@skopemag HQ – http://smarturl.it/skope
There’s a line on Oceanator’s debut full-length when Elise Okusami belts, “I think I think too much.” It’s a plainspoken yet resounding thesis for an album called Things I Never Said, which sees the NYC multi-instrumentalist hyperbolically equating early adulthood malaise with apocalyptic destruction. The type of anxieties that form when thoughts bottle up and stress gets the best of you. Throughout the record, allusions to intrusive thoughts and depression-induced stasis are weaved in between references to falling skies, rolling fires, and the possibility of the world literally falling apart. “If the sun never came up tomorrow / do you think we would even notice?” Okusami asks in “I Would Find You,” a moody ode to staying out late and sleeping until the afternoon. Or as Okusami puts it, “keeping to the shadows.”
DAVID COOK PREMIERES NEW SINGLE “REDS TURN BLUE” EXCLUSIVELY ON PEOPLE MAGAZINE TODAY
The song “Reds Turn Blue” is a reference to the manic highs (reds) and lows (blues) of anxiety, something David has struggled to cover come since his season 7 win on American Idol.
JAHMED drops “TWOTEN” feat. Mozzy and D Smoke
Following the release of his debut 8-track project, THEBOOFMOBILE, rap newcomer, JAHMED, shares a new rendition and visualizer of his song “TWOTEN” featuring his fellow West Coast peers Mozzy and D Smoke. The energetic and trunk-rattling track’s rework highlights JAHMED’s growth and lyrical prowess as he holds his weight alongside two of hip-hop’s most acclaimed newcomers. The remix follows his latest feature on G-Eazy’s “Love Is Gone” and proves that the buzz he’s generated from his recent releases is just the starting line for JAHMED.
EJ Marais ft. Delorean Shares “Glamour Professional”
“This is the opener of the album,” says Marais of the Ekhi Lopetegui-produced track. “It started out with a loop of chords that I had on my computer and then we got Jordi to play them live on a Hohner Pianet that was lent to us by Hidrogenesse. It sounded great! On the chorus Ekhi added a human voice choir that came from a Ensoniq SQ-1, there is really nothing like that sound, we have tried to imitate it many times for the live show and we never get the exact same tone. It says things about the passing of time and how things become old and decrepit, but also, about nature’s capacity to regenerate.”
Helvetia releases gripping new video for “Love Me” // Their new LP ‘This Devastating Map’ is out Aug. 7th on Joyful Noise Recordings!
Helvetia was formed in Seattle in 2005 by Jason Albertini. Since the band’s inception, he’s employed a rotating cast of band members and collaborators, which now includes Steve Gere and Samantha Stidham. Albertini is 1/3 of the group Duster, who spent 2019 releasing a new album and playing shows for the first time in 20 years. Naturally, Helvetia share a lot of the same sensibilities, pushing Dusterʼs boundary-bending ideals even further out with a mix of odd pop and eccentric oddities.
Shannon LaBrie Rises From The Ashes in New Music Video for Her Single “Firewalker”
Eager to take advantage of her time off the road during the world pandemic, LaBrie got together a crew of two, herself and famed music video director Roger Pistole (Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Cage the Elephant), to film the powerful video in the backwoods of Tennessee, “Roger Pistole, is one of the most inventive, endearing and calming directors I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” Shannon praises, “He’s got a way of easiness about him when he’s behind a camera. I felt very comfortable being myself…in fact, that’s his one request.” Through the magic of editing, lighting, and pure talent, the two created a commanding visual treat.
Nashville Artist/Producer/Composer Jordan Lehning Releases Reflective New Song “Little Lie” / Cinematic LP ‘Little Idols’ Out August 7
Nashville-based producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Jordan Lehning has released a reflective new song “Little Lie” off his forthcoming album Little Idols, out August 7. Written in the style of a short film, Little Idols tells the story of an affair between a married woman and a single man that unfolds over the length of the album. At the story’s halfway point, the quietly meditative “Little Lie” illustrates the moment after the affair begins, when the characters first realize the implication of their actions. American Songwriter featured the track this morning, saying “Lehning takes his push for atypical art even further with a minimal, vocally-driven melody that unfolds more like a musical diary entry than a song meant for seamless sing-alongs.”
Jordan Lehning Explores Mixed Feelings at the Start of a “Little Lie”
INCANTATION To Release Sect Of Vile Divinities Full-Length August 21st Via Relapse Records; New Song “Propitiation” Now Playing + Preorders Available
For over thirty years, INCANTATION has consistently remained one of the underground’s most influential and respected artists in the genre. True to form, Sect Of Vile Divinities sees the legendary band adhering to the ways of the old school, unleashing twisted, mangled, and utterly disgusting death metal once again.
Brand New Single “Live For The Summer” from Ajji x Stylo G x Busy Signal
Coming on the heels of the ‘Stories’ and ‘Street Code’ rhythm compilations, two of their most successful productions to date. Recording imprint New League Music known for working with a plethora of stalwarts in the Reggae and Dancehall genre is once again stepping to the fore with a solid offering for the summer.
A.A. Williams Shares New Track “Love And Pain” || Debut Album ‘Forever Blue’ Due Out 7/3 On Bella Union
Of the track Williams says: “Love And Pain explores the juxtaposition of positive and negative emotions, specifically the titular feelings that often go hand in hand. The protagonist acknowledges that their ongoing sadness is often of their own creation – they try to accept love from another, but soon come to see that this affection masks more bitter intentions. I tried to mimic this harsh realisation musically, the cautious, inquisitive opening and verses starkly interrupted by the crushing weight of the latter half of the song – it’s repetitive chords, layered vocals and swirling synths evoking all-enveloping and uncontrollable sorrow.”
Universal Hip Hop Museum and USPS to Host Virtual Dedication Ceremony for Hip Hop Stamps
On Wednesday, July 1 at 11 am EST the Universal Hip Hop Museum and the U.S. Postal Service will host a virtual ceremonial event to celebrate the Hip Hop movement with new Forever stamps. This pane of 20 stamps features four elements of hip-hop: MCing (rapping), B-boying (break dancing), DJing and Graffiti Art. The bold, digitally tinted images on the stamps are intended to appear in motion. There are five stamps of each design. The words “Forever,” “USA,” “Hip Hop” and the name of the element featured appear across the top of each stamp. The stamps are highlighted with a vivid yellow, green, red and black color scheme. The title of the stamp issuance, printed in red and black, is centered on the top of the pane.
Jonathan Something (Solitaire) shares “Sticky Love” from new LP Cannibal House Rules
In his career to date Jonathan Something’s music has never quite been what it seemed. Releasing two albums, Outlandish Poetica and Art So Small You Can Hardly See It and numerous one off singles and 7 inches over the last two years that have been praised by the likes of NPR, Billboard and Stereogum, he initially appears to present a traditionalist’s sonic palette and a classic pop songsmith’s sensibility, recalling the effortless melodic feel of Nick Lowe and the unassuming, everyman charm of Jonathan Richman. Dig a little deeper though, and there’s something altogether stranger going on.
Flume unveils Claymation video for Jon Hopkins remix of “The Difference” featuring Toro y Moi, remix EP featuring High Contrast, Picard Brothers, Willaris. K out June 26
“The Difference” was the first piece of new music from the Sydney-born, L.A. based artist this year, following several releases last year including “Rushing Back” featuring Vera Blue, “Let You Know” featuring London Grammar and the much-lauded Hi This Is Flume mixtape and visualizer, which was nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album at the Grammy Awards. The release of “The Difference” was accompanied by a Jonathan Zawada-directed video—watch here.
Ginger Root releases new single + video for “Out Of State” from forthcoming LP via Acrophase
Today, Orange County’s Ginger Root shares his second single, “Out Of State,” along with its colorful, self-directed video. The new track is from his forthcoming album Rikki due out October 2020 via Acrophase Records.
Kehlani and Hayley Kiyoko Collaborator Drops “Quiet Footsteps”
As a songwriter and producer, Jono Dorr has helped launch and sustain the careers of prominent artists like Hayley Kiyoko, Kehlani, Gnash and The Neighborhood. Sourcing his influences ranging from Motown to Nirvana, Jono’s own songs evoke a soulful revival within the modern pop landscape.
In Parallel (Ex-members of Celebrity & Hopesfall) Sign to Wiretap Records; New EP out this Fall
Nashville, TN band In Parallel have announced signing with Wiretap Records to release their upcoming new EP “Fashioner” out September 4th. The band, which consists of members of Celebrity & Hopesfall, released their debut album “Broken Codes” in 2018, that yielded seven songs – touching on themes of power, control, and human connection. Get familiar by watching the music video for their song “Bridge and Tunnel” off their 2018 “Broken Codes”
TERMINAL NATION: BrooklynVegan Premieres “Master Plan” From Arkansas Political Hardcore/Grind Act
Following several EPs released via Deep Six Records, TERMINAL NATION’s Holocene Extinction marks the debut full-length assault from this politically minded powerhouse. Holocene Extinction was engineered by Jason Tedford, recorded at Wolfman Studios in Little Rock, Arkansas. The album was mixed by Ryan Bram of Homewrecker Studios, mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege (From Ashes Rise, Integrity, Noisem), and completed with cover art by Adam Burke, additional art by Valentine Duran, and photography by Kurt Lunsford.
KILLBOY UNLEASHES HER WILD SIDE FOR “666” OFFICIAL VISUAL
Haux Shares “Accidents” via VMan
“‘Accidents’ is one memory that remained [from childhood]; driving with one of my crushes in the back of my mom’s ex-boyfriend’s car while he was pretty buzzed wondering if we crashed, would it actually be worse than how we were feeling at the time (being 13 or 14 years old). It’s messed up but sometimes when you’re dealing with someone struggling with addiction you kind of welcome rock bottom because then at least something might change.
THE DIRTY CLERGY PREMIERE NEW “WHIPLASH” MUSIC VIDEO FROM RECENT “IN WAVES” LP
With 2020 marking a decade into their musical careers The Dirty Clergy vacillates between shoegaze-esque ruminations on love and struggle and more straightforward garage numbers that surge into ecstatic cacophony all accented by eerily laconic vocals, The Alabama-based trio (featuring vocalist/guitarist Brian Manasco, bassist Ky Carter and drummer Cody Moorehead) are looking to expand their already respectable discography with their upcoming full-length, the aptly titled In Waves.
Girl Friday share video for new single “This Is Not The Indie Rock I Signed Up For”
LA band Girl Friday’s debut full-length Androgynous Mary will be out worldwide on LP, CD, digital, and cassette on Friday, August 21st. Today, they’ve shared the second single from the record, “This Is Not the Indie Rock I Signed Up For,” which follows leadoff track “Amber’s Knees: A Matter of Concern.” The music video, crafted by the band themselves while under quarantine, features wistful, candid footage from 2019 North American tours with The Beths and Marika Hackman. Given the song’s evocative, emotional tone, the footage is appropriately nostalgic for halcyon days when touring the country was still a realistic proposition.
K’RON WANTS A “ROUND OF APPLAUSE”
K’ron – who in 2019 wrapped a major North American concert tour supporting Melanie Fiona – has earned far-reaching applause for his distinctive blend of classic R&B with contemporary hip hop soul. Born in D.C. and raised in Maryland, he released his breakthrough single, “Round of Applause,” in 2014, earning more than 15 million streams thus far. The record quickly became a viral sensation on TikTok, racking up several million dance tutorial videos from users worldwide. The self- described “wild lova” quickly proved an in-demand producer and songwriter, collaborating with such artists as Omarion, Diggy Simmons, ELHAE and more, while establishing his own lane as a solo act.
Watch the Video for ‘Centre Excuse – Joy Joy Joy’
Until now Rutland may only have held claim to being England’s smallest county and birthplace to the fabled band, The Rutles but now it can rightly be called the home of the nation’s natural successors to Depeche Mode. Centre Excuse have cultivated their electronic-rock hybrid over the last ten years, honing their song-writing skills until they achieved perfection…that time is now. Their debut album, Favourite Soul, is preceded by Joy Joy Joy, a track which delivers exactly what it says on the tin. Released via their own label, New Motion Records, they capture the epic drama of bands like Depeche Mode and The Cure yet have a vitality and deftness of touch which sets them apart from their contemporaries. Prepare to be stunned.
AUTARKH Signs to Season of Mist
From the fertile grounds of Tilburg (NL) rises new contemporary metal outfit AUTARKH, a group of musical extremists that keep pushing the boundaries. AUTARKH is the brainchild of Michel Nienhuis, founding member and composer/guitarist of DODECAHEDRON. He comments on the signing:
Eyedress – ‘Let’s Skip To The Wedding’ – Release date: Friday, August 7th 2020
Eyedress’ upcoming LP, Let’s Skip To The Wedding, is the first album he’s created since moving to the United States. A passionate exploration of the themes of love, settling down, adjusting to life in a new city, and preparing to welcome a child into this ever changing world. Let’s Skip To The Wedding channels the uncertainty of 2020 into an eclectic collection of songs and loved up remedy for the times.
Dizzy Wright & Demrick Release “We Ain’t The Same” Video
The album marks the debut release from Cinematic Music Group’s new label The Smoker’s Club Records helmed by JohnnyShipes, Smoke DZA, and Shiest Bubz. Blaze With Us 2 is the follow up with Dizzy and Demrick’s critically acclaimed Blaze With Us, an ode to all things weed whose combination of laid-back 4/20 slow jams and hyphy anthems reminds of throwback favorites like Wiz Khalifa’s Kush & Orange Juice. Tommy Chong also makes numerous appearances throughout the LP. Outside of the music, Dizzy & Demrick boast their own award-winning cannabis strains, Dizzy OG and Gas-Lato respectively.
