SKOPE NEWS FOR MAY 26, 2015

CALEXICO ANNOUNCE NEW TOUR DATES

The celebrated Tucson, Arizona band Calexico has just announced some additional fall live dates. The shows are part of the band’s current North American tour and go on sale this coming Friday. The band is performing in support of their acclaimed new album Edge of the Sun, which Magnet recently proclaimed “one of the hookiest, most-satisfying albums of their career”.

http://www.casadecalexico.com/

CROSS ME ADDED TO BRIDGE NINE’S GROWING ROSTER

Cross Me have joined the B9 roster. “With signing to Bridge Nine, we see the opportunity to push ourselves harder on every level,” the band said about the partnership, “musically and with touring. And we couldn’t be more excited for it.”

Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Cross Me formed in early 2013, bonding over a mutual love of classic and modern NYHC (The Icemen, Madball, Backtrack). They placed a thrashy, dynamic emphasis on the style with memorable riffs and fills and have developed it across several releases since, including their 2014 EP, Paid in Full and, more recently, the Mind Prison / Content flexi 7″, both released on Flatspot Records.

https://www.facebook.com/CrossMeHC

NOISE EXPERIMENTALISTS BR’ER SHARE “CHANEL DIVINITY”

Washington DC’s noise experimentalists Br’er are pleased to announce their latest full-length, Masking, available September 1, 2015 on BLIGHT Records. Initially formed as studio project, this marks Br’er’s most ambitious, intuitive and collective body of work. “This is the most collaborative Br’er record in our catalogue,” explains Benjamin Schurr, the architect of the band’s aesthetic. “Normally our past records were primarily written, arranged and recorded by myself and later included additional musicians to compliment the colors and textures. For Masking the core musicians experimented in the studio with Musique Concrète, processed acoustic instruments, mangled samples backed by odd percussion.”

http://www.imposemagazine.com/bytes/chatter/week-in-pop-ava-luna-estates-karen-meat-brer-dream-cult-mune-nerve-leak-chomp-qual-kinski-swiftumz-wing-dam

DJ DISTER X PHAT KAT

Beatsmith DJ Dister from Berlin, Germany teamed up with Phat Kat aka Ronnie Euro from Detroit to bring you “Rappin’ Ass Rappers”. The song is the first single off Dj Dister’s album “Consistent Knockouts” which will be released digitally and on vinyl at the end of July. Dister currently resides in Los Angeles, as he gears up for his newest drop.

HEAD OVER HEART ANNOUNCE “I DON’T MIND”

Tucson, AZ-based pop-enthusiasts Head Over Heart are elated to announce their upcoming “I Don’t Mind” b/w “Fall Back in Love” 7″ vinyl record. The pairing of singles feature catchy love songs realistic in their view of relationships and the conflicts that can ensue. To celebrate the release, the duo is giving away the A-side “I Don’t Mind” for a limited time.

http://www.culturecollide.com/feed/detail/song_premiere_i_dont_mind_by_head_over_heart#.VTjq3K1Viko

GERMANS “DEAD BIRD”

GERMANS was started as a way to relieve the angst of modern heartache, and she makes moody disco-pop songs about breaking up, making up, and feeling good about feeling bad. She writes about laughing through sadness, crying about happiness, and GERMANS helps her to explore topics like love, desires, and fears.

RAMMSTEIN FRONTMAN TILL LINDEMANN TO RELEASE DEBUT SOLO ALBUM

Lindemann, the new project of Rammstein lead singer Till Lindemann alongside Peter Tägtgren (Pain, Hypocrisy), will have its long-awaited debut album Skills In Pills released on June 23, 2015 via Warner Bros. Records in the U.S. (following the global release on June 19). Lead single “Praise Abort” will be released 3 weeks ahead of the album on May 29.

Based in Germany, Rammstein is known as one of the most successful and well-respected rock bands of our time, having sold an incredible 17 million records around the globe to date. Peter Tägtgren, the mastermind of both Hypocrisy and Pain, is also a well-respected and highly-acclaimed Metal producer, and has worked with the likes of Amon Amarth, Dimmu Borgir, Sabaton, Children of Bodom, Cradle of Filth, and more.

https://www.facebook.com/Lindemann

JESSICA SIMPSON MATERNITY FOR BABY BUGGY®

Jessica Simpson, fashion mogul, entertainer and mom of two, along with Destination Maternity®, has once again teamed up with Baby Buggy®, this time to launch an exclusive tee shirt from the Jessica Simpson Maternity collection for moms-to-be, arriving in stores and online in time for Mother’s Day.

Five dollars of every tee shirt sold up to $50,000 will be donated directly to the nonprofit Baby Buggy, which provides families in need with essential gear, clothing and educational services for infants and children up to age 14 across the country.

“Being a mom is the most meaningful life experience I have ever had. I share a common need with all mothers – to make life as happy and comfortable as possible for my kids,” says Jessica Simpson. “Baby Buggy is an incredible organization that helps so many mothers fulfill that need. I am honored to have created this adorable tee to help support Baby Buggy and all of the moms out there who are working hard to be the best they can be for their kids.”

http://www.babybuggy.org/

SWATCH HOOKS UP WITH INDIE MUSIC

In an exciting and never done before move, Swatch and PledgeMusic will work together to present the Emerging Artists Series. This will be Swatch’s first time working extensively in the music vertical in the US. The Emerging Artists Series is unlike anything either company has ever done before. The Series will launch with the Danish artist Oh Land.

As an alternative to pledging money, fans will follow the campaign on social media and via the Swatch Emerging Artist Series campaign on PledgeMusic.com at www.pledgemusic.com/swatch. When fans follow the campaign, they will get updates and will be able to unlock exclusive artist content.

“In sync with our belief that artists can make the world a better place, at Swatch we have long recognized the power of music to connect, energize and inspire people” said Carlo Giordanetti, Creative Director Swatch International. “We are excited to give our fans the opportunity to tie with music and emerging artists in an innovative and intimate way. The Swatch vibe resonates”.

http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/swatch

THE SIXXIS “NOWHERE CLOSE”

Progressive-influenced hard rock group THE SIXXIS will digitally release their new album Hollow Shrine via Glassville Records on May 1, 2015. The album is produced by three-time Grammy winning producer David Bottrill at Goodwood Sound Studios. Today, the band is revealing the track “Nowhere Close” via REVOLVER Magazine. Stream the track video lyric video here:

http://www.revolvermag.com/?p=73077

MARC E BASSY NEW SINGLE

Prolific R&B singer/songwriter Marc E. Bassy is back with a soulful new single, “Some Things Never Change,” from his forthcoming East Hollywood EP which he announced will be released next Monday, April 27th. The San Francisco native, LA-based artist previously released his Only The Poets EP in the summer of 2014, receiving praise by the likes of Billboard, Complex, SPIN, and more. “Some Things Never Change” premiered yesterday via The FADER with Marc delivering an infectious hook, showcasing his wide-ranging vocal skills accompanied by a wavy, vibed-out beat.

http://www.thefader.com/2015/04/23/marc-e-bassy-premieres-some-things-never-change

BARENAKED LADIES NEW ALBUM SILVERBALL PREMIERES ON BILLBOARD.COM

Silverball, the new album from the Barenaked Ladies premieres exclusively on Billboard.com today. Available on June 2nd, the Ladies’ 14th studio album showcases the band’s growth and stands as a testament to their longevity.

http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6576022/barenaked-ladies-silverball-premiere-new-album-stream

CHECK OUT MIKA’S NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR “GOOD GUYS”

MIKA has released the music video for “Good Guys” from his fourth full-length album, No Place In Heaven [Republic Records] available June 16th. No Place In Heaven was produced with MIKA by Grammy Award-nominated Greg Wells [Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, Adele].

NEW VIDEO FROM INDIE MUSICIAN SCOTT JAMES

The official video for “Rosaline” – the title track from Scott James’ new EP, set for release on July 10 – premieres today on HuffingtonPost.com. The clip, which marks James’ latest collaboration with director/photographer Ben Klein, can be viewed HERE. James, who has born in California and now resides in New York City, has been praised by American Songwriter for his “captivating voice.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ragogna/total-rubbish-a-chat-with_b_7132926.html

NEW EP BY THE GRAPE AND THE GRAIN

New York’s THE GRAPE AND THE GRAIN have teamed up with SwitchBitch Noise to host a pre-release stream of their acoustic At Home EP. Out today, the EP is available for purchase via their Bandcamp page. Featuring songs off their self-titled album released last year, the band discovered their blues-infused hard rock sound mellowed perfectly to rich, smooth and deep acoustic renditions.

http://switchbitchnoise.com/exclusive-pre-release-stream-the-grape-and-the-grains-acoustic-at-home-ep/

NEIL YOUNG + PROMISE OF THE REAL RELEASE STUDIO ALBUM ‘THE MONSANTO YEARS’

Neil Young + Promise of the Real have joined forces and will release a new studio album, entitled The Monsanto Years, on June 29th via Reprise Records.

The ecologically/environmentally-focused album will be released via all retailers and in the Neil Young Official Online Store. The Monsanto Years will be available in a special CD + DVD package, vinyl, iTunes, and PonoMusic high-resolution audio. The vinyl package will be released in August. Actual date to be announced shortly. Pre-orders begin today, May 26th. Click here to pre-order.

http://www.neilyoung.com/monsanto/

ROB THOMAS IS READY TO “TRUST YOU” AT LAST

Emblem/Atlantic recording artist Rob Thomas has announced details of his eagerly awaited new single. “Trust You” – the multiple-GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter’s first new solo release in more than six years –is available now on all DSPs.

Produced and co-written with Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé), “Trust You” made its premier at EW.com:

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/05/25/rob-thomas-returns-killer-single-trust-you-shares-details-new-solo-album

TWENTY ONE PILOTS PREMIERE NEW SONG “STRESSED OUT”

Fueled By Ramen’s Twenty One Pilots have premiered “Stressed Out,” the third track to be released from their highly anticipated sophomore studio album, Blurryface, out May 19th. Today fans can also watch the official music video for “Stressed Out,” with the stand alone single available via iTunes.

http://smarturl.it/StressedOutVideo

SONDRE LERCHE NEW EP STREAM

Sondre Lerche has announced an East Coast run of dates this Summer in support of his brand new “Despite the Night” EP and last year’s criticallly-acclaimed Please. Let me know what I can get you re: these dates.

Hear and share the “Despite the Night” EP:

HIT AMERICANA/ROCK/POP ARTIST CHAKRA BLEU RELEASES NEW VIDEO

Americana/rock/pop artist Chakra Bleu chooses her guitar over a man in the humorous new video for her popular rock anthem about romance, “Love Me Like My Guitar”.

The video, which was recently released at You Tube, shows the artist cradling her guitar while refusing to allow a pursuing love interest into her room. She dances with the love of her life, her guitar, as the disenchanted suitor begs outside the door. Viewers are treated to a tongue-in-cheek story featuring Bleu’s high-energy rock vocals and moaning (but loving) guitar. When all is said and sung, a man just doesn’t compare to her musical instrument.

THE ONE AND ONLY PPL MVR “TAKE IT OUTSIDE” WITH NEW VIDEO

Elektra recording group The One and Only PPL MVR has announced a full on summer schedule that includes a new video, North American festival appearances, and much more to support the recent worldwide release of their self-titled debut EP. “The One and Only PPL MVR” is available now at all DSPs.

“Let’s Take This Outside” – the latest track from the Los Angeles-based band’s explosive new EP, “The One and Only PPL MVR” – is accompanied by an inspired companion video, which recently premiered via Vice.com (http://bit.ly/1Hl8zxc) and can now be viewed on the band’s own official YouTube channel:

KONSHEN NEW VIDEO “PHYSICALLY FIT”

With summer approaching and fitness being the number one priority on many females agenda, it is only right for dancehall star Konshens to release the video for his single ‘Physically Fit’. Produced by platinum selling producer Russian of HCR, ‘Physically Fit’ is an up-tempo club banger, which will get dancers on the dance floor and djs wanting to turn up the volume just another notch. The rhythm is a fuse between dancehall, pop, reggaeton and EDM, which Konshens vocals complements perfectly.

http://www.thefader.com/2015/04/24/konshens-physically-fit-video

ICONA POP RETURN WITH SUMMER SMASH “EMERGENCY”

Chart-topping Swedish duo Icona Pop made a welcomed return this week with their brand new single “Emergency.” The upbeat and infectious dance-floor filler makes the perfect companion to summer and taster of what’s to come from the feisty and magnetic duo. The track also features the vocals of long time friend and fellow Swedish pop artist Erik Hassle.

NEW Ho99o9 VIDEO

Ho99o9 dropped their second video in a three-part series today for “Savage Heads” / “Gates of Torment.” A twofer video, it features tracks from their forthcoming EP Horrors of 1999 out June 9th via Family.

http://noisey.vice.com/blog/ho99o9-savage-heads-gates-of-torment-video-premiere

DREAM CULT SHARE NEW SINGLE

Jackson, MS-based pogo-pop outfit Dream Cult are pleased to announce the release of their latest single, “Breathe”. The single is available for free download courtesy of Impose Magazine. “Breathe is about keeping your composure during times of stress and the inner struggle that comes along with that,” explains guitarist and vocalist Hayden Boyd. “I also wanted to convey the importance of giving everything you’ve got to make a relationship work. We wanted the song to be upbeat and energetic but still have serious and relatable lyrics.”

http://www.imposemagazine.com/bytes/chatter/week-in-pop-ava-luna-estates-karen-meat-brer-dream-cult-mune-nerve-leak-chomp-qual-kinski-swiftumz-wing-dam

MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND’S “THIS IS MY HAND (GROUNDLIFT REMIX)” MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERES AT NPR MUSIC

The official music video for My Brightest Diamond’s “This is My Hand (Groundlift Remix)” premiered today at NPR Music and can be viewed here: http://n.pr/1FkbVi0. Of the song/video, NPR Music comments, “The video…which borders on synesthesia in its degree of sensuality, uses evocative fast cuts as Worden and others writhe and reckon with their own flesh…Worden sings with unfiltered empathy and warmth, particularly to herself, pushing her own limitations and writing her intentions onto her skin.”

http://www.npr.org/event/music/401719782/my-brightest-diamond-this-is-my-hand

DONNY KONZ NEW VIDEO

Welcome to the East Side of Chicago. Chicago-based MC Donny Konz brings you to his neighborhood where he grew up in this DADAcreative-directed music video for “On My Side of Town” featuring Chicago-based Haitian MC ILL Phill. Coming off the releases of “Illuminati” and “Illanoise” ft. Sasha Go Hard & Matti Baybee, Donny is one to watch in the Chicago scene.

ROB DRABKIN VIDEO “STAY”

Today VEVO premiered Rob Drabkin’s latest video for “Stay (The Morning Light Fades),” which features professional contemporary ballet choreography (think many of the pieces on So You Think You Can Dance that leave you in tears).

http://vevo.ly/j9Aq3I

BAD LUCC “GO”

Legendary radio host Big Boy of The Real 92.3 exclusively premiered Bad Lucc’s first single “Go” during his brand new Neighborhood morning show. Big Boy exclaimed that the “Go joint, goes!” and told listeners and followers “that’s my shit.”

“SAY WHAT YOU WANT” THE NEW SINGLE FROM THE BARENAKED LADIES

It’s a big week for the Barenaked Ladies. Not only is their new album SILVERBALL available for pre-order on www.barenakedladies.com, but fans can also stream their first single “Say What You Want” which premiered via EntertainmentWeekly.com. The new song is one of the thirteen tracks from the Ladies upcoming album available everywhere June 2nd.

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/04/27/barenaked-ladies-say-what-you-want-90s-alt-ballad-youve-been-craving-exclusive

BEN LEE CONFIRM U.S. TOUR

Australian singer, songwriter Ben Lee has confirmed a U.S. tour to coincide with the release if his Warner Bros. Records debut album, Love Is the Great Rebellion, which will be released on June 2nd in the U.S.

http://loveisarebellion.warnerbrosrecords.com/

PAT SIMMONS ON TOUR

Patrick Simmons, Jr., son of Doobie Brothers co-founder, Patrick Simmons, will open select dates for the iconic band this spring and summer. Pat Junior is currently in the studio working on a new album with his father at the helm as producer. The multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, will be performing original songs from his upcoming project scheduled for release later this year.

“I’m stoked that I have the opportunity to tour this summer sharing my music, my stories – real stories, of Aloha, of inspiration, love, and awareness. I feel grateful to share the journey with my father and my “road ‘ohana”, my road family, who have watched me grow since birth,” adds Patrick. “Life on tour is nothing new for me. I love the people I meet and the places and cultures I get the privilege to encounter and learn from along the way.”

https://www.facebook.com/patsimmonsjr

X AMBASSADORS TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM “VHS” JUNE 23rd

Brooklyn indie-rockers X Ambassadors will release their debut album VHS June 23rd on KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records. Fans who pre-order VHS will instantly receive three tracks: current single “Renegades,” their hit “Jungle” and fan favorite “Unsteady.” VHS is produced by GRAMMY-winner Alex Da Kid, who signed them to his KIDinaKORNER label, and is available for pre-order starting today, April 28th.

“Renegades” is the new single from X Ambassadors. The song is featured in the new Jeep brand television spot “Renegades” that is currently on air:

OF MONSTERS AND MEN REVEAL DATES FOR MASSIVE NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE TOUR

OF MONSTERS AND MEN officially announce dates for their upcoming North American headline tour in support of their highly anticipated sophomore album, Beneath The Skin [Republic Records], out June 9.

This tour kicks off August 5th in Calgary, Alberta Canada and plays major markets across the continent and concludes October 17 in San Diego, CA at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. Fans can access a special pre-sale via the group’s official site tomorrow, Wednesday May 27, while the public on-sale begins June 5th. This adds to their already packed summer schedule with confirmed festival appearances including Sasquatch, Osheaga, Lollapolooza, Toronto Urban Roots Festival, Austin City Limits and more.

http://www.ofmonstersandmen.com/