Weekend Edition – @skopemag news for March 3, 2019 @ 8:30 am est

Sweden’s Westkust release new album today on Run For Cover!

“It’s been almost four year since we’ve heard from Westkust, the hugely impressive Swedish indie-pop band. …today, they’ve shared ‘Swebeach,’ it’s opening track. It’s a two-and-a-half minute ripper, full of skyward shoegaze guitar and chaotic pummel. But all of that is there to underscore a big, triumphant vocal melody. And while it seems like all of these elements should work against each other, they all feel perfectly in sync.” – Stereogum

MOTSA delivers striking video for brand-new single ‘No Fear’

Drawing on themes of perseverance through adversity ‘No Fear’ features wiry synth leads and modulated string melodies, alongside a mesmerising topline from David Österle (of Austrian band Hearts Hearts). Accompanied by a breathtaking video directed by creative mastermind Ruper Höller which was shot in the abandoned mining areas of south-west Spain, the forgotten landscapes serve as a visual symbol for the exploitation of nature through the human hand.

New EP from Patsy!

Patsy is a beautiful bit of nostalgia-tinged folk rock that feels like it would be as ‘at home’ on the Big Lebowski soundtrack as it is on any modern playlist or “best new indie rock” compilation.

THE MOWGLI’S RELEASE THEIR AMERICAN FEELINGS EP

Southern California’s torchbearers of alt. rock positivity, The Mowgli’s have released their new EP American Feelings. The first three singles “Hard to Love,” “Mr. Telephone” and “Norman Rockwell” that have been released have received incredible feedback from fans and critics alike, and have garnered over 600K streams.

2 CHAINZ NEW ALBUM ‘RAP OR GO TO THE LEAGUE,’ A&R’d BY LEBRON JAMES

Capping weeks of anticipation, 2 Chainz, the multi-platinum, Grammy Award®-winning MC and “One of the Very Best Rappers Alive” (Noisey), releases his eagerly awaited fifth studio album today, RAP OR GO TO THE LEAGUE, A&R’d by LeBron James, via Def Jam Recordings.

Activations involving Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music,Twitter, ESPN, and more – have positioned RAP OR GO TO THE LEAGUE as the first major hip-hop album event of 2019. Also book-ending the album release: appearances by 2 Chainz last night on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon; with LeBron tonight on HBO Sports’ The Shop; and Sunday night on hip-hop culture MVP Elliott Wilson’s Tidal interview series CRWN, to be live-streamed at 9:30 p.m. (ET) from Chainz’ hometown Atlanta. Also, set to launch a new interview series in partnership with YouTube Music called “Crate Talk” next week.

Jnr. Williams’ acoustic version of “A Prayer” premieres on Flood Magazine

Emerging U.K.-based artist Jnr. Williams’ acoustic version of “A Prayer” premieres today on FLOOD Magazine, who proclaims, “With nothing but piano for accompaniment, the recording strips the song to its bare bones, leaving Williams’ confident, quivering voice in the foreground.”

Manorlady pays homage to Santa Cruz in gazey new single, “Slow Coast”

The three piece shoegaze fit from Santa Cruz, Manorlady, are gracing us with “Slow Coast,” the second single to be released off their forthcoming album, No Bitter Ends. The track is accompanied by a music video which features footage captured at a July 2018 show in Santa Cruz along the Slow Coast.

First Listen: Manorlady – Slow Coast

Decca Records Celebrates Its 90th Anniversary

This year sees one of the most iconic record labels in the world, Decca Records, turn 90 years old. Since its formation, on February 28, 1929, Decca has burgeoned from a prosperous British company to a fully-fledged international powerhouse – quickly earning the title as ‘The Supreme Record Company’ – a statement that resonates stronger than ever 90 years on.

BRUNSWICK Releases Debut Mixtape, ‘We Surround Ourselves With Chaos,’ Via Island Records OUT NOW!

Named one of YouTube’s Ones To Watch 2019, BRUNSWICK knew he had something to say – it was just a matter of getting that message out, breaking down the walls that kept him from unleashing his feelings. BRUNSWICK’s debut mixtape ‘we surround ourselves with chaos’, out now, is what emerged from endless nights locked away in the studio – just BRUNSWICK, his equipment and the feelings that fuel his songwriting and production process, which BRUNSWICK does all on his own. BRUNSWICK has reached something truly universal – multi-faceted and completely addictive; the rhythm and grunge of ‘we surround ourselves with chaos’ accounts of how his life thus far has swayed from the harrowing to exciting and back, and altogether chaotic.

MARGER ES LA PORTADA DE “UNO LA REVISTA” ESTE MES DE MARZO

Van Goose (Marcy Playground Mem.) Shares New LP On Under The Radar

Under The Radar has shared Van Goose’s new LP entitled Habitual Eater which is out today. When talking about the LP Shlomi Lavie says,”I was involved with music since I can remember but things were never quite right. There was always some interference. An extra noise inside my head. And it got louder and louder. So, I had to put a stop to it. I had no choice but show some resistance to my habit of quieting down the noises and instead, I sat down and made a record out of it. I spent about four years, mainly alone in my home studio, recording music. Habitual Eater is the product of finally providing these noises a proper stage outside of my head.”

Seeb x Bastille Reconnect for “Grip” (Alternative Version), OUT NOW!

Norwegian duo Seeb are set on world domination in their pursuit of the fresh and invigorating – cue a collaboration with one of the world’s biggest bands, alt-pop superstars, Bastille on addictive new alternative version of their single ‘Grip’, released today, March 1st. Returned with a stripped-down sound, “Grip” has amassed over 50,000,000 global streams since its release in December of 2018, and continues to find success across Spotify and various radio stations around the world.

Pop-noir artist Shayfer James honors & uplifts survivors of abuse with music video for ballad “Ophelia”

NJ pop-noir artist Shayfer James released a beautiful and inspirational music video for his song “Ophelia” today, to coincide with the start of Women’s History Month. An ode to women and victims of abuse, the song provides a deep reflection to the long-standing effects of abuse and trauma, yet provides inspiration for survivors to overcome and carry on. The message is further brought to life in the video, with dancers depicting women supporting each other through shared trauma. Working to break the cycle, Shayfer James calls attention to the all-too-common issues of physical, emotional and psychological abuse, and offers a path of connection and healing.

BANNERS debut inspirational new song, “Got It In You (Acoustic)”

“This song is a bit of a reminder that if you ever doubt yourself you’re great and you’ve totally got this.” – BANNERS

JUICE WRLD RELEASES NEW SINGLE “HEAR ME CALLING”

“Robbery,” the first single from Death Race For Love, released on February 13, debuted at #27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week, Juice’s highest ever Hot 100 debut. The single has accumulated 27 million US streams and over 43.3 million global streams to date. “Robbery” is #2 on the Soundcloud chart and peaked at #6 on Spotify’s US chart, and the accompanying Cole Bennett video has over 20 million views.

Thrash/Hardcore Noisemakers Rhythm Of Fear Announce New Single “Vortex Of Torment” Out Via Spotify

Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, the dynamic thrash-hardcore crossover act Rhythm Of Fear prepares a bold entrance this spring with a brand-new single, cross-country headlining tour and preparation on a forthcoming EP. Today marks the release of the group’s blistering track “Vortex Of Torment” on Spotify that catapults the band with a barrage of distinctive thrash metal and heavy rhythms that show off the group’s crossover talent. “Vortex Of Torment” is the initial track release from the anticipated, forthcoming EP, “Ritual Dementia”—look for more details coming soon.

Advocate for Women in Music/Producer/Electronic Artist, SJae, Premieres NEW Track (Feat. Raphael Saadiq)

A proponent and prominent representative for women in technology, SJae is proud to announce her new single, “All I Think About” (featuring Raphael Saadiq), follow up to single, “The Avenue,” (featuring Sam Sparro), from her debut EP, FIRST, due out March 22, 2019.

Breakout artist Rosie Carney debuts acoustic video for “Thousand” featuring Lisa Hannigan

The newly released video was recorded backstage at Dublin’s National Concert Hall with just Carney and Hannigan’s voices and a single guitar. The original album version of the track has hit 10 million streams, contributing to Carney’s 35 million Spotify streams and 1.8 million monthly listeners.

MYCELIA reveal new sci-fi djent-metal single ‘It’s All Just Me’

Mycelia have continuously striven to defy the traditional boundaries between metal’s various subgenres, while keeping their sound fresh and engaging. Drawing on influences ranging from hardcore, metal and djent to jazz, the Swiss six-piece has continually baffled both critics and fans with their complex, heavy-yet-catchy arrangements. Hot off the heels of their critically acclaimed full-length album Apex, this new single “It’s All Just Me” pairs crushing staccato rhythmic sections with subtle, intricate melodies…

Mycelia reveal new single ‘It’s All Just Me’

Gold Connections Releases EP, Like A Shadow, via EggHunt Records

Evil Ebenzer and Jyay single for Don’t Step

“Don’t Step” is the latest from their upcoming new album “Rambo”, which is slated to drop in April. The song follows up the duo’s previous single “Rambo”, which was spinning on Spotify’s Hip-Hop Central and Northern Bars playlists. Evil Ebenezer and JAY will kick off their Candian tour in Toronto with a performance at Canadian Music Week in May. The tour will go across Canada hitting all major markets.

Jonathan K shares intimate new single “Best Before” via Under the Radar

Jonathan K is a Toronto based songwriter who makes intimate, ethereal pop music. His songs are deceptively simple, with words that reveal an underlying heaviness to offset the beautiful instrumentation. Influences of Brian Wilson and Elliot Smith are evident within.

SAY NEVER Release Official Music Video for “Giving Up”!

LA Rapper Charles X Releases Video for “Blood Money” – EID2 Out March 15th!

LA rapper and singer Charles X has just released the bold and dark video for “Blood Money,” the second single off his upcoming record EID2 (Out March 15th). The new video, directed and written by Morgan Bachel, matches Charles X’s intensity and introspection with a powerful and dramatic story that plays out in cinematic style and production.

Listen to Living Hour’s new album, Softer Faces, out today on Kanine Records

Today, Winnipeg’s Living Hour share their new LP Softer Faces with the world. Out via Kanine Records, everything about the band has been expanding since their humble basement beginnings in 2015. What started with dreamy love songs inspired by the cinematic sky of their hometown has transformed into even more sprawling and expansive expressions on their latest effort.