XAON Embark On Major US Tour From Jan 24th
2017 saw Swiss group Xaon release their acclaimed album The Drift and 2018 looks set to be another mega year with the boys kicking it off in style with a 21 date tour in the US starting on January 24th and running through to mid-February. In Spring, Xaon also have confirmed dates in Japan and plan to tour in Europe over the summer months.
7 Predictions For The Music Business In 2018
Bobby Owsinski looks into his crystal ball to predict 7 major happenings in the music industry for the coming year, as changes like the loss of net neutrality and the rise of streaming impact music.
DANISH POWERHOUSE DEFECTO SIGNS TO BLACK LODGE
Black Lodge proudly presents their latest signing DEFECTO, releasing their second album on March the 16th.
DEFECTO is Denmark’s newest and finest addition to melodic and progressive metal, featuring huge catchy choruses, massive riffs, blazing solos and grandiose symphonies with a modern feel.
Being spotted by grammy award winning producer Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica), DEFECTO is without doubt the most promising addition to the Danish metal scene since Volbeat.
Black Lodge proudly presents their latest signing DEFECTO, releasing their second album on March the 16th.DEFECTO is…
Posted by Black Lodge Records on Friday, January 5, 2018
Turbowolf release new single ‘Domino’ ft. Mike Kerr of Royal Blood
Bristol-based alt-rock mavericks Turbowolf have released ‘Domino’, the latest single taken from their upcoming album ‘The Free Life’, which will be released via So Recordings on March 9th.
‘Domino’ is a transportative, transcendental voyage into the anarchic punk ethos of Turbowolf. A breakneck sonic journey of driving bass lines, immersive overdrive and cutting synthesisers, the track races through pounding verses before exploding into its anthemic chorus.
Refusing to conform, ‘Domino’ weaves between swirling psychedelia, explosive peaks of fuzz-laden chaos, and subtle breakdowns. Throughout, Mike Kerr of Royal Blood trades vocals with Turbowolf lead singer Chris Georgiadis amid the track’s loose-wire aural pyrotechnics.
Table Scraps ‘Autonomy’ LP out Feb 23rd
To turn away from a record deal with a large label in your teens takes guts – especially when the fight for opportunities of that kind are so far and few between for rising bands. But when you feel like you’re being kept out of the loop of your own life and one two many false promises are made, something has to change. Drummer Poppy Twist of Poppy & The Jezebels (Mute) made her choice and hasn’t glanced back since. Forming the Midlands three-piece, Table Scraps, was a natural antidote and as with anything that comes with a DIY-sense of raw honesty, has had huge levels of support. Joining forces with two souls in possession of similar stories, TJ on bass and Scott Vincent Abbott on guitar, the band have become a storming unit of energy and defiance.
Inner Circle Avenue Release Official Music Video for “Goin’ Nowhere Fast”
Toledo, OH based alternative rock band Inner Circle Avenue has released the Official Music Video for their single, “Goin’ Nowhere Fast,” off of their 2016 released, debut EP, Greetings from the Inner Circle. Says the foursome about the track:
The song, “Goin’ Nowhere Fast”, illustrates young souls looking for a sense of belonging in a confusing and tumultuous world. The fruits of your labor combined with life’s passions far too often fall short of expectations. Clouded by a sense of pure determination, one could become misguided. However, youthful ambitions triumph over a repressed society. Through the song, “Goin’ Nowhere Fast”, we have acknowledged our inner struggles and overcome them through an overwhelming sense of family and friendship.
State of Illusion Releases Official Music Video for “Blind” Off of ‘Aphelion’
South Carolina rock quartet State of Illusion has released the highly anticipated music video for “Blind,” the newly remixed single off of their 2014 released LP, Aphelion. Originally premiered on Tattoo.com, “Blind” was directed and edited by Erez Bader of Silent Flight Productions.
H.C. McEntire explains the inspiration behind “Quartz in the Valley”
For her debut solo album LIONHEART (out January 26), H.C. McEntire found a creative catalyst in Kathleen Hanna. What began as an invitation from McEntire to have Hanna’s band The Julie Ruin perform at Girls Rock North Carolina’s 10th anniversary soon turned into a friendship and, ultimately, an artistic mentorship. “Quartz in the Valley” was the first song the two worked on together, and it’s premiering today on The Grey Estates, who say “McEntire’s vocals radiate with unmistakable strength; a constant guiding force that tempers through a country-music tale of mascara-stained pillowcases and a waiting creek that holds all the answers.”
Sex Pistols’ ‘God Save The Queen’ Unreleased 7″ Sells For $14,690US
Discogs has verified the sale of the Sex Pistols’s ‘God Save The Queen’ unreleased A&M Records 7″ for $14,690US topping the Most Expensive Items Sold on Discogs for November 2017. The Guardian lists this unreleased Sex Pistols single as one of the rarest records in Britain. Originally signed to A&M Records, 25,000 copies of ‘God Save The Queen’ were pressed before A&M’s Herb Alpert reportedly destroyed the Sex Pistols’ recording contract six days after signing.
Joan Baez’s new album “Whistle Down The Wind” out March 2
In advance of the release, the album’s title track is premiering today at Rolling Stone, who calls it, “…a moving reflection and summation of Baez’s life as a singer, musician and activist.”
INSECURE MEN SHARE VIDEO ON THE FADER
Insecure Men, the band led by the fiercely talented songwriter and musician Saul Adamczewski and his schoolmate and Childhood main-man, Ben Romans-Hopcraft, have announced details of the release of their self-titled debut album to be released February 23rd on Fat Possum Records.
Cozz Releases Video For “Questions” Today
Following the release of the first song from his upcoming debut album, Dreamville artist Cozz releases the Scott Lazer and Darius Turbak directed video for Questions today.
South By Southwest Announces Keynote Melinda Gates and Featured Speakers
South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals (March 9-18, 2018) has announced the addition of Keynote Melinda Gates and the newest round of Featured Speakers to the programming lineup. The new Featured Speakers include writer and director Olivier Assayas; founder and CEO of Dell Technologies Michael Dell; Elvis Presley: The Searcher documentary executive producer Priscilla Presley and director Thom Zimny; hacktivist Joséphine Goube; futurist Ray Kurzweil; visionary film director Richard Linklater; former U.S. Chief Technology Officer and shift7 co-founder Megan Smith; Westworld showrunners and creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy; designer and entrepreneur Rachel Zoe; and more. As SXSW celebrates the 25th year of Interactive and Film, and its second year with a unified conference that features Interactive, Film, Music, and Convergence Tracks, Melinda Gates and the Featured Speakers announced today reflect the current and coming trends through the lens of tech and culture.
Little Boots Announces Forthcoming Female Focused Collaborative “Burn” EP And Mixtape
British artist, musician and DJ Little Boots is starting the New Year right with an announcement of her forthcoming “Burn” EP, plus the release of a stellar new mix-tape featuring two brand new original tracks from the artist herself (“Shadows” and “Picture”). The BURN mix-tape (premiered via The FADER) features an all female cast including The Black Madonna, Jessie Ware, Lauren Flax, yaeji, Francesca Lombardo and many more.
New Bashful Hips Album “People. Nature. Death”
“This is a record of spiritual crisis and a celebration of knowing nothing. This is an existential mess refined to sound.”
Rosie Carney cover of “K”
Rosie’s cover of “K” is just the tip of the iceberg of 2018… after a tremendous break-out year in 2017, she has much in store for us in the near future. Last year saw the release of three singles; “Awake Me,” “Your Moon” and “Winter” (streamable via Spotify and SoundCloud), each of which drew critical praise across the spectrum. It’s not every day that a vivid songwriter like Carney comes along… anyone that’s not already acquainted with her mature-beyond-her-years songwriting would be forgiven for thinking she was some long lost contemporary of Joni Mitchell with decades worth of experiences to relate about life, love and adversity, and not a brilliant newcomer who’s barely left her teenage years behind.
MOVEMENTS Announce ‘Feel Something’ Spring North American Tour
Coming off the success of their debut album Feel Something on Fearless Records, MOVEMENTS have announced their first headlining tour across North America. With support from Can’t Swim, Super Whatevr, and Gleemer, the 29-date Spring tour begins March 2 in Berkeley, CA and ends with a hometown show in Pomona, CA’s Glass House. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 10 at 12pm local time, and can be purchased.
TEENAGE WRIST PREMIERE VIDEO FOR “SWALLOW”
Today, L.A.-based garage-rock trio Teenage Wrist share their video for “Swallow.” A new signing to Epitaph, the band includes Kamtin Mohager (bass, vocals), Marshall Gallagher (guitar, vocals), and Anthony Salazar (drums).
With its distorted colors and hazy aesthetic, the video for “Swallow” shows the band’s shoegaze-inspired sensibilities. Released as a single last month, “Swallow” was praised by Stereogum for its “lo-fi guitars, straightforward riffs, and strong drumbeat.”
Tritonal’s ‘Call Me’ gets Remixed
Tritonal’s latest single released on Enhanced, ‘Call Me’ saw the Texas duo put forward yet another of their impeccably touching, soulful Dance records. Brimming with the unmistakable air of Tritonal’s smooth production – ‘Call Me’ is back again thanks to six of the scene’s up-and-coming producers.
Jason Nolan releases official video for EP title track “Late Night City Hawks”
Jazz flautist and electronic producer, songwriter and vocalist Jason Nolan releases official video for EP title track “Late Night City Hawks”. Pulling from the funk-disco and pop music of the late 70s with an accompaniment of modern electronics and lucid ambient textures, Nolan continues to produce quality electro-pop masterpieces, receiving tastemaker support from Stereogum, Wonderland, Complex, Earmilk to name a few.
Belgian Alt-Stoner Metallers Black Strike stream debut EP for full
About two years after the official release of their debut EP released in 2015 for CD & Digital through M & O Music Label, tons of gigs and a few months of hard-work on new tunes, Belgian alternative/stoner metallers Black Strike are planning to release a second mini-album called ‘132’ and expected for the first months on 2018.
DAN + SHAY SERVE UP A REFLECTIVE SHOT OF “TEQUILA”
As Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney) teased on social media last week, fans are just days away from a taste of the duo’s brand new music. “Tequila,” their first offering in nearly a year, will be available to radio and all streaming partners this Wednesday, January 10. Co-written by Smyers alongside Jordan Reynolds and Nicolle Galyon, the reflective single is much more than just your typical drinking song.
1.10.18 pic.twitter.com/OXOeQnKgBR
— Dan + Shay (@DanAndShay) January 2, 2018
Keak Da Sneak Has Money to Burn in the Incendiary “Dawlas” Video
Cutting through hyphy instrumentals with his trademark rasp, Keak Da Sneak embodies the idiosyncrasy and honesty of Bay Area hip-hop. Turning his attention to the cultural influence of finance and greed, Keak looks out for his own on “Dawlas.” Rocking a hypnotic one-word-at-a-time flow over sinister piano and eerie vocal samples, Keak lays out his ambitions and calls out deadbeats on the single, proudly wearing his eccentricities on his sleeve. In the video, Keak counts cash in a windowless room, transforming into a trace-motion silhouette, intercut with images of $100 bills and occult pentagrams. Produced by The Mekanix, who co-star with Keak in the new video, “Dawlas” is a highlight from Withdrawl, released in November, Keak’s first new album since 2013. Premiered by HipHopDX, “Dawlas” follows the rowdy video for “Ima Keep It Goin’,” which features E-40 and boasts a cameo from Marshawn Lynch.
ATLANTA RAPPER 550 NEW MUSIC VIDEO: “STEPPIN ON HOES” & “LIGHTS” FEATURING FUTURE
Today, Atlanta trap rapper 550 debuts his brutally honest “Steppin’ On Hoes/Lights” music video. Directed by Do It All DP, this is not your typical street record flaunting their video vixens. Instead, 550 pulls back the veil on the seductresses to expose their trickery and trifling ways and flips the game on them.
550 explains, “Most women will show you fake love and attention for material shit. I learned from experience that women will cross you out for designer shoes and bags. So I decided to put materialistic things over these females. Now I’m iced up, bossed up and cashed out! Running a check on these hoes… Steppin on ’em.”
TR/ST “Destroyer” Video Ft. Sia’s Ryan Heffington
Nowness has premiered the video for TR/ST’s new single “Destroyer”. The track along with the previously released “Bicep” will be part of an LP due out in 2018. The video stars famed choreographer Ryan Heffington and is the first video Ryan has both starred in and choreographed. When talking about the video Heffington says,”TR/ST’S thrilling track DESTROYER induced a feeling of uplifting mourning that inspired movements implying a last ditch effort to save a relationship. Joy remembered, self reflection and turmoil manifested in gestures that lie upon Robbie’s ungulating rhythms and vox set upon the backdrop of a familiar location – home for most of us that created this piece – the streets of Silver Lake, LA.”
NOAH GUNDERSEN US Tour Begins January 18
Since its debut, White Noise has opened a chapter in Gundersen’s life as a musician that has allowed him to break out of his days as a folk singer, and into a cross-genre artist with no boundaries. PopMatters highlighted that, “On White Noise, Gundersen fully transitions from a pensive folk singer to a layered rock star,” while Seattle Times called White Noise “one of the best albums of 2017.”
SCUMPULSE: Debut Album By UK Black/Grind Act To See Release Via Gore House Productions
Los Angeles-based extreme metal label Gore House Productions confirms the February release of Rotten, the scorching debut album by Scottish outfit SCUMPULSE. An official video for the album’s “Alba Gu Bràth” has been premiered through Metal Injection as the label issues preorders for Rotten.
New Single: Tropic Harbour — Can’t Pretend
“Can’t Pretend” is a departure into a more downtempo electronic realm. The slow builds and atmosphere of the track play into the lyrical themes of self-discovery. It’s about letting go of a past relationship and finding myself in the process.
The song was written and produced by Mark Berg and mastered by Luke Pretty of Tennyson.
Huey Boombox (of @thestereoboyz) – Detroit Shit
Stereo Boyz consist of members Detroit Mixo, Huey Boombox, & Mic Audio. Before becoming super group Stereo Boyz they were a part of the “Rhyme Asylum” (1999 – 2008), a group that claimed a reputation of being one of Detroit’s most devastating underground rap groups. Performing since a young age, the three MCs have created an undeniable stage presence. They master the ceremony & have earned the respect of every artist they came across. Completing a three month tour across Europe in late 2011, then returning 2012 & 2013, with shows in Germany, France, Austria, Holland, & Switzerland the Stereo Boyz have been internationally approved by fans abroad.
Jukka Westhues – ‘Silent Disguise’
Jukka Westhues is an alternative artist from a long musical descent with roots in Finland and Indiana. Growing up in a musical family, Jukka had no doubt that he would delve i…
44 YEARS GONE AND I’M BACK SIGGIE THE VINTAGE MAN RETURNS
Combine Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, John Prine and Townes Van Zandt together and you get Siggie The Vintage Man. Siggies storytelling and interaction with the audience makes for a fun time for all. He took a 44+ year hiatus from the music scene but has been very steadily performing in Washington State. He just finished up his CD 300 Steps at the infamous Bad Animals/Studio X in Seattle. His performances live are a combination of originals and covers that will keep you clapping singing and stomping. Just remember “THERE’S A WHOLE LOT OF VOLTAGE IN THE VINTAGE, YEAH BABY”
Witherfall to play first shows on 70000 Tons of Metal Cruise
So… Witherfall not being a band to do anything conventional, we proudly announce our first show. In international waters no less. This will be the bands first show and the first time fans will get to see this lineup in the flesh…
“Please welcome Witherfall on board 70000tons OF METAL 2018, The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise! Featuring current and former members of #IcedEarth and #WhiteWizzard, these shred-tastic maniacs will entrance you and 2,999 Sailors from around the globe with two hard-hitting sets of pure Heavy Metal! ”
MUSIC SUBMISSION: Heaven Is A Breath Away
“Heaven Is A Breath Away” is a single off of J-Crizzy’s upcoming album entitled Everyday Dreamer. The song features San Francisco’s own Christian Kuria on guitar. You can find the song everywhere online! Enjoy!
The Art Of Elysium Held Their 11th Annual Black Tie Artistic Experience “Heaven” on January 6, 2018
The Art of Elysium kicked off Golden Globes weekend by holding their 11th Annual Black Tie celebration, HEAVEN, on Saturday, January 6th at The Historic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. John Legend was this year’s Visionary and actress, Shanola Hampton received the “Spirit of Elysium” Award. HEAVEN was chaired by Lisa DeBartolo & Don Miggs, Kelsey Offield & Cole Sternberg. Cadillac generously donated rides for VIP guests.
According to John Legend, HEAVEN is Love, Light and Laughter, and the evening was full of just that. During the cocktail hour, guests sipped on Moet Hennessy. Comedian, Nick Kroll served as the evenings emcee and got the party started ushering guests into Heaven. The dinner menu was created by Kathleen and Charlie Schaffer of Schaffer, and was served family style. Kathleen Schaffer was inspired by Love for the menu, saying “we believe love guides all of our decisions as a company. From how we source our ingredients and create flavors to how we present them thoughtfully always considering the guests’ experience.”
A$AP MOB ANNOUNCE YAMS DAY 2018
In 2015, the world lost a creative genius and music icon while A$AP Mob lost their brother – A$AP Yams. In 2016, A$AP Mob launched the inaugural Yams Day in celebration of his life, with a sold-out show at T5, followed by a sold-out show at MSG’s Theater at the Garden in 2017.This year, A$AP Mob is excited to continue the celebration of his life and memory with Yams Day 2018 at the New York Expo Center in the Bronx, featuring appearances from A$AP Mob, Lil Yachty, Nav, G Perico, Aston Matthews, Retch and Dash, and more plus DJ sets by Cozy Boys and Ali of TDE. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Always Strive And Prosper Foundation. Founded two years ago by Tatiana Rodriguez, Yams’ mother, the organization is dedicated to providing young people with accessible and realistic education about substance use and abuse.
Matisyahu Announces Spring 2018 Forest of Faith Tour!
The GRAMMY-nominated, King without a Crown Matisyahu has announced his 2018 Forest of Faith Tour. While he wraps up the Broken Crowns Tour with Common Kings, Matisyahu continues to keep his eyes firmly on the horizon as he tours in support of his critically-acclaimed sixth studio album Undercurrent.
Matisyahu has created his own space in reggae music, developing a loyal following that has driven singles such as “One Day” and “King Without a Crown” to international recognition. His newest album, Undercurrent, was released earlier this year via Thirty Tigers and Matisyahu’s own imprint, Fallen Sparks. The album embodies a collaborative and freeform spirit as Matisyahu and his band seamlessly merge instrumental improvisation sessions with lyrics and vocals. The synergistic energy of the album is especially apparent onstage, where Matisyahu and guitarist Aaron Dugan, bassist Stu Brooks, drummer Joe Tomino and keyboardist Big Yuki bring their creative dynamic to life.
OUR LADY PEACE Reveal New Music Video for “Falling Into Place”
Canadian rock outfit OUR LADY PEACE have teamed up with Alternative Nation to release the final video from their mini-documentary style series for each track from Volume 1 of their new album, “Somethingness”. As with the previous clips, “Falling Into Place” features YouTube star Matthew Santoro as ride-share driver and explores a unique look into personal stories that happen every day, all around us in a new light.
Premiere: Our Lady Peace’s “Falling Into Place” Music Video Featuring YouTube Star Matthew Santoro
Hunter Hayes Jump Starts 2018 With “This Girl”
Five-time GRAMMY© nominee Hunter Hayes releases the third installment of his music series this Friday, January 12 with “This Girl.” Co-written by Jordan Schmidt, Andy Albert and Jessie Jo Dillon, the track follows the 2017 release of “More” and “You Should Be Loved (feat. The Shadowboxers)”. With lyrics like: Yeah, I swear that I’d trade everything I chase/ They could take it all away/ long as I get to love this girl, “This Girl” highlights Hayes’ guitar-playing and his rich, up-tempo vocals.
Kim Richey To Release ‘Edgeland’ March 30
Grammy-nominated acclaimed singer/songwriter Kim Richey will release her first album in five years, Edgeland, on Yep Roc Records March 30. In support of the album, the Nashville-based artist has confirmed the first leg of a U.S. tour, which includes stops in Nashville, Duluth, Vienna, Cambridge, Pittsburgh, and Ann Arbor, among others.
Kim Richey Shares New Song “Whistle On Occasion” Featuring Chuck Prophet
YOUNGBOY NEVER BROKE AGAIN RETURNS WITH NEWEST VIDEO “OUTSIDE TODAY”
Baton Rouge rapper on the rise, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, continues to dominate the game with his quirky wordplay, intense delivery and no-holds barred approach to his music. At just 17 years old, the young rap artist has already dropped five mixtapes as well as the visuals for his singles “38 Baby” & “Murder” Remix ft. 21 Savage. YoungBoy’s aggressive flow, reminiscent of the classic Southern rap style Cash Money and No Limit made famous, helped the young artist close out 2016 strong, with the successful release of his first three projects at digital retail: the “38 Baby,” “Before I Go Reloaded” & “Mind Of A Menace 3 Reloaded” mixtapes. With his “Never Broke Again” movement catching on strong, YoungBoy has quickly surpassed his Southern limits and is well on his way to becoming a household name in today’s rap Game!
Los Angeles DJ/Producer DOWNLOWD Remixes Fly By Midnights “XL” Out Now (1/5)
On Friday (1/5), Los Angeles DJ/producer—DOWNLOWD—released an official remix for funk, pop duo FLY BY MIDNIGHT’s hit single, “XL”. DOWNLOWD says of the project: “I love Fly By Midnight and their tunes. I think they have huge potential to be the next big thing. Plus they’re great guys. The tune is a love song about getting cozy with your significant other- I really wanted to capitalize on the happy, positive vibes with the remix while giving it some energy.”
