@skopemag news – weekend – september 20, 2020 @ 7 am est

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

SONS OF OTIS: stoned-out new single “Trust” available for streaming

Toronto’s doom blues veterans SONS OF OTIS reveal the second single taken from their long-awaited new album “Isolation”, out October 16th and available to preorder now through Totem Cat Records. Get groovy with new song “Trust” right now!

From the vast Northern land known as Canada comes an enormous sound: the sound of SONS OF OTIS. Gargantuan, rumbling like the innards of Earth, the trio has been pushing aside entire star systems in its unstoppable path since 1993. Their last studio offering ‘Seismic’ was released in 2012 on Small Stone Records, followed by an extra limited ‘Live In Den Bosch’ album in 2018. Standing strong as ever on their veterans feet, their new album ‘Isolation’ delivers the heaviest stoner doom ever known to man, reminding fans and heavy lovers across the globe of the potency of the trio’s signature fuzz and über-stoned grooves.

JAHMED SHARES NEW SINGLE FT. FREDDIE GIBBS

West Coast Native JAHMED has tapped Freddie Gibbs for “GLIMPSE”, the lead single from the fast-rising LA rapper’s forthcoming EP ARMANI.

“GLIMPSE” marks an assertive return to the spotlight for JAHMED.

Mij Mack (Black Butter, Kendra) releases debut album Elysium

Elysium is the debut album from UK electronic artist Mij Mack. Comprising 10 brand new original productions, Elysium is rooted in Mij Mack’s strong focus on soaring melodies, warm, hazy textures and intricate rhythms.

Hailing from Cheltenham, the music of electronic producer Mij Mack crosses a variety of genres. Previously releasing on labels such as Black Butter, Kenja Records and Audiophile Deep, his music incorporates elements of bass, house, techno and broken beat, and has been supported by huge range of A-list artists including Maja Jane Coles, Erick Morillo, Pirupa, DJ Zinc and Marco Carola.

Masked psych outfit Four Marks highlight social inequality on new track ‘Paradise (Act 1)’      

Four Marks is the moniker for Mark One and SD, the London-based duo that encourage others to follow their creative impulses – because life is too short.

Wearing animalistic masks to provide both anonymity and originality to their artistry, the pair share an ambitious vision to create progressive noise packed with satire. The result? A genre-splicing Molotov cocktail of whip smart electronics, razor-sharp rock dynamics, lysergic pop savvy and provocative lyrical substance.

Hotly-tipped Scottish singer-songwriter Aaron Smith unveils emotional video for new single ‘Unconditional’

Following on from the acclaim he received for his sophomore EP ‘For My Father’ in August, which has seen his total streaming numbers top 43 million since its release, fast-rising singer songwriter Aaron Smith now returns with the video for the EP’s lead single ‘Unconditional’, which also features guest vocals from his Platoon label mate Holly Humberstone.

PAUL EPWORTH RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM ‘VOYAGER’

Drawing upon years of experience and a wealth of musical knowledge, the themes on ‘Voyager’ delve deeply into Paul’s love of 1970s science fiction and space travel, merging a cosmic pop sound with hip-hop and house influences. The record sees guest vocals from the likes of Jay Electronica, Ty Dolla $ign, Vince Staples, Lianne La Havas and Kool Keith as well as appearances from the likes of Ruban Nielson of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Dave Bayley of Glass Animals and The House Gospel Choir.

Video for new single Forever by indie pop band Papyllon

Were you wondering what the emojis meant in the artwork of new single Forever by Papyllon? We were! butterfly/Papyllon, tennisball, castle… eh?
But now Papyllon have released the accompanying video, it all makes sense… sort of :-) Anyhow, it’s a fun visualization of Forever in which the band members of Papyllon show us they can (not) play tennis, mow the lawn and trim fences!

New single Forever was released last friday and already made it on the Dutch, Czech and Slovakian Spotify New Music Friday playlists.

KIPP STONE ANNOUNCES HOMMÈ MIXTAPE

East Cleveland rapper/producer Kipp Stone has announced his new mixtape HOMMÈ, his first project to release with Chicago’s Closed Sessions for October 20th. The tape features Mick Jenkins, Cleveland up and comers Nuke Franklin and Torre Lott along with production from Kipp and Blokhead Johnny. HOMMÈ is a masterclass in storytelling; a first-person account of growing up and surviving on the most poverty-stricken and violent blocks in Cleveland, OH. Sheltered by the OGs of the neighborhood who recognized his talent early on, Kipp works as an essential health care worker during the day while writing and recording HOMMÈ, in what should be a condemned house, at night.

JANELLE MONÁE RELEASES THE POWERFUL COMPANION VISUAL TO “TURNTABLES”

All In: The Fight for Democracy examines the often overlooked, yet insidious issue of voter suppression in the United States in anticipation of the 2020 Presidential Election. Directed by Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning filmmaker Liz Garbus and Oscar-nominated and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Lisa Cortés, and produced by Garbus, Cortés, Academy Award-winning producer Dan Cogan and Stacey Abrams, the film interweaves personal experiences with current activism and historical insight to expose a problem that has corrupted our democracy from the very beginning. With the perspective and expertise of Stacey Abrams, the former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives and founder of voter suppression advocacy group Fair Fight Action, All In: The Fight for Democracy will offer an insider’s look into laws and barriers to voting that most people don’t even know is a threat to their basic rights as citizens of the United States.

Low Cut Connie release new single ‘Help Me’

Low Cut Connie released the new single ‘Help Me’ accompanied by censored and uncensored versions of the official music video. Frontman Adam Weiner self-directed the video and explains, “We had big plans for the video, an elaborate dance piece. But quarantine changed the deal. It became a no-frills, anti-production piece. Naked in every sense of the word. I brought all the psychic terrors of this time into the room and just tried to sweat it out.” The single appears on the forthcoming album Private Lives out October 13th via Contender Records / MidCitizen Records.

Brixx – ‘Ready’

Produced by Toddla T ‘Ready’ is a patois and UK fusion that merges both Jamaican and English music influences. The track has been premiered over at BBC 1Xtra by DJ Target and it has since been supported by Snoochie Shy who added the track to her ‘Top Selection’ this week. Brixx has also shared the music video for ‘Ready’, which launched on GRM Daily.

Anthony Lazaro Delivers Emotional Single “The Silent Patient”

Singer-songwriter Anthony Lazaro has released his emotive new single “The Silent Patient.” Lazaro brings a calming feeling to listeners as his descriptive lyrics allow them to connect to the song on a deeper level, making them feel as though they are experiencing the track firsthand. “The Silent Patient” is available for streaming and download worldwide.

BOSTON BALLET REIMAGINES 2020–2021 SEASON

Boston Ballet is committed to the safety and welfare of its dancers, musicians, stagers, artisans, faculty, administrative staff, volunteers, and audiences. Given the ongoing impact of the pandemic, Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen announces a reimagined 57th season with three major components: The Nutcracker on broadcast television, the BB@yourhome virtual dance series, and two in-person, live programs in May at the Citizens Bank Opera House.

“Boston Ballet is leading the way in adapting dance to a changing environment while supporting our dancers’ professional well-being and growth; creating space for emerging, diverse choreographic voices; and bringing new innovative art and dance to our audiences,” said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. “I could not be prouder of this upcoming season, the resiliency of our dancers, and the eternal support of our patrons. We are all ready to return to art-making.”

The Nude Party Release “Midnight Manor” October 2nd

The Nude Party are set to return with their sophomore album, Midnight Manor, on October 2nd via New West Records. The 12-song set was recorded live-to-tape over six days at the Outlier Inn in upstate New York and mixed by John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., Kurt Vile). Midnight Manor is the follow up to their critically acclaimed self-titled debut which Rolling Stone heralded as “equal parts ‘I’m Waiting for the Man’ Velvet Underground and Exile on Main Street Stones.” Their debut found the band hitting stages across the globe, appearing at massive festivals like Lollapalooza, All Points East, Splendour In The Grass, Great Escape, Newport Folk Festival, and Bonnaroo where many publications named them one of the best of the festival. They also supported major artists like Jack White and the Arctic Monkeys—both of whom became full-blown fans and vocal supporters of the band.

Jared Ashley Releases New Single “Stained”

Singer/Songwriter Jared Ashley is set to captivate listeners with the release of his latest single “Stained”. The beauty of songwriting is manifested when an artist is able to capture common feelings in colorful and exciting ways. Ashley expertly relays the idea of wanting to love a woman for who she is, while suggesting that pain and faults are part of God’s perfectly blended masterpiece. Love is not a race around a standard track, but a slow and steady drive with unexpected twists and turns that all must learn to maneuver. This single provides fans who crave it’s optimistic message with a most powerful and uplifting listening experience. Written by Ashley and Nick Sturms, “Stained” is available to stream and download on all digital platforms now!

Three-time GRAMMY Nominated Recording Artist RAHEEM DEVAUGHN Returns With Official New Single, “MARVIN USED TO SAY”

For over a decade, singer Raheem DeVaughn has been on a mission to create music that evokes change while maintaining the energy of love. Today he pushes that goal forward with the release of his latest single, “Marvin Used To Say.” The poignant and timely song speaks directly to the ongoing social turmoil and the unfortunate fact that not enough has changed since fellow D.C.-native Marvin Gaye asked “What’s Going On?” nearly 50 years ago.

FLYNN SHARES THE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE ‘B-SIDE’ -WATCH HERE

Directed by Simon Lane, whose credits included Foals, Rudimental, Disclosure and Justice, the one-shot video follows Flynn around a big derelict house in West London from daylight to evening encountering various musicians and characters in different rooms as he roams around.

“We shot the video in an abandoned hotel in Lancaster Gate”, Flynn explains. “I didn’t really know what to expect because it all happened very last minute but as soon as I saw the place I knew it would perfect. I’ve also learned that one-shot videos aren’t as easy to pull off as they look! Working with Simon and the rest of the crew made things really easy, they were all incredible on the day!”

Indie Industrial Label COP International Announces Signing Of Jean-Marc Lederman

Independent music label COP International is proud to announce the latest signing to their artist roster with the prolific musician and composer Jean-Marc Lederman.

Best known for his work with iconic alternative and industrial bands such as The The, Gene Loves Jezebel, Fad Gadget and The Weathermen, as well as collaborations with Front 242 and French rocker Alain Bashung, Lederman’s storied career has also included lush sonic compositions for both film and video games. Lederman’s recent scoring work can be heard on the 2017 full feature movie “Doubleplusonegood” and he was also second composer to Ramin Djawadi (“Games of Thrones,” “Westworld”) on a full feature.

Sufjan Stevens debuts “Sugar” + video

Filmed in Brooklyn, the video features noted dancers Raymond Pinto, Samantha Figgans, Celeste Mason and Walter Russell III portraying a family as their world dissolves around them.

“‘Sugar’ is ultimately about the desire for goodness and purity (and true sustenance),” says Sufjan. “On the surface the song is just a string of clichés, but the message is imperative: now is the time to gather what is good and pure and valuable and make it your own, and share it with others. Feed your soul and speak new life into those around you. Give each other love, respect and sacrifice. Relinquish all the old habits, all the old ways of thinking and doing, all former practices—‘business as usual’—and bring new life to the world. This is our calling.”