@skopemag news – tuesday – december 15, 2020 @ 10 am est

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

GLASWING Releases New Single “Yesterday, I Lost a Day”

Aaron Marsh is an American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer from Florida. He first gained prominence as the lead singer, guitarist and pianist for the Florida-based indie rock band Copeland, who formed in 2000. Marsh has since gone on to numerous production projects, co-producing his own band’s studio albums usually alongside either Matt Goldman or Aaron Sprinkle, as well as producing The Myriad’s You Can’t Trust a Ladder, the Be Fair EP by the band Estates, and The Positives by Person L. Now, as GLASWING, Marsh crafts moody electronic pop music fusing elements of sample-based hip hop, symphonic layers and modern synthetic flourishes

Alex De Grassi Release Video for His Rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

Alex de Grassi takes the holiday classic to gorgeous new heights both on the song and in the video. He adds, “I figured if James Taylor could get away with doing it, why not give it a try? I like the way this song swings and when it came to making a video, I immediately thought of animation. We were fortunate to find in Greg Browe a talented animator who could express the joy and excitement of Christmas seen through the eyes of a child–appropriately suspicious, but, ultimately, ready to believe in the big guy with the beard.”

Lissie releases video for cover of ‘Wrecking Ball’

Lissie has released the video for her cover of the Miley Cyrus mega-hit ‘Wrecking Ball’. The track is taken from Lissie’s gorgeous new covers EP Thank You To The Flowers out now via Cooking Vinyl.

Regarding the new video Lissie says, “It’s always really special to get to work with Ben Chappell who directed the Wrecking Ball video! We actually went to high school together and reconnected as adults, through a dear mutual friend. I’m continuously impressed by Ben’s style and artistry!

JAHMED SHARES “FANTANO FREESTYLE” & NEW VIDEO

Rap newcomer JAHMED keeps his head up high with “Fantano Freestyle”, a high-octane single accompanied by a new music video. He boasts sharp lyrics over a thumping bassline and swinging percussion that fully encapsulate the fast rising rapper’s style. With its hard-hitting energy, “Fantano Freestyle” is another notch in the belt of one of LA’s most unique up and comers. JAHMED’s sound builds the bridge between West Coast artists like Kendrick Lamar and seminal influences like Three 6 Mafia. In the Kult Films directed video, JAHMED ferociously raps in one take, cruising in a white Tesla while the camera tumbles alongside. The closing shot alludes to more exciting sounds to come in early 2021. “Fantano Freestyle” will hit streaming services on Friday, December 11th via Human Re Sources.

Better late than never, CABBAGE reveal finished video for GET OUTTA MY BRAIN

It’s taken four months, but literary performance punks, CABBAGE launch a late missive from the hills surrounding Manchester with a typically vivid promo for their Black Grape-inspired single, GET OUTTA MY BRAIN. A wiry tribute to the nerve-jarring electricity of their home city, the single rushed out during the steamy days of summer, whilst the video has waited to warm the damp days that followed.

MILKBLOOD REVEAL DEBUT PROJECT “VOID”

LA based duo MILKBLOOD make a stunning debut to close out a challenging 2020 with EP, VOID. Led by SICK OF BEING HONEST, the body of work is a compelling introduction to an act to watch in 2021. The EP arrives with an otherworldly video for SICK OF BEING HONEST. The video is directed by Mike Diva (Lil Nas X Panini, Run the Jewels Cyberpunk 2077, Lonely Island Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience) and features Instagram comedian/Dancer Casey Frey and Siren Head creator Trevor Henderson, who created the ghoul featured in the video.

JP Saxe Unveils Original Holiday Song “Kissin’ In The Cold” Feat. Julia Michaels

“If The World Was Ending” has resonated deeply with fans across the globe, resulting in over one billion streams across platforms and 120 million official music video views. The song was produced by five-time GRAMMY® Award-winner, FINNEAS. It is certified platinum in the US among other territories and is 4x platinum in JP’s native country, Canada.

Kojaque Shares New Track “Coming Up”

This follows the first single from his upcoming debut album, “Shmelly”, which was accompanied by an acclaimed COLORS session and received additional support across Radio 1, 6Music and 1xtra. Having recently produced for April and the NiNE8 Collective, toured with slowthai and released a collaborative mixtape with fellow Soft Boy alumni Luka Palm (“Green Diesel”) last year, watch out for more news on Kojaque’s debut album in early 2021.

Artist: Fisherman Sweaters – Track: Turtle With A Gun

We’re a band from San Francisco. We’re teenagers so we write song about stupid things and being depressed. Our sound is sort of indie rock/pop, we don’t use a lot of guitar, instead lots of grooving drums and bass with lots of synths. You should listen if you feel like it, we don’t have a ton to say or anything meaningful to say lol. We think the music sounds ok.

Ellington Releases Debut Single “EMT”

“’EMT’ is an abbreviation of the word ’empty’ – which was my way of using my dark sense of humor to lighten the subject matter of the song,” explains Ellington. “I wrote this song during a period of my life where I was often alone and left to reflect on my past to see it more objectively. It was strange to look back on times that were seemingly great, but realized they left a bad taste in my mouth. That realization fueled the lyrics and the tone of the song, which is about observing your ego and how that can drive you off the deep end.”

BYFYN releases sophisticated synth-pop EP ‘In Blue With You’

It’s an empowering collection of tracks, written in the icy synth-pop style that is becoming BYFYN’s own. Sonically it calls to mind Grimes, Robyn, Chvrches or Let’s Eat Grandma, however glossy sounds are re-purposed through a LoFi filter to create something wholly unique in tone. Thematically, there’s a thread of tackling personal anxieties throughout, with a defiant tone, and optimistic outcome.

NYTT LAND Signs Official Worldwide Contract with Napalm Records!

The magic of the Ancient North – welcome, NYTT LAND, to the Napalm Records family!

Nordic folk and Ambient project NYTT LAND from Russia has signed an official worldwide contract with Austrian rock and metal label Napalm Records!

Skope video submission: Myka 9 & Profound, “Walking With God”

Blu made his mark via his Below The Heavens album alongside producer Exile. Founded by DJ A-OK, A-OK All Day is an independent hip-hop record label based on the Hawaiian island of Kauai which is “dedicated to a pure Hip Hop sound created with integrity and devotion.”

Dead Original New Single/Video “Let It Burn”

Drummer Paul Wandtke (Trivium) has put together a band that brings the essence of Chicago rock and melds with the post nu grunge sounds of the NW. A convergence. Dead Original releases their first album called ‘Dead Original’ in early January via INgrooves. They have been releasing their single/videos from the coming album too.

New music video from London’s Natalie Shay – Entitled “Naked”

To date she has collectively amassed hundreds of thousands of streams, with her music being placed in Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist in ten countries. Shay has garnered acclaim from the likes of Billboard, American Songwriter, Hollywood Life, The Line of Best Fit, Clash, Earmilk and LADYGUNN to name a few.

The Kut makes a bid for the Xmas Charts, with ‘Waiting for Christmas’

Criminal Records label has announced a forthcoming The Kut Christmas Single. ‘Waiting for Christmas’ is to be released on Friday December 18th, with 100% of profit from sales and streams being donated to the Red Cross – supporting those affected by poverty as a result of the pandemic.

Watch The Hempolics Cinematic Visuals for ‘In The Night’

Vocalist Nubiya Brandon sojourned to Joshua Tree, California to direct and star in the video with the desert scenes at dusk complementing a dark slant on the end of a relationship. The vintage surroundings of time-frozen Americana are combined with the fresh yet backwards looking sound of The Hempolics to present an audio visual treat.

JP SAXE AND JULIA MICHAELS RELEASE HOLIDAY COLLAB “KISSIN’ IN THE COLD”

“If The World Was Ending” has resonated deeply with fans across the globe, resulting in over one billion streams across platforms and 120 million official music video views. The song was produced by five-time GRAMMY® Award-winner, FINNEAS. It is certified platinum in the US among other territories and is 4x platinum in JP’s native country, Canada.

Anita Gabrielle Releases New EP ‘Just Neat’ with Ed Sheeran Collaborator for Research into Parkinson’s Disease

Singer-songwriter and self-proclaimed “dyke in a hat”, Anita Gabrielle, has spent her life fighting against obstacles put in her path as an artist, from being a woman to being gay and as an older woman in the music industry still finds her opportunities to be heard limited. However, for her latest releases, the forthcoming EP, Just Neat and the single, Best Friends, she has found inspiration from her brother, Michael, who lives with Parkinson’s Disease and is looking to raise both awareness and funds to assist others affected by the condition. Inspired to first pick up a guitar and write music after he introduced her to the music of Joni Mitchell in the late sixties, the EP is a tribute to their relationship and also features the redoubtable talents of Grammy-award winning Amy Wadge (best-known for her songwriting collaborations with Ed Sheeran), who sings and plays piano on the EP.

JUSTINE BLAZER RELEASES NEW SINGLE “JUST SING”

With motivational lyrics like my voice may break, quiver and shake, but keep love alive and diminish the hate, gonna raise my voice and sing about love, gonna share my gift that was sent from up above, “Just Sing” is sure to inspire listeners far and wide.

“I am a firm believer in just going for it,” Justine explains. “It’s never going to be the perfect time. Life is too short – just go with your gut, follow your instinct and faith will lead the rest of the way! This song means so much to me. Singing is what I love to do and this is about new hope and new beginnings as we go into the year.”

Mabes Premieres “Catch 22” Video With Under The Radar

Singer-songwriter Mabes shares her second extended play of the year, a post coming-of-age story that splendidly showcases the British artist’s poetic prowess. Entitled Too Young To Love and featuring new single “Catch 22” out now via The Other Songs, the 4 track EP is a testament to her ever-evolving folk and pop-forward sound. The new music arrives exactly one year after her debut album Wait & See and follows her Keeping The Noise Down EP, with both EPs amassing critical acclaim from the likes of 1883 Magazine, American Songwriter, Clash, Culture Collide, Earmilk, Euphoria, Ones To Watch, Sounds Like Nashville, and The Independent among others this year.

CROWJANE Premieres Watercolor-Animated “Circular Valley” Video With American Songwriter

Directed by Eric Livingston (Mr. Bungle, Dead Cross), the video details Atlajala, a spirit who enters a person or an animal’s body and feels what they feel. “‘Circular Valley’ is inspired by a short story written by Paul Bowles,” CrowJane tells American Songwriter. “The brief summary of the short story is this: In the Circular Valley lives a spirit, a mute presence, Atlajala. Thirsting for sensation, this spirit enters a moth, a panther, an eel, and feels what they feel – the cool darkness of water, the pleasure of a kill. Centuries old and indifferent to time, it enters man and discovers Obsession for the first time. Yearning to be incarnate as man, it enters priests, soldiers and bandits. When an adulterous couple arrives in the valley, it slips into a woman. Finally, it feels complete. But as it possesses her, she grows restless and extreme and her affair takes a darker, more sinister turn.”

CrowJane Occupies the Darker Ends of Humankind on “Circular Valley”

wifisfuneral Continues His Melodic Artistic Turn with “Back Track”

wifisfuneral changed his artistic direction this year, incorporating more melody to deliver his cerebral bars. Returning with his first new song since the August release of his album PAIN?, wifi shares “Back Track (Intro).” Connecting with frequent collaborator Nvbeel, who produced wifi’s fan-favorite “Peace Sign” ft. YBN Nahmir and fills the track with burbling keyboards and ringing hi-hats, wifi offers an array of auto-tuned witticisms: “In the choppa droppin’ bombs just like Baghdad, my shooters like Mad Max.” Released on SoundCloud, “Back Track” proves that wifi has much further to go with his new artistic style.

Emma Swift’s acclaimed album Blonde On The Tracks is now available across all digital platforms!

A collection of Bob Dylan covers that perfectly captures the depth of Swift’s talent as a performer and her gift for reinterpretations, Blonde On The Tracks has become a defining moment in her career.

Blanketman Share New Track “Harold”

Lead guitarist Daniel Hand says of the single: “Harold is an ode to that crippling fright in the night. To things that don’t go bump, but go “aaaargh”. The song spasmed into existence after a series of unsavoury night terrors that prompted to me don my guitar, tune the strings to a level of arse-clenching tension, screw my eyes shut tight and, like a deranged jet-setter randomly spinning a tiny globe in search of the next destination, I slammed a capo onto the neck in a state of near frenzy. I tentatively opened an eye. Fourth fret. I picked up a pen as ideas began to fizz, but thought better of it, had a beer and wrote it later.”

slowride Shares debut single “I Feel Like You”

slowride is the latest project from long-time collaborators and lifelong friends Ali Epstone and Phil Jones. Drawn together by their love of 90s indie and punk rock, slowride produce exuberant indie rock anthems accompanied by layers of synth and sun-drenched melodies.

ARTUSHA Bids 2020 Farewell with New Single, “Live Free”

Up and coming Richmond, VA, rockers ARTUSHA are bidding 2020 farewell with a strong statement about the tumultuous year on the single “Live Free.”

“2020 really hasn’t been kind to us on many levels, but who said we have to live by circumstance?” asks guitarist/vocalist David Landers. “I subscribe to the idea that we should live by purpose. That’s what ‘Live Free’ is all about. Not letting anyone or anything rob you of your purpose and worth.”

Video Premiere: Artusha – “Live Free”

Grace Gillespie Shares “Song for Nick Drake”

London-based artist and producer Grace Gillespie takes influences from the folk, alternative and dream-pop traditions, providing a backdrop to her intriguing vocal melodies, shifting harmonies and introspective lyricism. Her new EP, After The Harvest Moon, was born out of a turn inwards, rather than any particular outward inspiration.

Vaudeville Smash – “I Like Video Games”

I Like Video Games is a mantra about the joy video games bring to millions of people around the world. It’s for those who may not feel totally at ease in their own skin, who prefer a virtual world with no judgment. The song was recorded at Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne. The synth is an ode to the classic retro games of the golden age. The jazz flute, just for fun. Film clip coming very soon.

Soulful, Catchy Track from Philly Artist AJAY

“‘Phantoms’ was self-produced, written and recorded in my bedroom two years ago,” AJAY says. “It was a rough time in my life where I had to leave Philadelphia for a year and work a day job in my hometown, Harrisburg. The lack of interaction with people I identified with (young artists and creatives) caused a morbid sense of isolation. I was starting to notice how adults can get caught up in their repetitive everyday lives and often let their social interactions be influenced by alcohol and happy hours. “…and they ain’t here to fuck with me, it’s just the hour.. buck fifty.”

THE KID LAROI. AND JUICE WRLD RELEASE NEW SINGLE “REMINDS ME OF YOU”

The Kid LAROI. chose to reimagine the Kim Petras anthem “Reminds Me” in remembrance of Juice WRLD. He delivers an emotionally charged reinterpretation of the tearful lyrics with confessional rhymes and a powerful chant. It has already resonated with listeners worldwide. In less than 12 hours, the lyric video racked up over 1 million views and counting. It also received plugs from Complex, NME, and many more. In addition to being a big brother to The Kid LAROI., Juice WRLD joined forces with him on the gold-certified collaboration “Go.”

BRKN LOVE Have a “Crush” — WATCH

BRKN LOVE, the brainchild of Toronto native Justin Benlolo, released their self-titled debut album earlier this year via Spinefarm Records. On November 19, the band released a deluxe edition of the record, featuring four newly recorded tracks.

ARIES DELIVERS NEW TRACK “CONVERSATIONS”

Speaking on “CONVERSATIONS,” Aries explains: “CONVERSATIONS is about begging for attention. Whether that be from someone in particular or more generally. It’s summed up by the lyrics in the hook “Conversations I could never get enough… Silence aching my bones.”