SKOPE NEWS FOR FEBRUARY 7, 2017

Tara Jane O’Neil returns with a new, self-titled album!

In The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, Gertrude Stein writes: “I may say that only three times in my life have I met a genius and each time a bell within me rang and I was not mistaken.” When I first met Tara Jane ONeil, about 25 years ago—and more particularly, the first time I saw her play—this bell rang. I was not mistaken.

TJO is my friend. But not all friendships are shadowed by—haloed by, really—this firm apprehension of genius, the simple awe that derives from witnessing irrepressible, astonishing forces and capabilities rushing through a fellow human.
These forces have been rushing through TJO from when she was but a kid playing in the hardcore, math band Rodan, through her wide-ranging collaborations with local and international players, through her eight solo albums, which constitute some of the most beautiful, intricate music I’ve ever heard, and which I’ve been grateful to have as a wise, stimulating soundtrack to my adult life. And now there’s Tara Jane ONeil, her ninth solo offering.

Khodara Shares “Anxious” Track Via BlackBook

BlackBook has premiered “Anxious” the second single off of Khodara’s newest EP ‘Billie’, out 3/17. ‘Billie’ will come out just months after her debut EP ‘Where’s Your Love?’ , which was released on 12/13.

BLACKBOOK PREMIERE: New Khodara Single ‘Anxious’

Listen to BELL The Band’s Self-Titled Debut EP – Out Now!

BELL The Band is available now via all DSPs. The band will be playing a hometown release show at Rockwood Music Hall in New York, NY on February 11th, with all proceeds being donated to the ACLU and tickets for the release show can be found here. Art for the EP was created by Nora Patterson of Royal Teeth.

Ded release apocalyptic vision of the world with new “FMFY” video

Phoenix Rockers Ded have released an apocalyptic vision of the world with the new video for “FMFY”. The band will be kicking off their 2017 touring schedule with a KUPD sponsored show on February 9th @ Pub Rock in Scottsdale, AZ.

The driving rocker is visually intense, with scenes of riots, violence and war interspersed with a powerful live performance against a stark backdrop of a run-down house.

DANBERT NOBACON & THE AXIS OF DISSENT ‘Stardust to Darwinstuff’ out 4/21

Danbert Nobacon and his cadre of musical collaborators The Axis of Dissent hit the ground running on with “Revolution 9.01” on the eve of the wretched U.S. Inauguration, reminding us that art is adaptive, in the evolutionary sense, and that the incoming President Trump poses an existential threat to all of humanity that should not be underestimated.

New Single from Spaceface (Jake Ingalls from The Flaming Lips)

“Sun Kids” sets a sort of bridge to the ethereal for the listener. It’s a very meditative track that feels both promising and exploratory. It is the sort of tune where one can find the other side when they’re stuck in the day with the “Meditative harp arrangements and beyond-gorgeous harmonies in the distance” that were singled out in the Baeble Music premiere. You can hear “Sun Kids” now on Soundcloud and look for it later this week on Spotify, Apple Music and the rest of your favorite streaming services.

WOODES RELEASES ‘BONFIRE’

Taken from the Melbourne artist/producer Woodes acclaimed debut self-titled EP, her new single ‘Bonfire’ released today combines her love of percussion with a quirky enthralling melody – combined to draw you into the Woodes magic. The track was produced on Woodes recent songwriting trip to the US and is co-produced with Rob Kleiner – a long time Sia collaborator. Woodes also this week announcing her signing a global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group Australia, as well as being named on the Official SXSW Lineup for 2017.

Halfwait ‘Without You’

Grunge-Pop rockers Halfwait have shared their newest single, ‘Without You’, the latest taste of their forthcoming EP, Forever. Mastering the familiar stylings of your favourite 90s pop-rockers like Blink and Green Day, the Sydney trio apply a new twist with their precise melodies and anthemic choruses with their latest release.

They released ‘Fly Away’ in December, the first single released from Forever followed up with a music video to go with the track.

Dr Sinha’s Jazz Lobotomy with their debut single ‘Grown Man’

Melding RnB infused hip-hop with heady jazz influences and indie pop, brand new Melbourne project Dr Sinha’s Jazz Lobotomy tackle anxiety as a result of social expectations of masculinity in their debut single ‘Grown Man’.

Flirting with influences like BadBadNotGood and Mick Jenkins, this isn’t straight-up jazz. It’s jazz carefully excavated, inspected, studied, sampled and manipulated. It’s jazz research for the modern listener. A secondary resource for the jazz-curious. Touching on social ideals of what masculinity means and how detrimental this can be, ‘Grown Man’ is an incisive take that never loses its glibness – complete with shoutout to David Attenborough.

THE BAND PERRY RELEASE STAY IN THE DARK

Grammy® Award-winning superstar sibling trio – THE BAND PERRY – today released their new track “Stay In The Dark” on Interscope Records. The track produced by Benny Cassette (Kanye West, John Legend, Lily Allen) is the first from The Band Perry’s first pop album – My Bad Imagination – due out later this year. Fans can purchase the song at iTunes and Amazon or stream it on Apple Music, Google Play and Spotify.

“In the literal sense ‘Stay in the Dark’ is about getting close to the one you love, closing the curtains and escaping from the wilds of the world together for the night,” said Reid Perry. “For us though it has so many meanings, and we’re looking forward to see how our fans find themselves in it.”

Derrick Anderson (Bangles, etc.) readies solo debut album

Before touring with Dave Davies (the Kinks) and becoming bassist for the Bangles in 2008, Derrick Anderson (with the Andersons!) romped throughout Los Angeles from 1995-2004 flashing an energized, cheeky brand of pop/rock. But finally, it’s time for Derrick to arrive as a solo artist.

A World of My Own, out April 1, 2017 on Omnivore Recordings, draws inspiration from the Cavern Club, Brill Building and Laurel Canyon, and the album’s 13 songs feature guest performances from an array of kindred spirits. A World of My Own opens with the upbeat “Send Me Down a Sign” and heavy-hitting “Waiting for You,” which feature backing by the Smithereens (Pat Dinizio, Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken, and Severo Jornacion). The sonic punch of “Waiting for You” is heightened by a panoramic mix from producer Ed Stasium. Renowned for his work with the Ramones, the Smithereens and Talking Heads, Stasium mixed two additional tracks on A World of My Own: the party-driven “Stop Messin’ About” and a wild-and-woolly cover of the Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown).”

MICHELLE BRANCH TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM HOPELESS ROMANTIC APRIL 7

Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Michelle Branch will release her highly anticipated fourth studio album Hopeless Romantic on April 7, 2017, through Verve Records. This is Branch’s first solo project since her Grammy-nominated 2003 album Hotel Paper. Entertainment Weekly has projected it to be one of 2017’s most anticipated albums. Billboard premiered the first single and title track here.

VEONITY Upcoming Tour Dates featuring Freedom Call

Veonity head out for their European tour starting on February 7th, 2017. Following their recent highly successful gigs with Sabaton, this time they’ll be supporting German power metal group Freedom Call across Germany, Sweden and Switzerland. This will be followed by an appearance at Vicious Rock Festival in Sweden on July 8th.

The band are still promoting their latest album, Into The Void (available from Sliptrick Records), a genuine and powerful record that brings out the best of Veonity’s energetic, glorious and guitar driven Power Metal. Into The Void is a concept album best described as a dystopian, futuristic space saga about the earth, which is dying due to mankind’s greed and a lonely man who escapes into space. It’s a mighty album from a fast rising band.

BROOKE CANDY FT. SIA ‘LIVING OUT LOUD’ RELEASED TODAY

Emerging rapper / singer Brooke Candy releases Living Out Loud featuring seven time Grammy nominee Sia today at all digital providers (click here to listen). The track was produced by Jesse Shatkin (Sia’s Chandelier, Kelly Clarkson) and written by Geoffrey Early (Ziggy Marley, Beyoncé, David Guetta), Priscilla “Priscilla Renea” Hamilton (Rihanna, Fifth Harmony), Sia and Greg Kurstin (Adele, P!nk, Beck).

Mined releases new single ‘Mistakes’

Mined releases his new single ‘Mistakes’ on February 3rd through Peacefrog Records. Taken from forthcoming EP ‘Loves Low’s’ which will be released in Spring 2017.

‘Mistakes’ is a rich, electronic track; equal parts mournful and soothing. The follow up to debut single ‘Pangs’ that saw praise from the likes of Dazed, i-D, Wonderland, The 405 and more. Speaking about the song, Mined explains ‘”Mistakes was written as an apology. The whole EP is about a relationship that has since broke down. It’s the first song I wrote on the EP. I had the lyrics done in about 5 minutes, it’s about selfishly doing/saying things in the heat of the moment and describes a genuine series of events that I think a lot of people will be able to empathise with.”

MEAN STREAK Sign Japanese Deal With Marquee/Avalon

Swedish traditional heavy metal band MEAN STREAK have signed a three album deal with Japanese label Marquee/Avalon. MEAN STREAK’s first release through Marquee/Avalon is due to be released on May 31, 2017. The new album ‘Blind Faith’ will have at least 12 songs and it will include one Japan only bonus track.

Faith Evans And The Notorious B.I.G. The King & I Available May 19

Faith Evans and The Notorious B.I.G. famously met at a photo shoot in 1994 and were married nine days later. What followed would become one of the most legendary love stories in hip-hop history.

Evans has now, 20 years after B.I.G.’s still unsolved murder, created THE KING & I, a new album that tells the story of their life together. The album’s 25 tracks feature newly recorded vocals by Evans melded with vocals by Biggie Smalls, some well-known but also a selection of rare and unheard rhymes from the B.I.G. vault. THE KING & I also includes an impressive list of guest appearances by rap royalty including Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Lil’ Cease, Lil’ Kim, Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Snoop Dogg. Evans has also brought on some of the most acclaimed producers in hip-hop, many of which produced some of B.I.G.’s most famous tracks, including DJ Premier, Just Blaze, Salaam Remi, Stevie J, and Chucky Thompson.

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Rytmeklubben ‘Like That’

Rytmeklubben (translation; the rhythm club) are a crew of 4 DJs and producers from Norway; namely Henrik The Artist (Mad Decent) Hi Tom(NLV), DJ Karaoke and Torjus.

A self-professed ‘club boyband’ who started playing their music live as a group, they developed their sound alongside compatriot Cashmere Cat. After releasing singles like ‘Seen’ and ‘Girlfriend’ independently, then remixing pop heavy hitters like Zayn Malik, and Kelly Clarkson they have now signed to Sony Music for their glossiest track yet and pop break-out ‘Like That’. Its pristine production has the Norwegian touch of sonic perfection.

CAB CABERNET, “MR. CABERNET”

Harlem-based rapper/producer/director and Krushed Grapes Lifestyle owner Cab Cabernet presents the music video for “Mr. Cabernet”, his new single produced by RTNC, the French producer behind tracks for De La Soul, Action Bronson, Mos Def and Homeboy Sandman.

Austrian producer filous releases new single, ‘Goodbye’ feat. Mat Kearney

filous, the nineteen year old Austrian multi-instrumentalist who captured fans around the world last Winter with his updated reinterpretation of “Let It Snow”, now returns with “Goodbye” featuring highly-celebrated singer-songwriter Mat Kearney, which is available via Ultra Music on all digital platforms today.

filous’ new emotional electronic / folk hybrid follows the Ben Harvey/Sirius XM Chill-premiered “Let It Snow” and “Emelie” featuring Buster Moe, which both quickly went viral, reaching #1 on Hype Machine and over five million plays combined. Critics and fans alike were blown away, with Dancing Astronaut proclaiming “Let It Snow” as “the new sound of Christmas. Sorry Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.”

Watch DEAD WITCHES video for ”Drawing Down The Moon’’ now!

When Ramesses drummer Mark Greening (former Electric Wizard, With The Dead), vocalist Virginia Monti (Psychedelic Witchcraft), guitarist Greg Elk and bassist Carl Geary joined forces to form DEAD WITCHES, they founded no less than the heaviest occult doom beast to see the light this year. With their haunting vocals, heavy riffs, fuzzed bass and savage drumming, the band takes you to another world, a world of darkness.

“Drawing Down The Moon” video was produced and directed by the band, William J. Wallace and Josh Jones. Debut album “Ouija” will be available this February 10th on Heavy Psych Sounds on black vinyl, LTD purple vinyl, CD and digital.

Matthew Koma Releases New Single ‘Hard To Love’

On the heels of the release of his recent single, “Kisses Back,” singer-songwriter and producer Matthew Koma returns with his new autobiographical single “Hard To Love” which is co-produced by Louis The Child, the co-writer of The Chainsmokers’ Grammy-nominated hit single “Closer.”

Matthew Koma is one of the most accomplished writers behind numerous smash hits including Zedd’s “Spectrum,” and GRAMMY-winning hit “Clarity.” “Hard to Love” shows how unique Koma’s songwriting is, with deep metaphorical verses paired with his own style of comedic yet serious undertones as seen with the following lyrics: “I’m OCD with panic attacks. I’ve got a thing for Japanese dry snacks. My voice was on like every fuckin house track. Tell me when you’ve heard enough…”

Ayron Jones and The Way “Love Is The Answer”

Seattle-born vocalist, songwriter and Hendrix-inspired guitarist, Ayron Jones, has established himself as one of the top independent rock artists in the Pacific Northwest. Opening for Grammy award-winning, Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famers such as Run DMC, B.B. King and Jeff Beck, Jones has stunned audiences and gained instant fans with a genre-defying mashup of blues-infused Grunge and West Coast Hip-hop.

Zac Brown Band Announces New Album ‘WELCOME HOME’

On May 12th, GRAMMY-Award winning Zac Brown Band will release ‘WELCOME HOME,’ the band’s new album and their first release on Southern Ground/ Elektra Records. Produced by GRAMMY-Award winning producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell) and In The Arena Productions, and recorded at Southern Ground Nashville studio, ‘WELCOME HOME’ is what the band calls not only a return to their roots, but also a return to ‘The Foundation,’ the band’s debut album that is now 5X platinum.

The theme of reflection is echoed throughout the 10-track album. Songs range from the first single, “My Old Man,” which paints a poignant picture of the ever-changing relationship between fathers and sons to “2 Places at 1 Time,” about juggling the conflict between life on the road and the comforts of home, and “Roots,” which honors the band’s journey from their humble beginnings. In addition, the band continues their tradition of recording a cover song they all admire, this time with John Prine’s “All The Best.”

Two-Piece Bedroom Pop Outfit YURT Premieres “Alligator” via IMPOSE

Two small girls making one big noise. YURT is a synth-rock indie duo based in Seattle, WA. YURT is comprised of guitar/vocals/keys player, Marlo Kapsa, and drummer, Olivia Kesterson. Their music has been described as, “The music you wish you had at your 80’s senior prom.” The band has self released their EP ‘I’m Gonna YURT’ in early 2016 and is currently recording their first full length album.

Airpark Premieres Debut Track “All The Time” at Baeble

Nashville-based alternative rock/pop duo Airpark just premiered their debut track “All The Time” at Baeble, who said the song “is minimalistic in instrumentation but most certainly does not lack that satisfying, rhythmic groove.”

CYMBALS EAT GUITARS SHARE “FINALLY” (DEMO) ON BANDCAMP

Cymbals Eat Guitars have released the demo for their track “Finally” today on Bandcamp. It will be part of Bandcamp’s campaign to donate all proceeds from Friday’s Purchases to ACLU. Cymbals will specifically be donating to The Urban Justice Center.

RYAN MONTBLEAU ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM AND FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND ALBUM PREMIERE VIA FACEBOOK LIVE

New England based singer-songwriter, Ryan Montbleau has announced the release of his new album entitled I Was Just Leaving set for March 3rd. The album, currently available for pre-order at Pledge Music was produced by New Orleans’ Anders Osborne and recorded in January 2016.

In a first-of-it’s-kind album debut, Montbleau will perform I Was Just Leaving in its entirety during a world-premiere performance via Facebook Live in partnership with Pledge Music and lifestyle brand Life is Good on Thursday, February 16th at 9pm EST.

MUNA RELEASES THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “I KNOW A PLACE” TODAY

Since bursting onto the music scene, MUNA has received great critical acclaim. Pitchfork said, “Singer Katie Gavin and guitarists Naomi McPherson and Josette Maskin sound deliciously accessible, but beyond the surface they ambush your heart with urgent ideas.” V Magazine stated, “By doing it all themselves, the three are able to fully infuse their message and emotions into their music, creating a consistent cathartic experience with every performance.” NYLON noted, “catchy pop with a big soul that somehow sounds simultaneously delicate and strong”. LA Times also praised, “Muna is brazen in its ambitions”.

THEY. usher in a “Nu Religion: Hyena” on 2/24

Dante Jones and Drew Love – better known as THEY. – will release their anticipated debut album Nü Religion: Hyena on February 24thvia Mind of a Genius / Warner Bros. Records. To coincide with the announcement, THEY. have also released the visuals for their first music video and official single “U-RITE.”

ELBOW RELEASE SEVENTH STUDIO ALBUM “LITTLE FICTIONS”

elbow return with their seventh studio album “Little Fictions” which is out TODAY worldwide.
“Little Fictions” was recorded in Scotland and Manchester and sees the band collaborate with the string players of The Hallé Orchestra, the Hallé Ancoats Community Choir, members of London Contemporary Voices and session drummer Alex Reeves. As with the previous three elbow albums, it was produced by Craig Potter.

DIGITAL FARM ANIMALS RELEASES “DIGITAL LOVE” FEAT. HAILEE STEINFELD

Digital Farm Animals returns today with his brand-new track, “Digital Love,” featuring pop sensation Hailee Steinfeld. CLICK HERE to listen now. Digital Farm Animals aka Nick Gale, the one man hit factory, has enjoyed over one billion streams across all of his work and is becoming one of the most sought after names in the dance and pop scene.

THE KNOCKS ‘TESTIFY’ EP OUT TODAY

We’re barely a month into 2017, but genre-defying Lower East Side duo The Knocks are already on a roll! The duo is riding high on the success of their newest single “Trouble” (feat. Absofacto), the lead song from their new “TESTIFY” EP which is officially out today through Big Beat/Neon Gold Records. The “TESTIFY” EP sees the production masterminds breaking even more sonic ground, which fans will be able to witness in real life on their current Feel Good Feel Great tour that kicks off tonight in Vancouver.

Ty Richards Releases ‘Zillion’

Austin, TX’s psychedelic dance-pop auteur Ty Richards, is pleased to release his debut full-length Zillion. Available today, Friday, February 3, 2017, Zillion brings a mind-bending collection of infectious grooves along with super-addictive hooks that keep the record spinning long after the music is over. In celebration of the release, Richards is making the luscious single “Uncle Ben” available for free download.

Siamese announces debut EP ‘The Mesmerist,’ shares new track “Chromatose”

Siamese is the glam rock band of four theatrically inclined friends from Dallas, TX. Mixing ominous art pop with opulent set design and deranged alter egos, their live show makes you feel like you could go out and invent a new color, or wear a leotard to work.

The group’s debut release The Mesmerist, tracked with producer Alex Bhore at the studio Elmwood Recording, is set for release March 3, 2017. With two monolithic bookends and a slew of twists in between, the record treks through the charming, soothing and savage, with lyrics inspired by sociopathic film characters and a few shades of identity crisis.

KID INK RELEASES NEW SINGLE “SWISH” FEAT. 2 CHAINZ

Today, Kid Ink releases his new single “Swish” feat. 2 Chainz. The track is now available to purchase and stream at all digital service providers. Click here to listen.

Produced by Dre Moon (Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Drake), the bouncy track showcases Kid Ink’s ability to create an infectious hook and 2 Chainz’ effervescent flow that is bound to resonate with fans across the world.

Darko’s ‘Bonsai Mammoth’ Out Now, Stream It In Full

Darko have officially released their new album, Bonsai Mammoth, on all formats through Bird Attack Records (US), Lockjaw Records (UK) and Torch Of Hope (JP). You can stream the album in full via Bandcamp here.

Jocelyn Alice Releases New Single “Bound To You” Today

Jocelyn Alice has released her latest single, “Bound To You” today via Disruptor Records/Sony RAL. The soulful track showcases the Calgary-native’s fiercely powerful vocals and lyrical depth. “Bound To You,” available now to stream and purchase, is the third single from the pop chart topper.

PRINCE CHARLEZ UNVEILS NEW VIDEO FOR “BITTY”

Hit-making songwriter and artist PRINCE CHARLEZ has released the music video for his latest single “Bitty” today. Reminiscent of blockbuster nineties and turn-of-the-century music videos, the cinematic visual sees the artist turn his native Los Angeles upside down. Revolt recently claimed, “Prince Charlez has a gift with words, and he most definitely translates it well through sound.” “Bitty” is available on his recently released mixtape Black And Gold [Republic Records] —out now.

British Singer Rudie Edwards Unveils New Single “Lover Like You”

Hailing from Kent, UK, rising singer, songwriter, and producer Rudie Edwards’ wild hair and sultry ensemble attest to her strikingly soulful voice and magnetic music. Equally obsessed with disco delicacies and post-punk palettes. Raised on a cross-section of indie and gospel music ranging from Joy Division to Ray Charles, Rudie developed an affinity for songs that make you move and an appreciation for a wide spectrum music.

Rainbrother shares new single “Juggler”

After the success of psychedelic folk outfit The Migrant, frontman Bjarke Bendtsen is ready to transcend furthermore into electronic folk-rock territory with the release of his latest project Rainbrother’s debut album Tale From The Drought, out on February 3 via General Bird

Video: Young Dolph – “Gelato”

A hard-as-nails street rapper with a persona bigger than his swelling bank account, Young Dolph is one of the most popular independent artists in the South. Stunting in his luxury sports car and rocking pounds of jewelry around his neck, Young Dolph smokes kush with beautiful women in “Gelato.” Premiered by WorldStarHipHop, “Gelato” is the title track from Young Dolph’s most recent mixtape, released yesterday. Featuring appearances from Migos, Wiz Khalifa, Paper Route Empire labelmate Jay Fizzle, and Lil Yachty, who guests on the lead single “Bagg,” Gelato is Dolph’s first step in a breakout 2017. “Gelato” also follows the savage Yo Gotti diss track “Play Wit Yo Bitch,” which has garnered over 178k plays on SoundCloud since its release on Wednesday.

WILLIAM SINGE, AUSTRALIAN POP/R&B SINGER, PRODUCER & SONGWRITER RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE “RUSH”

William Singe, an Australian-born, edgy pop/R&B singer, songwriter and producer who recently signed to RCA Records, today releases his debut single, “Rush.”

William co-wrote & co-produced “Rush,” a sultry track with a nostalgic shot of the 90s hit “Crush,” at Perfect Sound Studio in LA, where labelmate Bryson Tiller recorded TRAPSOUL. Jamie Snell (NAO, MØ, Mura Masa) mixed the track with Dave Kutch (Zayn Malik, Chance The Rapper, G-Eazy, Justin Bieber) serving as the mastering engineer.

AMBER RUN PREMIERE “PERFECT” VIA ALL THINGS GO

Amber Run are proud to announce their signing to Dine Alone Records, who will release their new album ‘For A Moment, I Was Lost’ in the US and Canada, on February 10th digitally, and on CD and vinyl March 17th. The record is the follow-up to their debut ‘5AM’ (2015), which has been streamed over 40 million times in North America.

BROOKE CANDY RELEASES “LIVING OUT LOUD” FT. SIA TODAY

Emerging rapper / singer Brooke Candy releases “Living Out Loud” ft. 8X Grammy nominee Sia today at all digital providers. The track was produced by Jesse Shatkin (Sia’s “Chandelier,” Kelly Clarkson) and written by Geoffrey Early (Ziggy Marley, Beyoncé, David Guetta), Priscilla “Priscilla Renea” Hamilton (Rihanna, Fifth Harmony), Sia and Greg Kurstin (Adele, P!nk, Beck).

Gillian Welch Shares Video For “Dry Town (Demo)” via NPR Music

Gillian Welch shared her video for “Dry Town (Demo)” this morning on NPR Music, who called it “playful and sweetly captivating.” The video brings Welch’s song about being stuck in a town with “no beer, no liquor for miles around,” to life with stop motion animation and anthropomorphized beer bottles and shot glasses. The music video was produced by Rachel Blumberg, an artist and former drummer for The Decemberists, Bright Eyes and M Ward, who said of working on the video: “The lyrics have a great visual quality and rhythm and it made sense to interpret things in a very literal way, which I think adds to the humor of the piece.” Gillian Welch worked with close friend Blumberg to create the video, and said on the inspiration for it, “Dry Town came from a live experience I had on a road trip when I was just out of college. David and I wrote the song shortly after moving to Nashville, after a show where we opened for Johnny Cash. We were so inspired to meet Johnny and see him in the flesh that we wanted to capture some of that narrative swagger and humor in a song of our own. Since the story is front and center, it seemed like a great chance to bring the song to life with stop motion animation. I’m more of a car person than Rachel, so I found the ’71 Buick with the vinyl top, other than that she created every inch of the fantastic world you see.”

Emily Estefan Releases Debut Album “Take Whatever You Want”

Emily Estefan has released her debut album Take Whatever You Want, today via Alien Shrimp Records/Red Distribution. The album collects a jazz, neo-soul and funk soundscape, showcasing Emily’s incredible talent and the versatility of her musicianship. Take Whatever You Want was written, produced and recorded by Emily in its entirety (excluding horns). Emily’s debut album is available everywhere (physically and digitally) today.

ALEXANDRA SAVIOR PREMIERES OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR ” MIRAGE”

Portland native Alexandra Savior has delivered yet another unique and cinematic video, this time for her latest release “Mirage.” Out today on all digital platforms, the gorgeous new single is taken from her anxiously awaited forthcoming debut album “Belladonna of Sadness,” which drops worldwide April 7th on Columbia Records.

STORMZY TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM “GANG SIGNS & PRAYER”

UK-based rap phenomenon Stormzy has today unveiled the title to his hugely anticipated debut album “Gang Signs & Prayer” and shared the video for lead single “Big For Your Boots”.

“Gang Signs & Prayer” arrives everywhere on February 24th 2017 through #MERKY Records and marks a hugely exciting return for the multi award-winning artist. Recorded in the UK, the album features production from Fraser T. Smith (Kano, Adele, Sam Smith) and showcases his world class lyricism alongside his celebrated relatable subject matters.

SO WHAT?! MUSIC FESTIVAL

Third String Festivals is proud to present the 10th Anniversary celebration of So What?! Music Festival taking place March 24th-26th in Grand Prairie, TX (just outside of Dallas, TX). To celebrate this occasion in the biggest way possible, they will be taking over multiple venues in Deep Ellum on Friday, March 24th to kick off the weekend and then bring some of the best names in the scene to AirHogs Stadium (formerly known as QuikTrip Park) on Saturday and Sunday (March 25th and 26th). Expect lots of 10 year album celebrations, including Mayday Parade’s A Lesson In Romantics, Envy on The Coast’s Lucy Gray, Forever The Sickest Kids’ Underdog Alma Mater, Four Year Strong’s Rise or Die Trying, Set Your Goals’ Mutiny, We The Kings’ We The Kings, and a special throwback performance by Never Shout Never! The Deep Ellum shows will feature intimate “secret shows” from some of the festivals headliners as well plenty of other bands!

Jo Harman’s “Exquisite” New Album People We Become Out Today

Award-winning British singer-songwriter Jo Harman’s second studio album People We Become is out today via Sands Foley Entertainment.

Recorded in Nashville with producer Fred Mollin (Billy Joel, Joe Cocker, Carly Simon, Jimmy Webb) the album features rock legend Michael McDonald on the first single “When We Were Young.”

“Jo Harman is yet another example of the rich lineage of great female soul singers to come from Great Britain,” McDonald recently told American Songwriter. “To be counted among these supremely talented women you have to really have it ‘goin’ on,’ which she surely does! It was my great privilege to work with her.”
BETTY WHO RELEASES NEW SINGLE “SOME KINDA WONDERFUL”

Critically acclaimed pop artist, Betty Who, releases her new single entitled “Some Kinda Wonderful” off of her forthcoming sophomore album The Valley, which is available for pre-order today and set for release on March 24, 2017 via RCA Records. “Some Kinda Wonderful” is available now at all digital retail providers.

Bob Marley’s Grandson Jo Mersa U.S. Tour + New Single

Jo Mersa, the eldest son of Stephen Marley and grandson of Bob Marley, joins the Compton-born Samoan reggae artist J Boog on the road. The 2017 U.S. tour goes full circle, kicking off this week in California and spanning over 30 cities across the nation before its return back to the Golden State. See dates below.

Mersa will tour in support of his brand new single “Private Beach Party” (out Jan 13, Ghetto Youths International) off the All Natural Riddim compilation, produced by Stephen Marley and slated for Jan 27 release. Mersa is also slated to release his full-length debut later this year.

LargeUp Premiere: Listen to Jo Mersa’s “Private Beach Party”

PHOEBE RYAN RELEASES NEW SONG “DARK SIDE”

Columbia Records indie-pop artist Phoebe Ryan has released her new track “Dark Side” today. Serving as a fresh new sound for the singer, the song was written and produced by Elof Loelv & Jason Gill and is available today via the above platforms. “Dark Side” follows Phoebe’s recent feature on The Chainsmokers’ Gold-certified track “All We Know.” Classified by Billboard as “a sun-drop beat drenched in [Phoebe’s] saccharine singing,” “All We Know” has spent 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and accumulated over 80 Million combined streams to date.

Alex Midi releases official video for “Bizarre Love Triangle” feat. Giang Pham

Shot in Mexico City and Los Angeles, the official video for Alex Midi’s cover of New Order’s “Bizarre Love Triangle” is a whimsical portrayal of love and longing. In the video, Midi goes through life with a fictional paramour by his side, a plastic doll that serves as a symbol of love in an age of superficiality and self-absorption. Will the main character come to his senses and realize he’s in love with an illusion, or will he continue to live content in the lie? Watch the video now and find out.

LEWIS DEL MAR VIDEO FOR “SUCH SMALL SCENES” OUT NOW

Rockaway Beach based band Lewis Del Mar has announced a headline tour in support of their self-titled debut album. Following their current 25 date run in support of Young The Giant, the headline tour will kick off on April 19 in Burlington, VT with stops at Brooklyn’s Music Hall of Williamsburg, Chicago’s Thalia Hall, Washington D.C.’s U Street Music Hall and Los Angeles’ El Rey among others. See full list of tour dates below – additional dates to be announced in the coming weeks.

Alesso Unleashes First Single of ’17 – “Falling”

Platinum recording artist Alesso has unveiled his brand new single ‘Falling’, available now via Def Jam. The track, co-written by Alesso, is his first single since 2016’s ‘Take My Breath Away’.

‘Falling’ sees Alesso progress his sound in an intimate and soulful direction, with references to the many early house classics that inspired him.

FINDLAY Drops Mesmerizing “Electric Bones”

A cat scratching in her throat, full of banter and insolent, tearing cracks through nature, Natalie Findlay has arrived with her debut album Forgotten Pleasures, out March 3 via The End Records/BMG and available now for pre-order.

Findlay is joined on Forgotten Pleasures by producer Jules Apollinaire on guitar/keys, Ben Simon on guitar, and Christina Lamas on drums. The album also sees a collaboration with Carl Barat of the Libertines, as well as producers Jake Gosling (The Libertines, Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes) and Flood (Nick Cave, Depeche Mode, Smashing Pumpkins, U2, The Killers).

ZARA LARSSON’s HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM

Epic Records/Ten’s 19-year old worldwide mega-platinum sensation Zara Larsson, named one of TIME magazine’s “30 Most Influential Teens of 2016,” will release her new album SO GOOD on March 17th. Pre-orders start today. The new album is jet propelled by the brand new single “So Good” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, which is gathering momentum at Top 40 and Rhythm radio formats since it impacted last week.

The “So Good” video premieres today at VEVO, where Zara has over 1.2 billion views, and over 3 million subscribers. Zara will introduce the song when she returns to Ellen on February 7th.

MOLLY KATE KESTNER RELEASES “PROM QUEEN”

APG/Atlantic singer-songwriter Molly Kate Kestner today released her latest track, “Prom Queen.” Praised by Galore as “edgy and brooding,” the song evokes an emotional narrative via Kestner’s powerful lyrics reminding us to not be so quick to judge as everyone battles their own demons. The song is highlighted as one of Apple Music’s “Best of the Week” and on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” playlist today.

Molly Kate Kestner Wants You To Look Past The “Prom Queen” Façade

THE BEST OF MARC ALMOND AND SOFT CELL

As a youngster growing up in Southport, Merseyside, Marc Almond was immersed in the magical world of the 3-minute single. Tuning in to Radio Caroline, Radio Luxembourg and a weekly fix of Top Of The Pops acted as catalysts for the aspiring singer’s dreams and ambitions. The 45-rpm single was king, and Marc Almond worshipped at its throne. Marc had always aspired to become a great singles artist; he wanted to follow in the footsteps of two of his heroes, David Bowie and Scott Walker in turning the single into an art form. He achieved exactly that when Tainted Love rocketed to the top of the UK chart in September 1981 (and became the biggest selling single of the year), commencing a singles chart love affair that has played a huge part in Marc’s 40 + year career and has seen him shift in excess of 30 million sales.

Sallie Ford Premieres ‘Soul Sick’ exclusively via Paste Magazine

Portland, OR-based Sallie Ford premieres her new album Soul Sick exclusively today via PASTE Magazine – a week in advance of the official release on February 10th.

Fans can pre-order the album now on iTunes and Amazon. With each order, fans receive an instant download of “Failure”, the single “Get Out” and “Middle Child.”

Loud Luxury & Ryan Shepherd “Something To Say”

Toronto based producers Loud Luxury and Ryan Shepherd join forces for their collaboration “Something To Say,” out now via AFTR:HRS. Taking a deep house approach to Craig David’s hit “Fill Me In,” the record incorporates soothing vocals over a mellow bassline. Since it’s release as part of Tiësto’s hand-picked AFTR:HRS Compilation, “Something To Say” has gained tremendous support from world renowned DJs including the likes of Martin Garrix, Oliver Heldens and reached #1 on Spotify Global Viral chart.

Stream the debut album from Hand Habits now via Hype Machine

“Meg Duffy, aka Hand Habits, is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Upstate New York. She has been putting her time in on the road and in the studio over the past two years with pacific northwest band Mega Bog, and the Kevin Morby Band, making an impression on everyone she comes across with her natural charisma and uncharted talent as a multi-instrumentalist. But let Wildly Idle (Humble Before The Void) be her open invitation to the world to step inside and take a much deeper look into who Duffy actually is.

Eric Church breaks ground with very first ticketed, full-length virtual reality concert

Nashville’s “wild card” (Billboard) is taking his “expertly crafted show” (Rolling Stone) to a whole new level by offering fans a full-length concert experience via vantage.tv’s virtual reality experience. The concert, that features Church’s headlining performance from Stagecoach, offers 180 and 360-degree views from the audience and the stage itself using an eight-camera set up along with immersive audio allowing fans to feel as though they’re rocking with The Chief right there at the festival. This on-demand experience can be purchased by fans here and watched on their iPhone or Android phone via Google Cardboard, or Samsung Gear VR.

Fans will be immersed in the music as Church plays his biggest hits like 3x Platinum-certified “Springsteen” and Platinum-certified favorite, “Creepin,” as well as songs off his latest album Mr. Misunderstood including his recent No. 1 hit “Record Year” and “Knives of New Orleans.” With the experience, fans will even be part of a moment, true to Church’s rowdy show, where the crowd threw their boots on stage for Church during his performance of the famous, “These Boots.”

Emancipator’s Loci Records Unveils Thoma’s Self-titled Debut Album

A bastion for musical creativity, Loci Records and label boss Emancipator have established a reputation for discovering and nurturing some of the finest experimental producers in the world. The latter half of 2016 saw Emancipator and a trio of Loci Records signees Edamame, Tor, and Lapa spread their sound and style across the country to a number of sold-out venues in major markets like NYC, Denver, Vancouver, & more.

Roadkill Ghost Choir EP Youth Etcetera Vol. 1 Out Today

DeLand, Florida’s Roadkill Ghost Choir has released False Youth Etcetera; the first of two EP’s in 2017. Volume 2 due out in the Spring, and a full-length album incorporating both is planned for the summer.

The band recently released the “Classics (Die Young,)” and the Tom Petty-esque folk rock infused tune gives every indication that this EP is not to be missed. The song is the perfect soundtrack for any self-reflective road trip, or just a quiet winter afternoon in. Check out the instantly addicting track here.

GRIFFIN OSKAR’S DEBUT EP HOSTAGE OUT NOW

Griffin Oskar has released his debut EP, Hostage along with the single and title track of the same name. Even before its official release, “Hostage” has once already become an international hit. Last year, the popular Danrell remix of the demo version of “Hostage” racked up a staggering 6 million-plus Soundcloud plays, and an unofficial Spotify upload generated over 7.2 million streams, placing the remix at #1 on the US Viral and Global Viral Charts.

K.FLAY’S ALBUM “EVERY WHERE IS SOME WHERE” SET TO RELEASE APRIL 7TH

K.Flay will release her second full-length album — entitled Every Where Is Some Where — on April 7th on Night Street / Interscope Records. A brand-new song from the album, “Black Wave,” is available today for digital download and streaming via all participating digital retailers. Watch the lyric video HERE.

CID RELEASES NEW SINGLE “SECRETS” WITH CONRAD SEWELL

Grammy award-winning producer and DJ CID is kicking off 2017 with a new single and collaboration with Australian Singer/Songwriter Conrad Sewell. “Secrets” is out today via Big Beat Records and comes as the first look into his forthcoming EP due out later this year. CID’s emotive new single is paired with an powerful new music video to match.

CID shares, “For ‘Secrets,’ I really wanted to make something that at the core was a real song, but would still work in the club. Conrad Sewell was someone I had been wanting to work with for a while, and once we were able to join up on this song, I instantly knew he was the perfect voice for it. “Secrets” tells a story of a lover hit with hardships but despite tough times, they’ll still always be there to keep their promises to their partner. Very excited for this one and we can’t wait for all our fans to hear it.”

Brandyn Burnette: New Single 10 Million Plus Spotify Stream Artist

Burnette’s new single “Escape” off of the upcoming EP Feature Films is one of his most anticipated to date. Blending soulfully dark vocals, deep beats and bright pysch rock guitar, “Escape” showcases Burnette’s unique progressive pop soul sound.

F.O.D. Announce New Album ‘Harvest’

F.O.D. have announced they will release their new album Harvest on February 7, 2017 through Bird Attack Records. You can pre-order the album on clear or black vinyl, CD, or digitally through Bandcamp.

Head over to Bandcamp now to stream the first three singles “Crew You,” “American” and “Act Of Consecration.”