@skopemag news – sunday – march 14, 2021 @ 11 am est

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

LIL TJAY “CALLING MY PHONE” FT. 6LACK IS A GLOBAL SMASH

“Calling My Phone” entered the Billboard Top 200 Song Consumption Chart at #1 in the U.S., #3 on the Billboard HOT 100, #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart and #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart and topped the Rolling Stone Top 100 songs chart. The #3 Billboard Hot 100 debut became Lil Tjay’s highest chart debut and career chart peak. “Calling My Phone” received over 60 million streams globally in the first week, with over 29M here in the U.S. The Cam Busby (Lil Baby, Megan Thee Stallion) directed video trended #2 upon its debut in the U.S., #1 in the UK, #2 in Canada, #5 in Austria, #7 in Germany, #10 in Norway, and received over 15M views in the first week –

The Funklabb Release Debut Single & Video “Mama Said No” ft. Myah Marie

Discussing their debut single, Ed shares, “We’ve had this track for about two years before we decided to forward it to Myah. After hearing, and feeling what Myah put down on the first two tracks we did together, we knew Myah had the missing piece on a track like ‘Mama Said No.’” Wes adds, “We decided to release ‘Mama said No’ first to introduce The Funklabb to the world with a song that not only makes you want to move your body but has depth musically, lyrically and definitely vocally. The track is very dramatic, it rises, falls and, drives in different sections and Myah wrote a song that complements that structure perfectly and is catchy as hell! We loved it instantly. The hook stays with you (weather you want it to or not) and that is the fundamentals of a great song 101!”

CelebMix Premiere: The FunkLabb & Myah Marie – “Mama Said No”

Babygirl – New Single & Video “You Were In My Dream Last Night” Today

Proper Nouns share their new “Known Unknowns” video

Regarding the track, bandleader Spencer Compton stated that the song is “an overt anti-war song about being simultaneously disillusioned and captivated by red/blue color lines in US politics. The video (by Aidan Spann) runs through familiar footage of never-ending presidential talking head endorsements for the newest military ‘intervention’ to ‘spread democracy’ for ‘US national interest’”

BLOOD CULTURES experimental hit ‘Beneath The Moon & Me’

“Beneath The Moon & Me” combines jarring, tumultuous rhythms with pleasant vocal breaks to represent the duality of both the good and the bad we find within ourselves. The track insinuates that we must face our whole selves, both what we love and what we fear, to truly grow and redefine what makes us who we are.

KALI UCHIS’ “TELEPATÍA” TAKES OFF WORLDWIDE

Grammy and Latin Grammy nominee Kali Uchis’ track “telepatía” is taking off worldwide—currently sitting on the Spotify Viral Charts of 66 countries and the Top Songs Charts of 32 countries, #8 on the Global Viral Chart and #22 on the Global Top Songs Chart and surging on Apple Music and TikTok.

“telepatía” has accumulated 26 million global streams, with more than 2 million streams per day the past two days. Additionally, the song has been added to some of Spotify’s biggest playlists including the cover of Viva Latino!, Today’s Top Hits and Pop Rising.

Watch: Lila Iké & Skillibeng Drop Video Today

Fusing contemporary reggae with elements of soul, hip-hop and dancehall, breakthrough recording artist Lila Iké teams up with rising dancehall talent Skillibeng for a powerhouse remix of “Thy Will.” Both hailing from Jamaica, these two distinct vocalists continue to gain notoriety as the island’s new generation of promising stars.

Lesibu Grand shares new video for electronica / hyperpop “Hot Glue Gun (Pls Pls Remix)”

“‘Hot Glue Gun’ is about becoming the superhero you always wanted to be to fix a broken and corrupted world,” says Lesibu Grand frontwoman Tyler-Simone. “In the original video, I portray a cosplayer who takes on and brings down a fascist leader within the setting of a vintage video game. With the PLS PLS RMX, we wanted to explore the darker side of taking action against powerful forces. In the remix video, my character appears to be struggling with memory loss, or PTSD, and is having flashbacks about being hunted down by a Secret Service agent, played by bassist John Renaud. There is a price to pay for pursuing your dreams, we can now see, but it’s still worth doing.”

Extreme Metal Quintet AVERSED Reveals New Video For “Close My Eyes”

New England-based extreme metal quintet AVERSED has revealed a fourth single, “Close My Eyes,” from their upcoming third release, Impermanent, which is scheduled for release on March 19.

EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE: Don’t “Close Your Eyes” On This New Aversed Track

Wild Powwers Announce New LP for Nadine Records and Unveil Video for First Single

Wild Powwers are a dynamic trio who come from the dark, dank corners of a basement in Seattle, WA. Throughout their several years relentlessly writing and touring as a band, they have grown their sound using the vastly different influences in their lives. The result being what KEXP calls “the sort of carefree grunge riff-rock that gets better the dirtier it gets. Each layer of meticulously gnarly distortion, each off-kilter lyric, drenched in garage-echo reverb, is pure Pacific Northwest filth”

Watch the Video for “…Sucks” the Debut Single from Wild Powwers’ Upcoming Album

Luis Vázquez se apodera de los charts de Billboard con su álbum “Comienzos”

El talentoso cantante puertorriqueño, Luis Vázquez, le ha dado un giro inesperado a el género tropical con su juventud y su sonido original y, ahora, ha conquistado las carteleras de la prestigiosa revista Billboard con su primer álbum como solista “Comienzos”, el cual tuvo la dicha de estrenar junto a dos grandes e icónicos intérpretes de la salsa: Gilberto Santa Rosa y Tito Nieves.

Oakland’s Rising Star Laney Keyz Bares His Soul In New Video

Primed to be the Bay’s next to blow, Laney Keyz reveals more about his upbringing and background growing up in East Oakland than he ever has. Although he’s lived a life full of both hardships and beauty, both mistakes and triumphs, Laney strives for more than the circumstances he was dealt and his new song, “Famous” reflects that. In essence, he cares less about being famous than he does making it out the hood. The pressures of becoming famous are inconsequential to the pressures of surviving the streets and armed with that experiential knowledge, Laney is destined for success.

new Reds, Pinks and Purples video out

“The Record Player and the Damage Done,” the new single from The Reds, Pinks and Purples, is a gorgeous piece of DIY pop that echoes immaculate influences such as The Church, Felt and New Zealand’s Flying Nun label. Indeed, such inspirations thoroughly suffuse the new album “Uncommon Weather” and the artist behind the project, Glenn Donaldson, refers to the song as “a tribute to the spiritual practice of record collecting.” It’s this loving, deep attention to the history and mysterious power of the best pop music that animates Donaldson’s brilliant songs, which themselves feel destined to enter the canon and of which “The Record Player and the Damage Done” is a prime example.”

TORONTO’S MASTERY RELEASES NEW LP SEVERING THE EARTH VIA COMBAT RECORDS

Toronto-based Thrash Metal band Mastery is the brainchild of the Swiss-born guitarist Markus Armellini. Their debut album, the blistering instrumental thrash opus Lethal Legacy was released in 2006 on Corporate Punishment Records (run by EMP LABEL GROUP/COMBAT RECORDS’ Thom Hazaert) in North America and Sanctuary/Noise Records in Europe.

Big Jade Shares the DJ Chose-Produced “Gucci Bag”

Armed with blunt force bars and a fierce attitude, Big Jade is coming for the Texas rap crown. Coming through with a sensual single, Jade shares “Gucci Bag.” Produced by DJ Chose, a respected Houston producer/artist who recently collaborated with Jade’s mentor BeatKing for the viral hit “Thick,” “Gucci Bag” is a thumping X-rated heater, as Jade charges atop teasing piano and thumping 808s and proves that no man can handle her. In the video, directed by Diesel Films, Jade welcomes a host of hunks to her Texas manor, making very clear that she’s only welcoming them for one reason. “Gucci Bag” is Jade’s first official single since the release of “Respectfully,” a brash banger featuring BeatKing (who also produced the track) and his “Then Leave” duet partner Queendome Come. Both “Gucci Bag” and “Respectfully” will appear on Jade’s upcoming debut project.

Bestial Mouths shares video for Souls Take and Announces EP Ft. Adult. SRSQ, and more!

Bestial Mouths shares an impactful visual counterpart for the song “Our Souls Take”, off their record RESURRECTEDINBLACK, released via RUNE & RUIN records last year. The eerie song, which feels almost like an interlude, serves as a soundtrack for the haunting visuals and conjuring universe created by director Tas Limur.

NECROPANTHER: Decibel Premieres “Benthic Storms”

Decibel Magazine is currently streaming “Benthic Storms” from Colorado blackened thrash/doom unit NECROPANTHER. The track comes by way of In Depths We Sleep, the latest in an ongoing series of EP releases from the band, set for release on March 12th.

Track Premiere: Necropanther – ‘Benthic Storms’

Claire Reneé – Entitled “I’m Tired”

Claire Reneé is a classically trained dancer who sings from the soul. Singing a combination of R&B, soul, Jazz, and pop while being heavily influenced by hip hop, this singer/songwriter’s raspy yet graceful vocals, along with her unique harmonies, always provide an incredible vibe and sound. Her natural ear for music and performance led her to study at Berklee College of Music and The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.

iconAclass – New Single & Video: Dutch (You Caught Up)

iconAclass is a passion project from MC/producer Will Brooks. Best known as MC dälek, the front person and co-producer in experimental Hip Hop group Dälek. He has explored the left of center/ wall of noise world ala My Bloody Valentine meets Public Enemy on 8 studio albums and numerous collaborations.

Their sophomore full length album Changing Culture with Revolvers features MC dälek back on production and Emcee duties, and recruits long time deadverse massive & Labteks

SMITH / KOTZEN (Featuring Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden & Richie Kotzen of The Winery Dogs) –

“Scars” is the second single from the upcoming SMITH/KOTZEN debut album by Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen.

Released on February 24th, “Scars” is described by Adrian Smith as a song which ‘starts off with a dreamy intro then comes in heavy,’ a hark-back to 70’s bluesy rock which the duo found particularly fun to work on.

New music: Fast-rising British R&B artist James Vickery teams up with R&B legend Musiq Soulchild on new single ‘Come To Me’, out today

While last month’s effort ‘Somewhere, Out There’ saw him continue the vibrant R&B aesthetic he showed on his previous EP ‘Overture’, ‘Come To Me’ sees him channel a far more soulful and organic direction. With nods to the classic lo-fi sound of the Motown era, his newest gem sees him and R&B legend Musiq Soulchild spread their creative wings and offer up a distinct unique addition to Vickery’s catalogue, giving us even more reason to be excited about his highly-anticipated debut album, which drops later this year.

SOCIAL HAUL release gritty debut effort ‘Wet Eyes’ | announce signing to FATCAT RECORDS

Chaotic and raucously compelling in equal measure, post-punk trio Social Haul announce their arrival with gritty debut effort ‘Wet Eyes’, set for release February 24th via FatCat Records (Honeyblood, The Twilight Sad, We Were Promised Jetpacks).

Partnering up with the cult indie label and fronted by TRAAMS’ Leigh Padley, the group’s first offering provides a firm indication of what to expect from the new project, with its potent lyricism, sprawling vocals and relentless riffage demonstrating their electrifying potential amidst a rip-roaring wall of noise.

STARRAH DROPS NEW SINGLE “MISS THIS”

Starrah has returned with her first single of the year, “Miss This,” a flirty take on lovers playfully challenging each other in a relationship. Starrah effortlessly displays her signature dark melodic sound over a crossover R&B, pop, dancehall rhythm. On a steady path to defining herself as an artist and not only the hit songwriter and producer behind the scenes, “Miss This” follows last year’s “How It Goes” and “Keep Calm” (prod. by James Blake) releases which received praise from Pitchfork, Variety, Stereogum, Billboard, and more. Starrah is famed for writing hits across all genres from Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” (their biggest song to date), Rihanna’s “Needed Me” (longest-running Billboard song by a female artist) to Camilla Cabello’s breakout hit “Havana” and most recently Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage Remix” feat. Beyoncé. She also became the first woman in nearly two decades to win ASCAP’s Songwriter of the Year Award.

New music: Alt-pop artist Natalie McCool returns with the bold and soaring new single ‘A Sun Going Down’, out now

Lifted from her forthcoming new album, ‘A Sun Going Down’ sees her channel more of that rich and vibrant sound that has impressed so many of late. With her bold and effortless vocals layered over a warm and effervescent bed of sweeping synths and pulsing production, her latest release cements her as one of the more captivating and enticing names rising right now.

Introducing: Kayla Grace & beautiful lockdown anthem ‘Bird in a Cage’

Born from the frustration and loss of living through lockdown as a teenager, the intimate and cathartic offering is a beautiful, unforgettable keepsake from this impossibly difficult time.

Recorded with raw electric guitar and layered harmonies, Kayla’s dreamy tone cuts through the noise with a comforting familiarity, reminiscent to the likes of Lana Del Ray, Holly Humberstone and Beabadoobee.

LAURENCE MURRAY PROJECT – Release “Providence” Single Today

‘Providence’ is a blissful, down-tempo, soul & RnB infused track fusing the hooks and vocal phrasings of John Mayer with the tones and grooves of 60’s psychedelia.

Taken from a forthcoming debut album, ‘Providence’ was recorded at the UK’s most remote recording studio; Black Bay Studio on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland after Murray decided to pursue his own musical project again following a four year hiatus from original music during which he worked at sea as a musician for Disney Cruise Line – prolifically penning songs in his ship cabin along the way.

Francis Lung (ex-WU LYF) | Shares “Bad Hair Day” & announces new album

This is the second album from Tom McClung – the real name behind the Francis Lung moniker – following his 2019 debut, A Dream Is U, which scored support at the Times, MOJO, Uncut, NPR, Best Fit, Paste Magazine and more. He recorded the new album at the idyllic Giant Wafer studios in rural Wales before self-producing in collaboration with Brendan Williams (Dutch Uncles, Kiran Leonard) and Robin Koob (who co-arranged and performed strings). The opportunity to self-produce and maintain that creative control is something that somewhat plays into the album’s deeply personal themes which represent a period of introspection for Francis as he reflected on his own struggles with mental health, substance (ab)use and, relationships.

BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE Announce ‘Live In The Studio’ EP – Out April 16th

London, UK rock outfit BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE have announced details for their next studio offering. The band will release ‘Live In The Studio’ on April 16th, 2021 via Long Branch Records. The live EP includes one song from each of their critically acclaimed full-length albums. These ferocious performances showcase the band’s huge sound and machine-like tightness as the three-piece thrives in their natural environment – the recording and rehearsal space that gave birth to so many of their monstrous riffs. Fans can check out the music video for the first single, “Pray To The Creature”, by visiting the link found below.

Ready for broadcast… Like A Diamond from Dutch house / techno pioneer DJ Spandex

DJ Spandex just spun his way onto the Dutch music scene. In that time, he has established a reputation as one of the most innovative DJ’s of his generation.

Having shown an affinity for music from a very young age, DJ Spandex has been fine-tuning his DJ skills with a unique repertoire of mixes, music elements and playlists. His career took off propelled by a loyal following that loved the mind-bending sounds of DJ Spandex.

Vic Santoro unveils the first chapter of his mixtape ‘Glory Days Pt. 1 – Pain’

A hard-hitting, introspective release, Glory Days Pt. 1: Pain opens with the aptly-titled ‘Anxiety’, an ode to self-care and maintaining a positive outlook in spite of past demons attempting to rear their ugly heads. Next up, ‘Heal My Soul’ pairs smooth production with even smoother autotune vocals and heart-on-sleeve lyrics, ‘Gaps’ channels a similar vibe, detailing Vic’s past run-ins with the law, before the jazz-infused ‘Outcome’ sees him look to move away from this life. Closing things out is recent single ‘Reinvented’, a triumphant ode to forgetting yesterday’s strife and focusing on the future.

Stream -(16)- and Grime devastatingly heavy split EP in full!

L.A.-based sludge metal giants -(16)- and Trieste’s revered filth merchants GRIME partnered up with Cvlt Nation to premiere their devastatingly heavy ‘Doom Sessions Vol. 3’ split EP, coming out this February 26th on Heavy Psych Sounds.

Hear the Ultimate Doom Split: -(16)- and GRIME Doom Sessions Vol. 3 Full Stream

Indianapolis hip-hop pioneers Sirius Blvck, Oreo Jones & David Adamson announce collaborative 81355 project

81355 (pronounced ‘bless’) is a meeting of the minds between three pillars of the Indianapolis music scene; Sirius Blvck, Oreo Jones, and David Adamson aka Sedcairn Archives. Today they announce they have joined 37d03d, the experience-based label founded by Justin Vernon, Aaron Dessner, and Bryce Dessner.

Jillette Johnson Shares Cosmic “Many Moons” Video

Jillette Johnson has released a celestial music video for her reflective single “Many Moons.” The track is off her latest album It’s a Beautiful Day and I Love You, which just released on February 12.

Pop Singer Songwriter Call Me Loop Recently Released Her Nostalgic Disco-Tinged Single Rosé

When asked about her new single Call Me Loop said, “I wrote ‘Rosé’ in the midst of the first lockdown when I was desperately craving proper human interaction. I missed my boyfriend and I missed dancing and I missed holidays. I wanted to write a song that let me escape to a world that encapsulated all those things. I just want to be able to transport people to another non-Covid, non-lockdown world when they listen to it.”

BECKY G AND BURNA BOY RELEASE NEW TRACK “ROTATE”

Becky G says, “Rotate” to me is a celebration. I think it’s evident that futbol holds a special place in my heart and having Burna Boy join me on this made sense because ultimately I wanted to embody the perfect pre-game song that gets the blood flowing, makes you want to dance and enjoy the sport.”

SUBTERRANEAN MASQUERADE: Israeli Progressive Metal Outfit Unveils Details Of Epic Fourth LP

SUBTERRANEAN MASQUERADE, which until recently was considered a cult studio project for fine taste followers, has transformed over the last two years into an exciting, colorful live act, mixing the traditions of heavy metal together with the aesthetics of world music performance, spiritual punk, and pure rock. Praised by music journalists all over Europe and beyond, the band has taken over the stages, showcasing a distinctly audacious execution of their complex songwriting while maintaining an almost magical grip on their audience, reviewed as rave parties for metalheads.

AMY MACDONALD SHARES THE NEW SINGLE ‘STATUES’ – WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

‘Statues’ is one of the biggest moments on ‘The Human Demands’. Constantly escalating its exuberant energy, it showcases Amy’s flair for rock, pounding indie energy and evocative lyricism. It’s a reflection on the house and the street that she grew up in, with a Springsteen-esque skill for depicting snapshots of ordinary life with a poetic slant.

BEN FOSKETT Confronts Manipulators In Multiple-Personality ‘Believe Me’ Video

France-based composer and arranger BEN FOSKETT is pleased to reveal his new single ‘Believe Me’ which is out now on all good DSPs. The track is the latest to be taken from his debut solo album, Songs of Searching, which is set for release on 30th March 2021.

Cariss Auburn takes a self-care holiday on ‘Daydream’

Wolverhampton native Cariss Auburn develops her dream-pop sound on new single ‘Daydream’, out 24th February, announcing new project ‘Refraction’ due April 2021.

Despite forming a girl band with her friends aged 8 and participating in school orchestras, the first time she realised music was a realistic option was years later after she produced her own songs and received praise from friends.

NEW: Bandit release blistering new single ‘Peppermints…’

Exploring the honesty of romance when under the influence, Peppermints Don’t Hide Everything proposes a more in-depth look into their experiences of late night mistakes, twisting into an unapologetic anthem firing dominant choruses straight from the notebook of songwriter, and frontman, Nat Waters. Expanding on the attitude slithering through on debut single ‘Waster’, their latest cut thrives upon the use of Waters’ turn of phrases, notably “Just like modern time lovers Bonnie and Clyde, let’s hold the world ransom tonight”

Norse Heavy Metal Legends EINHERJER Release Third Single & Video “West Coast Groove”

Viking Metal pioneers EINHERJER are about to release their eighth studio album, North Star, this Friday, February 26, proving their status as the pioneers of blending Nordic Black Metal and Folk Metal genres into pure Norse Heavy Metal once again.

The album marks the band’s return to Napalm Records after 25 years, and the release of their legendary Dragons Of The North album (1996), which will be re-released as a re-mastered version on February 26 as well.