Ladysse – ‘Eleven’ single
Appropriately enough, Ladysse’s new single Eleven took about eleven minutes for multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Stephanie Lauren to write. Thematically, however, it’s a speculation years in the making: timeless and complex and wistful.
Through the lens of Netflix series “Stranger Things,” Lauren recognizes the idiomatic complexities and simplicities of friendships, relationships, and young love, using this newfound perspective to invoke the childlike notion of “liking” someone. It’s a journey into Lauren’s own life, where she reflects on having feelings for a longtime friend. “It’s always been you, but what if this ruins everything?” she muses.
Brooklyn Vegan Announces Once and Future Band’s Re-Release of “Brain EP”
John Dwyer also released a Spotify playlist this week, featuring the single “Destroy Me” from Once and Future Band’s forthcoming Brain EP – as well as other featuring bands that will be joining the Castlemania tour in the UK.
A L P H A Track Premiere “One Night”
Fresh from Toronto, A L P H A indulges in tropical electro-pop (FFO: that catchy beat from Paramore’s “Hard Times”) with polished, yet deeply personal lyricism that rivals the 6 God himself. To set himself apart, A L P H A uses softer vocals that rival most mumble rappers, infusing the dance scene with approachable R&B. Music jargon aside, this stuff slaps.
Reichelt – ‘Seduced By The Light Side’ Album + Video
Reichelt is an Australian solo artist, producer & multi-instrumentalist. He’s been writing, recording and performing fiercely original songs for over 15 years. Described as ‘quirky, eclectic and emotive’ Reichelt’smusic tugs at the heart, with hand-crafted arrangements and addictive melodies.
Cincinnati’s Wussy returns with a new album!
One of the most hopeful songs on Wussy’s upcoming seventh studio album What Heaven Is Like, Gloria is, at its most specific, a spoiler-free(!) narrative tribute to ‘Fargo’ Season 3’s heroine, Gloria Burgle of Eden Valley played by Carrie Coon. In a larger sense, though, it paints a portrait of an inscrutable everywoman who dares to stand up to an omnipresent, almost supernatural, villain. Moving with little fanfare, and only recognized by a stranger who heralds her arrival like a mysterious John the Baptist type figure, announcing her name over a patchwork grid of rural American fields.
L’Homme Absurde to release “Sleepless” on March 26th via Soundage Productions
Russian post-metallers L’Homme Absurde have completed work for their sophomore album “Sleepless”, which can be considered as a logical follow-up to the band’s creativity, the working formula of “Monsters” (2016), but with more influences from hardcore/metalcore music. “Sleepless” is set to be released on March 26th via russian label Soundage Productions.
L’Homme Absurde was started by A., a russian musician formerly known as the drummer for a series of Moscow doom metal bands (Mare Infinitum, Comatose Vigil, Who Dies In Siberian Slush) and
as a mastermind of doom/downtempo band A Young Man’s Funeral. In 2016 the band joined with other members and released their first self-titled demo. That same year L’Homme Absurde recorded their first full-length album entitled “Monsters”, which was released by russian label Fono ltd.
Tracyanne & Danny announce debut album, share “Home & Dry”
Tracyanne & Danny is a new collaborative project between singer-songwriters Tracyanne Campbell (Camera Obscura) and Danny Coughlan (Crybaby). Their self-titled debut album will be released on May 25 via Merge Records, with tours in the UK and North America to follow.
Today, Tracyanne & Danny share “Home & Dry,” the album’s opening track. “It’s about the movement of time, the inevitability of things not staying the same,” says Tracyanne of the song. “Just when you think things are sorted and ok, something changes and they no longer are.”
Blacklite District Releases Official & Minecraft Music Videos for “Goodbye”
Spearfish, SD based electronic alternative rock act Blacklite District (BLD) has released two videos for their single, “Goodbye,” off of their third LP, Instant Gratification, one an official video and the second a Minecraft video.
Armed Forces Entertainment(AFE), the Department of Defense organization responsible for providing entertainment to U.S. military members (and their dependents) stationed overseas, recently revealed its fully-refreshed website. The site redesign includes greater mobile responsiveness and a more visually-engaging experience for visitors. This upgrade also allows U.S. service members located across the five regions of the globe that AFE serves to more seamlessly access information on upcoming events, touring artists, view media galleries and connect via social media.
“The focus of our site redesign went beyond aesthetics, it was simply time to go in this new direction,” said Major Jody Wynans, Chief of Armed Forces Entertainment. “Creating a more mobile-centric user experience—making sure our users, especially overseas, can easily access and enjoy the content we’re sharing was a priority. The world around us, including our military audience, has gone mobile so we really wanted to create a more interactive experience. Our goal was to provide relevant and engaging content that offers an extension of the AFE show experience, a place to connect that truly captures the essence of our AFE tours, not just for our military folks but for entertainers and the public, alike.”
RAT BOY gives Annabel Allum’s ‘Beat The Birds’ an infectiously wonky rework
Guildford-based Annabel Allum launched into 2018 with new single Beat The Birds, and now it’s received a remix from buzzing indie-punk star RAT BOY.
GEARS Release Official Music Video for “King”
Miami, FL hard rock band GEARS has released the Official Music Video for their track, “King,” the first single off of their upcoming EP.
PLENTY Reveal a new Single and a new Video
We have exciting news today for fans of PLENTY who have waited three decades for a new release from the band that was formed in 1986 from the remnants of the eccentric Liverpool-based Post-Punk ensemble A BETTER MOUSETRAP and the Art Rockers from Warrington, AFTER THE STRANGER, and is the immediate predecessor to Tim Bowness? NO-MAN band. Because today they bring you two tracks from the upcoming album It Could Be Home. One is a single release for the track Hide and the other is a lyric video for the track Every Stranger?s Voice.
Goes without saying (but we’ll do it anyway!) that together, PvD & Mr M.O.R.P.H. have proved themselves the most potent of studio forces. In 2016 ‘We Are’ enjoyed a record-busting four-week run at the top of the Beatport trance chart and now the two German legends are back with a second bolt of that collaboratory lightning.
If ‘We Are’ characterised the pair’s cooler, more harmonic (and Balearic) sunset sound, there can be few prizes for guessing what time and tone ‘Breaking Dawn’s encapsulating.
Dan Owen releases acoustic piano version of ‘Icarus’
Dan Owen has revealed the video for his acoustic piano version of ‘Icarus’, the latest track to be taken from his upcoming debut album, out later this year through Atlantic Records. In this new acoustic version, the rich instrumentation of the original gives way to haunting solo piano, accentuating the raw power of Owen’s vocals and transforming the track into an intimate and atmospheric account of despair and lamentation.
Jodee Lewis Announces Americana Single “It Ain’t Killed Me Yet”
The new Americana single from Jodee Lewis, “It Ain’t Killed Me Yet” is an empowering kiss off from a broken-hearted lover picking up the pieces and starting over. With emotive vocals and a rolling chorus, the single has the last word, as Lewis gives an active voice to anyone left with the short end of the stick in a broken relationship. “It Ain’t Killed Me Yet” is off the upcoming album, Buzzard’s Bluff, due out April 6.
Hatis Noit reveals Matmos edit of ‘Illogical Lullaby’
Japanese vocal performer Hatis Noit reveals the Matmos edit of ‘Illogical Lullaby’ accompanied by striking visuals directed by Yoshiko Akita. The ‘Illogical Dance’ EP, out 23rd March 2018, is an arresting 4-track record creating unique song-worlds with transcendent vocal interpretations that at once deconstruct and recombine Western Classical, Japanese folk and nature’s own ambience atmosphere.
X Ambassadors reveal video for ‘Don’t Stay’
Multi-platinum selling rockers X Ambassadors have revealed the video for their latest single, ‘Don’t Stay’ – taken from their new album, ‘Joyful’, out this spring.
Following on from previous singles ‘Joyful’ and ‘Ahead Of Myself’, the video for ‘Don’t Stay’ is the third video of three to feature singer Sam Harris performing the vocals live. The video combines intimate close ups with lonely wide-angle shots, creating an atmospheric accompaniment to the song’s impassioned monologue.
NYC’s The Nectars ‘I Want It’
Emerging from the depths of New Jersey, The Nectars are a hot new band that everyone NEEDS to hear about! They are sassy, edgy and full of energy and this new single shows just that. It flips the ideas of gender dynamics as frontwomen Jessica Kenny explains, “As a band we always like to toy with power dynamics and thought a woman demanding sex would be jarring to chauvinist ideals. With that in mind we needed to write a song encapsulating the feeling of being stoned, late at night, post show, covered in sweat, eager to fulfill our own physical desires.
Rocky Banks Pays Tribute to Belly (1998) in the Raucous “Dopeman” Video
Rhyming with frank honesty about his struggles with drugs and alcohol, Rocky Banks channels his demons into deeply personal and charismatic rap music. Mobbing with his crew near his new Mercedes, Rocky lets loose on “Dopeman,” his latest video. Paying tribute to Belly, the 1998 Hype Williams-directed film starring DMX and Nas, “Dopeman” is a humorous and charming look into Rocky’s life in Houston, as he counts cash and chomps on Cheetos. Premiered by Highsnobiety, “Dopeman” is the most recent visual from Big Little Brother, Rocky’s powerful new album. A smooth and versatile effort, Big Little Brother tells the story of Rocky’s life as a rising rapper and a recovering drug addict, complete with weaving internal rhymes, infectious vocal modulations, and insightful bars. Premiered by Mass Appeal and featuring appearances from Ripp Flamez, LVFromCle, Mufasa Enzor, Big Brandon Willis and Tiara Jewel, Big Little Brother is a powerful effort, packed with well-crafted story-songs about Rocky’s life before and after hitting rock bottom.
Ministry’s Next Stop: the “Twilight Zone” Video
The video was filmed last December just outside of Los Angeles and features Ministry guitarists Sin Quirin and Cesar Soto, Tony Campos (Fear Factory, Static X) on bass, keyboardist John Bechdel (Killing Joke, Fear Factory), live scratcher DJ Swamp (Beck, the Crystal Method), and Derek Abrams on drums. Guest appearances are made by Gray Wolf, President of American Indian Movement (AIM), the internationally renowned and idiosyncratic Lord of the Cello, and an army of Ministry supporters who participated in the band’s PledgeMusic AmeriKKKant pre-order campaign.
Otm Shank Brings Indian-Inspired Drum & Bass Track with “Kaida”
Burgeoning Los Angeles-based electronic label, Pinkturban, is known for producing world-inspired electronica and the latest release comes from the label’s founder, Otm Shank. On new single, “Kaida”, Otm offers a unique blend of Indian Classical and bass-heavy dance music, embellished with warm, exotic and quirky Eastern instrumentation, in a genre he calls “Indian Techno-Funk”. Along with the single comes two fantastic remixes from Ahadadream and Tablacapella DJ Tool.
SHIRA releases wonderful new single “Butterflies”
New York-based singer/songwriter Shira is releasing her new single “Butterflies” next week. The track is an ode to finding love again following adversity and was co-written and recorded with Paul Carbonara of the seminal band Blondie.
Shira is currently putting the finishing touches on a new video which she will be releasing in conjunction with International Women’s Day in March.
PAUL WHITE ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM REJUVENATE, SHARES “SPARE GOLD” VIDEO
South London musician Paul White is happy to announce that his new album, Rejuvenate, will be released April 27th on R&S Records. While best known in the US for his sample-rich production work for Danny Brown, Charli XCX, Open Mike Eagle, and more, for Rejuvenate the multi-instrumentalist wrote, performed, and produced every note of the album, yielding a groove-heavy, psychedelic mélange of cosmic rock, ambient, electronic, jazz, and folk that is his most cohesive, fully-realized offering yet. The record features guest vocals by Denai Moore, Shungudzo (aka Shun) and Sarah Williams White.
Table Scraps release hilarious new sock puppet video
Today, Table Scraps have unleashed their hilarious video for the brilliant new single ‘I’m A Failure’ from ‘Autonomy’ which came out Friday 23rd Feb on Zen Ten. The band will be launching the album at The Shacklewell Arms tomorrow night (28th Feb) alongside Melt Dunes and Noise Noir and with guest vinyl DJ Christopher Blake of Weird Sex and The Sly Persuaders spinning tunes throughout.
Mokita – “When I See You”
American born artist, songwriter, and producer, John-Luke Carter, aka Mokita has quickly garnered attention for his ability to blend huge pop hooks with zen-like production. “When I See You” is a sweet sort of break up song, certainly plays into the meaning behind his stage name. The word “MOKITA,” which derives from a language called Kivila, known to be spoken in Papua New Guinea, translates loosely as “the truth we all know but agree not to talk about.” Flexing his piano and vocal skills on the new record, Mokita once again showcases himself as a multi-talented artist.
SSION SHARES NEW SINGLE “AT LEAST THE SKY IS BLUE”
SSION hinted at a much anticipated return at the end of 2017 with the release of a new single, “Comeback”, and the phenomenally over the top accompanying video, premiered on The FADER. Today, Cody Critcheloe, the multi-media mastermind behind SSION’s music and videos, again teases his third full length studio album O, with the release of his new single, “At Least The Sky Is Blue” featuring Ariel Pink.
Nereis signs exclusive worldwide deal with Eclipse Records
We’re extremely pleased to announce the signing of alternative metal newcomers, Nereis. Originally formed in 2007 under the name Blackstar, Nereis are an alternative metal band with a heavy-rock edge. The band caught the attention of Eclipse Records after achieving over 125,000 downloads of their independently-released From the Ashes EP via free music portal, Jamendo. In 2017, the band finished recording a new full-length album entitled Turning Point, which will be released in the Summer of 2018.
ATLANTIC RECORDS LAUNCHES PODCAST INITIATIVE
Atlantic Records has announced the launch of an in-house podcast initiative with its own dedicated podcast production team. In addition, the company is building a podcast-specific studio at its New York City headquarters, scheduled to be up and running this spring. The initiative is the brainchild of Atlantic Vice President Tom Mullen, who hosts his own acclaimed podcast music series, “Washed Up Emo,” which has been running for seven years and just aired its 124th episode.
Atlantic Records Podcasts will debut today, with the premiere of its first weekly series, entitled “What’d I Say,” featuring intimate interviews with current Atlantic recording artists. An inside look at the art of songcraft, the first season includes artists such as Jason Mraz, Whethan, MILCK, Lil Skies, Chappell Roan, Trivium, Sweater Beats, Josie Dunne, and Molly Kate Kestner. The series takes its name from the classic Ray Charles song, released by Atlantic in 1959. Other series planned for the future include “Inside the Album,” “Respect: Women of Atlantic,” and a series devoted to the rich Atlantic archives.
BROOKE JOSEPHSON’S BRAND NEW VIDEO “HORRIFIED”
The meaningful track is taken from her forthcoming EP SEXY N’ DOMESTICATED, due out in April. “Horrified” is a commentary on rising above a difficult situation. The song came about as a result of an unfortunate incident where Josephson was cyber-bullied by another parent at her children’s school. Click here to access the single artwork.
Rachael Sage Announces New Album “Myopia” Out May 4
Rachael tells BlackBook: “’Olivia’ was inspired by my absolute admiration for the character Olivia Benson on Law & Order SVU. I have been watching the brilliantly talented Mariska Hargitay bring this fiercely intelligent, empathetic and heroic character to life on TV for many years, and various episodes have inspired me to write songs, poems and even paint pictures. I’ve been equally inspired by Mariska’s charity work via her organization Joyful Heart, and there’s just something very compelling about the parallels between the strong character she portrays, and the good she is doing in her life for others.”
BLACKBOOK PREMIERE: Poignant New Rachael Sage Single ‘Olivia’
Ron Hollywood-directed visual for “Cowboy”
“Cowboy” is slow-burn, disco-twang that sees me embracing my inner Dolly via chugging synths & sultry sass. the video follows yours truly and fellow femme fatale as we buck and blade our way thru confectionary smut & rubble toward vengeance at the wheel.
Swiss Stoner/Punk/Rock trio Papertank unveiled new music video “Waiting for”
A few months after the official release of the album ‘Playground’, Swiss/French stoner/punk/rock power-trio Papertank just shared a new official music video for the song “Waiting For” available right now on YouTube and with the courtesy of Score A/V Digital.
WARMDUSCHER SHARE VIDEO FROM FORTHCOMING ‘WHALE CITY’ ALBUM
Let Warmduscher be your guide. Clams Baker: the man with the golden tongue. Fast-talking, no nonsense networker. The ‘legitimate’ front to the great rock ‘n’ roll swindle. No time for fact checking. No need for building regulations. Heading straight to the top. Consequence be damned. Lightnin’ Jack Everett is his man on point. The rhythm. The brains. The brawn. Let’s make lots of money. The Saulcano, Mr Salt Fingers Lovecraft and The Witherer operate in the shadows. The cogs. The machine. The bootleggers.
TIGERS JAW SHARE “WINDOW” OFFICIAL VIDEO
Tigers Jaw has shared an official video for “Window,” which is featured on the band’s acclaimed new album spin. Streaming now via The Independent, the video for “Window” is directed by Kris Merc and finds Tigers Jaw exploring a 1980’s roller rink and arcade as neon nostalgia permeates the air.
WOLVHAMMER: “Eternal Rotting Misery” Premiered At Decibel Magazine
Decibel Magazine is hosting the premiere of “Eternal Rotting Misery,” the first single from WOLVHAMMER’s impending fourth LP, The Monuments Of Ash & Bone. The album is set for May 4th release through Blood Music, who has issued preorders this week.
New power pop album from New Yorkers Latvian Radio
LATVIAN RADIO has created their own brand of critically acclaimed indie-power pop since their 2006 debut “Happiness Above A Hardwood Floor”. The New York band is led by Patric Westöö from Sweden. Their latest four releases all ended up on Best Album Of the Year lists in various publications from the Big Takeover Magazine to Absolute Powerpop. They have also been a college radio mainstay frequently charting in the CMJ top 200.
Their new and sixth album “Pick Your Poison, Pick Your Blues” sonically blends power pop, punk, new wave and britpop. It has the endless melodic hooks you have come to expect but is equally fueled by a dark and weary undercurrent in the wake of a world that can’t get out of its own way.
Lake Street Dive Announce New Album & Share Video
Lake Street Dive will release Free Yourself Up, its second album with Nonesuch Records on May 4. The four-member band — drummer Michael Calabrese, bassist Bridget Kearney, singer Rachael Price, and guitarist/trumpeter Michael “McDuck” Olson — self-produced the album at Goosehead Palace Studios in Nashville with engineer Dan Knobler. Tour dates to support Free Yourself Up begin with an intimate show at The Sinclair in the band’s original home of Boston on release day. During this release tour, every ticket purchased online for headline shows includes a CD of the new album. Full details are below.
Jessie Ware Announces North American Tour Dates
Tickets are on sale to the general public starting Friday, March 2nd at 10am local time at JessieWare.com. Fans can purchase presale tickets starting tomorrow, Wednesday, February 28th at 10am local time through Thursday, March 1st at 10pm local time by using passcode: SAM123.
Gwenno Shares New Track “Hi A Skoellyas Liv A Dhagrow”
With her highly anticipated second album Le Kov due for release this Friday, March 2nd via Heavenly Recordings, Welsh musician Gwenno has today debuted a brand new track from the record titled “Hi A Skoellyas Liv A Dhagrow” on Brooklyn Vegan.
WHAT SO NOT REVEALS “BEAUTIFUL” FT. WINONA OAK VIA NYLON
Today, Australia’s What So Not has revealed a third song “Beautiful”, which features Swedish newcomer Winona Oak, from his long awaited debut album Not All The Beautiful Things via NYLON. The album will be released March 9th via Counter Records and is currently available for pre-order here.
Durkio-N-Harmony: Lil Durk Shares His Spin on a Rap Classic with “Cross Roads”
Making his mark with melodic rap music, Lil Durk always wears his heart on his sleeve. On “Cross Roads,” his latest single, Durk struggles to succumb to his emotions, mourning his lost friends and contemplating his own mortality. Channeling the famous chorus from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s ’90s classic “Tha Crossroads,” Durk delves deep within himself, declaring his love for his daughters and shouting out the recently departed Fredo Santana. “Cross Roads” is Durk’s fourth new single of 2018, most immediately following “Durkio Krazy,” a low-key trap anthem produced by DY of 808 Mafia. With over 1 million combined views on YouTube, “Durkio Krazy” is the first single from the upcoming Durkio Krazy project, produced in full by DY.
Rapper DA drops debut single “Superstar” after signing to bORDEL Records
The newest bORDEL Records signing is Frederic Da aka “DA.” This self-defined Trap Pop cinephile has finally released his collection of tracks that were originally recorded between 2012 and 2015 while working with producers A. Chal (Round Whippin’, Vibe W U), Count Justice (Chris Brown’s New Flame) and MAX LBC. The project was originally scrapped due to a self-diagnosed depression that Frederic describes as “deep and dark as f***.” This first look at the upcoming EP #78 is “Superstar”, a stream of consciousness diary entry that channels Eminem-like rhyme schemes to illustrate the dark journey that has led DA to this moment.
New Signing: Mree
Nettwerk Records is pleased to announce the signing of Portland-based multi-instrumentalist Mree, an experimental folk artist whose music has drawn the attention of music industry professionals including Grammy Award winning artist Bon Iver (Justin Vernon), who has shared several of her music videos with his fans and followers. Her brand of “folktronica” draws on her influences of Bon Iver, Sigur Ros and Jonsi creating a musical bed of acoustic and electronic elements for her angelic voice to float effortlessly above.
ANNOUNCING: Tigue’s sophomore album “Strange Paradise”
New Amsterdam Records is excited to announce Strange Paradise, the sophomore album from Brooklyn-based composer-performer percussion trio Tigue. Co-released by NewAm (CD + digital) and NNA Tapes (vinyl), the album follows the group’s widely-celebrated debut album, Peaks (2015) and is now available for pre-order via Bandcamp.
RIVAL SONS SIGN TO LOW COUNTRY SOUND / ATLANTIC RECORDS
Rival Sons, the blistering, soulful Long Beach, CA rock and roll band who’ve previously released 4 albums on the British UK label, Earache Records, has moved onward and upward, signing a deal with Low Country Sound / Atlantic Records. The band, who many feel is the one most likely to lead rock and roll’s resurgence in 2018, has been hunkered down in the historic RCA Studio A in Nashville with Grammy award winning producer, Dave Cobb for a release later this year.
Ruby Rose Fox tackles school shooting crisis in America with new video
Boston based artist Ruby Rose Fox has just released an evocative and powerful video for the song “Freedom Fighter,” featured on her 2016 album Domestic. The video, which features Fox running through a warehouse to catch a bullet and save her child while men look on idly from the sidelines, acts as a striking visual metaphor for the horror of the current school shooting epidemic, and the government’s inability to enact change. The video is also an artful attack against the harshness of the male gaze and its current consequences in the world of entertainment.
“Before the #MeToo Movement erupted, expressing frustrations with trying to win the unbeatable game of winning approval from the male gaze would have pegged my work as exclusively “feminist,” says Ruby. “Quite refreshingly, I feel less isolated now and part of a bigger movement which is inciting very tangible social change. I’m excited, for our sophomore record Salt goes even deeper, and it includes this idea of intersectionality.”
Oakland Afro-soul artist The Sh8peshifter shares empowering new video
The project of Oakland-based Musician, Cultural Architect, Artist and Author Zakiya Harris, The Sh8peshifter drew inspiration for her latest work from, “the death of Sandra Bland and an ode to little black girls like my 12-year-old daughter. I wanted her and others like her to see Black Women represented as the highest expression of life, which is God.”
