@skopemag news for September 26, 2019 @ 9:30 am est

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New York City pop darling PETRA is back with hook laden new single “Luckboy”

Ethereal echoes form a tapestry of sound entwine the halls where PETRA hits the stage. Yes, she’s known for her “hook-drenched, danceable, optimistic pop” and “electrifying persona,” however her canon of songs, much like a diary of her life, showcases a multitude of genres ranging from old rock to straight up pop and a deep understanding of the art of sound. PETRA is ready to showcase her next chapter of sound with newest single “Luckboy”, due 09/24.

Imani Coppola Releases Heartstricken “Sage”

Not one to shy away from difficult subject matters and touching on the current political climate, IMANI COPPOLA channels rage into song form for her newest track, the heavy-hearted and potent “Sage.” Written after one of the many recent mass shootings here in America, the track from her upcoming spectacle of a record The Protagonist (release date: October 4 via Ipecac Recordings), the chorus of the song is unceremoniously interrupted by a viscerally powerful shotgun blast, adding impact to the already powerful message.

DAWN OF DISEASE Release New Official Video “Shrine”

DAWN OF DISEASE return with their terrific new single “Shrine”which is digitally available on all streaming platforms today! The combination of the classic Swedish Death Metal parts with a dash of Black Metal, all held in a dark atmosphere, show the versatility of the five-piece from Osnabrück. With “Shrine”, DAWN OF DISEASE tap into the mystical parts of the world and accompany their newest album with a bone-chilling second single. Additionally, the five guys bestow upon us the corresponding official video! Watch it below!

Seattle’s somesurprises release their “Gauzy and Exceptional” self-titled album today, Sept. 20th, on Drawing Room Records!

KEXP premiered the album yesterday, stating: “The trembling tremolos, rapturous reverb, and the otherworldly voice of songwriter Natasha El-Sergany seem to transcend time and space. When the music fills the room, you had no choice but to be immersed in its heavenly embrace.”

OddFellas Release Debut EP

Earlier this summer, OddFellas premiered the music video for the single “Walk On By.” This alt-rock jam sheds light on the darker sides of relationships. When matters take a turn for the worse and your partner doesn’t respect you, sometimes the best approach is to leave and continue moving forward for yourself.

BANNERS AND YOUNGBOMBS RELEASE NEW TITLE TRACK “WHERE THE SHADOW ENDS” + NEW BANNERS ALBUM COMING 10/4

Liverpool-based BANNERS, fronted by the dynamic delivery and exquisite song craft of Michael Nelson, releases brand-new track, “Where the Shadow Ends” (BANNERS AND YOUNG BOMBS) today via Island Records. The new track sets the stage for the October 4th release of the debut album from BANNERS. BANNERS’ 5-week tour across the U.S. and Canada, opened Wednesday night at Brighton Music Hall in Boston, wraps October 23rd.

RATCHET DOLLS Release Official Music Video for “Out of Control”!

Brownsville, TX Heavy Rock Band RATCHET DOLLS has released the official music video for their new single, “Out of Control.” Directed by Menez Cortez, “Out of Control” is out NOW via EarRiot Records.

Chukwu Shares “Free” Via Northern Transmissions | ‘Process’ LP Out 9/27 Via Veriditas Recordings

NYC-based alternative hip-hop artist Chukwu has returned with a brand new single, titled “Free.” It was premiered yesterday via Northern Transmissions. This is the second single released from his upcoming record, Process.

Chukwu Debuts New Single “Free”

Alt/Psychedelic “Future Classic” Band, Futurist, Premiere Sophomore Album via The Big Takeover (Out 9/27/19)

Colorado-born, Brooklyn-based alt/psych band, Futurist, share their new album, Omens, a week early via The Big Takeover, ahead of its official release on September 27, 2019.

OUT TODAY: HEATHER MAE’S STUNNING DEBUT LP “GLIMMER”

Today, Washington, DC-based award-winning singer/songwriter Heather Mae releases her debut full-length album GLIMMER, a collection of nine songs supporting one central theme: ”Feel To Heal.” Within the grooves of the new album, Mae wrestles with the complexities of existing as a human with mental illness, each song penned while experiencing the “lows” of Bipolar Disorder in order to create her rawest, most vulnerable work to date. Unfazed by what a typical pop artist today is “supposed” to look like and how the typical pop artist is “supposed” to sound, Mae, whose evocative vocals and rhythmic piano style call to mind artists like Stevie Nicks and Sara Bareilles, creates intoxicating music that tackles complex topics surrounding mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, self-love, racial injustice, social inequality, and women’s rights. Inspired by her own personal experiences and identities – a queer, plus-size woman living with Bipolar Disorder – and those of her multifaceted fans with whom she has forged connections throughout her many years of touring across the United States, GLIMMER brims with powerful lyrics and unforgettable music about life’s moments–from the quietly chaotic to the explosive.

JOHN SPLITHOFF RELEASES NEW SINGLE & MUSIC VIDEO “PROUD”

The cinematic black-and-white video opens with John slinging corporate jargon out of a call center bullpen before his significant other interrupts with an incisive inquiry, “Where were you last night?” His sales spiel turns into the opening lyric, “I just want to be honest with you” as he croons to her over finger-snaps and thick bass. Soon, he’s serenading her in the office before they end up in a motorcycle garage with each of them mouthing his lyrics in a hypnotic conversational crossfire. The track, which was written by John and Scott Harris [Shawn Mendes, The Chainsmokers] and co-produced by John and Aalias [Eminem, Rihanna, DJ Snake], features a robust and raw hook that hits hard as John once again sharpens his signature style.

Vida Blue release first album in 15 years today

Vida Blue – Page McConnell – keyboard, vocals (Phish), Oteil Burbridge – bass (Dead & Company, Allman Brothers Band), Russell Batiste – drums (The Meters), and Adam Zimmon – guitar (Ziggy Marley, Shakira) — has released their first album in 15 years. CROSSING LINES arrives digitally today. The vinyl and CD version of the album will be released in October and can be pre-ordered at drygoods.phish.com. The album’s first song, “Analog Delay,” which Rolling Stone called a “psych-funk epic,” quickly reminds the listener that Vida Blue features one of the tightest and most creative rhythm sections working today. As he has on past Vida Blue releases, McConnell eschews traditional piano and organ sounds and draws on an array of vintage keyboards to showcase his expansive songwriting.

Page McConnell Talks Reviving His Psychedelic Project Vida Blue and Phish’s Summer Tour

ORCHESTRAL INDIE-POP DUO, THE BRILLIANCE, ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE VIA OBSCURE SOUND AHEAD OF NEW ALBUM

The Brilliance’s acoustic-electric, symphonic-pop songs invite you to step outside yourself; to see the world through the eyes of the other, the stranger, and those you may consider your enemy. The band is comprised of songwriter David Gungor and composer John Arndt, who crafted the new “suite” in collaboration with Biola University Orchestra and Chorus.

Premiere: The Brilliance – “World Keeps Spinning”

Introducing Magnus Mia

Magnus Mia are an international music duo from Hong Kong and Rome, featuring Jason Magnus and Mia Schettino.

Lifelong friends with very separate and unusual musical journeys up to this point, they share a deep connection with their cultural backgrounds that they try to infuse into their songwriting.

Turkish Band SHE PAST AWAY Announce North American Tour Starting November 27th

Riding high atop the wave of their highly anticipated U.S. debut DISKO ANKSIYETE (released on May 31, 2019 via Metropolis Records), Turkey-based post-punk band SHE PAST AWAY is announcing a string of ten North American tour dates starting November 27th in Quebec, and carrying on through mid December. The band will be stopping in ten cities including Portland (December 4th), Los Angeles (December 7th), and New York (December 14th).

Tour Dates:

Wednesday November 27 – Quebec, Canada – Le d’Auteuil
Thursday November 28 – Montreal, Canada – Salla Rossa
Saturday November 30 – Vancouver, Canada – Rickshaw Theatre
Wednesday December 4 – Portland, OR – Star Theater
Thursday December 5 – Dallas, TX – Dada Club
Friday December 6 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater
Saturday December 7 – Los Angeles, CA – 1720
Friday December 13 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall
Saturday December 14 – New York, NY – Market Hotel
Sunday December 15 – Boston, MA – Once Ballroom

NEW MUSIC: K. MICHELLE RELEASES NEW SONG “SUPAHOOD” FT. CITY GIRLS & KASH DOLL

R&B songbird K. Michelle returns with her fiery street single, “Supahood.” With the no holds barred lyrics, K. tells the world what she loves and how she loves it. Produced by Lil’ Ronnie, “Supahood” features City Girls’ Yung Miami and Kash Doll, which adds that extra spice like hot sauce on your wings.

Hua Li 化力 (Montreal Hip-Hop) Releases ‘Dynasty’ LP | Debut Album Out Now Via Next Door Records

“Hua Li is a rap label’s dream… On the one hand, her approach to rapping, a kind of early ’90s Lil Kim bravado mixed with the more insightful, emotionally resonant lyrics of a Jean Grae, would be menacing if it weren’t so raw and beguiling. Perhaps even more hypnotic is her turn as a crooner, similar to the sultry, jazzy vibes of Little Dragon’s Yukimi Nagano, but with a bit more of a wink”
– Consequence of Sound

Montreal-based musician Hua Li has arrived with the release of her debut album, Dynasty. The record is out today via Next Door Records. This is her first full-length release since signing with the label. Over the past several months leading up to this release, Hua Li has been dropping some stellar singles and music videos. Check out her new release above and stay tuned for more exciting news on Hua Li!

OUT NOW: Mono Sources’ S/T Debut LP

Mono Sources, the atmospheric rock project between Spotify viral singer/songwriter Brett Bixby and Jesse Nason, released their self-titled debut album on all digital platforms and on limited edition CD.

Featuring vocals acclaimed poet Derrick C. Brown, SAS, and Lauren Hillman of Kotomi, the album largely came out of improvisational collaborations between Bixby and Nason from their shared studio in Long Beach, CA as they continued amassing equipment and deepening their musical friendship after touring together on Bixby’s solo album a decade ago.