SKOPE NEWS FOR FEBRUARY 12, 2018 @ 1 PM EST

VICTOR WAINWRIGHT & THE TRAIN TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM

It had to be a train. The name of Victor Wainwright’s new band – and the sleeve image of their debut album – is also the most fitting of metaphors. In music folklore, the train might have associations with the freight-hopping bluesmen of yore, but with this restless boogie-woogie innovator stoking the furnace, this latest project is a charging locomotive – surging forward, crashing through boundaries of genre, sweeping up fresh sounds and clattering headlong past the doubters. As the man himself hollers in the ivory-pounding title track: “If you wanna boogie get aboard this train/Get yourself a ticket or get out of the way…”

Music Video Submission: Kyle Joshua – “4AM”

“4AM” is a recent single released by Kyle Joshua following the release of his second independent release, “Rebel with a Heart.” Check out the “4AM” music video on Youtube.

Kyle Joshua is a new generation rapper best known for his honest and transparent lyrics. He touches on urban themes, plant-based lifestyle, marijuana activism and higher consciousness.

Atlanta’s Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics New Single

Atlanta’s Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics are the heirs to the throne of the old schools masters. But they are much more than just a group of revivalists trying to create a period piece. Powerhouse singer Velle and her band will settle for nothing less than bringing these classic sounds glimmering into the now with a fresh, new contemporary sheen.

It’s this inviting and accessible bravado that has scored the band critical acclaim from outlets such as The New York Daily News, MTV, Paste, and more. In addition to there critical success, at a time when record sales are at an all time industry low, the completely independent, DIY minded Velle and the Soulphonics sold a quarter-million downloads of their single on iTunes, landing them in the top 30 on Billboard’s Heatseeker charts and at a stunning #4 on the iTunes R&B charts.

Blue Nation to release new single ‘Rich Girl’

Blue Nation come confidently striding out on to the streets to deliver you their brand new grooving slice of gritty sing-a-long, fist in the air, authentic rock. ‘Rich Girl’ the new single from midlands very own Blue Nation is released 23rd March. The single is taken from the brand new forthcoming album due for release later this year.

Moneybagg Yo To Release 2 Heartless On Valentine’s Day

This Wednesday, Memphis rapper Moneybagg Yo will release a new project titled 2 Heartless. Featuring appearances by Yo Gotti, Lil Baby, BlocBoy JB, and Quavo, 2 Heartless will be released by N-Less Entertainment and distributed by Interscope Records.

CHRISTA DEANA SIGNS WITH MTS FOR NEW SINGLE RELEASE

As a young child, Philadelphia-based Christian R&B artist Christa Deana’s lifelong journey in music started when she won first place in the Young Artist Competition for the city of Allentown, PA. A gifted writer, Christa performed her first original song at 11 and went on to write over 50 more. Her vocal ability secured her lead oratorios from classics such as Handel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and lead songs in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance. In addition to writing and singing, Christa has toured with several choirs that took her to Romania, Turkey, France, Spain, England, and all over the US. During this journey, she found a love for conducting and excelled as a choir director. She has worked with The Lesser Light Collective as a soloist, writer, and conductor, directing the choir for their performance at Washington Adventist University.

MESSA: new album “Feast For Water” to be issued April 6th on Aural Music

MESSA play evoking doom metal with a dark jazz twist. Deliciously haunting female vocals, Rhodes piano and 70’s fuzz guitars combine to conjure a sound that is all of their own. With influences as diverse as Windhand, Bohren Und Der Club Of Gore, The Devil’s Blood, Jex Thoth, Angelo Badalamenti, Bellwitch, Urfaust, John Coltrane and Aluk Todolo, the band has moved from the droning occult doom of their first LP ‘Belfry’ to a new, darker and more atmospheric approach clearly showcased in their new record ‘Feast for Water’, a concept album centered on the introspective, symbolic and ritual features of the liquid element.

New Portals release brand new single ‘Inch’

New Portals have today released their brand new single, ‘Inch’. The song is a stark tale of heartbreak from the duo and features dark pulsating bass among atmospheric synths and smooth percussive clicks.

Regarding the new single New Portals say, “The song is about the difficult decision to be made in a relationship when it seems like the spark has gone.”

RUSSELL TAYLOR Releases His Music Video To His Sophomore Single

Alt-R&B/Soul Crooner, songwriter and producer, RUSSELL TAYLOR releases the touching and visually mesmerizing music video to his sophomore single, “Dance With Somebody”. The song title may sound familiar to you as it should, Russell created a rendition of the amazing song to honor the one and only Whitney Houston. Yesterday, 2.11, we celebrated six years since the passing of the iconic singer and in her honor, Russell Taylor pens an open-letter to this one-of-a kind gem.

Marshmello X Lil Peep ‘Spotlight’ Video Released Today

Marshmello has shared the video for “Spotlight,” his collaboration with Lil Peep. “Spotlight” was released last month receiving rave reviews from the press, with The New York Times dubbing the song a “slow-rolling, drained-mood seether” and saying “Marshmello thankfully doesn’t overwhelm Peep here, but merely matches the decay in his voice with similar desperation, giving Peep ample space to lament.” Your EDM also praised the track, declaring, “Lil Peep’s bold style is front and center on this one. The producer lays down a thoughtful, crisp beat with a load of bass, making the vocals pop in all the right ways.”

OurStompinGrounds.com to Revolutionize Local Music Scene

OurStompinGrounds.com, a unique online band management website, is announcing their official launch. This completely free website takes a fresh look at how local, independent musicians managed their careers. Other sites help bands connect with fans, but leave them to fend for themselves when it comes to the business side of music.

OurStompinGrounds.com set out to change that. It’s like an online dating site for bands, musicians, and venues.

Steve Miller confirms 2018 North American tour

Steve Miller has confirmed the dates for the Steve Miller Band’s 2018 North American summer tour. Last summer’s sold-out tour with Peter Frampton has been extended for another 40 dates into 2018. A much-loved summer tradition, the iconic Steve Miller Band has been performing inspired versions of Miller’s incomparable songbook to legions of fans across the globe for 50 years. This year, Miller aficionados will be regaled not only with powerful sets from both the SMB and Frampton’s band, but also by the highlight of Miller bringing Frampton onstage midset to create some of the most compelling jamming of the season.

Cherry Pools Release Video For New Track “Are You In Love” Today

Cherry Pools released a video for their brand new track “Are You In Love” today via Weekday Records/Sony Music. Produced by the JUNO and MMVA award-winning Anthony Kalabretta, the pop-rock soundscape and the colorful Raul Gonzo-directed video offers a witty juxtaposition to the emotionally charged lyrics: “Are you in love with anyone else? Because the thought of it, my dear, might bring me to death.”

The Big Pink Collaborate With Nick Zinner and Io Echo. To Join Wolf Alice On North American Tour

British band The Big Pink return with a massive new single titled “How Far We’ve Come,” which is now available worldwide on all digital platforms. “How Far We’ve Come” features Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitar aficionado Nick Zinner and Ionna Gika (lo Echo), with front-man Robbie Furze taking a lead role on production duties. The track offers an exciting glimpse into what’s to come from the band’s forthcoming and third studio album, expected to drop later this year.

Spin Superchunk’s new album What a Time to Be Alive early on NPR

Start your week off with a Superchunk shot of adrenaline! What a Time to Be Alive will be in stores on Friday, but NPR is streaming the album now in its entirety, proclaiming, “Yes, it’s a full-throated, unapologetic response to a united state of turmoil during the last year, but it’s one of the most fun and contagious records Superchunk has ever made, too.”

Uncle Meg’s Video For “Chopper Jet” (New Single)

“So I wrote the track shortly after my grandfather passed away last February. The title ‘Chopper Jet’ comes from the small and terrifying chopper planes you have to take into my hometown. So my lyrics are basically about my thoughts during that trip and the singing outro is more directly aligned with being on the plane. For the video, I wanted it to be really dark, gritty, and def wintery since that is when the story took place in my mind and I think the whole graveyard scene is a metaphor for a lot of the lyrics. We had a lot of dope people wanting to get in and be apart of the video and we had a dope time making it!!!”

Psych Rockers GRDNS Release Debut Single ‘Night Dance’ via Dance to the Radio

Neo-psychedelic quartet GRDNS release debut single Night Dance, the first slice of woozy, off-kilter rock taken from their upcoming EP out later this year via Dance To The Radio.

Mamas Gun Share ‘Strangers On A Street’

Mamas Gun today share new single ‘Strangers On A Street’, the latest offering from their new album Golden Days which is due for release via Candelion on May 18, 2018. The new cut follows the first Lauren Laverne-supported single, ’London Girls’ and helps add to a vibrant back catalogue of albums including Routes to Riches, The Life & Soul and Cheap Hotel which have – alongside the likes of Charles Bradley, Curtis Harding and the Dap Kings – helped fuel the vanguard of 21st century soul – as well as spawning Top 10 hits on four continents. In support of the release the band will head on a full UK tour with dates to be announced shortly.

VANCE JOY UNVEILS NEW SONG VIDEO

From an intimate event last night in Venice, CA, Vance Joy announced to his fans via a global Facebook Live stream, his biggest headline tour to date, the Nation of Two World Tour. Alongside the massive world tour announce, the multi-platinum artist surprised fans with another new song and visual, “Call If You Need Me,” from his eagerly-awaited sophomore album Nation Of Two, due February 23rd.

MOSS KENA RELEASES VIDEO FOR “SQUARE ONE”

Enigmatic newcomer Moss Kena, who has enjoyed over 8 million streams, including previous tracks and just released “Square One,” today reveals the video for RCA debut single “Square One.” Moss has been met with a groundswell of early support from influencers and media outlets such as Zane Lowe, Beats 1, Complex, High Snobiety, Billboard, Nation of Billions, and more. UK digital culture channel NOWNESS wrote the video features “dance about power and individuality” and describes the clip as “visceral.” The video was directed by and features choreography by iconoclastic creator Holly Blakey.

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Boy Azooga Share The Video to “Loner Boogie”

Boy Azooga, the shape-shifting musical mystery tour piloted by Cardiff’s Davey Newington have announced details of the release of their debut album, 1,2 Kung Fu!, on Heavenly Recordings on Friday 8th June 2018.

The Oh Hellos’ EP Eurus out now & Extensive run of U.S. tour dates begins February 21

Eurus, the new EP from acclaimed brother-sister duo The Oh Hellos is out now. The lead single, “Grow,” recently premiered on American Songwriter, who proclaim, “The track ponders personal growth and open-mindedness, building from a gently delivered opening verse to a full-band singalong—a hallmark of the duo’s sound—by its midpoint.”

JASON MRAZ ANNOUNCES “GOOD VIBES”

Multiple GRAMMY® Award winner Jason Mraz has today announced plans for a North American summer tour, joined by his SuperBand and featuring special guest Brett Dennen. “GOOD VIBES” begins Friday, July 27th at Cleveland, OH’s Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica and then continues through early September (see attached itinerary). Fan pre-sales begin Wednesday, February 14th with all remaining tickets released to the general public on Friday, February 16th.

Billy Strings Announces Spring 2018 Tour

Billy Strings have announced their Spring 2018 dates. The tour will take the band throughout the Southeast, into the Midwest, and as far west as Las Vegas. The band will be making stops at legendary festivals like Suwannee Spring Reunion in Live Oak, Florida, Bender Jamboree in Las Vegas, Old Settlers Fest in Dale, TX, and Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Telluride, CO.

Watch Mavis Staples’ New “If All I Was Was Black” Music Video

“In 2017 I watched as all the Confederate monuments came down in New Orleans, but the conversation never arose as to what would replace them,” explained director Zac Manuel. “This video imagines a reality where we venerate people who are truly deserving of being immortalized in public spaces, a reality in which Black people can be proud to see themselves on pedestals in the air, cast in iron and stone. The intent of this video is to highlight black excellence, and to provoke and encourage a larger public appreciation of the labor – physical and emotional – the people of color often are expected to bear.”