SKOPE NEWS FOR MAY 23, 2016

ELK & MAMMOTH NEW EP

Four-piece indie rock outfit Elk + Mammoth are stoked to announce the release of their debut EP, Culprit, with the single “Shiver” (recorded and produced by James Clark) out now (and…streaming on Unearthed, or available for download… and so on).

Described as like a funky Lynchian dream, Culprit combines sinister staccato vocals and guitar riffs that could have been lifted straight out of the original Twin Peaks soundtrack. The result is both playful and unsettling, but be warned, the groove is infectious and side-effects may include drinking coffee black as midnight on a moonless night.

TASTE ANNOUNCE ‘I AM GOD’ SINGLE AND VIDEO

Reformed ’70s rock legends TASTE have revealed their epic new single I Am God, alongside an apocalyptic film clip by acclaimed Australian director Clayton Jacobson (Kenny, Animal Kingdom). The group has also announced that their highly anticipated new album Life On Earth will be released on May 27. The band will embark on a national tour to support the release, kicking off at Brisbane’s Crowbar on July 1, moving through Adelaide’s Fowlers Live on July 9, Sydney’s Frankie’s Pizzeria on July 14 and finishing up with a show at Melbourne’s iconic Corner Hotel on July 16.

The exhilarating and thunderous I Am God demonstrates a maturity that only 40 years in the industry can provide. The explosive vocals, stark guitar harmonies and head-banging solos are all informed by the bands’ combined experience in the hard rock and jazz worlds. While composing the fiery tune, lead vocalist and keyboardist Ken Murdoch drew inspiration from an imagined dystopia, “I wrote the song based on a short story I’d written imagining life on Earth as The Sims game, played out by a not-so-benevolent God using events and disasters as ways of amusement. He plays…we pay.”

PUFF DADDY AND THE FAMILY ELECTRIFY SOLD-OUT BROOKLYN CROWD

PUFF DADDY AND THE BAD BOY FAMILY reigned supreme over the Brooklyn stage this weekend at Barclays Center, showcasing over 20 years of Bad Boy history with a star-studded lineup that included FAITH EVANS, LIL’ KIM, MASE, THE LOX, FRENCH MONTANA, TOTAL, 112 and MARIO WINANS. Puff Daddy came out of the gate swinging, with a booming performance of “Victory” featuring the vocals of The Notorious B.I.G. and a guest appearance by Busta Rhymes that brought the sold-out crowd to their feet. Also joining the celebration were special guests JAY Z and MARY J BLIGE, as well as surprise guests USHER, RICK ROSS, CASSIE, BLACK ROB, DMX, FABOLOUS, 2 MILLY, CARL THOMAS, DESIIGNER, STEVIE J and BUSTA RHYMES.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xigzqi0l1k15r7i/3RN_BADBOYREUNION_D2_WEB.mp4?dl=0

GOTH “ONLY ONE” VIDEO

“Only One”, the new video from Portuguese/American heavy metal act G.O.T.H. can be seen below. It was filmed during G.O.T.H.’s US tour in March-April and features the band performing live along with shots of them hanging out backstage, fans getting the band’s logo inked on their skin and talking about why they love the band.

“Only One”, is the first single out of G.O.T.H.’s self-titled album, due worldwide on June 17th via Musicarchy Media. The band’s sound is a blend of 80s hard rock, HIM, Evanescence, Lacuna Coil.

ALICIA KEYS MUSIC VIDEO FOR ‘IN COMMON’

Fifteen-time Grammy® Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer, Alicia, is back with the release of a brand new single ‘In Common.’ The track is available now across all digital platforms (impact date 24 June).

The video, Directed by Pierre Debusschere, is shot in black and white and reflects her NYC roots and hip-hop culture while blending her perspective of the raw humanity of the world. It celebrates individuality, but also looks at how we are all just human and want the same things – love, freedom and to be true to ourselves.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE “2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS”

The “2016 Billboard Music Awards,” hosted by hip-hop artist and actor Ludacris, and TV host and international music sensation Ciara, was a must-watch night of show-stopping musical performances and exclusive television premieres from today’s hottest artists. Ludacris and Ciara’s long-standing friendship was evident as the pair’s hosting chemistry was on full display, creating some of the most buzzworthy moments of the show, which aired live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT on ABC. For the first time in Billboard Music Awards history, viewers on the West Coast were able to watch the show live with the rest of the country, allowing fans to interact like never before.

http://www.billboardmusicawards.com/

RAY SARGENT INTRODUCES HIMSELF WITH DEBUT TRACK

From the first drop, ‘Honest’ identifies itself as an instant dance-floor filler. Opening with smooth euphoric chords, the melody combines with detailed percussion to create a dreamy introduction to Sargent’s sound. This leads into a sensual but hard hitting (honest) vocal, which is taken from Arianna Grande’s ‘One Last Time’.

JORDAN RAKEI NEW SINGLE

Today, New Zealand born, Brisbane raised, and now London based Jordan Rakei is sharing his incredible new single ‘Blame It On The Youth’.

Alongside the new single, Rakei is also sharing a documentary ‘Uncloaked’ – which explores the creative process behind his forthcoming debut album, ‘Cloak’ – out June 3rd.

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND’S MAY 27 SHOW IN CHARLOTTE, NC WILL BENEFIT ORGANIZATIONS DEFENDING EQUALITY

A portion of the proceeds from Dave Matthews Band’s May 27 concert at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC will be donated via the band’s Bama Works Fund to five charitable organizations: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Lambda Legal, ACLU of North Carolina, Equality NC, and Time Out Youth. Dave Matthews Band identified these organizations with the assistance of NC Needs You, an organization that encourages artists to keep their dates in North Carolina in order to bring awareness and resources to the fight for equality in response to House Bill 2.

http://www.ncneedsyou.com/

GLIMMERMEN RELEASE VIDEO FOR “BANG”

Breakin’ Out touches on many themes, primarily the importance of being in the moment, the right now. Life can be tricky. Life can dictate a narrative for you if you let it. Don’t let it! Songs are delivered with a wry smile and at times lonesome clarity.

Recorded in ‘The Meadow’ in Wicklow by The Deaf Brothers at the beginning of 2016, this record is sure to enhance your summer. These nine new songs see Dublin’s Glimmermen expand on their core guitar, bass, and drums line-up, adding brass arrangements to embellish the stripped-back sound of their critically acclaimed debut I’m Dead (2013). The result is a more accessible album, while still retaining the distinctive cutting edge of their live shows.

LOYLE CARNER NEW VIDEO

Off the back of headlining the VEVO stage at this year’s The Great Escape festival, Loyle Carner unveils a moving part-animated video for latest single ‘Stars & Shards’, which has been directed by Bafta Winner Anna Ginsburg (Bombay Bicycle Club). Anna on the video: “It was a wonderful challenge trying to visualise the fast paced narrative of the verses using hand drawn animation. ”

SURVIVING THE ERA NEW VIDEO

Sacramento, California based Alternative Rock band Surviving The Era have released the official music video for their track “Queen Of The Sea” (originally premiering with PureGrainAudio) from their upcoming Sophomore release Parallex (out June 18th). The album was produced and engineered by Dryw (Drew) Owens of Little Russia Recordings, and the band’s CD release party will take place at Sacramento’s “First Festival” on June 18th, 2016 at Southside Park in Downtown Sacramento.

http://puregrainaudio.com/videos/surviving-the-era-unveil-music-video-for-new-song-queen-of-the-sea-exclusive-premiere

CALICO JONEZ RELEASES “LEAVING THIS CLUB” FEATURING SNOOP DOGG AND DAVID GRAY

Consistency, dedication and determination are what to expect from Calico Jonez of SODMG / Swishgang. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, his new single “Leaving This Club” featuring Hip Hop veteran Snoop Dogg and newcomer David Gray, a R&B & Pop singer/songwriter from Mount Vernon, New York and the most recent artist to sign with “SWISHGANG”. The Track is produced by The Nominees and is set to impress as it illustrates finding love in the club and treating your lady to the finer things.

http://indy.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/39657/calico-jonez-louboutin.html

BIG SEAN TOURING EUROPE WITH RIHANNA

Following the critical success of Twenty88, a musical collaboration with R&B artist Jhené Aiko, global superstar Big Sean will be joining Rihanna and DJ Mustard on a live tour across Europe and performing at festivals including V, Pukkelpop and Wireless over Summer.

Big Sean has an undisputed reputation as one of the best performers and artists of his generation, blending pop and hip hop seamlessly to create chart topping hits with the likes of Kanye West, Drake, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown.

https://www.facebook.com/uknowbigsean

NOT BLOOD PAINT PREMIERE “PLAY NICE”

Theatrically vivid and sonically intense, Brooklyn anomaly Not Blood Paint have debuted “Play Nice”. Premiering exclusively with Purevolume, the spell-binding alt-rock tune “has the flair and confidence of a band that’s been together for nearly a decade” and offers another taste of the group’s next collection of shape-shifting narratives, Believing Is Believing, out June 17.

http://www.purevolume.com/news/PREMIERE-Not-Blood-Paint-Play-Nice

MALE GAZE PREMIERE FRANTIC, ENERGETIC “BAD OMENS” VIA AUSTIN TOWN HALL

New track “Bad Omens” has just premiered via Austin Town Hall, who say, “[this track] is a perfect way to kick off your weekend in a frantic and energetic way. Seriously, this band always seems to play at such a fast pace but also play everything with perfect timing and superb musicianship.”

Track Premiere: Male Gaze

COMPTON RAPPER THE GAME TO STAR IN A&E NETWORK’S THREE-PART DOCUMENTARY SERIES + “ROPED OFF”

Following the success of his star studded chart topping double albums, The Documentary 2 and 2.5, hip-hop artist The Game will hit the small screen once again in A&E Networks’ 3-part docuseries about the history of Compton followed by the release of a new 11-track companion project of the same name. ‘Streets of Compton’ premieres parts one and two on Thursday, June 9 at 9PM & 10PM ET/PT and the third and final hour on Thursday, June 16 at 10PM ET/PT on A&E. The brand new docuseries will feature exclusive new music from The Game’s companion project, due out via Blood Money/Fifth Amendment/Entertainment One (eOne) on June 17.

GARBAGE RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “EMPTY”

Garbage (Shirley Manson, Steve Marker, Duke Erikson and Butch Vig) today released a new music video for their single “Empty” from their forthcoming album Strange Little Birds due out on June 10th on the band’s own STUNVOLUME Records. The video reunites the band with award-winning director Samuel Bayer who directed the group’s music videos for “Stupid Girl”, “Only Happy When It Rains”, and “Vow”.

JON BAP NEW SINGLE

Recently, rising label Fresh Selects unveiled Let It Happen – the new single from Buffalo, NY based one-man outfit, JON BAP – on their Soundcloud page. The single serves as the title track to Jon’s debut double EP, Let It Happen – which will see a release on May 27th via Fresh Selects. As well, JON BAP got to feature the single with IMPOSE, while also sitting down with them to discuss the Buffalo music scene and the free-flowing ethos behind the EP’s title.

http://www.imposemagazine.com/bytes/chatter/week-in-pop-homeboy-sandman-pastel-pax-the-henry-millers-jon-bap-luxley-dumb-waiter-greenova-south-fusilier-lil-donyel

GRIEVING SHARE NEW TRACK “MY FRIEND, THE GHOST”

Grieving are a new, unsigned band from Cambridge, playing direct, twisting art-punk. Their first demo was debuted by tastemakers The FADER last month and their second track – the raw, dual vocalled post-hardcore / 90’s indie-rock of “Ownership” – saw them pick up their first Radio 1 play from Dan P Carter.

Today they release another track in quick succession, premiering with Upset, the melodic, hooky “My Friend, The Ghost” that like previous material takes a sharp turn in the final third.

THE FALL OF TROY RELEASE NEW VERSION OF ‘OK’

Following on from the recent impromptu release of ‘OK’, the bands first album in seven years, The Fall Of Troy have now surprise released an entire alternative version of their latest album, which has been dubbed ‘OK#2’.

“1976”

Dion Lunadon has premiered the new video for B-side “1976” on Brooklyn Vegan. Directed by Ryan Ohm the video is made of of cultural touchstones of the subject year. Brooklyn Vegan notes that it “is a rapid fire collage that keeps pace with song, making for truly 1976-in-a-blender.” Along with the premiere, Lunadon announces new tour dates in NY and in the Midwest.

From cutting his teeth back home in New Zealand as a member of The D4 to his current role as bassist of Brooklyn-based A Place to Bury Strangers, Dion Lunadon has played in some form of a rock & roll band his entire life.

http://www.brooklynvegan.com/dion-lunadon-aptbs-releases-1976-singlevideo-opening-for-ex-cult-other-tour-dates/

BAND OF SKULLS LEAD SINGLE “BODIES”

Consequence of Sound recently premiered the album’s lead single “Bodies,” hailing “Band of Skulls rip and roar, the song a wily mix of clashing guitars, vocals that both rocket high and dip low, and an fierce chorus that is the sonic equivalent of being stared down by some imposing authority. Think a savage hybrid of Modest Mouse and Jack White.”

http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/05/band-of-skulls-premiere-rip-roaring-new-song-bodies-listen/

JERSEY CLUB PIONEER R3LL ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE “DOWN” FEAT. TOKYO’S BANVOX

Ahead of his highly anticipated sophomore EP, Visions, R3LL calls upon Japanese electro house prodigy Banvox for the second single “Down.” Recently world-premiered by Jamz Supernova on BBC Radio 1Xtra, the single sees the producers fuse their styles into one, pinning luminous vocals and a fluttering melody against the signature pumping Jersey Club beat that R3LL is known for.

GARY HOEY ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF ‘DUST & BONES’ VIA PROVOGUE / MASCOT LABEL GROUP ON JULY 29, 2016

Gary Hoey will release his Provogue / Mascot Label Group debut DUST & BONES on July 29th. Looking towards his 20th album release Hoey shares, “This is where I belong—playing this ferocious blend of blues and rock music. My last album, Deja Blues, proved to myself that I could play authentic blues, and now that I feel more at home there, I felt it was time to mix my favorite guitar styles into something seamless, organic, and powerful.”

Released through Mascot Label Group, Dust & Bones showcases Hoey’s Fender Stratocaster-driven fury alongside open-D-tuned resonator guitars plugged into half-stacks. The massive sonic attack was essential for paying sincere and appropriate homage to some of Hoey’s influences, such as Johnny Winter (“Steamroller”), Robin Trower (“This Time Tomorrow”), and Brian Setzer (“Who’s Your Daddy”), as well as a thrill-a-minute mash up of Robert Johnson meets Led Zeppelin (“Boxcar Blues”). There’s also a classic power ballad (“Coming Home”) where Lita Ford sings a duet with Hoey.

http://garyhoey.com/

TIGERLILY NEW SINGLE

As the weather heats up so does Tigerlily’s rising stardom with the release of her new single “Whenever I’m With You.” Combining shades of tropical house with relaxing melodies and keys, seamlessly come together with the track’s quixotic tones to form the perfect track to bring us into the summer season.

http://umusi.cc/WIWY

SULFUR CITY PREMIERES NEW “TALKING LOUD” ALBUM VIA HUFFINGTON POST

“Fronted by electric washboard-toting powerhouse Lori Paradis, Ontario band Sulfur City have unleashed a speaker-shredding blues-rock tornado with Talking Loud, which sits beautifully with labelmates the Black Keys but also harbours an intoxicating, multi-hued diversity.” – CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/chats-with-barenaked-ladies-ed-robertson-wpremiere_us_573a8399e4b07a3866046392

LUXLEY “TREMORS”

Hailing from New Orleans and lead by Ryan Gray, Luxley arrives with the fresh single, “Tremors,” exclusively premiering on Impose Magazine.

With a sound that is self-described as wildfire dance rock, Luxley combines anthemic dance elements with pop-aesthetics, all tied together with a southern soul. Taking cues from acts like Tanlines, Brothertiger and Beat Connection, Luxley has been featured twice on Spotify’s New Music & Weekend Buzz playlists and charted 5 days on the Spotify US Top 50 Viral chart. Gearing up to drop a new EP this Spring which features official remixes from acts like X-Ambassadors and Magic Man, the Luxley’s funky take on alternative-pop is set to top your playlists. It’s the totally perfect soundtrack for warmer days that lead into never-ending nights.

https://soundcloud.com/luxleymusic/tremors

NEON INDIAN COVERS PRINCE

Pitchfork TV invited Neon Indian to cover a Prince song for them, and in turn Neon Indian’s Alan Palomo invited a bunch of his friends to join him in the studio for a rousing version of “Pop Life” including Kristin Kontrol (aka Dee Dee of Dum Dum Girls), Holy Ghost!, Young Ejecta, Adeline of Escort, Hannah Cohen, Xenia Rubinos and Midnight Magic.

http://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/premiere_cairobi_lupo1/

IMIURU ‘TOUCH U’

Out now on Brobot Records is another Junior Sanchez release, under his IMIURU moniker. The four-track Touch U EP features the original title track by IMIURU, an instrumental version, as well as two remixes by Jesse Rose. Each rendition runs the gamut of the house music spectrum with IMIURU’s iteration favoring upbeat vocals while Jesse Rose’s offerings taking a darker, more-analog tone.

MARC E. BASSY PREMIERES MUSIC VIDEO FOR “YOU & ME” FEATURING G-EAZY ON MTV

MARC E. BASSY just released the highly anticipated music video for his buzzworthy single “You & Me” [feat. G-Eazy] on MTV.

http://www.vevo.com/watch/USUV71601182

CYMBALS EAT GUITARS NEW SINGLE

“We wanted to make a more energetic record. I personally looked to artists like Springsteen, 70’s Bowie, The Smiths, The Cure, Neil Young as inspiration for—not really for sound as much as for that dichotomy of bands who were entertainers still making, at times, weird dark music and writing songs that seem totally over-the-top by today’s rock band standards,” says Cymbals Eat Guitars bassist Matthew Whipple of his band’s wildly ambitious fourth LP, Pretty Years.

http://pitchfork.com/news/65648-cymbals-eat-guitars-announce-new-album-pretty-years-share-new-track-wish/

EARBUTTER ‘WAR’

LA Based Bass Producer Earbutter has dropped his latest gem in the form of his War EP. Featuring Jamaican dancehall deejay Spragga Benz, the two track EP is made up of his own Trap original as well as a heavy Drum N Bass banger from ZARDONIC.

War is a composition centered on aggression coupled with spragga Benz’s vocals to bring an authentic street flavor as one of kingstons original shottas. This track blends the new school Edm trap vibe with a legendary reggae vocalist and I hope people dig it. Earbutter

Your EDM Premiere: Earbutter – War EP

YONI & GETI “MADELINE”

Yoni & Geti (aka Yoni Wolf of WHY? and Chicago-based rapper Serengeti) just released their new album Testarossa via Joyful Noise Recordings, and now they’ve shared a video for downcast album track “Madeline.” You can watch the video — which features a split-screen of Yoni & Serengeti going about their days — where it premiered with Pitchfork.

http://pitchfork.com/news/65655-yoni-geti-why-and-serengeti-share-madeline-video/

VIRUS NEW VIDEO

In advance of the release of their fourth full-length, Memento Collider, Norwegian avant-garde rockers/recent Karisma Records signees, VIRUS, today issue the official new video accompaniment to the track “Rogue Fossil” via Stereogum.

Virus – “Rogue Fossil” (Stereogum Premiere)