@skopemag news for january 23, 2019 @ 2 pm est

LA Bedroom Pop Band Small Forward Premieres “Kind of Funny” via THRDCOAST

While attending college in Los Angeles, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Michael Stevenson and Rounak Maiti converged on a desire to collaborate and meld their love of Americana and pop music. Informal bedroom jam sessions resulted in hours of demos, constructed from the duo’s rudimentary yet textured take on songwriting. After condensing their work down to four downtempo, home-recorded songs, they self-released an eponymous debut EP in 2014. From hazy, forlorn atmospheres to more heart-on-sleeve folk, Stevenson and Maiti worked with Campbell Scott (bass) and Nick Waldram (drums) to craft rich, full band arrangements.

Kiwi duo Church & AP make bold entrance with ‘Ready Or Not’

“We stay ready” are the bold words spoken by Church & AP, New Zealand’s fastest rising rap act.

Mumford & Sons’ “Guiding Light” #1 at Alternative Radio

Mumford & Sons’ acclaimed single, “Guiding Light,” is #1 at Alternative Radio this week. Already a 10-week #1 at Triple A radio, “Guiding Light” is the multi-Platinum, Grammy Award-winning band’s fourth #1 at Alternative Radio following 2015’s “Believe,” 2012’s “I Will Wait,” and 2009’s “Little Lion Man.” Watch the song’s official music video—which was directed by Joe Connor (Sam Smith, Coldplay) and features the band up close and personal, interacting with their fans—HERE.

RYAN ADAMS’ NEW SINGLE, “FUCK THE RAIN,” IS OUT TODAY

Ryan Adams said, “Check out this song it’s cool. Or don’t- we all might die trump is president. I love you, sincerely Ryan Adams.”

Prog Ensemble Kinetic Element To Release Third Album “The Face of Life” February 28, 2019!

Kinetic Element, a band based in Richmond, Virgina (USA) that finally made a mark in the prog world in its tenth year in 2016 by performing at ROSfest and Terra Incognita, and in 2017 at Progtoberfest, has been through some changes in the last couple of years. Sporting a new guitarist and vocalist, and venturing into vinyl for the first time, they composed and recorded their third studio album, “The Face of Life,” during 2017 and 2018. The band, founded and led by veteran multi-keyboardist Mike Visaggio, after breaking into the genre with their first album “Powered by Light” in 2009, garnered acclaim from around the progressive rock universe with their 2015 release of their second band album, “Travelog.” They began becoming known for their epic pieces,containing spiritually uplifting lyrics and symphonic style arrangements following in the footsteps of the founders of the style like Yes and Genesis, as have other great bands like Transatlantic, Knight Area, Frost, Also Eden, and others like them. Reviewers have said that while they can clearly hear the influences, Kinetic Element has molded them into something uniquely their own.

Kinetic Element

CONNY OCHS: Official Video For “Dark Tower” Debuted Through Pop Matters

The first proper single from German folk/rock icon CONNY OCHS and his bold fourth solo LP, Doom Folk, has been released ahead of its impending February release through Exile On Mainstream. The song comes in the form of an official video for the LP’s “Dark Tower,” which sees its public debut through a premiere at Pop Matters.

WALK THE MOON RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “TIMEBOMB” – TOUR STARTS TODAY

Post Black Metallers NUMENOREAN Share New Song “Regret,” Reveal Album Details for ‘Adore’

Canadian post black metallers NUMENOREAN have premiered “Regret,” the first track from their forthcoming album, ‘Adore.’ “Regret,” is now streaming via the Official Season of Mist Youtube Channel in form of a stunning track visualization. ‘Adore’ is set for worldwide release via Season of Mist on April 12.

CYCLONE STATIC: No Echo Premieres Infectious “Company Man” Animation Video

New Jersey-based melodic punk rock trio CYCLONE STATIC presents “Company Man,” a track found on the band’s rapidly-impending debut LP, From Scratch, which sees release through Mint 400 Records on February 8th. The song is delivered through a psychedelic animated video which has been presented through a premiere hosted by No Echo.

introducing Phildel

After being raised in an abusive household where music was forbidden, Phildel emerged as an articulate, talented piano player and songwriter, going on to write hits like “Qi” (66M streams on Spotify), used in Samsung commercials and more. Her upcoming album Wave Your Flags calls to mind the modern blend of airy, elegant vocals with gothier electronic production, think a more mature Billie Eilish, taking cues from Imogen Heap.

TRDMRK (DJ Nu-Mark, Slimkid3 and Austin Antoine) Shares New Video “Hands Up”

Today TRDMRK (DJ Nu-Mark, Slimkid3 and Austin Antoine) releases the high energy video for “Hands Up” the banging first single from the upcoming self-titled EP, TRDMRK. The single is out February 1 and the EP is out February 15, both via Nu-Mark’s own label, Hot Plate Records with distribution by Fat Beats.

RITUAL RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE & VIDEO “LOVE ME BACK” FT. TOVE STYRKE

Benny Sings shares first track off ‘City Pop’ LP coming out 2/22 on Stones Throw

Benny Sings will release City Pop, his sixth album and first for Stones Throw on February 22nd, 2019. The Dutch musician/producer/songwriter has also confirmed two special US release shows: a KCRW-backed set in LA (2/26) followed by an appearance in NYC (2/28).

Derek Sallmann “Breakdown,Breakthrough” Official Video

Derek Sallmann debuts a stunning new music video for his inspirational single, “Breakdown, Breakthrough.” Shot in beautiful visual clarity, the video takes viewers on a scenic journey from Lake Michigan to the forest as Derek wanders through each landscape in thoughtful reflection. Bathed in golden light, the song itself becomes the centerpiece as Derek moves from one location to the next with a guitar on his back. Both video and single will inspire listeners to take that next step on the journey to their dreams and believe that they can do the impossible. Be sure to check out the music video for Derek Sallmann’s newest single, “Breakdown, Breakthrough.”

The Sonic Dawn Debuts New Video “Psychedelic Ranger”

Formed in 2013 (as The Mind Flowers), the sound of The Sonic Dawn is indeed a trip; a psychedelic mixture of styles, from jazzy sitar pop to heavy acid rock to melodic songs with a ’60’s flavor, laced with dreamy vocals. Modern yet omniscient. Eclipse, the band’s third full-length, is the product of a full year’s labor, featuring 13 mind-expanding tracks inspired by personal tragedies and the current meltdown of the world as we know it. The songs deal with a feeling of despair that many will recognize, but also seem to say that we can heal and come out stronger, if we dare take the leap.

CHARLOTTE RAPPER DABABY SIGNS TO INTERSCOPE RECORDS

Interscope Records and South Coast Music Group are pleased to announce the signing of up-and-coming rapper DaBaby. Earlier this month, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based artist dropped the video for his newest track “Walker Texas Ranger,” which has amassed over 1 million YouTube views in just one week.