SKOPE NEWS FOR JANUARY 11, 2018

Video: Yung Tory – “Drink Alone”

Bringing a distinctive melodic sensibility to trap music, Yung Tory is a name to watch out for in 2018. Serving up a mournful, warbling, trap ballad, Yung Tory grieves for the end of a relationship on “Drink Alone.” Despairing over liquid keys and skittering hi-hats, Tory bemoans is newly single status, holing up in his residence and drinking to forget his sadness. In the video, Tory wallows in his sorrows, as he reminisces over the good times of his relationship, dramatized in grainy sepia-tone and black-and-white. “Drink Alone” is a highlight from Free Dope 2, Tory’s most recent mixtape and his second of 2017. With two appearances from his OTF label boss Lil Durk, Free Dope 2 is an addictive and accomplished project from a promising young artist and the ideal soundtrack to your next smoke session or turn-up function.

Lil Baby shares “All of a Sudden” video feat. Moneybagg Yo

Rising Atlanta star Lil Baby had a seminal 2017 after signing to Quality Control Music and releasing several projects including his latest mixtape Too Hard. He just dropped off a new video with Moneybagg Yo from the same project called “All Of A Sudden”. Check out both rappers trade bars over tall stacks in the new visual directed by Keemotion.

Taylor Colson Shares Video For “Blame It On My Body” Exclusively Via CelebMix

Today, Los Angeles-based pop artist Taylor Colson shares visuals for her single “Blame It On My Body.” CelebMix premiered the video, stating, “She is determined to make it now, and there is little doubt she will. The pop singer/songwriter has recently released her debut single ‘Blame It On My Body’ to critical acclaim and here we are able to bring you the world exclusive.”

Wallows Release “Pulling Leaves Off Trees” Studio Performance Video

Southern California indie-rock band Wallows have premiered studio performance footage of their buzzworthy new track “Pulling Leaves Off Trees.” “Pulling Leaves Off Trees Live at North Dwarf Records” was filmed in Lake Forest, CA at the studio of the band’s friend Stefan Mac, who also co-produced and engineered the song. The footage offers fans a glimpse into Wallows’ life in the studio with an aesthetic that pays homage to the band’s 90s alt-rock influences. “Pulling Leaves Off Trees” was recently premiered as a #WorldFirst on Beats1 by Zane Lowe and online by Under the Radar, with Alternative Press declaring it one of the best new songs of the week upon release and Idolator proclaiming it “a welcome dose of grungy pop/rock with razor-sharp lyrics.”

Sammy Johnson Returns on Tour With The Green Supporting His New Single “Sleepwalker”!

Australian native, New Zealand-bred soulful reggae star Sammy Johnson will bring his silky reggae soul music back to the United States this winter as special guest in support of the Green’s Marching Orders Tour. Sammy Johnson collides his Polynesian roots with his love for modern jazz and R&B artists like D’Angelo, Amy Winehouse, and Lauryn Hill, which results in a passionate musical hybrid that is undeniably soothing. He will be on tour alongside Hawaiian-based reggae band The Green.

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.

Wing Vilma loops Michigan found field recordings in “Cherry Granola”

Wing Vilma is a name Miles Coleman has been using for just under a year, but it’s quickly become a deeper part of his persona. The 19 years old Grand Rapids native creates music by harvesting found sound from real areas of the Michigan landscape and crafting percussive sequences along with melodic textures. His debut album Safe By Night is set for a February 2nd release on upstart Detroit-based label Young Heavy Souls. The new album track “Cherry Granola” premiered today on Self-Titled, and can be heard on Soundcloud.

“Hell No” is the first release from Brooklyn-based act Von Sell

Upon returning to New York, Von Sell partnered with NYU’s Steinhardt students and Village Records to craft his new gem and first song since his hiatus titled “Hell No”. Collaborating with grammy winning producer, Juan Cristobal Losada, “Hell No” is mid- tempo ballad about being conflicted and in denial about love, infatuation and losing yourself in your desire for another. Needless to say, we are happy to have him back and ready for what comes next.

Cardiff’s Safari Gold set to release stunning debut LP

‘Cardiff based quartet ‘Safari Gold’ have hit out with their brand of diverse pop and have begun to turn heads with their tracks ‘Howl’ and ‘Tide’ (Premiered on Indie Shuffle and The Line Of Best Fit). Friends since childhood, the 4 piece features brothers Morgan and Lewys
as well as Danny and Sion. Working from their home studio, since releasing ‘Howl’ and ‘Tide’online, the band spent 2017 finishing up the album. Other album tracks ‘Honey’ and ‘Breakout ft. SNNY’ went online towards the end of 2017 as a taste of what’s to come.

JOEL JAMES to release ‘Adorn Above’ single on January 19th

Joel James makes a statement in new single Adorn Above telling the industry, he is here to stay.

Adorn Above is a battlecry in the form of a rock orchestral sound. Joel James lands his delicate poetry in between the whaling sounds of triumph. The track illustrates rejection being a societal norm but shows the urge to keep fighting, while having an endless desire to come out on top.

Courtney Marie Andrews’ “May Your Kindness Remain” out March 23

In advance of the release, the album’s title track is premiering today as part of NPR Music’s “Songs We Love” series. Of the song NPR Music praises, “Sonically, the track signals a new direction for Andrews, who, alongside producer Mark Howard, ventures beyond acoustic folk and into gospel, soul, and rock over the course of the song’s four minutes.”

Public Access TV share new single “Lost In The Game”

Today, Public Access TV share the second single from their highly anticipated sophomore album Street Safari, due out on February 23rd. Lost In The Game, a funk inspired ode to youth, was premiered last night on the Huw Stephens show.

Natalie Shay ‘This Feeling’

Natalie Shay is a 19 year old multi award-winning, indie pop/rock artist from North London. Deemed as one of London’s hottest emerging talents and having already acquired an impressive array of awards, Shay is ready to launch herself into the forefront of the industry, with her highly anticipated upcoming release.

As a classically trained guitarist from the age of five, Shay’s outstanding talents soon found herself accepted into the prestigious BRIT school, known for producing such prodigies as Adele, Jessie J and Katy B. Shay credits her time at the famed BRIT school for encouraging her independence, “It allows student’s to develop creatively and socially so that they are prepared for the world once they graduate”, explains Shay.

PANORAMA Release ‘Heart Has Been Broken’ Lyric Video

Swiss/Finnish/American hard rockers PANORAMA have released a new lyric video for ‘Heart Has Been Broken’, the song is taken from their debut album ‘Around The World’, out on January 12, 2018 and on Vinyl as a black and silver (limited edition 250 pcs) LP, out on February 16, 2018, via ROAR! Rock Of Angels Records. The album is produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward (Unisonic, Pink Cream 69). The video can be viewed here.

SWIMSUIT ISSUE Announce US Tour Dates

Los Angeles based, New York born and bred duo Swimsuit Issue have announced two very special headlining shows, their first for 2018. The band will kick things off January 16th in Brooklyn at Babys All Right with support from Palm Springsteen and Adios Ghost and then wrap up with a a hometown show in Los Angeles on February 7th.

no:carrier drops “Lovesong” video

no:carrier, the critically-acclaimed electro-pop band known for its collaborations with international artists, has dropped another with Mills and Nadia S.: The Cure’s biggest hit, “Lovesong.”

VOWWS Announces US Tour

LA-via-Australia based duo VOWWS announce their US tour + new album Under the World (out March 2nd via Anti-Language Records). The tour kicks off in March with performances at SXSW – you can find a full list of dates below. Check out their recently released video “Forget Your Finery” here and stay tuned for new music from the upcoming album coming soon:

Knightstown shares new single ‘Charlatan’ via FatCat Records

Knightstown’s new single Charlatan arrives on January 12th. Knightstown, AKA Michael Aston, has been perfecting and developing his sound tirelessly over the last few years and this new cut is a reflection of that hard work. This single precedes a debut EP, due for release Spring 2018.

Dream-Pop Artist Unwoman Announces Her Seventh Studio Album “War Stories”

January 10th 2018-San Francisco, CA Dream-pop/Steampunk artist Unwoman announces the release of her seventh album War Stories. Unwoman herself, Erica Mulkey had this to say about the inspiration behind War Stories..

This is an extremely personal album for me, but in ways that I know will resonate with a lot of other people. “Saviors,” the first song I finished after 18 months of writers block, is my response to being relegated to subordinate female roles in someone else’s hero’s journey — either a siren to distract them or a princess to be saved. “Bad Man” was my opportunity to drag Mr Rochester from Jane Eyre (if you’ve read the book you know he’s the worst!) “War Stories” is about nurturing and birth vs war and death and other toxic aspects of masculinity. “The Surrender” is about birth and the completely overwhelming love I felt for my new baby. “We Love Longest” — inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion — may be the most proudly sentimental piece I’ve ever written. “Flies” is about whisper networks and rapists.

Young Galaxy Announce First Independent Album, ‘Down Time’

Montreal’s electro-pop duo Young Galaxy have announced the upcoming release of their first fully independent, “punk spirit” album. Down Time stories Young Galaxy’s shift into complete independence and positions the band as a countercultural beacon during the current climate of isolation, corruption and despair.

Erika Wennerstrom (of Heartless Bastards) announces debut solo LP

There’s something somewhat frightening, yet utterly liberating when leaving the confines of a successful band to venture solo – especially a band whose latest record was called “effortlessly brilliant” by critics. But, such is the case with Erika Wennerstrom who is taking a break from her Austin-based rock band, Heartless Bastards, to deliver her solo debut Sweet Unknown (coming out 3/23 via Partisan Records).

On going solo, Erika reveals “it was a really freeing experience. I found my strength in my vulnerability as an artist, and really, just as a person. It kind of forced me to allow myself to be a little more exposed and stand on my own two feet.”

THE STREETS RELEASE FIRST NEW MATERIAL IN ALMOST 7 YEARS

At the end of last year, Mike Skinner dropped two new tracks; ‘Burn Bridges’ and ‘Sometimes I Hate My Friends More Than My Enemies’, marking the first release from The Streets since 2011’s ‘Computers and Blues’. The new music precedes the forthcoming sold-out tour “The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light”, which will take place this April across the UK and Europe.

LOST HORIZONS share David Bowie-inspired new track, “On The Day You Died

Lost Horizons’ Simon Raymonde and Richie Thomas almost didn’t make it to studio that day two years ago as the sadness and upset at the news hit them, but they decided to forge ahead and try and use all the energy and his inspiration to create something. Of the track Raymonde says: “It was a tough day, but quite an extraordinary one in hindsight. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do anything when I arrived at the studio, but when I sat at the piano something just happened. Richie grabbed his saxophone and our engineer Iggy just pressed record and the resulting improvisation is what you hear, warts and all. We didn’t talk much about it, but I can feel his presence on the track for sure. Several months later when I told Richie I wanted to use the track exactly as it was, he was quite surprised and said that he could play the saxophone much better now, and that he’d like to have another go. “Not a chance!” I said. “It may not be ‘perfect’ technically but the reason it has the poignancy it does is because of the circumstances. I don’t want you to change a note.” Thankfully, he agreed…”

Watch Wild Ones’ “Invite Me In” video

Wild Ones are sharing the video for the song, “Invite Me In,” which you can watch HERE. Huffington Post, who debuted the video, calls it “electro-pop perfection”.

American Songwriter Premiered India Ramey’s Video For “Saying Goodbye”

“India Ramey’s album Snake Handler was one of 2017’s best under-the-radar releases. Ramey’s debut album, the collection showed the former Montgomery, Alabama deputy district attorney to be one of the more capable voices to emerge in country and Americana in recent years.

India Ramey Premieres Video For “Saying Goodbye”

Austin, TX’s Dryspell (members of White Reaper, Hovvdy) share single at Post-Trash!

Bringing a crafted approach to pop rock & roll, Dryspell emerged out of the tight-knit DIY scene in Austin, Texas. The band was formed by vocalist/guitarist Hunter Thompson, with bassist Samuel Jacobson, guitarist Chad Doriocourt and drummer Hugh Vu in early 2015 while the four were playing in different bands on the same tape label. More recently, Thompson began touring with Louisville band White Reaper while Jacobson played in local Austin band, Hovvdy. Despite involvement with other groups, the boys of Dryspell found time to continue working and writing together.

Jack White unveils new single “Connected By Love”

Today, Jack White has released “Connected by Love,” the first single from his eagerly anticipated third solo album, BOARDING HOUSE REACH (Third Man/Columbia). White has not only revealed the new single, accompanying “Connected by Love” is a second track from the upcoming album, “Respect Commander.” Both tracks are available digitally worldwide now. The 7″ vinyl is also available today via Third Man Records; the single arrives later this week at independent record stores globally. Purchase, download and stream HERE.

Liima (ft. Efterklang members) share hidden track from ‘1982’

Ahead of their European tour, Liima have shared a hidden track from their new album 1982 out now in City Slang. Entitled “Always,” the track was found only on the CD version of 1982 and comes accompanied by a lyric video made by London artist Jonny Sanders. It’s a video befitting the album – a record with roots in the year that saw Time Magazine choose the first ever non-human “person of the year”; the Personal Computer. Watch the video for “Always” here.

Hoodrich Pablo Juan Runs Up His GTA Wanted Rating in the Kinetic “Money on Fleek” Video

Atlanta’s Hoodrich Pablo Juan is primed to take over the South with his hypnotic flow and soft-spoken delivery. Rhyming in an addictive cadence above a creeping, downtempo trap instrumental, Pablo Juan matter-of-factly touts his boss lifestyle on “Money On Fleek.” Dotted by kinetic illustrations and borrowing the “wanted star system” from Grand Theft Auto, which tracks your illegal activity, “Money On Fleek” is a stylish depiction of HPJ’s day-to-day, finding the young rapper smoking on gelato, drinking lean, toting guns, and grooming his beard in the barber shop. Premiered by XXL, “Money On Fleek” is the first video from Rich Hood, Hoodrich Pablo Juan’s latest mixtape. Hosted by DJ Scream and DJ Champ and featuring appearances from Lil Yachty, Lil Baby, Gunna, Key Glock, among others, Rich Hood rings in the new year with 14 trap bangers.

Tim Elliott Sends Reminder “I Got You” With New Single Now Available

Two-time North Carolina Artist of the Year, Tim Elliott, has dropped a new single, “I Got You” to Country radio and digital retailers. The blue-collar Country artist, who has built a solid touring foundation across the Southeast, commented about the new release, stating, “It’s almost overwhelming to see my little song connect with people so soon. Just today, a new fan from New Jersey sent me a Facebook message that said ‘Thank you for this song, my husband got out of bed tonight and asked me to dance.’ Those are the moments that make all this hard work really mean something.” The single made it to the Top 5 Most Added on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart on the day of its release.

CONVEYER DEBUT VIDEO “NEW LOW”

CONVEYER hits 2018 with a gut-punch in the form of “New Low,” the festering new video from their latest album No Future. An ode to crashing dreams and forgotten plans of the future, the album sets the Midwest band as the modern definition of the hardcore music genre. Since the release of the album last June, CONVEYER spent the second half of 2017 playing across China, Australia, Canada and the US. This week the band continues their international assault as they clobber the UK and Europe directly supporting (Hed) P.E. for the next six weeks.

Music Video World Premiere: Conveyer – “New Low”

PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS: Loudwire Debuts “Delinquent”

January 26th will see the release of Choosing Mental Illness As A Virtue, the anticipated new full-length from PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS. In advance of its release, Loudwire is hosting a premiere of new single, “Delinquent.”

Walter Martin (of The Walkmen) Releases Reflective New Song “Ride Down The Avenue”

Walter Martin (co-writer/multi-instrumentalist of The Walkmen) will release his new album Reminisce Bar & Grill on February 16th via Ile Flottante Music. His fourth solo record since The Walkmen’s hiatus in 2013, it’s one that might throw fans of his two award winning kids’ records (2014’s We’re All Young Together and last year’s My Kinda Music) for a loop. Listeners will still recognize the same affable narrator and quirky musical style, but here the subject matter is shifted dramatically. With frankness, poignancy and humor, Martin, now a 43-year-old married man with two young children, squarely tackles the subject of adulthood – specifically, his own.

Grant-Lee Phillips Confirms U.S. Dates

Acclaimed Nashville-based singer-songwriter Grant-Lee Phillips has confirmed the first leg of a U.S. tour in support of his ninth solo album, Widdershins, set for February 23, 2018 release on Yep Roc Records.

Beginning March 8 in Boston, the dates include a co-bill with Kristin Hersh of Throwing Muses with stops in Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, among others, and an appearance at Folk Alliance International’s 30th annual conference in February. A list of dates is below with more to be announced soon.

A video for “Walk In Circles,” the third single revealed from the forthcoming album recently premiered at The Bluegrass Situation. Of the track, Phillips says, “‘Walk In Cirlces’ is a declaration of dependence…on the earth, on peace, and ultimately each other.”

Monophonics Announce New Release ‘Mirrors’ EP

Monophonics are back with a six-song EP that fuses the complimentary and explosive soul, rock and funk influences, proving themselves to be the rightful inheritors of the Bay Area’s impressive psychedelic soul sound. Mirrors is comprised entirely of cover tunes, except that I doubt you’ve ever heard of half the deeply funky and soulful originals that inspired these soulful, tastefully produced, and timeless Monophonics treatments. “We wanted to do a couple songs that were more familiar to people and then shine some light on groups we’re big into,” lead singer, keyboardist and co-producer Kelly Finnigan explains. It takes a lot of guts to cover your favorite songs, your van jams, that song you play as a shot of inspiration to break-up a marathon studio session. “Not only are these great songs, but these are artists that we listen to and are influenced by.”

Whiskey Wolves of the West set to release album in March

Nashville-based country/Americana outfit Whiskey Wolves of the West is set to release its debut album, Country Roots, on March 2, 2018 via Rock Ridge Music. With a sound that is something that can only be earned by a thousand nights in smoky bars and a million miles on bald bus tires, the Whiskey Wolves are disciples at what could be the last supper of country music, and. A concisely focused, seven-track melting pot of an album—with tunes that are high and lonesome, yearning and dark, twangy and gritty and oh-so-satisfying—Country Roots features the dynamic songwriting and performing tandem of Tim Jones (vocals, guitar) and Leroy Powell (vocals, guitar, bass, pedal steel, clavinet, keys, harmonica), two prime progenitors of the new Nashville sound.

“I feel like the music Tim and I do could easily be put side by side with any of it—we’re not shooting to sound like anybody other than ourselves,” theorizes Powell, a first-call guitarist/multi-instrumentalist for noted Music City producer Dave Cobb who’s backed heavy-hitters Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton in the studio, as well as both Shooter and Waylon Jennings. Concurs Jones, a top-cat Nashville singer/player in his own right who’s worked side by side in a band with Carl Broemel (My Morning Jacket) and had Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes) as a producer and tourmate, “I’m proud to say we’re both making the same kind of music now that we did back when we were starting out. It’s the love of a genre that a certain zeitgeist movement may have briefly captured, but we never left it.”

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Singer-Songwriter Jeff Hyde To Release Debut Album

Already a Grammy-nominated songwriter and longtime member of Eric Church’s touring band, Jeff Hyde makes his solo debut with Norman Rockwell World. The 10-track album arrives February 23, and the first single, “Henry Ford,” premiered today with Rolling Stone Country. The outlet noted “the stripped-down and subtle sonic approach [and] gently rolling strains of a finger-picked guitar” that accompany Hyde on the Don Williams-inspired song, which “conjures nostalgic images of the world Rockwell painted – one where actions spoke louder than words and some things were off limits.”

The Clydes share a video for “Broken Boy” via Songwriting Magazine

The video premiered via Songwriting Magazine where The Clydes detailed, “This song started with Christmas lights. Brian, our guitarist, went driving one night to look at them and came back inspired to write this music. So he played it for Brent, our singer, and Brent immediately had a vision of someone lying brokenhearted on the floor like a crumbled puppet — but yearning for a new lease on life. It became the opening track on our latest album. And we’re especially proud of how the layers of guitars and vocals weave together.

EXCLUSIVE! ‘Broken Boy’ by The Clydes

“Empire” Actor / Artist Jussie Smollet Debuts “Freedom” Music Video

The video stars critically acclaimed actress Tika Sumpter (Southside With You, Ride Along) and Tony and Grammy award winner, Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple). This magical visual truly is a celebration of love.

LIL SKIES “LIFE OF A DARK ROSE” MIXTAPE OUT TODAY

19-year-old rapper on the rise, Lil Skies has been delivering nonstop music the past several months, climbing streaming and sales charts, and turning an underground buzz into global mainstream appeal. Today, he unveils his hugely-anticipated new mixtape LIFE OF A DARK ROSE, which is available now via Skies’ label All We Got Ent / Atlantic Records at all streaming services and digital retailers.

VEXES Releases Groovy, Aggressive New Anthem “Helion”

Groove-infused experimental post-rock/metal outfit VEXES – featuring frontman Charlie Berezansky (ex-Downstage and Vessl), guitarist John Klagholz (ex-Fury of Five and Vessl), drummer Justin Graves (ex-A Life Once Lost), and bassist Bobby Carpenter (ex-A Life Once Lost) – will release their breakout full-length album, Ancient Geometry, on February 23, 2018.

Nina Nesbitt To Tour With Jake Bugg In The States

Following the announcement of her upcoming North American tour with Jake Bugg this spring, Nina Nesbitt has released yet another incredible self-penned and produced pop gem, titled “Somebody Special.” The track premiered today as a World First by Zane Lowe on his Beats1 radio show and is available worldwide now on all digital platforms.

Dirty Audio remixes DJ Snake’s “A Different Way”

After an undeniably explosive 2017, LA-based producer Dirty Audio is heading full speed ahead in the new year with his newest remix of DJ Snake’s “A Different Way.” True to Dirty’s essence, his rendition of the hit track incorporates the original’s sultry-smooth vocals and amps it up several notches with the addition of dramatic, deep basslines and wobbling synths. The remix is exactly what we’ve come to love about and expect from Dirty Audio – a fully captivating, high-energy joyride that is equally at home lighting up the dance floor at clubs around the globe or simply grooving to at home. Dirty recently released his track “Stacks” on Bassrush Records, situating him perfectly for a successful 2018 with more thrilling original productions and always-fresh remixes.