SKOPE NEWS FOR FEBRUARY 13, 2018 @ 2 PM EST

CHAMILLIONAIRE WOWS AT VENTURE CAPITAL SUMMIT WITH NEW CONVOZ APP PRESENTATION

Upfront venture capitalist firm recently held a Summit in Los Angeles and, not surprisingly, to those of us that know him, Chamillionaire wowed the audience with his pitch for his new social media app, Convoz. It should be widely known by now that Cham has been an integral part of the tech community for some years now, not simply as a spectator, but as an Entreprenuer in Residence and active mentor and investor at companies like Maker Studios and Cruise (acquired for $700 million and $1 billion respectively).

Convoz got its soft launch in the summer of last year and now they are ready to spread the word to the masses. This will be helped in no small way by active investors and users like Snoop Dogg and major influencers like Shaq (both of whom made an appearance during Cham’s presentation) as well a bevvy of other celeb investors; Big Boi of Outkast and E40 to name a few.

Prinze George Share “Dividends” Track On V Mag + Behind The Scenes Video

V Magazine has shared the new single from Prinze George entitled “Dividends”. The band also accompanied the track with a behind the scenes video of the recording process which is part of a series called Deciphered for Soundtoys.

Tiger Darrow Drops New Track “Hands”

Tiger has opened for The Eagles, Zoe Keating, Edie Brickell and The New Bohemians and Erykah Badu. As a vocalist and performer, Tiger has been featured on dozens of albums, including Wakey! Wakey!’s Overreactivist, Yanni Burton’s SameOldLove, Devin Levi’s Elegant Like Wax and Bonomo’s Phases. She’s been featured by Interview Magazine, Dancing Astronaut, The New York Times, ?NYLON, ?Earmilk and many more.

STATEMENT FROM SMASHING PUMPKINS’ SPOKESPERSON

In reuniting The Smashing Pumpkins, the band’s dedication remains to its fans and its music. To that, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlin, and William Corgan haven’t played a show with D’arcy Wretzky for over 18 years. But it’s not for a lack of trying. For despite reports, Ms. Wretzky has repeatedly been invited out to play with the group, participate in demo sessions, or at the very least, meet face-to-face, and in each and every instance she always deferred. We wish her all the best, and look forward to reconnecting with you all very soon.

Here’s what Smashing Pumpkins have to say about reunion, D’arcy Wretzky

New Release from Cozz “Effected”

Today marks the premiere of L.A.-bred rapper Cozz’s debut album, Effected. The album is released by Dreamville/Interscope Records.

Yesterday, Cozz also released a short documentary titled Cozz: Effected. The candid and intimate piece follows the South Central native to his childhood home, tracing the origins of his artistry as a rapper and writer. Directed by Darius Turbak, Cozz: Effected also offers insight into Cozz’s writing process and the making of his full-length debut.

DENIED Exercise Their Right To ‘Freedom Of Speech’

The wait is over! Together with super producer Fredrik Folkare, who has also has done the mixing and mastering, Denied are now ready to present their new album Freedom Of Speech! The album consists of everything Denied are known for, their diversity in melody with speed and heaviness. The songs have matured during a long creative process which has added a sound with a strong personality and character.

485C UNVEIL VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE ‘KAPOW!’

East London five piece 485C have unveiled the video for their new single ‘Kapow!’

The track follows in the wake of previous similarly literate singles ?She?ll Lie?, ‘Better The Man’ and ?Strange Medicine? which was included in Spotify’s ‘Best of the Indie Playlist 2017’ and included in Steve Lamacq’s Tracks of 2017.

George Kwali and Kideko team up for vibrant new track ‘All On Me’

Rising producers George Kwali & Kideko have joined up again following up their gigantic 2016 mega-hit ‘Crank It’ with the rumbling release of brand new track ‘All On Me.’

Emily Burns Shares Acoustic Version Of ‘Bitch’ – Out Now

22-year old Emily Burns writes modern, ambitious, frank pop songs about relationships, spite, love and revenge. Musically, she references scandi pop such as Sigrid, Tove Lo, Anna Of The North (but with very British vocal). She released her new single ‘Bitch’ last month on 37 Adventures (JONES, salute, Geowulf). It was produced by the artist/producer biLLLy and has already surpassed 500k plays on Spotify. Today she has unveiled an acoustic rendition of the single, which you can listen to here.

Leon Of Athens reveals official video for ‘Xenos’

London-based Greek indie-pop star Leon Of Athens has released the official video for his new single ‘Xenos’, which premiered with Dork Magazine. The song is the title track of his acclaimed new album out now through Universal.

Luke Fox shares new single ‘Reasons’

Following on from last year’s well received taster track Fly in the Champagne, Luke Fox is set for a busy 2018 with the release of his debut EP ‘Sugarloaf’, a carefully crafted six song offering spearheaded by new single ‘Reasons’.

American duo Break Science unveil their album ‘Grid of Souls’

Brooklyn duo Adam Deitch and Borahm Lee, aka Break Science, have unveiled their brand new self release ‘Grid of Souls’, a dynamic and eclectic 10-track LP showcasing their full and diverse sonic range out 9th March.

ACCLAIMED AMERICANA BAND GOODNIGHT, TEXAS ANNOUNCES FIRST ALBUM IN 4 YEARS

Left brain/right brain songwriters Avi Vinocur and Patrick Dyer Wolf continue to weave a serpentine historical thread over memorable lines on mandolin, banjo and guitar. More amplified and explosive than the band’s previous work, Conductor rides a powerful foundation from bassist Scott Griffin Padden and drummers Alex Nash and Kyle Caprista. We wander through the American Southwest in the early decades of the 20th century, from barn-burner to soul-searcher to forlorn ballad and back again. This album is about turning points — personal, political, musical, global — and their possibilities. Against a backdrop of desert sunsets from a century ago, these songs exist on a precipice of dramatic tension. “The duo may be musically inspired by the past, but Goodnight, Texas are creating something truly ahead of their time” (MXDWN).

ABJECTION RITUAL: Malignant Records To Issue Soul Of Ruin, Body Of Filth Album By Pennsylvania Doom/Death Industrial Hybrid

Erie, Pennsylvania-based doom/death industrial hyrid ABJECTION RITUAL is preparing to issue their third album, Soul Of Ruin, Body Of Filth, in April. Their second release for Malignant Records. The label has issued the album’s track listing, artwork by Leviathan’s Jef Whitehead, and more.

THE WLDLFE Release New Single “I Don’t Mind” on Valentine’s Day

THE WLDLFE, a band from Indianapolis that shares fans with acts like The 1975 and Jon Bellion, released “I Don’t Mind” as the first single from their forthcoming full length album, following the success of 2016’s New and 2017’s I.L.Y. The band is comprised of frontman Jansen Hogan, guitarist Jason Boucouras, drummer Geoff Jones, bass player Jack Crane, and multi-instrumentalist Carson Hogan. They produce cinematic pop using maximalistic production and an honest simplicity to their lyrics.

MY LIFE WITH THE THRILL KILL KULT Announce Spring Dates for 30th ANNIVERSARY TOUR!

“America’s Most Dangerous Kult” hits the road again this April 2018 for Part 2 of their 30 Anniversary Show – a 14 city North American tour commencing April 10th at Trixie’s in Louisville, KY.

To commemorate the milestone, the band turns back time to perform their first two iconic albums on Wax Trax! Records – 1988’s I See Good Spirits And I See Bad Spirits and Confessions Of A Knife (1990), along with other TKK club favorites from that era.

Steve Moakler Announces Spring BORN READY TOUR Powered by Mack Trucks

On the heels of releasing the first taste and title track “Born Ready” from his 2018 album Friday, Country artist Steve Moakler announces he will hit the road on his 2018 Born Ready Tour powered by Mack Trucks this spring. The tour will start March 22 at Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Chameleon Club and will wrap May 19 at Detroit, Michigan’s The Shelter. Fans can find more information on purchasing tickets at stevemoakler.com.

“I’m fired up about getting back on the road this spring!” said Moakler. “This will be our fifth consecutive spring headline tour, and I’m honored that Mack Trucks will be a part of our growing tradition this year. I can’t wait to play the new music we’ve been working on and start a new chapter with our fans. I think it’s gonna be the best one yet!”

Tracey Thorn goes long on the pulsing “Sister” featuring Corinne Bailey Rae

Heralding a liberating “no f*cks given” phase of life, Record (out March 2 in North America on Merge) sees Tracey Thorn return to the hedonism of club land, with her first album of entirely new material in seven years built around synth-driven tracks and a punchy sub-three-minute directness. “I wanted it to be a record you’d listen to in the daytime,” Tracey says. “On your headphones or on the move. Not necessarily in the evening, or in your bedroom.”

THE VACCINES SHARE NEW LIVE VIDEO FOR “NIGHTCLUB” TODAY

The song is taken from the band’s forthcoming highly anticipated fourth album Combat Sports, which is set to release on March 30 on Columbia Records. The Vaccines return to their roots with Combat Sports; ranging from pure Vaccines rock and roll through to powerpop.

Kasbo shares ‘Your Tempo’ single

Kasbo embarks on a his first national headline tour this April with support from BAYNK. Tickets on sale now at kasbomusic.com. Later this summer, Kasbo will perform at major music festivals including Hangout Music Festival, Firefly Music Festival, and Electric Forest Music Festival.

DioMara Picks Her Poison on New Single “I Just Want U”

DioMara is Panamanian-American Singer/Songwriter from Brooklyn, New York. Empowering, virtuous, provocative, and stirring the affections and senses of the individual are all descriptive of this R&B Temptress’s disposition. DioMara is a Woman’s Woman and is here to tell the stories of many. Elevating the Woman is one of many burning desires for this songstress thus, the loud music tour, 24:OURS, and WNDR WMN are just a few of the woman led brands she collaborates with and/or curates. Catch DioMara live at Esther & Carol on February 21st, powered by the loud music tour and 24:OURS.

E-40 Mobs with Yo Gotti and Youngboy Never Broke Again in the “Straight Out The Dirt” Video

Few emcees have managed to stay relevant as long as E-40, still racking up hits in his fourth decade making rap music. Joining three generations of rap stars with a slinky slapper, E-40 recounts his origins on “Straight Out The Dirt,” digging deep into his family history: “My granddaddy helped build the Carquinez Bridge/Gave my grandmama eleven kids/A gallon of milk and some eggs in the fridge/A pack of Top Ramen some bread and some grits.” Recruiting Memphis rap icon Yo Gotti and Baton Rouge riser YoungBoy Never Broke Again, who was still five years away from birth when E-40 made his 1994 debut in the Billboard 200, E-40 stunts in front of a massive pile of soil in the stunt-happy, literal-minded music video. Released last summer, “Straight Out The Dirt” is a harbinger for a huge 2018 for E-40, as he prepares his 26th studio album.

Cate Le Bon and Tim Presley (White Fence) team up for new DRINKS album on Drag City

Cate Le Bon and Tim Presley (White Fence) have teamed up for a second album as DRINKS. The new album, Hippo Lite, will be released on Drag City worldwide on April 20, 2018. DRINKS began in 2015 with the release of their debut LP, Hermits on Holiday on Presley’s own Birth Records. Today they’ve shared the first single from Hippo Lite, “Real Outside,” listen to it now over at Stereogum.

Salt N’ Pepa Releases New Female Empowerment Anthem

When it comes to naming any of the first female innovators of Hip Hop, Salt-N-Pepa had better be on that list. The New York duo (trio if including DJ Spinderella) blasted onto the music scene back in 1985. They were one of the very first all female Hip Hop groups and shot up the charts with their infamously classic hit, “Push It”. At the 1995 Grammy Awards Salt-N-Pepa walked away with the award for “Best Rap Performance by a Group” for their smash “None of Your Business”. Over their career span, they went from underground MC’s to becoming an influential powerhouse within the pop realm with songs like “Let’s Talk About Sex” and the En Vouge featured, “Whatta Man”. After a lengthy hiatus from 2002 to 2007, the ladies returned to the spotlight and this time, it was for their very own show on VH1 entitled, “The Salt-n- Pepa Show”.

RAZORWIRE HALO Release New Single, “Sweat” Spring Tour Dates Announced

Kansas City, MO based electro-rock band Razorwire Halo has released their single, “Sweat,” from their upcoming EP Retaliate, due out March 27th, 2018.

“In the last couple years each one of us have had major hardships in our lives that have hit us deeply in various ways. Physically and emotionally we have been beat down and broken. The upcoming EP focuses on some of these experiences and the emotions involved. ‘Sweat’ is a sexually charged track that focuses on pure unrestrained passion between two people.” – Tak Kitara (Vocalist)

“Before Anythang: The Story Behind The Cash Money Records Empire”

Before Anythang: The Story Behind The Cash Money Records Empire will be available exclusively on Apple Music beginning February 16th, marking the first production from Cash Money Films. The film is the untold story of Bryan “Baby” Williams a.k.a “Birdman” and his life before he founded Cash Money Records with his brother, Ronald “Slim” Williams. As narrated by Birdman and with interviews from family and friends, this in-depth documentary explores the journey of one of the most successful rap label owner and entrepreneurs in modern music history. From the death of his mother when he was a small child to learning how to hustle at the feet of his father; from the streets of New Orleans to traveling the world, Birdman created the world he envisioned as a boy. His is the great American success story. From humble beginnings emerges the legend, this is the story of how it all began.

THE VOIDZ RELEASE NEW TRACK “POINTLESSNESS”

The Voidz (formerly Julian Casablancas+The Voidz) have shared a new track from their forthcoming album VIRTUE, out March 30th on Cult Records/RCA Records. Called “Pointlessness,” the surreal slow-burner is released today with an accompanying video.

Invisible Anatomy announces debut album “Dissections” out March 30

Invisible Anatomy — a NY-based composer-performer ensemble that explores the human body as the most fundamental aspect of music creation and performance — will release its debut album, Dissections, on March 30 through New Amsterdam Records.

Incorporating elements from classical, jazz, experimental rock, performance art and theater, Invisible Anatomy creates performances that combine an omnivorous stylistic palate, virtuosic physicality, and dramatic visual presentation. Dissections is an album of works that premiered at National Sawdust in 2016, featuring six works created by the group’s members from a collaboratively generated text and numerous workshops.

Rexx Life Raj Ponders the Road Not Taken in “Never Had Shit” Video

Using his expressive pen and silky vocals to explore inward and comment on society, Rexx Life Raj seeks to provoke thought with his music. On the guitar-led “Never Had Shit,” Raj opens up about his personal evolution, from admiring those who’ve survived life in the streets to understanding life’s serious consequences. In the video, Raj contemplates accompanying his friends in a robbery, giving into the temptation of fast money. “Never Had Shit” is the first half of “Never Had Shit/Feels,” a centerpiece of Father Figure 2: Flourish, Raj’s acclaimed 2017 album.

Two Feet Premieres “I Feel Like I’m Drowning” Video

Hailed by BAEBLE as “sultry,” and praised by Hillydilly as “one of his strongest tracks,” “I Feel Like I’m Drowning” follows the success of Two Feet’s viral hit, “Go Fuck Yourself,” which has been streamed more than 70 million times to date.

Brett Dennen Announces Tour Dates w/ Jason Mraz

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.

NIPSEY HUSSLE DROPS NEW TRACK “DEDICATION FT. KENDRICK LAMAR”

Today Nipsey Hussle dropped, “Dedication ft. Kendrick Lamar” off of his highly anticipated debut album, “VICTORY LAP.” As we come into the homestretch of Hussle releasing his debut album, set to release this Friday February 16th , Hussle is playing no games as this track marks the THIRD track released off of the project following “Rap N*****” and “The Last Time That I Checc’d ft. YG.”

BAY AREA ROCKERS WOLVES IN ARGYLE DROP FEROCIOUS NEW SINGLE, VIDEO “DANGEREUX”

Bay area rock band Wolves In Argyle has released “Dangereux,” its second single and video. A follow up to the critically-acclaimed “Northern Lies,” this track sets the stage for a full-length album set to drop later this year.

Ari Roar Shares New Track “Calm Down”

Today Ari Roar, the moniker of Dallas singer-songwriter Caleb Campbell, is pleased to announce news of his debut album Calm Down that will be released on May 25th through Bella Union. Alongside this announcement he has debuted the album’s charming title track on Brooklyn Vegan. Furthermore, he has announced a string of shows for SXSW 2018 in Austin, Texas.

Trampled By Turtles Return with New Track, New Album and New Tour

Celebrated Minnesota sextet Trampled By Turtles have announced the May 4th release of their long-awaited new album Life Is Good On The Open Road. After an indefinite hiatus, the group returns with their first new album in four years, consisting of 12 new songs that feature Trampled By Turtles’ signature blend of rock, folk, punk, country and their brand of progressive bluegrass. The group just released the album’s opening track, the high-energy romp “Kelly’s Bar”

LUCK REUNION & SOUTHWEST AIRLINES REVEAL 2018 FESTIVAL LINEUP

Luck Reunion is proud to reveal the highly-anticipated lineup for its 2018 festival taking place at Willie Nelson’s ranch in Luck, Texas. In partnership with presenting sponsor Southwest®, the boutique collective unveiled its eclectic artist roster with a guest-packed video shot at the famed World Headquarters in Luck, TX. To see the lineup announcement and learn about “Artist On The Rise To Luck”, visit the Luck Reunion Facebook page.

Luck Reunion + Southwest Airlines Present: 2018 Lineup Reveal

Luck Reunion + Southwest Airlines Present: 2018 Lineup Reveal featuring Billy Wayne Davis and Devon GilfillianWillie Nelson left you guys a special stash at the end…watch the whole thing. Trust us.Code is Sold out. Thanks!

Posted by Luck Reunion on Monday, February 12, 2018

Sudan Archives “Paid” video

Sudan Archives has just shared a new video clip for “Paid,” the opening track from her self-titled EP on Stones Throw. The self-taught violinist/singer/producer made waves on her debut EP last year (including best of year nods from NPR & Vinyl Factory, plus accolades from New York Times, Vogue, Pitchfork, Fader, FACT) via its unique hybrid of R&B, Sudanese fiddlers, experimental electronic music, and West African rhythms.