@skopemag HQ – http://smarturl.it/skope
LISTEN: Mark Knight Puts His Spin on Nathan Dawe x Little Mix’s “No Times For Tears”
Knight, label head at seminal UK dance label, Toolroom Records, has long been revered for his releases on labels like Suara and 1605, as well as his work on Black Eyed Peas’ Grammy-nominated 2010 album, ‘The E.N.D.’, and offers up his own, peak-time twist on Nathan’s infectious original.
New single + upcoming album announcement from pop-rock-folk band, Animal Years
With the release of the new single, “What I’m Fighting For,” pop-rock-folk trio, Animal Years, announces their upcoming album, This Is An Album Called Animal Years. The album will be released in three parts; two EPs that, when combined with additional bonus tracks, will culminate in the LP. The full album drops on June 18th, with This is Part One Of An Album Called Animal Years releasing on February 26th, and This Is Part Two… following on May 21st. Part One… features “What I’m Fighting For,” as well as the previously released single, “Talkin’ To You,” and three additional tracks that have become fan favorites on the road.
For Skope: Thomas Gold’s new progressive house gem “Letting Go” with R3SPAWN ft. David Shane (out now on Protocol)
New release from German veteran Thomas Gold, out today on Protocol Recordings. For this new single Thomas teamed up with newcomer R3SPAWN and Arizona-based singer/songwriter David Shane (David also just recently released “Into The Light” with Nicky Romero). “Letting Go” is an uplifting progressive house gem, perfectly falling under the label’s and Gold’s signature sound.
COMATOSE: A Way Back Debut From Atmospheric Rock Unit Featuring Members Of Chrome Waves, Amiensus, And Fail To Decay Out TODAY Via Transcending Records; “Circle” Video Now Playing
Minnesota-based atmospheric rock/grungegaze unit COMATOSE today releases their debut full-length, A Way Back, via Transcending Records.
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Zach Zurn at Carpet Booth Studios, A Way Back is the sound of the existential dread of musicians in 2020 who’ve had their way of life quite literally torn apart by the chaos of the year. Thankfully, one can easily melt into the lush melody and reverb or fall into the despair of the delay laden vocals through the diverse, yet familiar album that will likely bring listeners back to the mid-1990s without sounding dated or derivative.
Florida Rapper BrokeASF drops debut mixtape “Wrong 1”
Today marks the release of rising Jacksonville star BrokeASF’s debut mixtape, WRONG 1 released via Cinematic Music Group, accompanied by a video for standout track “Violent Livin” featuring Quando Rondo. The mixtape from the 18-year-old MC, comes on the heels of his thunderous December single, “Rock Out.” WRONG 1, available now via all digital retailers, finds BrokeASF flexing his signature battering ram of a flow, tossing tenacious threats while drenching his emotive delivery in chilly Auto-Tune.
Simon Flory To Release ‘Haul These Blues Away’
Born in rural Indiana shortly after his family moved “west” from southern Virginia to start a livestock feed store, Simon Flory’s music is suffused with the elements of his childhood – days spent in the fields, church songs, gravel roads. His new album, Haul These Blues Away (Feb. 26) features compositions that are as much short-story sketches as they are songs, each populated – like the locales that inspire them – with those among us who have few choices. The first single, “Peter Mack Built A Semi Truck,” is out today.
OUT TODAY: Sammy Johnson Releases New Reggae Album “Cool & Easy”
Auckland singer-songwriter Sammy Johnson’s new album Cool & Easy drops this week on January 22, 2021 on Mensch House Records. It’s Sammy’s first full reggae album, which is already receiving critical acclaim on the strength of its singles and videos. Medium stated, “With Cool & Easy, Sammy Johnson delivers what is surely one of the premier reggae albums of the new year. This album is ooh la la excellent,” while TopShelf Music added, “…a relaxing and reassuring soundtrack for wintertime. Not only that, but after a year like 2020, Sammy Johnson’s Cool & Easy will be the perfect reset for a better and brighter year.”
Artist: Stef Taylor – Track: Roundabouts
I am the worlds best over-thinker. This song is about the backwards and forwards I have with myself about all of my decisions and the tiering nature of it. Roundabouts, I hope, will act as a reminder to trust my gut.
March & June and Andrada bring you back to the 80s with “Sign From God”
“Sign from God” by March & June and Andrada brings back the 80s soulful electro-pop days with a hypnotic mood that tells the story of a wandering soul seeking for answers. Sometimes when the world feels too heavy and we feel trapped inside our own mind, we desperately look for a way out, a way to escape reality and all the chaos that comes with it. Most days, all we really need is a sign to know that everything will be alright and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Rare Americans take inspo from The Clash & talk love-hate relationships on “Knives, Guns & Bed” – ‘Rare Americans 2’ due out in March – +120M global streams & counting!
30 seconds in and the electrifying riffs will transport you to the world they’ve dubbed Crooked City. Lifted from their forthcoming album, the The Clash-inspired track serves as their second indie offering since their recent departure from APG/Atlantic Records and the follow up to anti-holiday release “The Moneyz” which landed on Spotify’s New Music Friday in December. Acquiring all their masters and never losing sight of their DIY ethos, the band is set to release their sophomore full-length album Rare Americans 2 in March.
TEE GRIZZLEY Releases New Single + Music Video “GAVE THAT BACK” Ft. BABY GRIZZLEY
Today, Tee Grizzley and blood brother Baby Grizzley join forces for new single “Gave That Back”. Accompanied by the music video, the brothers trade bars on the hard-hitting beat showing that their lyrical prowess and tactile flows are truly embedded in their DNA. The video proves to be a family affair not just with the appearance of Baby Grizzley, but their mother who also was formerly incarcerated. Tying it all together on the song, Tee raps “Me and broski twinning, winning, rapping and still will twist yo cap/ Gave my momma all that time, she did 10 and gave that back/ Now your kids rich, momma blew 80 stacks and made that back.” Baby Grizzley serves as Tee’s first official signing to his label imprint Grizzley Gang as the brothers hit the ground running with releases such as Baby Grizzley’s “Add It Up”, which started trending on Youtube upon its release and racked up over 3 Million+ views and “Twin Grizzlies”. While last year saw the release of Tee’s latest project The Smartest, which hosts the viral track “Satish”, this year fans can look forward to a new project from Tee Grizzley as he strikes the match with “Gave That Back”.
Light It Up featuring Mighty Mystic
The Tampa-based producer has been quickly climbing up the hierarchy of melodic bass music with a steady flow of tracks that have seen him release on Monstercat, Dim Mak, Seeking Blue and Bassrush. He’s now making his way over to Night Mode with a two-track release that finds him touching on a melancholic mood on “Lone,” before ramping up the speed on the heart-racing drum & bass cut “Feel Alive” featuring Soundr.
Najeé Rayne ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE “Press Me” From new EP out Spring 2021
Love makes the world go round, but self-love is where it starts. New York City-based producer, rapper and singer Najeé Rayne packs a message of self-love and independence in her upcoming single “Press Me,” out Friday, January 15, 2021. An upbeat track advocating the importance of taking care of one’s needs and refusing to sacrifice personal well-being to please others. Following her successful debut album, The Total Package, the artist rolls out her new single “Press Me,” on all digital platforms on January 15, 2021.
“Don’t” from Calica and Daniel Loumpouridi – 10 million views TikTok Indie Pop New Single
Singer-songwriter and producer Calica is a breath of fresh air in today’s indie pop scene. Her masterful vocal delivery paired with expertly crafted melodies transport the listener to a synth-pop paradise. Calica’s lyrics are cheeky and relatable, yet deliberate and intelligent. Her takes on love, loss and self-empowerment are boldly refreshing.
Animal Sun Release Anthemic Single & Video “Every Word” TODAY!
Animal Sun have released the anthemic new single “Every Word”, and vibey accompanying video, a darkly beautiful ode to infidelity. This is the first taste from an upcoming Visual Album, “Echoes of a Dream” set to hit later this year. “Echoes of a Dream” is a follow up to 2019’s EP “Beginnings”, which included the much lauded lead single “Girl in Blue” that, on release, quickly made its way onto alternative stations like idobi radio and KROQ “Locals Only”, snagging the #5 spot for multiple weeks in a row.
GOOD BISON Premieres Skateboarding Charged “Lunatic” Video With Under The Radar
One week before the release of their new EP Scattered Storms, Los Angeles-based indie band GOOD BISON is proud to premiere their brand new, skateboarding influenced music video for their single “Lunatic” today with Under The Radar. The video, conceptualized by frequent collaborator Krölhaus (who handled all of the art direction/visual content for Scattered Storms), features a pair of friends sneaking into an abandoned water reservoir to skateboard, all while Good Bison frontman/brainchild Pablo Alvarez sits in the middle, singing the song’s lyrics in a daze.
Follow Up: Country Father and Son Duo Folks Like Them Announces New Single “The River Still Flows”
Songwriting and storytelling country duo, Folks Like Them, have announced the upcoming release of their new single “The River Still Flows.” A country track about the importance of stealing quick moments to recenter yourself and find peace, “The River Still Flows” is the duo’s official first single of 2021. During this time of unrest, the need for tranquility is at an all-time high. The Americana track will be available on all digital platforms today Friday, January 15, 2021.
Mario Judah Shares an Anti-Love Song
Known for his booming vocals and full-throttle intensity, Mario Judah is a modern day rock star. Lashing out at the woman who broke his heart, Mario shares “I Cannot Love You,” a bass-boosted anti-love song. Channeling volumes of rage and betrayal into a brisk and dramatic 84 seconds, Mario lets loose on his ex, lamenting that he caught feelings and vowing to never be deceived again: “Never will I ever let you take my heart/I don’t think we ever can repair these scars,” belts Mario with a powerful vibrato. Like the rest of his music, “I Cannot Love You” is an adrenaline-boosting Mario Judah production, complete with distorted 808s high in the mix and dissonant strings moaning in the background.
Juan Pablo Di Pace Releases “Fall On Me,” The First Single From His Upcoming Debut E.P.
Juan Pablo Di Pace, Argentine-born actor and musician, today announced the release of “Fall On Me,” the first single from his upcoming E.P. Inspired by the sound of autumn, the track is an adult contemporary ballad, with languid piano and cello lines. The music video was shot in Madrid during the pandemic and directed by Manolo Pavón, photographer on Academy Award-winning filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar’s films.
SONGWRITER/MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST DIANE ARKENSTONE DREAMS OF ZANZIBAR ON BEAT-DRIVEN NEW SINGLE “BEYOND THE GOLDEN SEA”
Diane Arkenstone, for over 20 years a pioneering musical force in a variety of genres, will kick off a busy 2021 with the release of a new single and EP—both titled Beyond the Golden Sea –on January 22 via her label Neo Pacifica Recordings. Best known for her soulfully meditative and heartfelt instrumental recordings, the 6-song EP contains new vocal work that evocatively merges her many musical muses—from guitar-based songs to sensual, beat-driven work. “Beyond the Sea” in particular takes the listener on an exotic trip to Zanzibar—one that she had planned and had to miss due one of her many heart surgeries. The effortless exoticism of “Beyond the Golden Sea,” which also features contributions from David Arkenstone, is truly transportive.
Ivan and Ian Neville, Mark Mullins Appear on New Lisa St Lou Single
“Growing up in St. Louis, I would always sing in my grandma’s Southern Baptist church on Sundays, and that’s where my love of music began.” Lisa says. “It started there and grew until music became the very fiber of my being. For a while I lost myself in a relationship, but it’s that journey that inspired this song and the new album.” Some of St. Lou’s darkest moments are revealed in “I’ve Seen The Light,” but delivered with a vitality and sense of empowerment that fills the listener with unbridled hope and faith.
OUT NOW – Nice – “What a Day”
Niceness is proud to announce the release of their second single “What a Day” off their upcoming album ‘Realize,’ due out in February. This single comes following their prior release “Better Than You Know,” which dropped last December. Their new single “What a Day” is accompanied by a music video premiering today on Reggaeville.
The singer and frontwoman, Koral Delatierra, describes the song as: “What A Day is about creating the world we want to live in. We will be the change we seek, and we will grow from the hardships we face. For too long, we have felt powerless in the face of so many injustices, from environmental destruction due to the greed of large corporations to the devastating murder of too many of our black, brown and indigenous brothers and sisters. We recognize the power in our collective grief and that from this grief our courage and strength transpires”.
Dolo Money | “Paid In Full Flow” | Music Video
Hailing from Baltimore, MD, Dolo Money keeps it true to the street code on “Paid In Full”. Dolo Money comes through bangin’ with a style that can only be described at street lyricism, coming with clever punchlines and an intricate flow, all while laying out the rules of the game. With an emotional guitar melody over 808s and busy drums, Dolo Money delivers classic punchlines like “never turned snitch like I’m RICO”.
Dawn Richard Signs to Merge Records, Readies New Album
“I set out a long time ago to create a lane where genre was optional. Where a Black woman could thrive in electropop and Afrofuturism unapologetically,” Richard stated about her recent record deal.
She added, “This record has been such a cathartic experience. To create an immersive story highlighting New Orleans culture through a futuristic lens has just been… a wild-ass ride. I’m stoked to take the wild ride with Merge, and hopefully, the world wants to jump on, too.”
After propitious beginnings with the groups Danity Kane and Diddy-Dirty Money, respectively, Richard pursued a solo career with the release of Goldenheart in 2013.
Eminem – “Higher” Music Video Premiere
Video Submission: FreeVibe – Nonstop (Lyrics Video)
Beni-Hana “Memory Lane” ft. Carolina Cracker
The Carolinas very own Beni-Hana, emerges once again with another solid entry to his musical arsenal. Kicking off the new year with continued momentum, sharing an early release of “Memory Lane” from the upcoming album “Earthworm Ben”, scheduled for release on all platforms in February.
The song titled “Memory Lane” featuring frequent collaborator Carolina Cracker, blends the two very unique styles of these Appalachian artists. Mixing the thought-provoking word play and aggressive flows of Beni-Hana, with the soulful southern vocals, and deep-fried style of Carolina Cracker, gives a refreshing and perfect example of why these two artists are the ones to watch in 2021.
VACATION MANOR Announce Self-Titled Debut Album + Share New Song “Can’t Run Forever”
Virginia-based indie rock duo Vacation Manor —Nathan Towles and Cole Young—have announced that their debut self-titled album will be released April 30, 2021, and they celebrate the news with a new dreamy pop track called “Can’t Run Forever,” out today on all digital retailers –
LAU steps out of the shadows and into the Synthpop spotlight
A prominent Retrowave/Synthpop artist in her own right having been a much sought after session drummer and songwriter (she penned a bulk of NINA’s best-selling albums Synthian and Sleepwalking), LAU has finally gone solo after a decade plus of composing and performing for other artists. “Deep inside, I always knew I was a songwriter,” she explains, “but my career as a session drummer and DJ/producer took me to different places and ended up working with different artists. Now I think it’s time for me to truly and openly express who I am, what I’m going through and what I have to say. I hope some people will connect with that.”
UK’s Penfriend announces brand new single “Exotic Monsters,” out today!
Sparked by a throwaway phrase from Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, ‘Exotic Monsters’ is a laundry list of asynchronous human needs and desires; a reflection of our increasingly confused, disconnected and polarised lives. A timely reminder of the practice of cultivating gratitude through meditation, the song is an attempt to examine our internalised inconsistencies; the “facts” we pile up on our own backs throughout lives bombarded by airbrushed images and ads for the unattainable baubles we’re informed are essential for true happiness.
Out Now! Swedish 5 Time Platinum Songwriter Shares New Single “Holding On”
It’s here! Andreas Moe has released his new single “Holding On” on all major platforms today. Already featured in American Songwriter, “Holding On” is a testament to “Moe’s mastery of the both performing and the songwriting craft” (American Songwriter).
Andreas Moe Shares Encouraging Message in New Single, “Holding On”
Velvet Skyline Unveil New Single “Circles”
“Circles” serves as the lead single off of their upcoming LP “What We Have In Common” (out February 5th). The song ushers in the progressive and grunge influenced sound of the album. Led by lead vocalist Taylor Seerden, the quartet is full of fresh, youthful, punky energy. The entirety of the LP will take listeners on an emotional journey, telling an edged-out coming of age story through punk production. For listeners that are just being introduced to Velvet Skyline, “Circles” is a perfect welcome.
NOPES release ‘Lithium Hop’ video from new album “Djörk”
NOPES have premiered a smashing gangster cartoon video for their track ‘Lithium Hop’, taken from the US noise punks’ forthcoming album “Djörk” which is slated for release on January 29.
WINONA OAK CALLS FOR “WINTER RAIN”
“‘Winter Rain’ describes how it feels when someone’s turning guarded and distant in a relationship,” Winona shared. “The numbing coldness when they’re slowly pushing you out of their life. The ice running through your blood when you can’t stop wondering if they don’t love you anymore. But maybe it’s just all in your head?”
DEINE LAKAIEN release lyric video of THE CURE cover ‘The Walk’
DEINE LAKAIEN have released a lyric video for their ingenious THE CURE cover ‘The Walk’ as the third single taken from their forthcoming double album, tellingly entitled “Dual”, which is scheduled for release on April 16, 2021. Please find more details regarding “Dual” and the ideas behind this masterpiece below.
‘The Walk’ is another revelation in the context of overarching concept of an “insprational cause and effect” that is fundamental to this double album. While one album presents cover versions of artists and tracks that have inspired the legenday German dark wave duo, the second full-length contains the bands “replies” to each of those selected inspirational songs.
El’Vee & Skope
El’vee, African/British identical twins that want to balance out gender inequality in their genres of music.
ONISM – new single “The Sound Of Us”
Onism is a darkwave music project that was created by Lupe and Luna on February 2020, as the attempt of two people to express the realization that we, as human beings, are finite. Lupe and Luna were born in Athens, Greece. They are both trained singers and vocal coaches and they also play the piano. Lupe has released his first album called “Burn” and is the lead singer of the gothic rock band Mosquito. Onism’s debut release is the “Leyes” EP, which contains four songs and is already released in digital format. All songs were created and recorded by Lupe and Luna at the ML Studio.
RACHEL CHINOURIRI RELEASES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘DARKER PLACE’
‘Darker Place’ continues to showcase Rachel’s graceful ability to melt genres together with this enthralling new single. Rachel’s sultry vocals are hypnotic over this mesmerising production, with her lyrics capturing her intense feelings of love and trust. The stunning new video, directed by ‘UKVMA Best Newcomer’ nominee Milo Blake, sees Rachel switch between light and dark in a series of striking and colourful scenes. Visually and lyrically, the single carries sincere undertones whilst remaining beautiful as always.
https://rachelchinouriri.lnk.to/DarkerPlace
Blitz Union titled ‘Plastic’
“Many people have expressed their views on plastics and the problems associated with them, with their overproduction. But no one cares how it is the other way around. What do plastics think of people….?”
Tarah Who? titled ‘Swallow That Pill’?
The music video had to be really fast and we were really limited because of Covid. Erica Torres, a friend of ours shot it. We had a lot of fun. I thought “Ok here is what we are going to do: This song is about BREAKING the habit, and being frustrated so you want to BREAK S$%^ up! so let’s just do that!” Luckily the break room was open, so we broke a lot of things for an hour and it turned out to be a lot more exhausting than I thought!”
Sunglasses For Jaws release cosmic indie-psych gem “Walk Me Home”
London duo Sunglasses For Jaws have announced details of new album Everybody’s Made Of Bones with the release of new single “Walk Me Home”.
Creating widescreen, psychedelic instrumental music as a production duo since 2017, David Bardon and Oscar Robertson are branching out with their fourth full-length album, Everybody’s Made Of Bones – out June 3rd via Pony Recordings.
The Rumjacks share explosive new single ‘Hestia’
The Rumjacks have shared their new single, ‘Hestia’, the title track and second single to be taken from their upcoming album, out on March 12th.
A song of vengeance delivered with the force of a hurricane, the track is a folktale about a girl who shoots down a personified wolf in an act of defence. Draped in several levels of symbolism and metaphor, ‘Hestia’ (named after the goddess of the home and the hearth), is a firecracker of a song, and an absolute earworm.
CLASSIC WATER RELEASES LIVE VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE ‘TOMORROW’
The videos were produced in a barn in the Dutch town of Wijk bij Duurstede. The sound was recorded by Matthijs Thomassen; the video was shot by Classic Water’s keys player Lotte van Leengoed.
Your Paris Shares Dreamy New Single “First”
Your Paris is Nick Babcock and Laila Kharouba. Their pop tunes are fresh yet familiar upon first listen. Since their commencement at the start of 2020, the duo has made a splash in the Ontario music scene. Their last single “Rooms” reached new listeners after being placed on three Spotify editorial playlists:”New Music Friday Canada”, “It’s a Bop”, and “Fresh Finds: Pop”. They are determined to stay in the honeymoon phase of their career: in love with, and inspired by their music.
Canada’s ‘Princess of Everything’ Bif Naked Shares New Single, “Broke into Your Car” — Available Now!
“This is a love song, even though it makes reference to a felony or mischief,” multi-Gold and Platinum-selling Canadian rock star, author, songwriter, manager, producer, human and animal rights activist Bif Naked says of her new single, “Broke into Your Car” — available now!
“Whoopsie!” she continues. “But yes, it really is a nod to the lengths a smitten person — in this case, moi — would go to to gain the attention and affection of their crush.
Darkwave Duo Hermanos announce their deal with Epictronic!
Darkwave Duo Hermanos are glad to announce that they have signed a deal with Epictronic for the release of their album “A Different Love”.
ELECTRONICA-TINGED CHANTEUSE YEVAE’S VIDEO “STAND FOR YOURSELF”
The nascent Ukrainian-American singer blends an eclectic mix of mesmerizing vocals, pulsing electronic rhythms and memorable melodies with a message of uplifting positivity for an unforgettable result. Born and raised in Ukraine, Yevae moved to the United States as a young adult. Diligently building a career in the tech industry, Yevae also followed her heart, pursuing her passion for music on the side. Her forthcoming debut album comes to fruition after years of study and inspiration.
