SKOPE NEWS FOR JULY 15, 2018 @ 9 AM EST

benny blanco’s “Eastside” video with Halsey and Khalid

benny is responsible for hits for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Kesha, Sia, The Weeknd, Selena Gomez, Wiz Khalifa and many more, and most recently worked on Ye, Kids See Ghosts and Nasir with Kanye West and his GOOD Music crew.

Canada Trendsetters CMDWN Team with Lil Wop for the Defiantly Low-Key “Hit & Run”

Fusing regions and genres with their tasteful soundscapes, Toronto’s FIJI and Atlanta’s Ca$tro Guapo aim to change the game as members of CMDWN Collective. Delivering an iconoclastic mission statement over a low-key and drippy instrumental, CMDWN shares “Hit & Run.” Gliding over syncopated drums and charming marimbas, Ca$tro boasts about his ends and delivers a defiant chorus in an infectious monotone: “I like rap, I like rock/They can’t keep me in a box.” Completing the puzzle is a verse from rising ATL eccentric Lil Wop, who croaks an off-kilter 16 in the anchor spot. Premiered by Noisey, “Hit & Run” follows the similarly skeletal “Strong,” released in June, another example of the collective’s mastery of negative space.

Ferentz and the Felons Drop NEW Single to Honor Those Lost to Addiction

NJ-based alt/folk rock band, Ferentz and the Felons announce the release their new album Hudson County due out July 13, 2018. The tracking for their first debut EP was mastered at Lakehouse Studios in Asbury Park, NJ. The title is inspired inspired by founder, Zak Ferentz’s tough upbringing in the projects of Hudson County. Alternative Nation declares,, “…if you weren’t hooked by the strong verse, explosive chorus or subtle yet impactful guitar solo, as the track ends you will be completely sucked into ‘Hudson County.'” The band who has been featured on Substream Magazine and Tattoo.com, seeks to encourage listeners to be true to themselves and not be afraid to be outspoken. Ferentz strives to create music that inspires and make people feel again.

The Ophelias’ sophomore album is out today, watch the band hit the football field in new “General Electric” video

Having formed the band while still in high school, bassist Grace Weir, guitarist/lyricist Spencer Peppet, percussionist Micaela Adams, and violinist Andrea Gutmann Fuentes first met at a time when each were independently serving as the “token girl” in various dude-bands from their hometown of Cincinnati, OH. Coming from varied musical backgrounds (ranging from garage-rock, to surf, to opera), the distinct talents and influences of each member collided in unexpected ways at the band’s first rehearsal. It was here the band discovered that their chemistry wasn’t rooted in a shared musical reference point, but in the creative relief from the expected censorship of being a sideperson.

Finnish Duo Tuomo & Markus Have Message for Trump/Putin ahead of Helsinki Summit

Tuomo & Markus is the new musical project from acclaimed Finnish soul/jazz artist Tuomo Prättälä and singer/songwriter Markus Nordenstreng of The Latebirds.

Today, they announce their debut record Dead Circles, due September 7 on Schoolkids Records. To mark the announcement, the duo has shared the music video for the lead single “Don’t Shut Down Your Radio.”

Eric Church’s “Desperate Man” Music Video Debuts Monday 7/16

Eric Church, a two-time CMA Album of the Year winner, has a well-known reputation for always bringing his music to the people. With 2015’s Mr. Misunderstood, he went as far as overnighting fans copies of his surprise release. So this time around, after announcing new music is coming in a video message speaking directly to fans yesterday, Church is set to exclusively debut the “Desperate Man” music video via Amazon Music in the U.S. on Monday, July 16 ahead of his forthcoming October 5 Desperate Man album release.

The cinematic and high-flying video directed by Reid Long and John Peets captures Church executing his mission to fight for what’s right. Ray Wylie Hubbard, who co-wrote “Desperate Man” with Church, guests in the video. For its release, Amazon Music, a service that has supported Church’s music and provides a strong connection to his fans on a global scale, offered to premiere the music video for the title track “Desperate Man.”

NEW Album from Alt Rock/ R&B Artist Trevor James (Feat. on Afropunk, The Hype Magazine, Soulbounce)

Check out his recent killer set on Jam in the Van to get a feel for his style.Trevor James’ music draws inspiration from rock & roll eras gone by, when bands didn’t rely on stage antics or glitzy production – just pure talent and sweat.

James grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by a community of like-minded musicians who encouraged and supported his own interest in music. Becoming involved in his local scene from a young age, all-night jam sessions with his best friends soon turned into local gigs, and the time eventually came for Trevor to break off as a solo act.

EXCLUSIVE album premiere from alt-soul/R&B Trevor James (Feat. on AfroPunk, Soulbounce, Bass Quarterly

JESUS PIECE: Kerrang Premieres “Neuroprison” As Only Self Debut LP Nears August Release Through Southern Lord

Kerrang is hosting a premiere of “Neuroprison,” the new single by Philadelphia-based JESUS PIECE, as the brutal metallic hardcore act prepares for the August release of their Only Self debut LP through Southern Lord.

Only Self was recorded in Chicago at Bricktop Recording Studio with Andy Nelson (Weekend Nachos, Like Rats, Lord Mantis) mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege (Integrity, Nails, Full Of Hell), and completed with artwork by Dom Pabon.

NOW AVAILABLE: Arooj Aftab’s “Siren Islands”

Siren Islands is the new album from Pakistan-born, Brooklyn-based composer and performer Arooj Aftab. The record is now available through New Amsterdam’s Bandcamp subscription as part of the Windmill Series, a new digitally-focused set of releases for subscribers in addition to our regular release schedule. The album is also available on all digital platforms today, including iTunes and Amazon.

David Nail & The Well Ravens Release Video for Single “Heavy”; Debut Album out 9/14

Chart-topping songwriter and Grammy-nominated artist David Nail has spent the last decade leaving his unique mark on modern country music. Now he begins a new chapter with his new project called David Nail and The Well Ravens who will release their debut album Only This and Nothing More via One Five Sound on September 14th. The project is Nail’s first independent release and finds the charismatic singer reaching a new creative peak with a record that matches his adept melodic chops – as heard on #1 hits like “Whatever She’s Got” and “Let It Rain” – with atmospheric rock & roll guitars, lush keyboards, drum loops, and rule-breaking arrangements. Today he released the video for his new single “Heavy” and spoke with Billboard to reveal more details about the new album.

Slothrust Share “Double Down” Video Via Alt Press

Alternative Press has premiered the new single/video from Slothrust entitled “Double Down”. Slothrust recently announced a run of North American tour dates this fall in support of their new LP ‘The Pact’ out 9/14 on Dangerbird Records. Prieviously, Billboard announced the new LP and premiered the first track from the album “Peach”. Billboard also did a sit down talk with lead singer/guitarist Leah Wellbaum who spoke at length about the album. Check out the interview, and stay tuned for more updates.

DRAWN AND QUARTERED: Second single “Ravage The Cadaver” streaming exclusively at No Clean Singing

Drawn And Quartered’s seventh full length “The One Who Lurks” is two weeks away from its release date. Krucyator Productions will be releasing this opus of the Seattle based death metal stalwart on July 27.

AN NCS PREMIERE: DRAWN AND QUARTERED — “RAVAGE THE CADAVER”

Theia – “Bad Idea” Track Premiere

With features in The 405, Clash, and various New Zealand publications, Theia is solidifying herself as an emerging force in alt-pop. We live in a post-Lorde era, and Theia is the bridge gap of new dreamy artists that we’ve been looking for. From the popularity of dark-pop anthem “Bye Bye” (including the recently-released Samantha Urbani remix) to the newly-released “Bad Idea”, Theia explores impactful concepts through upbeat riffs and bouncing choruses. Sugary sweet, intensely real.

POPPY ANNOUNCES “AM I A GIRL?” WORLD TOUR

A week after the release of her latest single, “Metal,” breakout internet sensation Poppy has announced her “AM I A GIRL?” world tour. The 25+ city trek kicks off on September 23rd in Brussels, Belgium and will continue throughout Europe before the October 25th launch of the US leg in Portland, OR.

Max Styler Heats Things Up With “Feel It”

Max Styler rides an eternal heatwave of delight on Dim Mak single “Feel It.” Styler utilizes deep bass tones, expressive vocoded vocals and anthemic turns to create an undeniable house burner.

In the latest move of his rapidly evolving music career, Styler has taken a fresh approach towards his solo tracks in 2018. Moving away from the moody, glitchy future bass sounds of his 2017 output, Styler has now embraced a bright and vivid take on 4/4 house music. Styler kicked off the year with “All You Love,” a vocal house record that acted as a declaration of this new direction. The current single “Feel It” now solidifies this mission statement and signifies Styler’s transition from teenage musical whiz kid to seasoned producer.

BLACK ELEPHANT: “Helter Skelter” From Italian Psychedelic Fuzz/Heavy Rock

Next week, Italian psychedelic fuzz/heavy rock unit BLACK ELEPHANT will release their impending new studio offering, Cosmic Blues. As a precursor to its release, New Noise Magazine is currently offering up the riff rocking sounds of “Helter Skelter” for public consumption.

Offers the band of the track, “‘Helter Skelter’ is the name of a Beatles song. It’s what Charles Manson used to write on walls. It’s our chaos and mental maze.”

Song Premiere: Black Elephant – “Helter Skelter”

VICE PREMIERES “DON’T GO” FT. BECKY G & MR. EAZI

Vice has teamed up with 2x-Platinum selling recording artist Becky G and Nigerian singer/songwriter Mr. Eazi for his brand new single, “Don’t Go” – available now on all DSPs via Atlantic Records. The rhythmic-infused production blends Becky G’s glossy vocals with Mr. Eazi’s signature “banku music” sound, for a track destined to be a summer playlist staple.

Chris Jones & The Night Drivers reflect with new single

Chris Jones & The Night Drivers are continuing to release authentic songs, furthering them down the path of creating their own innovative music.

While stuck in a winter storm in Ireland, Jones and banjo player and vocalist Gina Clowes co-wrote “Who You Want Me To Be” during a session of reflecting on the complexity of relationships. Although more somber than their last release, it still carries the message of self-discovery and finding a greater understanding of who you are. The song’s character is at an impasse in his or her relationship. While hope has flickered in and out, there’s a realization it might be time to move on, despite the good times of the past.