SKOPE NEWS FOR MARCH 29, 2018 @ 10 AM EST

RICH HOMIE QUAN RELEASES VIDEO FOR “34”

On March 16th, Following years of anticipation, countless mixtapes, and numerous multiplatinum singles, the rapper delivered his biggest and boldest body of work to date befitting of a storied reputation as one of Atlanta’s preeminent voices. He introduced the record with the one-two punch of singles “Changed” and “The Author.” Most recently, Quan turned up with more masterful melodies on “Understood.” Over production from Nard & B, he delivers pensive and powerful bars like “When my teacher was gone, she said I wouldn’t be shit, but see my teacher was wrong…”

NightStop (Finnish synthwave) shares new video for “Under A Killing Moon”

NightStop is a rising young Finnish synthwave producer who draws his inspiration and influence from 1980s cyberpunk movies, video games and pop culture. The brainchild of Ere Ek, he began making his ominous, kinetic retro-inspired music under the NightStop moniker in 2012 and has been ingrained within Europe and Russia’s tight-knit DIY scene ever since, steadily touring and putting out cassette & vinyl releases. NightStop’s music fuses sounds from iconic analog synths with modern electronic production techniques; Dancing Killer could double as a futurist, neon-soaked soundtrack to Blade Runner.

Indie-Pop Songstress Charlotte Lawrence Announces US Tour Dates & Debut EP Set for May!

Today, acclaimed Los Angeles indie-pop songstress Charlotte Lawrence announces tour dates set to kick off in June across select cities in the U.S. The run will hit San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow, March 29th at 10AM local time.

San Francisco’s Pllush announce ‘Stranger to the Pain’ debut out June 8

San Francisco’s Pllush (formerly Plush) will release their debut album entitled Stranger to the Pain on June 8, 2018. Stereogum calls lead single, “Shannon” a “burnt-out, dreamy haze that feels tentative about life’s uncertainties even as it sounds supremely confident.”

L.A. Underground Heroes Pac Div Announce Their First Album in Six Years, Share Hard-Hitting “Stoked” Single

Known for their dense rhymes and eccentric personalities, Pac Div commands a massive cult following on the West Coast. Returning to the scene after a six-year absence, Pac Div announces 1st Baptist, their upcoming album. Combining classic sounds of west coast rap with deep spirituality and irrepressible energy, Pac Div emerge refreshed and rested on 1st Baptist. Demonstrating lyrical acrobatics over a kaleidoscopic collection of West Coast instrumentals, LIKE, Mibbs, and BeYoung bounce lines off each other, trading bars, uniting for hooks, and generally sounding enthralled with the act of rapping. With production from DJ Dahi, Swiff D, Huss, Esta, James Rodgers, and LIKE, the upcoming album recaptures the spirit and vibe of Pac Div’s original run of mixtapes with a sound updated for the future. 1st Baptist hits stores everywhere on April 13th.

Nicki Bluhm announces new record

Compass Records is excited to announce the release of renowned singer/songwriter Nicki Bluhm’s new album, TO RISE YOU GOTTA FALL, out June 1. To celebrate the announcement, Rolling Stone premiered the title track yesterday, hailing the song as “a blast of Memphis soul.” TO RISE YOU GOTTA FALL was recorded in Memphis at the legendary Sam Phillips Recording studio and features two co-writes with Ryan Adams and a Dan Penn cover. For these live band analog sessions, Bluhm brought in producer Matt Ross-Spang (Margo Price, Jason Isbell), and the studio band included Will Sexton (guitar), Ross-Spang (guitars), Ken Coomer (drums and percussion), Al Gamble (Hammond B3), Rick Steff (piano) and Dave Smith (bass), with Reba Russell and Susan Marshall (background singers), Sam Shoup (string arrangements) and various special guests. “To Rise You Gotta Fall” is available to listen on all streaming platforms here.

Minutes Unlimited are Eliot Lipp (Young Heavy Souls) and Michna (Ghostly International)

Minutes Unlimited are Michna (Ghostly International) and Eliot Lipp (Young Heavy Souls). Formed in 2018 during NYC’s Bomb Cyclone, Minutes Unlimited craft instrumental trap with an efficiency themed core. Given unlimited access to sound options, they found it best to work with limitations. Trained extensively under veteran electro producers, they became adept at both hardware and software, resulting in a custom grainy high definition soundscape. Today the duo share their high definition, grainy debut EP ‘Making Contact’ in full with Big Shot Magazine, days before it’s release. Their debut ‘Making Contact’ EP is set to be released 3/30/18 on Detroit label Young Heavy Souls.

SPINE ANNOUNCE NEW LP, ‘FAITH’

Kansas City’s SPINE return with their second full-length album, Faith. Recorded by Andy Nelson at Bricktop Recordings (Weekend Nachos, Foundation, Harm’s Way) in Chicago, SPINE continue seamlessly blending the sounds of NYHC ala Youth Of Today, Cro-Mags, and Agnostic Front with the whiplash speed and intensity of bands like Infest and Siege. With multiple EPs and a full length record already under their belt, these brand new songs are SPINE’s hardest and most focused material to date.

SONS OF APOLLO Announces Worldwide Release Of Special Six-Track EP Of Latest Single, “Alive”/“Tengo Vida” (Spanish Version)

SONS OF APOLLO–former Dream Theater members Mike Portnoy and Derek Sherinian, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (ex-Guns N’ Roses), Billy Sheehan (The Winery Dogs, Mr. Big, David Lee Roth) and Jeff Scott Soto (ex-Journey, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force)—released a six-song EP today, “ALIVE”/“TENGO VIDA,” which includes three versions of the latest single, “Alive,” from their #1 debut album, PSYCHOTIC SYMPHONY, as well as three versions of the song in Spanish, “Tengo Vida.” It’s available now on all digital outlets worldwide.

ZEKE Premieres “Two Lane Blacktop” Music Video Via Decibel Magazine

Seattle punk icons ZEKE share the official video for “Two Lane Blacktop” off Hellbender, set for release this Friday through Relapse Records.

Watch: Zeke – “Two Lane Blacktop”

Mississippi Animal Advocates Celebrate Victory Against Dog Fighting

In Defense of Animals, the international animal protection organization that runs Hope Animal Sanctuary and the Justice for Animals Campaign in Carroll County, Mississippi, is celebrating a victory for animals with increased criminal penalties for dog fighting.

“We gladly welcome Mississippi’s increased penalties for dog fighting which will protect our communities and help deter future cruelty crimes,” offered Doll Stanley who leads In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Campaign. “Senator Dearing deserves our thanks and respect for his fine character and steadfast commitment to ethical standards. We will ensure law enforcement is aware of the new legislation and continue to aid them in applying existing laws to get justice for animals in Mississippi.”

SYML Shares New Video

SYML shared the video for “Body” across the globe yesterday with features on Rolling Stone (Italy), A Music Blog, Yea? (Canada), Clash (UK), MusikPlease (France), DansendeBeren (Belgium) and Kulturnews (GSA). The video is a ‘short circuit-esque’ love story shown through the longing eyes of a futuristic housekeeping robot. When asked about the song, Brian Fennell (SYML), explained, “‘Body’ is a desperate awakening to the reality that we all have internal battles. It’s about what we do with that realization. Either we continue to stay in that battle, or we let it go for something or someone better.” “Body” is off of SYML’s In My Body EP, which came out in January and is the follow up to his debut Hurt For Me EP.

Peewee Longway Recreates a Famous Scene From Wolf of Wall Street in “I Can’t Get Enough”

Forever finding the most unique ways to approach a beat, ATL innovator Peewee Longway has an unlimited arsenal of flows and cadences. Knocked out by the potency of his drank, Peewee spends the majority of his “I Can’t Get Enough” video glued to the floor, attempting to escape from the Feds with a meandering crawl. Inspired by a famous scene from Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street, the Omar The Director-directed “I Can’t Get Enough” is a humorous and engrossing clip, proving that Peewee doesn’t even have to stand upright to cut a menacing figure. Premiered by The FADER, and with audio premiered last week by Complex, who said “Peewee exhibits his lyrical prowess, employing a number of tongue-twisting lyrics, almost as if the song is a practice in alliterations,””I Can’t Get Enough” is the lurching, yet spritely lead single from Spaghetti Factory, Peewee’s upcoming mixtape. Produced entirely by ATL production duo Spaghetti Jay, Spaghetti Factory releases on April 13th.

The Lay Awakes Share “Falling in Love” Video From Debut LP

Today, New York City-based singer songwriter duo The Lay Awakes shares “Falling in Love,” the first track off their forthcoming debut LP Home Away From Home. Atwood Magazine premieres the track writing, “The Lay Awakes’ new single ‘Falling in Love’ captures the feeling of starting to fall in love with your partner while beautifully explaining the confusion that comes with it.”

EAGLE TWIN: The Thundering Heard (Songs Of Hoof And Horn) Streaming At Noisey

Salt Lake City duo EAGLE TWIN presents their anxiously-awaited third LP, The Thundering Heard (Songs Of Hoof And Horn), out this week through Southern Lord. The full album can now be heard ahead of the record’s release through Noisey, alongside an interview with both members of the band.

Mr. Fingers releases new single ‘Full Moon’ (album out 4/13)

Following the release of the critically acclaimed album track ‘Electron’, house music pioneer Larry Heard has unveiled another taste of new music from his legendary Mr. Fingers project, ‘Full Moon’. Taken from the first Mr. Fingers album in nearly 25 years ‘Cerebral Hemispheres’, ‘Full Moon’ is a marked change in the sound from the aforementioned ‘Electron’, trading in eyes-down dancefloor intensity for a groove-laden Balearic atmospheres.

KASKADE ANNOUNCES RETURN OF ‘SUN SOAKED’ OUTDOOR BEACH PARTY ON JULY 21

“Of all the projects on the horizon, returning to Long Beach for Sun Soaked is the one that has really got me wound up, in the very best way,” said Kaskade. “Sun Soaked is my baby. Last year it was our first run and believe that we cut our teeth on some amazing experiences there. But this year it’s not baptism by fire – we know what we need to improve to give my audience the best experience. We have more space, more sound, more food, more drinks and more ways to get in as fast as possible. We’re keeping it fun with safety in mind. Essentially, if you go to Sun Soaked, you will make friends, hear the best music of your life, soak up some Vitamin D on the beach and walk away feeling 3x better than you did when you entered.”

Ruler premiere “Cars and Houses” at Gold Flake Paint

Ruler—the project of Seattle-based singer and songwriter Matt Batey (best known for his work with Rocky Votolato and Cataldo)—is celebrating the upcoming release of their debut full-length album Winning Star Champion with the premiere of the single “Cars and Houses” at Gold Flake Paint.

New Music: Ruler – “Cars And Houses”

Flour Flour – ‘Become Animal’ single

The inspiration behind Flour Flour’s new single Become Animal, began when Brian Baughn was looking at his cat.

Stirred to explore how animals see the world, Baughn began to imagine a parallel between the process of growing up and the sci-fi concept of transforming into an animal: when you embrace your own voice as a teenager, you aren’t really becoming a vicious animal – you’re beginning to trust your instincts.

Khalid, DRAM, H.E.R collaborator Chris McClenney Releases New Single “sidetoside”

Are you familiar with Grammy-nominee Chris McClenney? Renowned for his work with Khalid on “Location,” and production on the records of H.E.R, thatshymn, DRAM, Sango, and Elujay, McClenney has had massive success with his solo artist project as well. For the next cut into his discography, he’s released a stunning throwback R&B single “sidetoside” that features songwriting, vocals, and instrumentation performed all by Chris.

French/US Alternative-Rock Band Hooka Hey unveiled new single “Herlock”

About three years after the official release of the ‘Untamed’ EP (2015), French/US “Transylvanian Voodoo” alternative-rock band Hooka Hey based in Austin, Texas just unleashed a brand new single called “Herlock” as a first glance of their upcoming album planned for a digital-exclusive release on June.

PULCHRA MORTE: Death/Doom Practitioners Featuring Members Of Eulogy Unleash Video

US death/doom practitioners PULCHRA MORTE have unleashed a lyric video for the track “Soulstench.” The haunting psalm comes by way of the band’s forthcoming, as-yet-untitled full-length, set for release later this year.

AYO & TEO TEAM UP WITH DIGITAL PLATFORM WEBUYGOLD

Dance and music sensations Ayo and Teo have joined forces with animation brand WeBuyGold, for the original programming platform’s third major series premiere on Instagram. WeBuyGold recently released short-form animated shows with major artists like 21 Savage, 2 Chainz, Tee Grizzley and Vic Mensa, amassing more than 22 million views on Instagram alone. In “Reverse Brothers Pawn,” Ayo and Teo deal with all walks of life while running their intergalactic resale shop. The series parodies the troupes of reality television shows like “Pawn Stars” and “Hardcore Pawn” with humor and storylines crafted for the younger, mobile generation.

Colatura Share “Afraid” Track Via Pop Matters

Pop Matters has shared the new single from Brooklyn based band Colatura entitled “Afraid”. It is the second single off their fourthcoming debut EP ‘Spring Drew Blood’ out 4/13. Prior to this the group shared their first single “Is Love Enough?” on The 405.

STOKLEY RELEASES “WE ME” VIDEO

A gift to his fans to help motivate them and keep their focus, Stokley acknowledges the part that music plays in our everyday lives. He’s also asking that fans join in and take to social media to talk about what role they will play in changing their communities with the hashtag #webethechange.

Lo Blanquito’s “Telacuti” surpasses one million streams

With only one week since the launch of the acclaimed track “Telacuti” from Dominican urban group Lo Blanquito, the music video surpasses more than one million views on Youtube.

“Telacuti” was launched on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21St, since the brother of one of the members of the group has this syndrome and when he hears any urban rhythm he would shout “Telacuti, Telacuti”. Upon hearing this, group member Beto Peláez is inspired to do this song with a party rhythm and humorous lyrics.

IRINI MANDO RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE “SIX IN THE MORNING”

Having spent the last 12 months working on new music, independent singer-songwriter Irini Mando is ready to reconnect with her growing fan base. The London-based artist has shared brand-new single “Six In The Morning”, her first release in a year.

Written by Irini, the track brings together an impressive line-up. It was produced by Buzzin Productions (Kojo Funds, Wande Coal, Elephant Man, Skepta, Giggs) and mixed and mastered by Arthur Indrikovs (One Direction, Calvin Harris, Clean Bandit, Florence + the Machine). The result of such a collaboration is a vibey afro-bashment infused pop jam with an undeniable hook. “That’s what’s been gwarning ’til six in the morning”, Irini can be heard singing as she recounts the details of a memorable night.

Davy Knowles and 1:9 Technology Announce the Release of Interactive 360 Live Concert

Blues Guitarist Davy Knowles – dubbed the “modern-day Blues Man” has accomplished a lifetime of achievements at just 30 years old.

His music was selected to broadcast from Mission Control into space on the International Space Station. He has shared the stage and/or played alongside with countless legends including Joe Bonamassa, George Thorogood, Buddy Guy, Kid Rock, Joe Satriani, Warren Hayes, Jeff Beck, Chickenfoot, Sammy Hagar, Peter Frampton, The Grateful Dead and more. He was on the bill on Bonamassa’s prestigious “Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea II” cruise. He produced and released a documentary called “Island Bound” featuring Martin Simpson, Richard Thompson and Peter Frampton. He was named a top 10 modern blues artist by Gibson Guitars. He appeared on CBS Morning Show and Jimmy Kimmel. He’s had 3 top-5 Billboard Blues charted albums.

The Nightowls Release New Single “Don’t It Feel Weird (Falling In Love)”

We Are The Nightowls was written and recorded over the course of two years, following extensive touring in support of 2016’s Royal Sessions, which was labeled an “energetic blend of classic soul and modern pop” by Paste Magazine. “Our previous albums were concept albums paying homage to the historic recording studios in which they were recorded,” frontman Ryan Harkrider describes. “This new album is more about capturing the band’s sound…it’s a more cohesive statement about who we are.” For that reason, the band made this 2018 release their “self-titled” album.

KASKADE ANNOUNCES RETURN OF ‘SUN SOAKED’ OUTDOOR BEACH PARTY

Six-time Grammy® nominated singer, songwriter and producer Kaskade has announced the return of ‘Sun Soaked’ – a massive outdoor beach party set to take place on Saturday, July 21 in Long Beach, CA. After last year’s sold-out success with 13,000 fans in attendance, Kaskade is bringing the heat back to the sand for the second annual event. Tickets will go on-sale to the general public on Thursday, April 5 at 9am PDT/12pm EDT, following an exclusive fan pre-sale on Tuesday, April 3 at 9am PDT/12pm EDT for those who sign up at www.kaskademusic.com.

Courtship. Release Music Video For Single “Tell Me Tell Me” Featuring “IT” Star Jack Grazer

Indie pop duo Courtship. have today released the music video for their breezy single “Tell Me Tell Me”, which Nylon premiered and praised for it’s “bright, poppy” aesthetic. The video features IT star Jack Grazer and his girlfriend Ellie in a charming homage to the universe of Wes Anderson’s film Moonrise Kingdom. The track is available on all digital retailers now and will be included on their forthcoming debut album, due out this later spring.

Crocodylus Unleash Raucous New Single ‘My Love’ and Announce East Coast Tour

Crowd favourites Crocodylus have returned to freshly unleash surf-drenched jam ‘My Love’, along with a run of reverb charged launch dates this May.

Taken from their forthcoming debut album and coming in under three minutes ‘My Love’ is a unique and infectious brand of good-time surf and garage rock, lulling you into a daze before the blistering dash at the very end. Vocalist and bassist Josh Williams describes the track as “a 60’s inspired garage number about another failed relationship with another non-existent girl.”

EELS’ “Bone Dry” Premieres Today

The album was performed by E and longtime collaborators Koool G Murder and P-Boo, alongside The Deconstruction Orchestra and Choir, and produced by E, with some songs produced with Mickey Petralia for the first time since 1998’s Electro-Shock Blues.

Leroy Francis shares new single and accompanying video, ‘Intoxicated Dreams’ ?☁

Sydney-sider and multi-instrumentalist Leroy Francis returns with new heart-smasher, ‘Intoxicated Dreams’ accompanied by a mesmeric music video shot in Shibuya, Tokyo. Premiering via The Line of Best Fit overnight, ‘Intoxicated Dreams’ is the third track from Francis’ upcoming self-titled debut EP, out Friday May 4th.

John Flanagan Trio new single and video drops

Fast becoming a favourite on the Australian Folk Festival circuit, the John Flanagan Trio have unveiled their new single ‘Something To Complain About’, lifted from their forthcoming album Honest Man.

With thoughtful arrangements and warm vocal harmonies the group manages to transcend the sum of its impressive parts: Award winning songwriter, John Flanagan; charismatic double bass player Liz Frencham and virtuoso guitar and mandolin picker Daniel Watkins.

KAWALA release video for new single ‘Do It Like You Do’

Fresh off the back of releasing their new single ‘Do It Like You Do’ on the 12th March, KAWALA are today revealing the video for the single. Watch here: https://youtu.be/iSHjnYQJoyM

Directed by Tim Moorhouse, it features a collective of KAWALA’s friends and family that all came together at a school in Kentish Town to shoot the video.

Jim Higson (vocals) explained the desire to share this important part of the band and their connection with where they are from, “We’ve always felt it important to involve friends and family when and where we can. The sense of community is something we want to accentuate.”

Esmé Releases ‘I Wonder’ Single

Sydney based Songstress Esmé lures her listeners in with a spellbinding tonal quality and a rhythmically entrancing sound. Imagine a soundscape of stripped back beats, electro-acoustic guitar melodies and a soul imbued voice.

RYAN ROXIE (Alice Cooper) Release New Solo Album

RYAN ROXIE (Alice Cooper guitarist) has announced the release of his new solo album ‘Image Your Reality’ on May 25th, 2018 via Cargo Records UK. Vocalist/guitarist & songwriter, RYAN ROXIE, is best known as ALICE COOPER’S long-time lead guitarist and collaborator. He has also worked with Slash & Gilby Clarke and been a member of Classic Rock Award nominated band, Casablanca. Roxie has had an impressive ride so far!

HER’S return with sunny soft rock wonder ‘Love On The Line (Call Now)’

In a world increasingly saturated with the ephemeral joys of simulated companionship, Her’s are an authentic Merseyside bromance between partners in crime Audun Laading and Stephen Fitzpatrick. Blossoming from a chance encounter in a university canteen, and from as far afield as Norway and Barrow, the duo found a natural chemistry through their encyclopaedic love of off-kilter humour and art.