens pockets for her raw, potent lyricism to oscillate between darkness and light. The chaos calmly delivered through her hedonistic vocals creates a bigger, richer, more multi-layered sound dripping with atmosphere and intent as the Parisian talent emphasises self-love as a catalyst for real growth. Orbiting around the metaphor of an ‘AAA pass’, the EP illustrates the complexities of gaining internal access to someone’s life while exploring deeper connections. This shade dominates the mood board, with the opening track “Moment In Time” marrying emotive guitars and Eugénie’s soft, tender cadence swirling as a tour de force from the offset.
Pushing boundaries of contemporary pop, the stunning lead track “All Or Nothing” delivers glitchy 2-step percussion, incendiary basslines and warped vocal layers, adding an electronic grit reminiscent of our very own Charli XCX or A. G. Cook. The young talent instantly commands the woozy instrumental with typical elegance, veering dizzily into hopefulness when demanding more as we reach the apex of her musical makeup across the run of “Intro”, “Mess It Up Mad” (watch) and “Stop”. Closing out the EP immersed in smooth French licks, the intoxicating drum and bass textures act as a canvas for Eugénie to explore a grand, complex, doomed romance from both sides and the futile efforts to keep the passion alive.
An early co-sign from haute-couture fashion house Chanel catapulted the rising talent into the spotlight, all building up to the release of her stunning 2022 EP Moment In Time (watch) – a complex retelling of her life experiences and the ongoing struggles with heartbreak, lust, vulnerability and self-expression. With tracks blending UKG and DnB textures, her introspective, potent lyricism remains a significant strength across the project. Quickly earning praise from the likes of ANTIDOTE MAGAZINE, CLASH and BBC R1’s Jack Saunders, her striking aesthetic elevated fashion editorials with NOCTIS MAGAZINE, MIXTE MAGAZINE, F-WORD and BOYCOTT – a clear marker of Eugénie’s bold artistry and creative evolution blazing to new heights across international waters.
With All Access EP depicting a truly gifted musician and vocalist finally coming into her own, this journey into Eugénie’s sonic universe is a milestone moment – one of the brightest stars in Paris right now.
rising pop artist Dalia shares her mesmorising new single ‘everything’s different’. This introspective song dives into the complexities of moving on from a past relationship, self-growth, and the bittersweet nuances of healing. Cut with an alternative edge, Dalia delivers yet another vibrant pop anthem that exudes vibrancy and passion.
‘everything’s different’ is out now on your streaming service of choice, via APOLLO Distribution.
New York City-based artist and producer Will Sass is set to make a powerful introduction with the release of his debut single, “Alicia (feat. Alvin Risk).”
Will Sass is a boundary-pushing artist and producer poised to make a lasting impact on the music world. Inspired by musical savants like Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, Kaytranada, and Mark Ronson, Will blends genres effortlessly, creating a signature sound that’s both eclectic and cohesive. His mastery in engineering, production, and live performance infuses each track with a mix of technical precision and raw creativity. Through his songs, Will weaves powerful, thought-provoking lyrics into irresistibly catchy hooks, ensuring his music resonates long after the final note fades.
His inaugural single, “Alicia (feat. Alvin Risk),” is an innovative track that pushes the boundaries of electronic music with its fresh, experimental beats. Produced by Will Sass and featuring the distinct vocals of Alvin Risk—known for his collaborations with Skrillex and Kaskade—the track showcases the duo’s undeniable creative chemistry. The story behind “Alicia” is as compelling as the track itself. A chance encounter seeing a meteor shower in Joshua Tree sparked Will’s imagination, leading him to reach out to Alvin Risk in a burst of inspiration. By the next day, the two artists were in the iconic NightBird Recording Studios in West Hollywood, where their creative synergy brought “Alicia” to life.
“I first met Alvin at a Coachella afterparty five years ago, and we instantly hit it off,” Will recalls. “We spent a lot of time just hanging out, driving around LA, listening to music, and going on hikes. But it wasn’t until ‘Alicia’ that we finally got to work together creatively.”
“‘Alicia’ was one of those songs that came together quickly and effortlessly,” Will continues. “I played Alvin the atmospheric opening and he came up with these beautiful lyrics about a girl leaving the Mormon church. The night before when I’d seen the meteor and called Alvin, he happened to be in the studio for the first time in five years. We were both feeling really inspired and it just felt like everything aligned perfectly for us to finally collaborate.”
sweet93, the moniker of New York City-based guitarist and vocalist Chloe, is excited to share her latest single, “what’s true?” A cathartic and swirling shoegaze lullaby that rocks the listener back and forth, today’s track is a spellbinding meditation on genuine emotion and false pretenses with textured but dreamy guitar riffs. Her first release of the year, “what’s true?” continues to establish sweet93 as a project destined for exponential sonic growth.
“’what’s true?’ changed shape several times before I realized what I was actually trying to say,” Chloe explains. “I spent days in my room trying to tell some version of a story, when in reality I was struggling with understanding reality at all… Lately I’ve been filled with more questions than answers, like when nothing is real and no one’s around – what’s actually true?”
As the leading mental health and wellness non-profit specifically catering to the ever-growing needs of the music industry, Backline continues to lead the charge for a healthier music community. With a mission to connect musicians, touring professionals, venue staff, crew and their families with critical mental health resources and care, Backline has become a lifeline for those navigating the unique pressures of life in the music industry. Now, more than ever, music industry leaders’ support is of the utmost importance. Backline is here to make the necessary actions clear and accessible.
Since its founding in 2019, Backline has helped thousands of industry professionals access mental health and wellness care, offering a range of services that address the emotional, psychological and physical challenges inherent to the industry. Through 1:1 Case Management, music industry professionals and family members can receive personalized care plans that include referrals to vetted licensed mental health professionals who understand the music industry, as well as support accessing financial aid and substance use treatment. Backline has created 1,700+ custom care plans for industry individuals spanning thousands of bands, musical genres, festivals and venues. The ripple effect of this impact extends far beyond the individuals served – by supporting one professional, Backline helps entire teams, tours, families, and productions run more smoothly, creating a chain reaction that strengthens the well-being of the industry as a whole.
As Backline marks its fifth year of service to the music industry, the organization continues to confront an urgent and escalating mental health crisis among musicians, touring professionals, and their families. Grueling tour schedules and rising costs have intensified in the current economy, which has further exacerbated mental challenges. Through this, Backline has emerged as a crucial support system.
Though Backline identifies as a “non-crisis” organization, it’s where many music professionals turn in their hardest moments due to the reputation they’ve built within the industry as a reliable, confidential place to seek help. It’s up to Backline’s mostly-part time staff to heed those calls, often responding to urgent situations outside of typical work hours. It’s not unusual for their Executive Director to get phone calls in the middle of the night from artists and tour managers looking for guidance through an urgent situation. In 2024, the number of urgent calls has grown so steadily, the organization is scaling up quickly to build a full-time staff ready to meet the need, but the growing crisis requires more widespread support to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Some artists are taking matters into their own hands by partnering with Backline to support their teams directly. Earlier this year, Noah Kahan enlisted Backline to create a Tour Support program which provided direct support to band and crew through education, workshops, and wellness efforts throughout their 7-month tour. Kahan also made a donation from his Busyhead Project to cover mental health care costs for their 78-person crew. Noah Kahan shared the reasoning behind enlisting Backline’s support with Billboard, stating, “I’ve always wondered why there isn’t more support in this industry — not just for the artists, or the band, but for the crew, the people working their asses off from 7 in the morning to 2 in the morning. Touring isn’t nine-to-five, and if you’re struggling on the road, it’s really hard to find time to step away and take care of yourself. It’s been really special working with Backline, and knowing that that [resource] is going to be on my tour makes me feel really good.”
K. SOTO has announced the release of his album “Your Love Is Conditional” on November 22nd 2024. Today, he releases the haunting track, “Forgive Me”
“This song embodies the theme of the project pretty well for me. There are a lot of specific references in the lyrics that bring me back to moments in time on each listen. It’s fairly lyric-heavy and somewhat hyperpersonal, but sometimes when there is a lot to say, a song like this is a great vessel to get a series of emotions across.” says K. Soto
Shrines – the moniker of Brooklyn-based singer and musician Carrie Erving (Ponyhof, Will Butler) – announces her new EP, Seasons, out on October 18. Seasons, produced by Rosana Cabán (Psychic Twin, Cosas Cosas), spans four songs exploring the fragility of the individual seasons. At turns reflective, poppy and celebratory, Seasons documents the collective cognitive dissonance of the fluctuations between celebration and trepidation that arise while living in a time of rapidly escalating climate change. In Seasons, Shrines’ lyrics suggest that allowing ourselves to savor the present moment may be one of the keys to grappling with the larger challenges of our time. Shrines will celebrate the release of Seasons with an EP release show on October 23 @ Brooklyn’s C’mon Everybody.
Shrines’ new single and video, “Witch Season,” is her homage to spooky season. With lyrics drawing from themes in Irish traditional folklore, “Witch Season” explores getting lost in the woods, immersing oneself in the unknown, and reconnecting with one’s own wild nature, as the music crescendos into a mysterious, Stevie Nicks coded fever-dream.
Drawing comparisons to Björk and Sinead O’Connor, Shrines skillfully weaves influences of pop, electronic music, indie rock, and Irish sean-nós (traditional ‘old style’ Irish singing) into her music, delivering shimmering art-pop that The New York Times described as ‘spellbinding.’
Using her powerful voice and buoyant spirit, Tori Kelly has racked up Platinum certifications and hundreds of millions of streams to become one of pop music’s biggest stars. With TORI., her first full-length release on Epic Records, the two-time Grammy winner showcases her wide range of musical inspirations, namely, her love of Y2K-era pop and R&B. Take “high water,” a powerful single with the breezy, yet determined feel of rousing late-’90s hits like Des’ree’s “You Gotta Be,” which was one of Kelly’s inspirations. One of the final songs conceived for the album, recent single “high water” represents the vocal dynamism and heartening sincerity that’s allowed her to appear in films like Sing and Sing 2 and collaborate with a diverse breadth of artists like Justin Bieber, Jacob Collier, Jon Batiste, and Illenium. Since emerging in the 2010s, the California singer has touched millions around the world, with projects like Unbreakable Smile (2015), Hiding Place (2018), Inspired by True Events (2019), A Tori Kelly Christmas (2020) and Tori (2023) flaunting her knack for intimate songwriting. With TORI., she opens herself up fully, combining throwback beats and honest lyrics in a way that paints a striking, vibrant portrait, which includes musical elements fans haven’t seen from her before. The album is a truly definitive statement that brings all of the unique layers of her artistry together in concert. “This feels like a self-titled moment,” she says. “I am ready to say, ‘This is who I am.’”
Prepare to ascend into a higher state of consciousness as elrow brings its latest hyper-sensory concept Hallucinarium to the US. Created in collaboration with visionary artists Alex & Allyson Grey, the themed immersive experience first transcended audiences at its world premiere at Ibiza’s legendary Amnesia this past September. Hallucinarium will make its U.S. debut at Radius in Chicago on November 29-30 before closing out Miami’s Art Basel week on December 8 at Factory Town.
An immersive music and performance based experience, inspired by, and based upon the psychedelic, spiritual art of Alex & Allyson Grey; the event takes participants on a cosmic journey through the peaks and valleys of human consciousness. Close your eyes and picture a stage where transcendental beings move against hypnotic backdrops, and where the sacred geometry of the Grey’s world renowned art is brought to life.
The performers, dressed in costumes designed by Alex and Allyson, will inhabit characters based on elements of the divine imagination. Angel-headed dancers, with flaming third eyes, and stilt-walking seraphim with iridescent wings, move through the space with supernatural grace, guiding you through landscapes of surreal beauty. Less a party and more a kaleidoscopic initiation ceremony, entering the Hallucinarium means entering a space where ‘Hallucinangels’ and ‘Moongoats’ frolic with abandon, while colossal multifaceted gods invade a DJ booth flanked by monumental sculptures inspired by interdimensional beings and the secret language of the psychedelic experience.
The to be announced sonic selectors will lead the crowd in an ecstatic celebration with waves of the finest house, techno, tech-house and everything in-between. A spectacular fusion of art, music and spirituality; Hallucinarium is for those looking to transcend the mundane, and experience a different reality.
Chicago’s Radius and Miami’s Factory Town each offer unique atmospheres that perfectly complement the immersive experience of Hallucinarium. Radius is a sprawling warehouse space boasting state-of-the-art production capabilities, making it a prime destination for large-scale electronic music events. Factory Town offers an open-air, industrial playground with a raw, urban aesthetic. Renowned for hosting some of the most forward-thinking events during Art Basel, its gritty charm and creative energy set the stage for a truly transformative experience under the Miami sky.
Latin GRAMMY-nominated and U.S. Platinum-selling musician Manuel Turizo and emerging Colombian artist Kapo have collaborated to deliver their latest single “Que Pecao” – listen HERE. This melodic track, released under the esteemed La Industria INC label, reaffirms its commitment to quality and innovation in Latin music as both artists mix their styles to create an energetic and fresh new sound. Produced by Colombian songwriter Sky Rompiendo, “Que Pecao” is a song describing a one-sided love where the narrator longs for his feelings to be reciprocated by a woman who was wronged in the past.
The song is accompanied by its official music video filmed in the vibrant city of Madrid, Spain. This audiovisual project is the result of the creative vision of Willy Rodriguez, with creative direction by Furio reflecting the essence of the song – watch HERE. The music video opens with Kapo standing outside of apartment 201, the unit number Manuel had as a young teenage singer-songwriter in Colombia. In the video, 201 serves as the location where creativity and inspiration run free – just as it did for young Manuel.
The song follows Manuel’s latest single “Enbuenahora,” released last month, ahead of his 4th studio album, titled 201.
Summer may be over, but Real Boston Richey is keeping the fire on. The Florida-bred star arrives today with two brand new tracks, “Go Richey” and a sequel to his fast-rising hit, “Help Me,” which earned Richey his first-career Billboard Hot 100 debut earlier this year and climbing to #55. Stream the new singles here.
Along with the new music, Richey delivers the official music video for “Go Richey.” Available now.
One of the jewels in the crown of their highly-anticipated s/t album, BERRIES today cut ‘Jagged Routine’ as their latest single from the record.
STREAM ‘JAGGED ROUTINE’ ON ALL SERVICES HERE
|| PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM ‘BERRIES’ HERE
With the hazy days of summer now a distant memory and the daily grind of work/school an all-too vivid reality, ‘Jagged Routine’ is a song for anyone out there struggling with life’s routines.
As BERRIES say of the track:
“It’s about the need for variety, and unpredictability, so that no two days, weeks, months or years are the same. The idea that not having a repetitive schedule, or a rhythm of doing things is generally seen as a negative thing and the song invites you to challenge this notion. It prompts people to reflect on why their way of living is deemed superior to those who take a different approach. It acknowledges that not everyone is the same; while some thrive with structure, others flourish in freedom. It advocates for those people who are told how to live, or why they must live a certain way, when the reality is, it doesn’t work for them. Ultimately, “Jagged Routine” is about the beauty of unpredictability and for some people the most authentic way to live is to embrace the jagged edges of non-routines.”
Sean Ryder Wolf, Paul McDowell, James Gibson, and Dave Staton, a.k.a. Another State, the UK’s pioneering pop-country fourpiece crossover male harmony band, are thrilled to announce their latest single, “Ride Or Die.” This energetic and exhilarating track is perfect for bringing friends together and kicking off the party! Released today, October 4th, 2024!
Another State have quickly garnered a dedicated following with their unique sound that seamlessly bridges pop and country. Drawing inspiration from genre-blending artists like Post Malone, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé, they create something truly special, with their very own twist. Their music takes listeners on an emotional journey to all of life’s frontiers: Through the ups and downs of love and relationships, the thrill of chasing your dreams, and spontaneous late-night adventures with your closest friends. Picture a harmonious fusion that combines pop’s catchy allure with the raw essence of country music: nostalgic yet boldly innovative.
“Ride Or Die” is the third single from the band and follows the debut “All You Need“ and sophomore single “The Only One”andshowcases and the more raw and ‘full on’ country rock sound that the band have wholeheartedly embraced. Sean Ryder Wolf knew two things about the track: firstly, that he had written something very different and very special and, secondly, that although he had the melodies but no other lyrics, this song simply had to have the title “Ride Or Die”!
rising Los-Angeles born sound bender Claire Brooks is back with a bang, unveiling her brand new anthem ‘PISCES FINE’. This upbeat, experimental track is a warm sonic blend that taps into the energy of summer fun, combining Claire’s signature playful, hip-hop style with a dirty teen spirit. Claire’s rap-style vocals hit hard on ‘PISCES FINE’, delivering punchy, irresistible lines that pull listeners into her world.
emerging Brighton-based jazz-pop artist Tabi Gervis is set to enchant listeners with her new single ‘Autumn Dreams’. As we enter the first week of October, this blissful autumnal delight showcases Gervis’ signature smooth, honeyed vocals intertwined with soulful saxophone melodies and jazzy instrumentation.
‘Autumn Dreams’ is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Oliver Keane shares his dreamy, self-produced new single GIVE ME A REASON
Warm and weightless, Give Me A Reason arrives as a gorgeous new offering from Oliver Keane. Sharing more behind the track he explained: ‘The song started as a ballad and lived in that space for a lot of versions but it felt like something was missing. I’d been listening to a lot of softer indie, such as Spacey Jane, Del Water Gap, Sam Fender which inspired the huge chorus. It was fun to re-work the song and be able to put time into the instrumentation.
I’m proud of the song and the journey it’s been through.’
Beth McKenzie reveals her powerful new single ‘Inside Out’ via Handwritten Records.
Pure vocals and buoyant melodies make an unforgettable mark as Beth McKenzie depicts extracts from a hugely challenging time. Reflective and defiant, ‘Inside Out’ sees the newcomer respond to toxicity and betrayal with impressive poise. Sharing more, Beth explained: ‘This song was so difficult to write. I kept putting it to one side over a number of months, but for some reason I kept persisting with it. I was so relieved that I finally got it to the place I wanted.
‘Inside Out’ is about knowing somebody so well that you know they are going to hurt you. I should have ran but I kept spending time with them and they kept hurting me. “That’s my fault of course, ’cause I know you inside out”. Finally I did put an end to it. I was a wreck for quite a while but this song has been such a good way to reflect on it.’
rising indie singer-songwriter Peri Rae returns with brand new single ‘Sober Hope’ – an autumn-girl-country-rock-heartbreak-ballad. Looking ahead to 2025, Peri is set to release her most ambitious project yet—a 10-track EP slated for release next March, featuring live recorded versions of all the songs. ‘Sober Hope’ is the first offering to arrive from this new collection of music.
Since 2015, The Dream Eaters have evolved from a dream pop band into a full-on video art project with an extensive catalogue of weird and darkly humorous music videos of their catchy pop songs. The duo started working together after vocalist Elizabeth LeBaron, originally from Calgary, AB, started working at the same bar as singer/songwriter Jake Zavracky, originally from Boston, in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY.
The Dream Eaters made several EPs before releasing their first full length album, We Are A Curse, in 2017. They followed up with their second album, Pagan Love, in 2018, touring frequently all over the Eastern US and Canada. In 2019, the pair started working on a web series called The Dream Eating Freakshow which they began releasing in September of 2020. Since then the band has released hundreds of videos on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube and has grown a significant cult fanbase.
New track, “CRUCIFIXX,” incorporates religious symbolism that The Dream Eaters use throughout their work, the crucifix being a symbol to those in mourning and searching for hope. LeBaron has written and performed multiple versions of this track (which was written in 2007), until feeling that the version you hear now is finally the right one. She elaborates further on the song’s meaning, stating that it is about the loneliness and hopelessness she felt when her life was a mess, and how in that hopelessness, there is a silver lining. “I can only go up from here. I think that’s reflected in the music too, with its ascending theme – you start at the low point and go up from there.”
Cork-born, Brighton-based artist LYRA has established herself as an artist to watch, having gained significant momentum following the release of her debut, self-titled album. 2024 saw the dark pop artist skyrocket to number one in the Irish album charts, outselling Beyonce by 50% more sales! Her incredible achievements are just the first chapter in a story that’s only just beginning to unfold.
Lyra is now unveiling her new single, “The Ending,” a stunning track which details the moment she chose to let go of her past relationship. The songwriter confides, “I finally decided to stop letting thoughts like ‘What if I had changed? What if I had said something different? What if I had waited? What if I hadn’t booked that flight home? What if he finds someone else?’ consume my life.”
The raw and vulnerable track shows Lyra stripping away her rose-tinted glasses, confronting the reality of the relationship in the unforgiving light of day. She continues, “It was time to call it for what it was and put an end to my romantic mind wishing it was something else.”
Produced by Phil Cook (Lewis Capaldi, Calum Scott, YUNGBLUD, Ellie Goulding), “The Ending” enters with a throbbing beat and glistening synths, as it gradually builds into a foot-stomping, empowering release, where Lyra’s vocals demand attention as she chants, “You called it love, I called it a lesson.” The anthemic track serves as a reminder to always stand up for yourself and never compromise your true self to please someone else.
Lyra has had notable musical appearances on shows like Ireland’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars, The Tommy Tiernan show, numerous Late Late Show appearances and The Main Stage with Mark Fehily. Her talent extends to TV also: in 2021, she joined Boy George, Jedward and Aston Merrygold on the judging panel for Virgin Media Ireland talent show The Big Deal, and Lyra has also taken part in Ireland’s Celebrity Gogglebox. Her music has also been featured on hit TV shows including Grey’s Anatomy and Love Island.
Supporting the likes of Pink, Westlife, Blondie and Sting, her sell-out live appearances prove that while Lyra’s music is laden with intensity and drama, her bright personality is irrepressible. Her most recent Irish album tour purveyed her musical artistry alongside striking fashion statements, and followed previous festival appearances at Wilderness, Leeds and Reading, Isle of Wight, Latitude, Lollapalooza in Berlin, the main stage at Electric Picnic, and Brighton Pride. Garnering acclaim from the likes of Wonderland Magazine, The Line of Best Fit, Earmilk, The Times, Clash and many more, Lyra continues to forge ahead, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with her unmistakable style and sound.
Platinum-selling, Billboard-charting visionary Lyfe Jennings is back, unleashing a series of new creative projects, including a reimagined version of hit single, “Must Be Nice,” a creative, self-directed music video to honor the track, and an additional brand new song on top of that to add to his ever-expanding, beloved discography. These new releases will all fall under the leadership of his new business endeavor, “A.O.U (Artist Owned Umbrella),” an ode to his recognizable, signature artist tag, and a new way to support independent artists in their creative endeavors.
Lyfe is dropping a reimagined version of his hit track, “Must Be Nice,” along with a creative new music video to reimagine this classic hit that bolstered him into the spotlight as a music industry leader. The classic R&B sensation & pioneer is back with a new story to tell, and he has more experience, knowledge, and passion than ever to put at the forefront of his artistic vision., as he prepares to unveil new musical projects, “The Coin: Heads R&B (Six Pack EP Volume 2)” and “The Coin: Tails Hip-Hop (Six Pack EP Volume 3).”
A reimagined version of the classic, “Must Be Nice (A.O.U)” is a brand new recording, an “A.O.U” version that brings back the same nostalgia that appealed to previous listeners, while providing an even more soulful and serene edition to the heartfelt track that helped the R&B icon rise to acclaimed fame. “A.O.U” refers to his brand new artist-centric service company and approach to music, in an effort to capitalize on what was such a breakout song for the beloved artist.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
