@skopemag HQ – http://smarturl.it/skope
Out Now: Pikes ‘We Will Never Change’
The artist, songwriter and producer Christoffer Ling has for almost a year now released music under the alias of Pikes. The idea began as a way of departing from an existence that was defined by rules and norms. The music is a mixture of synthesizers from the 80s, samples / organic drums and large orchestral soundscapes that come together in a sound that borders between pop and movie score. Pikes is influenced by artists such as Peter Gabriel, Frank Zappa and Kate Bush.
Elohim and GRiZ team up on new single “Bring Me Back”
Both multi-talented artists continue to shine as dynamic performers and genre defying studio musicians. “Bring Me Back” is an infectiously uplifting track that personifies contemporary house music through Elohim’s effortless melancholic vocals and GRiZ’s keyboard soaked production.
This Spring sees the highly anticipated return of Mara TK, the golden voiced singer of the Kiwi future soul trio Electric Wire Hustle. While EWH’s globally acclaimed career has seen this Māori-Scottish singer wonder all across the world, with his debut solo album ‘Bad Meditation’ he is returning to deeply personal topics about his home in Aotearoa (or long white cloud, the Māori name for New Zealand). The third single and the album’s title track is released 9th April.
NULA shed light on Black Lives Matter with their punchy new liquid R&B track ‘Tone Deaf’
For their second release of 2021 the pair, Nadia Adu-Gyamfi and producer/percussionist Luke Osborne, bang on the door with this punchy mix of liquid R&B and intelligent lyricism which sheds a light on Black Lives Matter. The melancholy yet empowering perspective of Adu-Gyamfi’s lyricism speaks boldly on her personal experience as a black woman and her desire to see change.
Elgin release new single ‘Oh Love’
Elgin have released their brand new single ‘Oh Love’, the latest track to be taken from their forthcoming album Weightless / Still out on May 28th via Pixie Pace Records (ARC Music Productions International).
‘Oh Love’ opens the beautiful atmospheric indie-folk record, which incorporates a wide range of instrumentation with lush guitars, synths, keys, brass and more, all enveloped in decadent vocal harmonies creating a vast, expansive sound.
Indonesian superstar Afgan – “Wallflower” Album
With 100M streams, 17M+ followers across socials and 57 illustrious music awards under his belt, Afgan’s soul infused music has captured the hearts of millions across the globe. A succinct and sultry collection of ten tightly produced gems, Afgan now aims to bring his powerhouse vocals and polished sound to a worldwide audience for the first time.
Spencer Ramsay debuts on Polydor with new single ‘Love With You’
Combining sugar-sweet vocals, a deep, bumping bassline and emotional breakdowns, ‘Love With You’ is a feelgood, UKG-inspired groover that’s been crafted with the dancefloor in mind. A certified online smash, the track has already racked up 275,000 Soundcloud plays after being uploaded just two months ago.
Ballaké Sissoko | new album feat. Camille, Salif Keita, Vincent Segal out now
Malian kora player Ballaké Sissoko today releases his critically-praised new album ‘Djourou’, available now on all platforms via Parisian label Nø Førmat! (Oumou Sangaré, Blick Bassy, Mélissa Laveaux). Having previously partnered on projects with Toumani Diabaté, Taj Mahal and Ludovic Einaudi, the new album – Sissoko’s 11th – draws together solo compositions alongside thoughtful collaborations with African legend Salif Keita, Nouvelle Vague’s Camille, French rapper Oxmo Puccino, leading female kora player Sona Jobarteh and French cellist Vincent Segal (with whom Sissoko has released two albums for Nø Førmat!) amongst others.
JAYDA G ANNOUNCES FORTHCOMING DJ-KICKS WITH BRAND NEW SINGLE ‘ALL I NEED’
‘All I Need’ sits at the forefront of Jayda’s DJ-Kicks mix; it’s a slinky house tune co-produced with James Ford that fizzes with shimmering energy. Combining Jayda’s love of disco and soul music, ‘All I Need’ is a rallying cry for kinship that we have all been longing for over the past year. The accompanying video directed by David Ehrenreich, celebrates the spirit of free party culture, fusing footage of Jayda dancing in the vast wilderness of British Columbia Canada with 25-year-old stock footage of a forest rave in the same region.
COURSE Release Nostalgic New Single “Sixteen” and Accompanying Short Story // Debut Album Out May 21
Chicago based synth/indie/pop group Course released today their nostalgic new single “Sixteen” off their forthcoming debut album A Late Hour (out May 21st). The song debuted on Consequence of Sound along with the accompanying flash fiction short story written by singer/guitarist Jess Robbins.
Chicago’s Course Share the Origins of New Single “Sixteen”: Stream
SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE DELIVER NEW LP ‘ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH’
Philadelphia shape-shifting rock band SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE has delivered their new LP ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH via Saddle Creek – their first with the label. With it comes a new video for “IT MIGHT TAKE SOME TIME” – a dreamy sequencing of pattern, color, and imagery edited by Braden Lawrence. A band admired by fans, peers and critics alike ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH is a clear leap forward in the evolution of the newly modified 3-piece (founding members Zack Schwartz and Rivka Ravede are now joined by new member Corey Wichlin), an adjustment that better suits the new record’s musical stylings.
SLC Trio Cinders Releases Powerful New Single “Afternoon”
“Afternoon” is about the struggle of enjoying moments while knowing they will come to an end. The feeling of being locked in a timeline or a situation with nowhere to go. We loved the writing/recording this one because it’s definitely more serious than our fun/bouncy style, but still has that uplifting spirit. – Cinders
Ashlynn Malia Shares “open” Music Video Via Atwood, New Video Out Today Jullian Records/The Orchard, ‘rather be alone’ EP Out This Summer
Ashlynn Malia shares the music video for “open,” the lead single off her upcoming EP rather be alone, due out this summer via Jullian Records/The Orchard. Atwood Magazine premiered the video, praising how it “encapsulates sentiments of solitude with an admirable honesty, allowing Ashlynn Malia to show herself with as much redolence as possible.”
Premiere: Ashlynn Malia Offers Solidarity in Solitude with “open”
$NOT & Lil Skies connect for “Whipski”
Murmuring infectious melodies through his tightly-wrapped hoodie, $NOT is a master of the low-key banger. Teaming up with Cole Bennett and Lil Skies, $NOT shares “Whipski”, his first new single of the year. Produced by Taz Taylor, Cxdy, and Nash of Internet Money (“Lemonade”), who anchor the track with an intricate guitar melody that instantly evokes “summertime,” “Whipski” finds $NOT and Lil Skies approaching the instrumental from complementary angles–$NOT sets the melodic template with his lilting baritone, and Lil Skies turns heads with his honeyed tenor. Both emcees have money and women on their mind trade verses: “I just want a bad b*tch for the summer/Hoes on my bummer/I’m a real lover,” rhymes $NOT.
Justin Sullivan releases new single ‘Clean Horizon’
“I think that unaffected simplicity is the holy grail for song-writers,” details Justin, “but of course you can’t make it happen by force of will or by hard work. I think that it’s more a case of being open to what comes. Just occasionally there are songs that kind of write themselves. I fall into conversation with a person – it might be someone I know well or a complete stranger – and in the course of the conversation I can suddenly see directly into the person’s heart, I can read their story and I ‘feel them’ and I want to write it. Combine this with a simple melody and it’s done
Ready for broadcast… Watchu Want from Canadian Hip-Hop / R&B artist 20KDrz
Deshawn Omari Palmer-Agyemang was born in Toronto, Ontario in 2000 and has since moved to Vaughan.
As a child, to keep himself occupied and active, he was enrolled in numerous sports in and out of school; Castlebrooke Secondary School – basketball, soccer and volleyball. When Deshawn was 14, he was put in a choir and made appearances in his elementary talent show. He showcased his talent and unlocked a new ability of vocals, which impressed everyone with his voice.
LØLØ RELEASES NEW POP ROCK ANTHEM “DEATH WISH”
Of the song inspiration she says, “I was 5 years old when I accidentally killed Goldy, my first (of many) goldfish. I remember being absolutely heartbroken, knowing that it was MY FAULT that my new friend was gone forever. Ever since then, I’ve noticed quite an unfortunate pattern in my life. When I was a kid, it was goldfish, but now that I’m all ‘grown up’, my knack for killing things has escalated to relationships. Every time I start to feel like I might be in love, it always ends up just like Goldy – in the toilet. I used to always think it was the guy’s fault, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I might actually be the one to blame, thanks to my impeccable ability to self-sabotage. So believe it or not, in my own twisted way, “death wish” is actually a love song — but with a very clear disclaimer: LOVE ME AT YOUR OWN RISK.”
Thomas Csorba Releases Resolute New Single “Green Velvet” (Prod. by Beau Bedford of Texas Gentlemen)
Today, Texas singer/songwriter Thomas Csorba has released “Green Velvet,” his second new single of 2021. The song was produced by Beau Bedford (Texas Gentlemen) and originally recorded during the sessions for Thomas’s critically acclaimed self-titled album which he released this past fall. Thomas is celebrating the release with a hometown show at The Sundown in Dallas, TX on Saturday April 17.
New Tony Allen Song “Stumbling Down (ft. Sampa The Great)”
“Stumbling Down” features Zambian-Australian rapper Sampa The Great, whose flow and lyrics live up to the four Australian Grammy’s she’s won for her breakout debut album The Return, released in 2019 via Ninja Tune. The sound draws together the musical lifeblood of Melbourne, Johannesburg and Gaborone, all locations where parts of the track were recorded. As Sampa puts it, “Uncle Tony was involved in changing the way African Music was heard and felt, and he has constantly inspired me to learn and to expand my music.”
Julian Lage shares new song from Blue Note debut; new album out June 11
Guitar virtuoso Julian Lage shares “Boo’s Blues,” the second song from his soon-to-be-released Blue Note Records debut album, Squint, out June 11. The loping swing feel of “Boo’s Blues” exemplifies Lage’s ability to write with his bandmates in mind while echoing his influences.
“I like to imagine this music being played by the titans of bass and drums,” Lage says. “I’m imagining Billy Higgins, I’m imagining Art Taylor, I’m imagining Wilbur Ware, even though I’m writing explicitly for Dave and Jorge.”
Doja Cat & SZA join forces for ‘Kiss Me More’
Oozing with feelgood pop energy, ‘Kiss Me More’ sees Doja Cat and SZA trade seductive vocals amidst a fresh, sunkissed production. The track will feature on Doja’s forthcoming sophomore album Planet Her, primed for release later this year.
408 tread alternative waters in new single “Undertow”
Orlando alt rockers 408 will be celebrating the release of their 5th EP Sherbet later this summer (release TBA), but ahead of the drop, they have debuted a music video for the single “Undertow.”
Written during quarantine, “Undertow” is a dark song about being in the state of mixed emotions. “We were all in the state of depression and darkness due to the virus,” says Faroudi. “I was also going through the end of a relationship at the time. We brought the song into Andrew Wade and he perfected it.”
Silky teams up with Jaykae & French The Kid…
Silky has released a remix of his 2020 smash ‘Playing Games’, featuring vocals from UK rap talents Jaykae and French The Kid, out 8th April.
A certified floorfiller, the new ‘Playing Games’ remix sees Silky, Jaykae and French The Kid trade slick, rapid-fire bars amidst sugar-sweet diva vocals and an infectious bassline house production. Released last year, the original has racked up more than 4 million streams.
AJ MITCHELL CONTINUES TO CEMENT HIS RISE WITH ELECTRIC NEW SINGLE “STOP”
The track pairs a thumping bass line and flurry of funk guitar with a showstopping vocal performance. He delivers charismatic verses before igniting the instantly unshakable hook, “I don’t wanna stop, baby it’s our time.”
Gavin Haley Releases ‘Bike Rides Alone’ EP
Written by Haley over the past few months, Bike Rides Alone is his most personal work to date. Across the eight-track project, Haley gives listeners an intimate look at his upbringing and struggles with anxiety and depression. Finding solace in biking through the mountains, Haley channeled his energy into music, writing each track as a way to meditate on his past experiences and come to terms with who he is now.
ADE – Shares euphoric electro-clash single ‘Another Weekend’ | Debut album ‘Midnight Pizza’ out 23rd April
A masterclass of euphoric electro-clash, “Another Weekend” ticks like a techno-fied clock, running down the seconds of the working week with exponential pace. Pumped-up on heady mix of Big-Beat primed production, lopsided synths loops and kick-drum powered rhythms, it offers a playful new cut of the fast approaching debut album: ‘Midnight Pizza’.
$NOT & Lil Skies Connect for the Cole Bennett-Directed “Whipski” Video
Murmuring infectious melodies through his tightly-wrapped hoodie, $NOT is a master of the low-key banger. Teaming up with Cole Bennett and Lil Skies, $NOT shares “Whipski,” his first new single of the year. Produced by Taz Taylor, Cxdy, and Nash of Internet Money (“Lemonade”), who anchor the track with an intricate guitar melody that instantly evokes “summertime,” “Whipski” finds $NOT and Lil Skies approaching the instrumental from complementary angles–$NOT sets the melodic template with his lilting baritone, and Lil Skies turns heads with his honeyed tenor. Both emcees have money and women on their mind trade verses: “I just want a bad b*tch for the summer/Hoes on my bummer/I’m a real lover,” rhymes $NOT.
BUNT. Release Brand-New Single “Hurricane” (Feat. HON & SMBY)
Today, German duo BUNT. are back with their brand-new single “Hurricane” featuring HON & SMBDY along with the music video. The video, which was directed by Aidan Gallagher tells the story of two strangers road tripping together through New Mexico during which they create an incredible friendship and everlasting memories. BUNT.’s “Hurricane” (Feat. HON & SMBDY) is available now at all digital retail providers via Interscope Records.
John Salaway Encourages Us to “Weather The Storm”
Americana singer/songwriter John Salaway releases his first single “Weather The Storm” off of his new album Salvation coming April 30. A beloved member of the Nashville music community, which in the past year has endured a tornado, pandemic, bombing, and most recently devastating flooding, Salaway has weathered it all himself, all while creating new music and pivoting within the industry. Sending a message of hope and redemption, “Weather The Storm” is available on all streaming platforms today.
Watch: Piers James shares new video ‘Best Out Here’
The uplifting track sees Piers effortlessly turn from singing to rapping in a song about ride or die love. The guitar loop sits perfectly with the infectious bassline as Piers’ distinctly British vocal sits on top. In the accompanying video, we see a woman daydream about cheating on her boyfriend to be with Piers. They have an intense and passionate ‘Queen & Slim’ style love which perfectly complements the track’s premise. The video nods to nostalgic London with 70s themed clothing and vintage cars, and Piers and his lover enjoying getting into trouble together. The video was shot in collaboration with Clarks Originals.
SHUMAUN Release Music Video for New Single “Memories of Water”
“I really wanted Memories of Water to be straightforward, catchy, and melodic when I wrote it. Even though there’s interesting time changes in the bridge, it doesn’t sound abrasive,” says vocalist/guitarist Farhad Hossain. “The song truly represents the essence of what we set aside to do as a band, which is to write melodic rock songs utilizing some of our more progressive influences,” bassist Jose Mora elaborated.
The Wallflowers Return With “Exit Wounds” July 9th Via New West Records – Perform “Roots and Wings” On Jimmy Kimmel Live! Last Night
The Wallflowers will release Exit Wounds on July 9th via New West Records. The 10-song set is their first album in nearly a decade and was produced by Butch Walker (Taylor Swift, Weezer). Exit Wounds was mixed by Chris Dugan (Green Day) and features the acclaimed singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne on four songs. While it has been nearly a decade since we’ve heard from the group with whom Jakob Dylan first made his mark, he always knew they’d return. “The Wallflowers is much of my life’s work,” he says simply. The much-anticipated record finds the band’s signature sound — lean, potent and eminently entrancing — intact.
Dassie – No Echo (Indie, Alternative)
Dassie is the solo project of David Moffatt, best known in South Africa as the guitarist and co-songwriter for indie/alt-rock band The Dirty Skirts. David’s latest Dassie release, No Echo, sees a return to that classically familiar guitar-driven sound (think Bloc Party, Interpol, Razorlight) following the gentle electronica that earned him a South African Music Award nomination for his first Dassie release, Mistress. With No Echo, David manages to skilfully balance the natural optimism of the genre with lyrics that are more soberly focused on the violence and anxiety of the society that surrounds him.
KRANIUM RELEASES “TOXIC” REMIX FEATURING BUZZING NEW FEMALE RAPPER JESSB
“Toxic is a classy, strong and musically intelligent body of work from Kranium and the team. It feels like the experimental eclecticism of Midnight Sparks has been followed through on – with the EP now settling the artist into his own, distinctive and pleasing style. But the attention to detail is such that even with this ‘home coming’, all the tracks are intricately different” – REGGAEVILLE
Andreas Moe Releases “Hey Lulu” – 5 Time Platinum Singer/Songwriter
Premiering on Top Shelf Music Mag, “Hey Lulu” is a peek inside Moe’s home-recorded and self-produced collection of songs that came to fruition during isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic – and the first taste of his highly anticipated upcoming EP (releasing in May). A lighthearted acoustic groove dives into a lyrical exploration about the best kind of friendship that is there for you no matter what.
Jay Wheeler abre su corazón con el lanzamiento de “Viendo el techo”
Jay Wheeler, el líder juvenil del movimiento urbano, continúa haciendo eco de letras románticas y a su vez desgarradoras, en cada lanzamiento. Hoy presenta su nuevo sencillo “Viendo el techo” de la mano de los sellos discográficos Linked Music y Dynamic Records.
Japanese mannequin rap duo FEMM flirt with UK garage and 2-step on new single ‘Keep It Cool’
Japanese mannequin rap duo FEMM release a new single and video today, April 9 ‘Keep It Cool’ is a rap track that flirts with elements of UK garage, 2-step and a fresh, jazzy take on future bass. And in line with FEMM’s recent releases ‘Come & Go’, ‘Peach’ and ‘Dead Of Night’, it comes accompanied by a music video set in the virtual city of New Tokyo in the year 20XX.
Revolver Magazine premiere new Mindfield video for “The Final Storm”
“The Final Storm was written when hurricane Dorian was passing through Jacksonville. Colby (bass) and I sat in the studio, threw back a few beers and finished the entire song. I wanted to compose something that sounded as brutal and devastating as a hurricane and I think we achieved that. The Final Storm is a little different from what we usually write but just as heavy. A year later, we could not be more pleased to be releasing this first single through Bullet Tooth and can’t wait til you all hear the full album.” – Rob Kotlinski (Guitar)
Tireek & Lonely Leonard Release New Video for “Spend It”
Tireek and Lonely Leonard grew up in the NYC-area — Tireek (22) in Brooklyn, and Lonely Leonard (21) in Bloomfield, NJ. The two artists relocated to Arizona for college, where they first met and began to collaborate last year. “Working together felt natural,” says Tireek. “The energy and chemistry was there from the start.”
FOREST BLAKK & MEGHAN TRAINOR DUET ON “IF YOU LOVE HER”
Highlighted as one of PEOPLE Magazine’s “talented emerging artists making their mark on the musical landscape in 2021” and deemed an “artist on the rise” by Billboard, Blakk made his debut with his 2018 EP Minutes and follow-up 2020 sophomore EP Sideways – the latter of which saw Blakk collaborate with the likes of Will IDAP (Train, Florida Georgia Line), Nick Long (King Princess), Carl Ryden (Ricky Martin, David Guetta), Ollie Green (Freya Ridings, Gavin James) & more to tell a love story through an incredibly realistic and candid lens. The 6-track collection featured singles “I Wish I Knew” (deemed an “introspective look at love and love lost” by American Songwriter) and uplifting anthem of resilience “Put Your Hands Up,” which debuted on an episode of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. A compelling live performer, Blakk has toured extensively supporting NEEDTOBREATHE, Gavin James and is set to re-join The Goo Goo Dolls alongside Lifehouse for their “Miracle Pill Summer Tour” in 2021.
Wacotron Shares “Umbrella” Video With G Herbo And Marshmello, Announces Debut Project ‘Smokin’ Texas’
On the menacing, Marshmello-produced beat, Texas’s own Wacotron teams up with G Herbo and spits fire with his southern twang and banging bars warning his opps that “When I slide, I ain’t playin’ it safe.” The video sees the rising rapper hustling in the studio and enjoying the fruits of his labor as he mobs with Chicago’s own G Herbo in a Rolls Royce, his talent shining brighter than the stars in the ceiling.
Breaking Irish Artist Luz Reveals New Single “counting houses” Out Now Via Platoon
Speaking about “counting houses” Luz says:
“It’s a song about positivity and hope of what’s to come. It’s about reassurance that you can make the choices that are best for you without the influence of others and that there are people out there that will make you feel most like yourself”.
