SKOPE NEWS FOR JANUARY 30, 2017

Savoy Motel Tour With The Lemon Twigs Begins This Thursday

The debut album by Nashville’s Savoy Motel comes from a pedigree of garage, punk, and power-pop groups (bassist Jeffrey Novak founded both Cheap Time and the Rat Traps; drummer Jessica McFarland was also in Cheap Time, and along with guitarists Dillon Watson and Mimi Galbierz, played in Heavy Cream). Savoy Motel transposes the energy and hooks of those groups to an entirely different move: an intensely orchestrated hybrid of glam rock, soul, dance music, and showmanship. “We use rock and roll as a vehicle to reach and promote the feeling of TOTAL FREEDOM,” claims Dillon. “Savoy Motel is defined more by a feeling than a sound.”

ENTRANCE’s Protest Song “Not Gonna Say Your Name”

ook of Changes documents the journey back to ENTRANCE for an artist who has gone through a creative rebirth. Guy Blakeslee’s 10-song set is the first new ENTRANCE album in more than a decade and he’s joined by several very talented friends including former bandmate Paz Lenchantin (Pixies, Silver Jews), Frank Lenz (Pedro the Lion, The Weepies) and Lael Neale. The album was produced by Blakeslee with the help of American songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist David Vandervelde (Father John Misty, Tim Kinsella, Jay Bennett) who also mixed the album. Additional mixing from Chris Coady (Future Islands, Cass McCombs, Tobias Jesso Jr.) who lent his talents to focus track “Always the Right Time.” Book of Changes was mastered by Grammy Nominated engineer Sarah Register (David Bowie, The Shins).

Guided By Voices Announce New Double LP

Guided By Voices August By Cake (April 7, GBV Inc Records) is the one hundredth studio album that Robert Pollard has released since 1986’s Forever Since Breakfast. To put that in perspective, Bob Dylan has released roughly 39 studio albums since 1959. And that includes the Traveling Wilburys.

A highly anticipated record with the new line-up (returning GBV veterans Doug Gillard and Kevin March, virgins Bobby Bare Jr and Mark Shue) that has been wowing audience in clubs and festivals throughout 2016. It’s the most musically adept and versatile line-up Pollard has ever assembled.

American Dreamers premieres “All The Time” on Atwood Magazine

This week, Atwood Magazine premiered American Dreamer’s “rich, heartwarming music video” for their single “All The Time”, calling it “…much more than the innocent love song it pretends to be on the surface.”

Exclusive Premiere: American Dreamer’s “All the Time” Video Captures the American Dream

So Below Unveils New Video for ‘Hard’ via NOISEY

Hot on the heels of her successful support debut for The Naked And Famous, songwriting collaborations with Kiwi chillmasters Leisure and producer extraordinare Sam McCarthy, Madeline North aka So Below continues one hell of a busy January 2017 with the much anticipated debut of her music video for the latest single, ‘Hard’. Premiering the video on NOISEY, the clip captures the haunting nature of the track perfectly.

Katie Jay – ‘The River’ Single

Katie Jay is a singer and songwriter who is currently based in Cairns, Australia. Music has always played an important role in Katie’s life and singing and composing songs is something that she has done from a very young age (often driving her family crazy on long car trips). Katie grew up with inspirational role models in her own family, such as her aunt, Sarah de Jong, composer of music for film and theatre and her uncle, Lucas de Jong, who has sung opera all over the world. With these, and other great examples so close to home it was a natural progression for her to find herself involved in the family business of music.

Clap! Clap! video for ‘Hope ft. OY’

Acclaimed Italian producer, songwriter and live performer Clap! Clap! (aka Cristiano Crisci) has shared another single from his forthcoming album ‘A Thousand Skies’, and announced dates for his upcoming 2017 tour, with live shows in London, NYC, Lisbon and more.

The Cover Letter Cures Rainy Day Blues

The Cover Letter announces the emotionally charged single, “Josephine,” off the upcoming EP, Cities Made of Sand. The album, due out February 17, was recorded at Congress House Studios and mastered by Mark Hallman (Heartless Bastards, Brandi Carlile, Jimmy Dale Gilmore).

I Am Not Your Negro Director, RAOUL PECK, speaks on Oscar Nomination for ‘Best Documentary Feature’

I Am Not Your Negro Director, RAOUL PECK, Reacts To OSCAR Nomination For ‘Best Documentary Feature.’

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the official nominations for the 89th Academy Awards®. I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, a bold new documentary inspired by legendary writer, James Baldwin, created by master filmmaker, Raoul Peck and narrated by Hollywood A-lister, Samuel L. Jackson, moves one step closer to winning an Oscar for “Best Documentary Feature!”

Tom Speight – New Single ‘Willow Tree’

‘Willow Tree’ – the lead single from Tom Speight’s new EP (of the same name), is a melodic, beautiful piece. A haunting guitar riff is backed by ethereal keys and strings, creating a luscious sonic backdrop for Tom’s distinctive, impassioned vocal. Joining forces with Jessica Staveley-Taylor from The Staves, their voices compliment each other wonderfully to create some truly amazing harmonies.

French modern metal outfit MEKAORA stream new album for full

Some weeks after the official release of the effort, unleashed worldwide on Fall 2016, Five-piece French modern “Molecular” metal outfit from Paris area MEKAORA just streamed its debut full-length album called ‘Elysium’ that is available right now for physical / Digital on Bandcamp, but also through the main legal platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, Deezer, Spotify.

Garrett Pierce Shares Gorgeous Northern CA coastline video

Garrett Pierce shares his first visual from his forthcoming LP Dusk this morning… a gorgeous journey through his natural habitat along the coast of the Sonoma and Mendocino counties in Northern California. “Distant Thought” is from Garrett’s Crossbill Records full-length Dusk out February 17.

“This video was shot in my natural habitat – mushroom foraging in the redwood coast of Sonoma & Mendocino County. The lyrics for Distant Thought were a dedication to the healing powers of this part of the state and so it seemed logical to shoot the video there. Winter used to be a depressing time for me when I first moved to the bay area, but now I look forward to hiking and discovering new mushrooms and bringing home my favorite edibles to have with dinner.” – GARRETT PIERCE

LIZZO RELEASES NEW VIDEO FOR “SCUSE ME”

Catch Lizzo LIVE as she wraps up her tour!

Slothrust Share “Horseshoe Crab” Live Video

With their long-awaited third album, Slothrust deliver ten riveting anthems that reward repeated listens. The songs grab the ear and pierce the psyche with complex arrangements and lyrical depth intensified by guitarist/vocalist Leah Wellbaum’s penetrating vocal delivery.

Kydd Jones – “Dripped Up”

Texas emcee/producer Kydd Jones releases his new self-produced single entitled “Dripped Up.” The Austin native was recently confirmed for SXSW 2017 and will be dropping a new project called “Homecoming” soon.

New Show Me The Body track

New York HxC trio Show Me The Body have a project on the way and here’s the first track. More info coming soon.

Hannah Lou Clark Announces New EP + First Single ‘Don’t Sweat It’

Hannah Lou Clark has announced her brand new EP ‘The Heart And All Its Sin’ will be released through Quatre Femmes Records / PIAS on March 24th. Hannah has also unveiled the first single, ‘Don’t Sweat It’, which was premiered on Huw Stephen’s BBC Radio 1 show.

Soulful Pop Songstress Diana Hickman – “South of Your Thoughts”

Fusing threads of soul, R&B and pop, NYC-based vocalist Diana Hickman emerges with her new single, “South of Your Thoughts,” from her debut EP. The album, also titled South of Your Thoughts, debuts on March 3, 2017.

Clap! Clap! shares new track + video “Hope”

Acclaimed Italian producer, songwriter and live performer Clap! Clap! (aka Cristiano Crisci) has shared another single from his forthcoming album ‘A Thousand Skies’ and announced dates for his upcoming 2017 tour, with live shows in London, NYC, Lisbon and more.

Jacaszek announces new album ‘KWIATY’

It all started with a book, as these things often do: an English anthology of metaphysical poetry from the 17th century, to be exact.

Which may not sound like the sexiest option on the shelves, but hear us out. The gentleman plowing through those weathered pages happened to be Michal Jacaszek, the Polish composer who’s spun dramatic shades of darkness and light into gold for more than a decade now, from the trickle-down electronics of Treny and artful gloom of Glimmer to the vapor-trailed verses of their looming spiritual cousin of the forthcoming album KWIATY, set for a March 17th release on Ghostly International. Listen to the genteel first track “Daffodils” via Resident Advisor and Soundcloud. As a follow up to 2011’s Glimmer, where nostalgia/classical music/and Tim Hecker influences were apparent, KWIATY is is Jacaszek’s most rhapsodic release yet.

ALEXIS NICOLE Releases Her Debut Visual EP “DAYBREAK”

Singer, songwriter, producer and film & tv executive producer, ALEXIS NICOLE (@TheAlexisNicole) announces the release of her debut visual EP, “Daybreak”. The free six-song downloadable visual EP will be released exclusively via www.TheAlexisNicole.com on Friday, January 27, 2017.

“This is a special moment in my musical career as I am able to share with the world my vision of life’s ups and downs through my gift of music,” say Alexis. The “Daybreak” story was introduced to us via the upbeat first single, “All Night”. The song showcases the mysterious and sexy way that a woman can have her way with her mate.

Coast Modern debut new track “Comb My Hair”

Sometimes the only way to get ahead is to stop following the leader, and start running your own race. Coast Modern flies out of the pack with a refreshingly uninhibited sound for disenchanted dreamers everywhere. Building on an admiration for the spirit of misfit alternative bands and the fearless ethos of modern hip hop, the duo creates alternative pop with a wink that aims to push the genre into the future.

The LA duo – comprised of Coleman Trapp and Luke Atlas – has just released new song, “Comb My Hair” on Noisey – a psychedelic trip that seeks to kick you out of even the most serious of funks. The band also announced the forthcoming release of their debut record, due May 5th via 300 Entertainment / +1 Records.

Mark Eitzel perform “The Last Ten Years” at the Mug & Brush in Columbus

To mark tomorrow’s release of Hey Mr Ferryman and a run of North American and European shows that starts tonight in Los Angeles, Mark Eitzel has shared a live acoustic performance of “The Last Ten Years.” Filmed last month at The Mug & Brush barber shop in Columbus, Ohio, Eitzel’s expressive vocals are paired with nothing more than a 1950s Harmony Monterey archtop.

Brenton Wood to release ‘The Very Best of’ Collection on February 24th

ery few singers ever accomplish what this soul man was able to do: create a lasting and indelible impression on listeners with only a few notes of a song. But that’s exactly what Brenton Wood did on his smash hit “The Oogum Boogum Song” in 1967. The opening piano notes and then Wood’s unique vocal still sounds brand new a half-century later. On February 24, Concord Bicycle is releasing The Very Best of Brenton Wood, a newly remastered collection charting his run of worldwide pop hits. Included are “The Oogum Boogum Song,” “Gimme Little Sign,” “Baby You Got,” along with unforgettable Dedicated to You soul ballads “Me and You” and “I Like the Way You Love Me.”

In addition to Brenton Wood’s series of 7-inch 45s releases for the Double Shot Records label, two deep soul gems from the vaults are included: a stirring and deeply personal version of Sam Cooke’s Civil Rights anthem “A Change is Gonna Come” along with “Diamonds,” a song that is among Wood’s most sought-after recordings. Both are making their physical debut on the compact disc version of The Very Best Of.

MOTHERSHIP Premiere New Song “Crown of Lies”

Dallas, Texas heavy rock band MOTHERSHIP will release its new album, High Strangeness, on March 17 via Ripple Music. Recorded at Fire Station Studios in San Marcos, TX and mastered by Tony Reed (Mos Generator / Stone Axe), the album delivers eight strong songs of the band’s self-coined “supersonic intergalactic heavy rock”. Now, Loudwire premieres the new MOTHERSHIP song, “Crown of Lies”, saying, “‘Crown of Lies” has a classic hard rock feel yet these Dallas up-and-comers put a modern spin on it as well, and by the time you get to the mid-song jam, you’ll be hooked.”

San Fermin Share New Track “Bride”

Brooklyn-based San Fermin have shared album highlight “Bride,” streaming now via Soundcloud. Last week, TIME picked “Bride” as one of the “5 best songs you need to hear this week”. Additionally, the song has been charting on Spotify’s viral charts.

Strong Asian Mothers return with thunderous new single ‘Just Another’

London’s Strong Asian Mothers blend of styles and emphatic live show has been making waves on the capital’s underground gig scene for a while and now the band are about to step firmly in to the limelight. Best friends since their early years, Amer, Kalim and Josh have played in bands together throughout their childhoods but it was under Strong Asian Mothers that they really found their strength. Tying together influences from hip-hop and trap, along with a healthy dose of pop sensibilities – they’re not only a formidable live act, but an outfit who are outdoing themselves with every new release.

10TH ANNUAL BLACK WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD AWARDS GALA

Time Inc.’s (NYSE:TIME) Essence, the preeminent brand for African-American women, will commemorate the 10th anniversary of its esteemed “Black Women in Hollywood Awards”—the annual Oscar-week celebration at the forefront of spotlighting Hollywood’s most creative and accomplished visionaries. Shifting from a daytime luncheon to a resplendent evening gala for the first time, the red carpet ceremony will be held at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, CA, on Thursday, February 23, 2017.

The Awards & Gala will honor Hollywood’s “Next Generation”—young women who are excelling and elevating their crafts—including triple-threat actress/musician/entertainer Janelle Monáe (Breakthrough Award); groundbreaking actress/writer/producer Issa Rae (Vanguard Award); standout actress Aja Naomi King (Lincoln Shining Star Award); and dynamic actress Yara Shahidi (Generation Next). Actress/Producer Gabrielle Union will serve as the program’s host.

BAHARI RELEASES NEW VIDEO FOR “GET TOGETHER”

Modern-pop trio Bahari release the video for their song “Get Together,” a remake of The Youngbloods’ 1967 classic.

KAP G READY FOR “FREAKIN ‘N’ GEEKIN TOUR 2017”

i am OTHER/Fortune Ent/Atlantic recording artist Kap G has announced plans for a 10 city U.S. tour. The “Freakin ‘N’ Geekin Tour 2017” – co-headlined by Taylor Gang’s J.R. Donato – gets underway February 23rd at The Middle East in Boston, MA and then travels through early March (see attached itinerary).

The Dove & The Wolf Sign To Fat Possum Records

The French-born, Philadelphia-based duo The Dove & The Wolf is excited to announce that they have signed to Oxford, Mississippi’s Fat Possum Records. On March 24, they will re-release their 2016 EP I Don’t Know What To Feel with two new and unreleased tracks. This is also the first time that the EP will be available on vinyl.

Today, NPR Music premiered the video for “Seven Days” that was directed by Eliu Cornielle and features dancer Jasmine Mendoza. WXPN’s Bruce Warren called the song “…shimmering, beautiful and languorous.”

THE KNITTS TO RELEASE THEIR DEBUT STUDIO ALBUM “RETREAT” MARCH 3RD

In a gritty industrial area of Van Nuys, California, behind a powder-coating plant, lie a dozen neatly stacked repurposed shipping containers. One of these is ‘home’ to The Knitts, a band with a surprisingly long history and a short fuse, ready to explode onto the music scene with the release of their upcoming debut full-length album Retreat.

RISING Releases New Track

While epic metallers RISING are currently writing their next album, the band now releases the bonus track “Beautiful Tomorrow,” recorded during the recording sessions for their Oceans Into Their Graves LP. The band also announces new tour dates for 2017.

Taylor Hicks Announces Season 2 of Original Series State Plate

INSP, the recognized leader in family entertainment, has announced an order for a 2nd season of its original series, State Plate. Production will begin this spring with a premiere of the new episodes scheduled for late summer. The announcement was made by Doug Butts, SVP of Programming for INSP.

“In 2016, State Plate celebrated the unique food traditions of 13 different states,” said Butts. “We have been extremely pleased with the way our audience has responded. Ratings continue to exceed our expectations, and viewer engagement has been strong. Now that a second season has been greenlit, we will add programs featuring additional states to the series library. Our goal, eventually, is to feature every state in the U.S.!”

State Plate

SO {Standing Ovation} announce new video from EP, “COLISEUM”

Indie hip hop music duo release “UGLY” single and visual from EP

Washington, DC / Los Angeles, CA – January 26, 2017 — Candlewax Records production/lyricist duo SO {Standing Ovation} have released a new single from their EP, “COLISEUM.” The latest of several progressive productions which make up their uniquely styled music concept, “UGLY,” is an original indie hip hop record. The single is available on SO’s official Soundcloud page.

Consisting of Virginia native and producer Bronze Baby Shoes and vocalist/lyricist The Character who resides in Los Angeles, SO are adding their components to the fresh sounds of modern hip-hop. “UGLY” has helped the bi-coastal duo introduce their eclectic style to music lovers worldwide.

House of Yes and Rob Roth present Valentine’s Day: The Story of Red

House of Yes, Brooklyn’s all gender inclusive nightlife and performance space celebrates the day of Saint Valentine in partnership with renowned New York artist and multi-platform artist and director Rob Roth for a sensual and romantic evening of decadent dining and surreal theatrics followed by a seductive dance party perfect for singles, couples, triads and more. Filled with organismic interactions and edible pleasures to live music courtesy of the YES Ensemble and beats by Dutch DJ Alex Cruz, ‘The Story of Red’ comprised of five dark fairytale chapters: The Introduction, The Kiss, The Heart, The Blood and Happily Ever After – Dance & Seduction promises to be a night of wild fantasies to arouse all of the senses.

Guests are asked to dress in their sexiest couture in ferocious shades of red and will be treated to an evening filled with visual, sensual and erotic edible treats such as love potions, hors d’oeuvres and a three course feast. Encompassing an erotic environment filled with intimate play spaces and naughty-themed interactions throughout the venue, guests will be free to indulge in their deepest and darkest desires all throughout the night. The rouge-themed erotic fairytale will be a culmination of not only decadent dining but also movement, dance art and aerial acrobatics alongside an immersive live ensemble directed by Leo Leite and Ricardo Romaneiro followed by a DJ set from Alex Cruz. To set the mood, the YES Ensemble will open with angelic melodies performed by Addi (vocals) and Jacqui Kerrod (harp), before continuing on to The Kiss with sexy vocals by Hannah Sumner with Vasko Dukovski on the clarinet. Next will see percussive drums symbolizing a beating heart performed by members of Sandbox Percussion, and the live music segment will conclude with Little Kruta (strings) accompanied by all ensemble members performing together for The Blood.

Earthists. Announce Debut Album

Excitement has been swirling around the debut Earthists. record ever since they released the first single “Winterfell” off “Dreamscape”. The band announced the album will be out on March 8th and is now available for pre-order on Bandcamp.

Earthists. challenged themselves to create a record that transcends genres and to write lyrics that are meaningful. Guitarist Yuta Tanaka explains, “Dreamscape has variety of genres of music from a post rock song to metalcore songs. With this record, we wanted to create something new while incorporating technical riffage, jazzy piano sounds and grooves. Lyrically, we showcased struggling with loneliness and importance to live strongly.”

The band wants the record to inspire listeners and has a special message to share with their fans, “We want all of you to never give up on your dream.”

TAYLOR J SHOWS HOME TOWN PRIDE WITH “91 FAMILY FOREVER” VISUAL

Minnesota native Taylor J finally unleashes as new visual from his acclaimed collab with super-producer Lex Luger, “The 91 Family.” You may recall that Lex compared this project to Wiz’s “Cabin Fever” and Waka’s “Salute Me Or Shoot Me” and Taylor’s fans feel the same. Of this latest offering Taylor shared his hometown pride with, “I wanted to show my roots on this one . It just make me feel like the Paul when I hear it . St. Paul is a gold mine in many ways and this year we gon show it.”

Las Vegas Alt-Rockers Avalon Landing Premiere New Video on Earmilk

Las Vegas alt-rockers Avalon Landing are premiering a new video for their new single “Only Kids” on Earmilk.

The Sadies Premiere “Another Season Again” At PopMatters

“There is enough music here to please anyone with ears and even a semblance of heart. A little folk/psych, some twang, some straight psych, some folk— all wrapped in a music tortilla and with a variety of sauces.” –No Depression

Canadian four-piece The Sadies have premiered “Another Season Again” at PopMatters. The track is the third single to be released from the band’s forthcoming 10th studio album Northern Passages, out February 10, 2017 (Yep Roc Records). The album is now available pre-order.

Third Man Records announces The Craig Brown Band debut full length

Detroit’s most beloved bartender, cook, and ping-pong champion has gone solo. Well, solo in the sense that he’s put a firecracker musical act together and called it Craig Brown Band.

Craig Brown brings effortless musicianship and his damaged honky-tonk howl to the mix. This man has a deep love for rock n’ roll. It’s imbedded in his soul. It’s in the way he moves, thinks, lives, and plays. Live, Craig Brown Band might look like they slept at the club, but deliver a surprisingly polished and tuneful sound. The good ol’ boys in the band, Eric, Perry and Young Andrew hold down the bedraggled hillbilly-deluxe-meets-dive-bar-classic-rock, offset by the pitch-perfect honeyed harmonies of Drinkard sisters, Caitlin and Bonnie.

MINDSHIFT unveil new ‘My Revenge’ lyric

Stockholm, Sweden’s MINDSHIFT have unleashed a new lyric video for the song ‘My Revenge’, and joining the band on guest vocals is none other than Bjorn ‘Speed’ Strid of Soilwork. The song depicts the magnitude of oppression that humanity has imposed upon our home, the Earth. ‘My Revenge’ is the second single off the band’s latest album ‘Horizon’ which was recently released worldwide via Eclipse Records in 2016. watch the video on YouTube via Eclipse Records right now.

My Revenge Lyric Video by Mindshift Features Bjorn Strid of Soilwork on Guest Vocals

New KAMI (savemoney) track

Chicago indie-pop/rapper/Leather Corduroys member turned solo artist KAMI has a new track out today called “Scene Girl” that Chance the Rapper just dropped via Twitter.

Off the upcoming album (details coming soon) the track is synth driven, moon drenched pop track that could have been on the Lost Boys soundtrack.

Oddnesse drops “Incoming Call”

Fresh off the success of her first single “Somewhere Somehow”, which was recently featured on Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” and Apple Music’s “Isolation” playlists, Oddnesse dropped her second single entitled “Incoming Call” today via BuzzBands.
The project began as a studio collaboration between musician Rebeca Arango and producer Grey Goon. The two east-coast expats had arrived independently in Los Angeles plagued by ghosts of old bands, with many gigs at the Cake Shop under their belts and expensive degrees in music on their linked-ins. They both shared a vision for infectious beautiful music with a dark, heavy groove and as friends occasionally dropped by the studio with contributions, the band was born.

Premiere: Oddnesse, ‘Incoming Call’

RADWIMPS (Universal Music) & Fuse Premiere “Sparkle”

Japanese rock band RADWIMPS and FUSE have teamed up to drop the gorgeous new track, “Sparkle.” The song is a re-recorded English version of the original track from the soundtrack to Makoto Shinkai’s animated blockbuster and global pop culture hit, Your Name., set to hit North American theaters on April 7, 2017. The film’s deluxe edition soundtrack and original score will be released digitally in the US on Friday, January 27, and features re-recorded English versions of some of the major songs off of the soundtrack, including “Dream Lantern” and “Zenzenzense.”

“Melody and lyrics must be something inseparable for RADWIMPS. For all that, I cannot respect and thank them enough for making these wonderful English versions to entertain international audience,” said Makoto Shinkai, writer and director of “Your Name.” “In ‘Your Name.,’ songs, lines and the story are in complete harmony. Lyrics represent characters’ cry of the heart. I hope these alternative versions will lead the audience to a better understanding of the world of ‘Your Name.'”

 

REBEL WIZARD: Australian Negative Metal Act Unleashes “Ease Of Wretchedness And Wonder”

Described as, “an electrifying, high-intensity collection of absolutely masterful riffs and scintillating lead guitar pyrotechnics, organized into songs that are powerfully addictive from the very first listen” in a review by No Clean Singing, Triumph Of Gloom, initially self-released by NKSV will be reissued by Prosthetic Records on February 24th and will include a previously unheard bonus track, “Defenders Of The Gloom.”

Listen to new Rebel Wizard track ‘Ease Of Wretchedness And Wonder’

Monument Records re-launches under Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music announced the re-launching of their label Monument Records, with respected industry veterans Jason Owen and Shane McAnally serving as co-presidents of the label. Critically acclaimed newcomers Caitlyn Smith and Walker Hayes are Monument’s leading artists.

An imprint of Sony Music Entertainment, Monument Records will employ a staff of creative and innovative thinkers in Nashville, Tenn.

Stated Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, “It’s always an amazing opportunity to work with two people who are as talented and nice as Jason and Shane. We’re proud to be their partners under the iconic Monument name. Jason is a highly respected label and management executive who has played an important role in the careers of some of Nashville’s biggest stars and most exciting newcomers, and Shane is an incredibly accomplished songwriter and fantastic talent developer. We think they’re a great team and a terrific addition to the Sony Music family.”

Lupe Fiasco Premieres New Track “Tranquillo” Ft. Rick Ross & BIG K.R.I.T.

DROGAS Light is Lupe Fiasco’s first album released on 1st & 15th and features artists such as Ty Dolla $ign, Rick Ross and BIG K.R.I.T. The albumexemplifies Lupe Fiasco’s artistic growth and self reflective attitude with its storytelling lyrics and bare vocals. Fans who pre-order the album will automatically receive 5 tracks, including “Wild Child.”

Sarah Kirkland Snider’s “Unremembered”

Composer and New Amsterdam Records co-founder Sarah Kirkland Snider will share her highly lauded 13-part song cycle, Unremembered, with audiences around the U.S., Holland, and Belgium this spring. The hour-long work for orchestra, vocals, and electronics — newly arranged for both chamber orchestra and octet versions — explores the fragility and mystery of childhood recollection, and was inspired by poems and illustrations by Nathaniel Bellows (W.W. Norton; HarperCollins).

Unremembered was released in album form on New Amsterdam Records in 2015 and featured on “Best of 2015” lists by many widely respected publications including The Washington Post and The Nation, as well as named one of the “50 Best Classical Works of the Past Twenty Years” by Q2 Radio listeners in both 2015 and 2016.

DAVE RELEASES NEW TRACK ‘SAMANTHA’ WITH J HUS

Today sees Dave release new track ‘Samantha’ with fellow London-based artist J Hus. The slow burning, bass heavy song, featuring production from Jae5, sees Dave singing, rapping & playing keys. The gritty visual, shot by Dave’s long-time collaborator Dir. Lx, is available to watch HERE. The track is available to stream & purchase on all major platforms now.

Following his sold out debut headline show at Camden Assembly in December, Dave is set to embark on his first UK headline tour in March with dates in Birmingham & Manchester before two special homecoming shows at Islington’s O2 Academy, all of which sold out within an hour of going on sale.

Daye Jack “Raw Remix ft DP & Denzel Curry”

Born in Nigeria, raised in the burbs of Atlanta, inspired by his old man and Steve Jobs to program computers, and downright deadly on the microphone, rapper, singer, and artist Daye Jack really made the most of his first 20 years. “I just want to do me and see what happens,” he affirms. It’s worked out so far…

Today, the 19 year old ATLien debuts his new track, “Raw Remix” ft. DP and Denzel Curry over on FADER and announces his debut LP, No Data due for release in Spring of 2017. Speaking of the track, Daye noted – “‘Raw’ is about being yourself to the fullest. It’s an ode to the kid who’s picked on for not fitting into societies boxes. It’s liberating to look in the mirror, accept your flaws and say ‘I’m fucking awesome.’

Listen to Alexander F’s explosive new single featuring Kimbra

New York-based songwriter and performer Alex Toth (Rubblebucket) will release his debut with new band Alexander F on February 10, 2017 via So Sensation Records. The self-titled album was co-produced with Steve Marion (Delicate Steve) and features Kimbra, Shaun Sutkus (Perfect Pussy), Noah Rubin (Skaters), Max Almario (Celestial Shore) and Brian Betancourt (Here We Go Magic).

BIN CHIVALRY RELEASES “THE CAME UP” VIDEO

The “Came Up”, which was aired live on Hot 97 in September, has finally received the visual treatment!

Bin Chivalry is a new Atlanta group formed by merging solo artists Cellus Hamilton, Navelle Hice, & Jordan Moreland. The collective was officially formed in August when they solidified the venture by releasing their debut EP “Saturday Sunday”, which they created in only two days. Their contrasting styles and music interpretation have allowed their hit songs like “600 Degrees Below”, “Glory”, and “The Came Up” to gain quick momentum in the Internet age.

The Byzantines ‘Top Boy’

Hailing from the great South Australian state that brought you two giant balls, Farmer’s Union iced coffee and Cooper’s Pale Ale come brit pop band THE BYZANTINES.

The band share their newest single, ‘Top Boy’ from their forthcoming EP, You Pull It, set to release via Marshmallow Pavement Records on February 17th, 2017. Following the release of their debut EP and a successful European/UK tour in 2014, the boys head out on an east coast Australian tour during February and March in support of the new EP. The tour kicks off at The Karova Club in Ballarat on Friday Feb 24 with label-mates The Montreals, and Melbourne Garage- Rock darlings BATZ. They’ll make their way up the coast on a 9-date tour, hitting Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and other cities along the way.

NUSSY ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘HARD AS DIAMONDS’

The vibrant and unstoppable NUSSY has today announced her new single Hard As Diamonds, an exploration of the human reaction to hurt and turmoil, out today, Jan 30. The thrilling synth-pop artist has also announced a lustrous clip to accompany the track, produced in collaboration with Dan Smith of Head On Media (Gorman, Jo Mercer) and she’ll be performing a string of shows in Melbourne and Sydney throughout February and March 2017, kicking off at Gaytimes Festival at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort on February 18, then moving through to Howler in Melbourne, Marley Bar in Sydney and finishing the run at Oxford Art Factory of March 17.

TONIGHT WE STAND Watch Out For ‘Invisible Enemies’

The track Invisible Enemies, is the first video release from the forthcoming EP Redemption delivered by young Italian band Tonight We Stand. A guitar melody driven intro segues into some serious riffing. It’s a head banger and a classic piece of Modern Metal with a monochrome video reflecting the clashing style and lyrics of the song.