SKOPE NEWS FOR DECEMBER 22, 2015

“METAPHYSICAL” REMIXED

Following the announcement of their first official North American headlining Metaphysical Tour and their signing to influential label Counter Records, Autograf mark the end of their highlight year with an official remix package for their hit single, “Metaphysical.”

Out now, the package features an electro-infused remix from Fehrplay alongside a house inspired interpretation from Teenage Mutants; a varied spectrum of musicality, with each artist bringing their unique and personal touch to the record while keeping the important message behind it intact. Both acts have chalked up support from across the house and trance spectrum with releases and remixes on the influential; Mau5trap, Anjuna, Armada, Axtone, Suara and Moonboutique to name but a few.

EXTRAPERLO NEW SINGLE

A first glimpse into Extraperlo’s new album Chill Aquí is here. Algo Distinto [Something Different] describes ‘the feeling of being bored with the familiarity of a city that doesn’t quite fulfill your expectations anymore, bringing about the search for something new and exciting as a necessity’. This track gleams with energy and nostalgia, it’s an uplifting dance with an optimistic climax. A sophisticated trail into the oasis every city hides, an oasis of chill.

BRANTLEY GILBERT DOES GOOD FOR TOYS FOR TOTS

Brantley Gilbert may be a hardcore songwriter/performer, but he understands what Christmas means to kids – and how hard the holidays can be for families in transition. The Georgia-born and –raised Gilbert has also been an outspoken supporter of United States servicemen, so it should come as no surprise that as Christmas approaches, he’s teamed with Toys for Tots and leading producer of children’s coloring, activities and educational books Bendon, Incorporated for an unprecedented $10,500,000 donation this season.

“Bendon’s books include Batman, Superman, Clifford the Dog, Disney, Peanuts and My Little Pony,” says Gilbert. “And those are just a few of the books for children of all ages. Whether they’re into Barbie or Stars Wars, there are coloring books, sticker books – and even Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn. It’s the kind of gift that’s both fun and helps kids learn, and I’m honored the folks at Bendon understood why I wanted to work with them for this donation to Toys for Tots. For some children, this may be most of or all the Christmas they’ll have this year, and this gift helps them grow as well as play.”

http://toysfortots.org/default.aspx

R. KELLY’S ‘THE BUFFET’ DEBUTS AT #1 R&B ALBUM AND R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS CHARTS

R. Kelly, the three-time Grammy Award winner, multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter and producer, enters at #1 on both the Billboard R&B Albums and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts with The Buffet. This chart entry mark’s Kelly’s thirteenth consecutive debut at either #1 or #2 on the R&B Albums chart.

The Buffet, R. Kelly’s 13th solo studio album, includes his hit summer jam “Backyard Party,” ”Wake Up Everybody,” “Switch Up” featuring Lil Wayne and Jeremih, “Marching Band” featuring Juicy J and more. The album boasts additional features from music’s hottest new artists Ty Dolla $ign, Tinashe and Jhené Aiko.

http://thebuffet.r-kelly.com/

“I’LL BE STONED FOR CHRISTMAS”

Just in time to soundtrack your own disillusionment with Christmas week, Dent May shares the music video for his Holiday classic-in-the-making, “I’ll Be Stoned For Christmas” today via High Times, naturally.

http://www.hightimes.com/read/video-premiere-dent-mays-ill-be-stoned-christmas

BRANDYN BURNETTE “DOWN”

At the age when most are trying to figure out what to be when they grow up, Brandyn Burnette is quickly becoming a musical force to be reckoned with. The young singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has already put a formidable stamp on the industry with his uniquely infectious blend of pop and soul.

http://www.themusicninja.com/brandyn-burnette-down-tmn-video-premiere/

LIFESTREAM “GHOST”

Just in time for the holidays, the alternative metal group Lifestream has released their new music video for the song “Ghost”. The band from Rome teamed up with HM Magazine for the release, which is a stand-alone single and a follow-up to their debut EP.

“This song was a big step forward for us since our last EP and it opened a new road to us,” says vocalist Matteo Zattini. “Now we’re ready to make it even better.”

HM EXCLUSIVE: Lifestream premieres new music video for ‘Ghost’

CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN RELEASE VIDEO FOR “GILBERT’S GROOVE”

Circles Around The Sun, the band assembled by guitarist Neal Casal to create the set break music at The Grateful Dead’s Fare Thee Well concerts this summer, has released a video for “Gilbert’s Groove.” Directed by Mark Wiitanen and premiered last week by Yahoo Music, the clip captures the sprawling and majestic psychedelia which drives the music.

https://rising.yahoo.com/post/135263557368/video-premiere-circles-around-the-sun-debut

DON MOEN HELPS MANNY PACQUIAO CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY IN THE PHILIPPINES

World-renowned worship leader Don Moen was the special guest performer at the birthday party for famed boxer Manny Pacquiao last week. At the request of Pacquiao, Moen and band flew from the United States to Pacquiao’s home in General Santos, Philippines where he presented a private concert for the birthday of the famed boxer. The invitation-only gathering was held at the KCC Convention Centre. Pacquiao, a strong Christian believer, has been a fan of Moen’s music for quite some time and the pair formed a friendship just a few years ago during one of Moen’s concert tours in the Philippines.

http://donmoen.com/

TEMPEST RISING ‘KNOW MY NAME’

KNOW MY NAME Engineered and mixed by Simon Mitchell (Chaos Divine) and mastered by Forrester Savell (Shihad), the recording process was a cathartic one for the band after spending most of this year crafting a new body of work. Led by powerhouse front-man Vin Trikeriotis who sings, screams and growls his way through five minutes of intense musicianship, ‘KNOW MY NAME’ may remind listeners of legendary vocalists in the realm of Korn, Lamb of God and Killswitch Engage.

TAYLOR SWIFT TO MAKE WORLD PREMIERE OF HER NEW MUSIC VIDEO “OUT OF THE WOODS” DURING “DICK CLARK’S NEW YEAR’S ROCKIN’ EVE WITH RYAN SEACREST 2016”

Singer, songwriter Taylor Swift, is set to release the world premiere of her new music video “Out of the Woods” during ABC’s telecast of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2016.” The sixth music video off of 1989, Swift’s Grammy nominated Album of the Year, will debut to millions of fans worldwide during the New Year’s Celebration. The full evening will include over 38 performances and 5 ½ hours of music. America’s biggest celebration of the year will take place on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the ABC Television Network.

@taylorswift13

SELENA GOMEZ RELEASES THE VIDEO FOR “HANDS TO MYSELF”

Multi-platinum singer and actress Selena Gomez wraps up an incredible year for her by releasing a sexy video for the new single “Hands to Myself” today on Apple Music and selenagomez.com. The video, directed by Alek Keshishian (Madonna: Truth or Dare) can be viewed HERE.

https://www.selenagomez.com/handstomyself

MOST WATCHED VIDEOS 2015

ZUUS Media just released its “Most Watched Videos of 2015” collection with the top 5 viewed listed below. Do you have interest in embedding the playlist in any year-end coverage you have in the mix or featuring on your social media channels?

1. Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud”
2. Taylor Swift – “Style”
3. Maroon 5 – “Sugar”
4. Mark Ronson – “Uptown Funk”
5. Hozier – “Take Me To Church”

Other artists this year include One Direction, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Fetty Wap, Wiz Khalifa, Paramore and more!

http://www.zuus.com/videos/most-watched-2015

THE 7TH ANNUAL T-BOIS BLUES FESTIVAL IN LAROSE, LA, MARCH 17-19, 2016

The 7th annual T-Bois Blues Festival will be held on Thursday, March 17th through Saturday, March 19th on T-Bois Farm in Larose, Louisiana, just a little over an hour Southwest of New Orleans. This intimate, family-run festival will present a variety of acclaimed artists and offer primitive-style tent camping on this beautifully groomed alligator and crawfish farm nestled in 2,000 acres of marshland in rural Louisiana. This event, open to patrons of all ages, has attracted music fans from over 2 dozen states, U.K., Germany, Canada and more.

http://tboisbluesfestival.com/

JE SUNDE NEW VIDEO

“Directed by Zach Johnston of PHOX (with whom Sunde has toured in the past), the video is upbeat but eerie, and has a couple of super Wes Anderson-aesthetic moments (gotta love that symmetry).” – Paste Magazine

http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/12/je-sunde-hickory-point-in-the-fall.html

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN & “FABULOUS” FORUM NAMED 2015 TOP GROSSING ARENAS IN U.S.

New York’s Madison Square Garden and Southern California’s “Fabulous” Forum were named No. 1 and No. 2 top U.S. Arenas respectively by Billboard magazine in their 2015 year-end rankings. Results were based on box office revenues with a capacity greater than 15,000. For the period of December 6, 2014 through November 28, 2015, Madison Square Garden staged 120 shows with a total gross exceeding $130,000,000, and the Forum grossed more than $62,000,000 with 76 shows held. Both iconic venues are owned and operated by The Madison Square Garden Company.

“We could not be more proud of the success of our venues over the past year and specifically that Madison Square Garden and the Forum rank as the top two grossing venues in the country,” said Doc O’Connor, president and chief executive officer, The Madison Square Garden Company. “Our venues continually host the hottest shows on tour as well as unique, one-of-a-kind residencies, like “Billy Joel at The Garden,” that can only be seen in our venues. Both MSG and the Forum firmly anchor The Madison Square Garden Company as the leader in live entertainment, in the two most important cities in the country for music.”

http://www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com/

RUDIMENTAL SHARE “LAY IT ALL ON ME” ACOUSTIC

RUDIMENTAL share a very special acoustic performance of their massive single “Lay It All On Me” filmed in Hackney Wick, London, during rehearsals for their huge We The Generation World Tour.

KANDI CARES HELPS OUT SINGLE MOMS

Over the weekend, Kandi Burruss’ foundation Kandi Cares presented “A Baby’s First Baby Shower” event for 10 single expecting mothers or mothers with children less than 3 months old. She partnered on the event with Cakes by Tatyana, Black Celeb Giving, The Mark Venue and Express Smile Atlanta. The ladies were treated with bottles, diapers, wipes, high chairs and $500.00 cash on behalf of her Kandi Cares. In attendance at the event included: Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Chanita Foster – Director of Kandi Cares, Jasmine Crowe – Black Celeb Giving, Kaela Tucker, DonJuan Clark (General Manager of Kandi Koated Entertainment), Joyce Jones (Kandi’s Mother), DJ Yung Kendro, Tammi Pha and more.

Photos:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hrjb9912hx9dqr4/AAD26M96WohwmzRE1Md3kq1ea?oref=e&n=53173286#

SOUTHERN END NEW SINGLE

Newcastle band Southern End, formed in early March 2014 with members Patrick McBeath on lead vocals/rhythm guitar, Aidan Liddle on lead guitar, Duncan Brown on Drums/percussion and Andrew Gray on bass guitar and backing vocals. After getting together in high school through similar influences, they decided to jam out a few of their favourite songs and have since then written and recorded many songs.

MATT COSTA ANNOUNCES JANUARY 15, 2016 RELEASE FOR ‘LIVE IN LONDON’

Today MATT COSTA announces a January 15, 2016 release date for LIVE IN LONDON. The three-song single is the fourth release in a series of five different EP’s that Costa is writing, recording, and self-releasing, each unique in style, approach, and concept.

“I love the idea of releasing new songs for the first time with a live recording,” commented Costa. “As a music fan, some of my favorite recordings have been live; no studio trickery, no time to over-evaluate, just get up and sing your song and when the result has a little magic in it then you’ve got it. Often times I sit at home or in some god forsaken bar or wherever and write a song and then suddenly what’s special is lost, the idea remains, but the spontaneity disappears in the vastness of time and space. These three songs were recorded the first night they were ever sung on stage, this is how I remember them and this is how they will stay, Live at the Hammersmith Apollo in London.”

http://mattcosta.com/

RON POPE + THE NIGHTHAWKS’ VIDEO FOR “HOTEL ROOM”

In Baeble’s words, “If gorgeous narrative-driven folk is in your wheelhouse, we’re hard pressed to name a song better suited to get that job done than ‘Hotel Room’…the track itself is a slow-burning folk stunner…If you love folk storytellers as much as we do, you can’t miss this.” The self-titled, debut album is out on January 8 on Pope’s own label Brooklyn Basement Records.

http://www.baeblemusic.com/musicblog/12-16-2015/baeble-first-play-the-intimate-folk-nostalgia-of-ron-pope-and-the-nighthawks.html

AIRIA “SPIRITS”

If ever there were a trap tune that was primed and ready for the holiday season, it’s this one. Deep in overall sound with accents of sleigh bell-tinged high ends, Airia’s “Spirits” is a track that bears a strong winter flavor that doesn’t sacrifice itself to try-hard territory. Play this one for your cousin who wants to know all about your crazy music tastes or your grandparent who is still yung at heart.

HIGH HOPES REVEAL ANIMATED STREAM FOR “THE GREATER PLAN”

England’s HIGH HOPES have partnered with New Noise Magazine to bring you an animated stream for “The Greater Plan,” a track featuring an appearance by The Color Morale frontman Garret Rapp. The song comes from their upcoming release Sights & Sounds, available everywhere February 5th, 2016.

http://newnoisemagazine.com/song-premiere-high-hopes-the-greater-plan-ft-garret-rapp/

GUY VALARINO “OCEANS”

The 5-track ‘Oceans’ recording is supported by his recent oversubscribed Pledge campaign, and an exclusive stream by Gibraltarian broadband provider U-mee – he’s also soundtracking their Christmas advert. The title track/lead single, Guy’s most indie-folk influenced and urgent yet, was released on the same day.

G-EAZY “SAD BOY”

G-Eazy gets the animated treatment in his new video for “Sad Boy”. The video, with illustrations provided by Joonbug and animation handled by Applebutter Animated, comes fresh off his celebrated sophomore album When It’s Dark Out which debuted and is spending its second week at #1 on Billboard’s R&B / Hip Hop Chart and Top Rap Albums Chart.

http://smarturl.it/SADBOYvideo