SKOPE NEWS FOR AUGUST 10, 2016

Love Thy Brother share official music video for debut single “Love Me Better”

In the wake of the successful release of their debut single which premiered on Billboard and was one of the top 25 most streamed tracks on Soundcloud for the month of July, Canadian sibling musical duo Love Thy Brother present the official music video for “Love Me Better” featuring vocals from LA-based artist and songwriter Ariel Beesley.

Following non-stop chart topping remixes of similar emotive songstresses like BANKS, Kiiara, and Lana Del Ray, “Love Me Better” is an anthemic emotional piece of synth-pop that speaks out against the shallow games and indifference that have become characteristic of millennial relationships. The instrumentally-textured dreamy pop ballad is paired with an official music video which premiered on Consequence of Sound.

VERGE COLLECTION RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘POSTCODES’

With some of the finest sounds to emerge with that Australian suburban voice since Courtney Barnett first revealed her gardening habits, Verge Collection are only halfway through what can only be described as their formative year. And there’s no slowing them down – up next on their to-do list is releasing a new single and their debut EP and playing the massive BIGSOUND Live, Cronulla’s Sounds of the Suburbs, Rottofest and a whole swag of national dates alongside Skegss, City Calm Down and The Vanns.

Charging into radio land with the undeniable ‘Our Place’ and follow-up ‘Class Of 09’, the clever Perth foursome have another single in ‘Postcodes’, a perfect precursor to debut EP Open Plan Living, out in September. Produced by Andy Lawson at Debaser Studios (The Sleepy Jackson, Tired Lion), the EP is brimming with the lads’ trademark razorsharp lyrical wit and equal parts charm to boot.

Loch Lomond “Pens From Spain” Official Video

Portland’s Loch Lomond will release their “Pens From Spain” LP on Sept 2nd via Hush Records. The album is filled with engaging vocal harmonies, thoughtfully multilayered arrangements, fingerpicked guitar, chimes, bells, and synths. The band was recently tapped too contribute four songs to the Academy Award-nominated soundtrack for the stop motion masterpiece “Boxtrolls”, and they released a European split 7″ with Ty Segall.

Nekrokraft ‘Will o’ Wisp’ single

Will o’ Wisp is the first single and the titel track from Swedish Nekrokraft’s upcoming debut album to be released 7th of November 2016. Today marks the release of the single on digital platforms and as a Official Lyric Video. The album is now avalible to pre-order.

Young Cisto “Rectangle” Official music video

Three months after some buzz with “Stuck In a loop” feat. Mannah and a model filled video, Italian-Ghanaian Young Cisto returns with the video for the squad anthem “Rectangle” directed by Patrick Oldenborg. The title represents an impenetrable unit, like a the ranks of a cohort from Roman Legion.

Young Cisto has brought some of his friends to a statuesque, but slightly run down early 20th century building in a fashionable part of Oslo, Norway. Young Cisto even shows of his dance skills, and tell us he started up as a dancer in Modena, Italy as a kid;

CANADIAN CONSTRUCTION WORKER TURNED COUNTRY ROCKER SINGS WITH MTS

Over the past 6 years, MTS Management Group and MTS Records have amassed a string of hit country airplay chart singles by independent artists from around the world. From the first airplay chart single release in 2010 (Bryan Cole “Pride And the Passion”) to the four consecutive hit country releases in 2014 (Marshall Dane, Amy Rose, Western Avenue, Josey Milner) to their most recent 2016 smashes from Richard Lynch, TJ Leonard, Madelyn Victoria and Donica Knight, MTS artists have received international airplay, publicity and recognition alongside major label artists. Now, MTS is happy to announce they have signed Canadian country-rock singer/songwriter/producer Jim Levatte. MTS will handle publicity and promotions for Levatte’s latest single release, “This Ain’t My Day.”

Johann Johannsson shares “A Song for Europa”

Jo´hann Jo´hannsson, the Golden Globe-winning, Oscar, BAFTA and Grammy-nominated composer’s first album for Deutsche Grammophon, is a meditation on beauty and the process of creation.

Seance Crasher Share New Single, “You Don’t Waste My Time”

Portland, Oregon’s Seance Crasher, the studio project of Kevin Rafn & friends, have released the third single, “You Don’t Waste My Time”, from their upcoming full-length debut Basement Behavior. The album is produced by Riley Geare (live drummer for Unknown Mortal Orchestra and producer of Portland favorites Jackson Boone and Cat Hoch) and is due out August 31st.

Alpines stream lead single ‘Heaven’

The London duo return with one of the most crafty and emotive R&B records you’ll hear this year, out October 28 via Metropolis Recordings. Lead single, Heaven, is available to stream now.

Teased earlier this year with the slick intimacy of Completely, Alpines’ sophomore LP Another River pares down the sound of their 2014 debut Oasis. This new effort is not so much the sound of a duo finding their feet, as it is an utterly standout performance from a couple of intrepid sonic experimenters subtly refining their craft.

Amaroun Unveils EP Track ‘Indecisive’

Alt-folk singer-songwriter Amaroun has revealed ‘Indecisive’, the latest cut from her debut EP out later this year, ahead of a series of exciting gigs over the next month.

FENCES PREMIERES NEW SONG “PALE PAPER”

Votiv Music and Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Fences (Chris Mansfield) are excited to present “Pale Paper,” a song Mansfield describes as “a torn-up love letter to New York City,” from his brand new six-song EP titled To The Tall Trembling Trees.

Coheed and Cambria announce “The Color Before The Sun: Deconstructed Deluxe”

Coheed and Cambria are pleased to announce today a special “Deconstructed Deluxe” edition of their eighth studio album, The Color Before The Sun, due for digital release on August 19 via 300 Entertainment.

The 30 track presentation features the original album’s 10 songs, both in the studio, and in their early acoustic demo form, as well as two bonus demos that were never recorded in the studio. The demos, called, “Big Beige/4th St,” were named after band frontman, Claudio Sanchez’s home, “The Big Beige” in upstate NY as well as his old apartment in Brooklyn, “4th Street” – since he wrote and tracked them in each residence. These acoustic demo tracks had previously only been made available to core fans who purchased the band’s Limited Edition Deluxe Box set, which featured a 76 page physical book. Also included in “Deconstructed” are 7 live “bootleg” tracks pulled straight from the soundboard from various dates on their recent US headline tour, that expose a very raw look at the band.

DARKTHRONE TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM

Norwegian duo, Darkthrone, has announced its new album, Arctic Thunder, to be released on October 14 via Peaceville. Arctic Thunder marks the band’s first new studio material since 2013’s triumphant The Underground Resistance, its most successful release in recent years.

An eclectic mix of free-spirited ’80s fueled blackened heavy metal, all executed in Darkthrone’s trademark raw and organic style, Arctic Thunder was recorded and produced by the band themselves, with the sessions conducted at Darkthrone’s old rehearsal unit, “The Bomb Shelter,” which was originally used during 1988-1990. Mastering is once again handled by Jack Control at Enormous Door.

Lambchop announce FLOTUS and share “The Hustle”

On November 4, Lambchop return with For Love Often Turns Us Still—officially titled FLOTUS. Inspired as always to make art from the unsung sounds and scenes of his South Nashville neighborhood, Kurt Wagner set aside what he has learned over the last 30 years and embarked on a musical adventure to bring us this album that sounds like no one else—or rather, completely, unmistakably, like himself.

We are delighted to introduce you to this new direction with the final song on FLOTUS. “The Hustle” seamlessly shifts between movements, a foundation suggestive of krautrock and early electronic music, gorgeously ornamented with perfectly placed piano and horns. Drawing upon a diverse palate of influences and transcending each one, it’s a stunning piece of work—certainly one of the most impressive achievements of Lambchop’s catalogue.

Fictionist “Free Spirit”

Dubbed “the MGMT update of Peter Gabriel” by Baeble Music, Salt Lake City’s Fictionist recently released their latest EP, Free Spirit. The EP, which premiered on Pure Volume, features fun yet stirring tunes like voice of the generation single “Free Spirit,” which has gotten over 100k spins on Spotify. It has since been featured on many blogs and outlets, including Earmilk, and recently played on KROQ.

THE AMITY AFFLICTION DEBUT NEW TRACK “ALL F*CKED UP”

Roadrunner recording group The Amity Affliction has debuted the latest single from their highly anticipated new album THIS COULD BE HEARTBREAK. “All F*cked Up,” which made its broadcast premiere earlier today exclusively via Sirius XM, is streaming now on The Amity Affliction’s YouTube channel accompanied by an official lyric video. All F*cked Up follows current singles, “I Bring The Weather With Me” and “This Could Be Heartbreak.” THIS COULD BE HEARTBREAK arrives at last on Friday, August 12th.

Mikey Dollaz – “Go Get Em” (Prod. by Glacci)

Combining his assaultive drill bars with innovative electronic production, Mikey Dollaz is one of the most unique rappers in Chicago’s music scene. Today, Mikey Dollaz joins forces with buzzing Nottingham, UK producer Glacci for “Go Get Em,” premiered by The FADER, who called it a “dystopic trap anthem” with a “barely contained chaos of yelps and careening brags, distorted every so slightly for that nicely demonic touch.” Displaying a visceral, intense energy, Mikey Dollaz bars are an unlikely, but effective complement to Glacci’s signature J Dilla-inspired maximalist, dream-like production: “I sign me a deal for a couple of Ks/ I mess up the money you minimum wage.” “Go Get Em” is the latest in a long line of Mikey Dollaz’ collaborations with experimental electronic producers, including multiple collaborations with rising producer SALVA, who connected with Mikey Dollaz for the beat-shifting “Waddup/Who Betta” and the Art of Noise-sampling, King Louie-featuring “Forever Be Dat Guy.”

Oldermost (Philadelphia) share hauntingly gorgeous new single “Honey With Tea”

“Honey with Tea” highlights the paradoxical blend of neuroticism and mysticism of Oldermost’s lead singer Bradford Bucknum, whose vocal delivery oscillates between semi-theatrical energetic bursts to gentle, sugary crooning. The inclusion of the up-and-coming Philadelphia singer-songwriter Rosali adds a welcomed vocal element to the song too.

The song’s despairing wit and questionable advice buoyantly tumbles over a sea of lush strings provided by the classically trained yet pop-obsessed compositional asset to the band, David Richard. Mike Sobel’s guitar work slides in and out of the steady rhythms of Stephen Robbins’ focused and passionate drumming, and Dan Wolgemuth’s unique and melodic bass playing.

DEAR JERRY: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF JERRY GARCIA

On October 14, 2016, Dear Jerry: Celebrating The Music of Jerry Garcia, created and produced by Blackbird Presents and the Jerry Garcia Family, will be released worldwide by Rounder in multiple formats, including Blu-ray, DVD, CD, and digital download. Dear Jerry: Celebrating The Music of Jerry Garcia Blu-ray, DVD, CD and combo packs are available for pre-order starting today at Amazon.com, jerrygarcia.com, and dearjerryconcert.com.

On May 14, 2015, a remarkable array of musical artists from rock, folk, R&B, reggae, bluegrass, and country converged on Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland for a once-in-a-lifetime concert event taping to pay tribute to the enduring musical and cultural legacy of the late Jerry Garcia, one of the most influential and beloved musicians of the modern era.

MASSIVE ATTACK RELEASE VIDEO FOR ‘THE SPOILS (FT. HOPE SANDOVAL)’

Massive Attack today release the music video for ‘The Spoils’. The video stars Cate Blanchett and is directed by John Hillcoat, best known for his directorial work on films such as The Road, Lawless and The Proposition.

ST. LUCIA RELEASES NEW “WINDS OF CHANGE (BAHNER CHEERLEADER REMIX)”

St. Lucia announced today additional dates to their upcoming fall headline tour including Chicago, Oakland and their first ever headlining shows in Dallas and Houston. Today, the band also premiered the Bahner Cheerleader remix of their song “Winds Of Change” – listen here.

Roosevelt Shares Justus Köhncke Remix Of “Fever”

On August 19th Marius Lauber AKA Roosevelt releases his stunning, self-titled debut album via Greco-Roman and City Slang Records. Following the infectious and highly danceable soundscapes of opening teaser “Colours,” his cooly life-affirming single “Fever” again demonstrates his effortless ability to blend percussive grooves and gently undulating disco to mesmerizing effect. “Fever” is a sun-kissed summer anthem, drenched in youthful charm and befitting of a beach club session on some far away Balearic island.

Towkio video for “Playin Fair”

Towkio just put up the “Playin Fair” video ft. Joey Purp that was shot in Chicago and also features Vic Mensa. The track, which was dubbed Best New Track by Pitchfork, comes off of Towkio’s latest project Community Service 2 available now.

SNAKEHIPS UNVEIL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “CRUEL (FT. ZAYN)”

Today, coveted U.K. beat-makers, Snakehips, in collaboration with global superstar, ZAYN, release the music video for their newest single, “Cruel”. The music video perfectly compliments the track, as ZAYN plays the leading role, capturing the contrast between cruel and kind, light and dark, and everything in between. The camera endlessly and seamlessly tracks forwards, pushing through a series of abstract, neon-lit rooms, all based within Snakehips’ world; a cinematic, neon infused metropolis.

FUTURE TEAMS UP WITH FASHION POWER-HOUSE GIORGIO ARMANI

Today, Billboard chart-topping rap star, FUTURE, appears in the Fall ’16 issue of GQ Style Magazine alongside iconic fashion designer, Giorgio Armani. Future models custom designs from Armani’s brand new capsule collection with luxury automotive brand, Bugatti. The pair are seen sporting the limited edition threads while posing alongside the $2.5 Million dollar Bugatti Chiron. The GQ Style Fall ’16 issue officially hits news stands on August 10th. To read the full story, click here.

MTV VMAs Announcement + “Canvas” Promo Reveal

Today MTV unveiled the first promo, “Canvas,” to launch the creative campaign for the 2016 “MTV Video Music Awards.” The spot pays homage to the “VMAs” at Madison Square Garden for the first time in its history, offering an awe-inspiring black and white portrait of the world’s most famous arena as a gift; a blank canvas on which each performer will express unparalleled artistry and vision.

Anthony Mandler, one of today’s top commercial and video music directors, directed “Canvas.” He has helmed over 15 of Rihanna’s music videos and directed videos for Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Drake, Eminem, Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake, to name a few. The theme song of the campaign, “Do Your Thing” by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, serves as the featured music in the spot with Swizz Beatz lending his powerful voice to the spot.

Vallens share new video “Devour” from debut album Consent

One of the first songs Vallens ever wrote, “Devour” is about how time can change any strong feeling, about being in a relationship while grieving and going through turmoil. Robyn wrote it during a very personal time of her life.

THE SHACKS “STRANGE BOY” VIDEO PREMIERES AT FLOOD

When you listen to The Shacks’ self-titled, debut EP, you might imagine that Shannon Wise and Max Shrager are much older than their respective 18 and 20 years. But when Shannon’s whisper-vocals breeze through the speakers, you hear the youthfulness of their sound which then in turn explains the fearlessness of their songwriting. The Shacks EP hits the streets on October 7 via Big Crown Records.

Haley Bonar Shares “I Can Change” Video With Elle Magazine

Haley Bonar has shared the Josh Quigley directed video for “I Can Change” with Elle Magazine. Haley says, “I feel so lucky to have worked again with director/photographer Josh Quigley – apart from my album art on Last War, he and I worked on the video for “From A Cage”, which was one of my fave projects. It was interesting to not be as involved with this video, as I wanted to see what Josh’s vision and interpretation would be. I feel that the story is a simple but stirring narrative, jarring in its rawness and the terror that depression and panic can cause not only for the person experiencing it but for the ones around you. Carl Flink from the University of Minnesota’s Black Label Movement was amazing to watch work with his movers, and their involvement was crucial to the video, portraying the human struggle in physical form. Everyone involved did such a beautiful job, and I have chills every time I watch this.”

L Dro “Mass Appeal” Freestyle

Amidst the celebration of an NBA championship by Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavs, most recently Akron’s L Dro has been picking up on the music scene and is one of Ohio’s fastest rising talents. The Ohio native returns with a “Mass Appeal” freestyle from the Summer 96 mixtape that releases on Sept 11th. Paying homage to East Coast greats, Gang Starr, L Dro shreds this freestyle with aggression and fills up nearly every bar on the track.

Ripp Flamez – “Break The Bank”

Cleveland rising star and Ohio Hip-Hop’s best new artist Ripp Flamez returns this week with “Break The Bank,” a minor key banger anchored by Ripp’s facility for melody and expert hook craftsmanship. Released today on the compilation #IFeelLikeClue tape curated by Cleveland Cavaliers in-house DJ Steph Floss, “Break The Bank” is the latest anthem to drop in the wake of DayOne Forever, Ripp’s latest album, released in July. Produced by Mitch Mula, “Break the Bank” follows videos for DayOne Forever highlights “Forever,” premiered by VIBE, and “Lebron Flamez,” recently added to Spotify’s Most Necessary Playlist, which was filmed during the Cavaliers’ championship parade.

Sundance “Cycles (feat. Sojourn, Ocean Jade, Cardiac P & Ozay Moore)”

After a 2-year hiatus Illect Recordings producer, Sundance, is back with a powerful, jazzy new single some are already calling an instant classic, which nods the head while speaking passionately about the cycles of racial relations in America.

“We just collectively wanted to sit down and make something that we could all be proud of that would stand the test of time. There are a lot of conversations going on right now, and this is our contribution to that conversation. Like Sojourn said ‘Some cycles need to be broken’.”

Cycles features veteran MC’s Sojourn (Future Shock), Cardiac P (Boombox Titans), and Ozay Moore (Lightheaded); while the hook introduces us to Sundance’s 11-year old daughter, Ocean Jade (whose face we see featured on the cover). The backing band is formidable as well, with the mighty Stro Elliot on drums, Sundance’s father, Ron Gollner on Upright Bass, Chris St. George on Electric Bass, Deepspace5’s Sivion on Sax, Jeff Grasmick (of Manuok) on Vibes, Sundance on keys, & his brother-in-law Brett Wagner (Emerson) on Trumpet.

DUSKY SHARE ICY VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE “SORT IT OUT SHARON” FEATURING WILEY

Directed by Ben Reed and filmed on location in an ice factory in Thailand, with the sweeping, almost metallic, photo negative shots referencing the industrial percussion, pneumatic energy and Eskibeat influences within the track.

Radiant Reveries Premiers “Enough is Enough” Via Impose Magazine

Born and based in NYC Radiant Reveries is a band of seekers and friends. Exploring the sounds and heart through the dark and the light and the spaces in between. Founded by Adam and Karolina Wallace, Radiant Reveries is a mix of psychedelic, folk, tribal rock.
They have now teamed up with Impose Magazine to premiere their new track “Enough is Enough” from their new album “Rise” due for release September 22nd, 2016.

Borgore releases remixes for G-Eazy collaboration “Forbes”

Borgore teamed up with rapper G-Eazy for the acclaimed crossover collaboration “Forbes” last year, taking his trap insignia and leaning towards an urban aesthetic. With the hip-hop hitmaker on board lending his in-style vocals, the producer struck a chord as he opened up a new lane.

Borgore has now unveiled the “Forbes” remix package, broadening the record’s appeal and aiming in all directions. Commissioning both established, in-demand producers as well as those currently on the rise, “Forbes” lands in trusted hands for five brand new versions.

Egyptian-American songstress Lisa Said releasing full length debut

No Turn Left Behind is the full length debut from Egyptian-American songstress Lisa Said. The album was recorded at famed Washington, DC area studio Inner Ear, co-produced by Said and studio owner Don Zientara. No Turn Left Behind is being released on Lisa’s own label August 26

The album was recorded over the course of a year and a few months starting in February 2015 with Andrew Toy laying down the foundation on drums at Inner Ear-ten songs recorded over 2 days in the studio. Then came the other layers locally, followed by the remote add-ons of Seth Kauffman (Floating Action), then local additions by Jon Carroll (Starland Vocal Band) in between touring, then violin added remotely by Kip Jones, then songs were mixed remotely by Jason Kingsland and Bill Reynolds (Band of Horses), and mastered locally by Don Zientara.

SURVIVORMAN New single “ARCTIC MISTRESS”

Les Stroud is a man of many talents, a Renaissance man of sorts. Fans of his wildly popular reality TV series “Survivorman” on the Discovery Channel know him not only for his un-surmountable survival skills and camerawork, but also for his killer harmonica riffs showcased in several episodes of the show. Les is a genuine musician and he is about to start the quintessential adventure of his life.

From the time he was a teenager, Les has been writing, singing and performing professionally. He has released several independent records and has the chops to back up his musical endeavors as evidenced on his forthcoming project, Survivorman; Mother Earth, featuring the first single and music video “Arctic Mistress”.

Singer Songwriter David Nyro’s New Video w/ Katie Kuffel

With his stirring new single “Bitter Wine,” modern pop’s Seattle-based singer/songwriter David Nyro, has again teamed with singer Katie Kuffelon his fourth release via the Koral Young Group. Kuffel provides an evocative vocal performance on Nyro’s carefully crafted song. Kuffel is backed by a classic trio of Nyro on piano, Marc Miller on upright bass and Sean Lane on drums. “Bitter Wine” was produced by Nyro and Jakael Tristram and recorded “live” at Robert Lang Studios.

FRIENDSWITHBENEFITS “Seeds” Music Video

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and nobody exemplifies the idiom more so than The Rocketboys’ keyboardist, Justin Wiseman, who debuts his DIY alter-ego, FRIENDSWITHBENEFITS, today. The eponymous five-song EP (typeset as friendswithbenefits) delicately weaves its way between triumph and tragedy, channeling and reflecting the course of Wiseman’s recent career experiences, as well as personal endeavors. In support of the release, FRIENDSWITHBENEFITS will be performing a showcase at Stubb’s in Austin, TX on August 13th with Jared & the Mill.