SKOPE NEWS FOR OCTOBER 19, 2016

Blastah Beatz – ‘Keep On Runnin’ ft. Deck and Steele’

Check this single “Keep On Runnin'” from Thrice Great artist Blastah Beatz’ new release “PHD in Beatmaking”, which will be in stores digitally & physically on October 21st, and Thrice Great Records. This single features Sav Killz, Inspectah Deck (Wu-Tang) and General Steele (Smif-n-Wesson), vocals by Darnell McClain, with dope production from Blastah Beatz.

DAVE MATTHEWS & TIM REYNOLDS ANNOUNCE 2017 EUROPEAN TOUR

This coming spring, fans will have a rare opportunity to witness the special chemistry of Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds of Dave Matthews Band up close during a series of shows at intimate venues across Europe. After the massive success of Dave Matthews Band’s 2015 European tour, the duo is looking forward to returning for a very different kind of performance. During these acoustic shows, Matthews & Reynolds will be stripping down each song to its essence and telling stories. The tour will kick off with a two-night stand at Eventim Apollo in London (20 & 21 March) and will wind its way through Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy and ending in Portugal.

Alpha Pi – ‘Think About Me’

A life devoted to love can be a fickle thing, full of raw emotions and sinful lust. Capturing these powerful and elusive moments and shaping them into art is what Brisbane band, Alpha Pi do.

This October, the band are ready to release their second single ‘Think About Me.’ Written by the band, recorded with Byron Short at Sunset Studios and produced by Dan Newstead at Omegachild Productions, this new offering combines the groups trademark, original feel with a big new sound.

Louise Lemón – ‘Thirst’

Hailing from Sweden, the place that has graced us with some of the best and most interesting contemporary musicians comes female artist Louise Lemón. Following live performances, critics raved about Louise- including one of the biggest Swedish national newspapers Dagens Nyheter, who called her the answer to future music.

Louise Lemón joins the ultra-growing power of females with attitude; sounding sonically similar to PJ Harvey, whilst also hints of The Dead Weather appear. Interestingly, Louise actually recorded her upcoming EP, Purge, in a cabin deep in the woods of Dalarna, and the presence of the eerie place is undeniably audible in her latest single, Thirst. The track, which was produced by Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Thurston Moore), gets sent into darker territory, giving it that hypnotic edge when a scuzzy blend of guitars take over, reminding us of Dolores Haze. Whilst distorted, reverbed vocals have left comparisons to artists like Chelsea Wolfe.

Finlay Leslie Releases New Single

Fresh from supporting TV & solo star Heather Peace on her UK tour, Finlay Leslie showcases her captivating and honest vocals with emotive guitar playing that lashes more passionately than the tides against the iconic white cliffs of her hometown of Dover, in the addictive “Waiting On Your Goodbye”, released Friday 18th November.

Leslie brings the heart breaking new single “Waiting On Our Goodbye” with her emotions laid bare. The young singer/songwriter flaunts her poetic storytelling, creating an anthem for those times when the heart aches. Finlay combines reflective lyrics and moving vocals with upbeat guitar playing displaying songwriting talent exceeding far beyond her years.

Varvara premiere new single ‘Human Being’

Ahead of the release of their third album ‘Death Defying Tricks’, Varvara have released their new single ‘Human Being’. The forthcoming album ‘Death Defying Tricks’ was mixed by one of Sweden’s best known sons of sonic debauchery and excitement, Pelle Gunnerfeldt (The Hives, Refused, Fireside). Pelle’s mixes for the album bring sharply into focus Varvara’s innate sense of melody and energy.

THE DEAD DAISIES TO EMBARK ON USO TOUR TO SOUTH KOREA

The Dead Daisies are proud to announce their first-ever USO tour, which will take the band to South Korea. The group will visit Camp Casey, K-16 Air Base and Osan Air Base at the end of October.

Comments from the band: “After connecting with so many great servicemen & women on the ?Freedom To Rock’ tour with KISS in the US, we are thrilled about this opportunity to play for some of the people that defend our freedom all over the world. If you’re a service member, catch us at a base in South Korea in October. If you’re a fan, join us in supporting our military by visiting www.USO.org/FORCE to learn how to become a Force Behind the Forces.” ”

Peter Doherty New Video ‘I Don’t Love Anyone (But You’re Not Just Anyone)’

Peter Doherty is happy to reveal the video for his latest single ‘I Don’t Love Anyone (But You’re Not Just Anyone)’,taken from his forthcoming album, ‘Hamburg Demonstrations’ released via BMG/Clouds Hill on Friday, December 2nd.

“HARLEM” Feat. Malika

DJ, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Mickey has amassed a firestorm of buzz around his productions thanks to blend of nostalgia inducing elements reminiscent of the sound of the 60’s,70’s, and 80’s with current hit-making sounds. Following releases on Relish Records and Exploited Records, the Berlin musician has now found himself a coveted home on The Magician’s label, Potion, in conjunction with Spinnin’ Records, for his new release titled “Harlem.”

Mangoseed ‘Jah Jah’

A tribute to such roots reggae giants as Burning Spear and Third World, ‘Jah Jah’ is underpinned by classy, heavy-duty dub, marching ever onward in a convoy of growling bass, strident kick-drum, pealing guitar runs and galaxial effects. A fiery exaltation as relevant to the displaced of today as much as yesteryear, it is tale of a people traversing the desert in search of sanctuary, hoping that the wisdom of their God and forefathers will guide them to a safer land and a better life. It is an ode passionately delivered by Mangoseed frontman Nicholai, who directs the song to a ferocious climax with his increasingly quickfire patter, a rhythmic torrent culminating in praise to “to the older ones of creation”.

JOOLZ DENBY & HENNING NUGEL RELEASE ‘CROW’ ALBUM

Attack Attack Records are proud to release ‘Crow’, a unique collaboration between UK poet Joolz Denby and German composer Henning Nugel.

Joolz Denby has been a true underground renaissance artist since the late 1970’s. As a poet, she was one of the principle figures to emerge from the post-punk generation, publishing seven collections of work and giving readings all of the world in countless different settings. As a novelist, she has published six volumes, including ‘Stone Baby’ for which she received the New Crime -writer of the Year award in 2000 and ‘Billie Morgan’, which was short listed for the Orange Prize for Literature in 2006. Fans and followers of long-running post-punk outfit ‘New Model Army’ will be familiar with Joolz through her record covers and visuals she has designed for the band for 36 years.

Crow will be her seventh studio album, with past collaborators including Jah Wobble, members of New Model Army, Mik Davis (Monster Jaw/They Called Him Zone) and many others.

Vita and the Woolf announce ‘Tunnels’ album, share “Brett”

Vita and the Woolf is the the sound of operatic vocals meeting neo-soul synth pop. Driven by the anthemic voice of front woman, Jennifer Pague and supported by the dynamic drumming of Adam Shumski, Vita and the Woolf has been melding cross-genre influences in their powerhouse electronic style since their first EP Fang Song in 2014 and have captured the attention of both the Philadelphia scene and more and more national fans as well.

THUMP STEPS INTO MOSCOW’S YOUTH RAVE CULTURE

Today, THUMP releases a new episode of NIGHT VISIONS. In the documentary, we head to Moscow, Russia to get an insight on the fundamentals of the Russian rave culture from the founders and teen revolutionaries themselves. Inspired by many aspects of the 90s, Skotoboinya embodies a new cultural phenomenon for a new generation that didn’t have the chance to experience the decade. Skotoboinya has become an outlet for individual expression and freedom in Russia.

JANET DEVLIN Releases Highly Anticipated Single “Outernet Song”

Continuing to build on her intensifying buzz, Irish singer-songwriter JANET DEVLIN has followed up the success of her debut album Running With Scissors with the release of her highly anticipated single, entitled “Outernet Song.” Featuring Janet’s unique and enchanting vocals (which first caught the public’s eye on Series 8 of The X-Factor UK), and her ukulele, “Outernet Song” boasts one of the catchiest choruses you’ll hear this year. The instantly memorable Alt-Pop ditty has all the makings of an instant pop radio classic. The single perfectly showcases Janet’s always frank and honest lyrics, dealing with our obsession with the Internet and social media and how it affects the us.

Indie rockers LYING BSTRDS share latest video for ‘Youth & Old Age’

Supporting notable artists including Noel Gallagher, Circa Waves and Spring King is something that countless bands dream of- however, after forming just one year ago, Liverpool quintet- Lying Bstrds managed to achieve this through hard work and raw talent. Not only this, but their capabilities have already been noticed after being hailed as “Liverpool’s most dangerous band” from the Liverpool Echo along with gaining support from the likes of BBC6 Music and BBC Introducing. With more people falling for their catchy rock and pop combination, they’ve been constantly gaining new fans, which explains their recent nineteen (yes nineteen!) tour dates across Japan this year.

Ben Lee releases new single

Ben Lee has been writing songs about the inner workings of his mind and heart for almost 25 years. Whether the subject matter was trying to impress girls in his Year 9 class, the existential poetic yearnings of an 18 year old, his wrestling with ambition and fame, or over the past decade and a half – grappling with matters of spiritual and psychological development, you can never accuse Ben of not wearing his heart on his sleeves.

Title Tracks announce new album, Stereogum debuts track

Ernest Jenning Record Co. is excited to announce Long Dream, the eagerly-anticipated third album from Title Tracks. Long Dream will see a release on November 18, 2016. Stereogum premiered album opener “Low Cool” for a first taste of the music, noting that the track is “power-pop through and through, led by Davis’ blunt, hearty guitar melodies and authoritative vocals.” The track is available to stream or embed HERE, and Long Dream can be preordered. The group also has a release show scheduled for November 18 at The Comet in Washington, D.C.

Title Tracks – “Low Cool”

Austin post punk band Hidden Ritual shares full stream of new album ‘Always’

For the past half-decade, Hidden Ritual has honed their blend of moody paranoia rock and stripped-down post-punk in Austin’s psych- and party-oriented bar scene. Between the droning vocals of frontman-guitarist Jaime Zuverza, driving rhythms of bassist Ryan Camarillo and drummer Matt Reilly, and dissonant keys of Robert Kaye, Hidden Ritual channels a nervous minimalism that is akin to CBGB’s outliers and to what Brooklyn Vegan calls the “gothy” and “gentler” side of punk. After performing on NBC’s Carson Daly Show in 2015, Hidden Ritual released their debut album, Zebra Bottle, on Austin’s Monofonus Press label. The songs reached listeners of WFMU and BBC6, and they also found an audience among followers of 1980s Siberian bands. One Moscow reviewer summed up Zebra Bottle as a “shadow semi-acoustic rock-n-roll, dusty otherworldly groove and delicate percussion arrhythmia — nine troubled ballads to modern hermits . . . ideal for the lunar funeral of his own heart.”

Mat Hunsley Streams New Single ‘Fires’

‘Fires’ is the lead single from Mat Hunsley’s debut EP, which is available to pre-order from iTunes now.

Produced by Mick Ross (Ajimal, Tessera Skies, The Lake Poets) and mastered by Tom Woodward (The Cribs, Fidlar, Frankie & The Heartstrings), the ‘To Being Free’ EP is released on 18th November. It represents another personal step forward for Mat, who has had to overcome numerous frustrations – not least his own self-doubt – just to get to this stage.

Those experiences have fed into Hunsley’s unique brand of storytelling, which is laid bare on ‘Fires’, his most personal song yet. Nods to contemporaries including Bon Iver, Nathaniel Rateliff and James Vincent Mcmorrow are evident in the track and provide the perfect backdrop to his poignant lyricism and ethereal vocals.

Redspencer announces upcoming album ‘Perks’ and shares track via Brooklyn Vegan

Introducing Redspencer, recent inductees into Melbourne’s flourishing bedroom-pop scene. Yesterday on Brooklyn Vegan, Redspencer announced their upcoming album ‘Perks’. With the announcement, the band shared the first track from the album “Rainbows”. ‘Perks’ is due November 18 on Deaf Ambitions.

In late 2013, rural-born brothers Dave and Aiden McMillian traded the sun-drenched plains of northern New South Wales for the rich cultural tapestry — and comparatively dreary weather — of Melbourne. 2015 sees the two siblings (alongside Andre Franco on bass, and Alex Buchanan on guitar) continue to draw influence from their provenance in Redspencer.

Ben Hobbs shares captivating new single, “Take The Blame”

Ben’s sound is indebted to vintage 80s synth-based pop, and he has a knack for big pop hooks (see also: CHVRCHES, The 1975, etc), but he also takes a cue from the genre’s original exponents, like Tears For Fears, Kate Bush and The Police. Although Hobbs is relatively new to US audiences, he’s been on a steep upward trajectory since the release of his debut single “Sweet Enough” (Spotify) last October. The song went on to be included on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist in the US, which subsequently sent it straight up the Global Viral Chart, ultimately eclipsing Drake’s “Hotline Bling” and surpassing it (!).

City of the Weak Release Music Video for Craig Owens Produced Track “Censor This”

Minneapolis rock trio City of the Weak has released a steamy, defiant new music video for their single “Censor This.” The track will be on the band’s upcoming album (release date and title TBA) and was produced by Chiodos vocalist Craig Owens.

“Craig helped us take this song from 8 to 10.,” says vocalist Stef w/ an F Huschka. “He guided us in making the heavy parts hit harder and encouraged the unapologetic lyrics to be even sassier.”

Huschka says the song came out of frustration while writing their new album, with many people trying to force them to fit into a mold. “One day, we literally just said ‘Fuck it. Let’s just do what we want to do. Fuck everyone else.’ We started this band because we wanted to have a voice that mattered. We wanted to be able to speak to people from the heart, and empower them to live their lives how they want. So we decided to practice what we preach and we spoke from the heart. A couple days later, we had a whole song completely written. We had never been more excited about a song, and it felt great.”

Relix Premieres The Nth Power’s Politically Charged Video – “Truth”

Head over to Relix today to watch the exclusive music video premiere of “Truth” from all-star funk and soul quartet The Nth Power. “Truth” is the first single from To Be Free – Live, the band’s new full-length live album due out on November 11th. The nine-track album was recorded in July over two nights of intimate live performances in Boston, MA and one night in the band’s hometown of Brooklyn, NY. The black and white video for “Truth” features a news ticker and scrolling lyrics to express the band’s mood regarding current events. “In a system that profits off of ignorance and thrives on complacency, ‘Truth’ is a call to action – a reminder to unify and educate ourselves because preserving and strengthening humanity is our greatest responsibility,” The Nth Power tells Relix.

D.R.A.M. RELEASES “CASH MACHINE” VIDEO

After recently unveiling the title, date & cover art for his debut album, “BIG BABY D.R.A.M.,” chart topping singer/songwriter/rapper D.R.A.M. releases the visual for “Cash Machine,” which will appear on “BIG BABY D.R.A.M.” when it’s released on October 21st. The video – which D.R.A.M. premiered last night at the “Samsung presents Live at 837” event – was shot in Atlanta, GA directed by Lacey Duke & is another fun video that D.R.A.M. has become known for, with no shortage of colorful cash provided Mister E. The video’s release comes on the heels of another milestone for D.R.A.M., as his hit single “Broccoli” is currently the #1 song on the Rhythmic radio charts. Watch the video for “Cash Machine” here.

Archivists’ ‘Everything Is Wanted’ video

‘Everything Is Wanted’ has received early BBC 6Music plays, with Don Letts and Tom Robinson proving big champions of the band. The single is also supported by BBC Introducing and is receiving spins on Virgin Radio and Amazing Radio as well. They will also be playing at London’s St. Pancras Old Church on November 7th.

JAKE MILLER PREMIERES VIDEO FOR CURRENT SINGLE “OVERNIGHT” ON PEOPLE.COM

Jake Miller premieres the video for “Overnight” – the title track from his current EP – today on People.com Directed by Edgar Esteves and shot in Los Angeles, the video features Miller co-starring in the steamy clip with five-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.

“The Overnight video shoot was such an amazing experience. Working with Simone was so easy and so much fun. There was just so much great energy in the room the whole day. Simone is constantly laughing and smiling which made the shoot feel very comfortable and laid back. I had such a fun time with her, and thank her for being a part of it.” – Jake Miller

PORT JUVEE Share Music Video For “Double Vision”

Canadian post-punk outfit Port Juvee share the new music video for “Double Vision,” premiering right now with Pure Volume! The video moves through dizzying space-era visuals that, along with the darkly urgent pace of the track, create a hauntingly nostalgic feel.

In the band’s own words:
“A montage of flashing visuals from the experimentation and isolation of Cold War-era space travel seemed to match the creepy post punk feel of ‘Double Vision’ perfectly. There’s a somber, almost haunting feel to focus and intensity of the astronauts as they slowly go through the paces, preparing to be shot into space. Some of the footage carries a Kubric style quality to it, which matches up nicely to the effects used throughout the song, as well as the concepts lyrically.”

Far East Movement x Elijah Blake ‘Church’ song premiere

Koreatown EDM pioneers Far East Movement partners with VIBE Magazine to exclusively premiere a brand new awe-inspiring song entitled “Church” off their forthcoming album Identity releasing globally via Transparent Music/Entertainment One/Bugs/Universal/Spinnin on October 21st. With production by Far East Movement, Autolaser, Rik Annema, Cimo Fränkel and Thomas Helsloot, the hypnotizingly soulful “Church” features the smooth vocal stylings of R&B crooner and songwriter Elijah Blake.

Premiere: Far East Movement Feat. Elijah Blake “Church”

Hillary Susz Debuts New Album “The Heart Will Jump (With Nowhere To Fall)” via IMPOSE

Hillary Susz is an independent songwriter and guitarist based in Boulder, CO. Her distinctive, operatic vocals and angular, effects-laden guitar work feature prominently in her songs, which often eschew conventional structure along the complex twists and turns of their narrative course.

A formal student of both poetry and creative writing, Hillary’s lyrics are the defining element of her music, painting striking and memorable imagery within songs that balance blunt commentary on lived experience with an honest, funny, and occasionally sardonic take on both lesbian love and ordinary life.

Watch Tommy Trash & TAISUN’s “IOUE” Video

Just when you thought exploding batteries were the worst thing to happen to your cell phone, meet the homicidal operating system of Tommy Trash & TAISUN’s “IOUE” video. Director Edward John Drake provides the ideal faux TV commercial setting (complete with breakdancers) to conjure a neon nightmare that pairs perfectly with Tommy and TAISUN’s distorted dance hit. Play it loud and keep an eye out for Tommy’s upcoming Group Chat EP, featuring collaborations with fellow Fool’s Gold label mates created during the “Gold Gone Wild” tour.

Lil Stl “Sit Down” ft Kash Doll

People can expect the grittiest Muzik coming from St. Louis for the first time ever with the most impeccable grind behind it this year! LIL ST.LOUIS says his biggest musical influence was and still is Pimp C and Bun B (UGK). What separates LIL ST.LOUIS from other artist is the raw content he brings to the table and it’s actually coming from the STL! This type of Muzik has never sprung out of St. Louis! St. Louis has been silent and LIL ST.LOUIS is the first to actually bring light to the streets of St. Louis.

SEVYN STREETER x THE-DREAM UNVEIL NEW MUSIC VIDEO

Sevyn Streeter unveiled the seductive and hypnotic visual for her latest song, “D4L (feat. The-Dream).” The striking video premiered exclusively via Billboard, with the publication heralding the video as “sultry”. The character-heavy video sees Sevyn exploring multiple sweet and sexy personalities, including a dominatrix-like figure, a sultry teacher, and a confident “Kitty”.

“Uptown Funk” Certified RIAA Diamond

Congratulations are in order for Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars. The RIAA announced today that the worldwide smash hit “Uptown Funk” (RCA, 2014) has achieved Diamond certification. In the 58-year history of RIAA Awards Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars is one of only 10 total acts to achieve Diamond sales for a song. “Uptown Funk” is the 13th Diamond song in RIAA history and the most recently released. The certification comes less than two years since the song’s release in November 2014.

Officially launched in 1958, the RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Program expanded in 1999 to include a Diamond Award honoring U.S. certifications of 10 million or more copies of an album or single. “Uptown Funk” is one of five songs ever to certify 11X Diamond or higher in the history of RIAA Awards.

Watch Lisa Prank’s Singles parody “Luv Is Dumb” video

Robin Edwards’ Seattle-based solo project has gained a dedicated following thanks to her expert marriage of a bubbly sound and all-too-relatable lyrics. Following 2014’s exceptional Crush on the World, Lisa Prank returns with a breezy but focused collection of meticulously crafted bedroom pop gems. Adult Teen is dominated by bruised romanticism, introspective longing, and a palpable sense of desire, building a sound heavily influenced by 90s pop punk and the decade’s lighthearted culture.

JERRY & JESSICA SEINFELD HOST NEW YORK FATHERHOOD LUNCH TO BENEFIT GOOD+ FOUNDATION

Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld hosted GOOD+ Foundation’s 2016 Fatherhood Lunch this afternoon at The Palm Restaurant in Tribeca, celebrating the continued expansion and success of the program which launched six years ago. The lunch raised nearly $275,000 towards the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to empower dads so they can fully embrace fatherhood and the responsibilities that accompany this role through support in positive parenting and discipline strategies, improving the relationship with the child’s mother, and helping a father establish his role within the family. Since its inception, GOOD+ Foundation’s Fatherhood Initiative has supported over 20,000 families.

During the lunch Jerry Seinfeld described how many fathers who seek help from a fatherhood program don’t have the resources or materials to create the best environment for their families. With the services and products donated by the GOOD+ Foundation, fathers are able to provide for their families and get the long term support needed to help lift the family out of poverty.

TIM MCGRAW AND FAITH HILL Announce Nashville Shows

During an October 4th surprise performance at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium that sent social media into a frenzy, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill announced “Soul2Soul The World Tour 2017” kicking off in New Orleans on April 7, 2017. The 65-city tour celebrates the 10th anniversary of the record-breaking “Soul2Soul II” tour, the highest-grossing multi-year country music tour of all time, and the first time Faith Hill has toured since 2007. And today, the tour announced two Nashville shows added to the itinerary. See additions in tour routing below.

Check local listings for ticket on-sale details. Nashville tickets will go on-sale Friday, October 28th at 10am local time.

“We have the best fans in the world, who have been with us through our entire journey and we are so excited to celebrate with them by going back on the road and showcasing an exciting new show,” said Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. “It’s always great when we get to work together and it’s been a while since we got to do that.”