@skopemag HQ – http://smarturl.it/skope
So Solid Crew Diamond Jeweller and Official Member MC Trigga Launches as Artist Vvs1 With Latest Single ‘El Fuego’ [Supported by Wonderland Mag]
Vvs1 looks to use the clarity and the sparkle of diamonds with the fire,’ blending genres as well as languages (English, Greek and Spanish) and with the collaboration with the up and coming London artist Marno Soprano, Vvs1 brings two generations of artists together creating something fresh and unique. The track is backed by an infectious Reggaeton beat with an Arabian flute taking on the lead line, this interesting mix of elements is further added to with Vvs1’s flowing vocals which see him executing 5 different styles of flow advancing the energetic nature of the track showcased visually throughout the music video.
Ready for broadcast… Just Breathe from British pop sensation Anuladé
Talented music and visual artist, Anuladé continues her autobiographical journey through music with Just Breathe. As a singer / songwriter, she produces thought provoking and memorable music, much of which tells parts of her life story. A story that whilst recognising challenges is focussed on recovery and possibility.
FERRY CORSTEN PROVIDES HOPE WITH HEADY NEW SINGLE ‘HIGH ON YOU’ (FT. MARIA MARCUS)
Ferry Corsten has committed extended periods recently creatively exploring new ways to tie his wide breadth of musical influences into his music. His first single of 2021, ‘High On You’, features the vocal talent of Maria Marcus, is a true testament to the development of his artistry. Last year saw various projects, including his ambient album ‘As Above So Below’ under the FERR alias and the breakbeat-fuelled ‘Black Lion’ with Ejeca’s Trance Wax alias and most recently the melodic techno-leaning ‘I Don’t Need You’. Ferry’s latest offering is a breaky, garage-tinged number that represents a perfect balance of the sounds that inspire him, as he continues to break new ground and demonstrate why he’s been able to stay ahead of the curve throughout his long and distinguished career.
Emmanuel Jal releases Chagu through Defected Records
With a powerful and evocative spoken word narration provided by South Sudanese-Canadian artist, actor, former child soldier and political activist Emmanuel Jal, he seamlessly transitions between dialects, speaking in primarily English and Nuer (Thok Naath), a language from South Sudan and western Ethiopia. Produced by MoBlack and Henrik Schwarz, both of whom have worked with Emmanuel previously, the two producers each provide their own version of ‘Chagu’ on the release.
MADISON BEER RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM LIFE SUPPORT TODAY
Today Madison Beer releases her highly anticipated debut album, Life Support, nine years to the day since her first post on YouTube. Candid, audacious and sonically eclectic, Life Support is a strong personal and artistic statement from a self-made star who refuses to play by pop’s usual rules. It sees Madison where she thrives – commanding creative control through writing her own songs, producing and creating her own visuals.
Madison Beer – ‘Life Support’ review: diaristic lyricism with gut-punch honesty
Alt-rock four-piece Dohny Jep release explosive new EP ‘Smile, It Might Never Happen’
Kent-based alternative-rock four-piece Dohny Jep began as a duo in early 2019, with Stuart and Pete deciding to create something unlike anything either of them had done before in previous bands and projects. With their unique video concepts and mesh of pop-synth melodies and rock guitars, they did just that. Fast forward one year and with an additional two members in tow, the group self-released their much celebrated debut album L.U.S.T in July 2020.
Italian psychedelic synth-pop outfit Vanarin’s hypnotic new single
Mastered by the Grammy Award-winning engineer Giovanni Versari, the themes on “Care” embody pain and awareness, describing time as a missile that strikes and leaves you surrounded by the anguish of distant memories and past shadows. Its surreal video is a cryptic journey through the many voids carved deep within the mind; subconscious thought is a train that tracks itself and stops, that builds itself up and returns to dust, that creates and destroys. The protagonist finds himself stuck in a limbo of awareness and complete detachment from reality, staring at the unavoidable while the sands of time slip through his hands.
Alternative Duo Yellow Trash Can Release Riveting New Single
“Ringo’s Revenge is inspired by being under control of a girl and having your whole life twisted around her finger. It’s about getting stuck into a reality that doesn’t have to be. The lyrics: ‘You said it all before, next time just shut the door, you just needed some more, you just needed some more.’ These portray those feelings of, ‘Get out of my life. Stop being toxic and going back and being codependent/dependent,” the two explain.
Bubba Janko examines the male ego with R&B-tinged ‘Shy Luv’
Bubba Janko’s latest single ‘Shy Luv’ takes a candid look at how masculinity interferes with relationships. The lyrics blend bold imagery (such as “terrifying flame”) with a sense of confusion and inhibition, to create a refreshing examination of how men can struggle with expressing affection and their ‘softer side’. Janko’s vocals carry this topic charmingly, over glimmering synths and a sweet 70’s soul inspired groove. The artwork vividly depicts the message – with a man confronted by the burning desire and heat of falling in love, yet he presents an emotionless exterior to try and deny his inner vulnerability and fear. ‘Shy Luv’ is the lead single and title track of Janko’s upcoming EP.
LISTEN: Mikey Lion & Sacha Robotti Present “Do or Die” on Desert Hearts
Mikey Lion has unveiled the next single off his forthcoming album, For The Love, today: “Do Or Die,” a tech-fueled collaboration with Sacha Robotti. A squelchy acid line formulated into a menacing loop serves as the track’s centerpiece, with added vocal clips and a hefty low end adding further power to the finished product. It’s made for the dancefloor and offers something completely different than its preceding single, speaking to the range listeners can expect when the Desert Hearts boss’ debut longform arrives in April.
Ellysse Mason “Sweet Talkin”
Emerging with nebulous textures and swelling synths, “Sweet Talkin” encapsulates the intangible nature of Ellysse’s artistry. With distinct vocals and a keen ear for sophisticated production, her innate ability to curate credible, poignant pop songs has seen a rapid rise in her fan base, with over 400k followers on TikTok.
Pilar Victoria Releases Debut EP ‘Hi, My Name Is Pily!’
“This is a collection of tracks that I wrote over the last couple of years way before quarantine,” says Pilar. “For the most part, all these songs are based on me questioning everything in my life and then overthinking everything. But I promise there are some happy parts too!!! This is my first EP, so I’m so excited for everyone to hear it.”
Pilar Victoria shares new single ‘80’s Movie’+ announces debut EP (26th February)
New Music: Stunna Bam x Erica Banks “Rock Out”
Today, Houston rapper Stunna Bam releases his new single, “Rock Out,” with Erica Banks via 1501 Certified Entertainment/ eOne. “Rock Out” is the first single from his forthcoming mixtape, “Baptized in Loyalty,” due out later this year. Produced by Sgt. J, Stunna, who also produced Banks’ breakout viral hit “Buss It”, the track has the Texas raised artists seamlessly fusing the North Texas drip with the Southern finesse.
Josh Groban Releases “Harmony Deluxe” Today Via Reprise Records
The brand new deluxe edition is an expansion of his ninth studio album, Harmony, originally released in November 2020. The record features six additional renditions of timeless classics, including “Nature Boy” (written by eden ahbez and performed by Nat King Cole, a GRAMMY Hall of Fame recipient); “April Come She Will” (written by Paul Simon and performed by Simon & Garfunkel); and a special guest performance from acclaimed German artist Helene Fischer performing with Groban on “I’ll Stand By You” (written by Chrissie Hynde, Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg and performed by The Pretenders).
HERMANOS LAUNCH OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR ‘A DIFFERENT LOVE’
Darkwave duo HERMANOS are proud to release the official video for “A Different Love”, track taken from their upcoming self-titled album “A Different Love” due for release via Epictronic.
DUKE DEUCE DROPS NEW ALBUM ‘DUKE NUKEM’ VIA MOTOWN / QUALITY CONTROL
Offset discovered, Memphis rap star Duke Deuce drops his highly anticipated album DUKE NUKEM out now via Quality Control Music / Motown Records / Made Men Movement. The bombastic new album features all the hallmarks of Duke’s gritty style, from his booming ad-libs to his aggressive delivery, as well as winning appearances from Offset who is credited for discovering Duke, A$AP Ferg, recent collaborator Mulatto, Young Dolph, and more.
Carla Monroe unveils debut solo single ‘Shapes’
Already an esteemed dance music vocalist, Carla’s versatile vocals take centre stage in her debut single, ‘Shapes’, a high-energy house heater. Written with the dancefloor in mind, the track was created after Carla spent some time reminiscing over what it feels like to be on a great night out with friends.
Infinite Arcade arrives with duelling singles
On April 23rd, Arcade be releasing two contrasting EPs simultaneously. The first, ‘Nineteen Ninety-eight’, is a lo-fi piano-led journey through melancholy and nostalgia. The free-flowing, progressive structures allow percussion and samples to create an evolving narrative, which can become as unsettling as it is hopeful. The second EP, ‘The Shield and Sparrow’, is visceral, succinct, crisp, and satisfying. Strict, layered percussion and dominating bass lines are accompanied by harrowing leads and melodic intervals, offering spells of both anxiety and respite.
Introducing BACHELOR
The two musicians came together in pre-quarantine 2020, recording in California during what was then a rare break from touring. Written, performed, and produced entirely by the pair, the new single starts with a heavy, funky bass line followed by a chorus so playful it could be a schoolyard taunt.
LEON BRIDGES & KEITE YOUNG – “LIKE A SHIP” AVAILABLE NOW
Today, Grammy Award winning R&B artist and songwriter Leon Bridges’ cover of underground classic “Like A Ship” – titled Leon Bridges & Keite Young – “Like A Ship” is available on all streaming platforms. Leon gives “Like A Ship,” which was originally recorded in 1971 by Pastor T.L. Barrett and has been referenced and sampled in many hip and R&B releases over the years, including Kanye West’s Life of Pablo, a silky R&B infusion, anchored by fellow Fort Worth recording artist Keite Young’s vocals. Leon Bridges & Keite Young – “Like A Ship” first debuted on TikTok as part of TikTok’s Black History Month.
Leon Bridges & Keite Young Share ‘Like A Ship’ Cover From ‘Truth To Power Project’
Janita’s New Single | “Timeless.”
Janita’s new single, her electrifying take on the Peter Gabriel classic “Digging In The Dirt” (ECR Music Group), arrives February 26th on the heels of multiple, triumphant single releases. The stunning music video for this new track—directed by acclaimed fashion photographer and artist Anthony Friend—will be released March 10th.
Key Glock Proves He’s On Another Level in “I’m The Type”
Signed to Young Dolph’s Paper Route EMPIRE label, Key Glock established himself as a bonafide star in 2020, reaching the top 40 of the Billboard 200 with two different projects and without any guest artists. His May mixtape Son Of A Gun reached #37 on the Billboard 200. January’s successful Yellow Tape, which hosted successful singles like “Look At They Face,” the suave “Mr. Glock,” and the sinister “I’m Just Sayin’.” Praised by Pitchfork, Complex, and more, the project reached #16 on the Billboard 200.
FREYA BEER – Releases bewitching new single ‘Siren’
Originating from West London but currently residing on the south coast, Freya Beer deftly mixes poetic lyrics inspired by Charles Bukowski or Anne Sexton, with a distinctive gothic noir of Nick Cave, Johnny Cash, and David Lynch.
Jessie Ware Releases Music Video for “Remember Where You Are”
Having first become friends after Gemma appeared as a guest on Jessie’s Table Manners podcast, Jessie and Gemma developed the video concept as a love letter to a desolate London during lockdown. Co-produced by Gemma’s production company Rebel Park Productions and executive produced by Jessie, the short film beautifully captures feelings of isolation and loneliness, while radiating hope for a future of togetherness.
EBEN DROPS NEW TRACK “GHOST TOWN”
Rising singer-producer EBEN has dropped his first new track of 2021, “Ghost Town” – available now via Atlantic Records and Signature Entertainment. Arriving alongside a desert-shot video companion directed by Evan Hara, “Ghost Town” marks the first of several exciting releases this year from the Cincinnati-born and Los Angeles-based artist.
MAISIE PETERS UNVEILS NEW SINGLE ‘JOHN HUGHES MOVIE’
Penned by Maisie alongside Miranda Cooper (Girls Aloud, Sugababes, Kylie Minogue) and Henrik Michelson, who also produced the track with Afterhrs (Victoria Monét, Niall HoranM), ‘John Hughes Movie’ is an infectious song about unrequited love, inspired by the legendary film producer and his classic coming-of-age teen comedies (‘Sixteen Candles’, ‘The Breakfast Club’, ‘Pretty in Pink’).
Salt Lake City Trio Cinders Releases Rowdy New Single “Growing Up”
Growing up can be hard at times. The nostalgia of being a kid has been on our minds a lot lately. No bills, no jobs, no responsibilities. While writing the lyrics, we wanted to make the song feel different as well. It’s probably the most technically difficult song we’ve ever written because of all the changes throughout, but it makes it so much fun to play. – Cinders
JIMMY EDGAR RELEASES FIRST SOLO ALBUM IN 9 YEARS, CHEETAH BEND
Following years of collaborations and production for others, Jimmy Edgar has made his return to solo work with Cheetah Bend, out today via Innovative Leisure (the label also responsible for his recent J-E-T-S output with Machinedrum). Recorded over the past few years in Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, and beyond, it draws as much upon his vibrant 15+ year discography as a producer on the bleeding edge of electronic music as it does his burgeoning ubiquity in rap circles. Coming nine years after Majenta, the album improbably synthesizes what might seem like disparate styles, unspooling fresh perspectives and glistening sound design that flaunts genre rules while respecting genre spirit. “The value I bring is hybridization,” Jimmy explains of his approach. “I think about different universes of sound coming together to create an entirely new domain of knowing.”
Elijah Wolf Releases New Sam Cohen-Produced Album ‘Brighter Lighting’ via Trash Casual Records
Today, Brooklyn-based artist Elijah Wolf released his sophomore album Brighter Lighting via Trash Casual Records. Recorded with acclaimed producer Sam Cohen (Kevin Morby, Andrew Combs, Sharon Van Etten) and an all-star band including Wilco guitarist Nels Cline, drummer Joshua Jaeger (Angel Olsen, Lionlimb), and multi-instrumentalist Photay, Brighter Lighting marks the start of an adventurous new chapter for Wolf, who moves beyond the sparse and isolated bedroom folk of his earlier work in favor of a more collaborative, immersive sound. The texture-rich LP is an observation of joy in the presence of darkness; meditating on loss, hope and nostalgia.
Steve Aoki & George Benson Revamp “Give Me The Night”
Global DJ, producer and entrepreneur Steve Aoki teams up with Grammy Award-winning legend George Benson to unveil a contemporary remake of “Give Me The Night.” Lacing the disco-era classic with a fresh coat of tech house vigor, the pair keep the spirit of the party alive on a dance floor-worthy revision. “Give Me The Night” is the sophomore release on Dim Mak’s newly launched house imprint, A GOOD ONE.
NOÊTA announce new album and release first video single
NOÊTA have released an intensely melancholic video featuring vocalist Êlea for the track ‘Dawn Falls’. This song is also the first single taken from the Nordic dark ambient folk outfit’s forthcoming album “Elm”, which has been scheduled for release on April 23, 2021.
STUNNA GIRL’S NEW MIXTAPE STUNNA THIS STUNNA THAT OUT NOW!
Earlier this month, she set the stage for the project’s arrival with the lead single and opening track “Still Smoke” which she freestyled in the studio. Reupping Axel Foley’s classic theme from Beverly Hills Cop, she shreds through the REEFA produced beat with teeth bared and knockout bars on point. In addition to putting up numbers across streaming platforms, it reached #11 on Spotify’s premier hip-hop playlist “Rap Caviar.” Meanwhile, UPROXX claimed the song “solidifies her presence alongside the latest wave of fire female talent in rap music.”
Ann Wilson returns to power rock roots with new single, “The Hammer”
Legendary rock singer and songwriter Ann Wilson continues her streak of electric new singles with today’s premiere of “The Hammer,” available now at all DSPs and streaming services.
“BEAT BOX 3” BY SPOTEMGOTTEM AND DABABY OUT NOW
ISSEY CROSS REVEALS NEW SINGLE “BOYS MAKE PROMISES”
London based newcomer Issey Cross continues to build early buzz with the reveal of her stunning second single, Boys Make Promises. A razor sharp, sky-reaching alt-pop cut showcasing Issey Cross as a sure-fire one to watch this year, Boys Make Promises arrives with stellar video directed by Frederick Paginton.
ICYMI: Hannah Hausman Releases Moody New Music Video For “will i ever feel like this again?”
Written like a diary entry as she examines her innermost thoughts and emotions, “will i ever feel like this again?” echoes the key questions one asks themselves in an on-again off-again relationship. Speaking on the song, Hannah Hausman says, “I wrote this when I started to realize the person I was in love with was wrong for me. Our relationship was so toxic and I knew I needed to walk away, but he made me feel something I had never felt before. I knew I was being used and manipulated, but I was so scared of falling into apathy, so I stayed way longer than I should have. Writing this helped process my conflicting feelings and I wanted the video to showcase these same emotions that I felt while writing the song. “
Hannah Hausman Gets to the Heart of the Question ‘Will I Ever Feel Like This Again?’
VIC MENSA ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF NEW PROJECT I TAPE
Chicago rapper and activist VIC MENSA has shared the artwork and details of his impending new project I TAPE, out March 26 from Roc Nation. The announcement comes on the heels of a powerful performance on last night’s The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, in which Mensa was joined by Wyclef Jean and Peter CottonTale for a bespoke medley of recent single “SHELTER” and the as-yet-unreleased “FR33DOM,” both from the forthcoming I TAPE release. The performance was directed by Andre Muir, who was also behind the artful and melancholic music video for “SHELTER.” Whereas the music video was a visual metaphor for the perilous impact that Covid-19 has had on the Black community, last night’s performance honed in on some of the songs’ lyrical themes, challenging the power structure that perpetuates systems of overpolicing and unjust incarceration. The performance was rendered even more poignant by the inclusion of a poem written and recited by Julius Jones, who is currently on death row despite compelling evidence to back his innocence.