SKOPE NEWS FOR JULY 29, 2016

CHARLIE DANIELS TO BE FEATURED IN EXHIBITION AT COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will examine the life and career of 2016 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Charlie Daniels in the exhibition Charlie Daniels: Million Mile Reflections, opening Sept. 23, 2016, and running through March 2017. Featuring musical instruments, stage wear, manuscripts, awards, childhood mementos and previously unpublished photographs from Daniels’ personal collection, the exhibit will describe his significant impact on American entertainment and explore the new musical style and image he brought to country music.

“I can’t even articulate how honored I am by this exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. I couldn’t think of a better name myself unless it would be Five Million Mile Reflections,” said Daniels.

Merrin Karras streams widescreen ambient electronic ‘Apex’

Inspired by the sounds of artists like Klaus Schulze, Biosphere and Abul Mogard, and finding renewed focus in creating without external pressures or deadlines, Brendan Gregoriy — who records under the techno alias Chymera — emerged as Merrin Karras, a fully-formed ambient moniker. After producing and playing his distinctive house and techno as Chymera for more than 15 years, 2016 sees him at a crossroads. His debut as Merrin Karras, Apex, is out this Friday July 29th via A Strangely Isolated Place .

CoS Premieres The Hip Abduction’s Tropical Video “Higher”

If you’re looking for an afternoon tropical escape, head over to Consequence of Sound for the video premiere of “Higher” from Florida septet The Hip Abduction. “Shot across the British Virgin Islands,” Consequence of Sound reveals, “the five-and-a-half-minute clip is a first-class ticket to paradise.”

The Call Back Academy “Deadweight”

The Call Back Academy are a 4-piece Heavy Pop-Punk/ Melodic Hardcore band from Brighton, UK. They have taken a love from their musical influences, anglicized it, and produced a sound which is both unique and identifiably their own. Rocksound Magazine describes The Call Back Academy as a ‘stadium primed brand of pop-punk with surprisingly metallic edge.’

Since forming in 2010, the band has played at some of UK’s top venue’s (O2 Academy’s Nottingham Rock City, The Camden Underworlds, The Borderline) and top independent music festivals: Redfest and Butserfest. They have also had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of the Alternative scene’s biggest names in Pop-Punk and Metal: The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Napoleon, Neck Deep, and many more.

Neon Trees side project, Kissed Out drops “Minus Yours”

Neon Trees drummer, Elaine Bradley, reunites with old friends and past bandmates, Bryce Taylor and Eric Robertson, to front Kissed Out. Their individual styles come together to create a synth pop feel, infused with alt guitar influences and punchy beats.

Impose Magazine is now premiering their new single “Minus Yous.”

HORSEBACK Premieres Third Single Via Self-Titled

North Carolina drone/experimental project HORSEBACK today premieres “In Another Time, In And Out Of Form” via Self-Titled. The tune comes by way of the forthcoming Dead Ringers full-length.

Issues Self-Titled of the track, “The ever-evolving world of Jenks Miller’s HORSEBACK project takes another hard left turn on Dead Ringers, a swirly excursion into the void populated by psych, drone, shoegaze, and Krautrock. Today’s Self-Titled premiere is especially out there, riding a wave of restless guitar riffs and hypnotic rhythms.”

Project Pat Ft. Kidd Kidd & Bo Staxx “All Gurls Working”

Project Pat just released Street God 3 and now he drops a hit new release called “All Gurls Workin” Ft. G Unit’s Kidd Kidd and his new artist Bo Staxx.

“All Gurls Workin,” is a preferred club song that can electrify any social gathering with its uptempo-ed beat and catchy lyrics. Bo Staxx, from Fort Worth, TX, explains his perspective about how girls view him in clubs or parties because of his success. Pat speaks that strip club atmosphere and Kidd Kidd delivers with the bars.

THE 2017 COUNTRY MUSIC CRUISE IS SOLD OUT

The 2017 Country Music Cruise has sold out for the fourth year in a row – and six months in advance – making the superstar voyage a complete sellout every single year since StarVista LIVE launched the franchise in 2014. The Country Music Cruise will feature concerts by more than a dozen of country music’s biggest stars with over 400 hits between them as it sails through the Caribbean from January 27 through February 3, 2017. Vince Gill will make a special appearance in Key West on January 28th and Charley Pride, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brenda Lee, Lee Greenwood, Tanya Tucker, Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley’s Good Ole Boys Reunion, Dailey & Vincent, Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers, Wade Hayes, Jo-El Sonnier, Sylvia, Deborah Allen and Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys will all perform onboard. The Country Music Cruise will be hosted by television personality Lorianne Crook aboard Holland America’s luxurious MS Oosterdam (known for its world class art and Waterford crystal sculptures) from Tampa, FL to Key West, Cozumel and Costa Maya. StarVista LIVE is currently planning the 2018 sailing of The Country Music Cruise and will announce the all-star lineup shortly.

Watch Plies Sing Along to Lukas Graham’s “7 Years”

While Lukas’ music is often described as pop and soul, what people don’t realize is that all of his songs started as raps – he is a lyricist and poet at his core, and heavily influenced by the storytelling element of hip hop. His unique upbringing in the Copenhagen hippy enclave of Christiania – where he grew up dirt poor selling pot and hash as a kid on their famous Pusher Street – parallels that of so many of his heroes like Dr. Dre, etc that he has always felt like he relates more to that world moreso than any other genre. He cites 2001 as his all time favorite album and biggest influence.

ABOMINANT: Eleventh Full-Length From Kentucky Death Metal Faction Streaming

Long-running Kentucky-based death metal faction, ABOMINANT, will release their Napalm Reign full-length this Friday Via Deathgasm Records. The band’s inexorable eleventh studio album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Scott Briggs and ABOMINANT inside Velocity Studios during the Winter months of 2015/16 and spews forth eleven brand new aural assaults, the band executing their subterranean, thrash-tinged blackened death with the passion and vehemence of true scene veterans.

Album Stream: Abominant – ‘Napalm Reign’

Matt Gumley “Subway Rider”

“Subway Rider”, breakout single by Matt Gumley, explores the modern and classic elements of songwriting, while delivering the listener captivating vocals and a catchy groove you won’t be able to get out of your head. At 19 years old, already a veteran of both the stage and screen, Gumley is no stranger to performing in front of crowds. Always engaging and entertaining, both live and in the music he creates, Matt Gumley is certain to be a new artist you won’t want to miss.In one sense, MattGumley is a newcomer. His first single, “Subway Rider,” comes from his first EP, Six Degrees of Separation. In another sense, though, the 19-year-old singer and songwriter is already an experienced entertainer, with hundreds of performances to his name.

Teenage Fanclub star in video for “I’m In Love”

With the release of their hugely anticipated tenth album Here just over six weeks away, Teenage Fanclub today unveiled a video for first single “I’m In Love.” The band also announced their first North American tour dates since playing the Merge 25 festival in 2014.

OFELIA K “KILLING ME”

Ofelia K.’s voice and compelling songs are worn down to perfection and balance wistful maturity with a certain earnest and eternally young expression. Not quite pop, not quite anything else, the young singer-songwriter showcases her beautiful symmetry with her music somewhere between an unrepressed journal entry, a comforting arm around the shoulder and her smoky, shimmering glare, her eyes so knowingly staring into you. With spins from Annie Mac at BBC Radio 1, over 2 million Spotify plays, and features on multiple television shows, the world heard her starry eyed songs and asked for oh-so-many more.

Ofelia K. struggles with love’s highs and lows on new single “Killing Me” — listen

BIXEL BOYS TEAM UP WITH JARELL PERRY FOR SUMMER SINGLE “LOVE MARKS”

The underdog mentality that has kept a chip on Bixel Boys’ shoulder might soon be a thing of the past. After playing an array of what can be loosely defined as ‘dance’ tunes at mega festivals like EDC Vegas and HARD Summer, headlining world renowned clubs, and mixing for Thump, Triple J, Discobelle, Nest HQ and many others, the Bixel Boys were witnessed through their diverse releases on labels like Sweat It Out!, Armada, Dim Mak, Main Course, and Nervous. the Bixel Boys have dabbled in everything from experimental bass music to bouncy house jams, along with 70’s rock, 90’s hip hop and Berlin techno, with support from A-Trak, RL Grime, The Crystal Method, and What So Not. Featuring an iconoclastic mantra, #FREELIFE, as the backbone of their movement, the Bixel Boys are not only a force behind the decks and in the studio, but also in the community.

DA Premiere: Bixel Boys feat. Jarell Perry – Love Marks (Original Mix)

Christian Heath embarks on a solo career + Video

Christian Heath is no stranger to the South African music scene, although many are still wondering where he’s been hiding the last few years. Best known for his role as lead singer of the Christian Heath Band, the East London born and bred singer songwriter is embarking on a fully fledged solo career and his new offering is nothing less than awe-inspiring.

Using his standard rock base, Christian has introduced a more modern pop sound to his music, paying more attention to the vocal and lyrical content and allowing audiences to better connect with his songs. It’s reminiscent of many of his early influences, such as Def Leppard, Journey, 30 Second to Mars, Richard Marx and Michael Bolton and his first single as a solo artist, I’m Yours, follows this formula. It pulls at the heartstrings.

ALUNAGEORGE RELEASE VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE “MEAN WHAT I MEAN”

London duo AlunaGeorge has today released a video for their new single “Mean What I Mean,” featuring Leikeli 47 and Dreezy. The Motion Family produced video sees the Chicago, Brooklyn and London ladies frolicking around a deserted waterpark in a host of fashion-forward outfits.

“Mean What I Mean” along with “I’m In Control,” featuring Popcaan, The Flume-produced “I Remember,” and the Zhu collaboration “My Blood,” will all feature on the duo’s eagerly awaited sophomore album ‘I Remember’ out September 16th on Interscope Records

SHAWN MENDES “THREE EMPTY WORDS”

Today, Shawn Mendes has released “Three Empty Words,” the third track from his highly anticipated album Illuminate, available September 23rd on Island Records. In a recent interview with The FADER, Shawn revealed that “Three Empty Words” was influenced by John Mayer’s Continuum, adding “I think John inspired the album more than anybody.” With Illuminate, The FADER proclaims “Mendes has firmly planted himself in pop rock – a sound and space that has, for the past couple of years, been pretty much Ed Sheeran’s for the taking.”

Holy Oysters Share New Track ‘Summer Rain’

With the release of their debut single ‘Take Me For A Ride’ last year, Parisian five-piece HOLY OYSTERS caused something of a stir. A blinding introduction to an exciting new band, the track perfectly showcased their forward-thinking 60’s and 70’s influenced psych-rock, garnering support from BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6Music. As a result, the band signed a deal with London based independent label Distiller Records and are now preparing for the release of their debut EP.

ALIFIC’S NEW VIDEO OFFERS A NICE INTRO TO HIS NEWLY RELEASED ALBUM PACIFIC

‘PACIFIC’ the new album by ALIFIC invites the listener to an upbeat journey of reflective, sentimental chill sounds. Very different from some of the mainstage EDM acts, he ignores the trends to offer something from deep within.

Whether discovering the album on a lazy Sunday beach afternoon, or experiencing the unique sounds during yoga sessions, Pacific eases the mind with flair.

Amethysts Reveal Debut Single ‘My Love’

Electronic duo Amethysts have announced the forthcoming release of their debut single ‘My Love’. Recorded in their own home studio and mixed by Shuta Shinoda (Daughter, Ghostpoet), the two-piece’s first release sees them mix electronics and live instrumentation, with layers of sweet vocal harmonies washing over depths of synthesisers and guitar, whilst drum machines battle with live drums.

BAJAN SPARROW “KIMBERLY”

Brooklyn rapper Bajan Sparrow (formerly known as Spa77ow) presents “Kimberly”, his new single produced by Birdie Bands from his forthcoming mixtape God Don’t Like Ugly.

THE MEADOWS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

Founders Entertainment is excited to announce the sale of single day tickets in conjunction with unveiling the by day lineup for the inaugural 2016 The Meadows Music and Arts Festival in Queens, New York. On October 1st and 2nd, the Citi Field complex in Flushing Meadows Corona Park will be home to incredible performances from 42+ artists across four stages, as well as a curation of the best cocktails and cuisine that New York City has to offer. “God damn, this lineup is stacked” wrote XXL in response to the festival’s initial lineup announcement this June. Performers include Kanye West, marking his only North American festival appearance in 2016, The Weeknd, Chance The Rapper, Kygo, Grimes, The 1975, Bryson Tiller, and the newly added Pretty Lights, Thomas Jack, and Mr. Twin Sister among many others.

DAVID BOUDIA, PARTNERS WITH REACH RECORDS TO HOST ‘GREATER THAN GOLD’ PLAYLIST

Today world-class Olympic diver David Boudia partners with Reach Records to curate his ultimate training playlist Greater Than Gold. Boudia, the reigning Olympic gold champion in the men’s 10-meter platform, is preparing to defend his title and compete in his third Olympic games at Rio 2016.

JOJO X WIZ KHALIFA

25 year- old Atlantic recording artist JoJo has announced the long awaited release of her highly anticipated new album. Mad Love. – the pop superstar/singer-songwriter’s first full-length collection in 10 years – arrives at long last on Friday, October 14th.

Mad Love. is preceded by the powerful new single, “F*** Apologies.” (Feat. Wiz Khalifa), available today on the iTunes Store and all DSPs. The track will impact at Top 40, Rhythmic and Hot AC radio in August, and is accompanied by a striking companion video, directed by A$AP Rocky and EMMY® Award-nominated filmmaker Francesco Carrozzini (Beyoncé, Sia, Lana Del Rey).

Butch Walker Releases New Song “Ludlow Expectations”

Grammy nominated guitar-slinger, troublemaker, raconteur, producer, and Georgia boy Butch Walker released today a new song “Ludlow Expectations” off his upcoming eighth studio album Stay Gold due out on August 26 via Dangerbird Records. As a writer of dozens of songs with hooks that stick in your head, Walker has penned choruses you want to sing (or shout) along to from acts including Frank Turner, Brian Fallon, Taylor Swift, and many more. He is a teller of authentic stories of exploits and predicaments and romance that are filled with optimism; builder of albums with no boundaries – rock, pop, Americana, singer-songwriter…or, as he says, “I think it’s all just rock & roll.”

STURGILL SIMPSON PERFORMS “ALL AROUND YOU” ON “THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON”

Along with his core touring band—Chuck Bartels (bass), Bobby Emmett (keyboards), Scott Frock (trumpet), Jon Gramenz (trombone), Laur Joamets (guitar), Miles Miller (drums) and Brad Walker (saxophone)—Simpson was joined by members of The Dap-Kings (Dave Guy on trumpet, Ian Hendrickson-Smith on tenor sax, Cochemea Gastelum on baritone sax and Clark Gayton on trombone) and a 4-member string section (Stephanie Cummins and Garo Yellin on cello and Jonathan Dinklage and Whitney LaGrange on violin)—many of whom were also featured on the studio recording of the song.

CHERUB DEBUTS “BLEED GOLD, PISS EXCELLENCE” TITLE TRACK

Nashville duo Cherub announces title track, “Bleed Gold, Piss Excellence” out today! The duo is also set to release their forthcoming sophomore album this fall via Columbia Records.

Mallrat’s “Uninvited”

“These days, rather than be the cool girl at the party, it’s far cooler to be girl at the party singing about how coolness is a total sham in the first place (just see Alessia Cara’s “Here” or Hailee Steinfeld’s “Hell Nos and Headphones”). This week, there’s a new anti-in-crowd anthem on the block: “Uninvited,” an infectious electro-pop gem from Australian newcomer Mallrat (born Grace Shaw).

PHOTOS: Blake Shelton stopped by Whiskey Tango to enjoy some Smithworks cocktails

Hot days, cool nights, a clear summer sky and refreshing drinks are some simple moments in life that we can savor and enjoy with our family and friends, and Smithworks Vodka wants to be the catalyst for your most memorable summer moments this year.

On Wednesday, July 27, Blake Shelton stopped by Whisky Tango outside Kansas City, MO to enjoy signature Smithworks drinks, local-inspired hors d’oeuvres with fans.

CREDIT: Recording artist Blake Shelton stopped by Whiskey Tango to enjoy some delicious Smithworks cocktails on July 27, 2016 in Grain Valley, Missouri. (Photo by Fernando Leon/Getty Images for Pernod Ricard)