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HOUSTON SINGER ASHTON TRAVIS RELEASES DEBUT EP ‘PHOENIX MODE’ VIA DEF JAM RECORDINGS
Houston singer Ashton Travis releases his debut EP Phoenix Mode, today via Def Jam Recordings. Phoenix Mode is a set of songs that explore the complexities of relationships and the depths of his mind, from dreams to aspirations, fears and insecurities. The debut contains Ashton’s most recent single, “Passion & Pain!”, an atmospheric record that displays his honesty and “Death Row”, a song that speaks most clearly to Ashton’s newfound outlook on life.
Vera Hotsauce drops diss track aimed at 6ix9ine on debut album
With no room for compromise, Vera Hotsauce channels the sexual autonomy of Tove Lo, the fierce attitude of Rihanna and the futuristic otherworldliness of Charli XCX.
The record documents Vera’s misadventures on the journey to self-actualisation. She tells us “This album tells a story about an era. I’ve made so many stupid decisions that got me so many crazy memories and took me on so many f-d up adventures.”
Collaborations with Oscar Scheller and the Diplo-affiliated Moving Castle producer collective have equipped Vera with an arsenal of out-and-out bangers.
wifisfuneral Shares Performance Video for PAIN? Highlight “Guy Like Me”
Switching to a melodic new style, wifisfuneral’s new music proves his artistic versatility. Bringing to life a highlight from his recent PAIN? album, the rapper shares “Guy Like Me,” a new performance video. Produced by Jimmy Duval & Katapullt, who layer heavy 808s over an engaging R&B-style chord progression and bass line, “Guy Like Me” finds wifi emoting in auto-tune as he searches for a new bae: “And I need a ride or die by my side to take fatal shots/And God, take this pain off of my eyes ’cause I done prayed a lot.” The new performance video is an engaging look inside wifi’s artistic process, and follows recent clips for lead single “End Of Story” and the chilled-out “All In.”
SOFT PALMS (FT. JULIA KUGEL OF THE COATHANGERS) DEBUT ALBUM OUT NOW
Soft Palms, the brainchild of wife-and-husband duo Julia Kugel (of The Coathangers) and Scott Montoya, have just released their self-titled debut album via Everloving Records. The album is a feast of rich sounds and comforting melodies, melding sock hop rock, dream pop, and ethereal torch songs into a sultry, spacey, and sublime journey which has been met by early accolades from LA Times, Grimy Goods, Brooklyn Vegan, and more. “My goal was to create something that sounded like a mental hug, a sonic embrace,” says Julia. “Everything can feel so wild and out of control, we really wanted to create something you could sink into and use to calm those emotions.” The album gives off an aura of intimacy while also creating a broader, pastel colored world – a duality achieved through Montoya’s unique and meticulous recording process at the couple’s home studio the Centre Of Mental Arts.
_BY.ALEXANDER Releases Music Video Starring Gary Busey
Today, _BY.ALEXANDER (aka Alex da Kid aka Alexander Grant) released his music video for “le merveilleux résumé,” starring actor Gary Busey. The song from Alex’s new album 000 CHANNEL BLACK, released last week on BY.ALEXANDER records. Alex is a UK-born, LA-based producer of massive hits of the past decade including Imagine Dragons “Radioactive,” Eminem “Love the Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna, B.o.B “Airplanes” featuring Hayley Williams, Dr. Dre “I Need a Doctor,” and his own single “Not Easy” featuring X Ambassadors, Elle King, Wiz Khalifa. On his debut project under the new moniker _BY.ALEXANDER, Alex is taking an entirely new jazz adjacent creative direction, transcending boundaries, and challenging expectations.
Alternative R&B duo YellowStraps release latest luxurious single “Si Tu Savais”
Mellow yet carrying undeniable groove, “Si Tu Savais” shows off their incredible musical dexterity. A fully French affair, the boys give a very honest account of their trust issues and navigating the post-relationship stage.
A well anticipated collaboration between two acclaimed Belgian acts, “Si Tu Savais”, is the third single of their upcoming Yellockdown Project. Heralded by the likes of COMPLEX, I-D & MAJESTIC CASUAL, plus a global fanbase that has garnered them over 5.8 million streams across platforms, the excitement is always strong for what’s next.
JVCKJ (JACK & JACK) RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE “YOU LIE”
JVCKJ—best known for being one half of the multi-platinum pop duo Jack & Jack—releases his debut single “You Lie” today. The single, produced by Ryan Ogren (Maroon 5, Lil Wayne, Anitta) find’s JVCKJ painting a true picture of how two people in a relationship can find themselves caught up in a vicious cycle of pain.
Our Oceans Signs With Long Branch Records And Shares New Single “Unravel”
We’re excited to announce that Dutch rock trio Our Oceans have signed an international record deal with Long Branch Records for the release of their new album “While Time Disappears” coming Fall 2020. The song “Unravel” is the first single off the new album and available now at all streaming platforms.
New alt-pop single from LACES (fka Charlotte Sometimes), upcoming collaboration
LACES, the alternative pop project of Jessica Vaughn (formerly known as Charlotte Sometimes), has dropped the new single, “worship,” her first release in over a year. Initially written as an experiment in creative isolation during quarantine, “worship” flowed out of Vaughn as she remembered that she had the tools and capabilities to explore and write on her own, instead of just in a collaborative environment.
“I’ve always been drawn to the darker side of love. In the past, I’ve fallen so in love that I can barely see where I end and they begin. It’s beyond love – it’s passion, obsession, lust, and it’s like the story has already been written,” she says. “Ultimately in this song my yearning leaves me with a choice… losing myself or promising them my next life.”
New alt-pop single from Laces (fka Charlotte Sometimes), upcoming collaboration
JASMINE THOMPSON AND ZEDD DEBUT NEW “FUNNY” REMIXES
Jasmine Thompson and Zedd have announced today’s release of new remixes of their single “Funny.” Buoyant new takes on the track come courtesy of dance duo Breathe Carolina, Dutch DJ Marc Benjamin, and electronic producer Ellis. All three remixes are available at DSPs and streaming services now along with their official visualizers.
PERTO AND BANOFFEE TEAM UP ON NEW HYPERPOP SINGLE ‘I MISS YOU’
The duo got together in-between lockdowns in Melbourne to create a slice of nice that everyone needs in their life… now more than ever. The idea came to life in one of those magic days where in a matter of hours the song was done. Tom Norris (Skrillex, Lady Gaga, Porter Robinson) added the finishing touches by mixing and mastering the track.
Violent Vickie’s “Division” LP Out Today!
Violent Vickie is a Los Angeles based Dark Synth-Riot artist consisting of Vickie and co-producer/recording guitarist E. Vickie has toured with Hanin Elias of Atari Teenage Riot and shared the stage with Jessie Evans (The Vanishing), Trans X, Them Are Us Too, Aimon & The Missing Persons. She has toured the US & Europe and played Insted Fest, Solidarity Fest, Shoutback Fest & Gay Prides and Ladyfests.
NEW LION BABE SINGLE “UMI SAYS” OUT NOW
LION BABE’s newest release Umi Says, is out now! The single is a rendition of Mos Def’s 1999 classic release. “Umi Says is an offering to the black community and the world at large, who are living and dying in a time of heightened systematic injustice and racism. We are inspired by the work of Sherrilyn Ifill, President of the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund, who is an incredible force and black woman leading the fight in protecting black men, women and children in this country.
Listen to Lion Babe’s vibrant take on Mos Def classic ‘Umi Says’
Alexia Avina shares reflective and poignant video for “Cups” from her forthcoming album, Unearth
“Cups” is an introspection on the challenges of communication and setting boundaries in the wake of a break-up. Avina’s voice sings with conviction, building up to a bold and unflinching mantra: “You can say what you want to, but that won’t make you listen.” In contrast to the dreamy layered soundscapes she often crafts, “Cups” shows off Avina’s versatility in creating a sharp and focused sound that lives in a vast compositional space.
Filmed during Avina’s last week living in Montreal, Quebec, the new video pairs slowness with movement in a way that feels like a poignant reflection on themes, places, and people that remain intimately familiar yet elusively far. “Shooting these scenes felt unbearably light, hopeful, and nostalgic for me,” writes Avina. “On the one hand, I was looking back, trying to condense all the years of calling the city my home into something tangible to take with me, and on the other, I was looking forward to an entirely unknown future with none of the structure in place that I had spent 7 years building in Montreal.”
MELVV TAPS ELECTRIC GUEST FOR “RESTART”
“Right after we got demo vocals down, Asa [Taccone] and I hopped in his car and cruised around Silver Lake, blasting it in the speakers with the windows down,” MELVV recalls. “It’s one of those moments that takes me back to pre-quarantine.”
Josiah Johnson Releases Debut Solo Album ‘Every Feeling On A Loop’ Today, Listen Now
Five years ago when Josiah Johnson took a leave of absence from the acclaimed indie-folk band The Head and the Heart, the question was less where Johnson’s star would take him and more whether his struggles with addiction would end his music career. Like many musicians before him, Johnson turned to drugs to cope with the burnout and anxiety that came with his new life. During the recording of the band’s third album, Johnson left to enter rehab and a journey of healing began.
Duel-Violin Folk Metal Masters ISENMOR Reveal Details on Debut Full-Length, Shieldbrother
Gewyrdelic dual-violin folk metal band ISENMOR has revealed details on their upcoming debut full-length, Shieldbrother, due for release on October 9.
Shieldbrother features eight tracks, all self-recorded and mixed, then mastered by the legendary Dan Swanö of Unisound.
Massachusetts Nico Hustle Goes Hard With New Video “Big Dreams”
Revere MA’s Nico Hustle has been apart of the Boston Hip Hop scene since 2010. He has opened for national acts CNN, Lloyd Banks, Slaughterhouse, Cam Meekins, Skyzoo, and more. He is a diverse artist mainly influenced by 90s boom bap but also gets inspiration from local, mainstream, trap, and melodic music. The public housing raised, song creator, wizard of harmonies, and wannabe actor isn’t afraid to bulldoze his way into the rap game when needed.
The oh Hellos’ new EP Boreas out now!
Boreas is the third EP in a series of four that was named after one of the four Greek mythological wind deities that bring the seasons. The series is driven by the overarching question: “Where did my ideas come from?” With each EP and the “wind” it represents, siblings Tyler and Maggie Heath explore the stages of answering that question. Stay tuned for the fourth installment of the series, which is set for release in the coming months.
“We felt like we needed more time to expand on our ideas than a standard LP would have given us; we like to keep each of our albums more or less contained to a single idea or theme, and we had a lot to say about this one. Releasing this music serially is also giving us time to really refine our thoughts for each EP—letting us express them as best we can, not just as quickly as we can,” note Tyler and Maggie.
Introducing country duo Southerland; debut single “Thing Is” out today
Introducing Southerland, a new country duo formed by Nashville-based singers, songwriters and musicians, Matt Chase and Chris Rogers. After collaborating for several years, Chase and Rogers officially joined forces as Southerland in 2019 when they signed as a pair with River House Artists/Sony Music Nashville. The duo is also represented by WME and recently signed a publishing deal with Reservoir.
PA’s Floorbird Debuts New Single “Navy Blue” Off Of Upcoming EP ‘Fall Apart Anywhere’ Out September 25
rom the ‘burbs of Philadelphia comes indie/emo 4-piece Floorbird. The band’s new EP ‘Fall Apart Anywhere’ will be released on September 25th and they’re giving listeners a taste, with the release of their new single “Navy Blue” which is the follow up to the recent single “I’m Not Nervous.”
Of the new single, vocalist Eric Reavey says, “Navy Blue is one of the more upbeat songs on the record. It’s all about communication issues – how (for me, at least) they tend to be the most intense when we feel hurt or unheard, which are vexingly the times when healthy communication is most important – and the damage that can cause across your life.”
R&B SINGER-SONGWRITER IV JAY RELEASES EAGERLY AWAITED NEW PROJECT 5TH ELEMENT
Atlantic Records/So Amazing Entertainment singer-songwriter IV JAY has announced today’s release of her eagerly awaited new project 5TH ELEMENT. Highlighted by tracks such as “For You” featuring Houston artist Don Toliver, the explosive “No Fun,” “Love Song,” and “The Hard Way,” the project showcases every side of the versatile 19-year-old.
Diplo’s first ambient album MMXX out now
“I’ve been experimenting with making ambient music for years now,” says Diplo. “In some ways, it’s a return to my roots—my first album Florida was all super chill instrumentals. For the last few years I’ve been collaborating with a bunch of friends playing ambient sets around L.A., and when the pandemic hit we decided to lay some of it down. It’s been a huge stress reliever and meditative experience for me, hope it can be the same for you. Checking in with ourselves and taking care of our mental health is so important, now more than ever.”
South African Improvisational Collective SPAZA Releases “Sizwile” Single
Part of the principle of SPAZA is that the lineup shifts each time, so you’ll note that while the rhythm section of bassist Ariel Zamonsky and percussionist Gontse Makhene remains intact, Malcolm Jiyane (piano/trombone/vocals) and Nonku Phiri (vocals) have stepped in for the first time here. Audio from the documentary is also included on some tracks.
The record is strikingly beautiful, and like the s/t from last year, it’s hard to believe you’re listening to improvisations: the moods are so defined and the structures emerge so naturally. Another amazing document of this vital music scene. If you dug the self-titled, and I know many of you did, I think you’ll love this one too.
George Benson announces “electrifying” new live album
On November 13th, GRAMMY-winning jazz icon George Benson will release ‘Weekend In London,’ an electrifying new live album capturing his 2019 performance at London’s intimate 250-seat Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. Only a handful of lucky fans were present as the lights went down that magical night in 2019. But now, Kevin Shirley’s dynamic production is your invitation to slide onto Ronnie Scott’s red velvet banquette and catch the sparks as Benson’s honeyed vocal and fluid licks drive the finest live outfit in modern jazz.
CULTURE-COLLIDING ARTIST BIIG PIIG RELEASES “DON’T TURN AROUND” REMIX FEATURING BUDDY
“Don’t Turn Around” has also just become Piig’s first playlisted record at BBC Radio 1, following a breakout few months for the idiosyncratic 22-year-old. She made her TV debut on ‘Later…With Jools Holland’, played an acclaimed charity gig at London’s Moth Club in aid of Refuge and Trans Women of Colour Survival Fund, and has gained vocal fans from Billie Eilish and Clairo to Virgil Abloh and Bella Hadid.
Galya Bisengalieva’s debut album Aralkum out now via One Little Independent Records
The record, centered on the disastrous shrinking of the Aral Sea, is the newest addition to the composer’s acclaimed body of solo work, which also includes her two recent EPs: EP ONE and EP TWO. A Closer Listen wrote: “Aralkum leads listeners through a gamut of emotions, yet resists the urge to wrap it in a neat bow. The open-endedness reflects the nature of the artist herself.” Uncut praised the album’s “Enoesque sense of play.”
CARLA BRUNI Releases “Un grand amour” & Announces Self-Titled Album Out October 9th
This new collection of French songs (plus one in English, one in Italian and two covers – one of which is in Spanish) will be Carla Bruni’s first set of original music to be released in seven years. The album finds the artist wholeheartedly embracing her true self. Always sensitive, with emotions on the surface at times, the music on this album bears witness to a unique temperament and avoids ostentation. Listeners can sense a desire for a calm simplicity and serenity.
GOOD GIRL RELEASES NEW TRACK AND VIDEO “FACE” — ‘GOOD GIRL’ EP DUE OUT THIS FALL
Today, Philadelphia-based R&B quartet Good Girl releases a new track and visual for “Face” via Starr Island/RCA Records. The group also announces their self-titled EP, Good Girl will be out this fall via Starr Island/RCA Records.
