@skopemag HQ – http://smarturl.it/skope
TROYE SIVAN’S NEW EP, IN A DREAM, IS OUT TODAY
USA Today placed In A Dream on its list of “10 albums you need to hear this month,” noting that “Aside from Taylor Swift…no other artist has better captured our quarantine blues than Troye Sivan.” The Associated Press said, “It’s a perfectly-timed appetizer for an evolving artist – a wistful and experimental musical postcard for an uneasy era.” Troye recorded five of the EP’s six songs with producer Oscar Görres (The Weeknd, MARINA, Tove Lo) between Stockholm and Los Angeles, just prior to the lockdown.
DEFTONES ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ‘OHMS’ AND RELEASE TITLE TRACK & VIDEO “OHMS” TODAY
GRAMMY Award®-winning, internationally lauded band Deftones have announced their feverishly anticipated album Ohms, arriving on September 25th via Warner Records. The announcement arrives with the epic title track, new video directed by Rafatoon and updated website at deftones.com. Speculation of the forthcoming album amongst fans has swept across the media landscape, stoking curiosity as the band’s website and social platforms went dark. The intrigue continued to rise when they revealed the striking album art on their site with no additional information. Designed by longtime collaborator Frank Maddocks (who also designed the iconic White Pony LP cover), the captivating album image of two eyes made up of thousands of white pixels cryptically appeared on a billboard in the cultural hot-spot of Los Angeles on Fairfax Avenue above the landmark restaurant Canter’s Deli with the caption “This Is Our Time…We Devour The Days Ahead.”
AMBER MARK COVERS ‘THONG SONG’ FINAL TRACK OF ‘COVERED-19’ SERIES
Today New York based singer, songwriter and producer Amber Mark releases ‘Thong Song’, a cover of Sisqó’s turn-of-the-century R&B classic. ‘Thong Song’ is the fifth and final track in Amber’s series of covers and originals titled ‘Covered-19’ that has seen Amber regularly release new tracks entirely self-produced and recorded from her NYC flat during the lockdown alongside home-made visuals – watch the video for ‘Thong Song’ HERE.
RISING TROUBADOUR JOHN-ROBERT RELEASES ‘ADELINE’ EP TODAY
The 20-year-old troubadour re-envisioned and reimagined his debut release for the three new interpretations of “Adeline” on the EP. He invited acclaimed Rocky Mountain-raised and Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter Kathleen to accompany him on a heartfelt and hypnotic duet highlighted by delicately picked acoustic guitar and powerful harmonies.
BRYCE VINE DIGS DEEP ON NEW ‘PROBLEMS’ EP OUT TODAY
Multi-platinum artist Bryce Vine releases his brand-new, introspective EP Problems today via Sire Records. The 5-track set includes previously released “Problems” and “Life Goes On” along with three more deeply personal songs penned during quarantine. When the world turned upside down, Bryce Vine grabbed a guitar, sequestered himself in a tiny bedroom, and catalogued the moment as it unfolded right in front of him. Without a filter, he let his guard down, spoke from the heart, and crafted what became the Problems EP out of eloquent observations, catchy confessions, and emotionally charged delivery.
PHARRELL WILLIAMS CELEBRATES EACH & EVERY BLACK BUSINESSPERSON WITH “ENTREPRENEUR” FEATURING JAY-Z
He makes a powerful statement with the song and the accompanying visual. The video proudly features and spotlights the achievements of over a dozen black entrepreneurs. It includes Issa Rae, Nipsey Hussle, Tyler, The Creator, Robert Hartwell, Six Sev, TyAnthony Davis [Founder of Vox Collegiate Junior High], Vincent Williams [Founder of Honey’s Kettle], Iddris Sandu, Beatrice Dixon [Founder of Honey’s Pot], Arthell & Darnell Isom[Founders of D’ART Shtajio], Neighbors SkateShop, Alrick Augustine, Denise Woodard [Founder of Partake Cookies],Chace Infinite [Founder of Harun Coffee Shop], Chef Alisa[Founder of My Two Cents], Debbie Allen [Founder of Tribe Midwifery], Angela Richardson [Founder of PUR Home], Miss Bennett Fitness, Black and Mobile, Trill Paws Dog Accessories, Third Vault Yarns, and “The First Black Valedictorian of Princeton” Nicholas Johnson. They all make cameos as title cards introduce their accomplishments. Over a slick and soulful bounce, Pharrell carries an uplifting and undeniable affirmation punctuated by his instantly recognizable high register. This anthem arrives at just the right time.
BLACK EYED PEAS RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE “VIDA LOCA” FEATURING NICKY JAM & TYGA
Maintaining a reputation for larger-than-life visuals, the group shows up with an event-level affair for “VIDA LOCA.” This time around, they take over an office, workout studio, and the streets with a high energy and hypnotic dance routine in between hilarious cameos from both Nicky Jam and Tyga. The action-packed clip brings the tune to life in blockbuster fashion like only Black Eyed Peas can.
NASHVILLE SINGER & SONGWRITER LINDSEY LOMIS SHARES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO “BONES”
“It has an upbeat mood despite a dark story,” said Lindsey about the song. “I’m calling someone out for trying to manipulate me through their lies. In the end, they’ve dug their own grave, where they ‘lie’ alone. I hope people feel empowered from this song. Sometimes even when you want to help someone, you can tell they’re taking advantage of you. To me, it’s sassy and about standing up for yourself. From the lyrics to the whole vibe of the song, it just makes me feel like a badass.”
FIVIO FOREIGN LOOKS BACK AND ADDRESSES ADVERSARIES IN THE NEW MUSIC VIDEO “13 GOING ON 30”
After the RIAA certified gold breakout hit “Big Drip” hit the streets at the tail-end of last summer, Fivio Foreign has spent the past year solidifying his space in rap music. Now, before his debut album with Columbia Records, and shortly after being named one of XXL’s Freshman Class 2020 – the magazine’s annual list of brightest artists to watch – he returns with a new song “13 Going On 30” listen –
BTS “DYNAMITE” OUT NOW WORLDWIDE
In their new single “Dynamite,” which comes only six months after their last album, BTS sings of joy and confidence, treasuring the little things in life that make life truly valuable and special. The song aims to bring a new surge of much-needed ‘energy’ to reinvigorate the global community in the midst of COVID-19. Creative contributors to “Dynamite” include David Stewart and Jessica Agombar, known for “What A Man Gotta Do” by the Jonas Brothers and “I Love You’s” by Hailee Steinfeld.
BLACKBEAR’S FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM OUT NOW VIA INTERSCOPE RECORDS
Multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter & producer blackbear’s long-awaited fifth studio album everything means nothing is OUT NOW via Beartrap/Alamo/Interscope Records. The album, written and co-produced by blackbear, is a collection of instant pop hits with mass appeal, featuring his signature upbeat melodies and relatable lyrics that perfectly encapsulate the emotions of an addled generation under the influence of social media.
Blackbear Releases Highly-Anticipated Fifth Studio Album ‘Everything Means Nothing’
Indie-Pop Duo Eighty Ninety Release New Single “Happier”
Today, Eighty Ninety — the musical project of brothers Abner (vocals, production) and Harper (guitar, production) James — are releasing their new track, “Happier.” The single, which premiered exclusively on Variance Magazine, is the first of a set of songs recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Gian Stone (Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa) earlier this year.
New music: Swedish dream-pop artist Rebecka Reinhard releases her EP ‘Whale’ Today
As an artist who looks to delve into the more subtle and minimal sounds assigned to the dream-pop genre, Whale cements the legacy she has been building over the last few months with a breadth of bold and exciting offerings. Never one to repeat herself, each cut on this six-track collection sees her embrace a new and diverse aesthetic throughout, giving it an adventurous and eclectic texture from start to finish.
JUSTIN JESSO SHARES NEW SINGLE ‘TOO GOOD TO LOSE’ – LISTEN HERE
Global hitmaker Justin Jesso has gone from strength-to-strength since breaking through as featured artist and co-writer of Kygo’s global hit ‘Stargazing’. With tracks such as ‘Getting Closer’, ‘Bigger Than’ and the recent ‘If You’re Meant To Come Back’, he’s exceeded a total of 650 million streams and commands 4.1 million monthly listeners at Spotify.
HEADIE ONE, AJ TRACEY & STORMZY JOIN FORCES ON ‘AIN’T IT DIFFERENT’
The UK’s three reigning rap kings Headie One, AJ Tracey and Stormzy have come together for their new collaborative single ‘Ain’t It Different’. The official first single from Headie’s forthcoming new album ‘Edna’ set for release later this year.
LUKAS GRAHAM TEAMS UP WITH G-EAZY FOR THE NEW SINGLE ‘SHARE THAT LOVE’
The Grammy Award-nominated multi-Platinum artist Lukas Graham has teamed up with chart-topping rapper G-Eazy for the anthemic new single ‘Share That Love’, which is out now via Warner Records. Produced by long-term producer Rissi (Kygo, Julia Michaels), the song is accompanied by a time-lapsed lyric video created by acclaimed Copenhagen street artist Rasmus Balstrøm, who painted a massive ‘Share That Love’ mural at a landmark music venue in Lukas’ hometown of Christiania, Denmark.
Having spent the last two years releasing a flurry of bright and euphoric alt-pop anthems, Edinburgh-based trio Liimo (meaning a little more) compile all their vibrant work to date with the release of their debut album Volume 01, out on August 21st through B-Unqiue Records.
DONOVAN WOODS ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF NEW ALBUM ‘WITHOUT PEOPLE’ & SHARES NEW SINGLE ‘SEEING OTHER PEOPLE’
While the album was created by musicians who were all contributing remotely, it encompasses the most intimate moments of human connection — something most people continue to yearn for more than five months into the current global pandemic.
Joensuu 1685 / ‘The Most Luckiest Man’ / out today
Joensuu 1685 say:
“The song is about the stream of thought in the mind and the affect we let it have on us”. Its a uplifting song with a melancholic touch.
“The Most Luckiest Man” is the third single to be released from Joensuu 1685’s upcoming album ÖB, out later this year. Of the album, the band say “We started to write the songs in 2008 in Helsinki, jamming intensely. By 2010 we did two recording sessions in a small cabin next to a vast field in the heart of Öströbotnia, that’s when we knew we’re doing the album ÖB. That’s when the vision became clear. It was nearly done in 2010, then we just left it there and didn’t touch it for 8 years. When we got back to it in 2018 we wanted to return to the vision we had ten years before. Revisit our former selves and bring a piece of our past to the present, bring ÖB back to life, raise it from the dead”. ÖB is out on October 9 on Gems Records.
NEW SINGLE: SoLonely Releases Laid-Back, R&B Track ‘Photos’ Ft. Casper The Ghost, Out Now.
SoLonely collaborates with Casper The Ghost on the addictive, slow burner ‘Photos’. Produced by Hillbom, the single embodies the saying “take a picture, it will last longer” as two people admit that although their love is palpable, they’re better separating before they both end up hurting each other. ‘Photos’ highlights SoLonely’s signature emotional rap style and distinctive melodic flow that captures both vibrant and chilled ambiences. On ‘Photos’, SoLonely says: “I had known about CTG’s previous work so going to the studio with them was a given. Hillbom made the perfect beat and I loved everything about it, we wrote and recorded it all the same day and we all were happy with the outcome. I really hope you enjoy this song and there’s more music to come!”
Vato Gonzalez and Yizzy join forces on new single ‘Two Two Riddim’
Dutch producer Vato Gonzalez has linked up with grime artist Yizzy on new single ‘Two Two Riddim’, out 21st August.
A certified party starter, ‘Two Two Riddim’ pairs Vato’s high-energy, bass-heavy production with Yizzy’s seamless, quick-witted flow – a skank-inducing combination certain to set things off.
BRYCE VINE DIGS DEEP ON NEW PROBLEMS EP OUT TODAY
Multi-platinum artist Bryce Vine releases his brand-new, introspective EP Problems today via Sire Records. The 5-track set includes previously released “Problems” and “Life Goes On” along with three more deeply personal songs penned during quarantine. When the world turned upside down, Bryce Vine grabbed a guitar, sequestered himself in a tiny bedroom, and catalogued the moment as it unfolded right in front of him. Without a filter, he let his guard down, spoke from the heart, and crafted what became the Problems EP out of eloquent observations, catchy confessions, and emotionally charged delivery.
Ages “Uncrown” Out Now!
Formed during the harsh Swedish winter of 2011, Ages released their critically acclaimed debut “The Malefic Miasma” in 2015. Biding their time to craft something really unique, the five year long wait is finally over and their sophomore effort “Uncrown” sees the light of day. Composed and created solely in the band’s own studio, “Uncrown” is a meticulously crafted album. With outstanding melodies, atmosphere and every band member’s unique performance as well as outstanding artwork from renowned artist Chris Cold, these nine epistles embrace the legacy of the 90’s and bring the Swedish black metal sound to a whole new level.
MUDD FLUX New Single/Official Video ‘Not Forgotten ‘
US metal group Mudd Flux have released their first new material since the release, via Sliptrick Records, of their excellent recent album Light the Skies Electric. The track “Not Forgotten” has been very well received by fans at live shows since it’s inception and while the single is as heavy as “Light the Skies Electric”, it also has a groovier feel and more aggressive vocals. The vocals, by Becky Scheufler, are front and center in the production, lending a gritty, blues-laden vibe, that is sharply complimented by the heavy riffs everyone has come to expect from Mudd Flux. Not Forgotten is available on all major digital platforms.
DETHRXNER present their 4th single ‘Total Dominance’
Copenhagen-based hardcore quartet DETHRXNER are on a roll with the release of their hard-hitting fourth single ‘TOTAL DOMINANCE (feat. @petepatience) – watch the accompanying video by clicking the cover above. With only one single left, the band is steadily getting ready to release their sophomore album ‘Overthrxwn’, which is set to be released on October 30 through Prime Collective.
Out Now – Kemi Ade Embraces Her Sexuality On Sultry New Single ‘5ADAY’
Today, August 21st, South London singer & songwriter Kemi Ade returns with 5ADAY a steamy cut of lo-fi R&B produced by London duo BlueLab Beats.
5ADAY is drenched with Kemis musical influences: 90s synths, New Era-Funk basslines meld effortlessly with her now signature rich, husky vocal tones. The track was produced by BlueLab Beats, one of Londons most sought after production duos, who add exciting elements of jazz & soul into the already brimming sonic melting pot of 5ADAY.
New > Keys N Krates Share Single ‘Double Dutch’ > Released on TOKiMONSTA’s Young Art Records > listen here
Today, Toronto natives Keys N Krates return with the new song and video, “Double Dutch,” out now via acclaimed producer TOKiMONSTA’s label, Young Art Records. Influenced by house, Brazilian trap, and disco, the new track feels cinematic yet club ready. Or, at least for now, headphone ready.
Swedish blackened metal band Nekrokraft releases newold single “Return of the Kvlt”
Nekrokraft releases a new single today. “Return of the Kvlt” was originally recorded in 2012 and was featured on the Swedish melodic blackened metal- band’s EP “Witches Funeral”. The Song has now been re-recorded alongside the crushingly heavy “Witches Funeral” (Single), released in June this year together with a lyric video. Both of these singles will be released on a 7″ later this year by The Sign Records.
ALUNA RELEASES ‘ENVIOUS’ – ALBUM ‘RENAISSANCE’ AUGUST 28TH
“I think people really need this song right now because I believe it’s my best ‘cry dance’ song; a style I coined to describe that exquisite feeling when all your emotions are released while dancing so you cry at the same time” says Aluna; “I feel like in these times people need that at least once a day!”
Nick Faber presents The Lost Highway Tapes – ‘Something to Say’
Featuring the vocals of Bnnan Watts from The Infadels, ‘Something to Say’ states its intentions as the fourth outing from Nick Faber’s ‘Lost Highway Tapes’ project. Administering a rustic clout with the ability to take on square dances and DIY discos at once, ‘Something to Say’ gets to skinny tied-pogo-ing with boutique big beat sensibility, before letting its axe rip live from the veranda. ‘Life is in your hands’ is the track’s mantra, but everything starts from the feet upwards.
ALT-R&B NEWCOMER HALCYON RELEASES SINGLE ‘NEON NIGHTS’
With ‘Neon Nights’, upcoming alt-R&B artist HALCYON releases his last single before the release of his self-titled debut EP. Accompanied by a nostalgic 80’s atmosphere and HALCYON’s warm and soothing R&B vocals, ‘Neon Nights’ is an ode to those nightly moments you never wanted to come to an end, but will always relive in your memory.
The Dancing Landlord! RED RUM CLUB release brilliant BALLERINO video…
Following hot on the heels of beloved, BBC Radio 2-playlisted single, Eleanor, the world becomes a dancefloor in the hands of Liverpool six-piece Red Rum Club, as they release Ballerino, the second single from their newly announced, second album: The Hollow of Humdrum. Shimmying into the world via Modern Sky, the festival stage specialists release yet more ‘hands in the air’ music to the masses, funnelling their resoundingly positive energy directly into fans’ homes.
Camelphat and Yannis Foals release video for ‘Hypercolour’
Directed by Max Vatble, the video is shot in timelapse and follows a hypersaturated journey through the colours and feelings of summer with hazy shots of psychedelic tinged lights and a range of hypnotic cutaways. The single has already garnered almost 6 million streams and has received tastemaker support from the likes of Annie Mac (who named the track as her ‘Hottest Record In The World’) as well as Pete Tong, Mista Jam and Nick Grimshaw.
HOWIE PAYNE (The Stands) – Releases: ‘It Feels Like Summer’
The new single follows recent EP release ‘In Dreams’, the latest addition to a much-admired solo career begun with Howie’s Ethan Johns-produced 2009 debut album, ‘Bright Light Ballads’, followed by 2017’s ‘Mountain’. ‘It Feels Like Summer’ is available to stream across all platforms from here <insert link>.
SILK ROAD Release ‘SONDER’ Music Video And Single
UK rock band, SILK ROAD, have released a music video for “Sonder”, it’s the third single taken from their debut album ‘Grit For The Pretty’, which will be out later this year. Drummer Charles Evans also plays for Jizzy Pearl’s LOVE/HATE.
Introducing: Samson Ashe // FUN
Today Samson Ashe shares ‘FUN’, a fast-track journey back to the happy go lucky nostalgia of being a kid in the 90s. Released via Monotreme Records, Produced by P*nut (Amy Winehouse, Dido, Wiley) and BiLLY (Emily Burns, Betsy) it’s playful, effervescent and with a chorus that will be stuck in your head for days, Samson Ashe really makes his mark.
DJ ZINC TEAMS UP WITH KUDU BLUE ON SUMMER SINGLE ‘OUT OF CONTROL’
Just in time for carnival weekend 2020, DJ Zinc teams up with Brighton based group Kudu Blue for an end of summer scorcher, ‘Out Of Control’, out today on the producers very own Bingo Records.
Following recent collaborations with incredible UK talents Maverick Sabre and Alicai Harley, ‘Out Of Control’ delivers on the carnival vibe with steel drum binded production, whilst Kudu Blue vocalist Clem infuses the magnetic rhythm with her irresistible vocals, providing a dance banger set to take over playlists this summer.
Future & Swae Lee join Internet Money on ‘Thrusting’
Los Angeles based artist/producer collective Internet Money has released their latest single “Thrusting” featuring Future and Swae Lee ahead of their debut album, B4 The Storm, out August 28 via 10K Projects/Internet Money Records. With a dancehall beat and reverbed piano, “Thrusting” shows off Swae Lee’s smooth choruses and Future’s characteristic flow.
TAYO SOUND DROPS NEW SINGLE ‘HEARTBREAKER’
The track was produced by George Fitzgerald and Courage (Ray BLK, Lava La Rue) and bounces confidently over an upbeat bassline while Tayo’s melodies swoon back and forth, showing off a songwriting skill far beyond his years. On writing the track Tayo said;
“‘Heartbreaker’ came after a long day in the studio. We thought we were done but then Courage started playing this beat and I knew straight away it was gonna be a really special track. We had to stay and finish it and ‘Heartbreaker’ was born. I was lucky enough to have George Fitzgerald also add some of his production skills, which was sick as I love his artist project and it just added that final something to the song.”
JAMES BOURNE ANNOUNCES DEBUT SOLO ALBUM ‘SAFE JOURNEY HOME’ OUT ON OCTOBER 23RD
James Bourne’s journey through music has taken him from conquering arenas with Busted to writing hits for everyone from McFly to the Jonas Brothers and 5 Seconds of Summer. It has made him one of the most successful songwriters of his generation, with five #1 hits and countless Top 10 singles.
JERRY CASTLE SHARES THE NEW SINGLE ‘MAKE DO’ – WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
Now Jerry Castle builds upon his growing acclaim by sharing his new single ‘Make Do’. The song opens with a gritty, spiralling guitar riff before Castle’s husky, world-weary vocal exudes the virtues of kicking back to forget about your problems. It’s an anthem ready built for escapism, regardless of the cause of your troubles.
Soul artist Iyamah delivers beautiful new single ‘Balance’
An ode to finding balance in your routine no matter how hectic your lifestyle, ‘Balance’ sees Iyamah brimming in confidence, with her slick, enchanting vocals elevated amongst sparse, soulful production. Speaking on the release, Iyamah explains, “Balance is one of those things that can take a lifetime to understand, but some of us don’t even realise that’s what it is we’re trying to get. We go so far one way, and then so far the opposite way, when we never even had to go either way in the first place. All we had to do was find the balance of it all. Once you start thinking about it, you realise it’s actually with EVERYTHING.”
