SKOPE NEWS FOR FEBRUARY 23, 2018 @ 5:30 PM EST

Manchester Orchestra + Julien Baker Cover Pedro The Lion’s “Bad Things To Such Good People,”

“When the time came to release this cover, I thought it would be a good opportunity to raise money and gain attention for 1 Million 4 Anna, with which we have a deep connection and history,” explains Andy Hull of Manchester Orchestra. “I had the privilege of meeting the Basso family some eight years ago through their daughter Anna, who was battling Ewing sarcoma. One of her goals before she graduated high school was to come and see a Manchester show, and when we met, we were overwhelmed at her outlook and positivity in life. Unfortunately, Anna passed away not longer after. Getting to know her family has pushed our band to help fight this disease that’s affecting young people all over the world.”

Check Out The Alpha Fire “Trail of Tears” Official Music Video!

Syracuse rock band The Alpha Fire has released the official music video for their single, “Trail of Tears.” Filmed by Wade Spencer (Imagen Records) at the abandoned Seneca Army Depot in Upstate NY, “Trail of Tears” is a third person narrative which journeys inside the mindset of a lost soul. It is a dark and brooding representation of the seriousness of the current mental health crisis in America

Red Sleeping Beauty “Top Love”

Stockholm synthpop trio Red Sleeping Beauty are back with new single Top Love, an ultra cool, late night driving song about the chores of everyday life: “Cleaning the kitchen. Hearing you bitching. So what?” before going into its liberating chorus “Do you want me? Do you need me? I’m top love. Insatiable”.

Check Out Fire Fight’s “Ghost Inside” Official Music Video!

Minneapolis, MN hard rock band Fire Fight has released the official music video for their single, “The Ghost Inside.” Originally premiered on HM Magazine, “The Ghost Inside” is off of their 2017 released EP Transitions.

Schultz & Forever share new single ‘Alone’

“Alone describes a state of existential meaninglessness,” says Jonathan Schultz. “The idea of the good deed, and of morals and ethics, has disappeared from the narrator’s world view – as if he had arrived here from Mars. It’s about escaping people, and wishing to be alone.”

LEWIS CAPALDI SHARES NEW SINGLE “RUSH” FEATURING JESSIE REYEZ

Says Lewis “‘Rush’ is all about heartbreak and the weird headspace you occupy after the end of a relationship where you feel like absolute shit and, if you’re being honest with yourself, you hope the other person feels just as bad.” “Of course, the flip side of that is you obviously still care about this person, so really you hope they’re not experiencing the shit because you know how bad it feels and wouldn’t want that for them. So the whole tune is this internal conflict you’re having as you think about the situation.”

Until The Ribbon Breaks Releases Highly Anticipated Sophomore Album Today

Until The Ribbon Breaks (Pete Lawrie Winfield and Elliot Wall) have released their highly anticipated self-titled sophomore album, via Kobalt Music Recordings, available worldwide on vinyl and across all digital platforms worldwide from today. While this record isn’t the duo’s first album, it is their most vulnerable and honest with each song born out of Pete’s inspiring journey from rock bottom to recovery, as he details his recent transformation in a heartfelt letter to his fans

BLAC YOUNGSTA’S FULL-LENGTH DEBUT 223 ARRIVES TODAY

Signed to CMG by another Memphis legend Yo Gotti, Blac Youngsta continues to bring rough, raw, and real heat to rap music. Locked and loaded with unbreakable bars, 2016 projects Young & Reckless and F*ck Everybody attracted high-profile guest appearances from multiplatinum talent such as Quavo, YFN Lucci, Jacquees, and moreand turned all eyes towards the artist. His 2017 single “Hip Hopper” [feat. Lil Yachty] drummed up over 15 million Spotify streams as “Heavy” lit up the streets. Gotti also tapped him for powerhouse cuts on his collaborative effort 2 Federal with Moneybagg Yo and White Friday (CM 9). Repping Heavy Camp, Blac Youngsta stands primed to ignite a movement of his own in 2018.

NYC punk rock band THE TRACYS single/music video “People Scare Me”

If you’re feeling stuck in a repetitive blur of everyday life, NYC old-school punk-rockers The Tracys new single and music video “People Scare Me” will jolt you awake with a blast of sonic power. The single comes with a darkly alluding and paranoiac music video, that will leave you looking over your shoulder when you’re next traveling alone. “People Scare Me” premiered on IdiotEQ, and comes as the first single off The Tracys upcoming third album Humdinger scheduled for release on March 23, 2018.

THE TRACYS blend modern pop punk energy with old-school punk with “People Scare Me”

Ashley Monroe Announces New Dave Cobb-Produced Album ‘Sparrow’

On April 20, Grammy-nominated singer songwriter Ashley Monroe will release Sparrow via Warner Music Nashville. The album, her fourth, was recorded with producer Dave Cobb in Nashville’s legendary RCA Studio A. Monroe spoke about the forthcoming album with NPR Music who today also shared the music video for the first released song “Hands On You.” NPR’s Jewly Hight said, “On that song and the 11 others that round out the track list, many of which frame her voice with sumptuous strings, Monroe sounds more sensitive, sensual and comfortable in her skin than she ever has.”

“Anata Watashi Daita Ato Yome No Meshi,” the new single from Kyoto’s Otoboke Beaver

The song premiered recently on Stereogum saying that it “as well as their previous tracks have rightfully established Otoboke Beaver as a rhythm-twisting, no-nonsense, Japanese girl gang more than worthy of an invitation into the riot grrrl scene.”

Introducing King Princess – Debut Single “1950” Premieres with Video Today!

“1950” is written and produced by King Princess. Of the song, she says, “‘1950’ is a love song told through the lens of queerness—historically a publicly unaccepted but incredibly rich culture. Queer love was only able to exist privately for a long time, expressed in society through coded art forms. I wrote this song as a story of unrequited love in my own life, doing my best to acknowledge and pay homage to that part of history.”

Hardcore Superstar – Bring The House Down (Official Video)

Bring The House Down was released earlier today on all digital platforms and will be followed up as an exclusive, limited edition 7” vinyl single.

Billboard Premieres Dylan Russell’s Story of Queer Romance in Rural America

When Dylan Russell started dating a guy in his sophomore year of college, the two had to hide their relationship. Both were still in the closet, living in a rural community in northwest Missouri. “The only time that we would feel comfortable hanging out would be somewhere that wasn’t in public, and for us that meant going to get a hotel room,” he told Billboard’s Stephen Daw in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

Demo Taped’s sophomore EP, “Momentary”

With a sound that is built around upbeat rhythms, soft vocals, and synth melodies combined with effortless electronic R&B textures, 20 year old Atlanta native, Demo Taped, aka Adam Alexander arrives today with his highly anticipated sophomore EP, “Momentary”, available via 300 Entertainment.

Jule Vera Releases Music Video for next Single “Bad Company” Today

Alternative pop outfit Jule Vera releases their music video for “Bad Company” today via Weekday Records/Sony Music. The Max Moore-directed video relives childhood fantasies of lighthearted babysitter payback, complete with an escape plan and toy blasters. Jule Vera battles their younger selves as front woman Ansley Newman croons over a head-bobbing bass melody. The “Bad Company” music video premiered exclusively via SweetyHigh.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats’ “Coolin’ Out” featuring Lucius premieres today

The music is receiving early critical acclaim—Rolling Stone declares, “The first single from his forthcoming LP adds Southern-rock bite and weary longing to make for his most urgent song yet,” while Q Magazine adds, “If anything, Tearing at the Seams more accurately captures the feel of Rateliff’s stirring live performances. There’s a looseness and sense of fun here, perhaps because for the first time the songs were written in the company of his band.” UNCUT furthers, “The Night Sweats are even more commanding on the follow-up, deepening Rateliff’s vision of ‘a Sam & Dave-meets-The Band combo.’”

O-SHiN shares new single ‘Aimless’

“It’s maybe one of the most honest songs I’ve written.” O-SHiN explains. Sharing a little more about the concept behind the new single, she said: “I found myself caught up in the thought of how many people have walked on this earth and are totally forgotten. Only a few famous names will be remembered but the majority are completely gone. And it’s most likely this will be us in a few generations. Still so many of us feel the urge to do something meaningful with our time on earth – ‘Don’t let me go nameless ‘ don’t let me die aimless'”.

New Music: 24hrs “Lie Detector” featuring Lil Pump

Contemporary R&B singer/songwriter 24hrs joins forces with platinum-selling rapper Lil Pump on the bouncy new single “Lie Detector.” 24hrs’ futuristic sound floats throughout the track before Lil Pump explodes on the second verse with his signature ad-libs and tongue-twisting bars. Produced by Yung Berg aka Hitmaka, “Lie Detector ft. Lil Pump” [Private Club / Commission Music] is available on all DSPs here. About working with Lil Pump, 24hrs says, “I knew it needed that Pump energy, and it was history from there.” This Spring, catch 24hrs on the “Don’t Judge Me Tour” alongside Ty Dolla $ign, Joe Moses and more! Full tour itinerary below.

EARTHGANG Release New EP Royalty

Atlanta’s brightest rap duo, EarthGang, have today released a brand new EP, Royalty, featuring 8 brand new tracks including the recently released offering “Nothing But The Best” featuring Ari Lennox. Staying true to their organic, vibey music and full of lyricism, Royalty, is the ideal palate cleanser ahead of their upcoming debut full length album.

CMDWN Collective Pack Heat in the Bass-Heavy “Sidebag”

Crafting indelible hooks over future-forward instrumentals, CMDWN Collective has what it takes to become Toronto’s next superstar exports. Delivering a casually menacing and flex-heavy head-nodder, CMDWN shares “Sidebag,” their latest single. Showcasing their chemistry over a tinkering beat from 1K, Ca$tro Guapo and guest rapper Booggz, painting a violent and hedonistic portrait of a late Toronto night. The song is anchored by the effortlessly infectious hook from FIJI, who uses auto-tuned and carefully accented syllables to lodge the new single firmly into the listener’s head.

X Ambassadors Share “Don’t Stay” Video

X Ambassadors have shared the third in a trilogy of videos, this time for their recently released track “Don’t Stay.” The video again features an impressive live vocal take from Sam Harris, the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter. Written and produced by X Ambassadors, Ryan Tedder and Zach Skelton and produced by Tedder and Skelton, “Don’t Stay” follows the release of “JOYFUL,” both setting the thematic touchstone for X Ambassadors’ new album which sees the band taking a more honest and soulful approach to their music. Both “JOYFUL” and “Don’t Stay” will be featured on X Ambassadors’ new album, JOYFUL, which is set for release this spring on KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records and is available for pre-order now at https://shop.xambassadors.com/

5ALVO makes debut alongside Enprog regular Lycii in ‘Balance’

Consistent Enhanced Progressive star Lycii brings his beautiful melodies back to the label for his first release of 2018, introducing a new name to the label loyal in 5ALVO with ‘Balance’.

Renowned for his trademark melodic productions, Lycii’s newest collaborative effort with label newcomer 5ALVO brings a simply sublime experimental Progressive entry. Coupling growling bass hits in a devilishly detailed breakdown with a more accustomed 4/4 framework, ‘Balance’ perfectly tows the line between a mesmeric, innovative new production and anthemic Enhanced Progressive euphoria.

OUT TODAY Ed Romanoff’s “The Orphan King”

In support of the new record, Romanoff will perform an album release show at Rockwood Music Hall in New York on February 27 alongside Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney) on drums, Sara Lee (B52s) on bass, Ann Klein (Ani DiFranco) on guitar and mandolin and Jay Collins (Greg Allman Band) on horns.

New Single: Nightshifts — Next To Me

A lovelorn song that drifts like a hazy dream, ‘Next To Me’ is the fifth and final track for the self-titled Nightshifts EP and is sure to build on the successful acclaim from Nightshift’s past releases. Andrew delivers a slow-building progression of phased synthesizers and delay-coated guitars to create a powerful atmosphere that feels close-at-home, ‘Next To Me’ feels like his most definitive release yet.

THE ACES’ SHARE NEW SONG ‘LOVIN’ IS BIBLE’

Last month Utah quartet The Aces announced the release of their much anticipated debut album, When My Heart Felt Volcanic on April 6th. Today the band is excited to share the newest track off the album ‘Lovin’ Is Bible.’

‘Lovin’ Is Bible is a very interesting track off of our album. Musically it’s a very intricate song and it took us a few days to really get it right and for all the different parts to fit together. We really want people to take away a universal message of love from this song. A message that over every and any belief or any opinion, love is the most important. That’s how we try to live our lives every day.’- The Aces

Da BeatFreakz x Giggs

New Island Records signees, platinum-selling production/songwriting duo Da BeatFreakz, have teamed up with fellow South Londoner and UK rap royalty Giggs on their new single ‘Swingin In Da Whip’. The video exclusively premiered on GRM Daily last night, watch it here.

George Strait Announces Final Two Shows of 2018 December 7-8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

The trio of Texans shared the stage earlier this month for the first shows of 2018 after initially coming together last year for Hand in Hand Texas: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief, which was a humanitarian campaign assembled by Strait—a night that ultimately raised tens of millions of dollars for hurricane relief efforts. Strait will be recognized by his home state with the prestigious Texan of the Year honor on March 22 in New Braunfels, Texas.

Young Scooter Connects with Future, Young Thug, and Others for the Trippple Cross Album

Confidently crafting redemptive street stories, ATL’s Young Scooter is one of the most compelling figures in the trap game. Returning to the scene with a 14-track dose of concentrated hardness, Scooter shares Trippple Cross, his latest project. With multiple guest appearances from ATL innovators Young Thug and Future, whose hyper-melodic flights of fancy mesh perfectly with Scooter’s earth-shaking baritone, Trippple Cross is packed with braggadocios boasts, slick punchlines, and heartfelt accounts of Scooter’s legal tribulations. Though the record’s subject matter can grow heavy, Scooter never loses his cool, creating hooks with a wry grin and rhythmic invention. Featuring appearances from Young Thug, Future, Youngboy Never Broke Again, Casino, and VL Deck, Trippple Cross arrives via EMPIRE.

SIGALA RELEASES NEW SINGLE “LULLABY” WITH PALOMA FAITH TODAY

On “Lullaby,” Sigala explains: “This was a track I initially wrote a while ago and I loved it immediately, but knew I needed to find the right person to collaborate on it with. I love to find unique voices, so it was a perfect match when Paloma got involved! I’m so excited to release this one, and it’s a great track to preview the sound of my upcoming album”.

Yellow Year signing Alessi’s Ark releasing video for ‘DLD’ –

London based singer-songwriter Alessi’s Ark AKA Alessi Laurent-Marke releases a warming video this winter for the single ‘DLD (Door Light Dream)’ from her new album Love is the Currency, produced by Mercury Prize nominated producer Jago Jago, and in collaboration with Felix and Will White of the Maccabees.

Robert DeLong Returns with “Favorite Color is Blue” feat. K.Flay

Most recently, his 2015 sophomore album, In The Cards, yielded a string of fan favorite singles such as “Don’t Wait Up” and the smash “Long Way Down”—which peaked at #3 on the Alternative Chart, clocked over 30 million Spotify streams in addition to 3 million YouTube/VEVO views and counting. The record garnered acclaim from Billboard, Baeble Music, iHeart.com, and more.

Anton Powers Unveils Vibrant New Production ‘Heart For Sale’

The Liverpudlian, who has so far amassed over 100 million online streams and sold over 700,000 singles, utilises beautifully crafted melodic piano keys and an uplifting bassline to craft a radio-friendly anthem. Flicking between the euphoric and melancholic, thanks to the rich female vocals which top the production, ‘Heart For Sale’ is a stellar addition to Anton’s musical portfolio.

Sur Back Shares ‘Kitsch II’ EP Via Office Magazine

Today, NYC-based, orchestral pop artist Sur Back shares her new EP, Kitsch II on all DSPs. Yesterday, Office Magazine exclusively streamed the EP, praising, “the new project reveals an exciting shift in sonic landscape. The Line of Best Fit premiered the second single “Anyone Else,” praising its “multifaceted improvisational work full of whimsy and mysticism.” EARMILK exclusively premiered the first single, “Valentino,” calling it, “haunting, yet light, whimsical, but domineering.” The EP was written, recorded and produced by Sur Back, and mixed and mastered by Patrick Brown of Different Fur Studios (Toro y Moi, Grimes, Zola Jesus, K. Flay, The Morning Benders).

Dio Cancer Fund Puts Support Behind Early Detection Research

When the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund was founded in 2010 in memory of the late heavy metal rock singer, his widow Wendy pledged to raise awareness that would further early detection, prevention and treatment for the deadly disease that took his life. So when the Dio Cancer Fund’s Board of Directors became aware of Dr. David Wong’s exciting research under the auspices of the UCLA School of Dentistry, they felt they had found a perfect match for Wendy’s goals.

The Dio Cancer Fund has raised in excess of $2 million to date through its various annual events and direct support from the vast community of Dio fans worldwide. It is their mission to help eradicate this disease through education and via Wendy Dio’s mantra: Early Detection Saves Lives.

Brooklyn’s LadyChild releases “Man Overboard”

Let the stress of the week melt away, as the brand new single “Man Overboard” by Brooklyn indie rock/pop outfit LadyChild washes over you, and takes your worries out to sea. Powerful and immersive vocals of frontwoman Genevieve Faivre demand attention, while a medley of intricate yet tasteful instrumentation will seal the deal. Lemonade Magazine, who premiered the track earlier this week, called it a “beautiful meshing of genres” for a result that is “fresh and timeless.”