SKOPE NEWS FOR DECEMBER 29, 2016

A PENTATONIX CHRISTMAS REACHES #1 ON THE BILLBOARD TOP 200 CHART

A Pentatonix Christmas, the third holiday album from the Grammy Award winning group Pentatonix, lands at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart. This is the second time the quintet has topped the chart (their self-titled album debuted #1 in 2015). The album has been certified platinum by the RIAA and is currently the 5th best-selling album of 2016. A Pentatonix Christmas has remained #1 on Billboard’s Holiday Albums Chart for 9 weeks since its release (Pentatonix has held the Holiday Albums Chart’s #1 position for 29 consecutive weeks during the holiday season). 2014’s 2X platinum That’s Christmas to Me reaches #5 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart.

Fellow Robot release “The Tools of War”

Southern California political rock group Fellow Robot have just released their new single “The Tools of War.” The track was recorded to raise awareness for the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo. All sales of the track will be donated to the American Refugee Committee.

FROZEN SAND launched “Fractals A Shadow out of Lights” album trailer

Italian progressive metal band Frozen Sand sets January 19th, 2017 as the international release date for album, entitled “Fractals: A Shadow out of Lights”. Official album trailer now streaming on band’s YouTube channel:

Synth Duo MY BODY “Pomme”

More downtempo than the other tracks off Seven Wives, “Pomme” highlights My Body’s light, folksy vocals more than ever, softly dark beats in the backdrop emphasizing the emotional weight behind the vocals. Lyrically, the single captures the heartache of feeling too possessive of the one you love. My Body consistently delivers powerful music, evocative words, and thoughtful contemplation, and “Pomme” continues this trend with its insightful exploration of the many facets behind love and the self.

REVERENCE Sign European Booking Deal with Rock’N’Growl Promotion

Rock’N’Growl Promotion announce the signing of the US power metal band Reverence. Rock’N’Growl Promotion is the new representation for all European Live Bookings of the band and Rock’N’Growl partner Hydra Productions will handle live dates in Benelux and France.

Reverence’s new untitled album will be released sometime in 2017 and some US and European dates to be announced very soon.

The band recently released a new 2016 version of their song ‘Until My Dying Breath’, which can be streamed here:

New Kipp Stone track for Marvel’s Black Panther

Cleveland rapper Kipp Stone teamed up with Marvel Comics for an ode to his favorite comic book character The Black Panther. Used as the soundtrack for the Ta-Nehisi Coates narrated video for the 8th comic of the series, “100 Black Panthers” is one of Kipp Stone’s most impressive songs yet. Check the video and full track below.

Diana Hickman Debuts “Room With No Ceiling”

Fusing threads of soul, R&B and pop, NYC-based vocalist Diana Hickman emerges with her new single, “Room With No Ceiling,” from her debut EP, set for release on March 3, 2017. The track recently premiered exclusively with Songwriting Magazine.

The quirky, whimsical, and sometimes dramatic influences of Hickman’s music stem from her professional background in musical theater. After graduating from the prestigious Boston Conservatory of Music, the singer has graced the stage at a number of NYC’s top venues, including Brooklyn Bowl, Duplex Cabaret Club, Fat Cat, Blue Note and more. Hickman’s background also includes extensive touring across the tri-state area as part of the 80’s-insired band, White Wedding. John McCracken, former head of A&R at EMI Music Group, raves, “Diana is one of those rare artists that comes along all too infrequently. Intelligent, funny, edgy with a signature voice underscored by sophisticated music that appears effortless.” In her forthcoming album, South of Your Thoughts, Hickman fuses classical roots with a sassy, soulful flair that has been likened to Amy Winehouse and Erykah Badu.