@skopemag news – saturday – december 5, 2020 @ 5 pm est

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

Son Lux’s ‘Tomorrows II’ out today on City Slang

Arriving at a time of considerable uncertainty in the world, Son Lux’s multi-album Tomorrows is ambitious in scope and intent. Born of an active, intentional approach to shaping sound, the music reminds us of the necessity of questioning assumptions, and of sitting with the tension.

Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Israel Nash To Release Powerful, Honest Album TOPAZ March 12

Celebrated Americana singer/songwriter Israel Nash is gearing up to release his resplendent album Topaz on March 12. The follow-up to his 2018 release Lifted, Nash recorded the candid, textured album at Plum Creek Sound, his studio assembled from an old quonset hut near his home in the Texas Hill Country. Topaz marks the first album Nash has recorded mostly on his own, both taking his time and relishing his newfound access to immediacy, punching the red button moments after an idea hit. “It’s allowed me to capture sounds and ideas, to really get stuff out of my head and into the world so quickly,” Nash says.

Duncan Sheik Releases New Album ‘Live at the Cafe Carlyle’

Today, singer, songwriter, and composer Duncan Sheik released his album Live at the Cafe Carlyle via Sneaky Records / Missing Piece Records. Accompanying the new live album release is a track-by-track video where Sheik discusses each song on the album.

Calexico Release New Album ‘Seasonal Shift’ Today, Listen Now

“I wrote a chorus in French thinking that it would help bridge the gap from our world to [Bombino’s], hoping he would take whatever lines he connected with,” singer, songwriter and guitarist Joey Burns said of the song’s origins. “Lyrically it is all about that bridge and compassion leading us through life changes. With the news of activist and Congressman John Lewis passing away, I was also thinking about some of the “good trouble” he embraced and the struggles he endured. The music is a celebration. I wanted to have something that reflected my sense of hope regardless of how dark these times can be. Hope is the key word.”

LOST KINGS RELEASE “RUNAWAY” FT. DESTINY ROGERS

“When we started this record we were in palm springs quarantining and just working on music,” says Lost Kings. “We’ve wanted to work with Destiny Rogers for a while so when she sent the idea for “Runaway” we were stoked. She has such a distinct vibe and sound we wanted to match that with the production. We thought giving the groove of a Miami bass feel while using the guitar to highlight her voice would be a great combo and are so happy with how this record turned out.”

LBS KEE’VIN HITS BACK WITH NEW MIXTAPE BELAIR BABY II

Rhyming with seething intensity and rich attention to maintaining his melodic flow, Pensacola’s LBS Kee’vin is raw enough to win admires from all across the state renowned for its beaches. Digging deep into his gritty street tales, LBS Kee’vin shares Belair Baby II, his latest project via Visionary Records/Columbia Records. A deeply personal body of work detailing achieving his goals of generational wealth for his friends and family while crafting a cinematic picture of traumatic experiences and tragic loss.

AMY SHARK RELEASES NEW TRACK “ALL THE LIES ABOUT ME”

Multi ARIA award winning, singer-songwriter Amy Shark has announced today that her sophomore album CRY FOREVER will be released on April 30th, 2021 and is available to pre-order now via Wonderlick Recording Company/Sony Music Entertainment Australia/RCA Records. Shark also released a new track “All The Lies About Me” which will be featured on CRY FOREVER and is available now.

RELEASES NEW TRACK ‘ALL THE LIES ABOUT ME’ ANNOUNCES 2021 HEADLINE TOUR

ORSON WILDS SIGNS WITH BLACK CEMENT RECORDS

Canadian duo Orson Wilds has announced their signing with Will Yip’s Elektra Music Group imprint Black Cement Records. They have also shared a pair of singles, “Mothers Daughters” and “Stand Up,” which were recorded and produced by Yip (Panic! At The Disco, Turnstile, Title Fight), and will be included on the band’s forthcoming debut album expected to arrive next year.

TruCarr and Bankroll Freddie team up for “Up Wit It”

Today, rising Watts, CA rapper TruCarr teams up with Arkansas’ Bankroll Freddie in “Up Wit It,” a bruising new single off his upcoming debut project Based On a Tru Story releasing via 100 Ent/eOne in 2021. In the music video, the two friends show off their money, cars, and talent as they rap alongside a pounding beat and catchy synths. The video intercuts with clips from the film Boyz n the Hood, getting honest about the struggles Black men face all over the country and specifically in his hometown of Watts, California.

Jeris Johnson unveils “damn!” remix with Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger  

Jeris Johnson has garnered a devout cult following on TikTok for his genre-transforming reworks of popular songs. As he picked up traction on the platform following the success of “damn!,” which reached #19 on the Shazam charts and was included on Spotify’s US Viral Chart, fans were quick to compare Jeris to Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger both in aesthetics and sonics. After many requests for a Nickelback cover, Jeris posted a trap rework of the band’s iconic single “Rockstar,” which has accumulated millions of views since. Following the countless comments likening him to Kroeger, Jeris reached out to Chad and invited him to put his own flair on his single “damn!”

Turkuaz Goes Acoustic for Live At Sugarshack Sessions EP

In a rare departure from their usual sound, nine-piece funk band Turkuaz deconstructed six songs from their catalog for a live acoustic EP, recorded at Sugarshack Sessions in Miami, Florida. The EP boasts six Turkuaz tracks cast in a whole new light, including fan-favorites like “European Festivity Nightmare” and “Life In The City,” plus the classic “Tiptoe Through the Crypto” and deep cut “Desert Island.”

GORGON CITY DROP REALM EP INCLUDING BRAND NEW TRACK “TRAPDOOR”

The UK & Chicago based duo of Kye Gibbon and Matt Robson Scott have become known for their addictive take on bass driven vocal and deep house; carving out a distinct and instantly recognizable sound after producing a string of chart hits and underground dance floor moments.

The prolific pair have clocked up over 1.5 billion global streams to their name and close to 10 million singles sold across their career.

LABRINTH RELEASES COVER OF “AVE MARIA” FEATURED IN EMMY AWARD-WINNING HIT SERIES EUPHORIA

Recently Labrinth released “No Ordinary” in partnership with XBOX SERIES X, which came shortly after his first ever Emmy Award win for Outstanding Original Music & Lyrics for his work as lead composer on the official soundtrack for Euphoria.

With over 600 million streams to date, Labrinth’s award-winning album is a standalone work of art. “Still Don’t Know My Name” is listened to more than a million times a day, amassing over 100 million streams to date, trending on Shazam and TikTok, and is rising through the charts rapidly across the world as one of this this season’s key tracks to watch.

The White Stripes release Greatest Hits album, share “Let’s Shake Hands”

Today, Third Man Records and Columbia Records have released The White Stripes Greatest Hits, the first-ever official anthology of recordings from the iconic rock duo, Jack and Meg White. This essential, career-spanning set collects 26 previously released songs including “Seven Nation Army,” “Fell In Love With A Girl,” “Hotel Yorba,” “Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground,” “Hello Operator,” “Icky Thump,” “Apple Blossom,” and more (full track list below). The White Stripes Greatest Hits is available now digitally worldwide and on vinyl (2xLP black vinyl) and CD in the US, as well as on CD in Canada. Vinyl and CD for the rest of the world will be available on February 12, 2021.

‘PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK’ IS OUT NOW

Refinery29, gave the scintillating official music video for “Last Laugh” a first look premiere today and said, “[the] soundtrack is full of daring, empowering and straight-up fun tracks.” The video was directed by Ariel Michelle and filmed in early 2020 in Southern California’s Mojave Desert.

­­­­Route 94 drops VIP remix of his latest single ‘Sad Songs’ featuring L. Devine

Chart-topping DJ and producer Route 94 has dropped the VIP remix of his latest single ‘Sad Songs’ featuring alt-pop icon L Devine, out on Friday 4th December.

Channelling an upbeat dancefloor energetic vibe, Route 94 puts a rousing house spin on the original, complementing L Devine’s glistening vocals. A club house track with serious crossover appeal, the VIP remix of ‘Sad Songs’ is set to be a huge track to close out the year.

RYAL DEDICATES NEW VIDEO FOR “THUNDER (SOLO ON THE DANCEFLOOR)” TO FRIEND WHO PASSED FROM COVID-19

When we lose, we create,” says singer Jacque Ryal. And like so many people across the country, Jacque Ryal of the synth pop duro RYAL recently found herself grieving a loss. Earlier this year, JD, her friend and college roommate, whose drag name was Bebe, lost his battle with COVID-19. Bebe was the life of the party. “He had a way of gathering people together,” Jacque says. “He had a laugh that you could hear inside a crazy loud club.”

Joyce Wrice Delivers Fiery Single “So So Sick”

On her new single, Joyce shares, “‘So So Sick’ is produced by the incredible D’Mile. When he played me the track, it felt exactly like what I was going through at the time and the Jon B. vocals added such a nostalgic sweet touch. The actual lyrics came about through a conversation I was having with one of my favorite songwriters, Daniel Church [DC]. Most of the songs we make come from my personal experiences and at the time I was feeling really hurt and down about a dude I really liked but he only wanted me at his own convenience.”

Emanuel shares new EP Session 2: Transformation today, signs to Motown

Toronto R&B artist Emanuel shares his new EP Session 2: Transformation today via Universal Music Canada and his new US label partner Motown Records. “Emanuel is an incredibly introspective and emotional artist. I’m deeply moved by his captivating voice and beautiful artistry. We’re excited to welcome him to the Motown roster and help amplify his sound and message,” says Ethiopia Habtemariam, President of Motown Records & EVP of Capitol Music Group.

Nicole Atkins Releases New Original Holiday Song “Every Single Christmas”

Earlier this year, Atkins released her critically acclaimed album, Italian Ice. Released to rave reviews, Atkins has since kept her plate full with creative endeavors including a weekly variety show, “Alone We’re All Together,” which began as an irreverent DIY livestreamed show from her attic in Nashville, before being picked up by Amazon Music and filmed in her hometown of Asbury Park, NJ as the “Live From the Steel Porch” variety show. Most recently, Atkins organized and hosted “The Last Waltz Live at Home” livestream, featuring over 30 musicians sharing their unique renditions of songs from the legendary 1978 concert album.

We The Commas Speak On Social Injustice In “The RZN”

Written only 3 days after the George Floyd tragedy reignited protests against police misconduct and lack of accountability across the globe, the band of brothers came together and inked a sincere reflection on their experiences as young Black men. The track was never meant to see the light of day, in fact, it served as a cathartic personal exposition that brought the brothers closer together than ever before. Enlisting real live brass and string instrumentals to amplify the somber tone and message, the band’s poem reads: “In actuality, in history, it’s true we’ve always been oppressed and it’s the reason why I get depressed and the reason why I’m a mess… I’m singing to the heavens, if you hear me God, take my hand. God, if you’re in the sky, I think the world is on fire.”

Bri Bagwell and Paul Eason Release “Please Come Home for Christmas”

In celebration of the holiday season, country artist Bri Bagwell has released a cover of “Please Come Home for Christmas,” produced by and featuring Texas artist Paul Eason. The single is available today on all digital platforms.

Samantha Margret Releases Pun-Filled Single “Saucy”

Samantha Margret just released her witty and amusing new single “Saucy.” The tongue-in-cheek song about emotions is expressed through endless sauce puns, featuring condiments like sriracha, wasabi, sweet & sour, and more. “Spicy and sweet, I bring the heat,” Margret sings. “Saucy” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide.

GAVIN JAMES SHARES THE EMOTIONAL NEW TRACK ‘MAN ON THE MOON’

With 1.5 billion streams, 5.6 million monthly listeners at Spotify and sold-out arena shows, Gavin James has achieved phenomenal global success by simply letting his songs speak for themselves. He excels at music’s essential qualities: immediately memorable songwriting and telling engaging stories that are delivered with a voice that can seemingly effortlessly hone in on the depth of the sentiment.

Greg Hill Releases Reflective New EP “Better Love”

His third EP of 2020, Greg embarked on re-examining and re-releasing previous works throughout the years. As his sound continued to evolve over time, experimentation allowed him to look at his previous work through a different glass. The EP is filled with an array of different musical elements, including influences of indie, alt, and bedroom pop, making the collection a must-hear eclectic mix. Each track is a culmination of growth, freeing Hill from self doubt and expanding upon the genre of bedroom pop.

CRISTINA VANE: Nashville Blues/Folk Soloist Sees Release Through Anti-Corporate Music’s The Magnolia Sessions

Anti-Corporate Music presents the fourth title in their acclaimed new singer/songwriter series, The Magnolia Sessions, releasing a new performance by Nashville, Tennessee-based blues/folk artist CRISTINA VANE. As the album sees digital release today, The Sleeping Shaman is hosting an exclusive stream of “Muddy Water.”

Video Premiere: Cristina Vane ‘Muddy Water’ – ‘The Magnolia Sessions’ Releases Today

ALISHA PACE RELEASES “THE BROKEN HEART COLLECTION”

“Single is a song about the state of singleness and all that comes with it, including not being able to split the Uber cost and the slow conversation when it’s just you and the waiter. When It Was Love is a song reminiscing about the memories you’re left with when you used to know someone – the type of loss experienced when you notice the smell of their shampoo’s left your pillow, but you still remember when it was love. 365 (Not Thinkin’ Bout You) is a New Year’s Eve tune about the girl who doesn’t get the guy – and still decides that’s okay – because, even if he was with her, she’d still be all alone. You can now find her embracing a new year and a clean slate.”

The Hellfreaks release ‘Doldrum Dynasty’!

Hungary’s finest sonic shifting Punk Metal upstarts THE HELLFREAKS have released their brand new video: DOLDRUM DYNASTY, the 5th single to be taken from their recent album GOD ON THE RUN (2020) has been released on their own, and via Sunny Bastards Records in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. GOTR saw THE HELLFREAKS team up with the likes of Paul Miner (New Found Glory, Atreyu, Death By Stereo) for pre-production, Evan Rodaniche (Escape The Fate, Powerman 5000, Lacey Sturm) for production, and it was mix and mastered by Tom Waltz.

Songwriter/Multi-instrumentalist Kalen Chase (Vimic, Korn) Drops Righteous Holiday Rock via Elmore Magazine

Chase states, “Many don’t know this, but I started out in a Christian gothic metal band. We were horrible, but we were big fish in a small pond and we legitimately wanted to represent Christian fundamentals and help the youth in our community stay away from harmful decisions. This effort was met with an entire town boycotting the band and the church turning its back on my entire family. But nonetheless, “O Holy Night” was the first song I ever performed live and I wanted to take a little rock and roll approach with it.”

Kalen Chase’s O Holy Night

AU/RA SHARES COVER OF “MOON RIVER”

Au/Ra says: “I’ve always loved this song, especially the version sung by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do my own rendition of. During quarantine I thought ‘why not give it a try?’ It was something I just wanted to do for fun with my dad, but we ended up liking it so much that we wanted to make it an actual release for listeners.”