@skopemag news – saturday – february 27, 2021 @ 10 am est

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

Lockdown NYC music from Kanine Records – Cole Koch

The story behind ‘Lockdown NYC’ is a dramatic but all too familiar one these days. After being booked to play The New Colossus Festival, New York in March 2020, Koch found himself at the heart of one of the pandemic’s most dramatic lockdowns. Eventually Koch and his friends came upon a young couple heading back to Toronto, and managed to smuggle them across the border under some blankets and suitcases. The song is a story of one of the strangest times in recent history.

MEET ME @ THE ALTAR RELEASES ACOUSTIC RECORDING OF MAJOR LABEL DEBUT SINGLE “GARDEN”

At the time of their signing, the band shared, “We want to be the representation we didn’t have growing up. We hope to encourage young girls, especially black and brown girls like us. We definitely have a different perspective than the average pop punk white dude crying about his girlfriend. Even as a band, we experience the music world in our own way. It gives us an interesting viewpoint that we put into the songs.”

DEF JAM RECORDINGS & DEF JAM AFRICA PRESENT RHYTHMS OF ZAMUNDA: MUSIC INSPIRED BY COMING 2 AMERICA ARRIVING MARCH 5th

Def Jam Recordings, in conjunction with Def Jam Africa, today announces the release of Rhythms of Zamunda—a collection of originals from African artists inspired by the highly anticipated comedy Coming 2 America—on Friday March 5, 2021.

Leading the project, Def Jam Recording artist and South Africa’s most streamed artist Nasty C has released the video for “Black & White” with Ari Lennox.

Joyce Wrice & Lucky Daye Link Up on “Falling In Love”

Fast rising R&B singer and songwriter, Joyce Wrice, has linked up with Lucky Daye for the upbeat new collab “Falling In Love” debuting today. The duet finds Wrice and Daye’s velvety vocals floating over a sea of synths and hi-hats to deliver an infectious R&B jam any romantic will love.

STUNNA GIRL RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE “STILL SMOKE”!

After amassing over 50 million streams and receiving acclaim from FLAUNT Magazine and many more, buzzing Sacramento, California rapper and #RUNWAYCHALLENGE queen Stunna Girl is back with a new single and music video entitled “Still Smoke” directed by Cortez G West.

Powerhouse Vocalist, Songwriter and Body Positive Model CHEL Releases New Song

Chel, the powerhouse vocalist and body positive model, finished 2020 with a bang, punctuating the year with the release of her highly acclaimed hit single, “Nasty Woman.”

Aiming for an even nastier 2021, Chel is releasing “By My Side,” a special one-off track just in time for Valentine’s Day.

PREMIERE: Chel Duets with Stan Genius on Sweet New Single “By My Side”

JAX CAPTIVATES WITH “RING POP”

After attracting a massive online following this past year with her viral parodies of hit songs, Jax began sharing her own original music in late 2020 to an overwhelmingly positive response. Initially teased on TikTok, “Ring Pop” instantly captivated fans with it’s honest lyrics that perfectly encapsulate the emotions being felt by so many in today’s predicament. Her warm delivery coasts over dreamy guitar and snappy percussion as she croons to her boyfriend, “Don’t need no diamonds, you’re my rock, and I’m okay with a ring pop.”

SOUTH AFRICAN RAPPER NASTY C AND ARI LENNOX RELEASE NEW VIDEO “BLACK AND WHITE”

Sarah Sample’s “Love Song” Chronicles a Relationship Through Songwriting Metaphor // Out Now

“This song was birthed with the simple intention of telling my husband that I love him and a tribute to an 18-year relationship,” Sample told the outlet.

The song follows the release of “Old Barn Owl,” an ode to the mystical, healing nature of the desert in November, and her cover of Pearl Jam’s “Nothingman” in October, both stand-alone follow-ups to 2018’s Redwing. The album is noted for Sample’s cut-to-the-bone storytelling, framed with empathy and compassion, and told with the best singing of her career. Produced by Sample’s longtime producer Scott Wiley (Elliott Smith, Bonnie Raitt), Redwing came to life over a few weeks of sessions at June Audio, as well.

Song Premiere: Sarah Sample Chronicles a Relationship Through a ‘Love Song’

The White Stripes Greatest Hits out now worldwide on vinyl & CD; shares Jools Holland live video

The White Stripes Greatest Hits (Third Man Records/Columbia Records) is out globally on vinyl and CD today. The first-ever official anthology of recordings from the iconic rock duo, Jack and Meg White, The White Stripes Greatest Hits is now available digitally and on vinyl (2xLP black vinyl) and CD around the world; except for the United Kingdom and Ireland where vinyl and CD will now be available on February 26.

QWÄLEN: Finnish black metal punks premiere “Polku” video at Invisible Oranges [Announcement + Promo]

Finnish black metallers QWÄLEN have signed to Italian label Time To Kill Records for the release of their first album, “Unohdan sinut”.

The album will see an official release on 19th February 2021 on limited edition vinyl and digital formats.

Self-doubt takes control in FRETLAND’s new song “Too Much”

“There was indeed a wedding in Capitol Hill where I drank too much, danced too much, smoked too much, regretted too much, and punished myself too damn much. A trait I am still trying to remedy. The only inconsistency in the song is that sometimes you can be “too serious” or “not serious enough.” That was deliberate. At the end of the day, if you’re feeling too much of anything you’re just being too hard on yourself. And I personally can “feel” too serious and not serious enough in a matter of hours.”
– Hillary Grace Fretland

ROWDY REBEL RETURNS WITH BRAND NEW SINGLE “JESSE OWENS” FEATURING NAV

A member of the influential GS9 crew, Rowdy’s return to the spotlight will undoubtedly shake New York and the culture at large. On “Jesse Owens,” he bodies hard hitting 808s with a commanding and confident flow as he assures, “Back in my zone and I’m focused, please don’t start no commotion.” NAV pulls up with a slick guest spot before the hook takes off, “I ran up a bag so fast like I’m Jesse Owens.” In the accompanying music video, they descend upon the Big Apple & LA, taking over a sneaker shop and rapping on the streets.

Tune-Yards give indie r&b artist Rituals of Mine the remix treatment via MixMag for “Trauma”

Last September, Rituals of Mine (project of Terra Lopez) released HYPE NOSTALGIA, an album that “tackles what it’s like to be a woman of color in the music industry to exploring trauma and healing after tragedy, giving us an intimate look into Lopez’s growth and resilience” (ELLE Canada). Almost half a year after its release, Lopez has enlisted friends and heroes to reimagine tracks for the victory lap known as HYPE NOSTALGIA (Remixes).

Gerald Slevin Debuts With Art-Pop Video “Kiss To The Future”

“Kiss To The Future”, the first single from his upcoming album Quantum Jitters, is a message of unity and humanity in a time of darkness, inspired by his young 4-year-old daughter’s interpretation of the pandemic.

CARRiNGTON MacDUFFiE Releases New Single “Sweet Little Mystery”

Standout Indie singer-songwriter CARRiNGTON MacDUFFiE released her latest single “Sweet Little Mystery” on Friday, February 12. Taking fans on a transcendent journey inspired by newfound love, MacDUFFiE’s single inspires the heart of all hearts and is available just in time for Valentine’s Day. CARRiNGTON’s creativity flows through music and magic available only when one is present enough to draw wonder out of every situation. This release ignites hope that 2021 will surpass 2020 in unthinkable ways, and the music video paints a perfect picture, detailing how the”Sweet Little Mystery” of life keeps MacDUFFiE curious.

Track Out Today from Evripidis and His Tragedies

Regarding the track, Evripidis says: “I wanted to convey a little bit of the feeling that The Smiths’ songs gave me when I was younger — this mixture of romanticism, cynicism, and humor that is kind of camp, but also deeply heartfelt. I am, after all, bitter and hopeful, grumpy and funny, all together at the same time, and I wanted to connect with those who feel these strong contradictions. I invited Greg to sing with me because I imagined an encounter of two like-minded souls who never give up on love. ”

#ATLTop20 #Certified !!! – BABYGRANDE RECORDS Presents: Chelly Flame – “Big Flame” [NEW VIDEO]

Hailing from Atlanta, Chelly Flame is ready to set the industry on fire. The zealous 20-year-old artist overflows with an infectious charisma, and imbues her music with a galvanizing swagger. This magnetism caught the attention of the New York-based independent label, Babygrande Records, which has officially announced its signing of the exciting artist. “Our commitment to empowering and working with female artists across all of our labels and imprints is well documented. Chelly’s range as both a singer/songwriter and astute street lyricist made this an easy decision—she’s got the goods,” says Chuck Wilson, CEO and Chairman of Babygrande Global. Commemorating the record deal, Chelly Flame has released her debut Babygrande single and video, “Big Flame.”

Faulkner Approved Southern Gothic Rock!

Athens, GA based outsider country band, Seth Martin & The Dish Boys released three albums in 2020. Since 2016 they’ve released seven albums- it’s no wonder they’re considered “the hardest working band in Athens.” Pandemic be damned, Seth Matin & The Dish Boys are keeping that momentum going with and eighth album- ‘The Golden Book of Favorite Songs’ is set for release on February 26th 2021.

‘The Golden Book of Favorite Songs’ is just that, a 30 song retrospective of the band and their fans’ favorites spanning seven albums over a five year period of prolific songwriting, intensive touring, and an idiosyncratic approach to southern music. Songwriter, Seth Martin’s “yearning, warbling yowl…” celebrating rural living, blue collar work, and family relationships, ranges from spot on Vic Chesnutt to grunge-soaked Sonic Youth to sun struck Gram Parsons. ‘The Golden Book of Favorite Songs’ is hearty helping of all things ‘Dish Boys and an earnest snapshot of a band that literally doesn’t quit.

WARRIOR PATH – “Beast Of Hate” new Lyric Video ft. Daniel Heiman

Two years have passed since the self-titled debut of Warrior Path that hit the world’s Underground Metal scene like the Hammer of Thor, getting everything from raving reviews to scoring the highest ranks on various “Album Of The Year” lists.

Continuing their journey, main-man and songwriter Andreas Sinanoglou and musician/producer Bob Katsionis (Firewind/Outloud/Serious Black) along with drummer Dave Rundle, are coming back with another epic tale, the tale of “The Mad King”.

Møme and Ricky Ducati Release Collab LP “Flashback FM”

Møme and Ricky Ducati have today released their collaborative album “Flashback FM”, unveiling the full 15 track LP that blends sonic influences of the 70s and 80s with forward thinking electronic production. After releasing 4 singles (Got It Made, They Said, Moves and I Know), the collaborative album is out in full today across all streaming platforms.

LÉON RELEASES “SEVENTEEN” MUSIC VIDEO

Directed by Bjarke Underbjerg, the music video features emotional vignettes of a couple throughout different stages of their relationship, matching the wistful longing of the lyrics, “I’m feeling like I’m seventeen, endless dreaming about you / Oh, don’t you feel it too?”

Horace Bray to share new EP ‘Fame, Fortune and Perfume’

LA-based pop artist Horace Bray has announced his new EP Fame, Fortune, and Perfume, due out February 26, 2021. Alongside the announcement, Bray has shared a new single, “Let Go,” a skying, U2-inspired vista dedicated to making sense of big city parties. Described as “a song about the first stages of a fling. It is about the release into the first layer of trusting yourself and the other person as you get to know each other,” fans can check out “Let Go” now.

Frankie Animal premiere new single “Peaches” on HighClouds

Celebrated Estonian indie pop act Frankie Animal premiered their first single of 2021 with “Peaches,” a lounge-y ode to forbidden love inspired by the film Call Me By Your Name.

“With a throbbing synth backbone, swirling guitars and Marie M. Vaigla’s hypnotic vocals tying it together, “Peaches” is a tender, frivolous track filled with brevity,” HighClouds’ Rachel Chandler writes. “It’s summery and light in its groovy bass work and truly is the boost needed to get through to warmer weather.”

Frankie Animal bound into the year with buoyant track “Peaches”

Tanzos delivers a mindful meditation on acceptance and missed opportunities

Having nurtured a reputation for universal excursions through his records, Austrian Indie-rock innovator Tanzos is no stranger to the music scene, having performed as the special guest on Paul Weller’s European tour. Pivoting from delicate embers of sound, to mechanical guitar riffs, new single ‘Nevermind’ is a meditation to letting go of the missed opportunities; a feeling we can all somewhat relate to, given the current circumstances of the pandemic.

Hear MBG’s New Single “This Time”

MBG is an alt-rock artist and multi-instrumentalist based in Brampton, ON. Behind the scenes she writes, records and produces her own music but brings it out in its purest form on stage with her band of talented friends. She goes against the grain with her own loud, edgy and unique sound.

DRONES New Album ‘Our Hell Is Right Here’ Out Today via Thousand Islands Records

With a strong emphasis on personal growth, Drones’ new album ‘Our Hell Is Right Here’, is out today via Thousand Islands Records (North America) Lockjaw Records (UK).

Crammed with high-octane, yet deeply personal, punk cuts, the album also documents a traumatic period for McDougall. “It’s been a pretty rough ride for the past couple of years,” she says when looking back on the journey the band have been on to get to this point. “But I struggle with claiming my problems and sadness as valid because they are disproportionate to the danger and loss that many face every day. It got to the point where I was almost ashamed to write songs about my own life. However, I’m learning that personal care and self-worth is not something to be diminished. There are songs on this album that I had to write for my own therapy. Whilst writing this record, I went through a divorce, lost a family member and was battling with my own mental health. At the same time, it felt like the world was falling apart. ‘Our Hell Is Right Here’ is the product of my experiences over the past few months. There’s a lot of sadness on this record, but I can now look back and celebrate who I have become in spite of it all.”

EDENBRIDGE Release New Single + Music Video for “Higher”

Austrian symphonic metal act EDENBRIDGE has released a new digital single and video today. The song “Higher” (Acoustic 2020) is taken from the new Best Of album ‘The Chronicles Of Eden – Part 2’

POPPYMOON find cathartic empowerment on new single “No, I won’t”

Earlier today, German pop duo POPPYMOON unveiled “No, I won’t,” their second single of 2021 following “Joanie’s Secret” in January.

“The perfect introduction to Poppymoon,” Jammerzine writes in their premiere of the single this morning. “Strong yet subtle, beautiful and boundless.”

First Listen: Poppymoon – No I Won’t

YOUNG M.A DROPS NEW TRACK + VIDEO FOR “OFF THE YAK”

Brooklyn rapper and entrepreneur Young M.A dropped the title track from her forthcoming mixtape Off The Yak (produced by NY Bangers) and, along with it, a new music video. Further details on the mixtape coming soon. This will be Young M.A’s first project since her Red Flu EP last May.

POLYDOR RECORDS/UMe ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF “I KNOW I HAVE A HEART”

Polydor Records/UMe has announced the release of the third piece of music from the forthcoming album of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella. ‘I Know I Have A Heart’ is sung by Carrie Hope Fletcher and is released on today across all DSPs.

JON Z X MYKE TOWERS X ELADIO CARRION ESTRENAN EL SENCILLO Y VIDEO MUSICAL DE “QUEDATE SOLA”

El genio del Trap Jon Z, hoy estrena el sencillo y video musical del tema “Quédate Sola”, junto a las superestrellas Myke Towers X Eladio Carrion. Los tres interpretes que fusionan una mezcla de voces originales destacan su talento en esta canción que es un Trap con ritmo romántico. “Quédate Sola” es un tema dedicado a una mujer que la describen como un error, ya que le rompió el corazón y ellos sugieren que es mejor que se quede sola, porque no la quieren cerca de su corazón.

“Quédate Sola” contiene un video musical que ya se puede encontrar en YouTube, dirigido por Abez Media, en donde los tres cantantes están juntos en un sitio que tiene corazones rayados pintados en la pared, en el cual Myke Towers se destaca con el Rapeo, Eladio Carrion con su flow único y Jon Z representando el Trap como solo puede hacerlo el.

IMANBEK AND RITA ORA RELEASE JOINT EP BANG

Today sees critically acclaimed GRAMMY nominated Kazakh DJ and record producer Imanbek and global superstar Rita Ora release their joint EP Bang. The four track EP is accompanied by a short film which premiered on YouTube and MTV.

The new EP represents a dramatic new chapter in Rita’s remarkably accomplished career that sees her return to her roots. It’s a recipe for club glory with its gritty dance influence and the kind of free-roaming rubbery bass lines that will have you dancing relentlessly.

R&B Newcomer goodboy noah Unveils “tie down” Visual

“tie down” is the lead single off goodboy noah’s debut EP due out later this year and is co-written by noah alongside Dan Henig (ZAYN, Noah Cyrus, Chelsea Cutler) and Micah Gordon (Cautious Clay, Neon Trees) who also produced the track.

Jeremy Parsons Releases New Innovative Lyric Video For “Something Other Than You Are”

Latest video from San Antonio-based singer-songwriter, Jeremy Parsons. Released on February 12, 2021, “Something Other Than You Are” is a visually stunning and innovative music video, for the 5th single from his “Things To Come” album.

Mountain Bird Shares “Too Blue”From Upcoming EP ‘Once We Were Present’ (Out April 2) 

Swedish singer-songwriter and producer Mountain Bird (aka Adam Öhman) reveals “Too Blue,” the latest single to be taken from his forthcoming new EP Once We Were Present (out April 4 via Nettwerk Records).

Nitepunk Loops Back Around With Frenetic Breaks Follow-Up “Miracle” on HARD Recs – Feb 12

After making his debut on the label in December with “Flow,” the Brooklyn-based sensation is following suit with another breaks-driven offering. The next record brings the same ferociousness and mind-tingling sound design as its predecessor, and follows suit in a similar frenetic fashion that we were delighted with via his first HARD appearance.