@skopemag news – tuesday – august 11, 2020 @ 1 pm est

@skopemag HQ – http://smarturl.it/skope

Emerging Artist Alexander 23 Releases Video For “Caught in the Middle”

Rising indie-pop artist, Alexander 23 shares the video for his lovesick song, “Caught in the Middle” today. Directed by Kee Hwang (Miguel, Camila Cabello, Tainy, etc.), the visual shot in a LA based bar, captures the early 2000’s feel of the nostalgic sounding single. “Caught in the Middle” plays through as a happy-go-lucky and upbeat song, while the underlying meaning is more thoughtful – focusing in on the uncomfortable familiarity of was once a significant relationship.

WATCH: Protoje ft Popcaan “Like Royalty”

Protoje, one of Jamaica’s most important music figures in front and behind the scenes, will return with arguably his biggest album to date. In Search of Lost Time is available for pre-order today, August 6th and will be released worldwide on August 28th via In.Digg.Nation Collective / Six Course / RCA Records. Today, he reveals the LP’s latest single and video “Like Royalty” featuring dancehall star Popcaan.

Fredro Starr from ONYX & Jonny Vulgar drop “Rappers And Ballers” [Video Submission]

Fredro Starr and Jonny Vulgar host the new Rappers And Ballers Podcast where they talk about hip hop and sports.

They also dropped their EP with the same title “Rappers and Ballers”. All tracks produced by Local Astronauts from Los Angeles. The beats are a soulful blend of Boom Bap with an eastcoast flavor.

CARNATION Shares New Song, “Iron Discipline”

The Belgian death metal stalwarts of CARNATION are now premiering their latest single, “Iron Discipline,” which is taken from the bands upcoming full length ‘Where Death Lies.’

Melody Music Video 30k View & Listen Now – Kupid aka Q – ‘Melody’ ft. Skipavibe

Toots and the Maytals, Ziggy Marley, Ringo Starr Join For ‘Three Little Birds’

Today, legendary Toots and the Maytals released a cover of the Bob Marley classic, ‘Three Little Birds’ featuring Ziggy Marley. The track also features percussion from Ringo Starr, plus Zak Starkey on guitar, and drums from Sly Dunbar (of Sly & Robbie).

Toots And The Maytals Share “Three Little Birds” Cover Feat. Ziggy Marley, Ringo Starr [Listen]

VIC KASTEL RELEASES ‘TIME TRAVELER’ 8-4-20

Singer/songwriter VIC KASTEL releases his first album TIME TRAVELER – with much of the material recorded in the 70’s.

Imagine recording 11 original songs in the 70’s – with analog equipment and musicians – and releasing it today?

Says Kastel, “I’ve lived with this material for a while and what I was able to create then, has come back into style today in a big way, so I’ve decided to release the album. No auto-tune, no machines … it’s all pure- music. Back then, we actually recorded in the big room at the studios; these days most records start at home.”

AUSTRALIAN SONGSTRESS IMOGEN CLARK PREMIERES “PAPER BOAT” VIDEO ON GLIDE MAGAZINE

The beautifully animated video for “Paper Boat” was produced and directed by Anita Lester. It brings to life the isolation of a relationship that has turned toxic. Glide Magazine in its premiere describes it as “a quiet rage and hypnotic bliss mixing up folk and modern in the vein of Neko Case and Laura Veirs.” And adds, “there is a mystical quality to Clark’s songs that conjure up themes of both inspirational and healing.”

SONG/VIDEO PREMIERE: Australian Songstress Imogen Clark Shares Luminescent “Paper Boat”

Master Timple Player Germán López ft. Jazz Singer Halie Loren Releases Charming Cover of Legendary John Lennon’s “Imagine” Through A Socially Distant Music Video

One of the world’s greatest timple virtuosos Germán López has joined forces with Jazz singer-songwriter Halie Loren creating a refreshing cover of John Lennon’s encouraging and optimistic song, “Imagine”. Today, WorldMusicCentral premiered their socially distant music video, “Imagine”.

Timple Virtuoso Germán López and Vocalist Halie Loren Release Captivating Version of John Lennon’s Imagine

Harry Shearer Releases Latest Song as Donald Trump – ‘COVID-180’

Hot on the heels of the release of his old school R&B anthem to Jared Kushner Son In Law, this week sees Harry Shearer as Donald Trump, alternating stanzas of pumped-up disco and plaintive folk rock to represent the alternating “up” and “down” approaches taken to the pandemic by the President.

COVID-180, the second song in a series released each week throughout the summer and autumn, has The Simpsons and Spinal Tap star as the Leader of The Free World as he dances to his own tune in a dizzying reality-distanced spin away from the virus that has swept the world.

Harry Shearer says – “Emerson once said “Petty consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.” Trump agrees, though he may not quite understand it.”

X Alfonso releases a new single, Beso al aire, on August 7

Beso al aire (Kiss the air) a gorgeous love song with the distinctive quality of sound that is characteristic of X Alfonso’s music, is the new single to be released on Friday, August 7. It will be available on the top digital platforms as well as on the Cuban artist’s website.

Seven months have gone by in this extraordinarily strange 2020, and the pandemic has caused the world to come to a stop. But with the spirit of resilience and change that permeate the second part of the album Inside, symbolized by a butterfly in different artistic activities undertaken in relation to the album in Cuba, X Alfonso encourages us to seek new horizons. The earlier tracks set the pace, and the upcoming release, Beso al aire, is no exception. As with the previous releases, the single is focused on actions in both physical and virtual space.

Black Stone Cherry Announces New Studio Album: The Human Condition – Oct 30th Release

BLACK STONE CHERRY is set to release their seventh studio album, The Human Condition on October 30th via Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group. The collection will be available on Red Transparent Vinyl, Limited Edition CD Boxset and Digitally.

The Human Condition was completed mere days before the COVID-19 lockdown was imposed and as events progressed, it became apparent that the album the Kentucky band were completing featured lyrics that were eerily prescient.

BTS’ “BREAK THE SILENCE: THE MOVIE” Coming to U.S. Theaters Starting September 24

Big Hit Entertainment announced today that BTS’ latest feature film, BREAK THE SILENCE: THE MOVIE is coming to cinemas worldwide with limited screenings in various international territories starting September 10. Screenings in additional territories, including the U.S., begin September 24.

Set for global cinema release from Trafalgar Releasing, BREAK THE SILENCE: THE MOVIE is the fourth film from BTS following 2019’s record-breaking release of BRING THE SOUL: THE MOVIE, which reached a box office of $24.3m and saw 2.55m tickets sold across 112 territories around the world.

Fig Tussle with the Daily Grind on ‘Smog’

Sydney slow-glam band Fig today reveal the Krautrock reminiscent new single ‘Smog’ which premiered on FBi Radio and will feature on their forthcoming debut album. They’ve also recently announced their first 2020 show which will take place at The Vanguard on August 15th.

Fig Tussle with the Daily Grind on ‘Smog’

aliensdontringdoorbells Debut Album ‘Arrival’ Landing on October 2

aliensdontringdoorbells are Dorian Foyil (vocals, guitar), Adam King (lead and backing vocals) and Christian Pearl (keyboards, backing vocals), who connected years ago in Costa Blanca, Spain. It wasn’t long before they realized they had more in common than the love of an outrageous band name. In the summer of 2019, they took their shared passion for music and songwriting into a Studio in the Bahamas, laying down demos to attract the attention of top-notch producers. Attract they did, with Jeff Kanan (Kelly Clarkson, No Doubt, Sting), Matthew Tryba (One Republic, Maroon 5, Taylor Swift) and Dan Konopka (drummer of OK Go) stepping up to the plate. Three weeks in at The Keep Studio in Denver, CO, and these pros had 12 songs written and recorded, some that were crafted pre-aliens, some written together and some on the fly. They all had one thing in common though: they were uncommonly good.

Video Premiere: aliensdontringdoorbells – ‘Story’

Blueface teams up with Snoop Dogg to release new visual for “Respect My Cryppin’ (remix)”

Blueface has teamed up with his fellow California Crip Snoop Dogg to touch with visuals for the single “Respect My Cryppin’.” The new single comes along with a deluxe version of Famous Cryp. The project originally dropped in 2018 with ten tracks, but Blueface has returned with the Reloaded edition, adding 10 more tracks to the project. “Respect My Cryppin'” was a solo record until Snoop decided to add his silky smooth vocals for a remix.

CATHOLIC GUILT (Melbourne, AUS) Releasing “This Is What Honesty Sounds Like” EP On August 28

Melbourne, Australia’s CATHOLIC GUILT was recently among 10 artists featured in an Alternative Press story on ’10 Genre-Bending Bands You’ve Probably Never Heard Of’– but that’s about to change with the release of the band’s stellar new EP “This Is What Honesty Sounds Like” out August 28 via Wiretap Records.

lexis Renee is looking for some “Privacy” in new single and visuals

Alexis Renee is an American artist, songwriter and rising entertainment mogul. The Tulsa, Oklahoma native marries determination with vocal peculiarities, versatile songwriting capabilities and an unquestionable hustle. She truly kicked her career off in a freestyle battle on BET’s 106 & Park in 2008 and hasn’t stopped running since, feet to the pavement – music the outcome.

The success of her latest single “Privacy” further proves why personal artistry is a part of her destiny. Privacy is one of two songs from Alexis that can be heard on BETs Boomerang 2 TV show.

ALEC WIGDAHL RELEASES NEW SINGLE & MUSIC VIDEO “SUMMER IS OVER”

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Alec Wigdahl releases his third single “Summer is Over,” out now via 10K Projects/ Internet Money Records. Following the release of past singles “Lipstick” and “Cologne,” “Summer is Over” is a pop-rock anthem that shows Wigdahl singing over a dance-floor ready, guitar-led beat. His recent breakout “Cologne” has gained over 2.4 million plays on Spotify and holds a coveted spot on its “Young and Free” and “Anti Pop” playlists, and his catchy July release “Lipstick” has been heralded as the song to “soundtrack your summer romance” by Earmilk. The release is also accompanied by a music video, directed by Molly Hawkins (Harry Styles, The xx, Kelsey Lu), featuring bright colors and trippy visuals.

LIL BOOM RELEASES NEW SINGLE “KILL SEPHIROTH”

Today, Tallahassee, Florida-born rapper Lil Boom releases his latest single “Kill Sephiroth,” out now via 10K Projects/Homemade Projects. His latest offering follows quickly after the release of his collaboration with MC Virgins “Caught Simpin'” which was dropped on July 31. With a bouncy beat and quick flow, Lil Boom’s “Kill Sephiroth” shows off the rapper’s boundless energy and creativity. Known for his attention grabbing, click bait titles, Lil Boom has mastered the art of online virality and “Kill Sephiroth” is no exception.

RICK ROSS RELEASES NEW SINGLE “PINNED TO THE CROSS” FEATURING FINN MATTHEWS

On the heels of the VERZUZ TV celebration of his illustrious 15-year career in the game, Rick Ross delivers a soul stirring new record, “Pinned to the Cross,” which he debuted directly following last night’s Verzuz battle with 2 Chainz.

The song features supporting vocals from 20-year-old singer Finn Matthews and production from Fuse of 808 Mafia, as well as AraabMuzik. It brings Ross’ time-tested lyrical ability and insightfulness to the forefront, perhaps when his fans need it from him the most.

Country/Rocker CORY MARKS releases debut album

Mixing country music with the hard-hitting stomp of rock & roll, Cory Marks makes his debut on Better Noise Music with WHO I AM. Also released today is the video for one of the standout tracks on the album, “Out In The Rain,” a duet with Lzzy Hale, frontwoman of the band HALESTORM.

TEGAN & SARA RELEASE ‘HEY, WE’RE JUST LIKE YOU (THE REMIXES)’ EP

Tegan and Sara’s Hey, We’re Just Like You (The Remixes) EP features 5 reworked tracks from their 2019 critically acclaimed ninth studio album Hey, I’m Just Like You. The artists and remixers include Matthew Dear, Shura, Tracy Young, Tim Mislock and Mija, each of them putting their unique production stamp on a reimagined version of the original. Each new mix comes complete with a corresponding music video directed by artists Kimmortal, Stevan Cablayan, and Tegan and Sara’s own Tegan Quin.

CHIKA SHARES NEW SINGLE “U SHOULD”

At 23-years-old, Chika has established a track record of actively using her platform to advocate inclusivity and challenge societal norms regarding race, gender, mental health and body image. She opted to kickstart her career on the mic instead of enrolling in Berklee College of Music.

“SMILE” BY JUICE WRLD AND THE WEEKND OUT NOW

Today, Grade A / Interscope Records delivers “Smile” by Juice WRLD and The Weeknd. The highly-anticipated collaboration was first teased by The Weeknd on his social media channels earlier this week, quickly catching the attention of fans. Prior to his death, Juice tweeted about making music with The Weeknd saying that the pair “would make a diamond record”.

Ulf Nilsson – ‘Like You´re Supposed To’

SOUTH AFRICA’S HOTTEST RAPPERNASTY CANNOUNCES RELEASE OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUMZULU MAN WITH SOME POWER

Global multi-platinum rapper, Nasty C, releases the high energy track and hot visual, “PALM TREES” the latest single from his forthcoming and highly anticipated album, “ZULU MAN WITH SOME POWER” to be released via Def Jam Recordings on August 28. “ZULU MAN WITH SOME POWER” is now available to fans to pre-save with “PALM TREES” being an Instant Grat Track.

LA based Aussie producer, Gem releases super chill electro-pop banger ‘Malibu’

Check out this dreamy electro single by LA based Aussie producer, Gem it’s titled Malibu and it’s going to transport you right into your weekend! This stylish, meditative track is buoyed by warm synths, chilled 80s-inspired percussion and a wistful vocal. Tuned to 432hz, the frequency known to align oneself with the universe, Gem wanted to experiment with the powerful formula of frequency + intention = healing. Gem contemplates, “What if producers could be the modern day shaman?”.

A ROAD TO DAMASCUS present their new single ‘Echo’

A ROAD TO DAMASCUS are back with another pop-punk summer banger! After the successful release of their EP ‘No Man is an Island’ in late 2019, the quartet once again teamed up with award-winning producer Andreas Krüger, for the creation of two melodic and catchy pop-core singles. Today they are releasing the groovy summer single ‘Echo’ featuring guest vocals from Mirza Radonjica of Siamese – watch the accompanying music video by clicking the picture above.

NEW SINGLE – Swedish Duo JUNG Release Superb Environmental Conscious Track ‘Polar Bears’

Swedish pop duo JUNG (a.k.a brothers Tom and Henrik Ljungqvist) share their superb, upbeat single ‘Polar Bears’ – out now via Universal Music Sweden.

JUNG respond to the current global climate with self-written new track ‘Polar Bears’ – their notable aptitude for creating energetic, electronic beats is juxtaposed with contemplative lyrics that question the state of our environment and modern relationships. The single marks a “sign of the times”, an immediate reaction to life now, with an eye towards future consequences. JUNG says: “The song is about a future world that we hope is completely wrong, but which sometimes feels frighteningly close. Will we be able to dance in the future, that’s what we ask ourselves in Polar Bears.”

JONES SHARES THE NEW SINGLE ‘CAMERA FLASH’ – WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

The reaction to JONES’ recent single ‘Giving It Up’ has seen the rising Londoner shaping up to be the UK’s next breaking R&B talent. Key airplay has included Radio 1 (Clara Amfo, Greg James and Scott Mills), Radio 2 (Trevor Nelson and Jo Whiley), 1XTRA and Capital XTRA, alongside key playlists at Spotify, Apple and Deezer. Add wide-ranging media acclaim plus live Instagram performances for Fearne Cotton’s My Happy Place Festival and Wonderland, and it’s clear that everything is falling into place.

JOJI & DIPLO RELEASE “DAYLIGHT”

Today, Joji teams up with Diplo on a new collaboration called “Daylight,” the latest single from his highly anticipated new album Nectar, due out on September 25 through 88rising, distributed by 12Tone Music. Just in time for the dog days of summer, this midtempo anthem sets Joji’s lulling vocals against Diplo’s crisp production to create a hazy, shapeshifting aural mirage.

DARLING BOY – Salutes The Rock Greats With New Single “Air Conditioned Gypsy”

Borrowing its title from a lyric in The Who classic ‘Going Mobile’, ‘Air Conditioned Gypsy’ has all the vim and vigour of that Who’s Next cut, while archly weaving-in Smiths-y interloping guitars and an Oasis-like bravado. The creation and homage of a true music aficionado, Darling BOY proudly wears his influences on his sleeve here and fashions them into something fresh, exciting and entirely his own.

Khemmis Cover Alice In Chains’ ‘Down In A Hole’