SKOPE NEWS FOR AUGUST 1, 2016

Stick Men New Video

Much to the excitement of music aficionados worldwide, prog legends Stick Men will be releasing their new album “Prog Noir” on October 21, 2016. It is now available for pre-order as a single disc edition and a super deluxe box set, which contains an additional bonus CD with exclusive material, a double vinyl version of the album, a t-shirt and poster. The band, featuring members of King Crimson, has also released a new lyric video for the track, “The Tempest”. A departure from their previous efforts, “Prog Noir” includes song oriented material, featuring vocals on several tracks.

Says Tony Levin, “The album is somewhere between being the best of our current compositions, and having a unifying concept overall. Part way through the our recording process, the ‘Prog Noir’ title, lyrics and idea came up – it sort of shone a dark, noir light on what had come before, and it influenced what came after (including some ‘noir’ instrumental interludes that will be part of the box set version.) For me that’s a good way to go – I like a concept involved with an album sometimes, but I don’t feel it needs to encompass every piece.”

Y La Bamba New Single

Y La Bamba have released 2 LPs and a EP to critical praise from the likes of Spin, NPR, Huffington Post, Mother Jones, Vice, Rolling Stone and more. The band is the project of Luz Elena Mendoza (she has been referred to as a Latin Feist and gets Neko Case and St Vincent comparisons), who was last heard on an album of duets with Calexico’s Sergio Mendoza (no relation). Throughout Ojos Del Sol (out Sept 2nd on Tender Loving Empire), Y La Bamba frontwoman Luz Elena Mendoza returns to themes of searching and metamorphosis.

Michaela May New Single

‘Lights Out’ is about a relationship that has lost it’s spark and has gone stale. Neither party is getting what they need anymore. But even though times are tough, the song is about not giving up on the relationship. I wrote this song pulling from personal experience, but also because i think it’s such a common occurrence in long term relationships – you both love each other but you’ve drifted apart; so how do you get back to being ‘crazy in love?’

Haley Bonar’s Impossible Dream Streaming In Full At NPR First Listen

Haley Bonar will release her highly anticipated full-length album Impossible Dream on August 5th via GNDwire (US) / Spit Comet (CA) / Memphis Industries (UK + EU). The critically praised album is streaming in full a week ahead of its August 5th release date via NPR’s First Listen. NPR’s Stephen Thompson says, “Haley Bonar was only 18 when she released her first album back in 2001 — and 15 years later, her sharp and reflective songwriting dwells (appropriately enough) on her current place in that ceaseless coming-of-age process.

New Music: Banks & Steelz “Sword in the Stone”

Banks & Steelz -a musical collaboration between Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA and Interpol’s Paul Banks – have released “Sword in the Stone.” Premiered on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 show on Apple Music yesterday, the new track features Kool Keith and is the fourth song from their forthcoming album Anything But Words.

HEY VIOLET NEW VIDEO

Alt- pop band Hey Violet will release a new EP, entitled Brand New Moves, on August 16th via Caroline Records. The five-track set is available for pre-order through all digital partners today. Those who pre-order now will receive an instant download of their new track “Brand New Moves.” To accompany the track, the animated, stop motion video premieres today on Vevo- check it out HERE.

Jason Derulo’s “Platinum Hits” Album w/ New Single “Kiss the Sky”

Jason Derulo’s Platinum Hits album is out today, July 29th. The 12-track collection includes 11 platinum-selling songs spanning his seven-year career and the brand-new track, “Kiss The Sky.” The single was co-written by Derulo and produced by Thomas Troelsen and Thomas Eriksen.

Heartsrevolution release magical and uplifting “Kishi Kaisei” video

Heartsrevolution invites us into their magical world, a parallel universe where everyone is included and living happy and free. The NYC duo have released a heartwarming video for “Kishi Kaisei” off their album Ride or Die, out now via OWSLA. “Kishi Kaisei” (a Japanese phrase) represents the reawakening of the childlike spirit that lives within all of us. The song is a message of hope, love and positivity. Heartsrevolution is known for turning heads with their iconic Swarovski crystal ice cream truck and inspiring positive vibes. The video documents a 13-month period of the band returning to LA, connecting with people from all walks of life, and spreading their message.

ERICA NICOLE SIGNS DEAL WITH REVIVER LABEL SERVICES

Erica Nicole signs with Reviver Label Services, a division of Reviver Records, LLC. “Erica has done a terrific job gaining the attention of programmers and securing new fans every day,” said Reviver Entertainment Group, LLC President and CEO, David Ross. “Our team looks forward to getting on the road and sharing Erica’s talents with major market programmers all across the country.”

MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Independent Artist of the Year 2016 Erica Nicole’s first two Country Radio hits (“I Listen To My Bad Girl,” “It’s Comin’ Down”) broke the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart Top 20, and propelled the Georgia native to national prominence in the process. Nicole’s third hit, “I’m Making Mine” went Top 10 on MusicRow Country Breakout Chart making her the first Independent Country female artist to conquer 3 consecutive Top 20 Records.

Erica Nicole

POST MALONE REMIXES ERA ISTREFI “BONBON”

POST MALONE remixes Albanian singer-songwriter, Era Istrefi’s hit single, “Bonbon”. The track premiered as a “World Record” on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 Radio Show last week. As MALONE creeps into the remix, the duo creates an enticingly smooth sound guaranteed to take over the airwaves.

Jesse Smith & The Holy Ghost Premiere “Killing Me Someone” Music Video via Metal Injection

Metal Injection has premiered a music video for Jesse Smith & The Holy Ghost’s song “Killing Me Someone” (watch it now on YouTube), and commented on the band’s sound saying: “While it is quite different than Smith’s more well known work in Zao, the sound is heavy and the licks are solid.”

JESSE SMITH AND THE HOLY GHOST (Ex-ZAO) Drops Debut Video ‘Killing Me Someone’

STWO’S NEW ‘D.T.S.N.T.’ EP

Coming off of producing on Drake’s VIEWS and quickly amassing millions of plays online, French producer STWO releases his highly anticipated new D.T.S.N.T. EP via Huh What & Where today on Apple Music exclusively and available everywhere on August 5. The title translates to “Down To Say Nice Things,” a theme of spreading positivity and his own general approach to making music, which is the core of the EP. Not only does the project showcase STWO’s versatility and undeniable ability to make highly infectious music, but it also sees him step into his own as an artist and move beyond the label of just a beat maker. He carefully curated all of the collaborations on the EP to feature some of tomorrow’s hottest acts such A.CHAL, BADBADNOTGOOD, Atu, Daniel Caesar, Sevdaliza, Amir Obe, Sunni Colon and more, putting aside big names in favor of skill and talent, and positioning himself as a true tastemaker.

Revolution Rock Festival Saturday, September 17

AEG Live has announced yet another addition to their lineup of festivals, the Revolution Rock Festival–fueled by Monster Energy–set for Saturday, September 17 outdoors at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

The powerful lineup for this new annual rock festival includes: Avenged Sevenfold, Slayer, Volbeat, Chevelle, Of Mice & Men, Anthrax, Ghost, Killswitch Engage, Sevendust, The Amity Affliction, KYNG, Nothing More, Twelve Foot Ninja, Crobot, and Devour The Day.

“We’ve spent the better part of two years searching for the perfect location to create a festival that is just for the rabid rock fans of New England,” says Joe Litvag, Executive Producer of Revolution Rock Festival for AEG Live. “After seeing the incredible property and amenities offered at Foxwoods Resort Casino, I knew we had finally found a home. It’s really easy to get to from just about anywhere in the region, and the fans can make a whole weekend out of it with a top-notch resort, golf, spa, shopping, great restaurants, and of course the gaming. Our hope is that Revolution Rock Festival will become an institution for rock fans of the Northeast and will be thought of as ‘New England’s rock festival’ for years to come!”

M.I.L.K. shares vibrant synth-pop Blondage remix of ‘Following The Sun’

M.I.L.K. (real name: Emil Wilk) has pioneered a distinctive sound and visual style very much of his own since the project’s inception. An intriguing concoction of sun-drenched production, swaying percussion, and sumptuous melodies, M.I.L.K.’s songwriting harks back to the time of 70’s legends such as Curtis Mayfield or Shuggie Otis, but most certainly hints at more modern electronic acts such as Jungle, Rhye or Leisure when it comes to production and overall expression.

The new Blondage remix of ‘Following The Sun’ – released today along with a full remix package for the track, has been given a huge dose of vitality, throwing vibrant synth-lines, and bouncy drum loops into the equation. The outcome is a superb summery reinterpretation of the track with boundless energy and good vibes.

Glider Pilots ‘Simple Things’

Glider Pilots is an indie-rock/folk duo formed by brother and sister Benjamin and Samantha Hope. Born and raised in far north Queensland, Australia, their music revolves around the use of delicate guitar melodies, breathy vocals, synthesisers and drum machines. They write, record, mix and master themselves. They even do all the artwork and music videos.

Adam F & Kokiri ft. Rae – ‘Harmony’

Drum n bass icon Adam F has teamed up with exciting upcomer Kokiri and talented singer/songwriter Rae to create ‘Harmony’, the latest single to be released on BBC Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard’s new label, Nothing Else Matters.

Underpinned by a prominent bassline and breakbeat-style drums, ‘Harmony’ showcases Rae’s classic diva-style vocals above upbeat piano chords for a summery, nostalgia-tinged track just in time for the festival season.

Twin Wild release new single ‘My Heart’

Twin Wild will release their new single ‘My Heart’ on July 29th through Play It Again Sam. This is the young band’s first release since signing with the label and follows their self-released track ‘Fears’ which garnered over half a million plays on Soundcloud and charted in Spotify’s Top 20 viral chart.

Viola Beach Animated Music Video For ‘Boys That Sing’

To mark the posthumous release of indie group Viola Beach’s self-titled album an animated video for lead single ‘Boys That Sing’ has been revealed today. The full album is now available via the band’s own label Fuller Beans Records.

With support from the band members’ families, UK and US based family and entertainment production company, Komixx Entertainment, have got together with their Warrington-based partner company Mackinnon & Saunders Digital Studios to create the video. Inspired by the song’s lyrics, the mixed-media animation video features an animated character interacting with live action footage shot on location in Warrington – Viola Beach’s hometown.

Bobby Shoebotham “I’m On Your Side”

Though he would loathe to be described as one, Bobby Shoebotham is the next in a long line of classic punk rock singer songwriters, following hot on the footsteps of his recent contemporaries such as Ben Nicholls, Alison Weiss and Brian Fallon. While not always at the forefront of the scene, Bobby has been active in the punk/hardcore community for the last ten years, achieving notable success playing drums with the now defunct and singularly aggressive hardcore band ‘Lives At Sea’, while simultaneously honing his songwriting and recording skills on the side. After Lives at Sea broke up he begun the process of holing himself up in his home studio to begin working on the songs that would eventually make up his soon to be released debut EP, whilst simultaneously playing more than 200 shows over this time with his ‘day job’ – a Mariachi function band that plays 80’s and 90’s covers to crowds only slightly more tequila soaked than they are. During this whole time he’s clung fiercely to a DIY punk ethos, admitting recently that it’s only taken him so long to release any music because he couldn’t afford the microphones to record it with.

Roni releases debut single ‘Baby Bird’

‘Cherish me like a baby bird’ sings Roni Perry on her debut single. The Devon singer/songwriter may have taken her first steps to singing in public at the tender age of three. After spending her teenage years performing in a variety of bands, she relished the opportunity to sing across Europe and also Mexico. With an early highlight being joined on stage by Edwin Starr, Roni reached the stage of a crucial decision. While she loved life on the road, she opted instead to focus on motherhood alone instead of the chase her early ambitions.