@skopemag HQ – http://smarturl.it/skope
Shaped by Japan and France, UKICO transports us into a unique journey fusing different artistry. Her music engineering background allows her to compose a unique sonic world, a spiritual vibe. Inspired by her Japanese heritage and her love of mythology, she immerses us into a fantastic universe filled with symbolism and analogies to her personal growth, through songs, visuals, stories and live performances.
FROM SORROW TO SERENITY Share New Single “Tell All” – ‘Trifecta’ EP Out Today!
Scottish FROM SORROW TO SERENITY share their new single “Tell All”, along with a music video. It’s the third and final single taken from their EP, “Trifecta”, which is available now via Long Branch Records.
“This is a song for everyone who has been battling through lockdown, and our request to every one of you – embrace who you truly are, and take it to the world,” says guitarist Steven Jones.
GEORGE EVE SHARES THE NEW SINGLE ‘I DON’T MIND’ FROM THE NEW EP ‘BURGER THE EXIT’ WHICH FOLLOWS ON MAY 27TH
“‘I Don’t Mind’ was recorded outside as a quick demo,” says George. “You can hear birds at the beginning of the track. It was a simple acoustic song with an ‘everything’s gonna be alright sentiment’ holding two fingers up to anxiety and procrastination. I really liked what I caught in the demo, so for the next few months I tried to recreate it to improve the recording quality. However it was impossible. I ended up editing the out-of-time guitar and the drums, which were recorded with one mic in my attic, to be in time with the vocals. It was a serious piece of computer based editing, but it kept the original vibe that felt so special.”
LISTEN: Dirtybird Taps Steve Darko & Nik Thrine for ‘Small Things’
Just months following the release of his lauded LP debut on DIRTYBIRD, label favorite Steve Darko returns alongside Nik Thrine for a two-tracker dubbed ‘Small Things.’ The EP brims with the refreshing, off-kilter take on tech house that both producers have built their names around, beginning with a slow burning title opener that blossoms into a dynamic mix of glitches, vocal clips, growling bass, and a simple, yet infectious hook built to get stuck in listeners’ heads. Darko and Thrine build on the glitch motif in “Droids,” a cerebral number that substitutes melody for a kaleidoscope of synth effects and drum layers that together create a futuristic atmosphere. It’s just this type of quirky, yet innovative sound design that DIRTYBIRD seeks to spotlight this year as it settles into its next phase.
MUSIC NEWS: Rising Country star Jameson Rodgers releases new EP “In It For The Money” today!
iHeartRadio Music Awards Best New Country Artist nominee Jameson Rodgers is quickly cementing his place as one of country music’s most intriguing singer/songwriters. Not only does the Mississippi born, now Nashville native, currently find himself enjoying the success of his Gold-certified No. 1 hit “Some Girls” and the smash “Good Dogs” co-written with Hunter Phelps, Jake Mitchell, and Brent Anderson’- he now releases focus track “Cold Beer Calling My Name”, featuring label mate Luke Combs, to UK Country radio. Now this multi-talented 33-year-old is utilizing these powerful, addictive songs as the firm foundation for his new EP, “In It for the Money”- released 23rd April 2021.
FIGHTMILK Check The Ex On Breakup Anthem New Single ‘Hey Annabelle!’
London’s FIGHTMILK are pleased to reveal storming new breakup anthem single ‘Hey Annabelle!’ which is released on 23rd April 2021 on all good DSPs.
‘Hey Annabelle!’ is the latest single to be taken from the band’s forthcoming second album Contender. Released 14th May 2021 via independent record label Reckless Yes, the record will be available on cream/smoked vinyl and ‘lucky dip’ eco vinyl, CD, and digital.
Rachel Foxx & Joss Ryan link up for vibey UKG EP ‘Never Say Never’
Following her exceptional live stream performance at Metropolis Studios with Clarks Originals in January, Rachel Foxx has joined forces with long-term producer Joss Ryan for an exciting collaborative UKG EP ‘Never Say Never’, out today.
Coming with an upbeat energy that sees Rachel temporarily step away from her signature R&B vibe, the three-track release opens with the infectious UKG grooves of ‘Show Me Your Love’, with Rachel’s slick vocals paired with a captivating, futuristic 2-step production. With a nostalgic bassline, ‘Love Me For The Last Time’ is a smooth number laced with more old school elements, with Rachel’s emotion-tinged vocals taking centre-stage alongside classic horns over the hook. Closing things out, ‘Walk On By’ is the grittiest track on the project, with a thumping bass that incorporates elements of grime in the production.
Introducing 17 year old Oslo quartet VEPS with new single & video for ‘Ecstasy’…
Introducing Oslo’s next big exports, VEPS. Poised to take Europe by storm this summer, the band have released their nineties tinged new track ‘Ecstasy’, along with the chaotic homemade and self-directed video. The track is taken from their forthcoming EP Open The Door, out June 11th on Kanine Records.
An ode to a guy, drenched in raw pop hooks and crunching tones, singer and keyboardist Helana Mariero Olasveengen says of ‘Ecstasy’, “The song is about a guy who’s afraid of commitment. A guy who’d rather waste his time on self validation through hooking up with numerous people, rather than exploring his true feelings with a special person.”
MANDRAKE HANDSHAKE share kaleidoscopic new effort ‘Monolith’ and announce debut EP
Oxford psych-collective Mandrake Handshake share kaleidoscopic new effort ‘Monolith’ and announce debut EP ‘Shake The Hand That Feeds You’, set for release June 18th via Nice Swan Records (Pip Blom, Sports Team, FUR).
Having initially teamed up with the cult indie label for their ‘Nice Swan Introduces…’ series (in partnership with RIP Records) late last year, the hypnotic group have since found label-mates in the likes of Courting, SPRINTS and Anorak Patch, and fast established themselves as one of the most enticing new acts in the UK psychedelic scene.
Award-winning pop trio KARMACODA release their latest single ‘Traps’
Award-winning pop trio KARMACODA has shared their latest single, ‘Traps’ ahead of its release on the 23rd of April. The single is lifted from their upcoming album, Slow Down, Melt and Catch Fire which will be officially released on the 28th of May via Sola Musa Music. Their previous single, ‘Make Me The One’ has already received support from CelebMix and CLASH Magazine while ‘Traps’ was featured on Hotpress and the Irish National radio RTÉ 2XM’s Dan Hegarty’s The Alternative Show. While creating their otherworldly music, KARMACODA, turn to the variegated likes of Massive Attack, Radiohead, Florence And The Machine and Gotye. Between the lead singer’s stunning vocals and the sophisticated production style, ‘Traps’ calls to a unique combination of Massive Attack, Radiohead, Frank Ocean, Glass Animals plus Sia, Adele, Hope Sandoval and Alicia Keys.
S A R R A M: watch subliminal “Midnight” video; new album coming in May!
Discover S A R R A M, the solo ambient/drone and post-metal project of Sardinian multi-instrumentalist and creative Valerio Marras. His fourth studio album ‘Albero’ will see a May 14th release on trailblazing label Subsound Records, watch the subliminal video for “Midnight” right now!
Transcending the use of guitars, sound effects, synths, glockenspiel and more through a stripped-down and atmospheric 40-minute exploration, his fourth studio album ‘Albero’ (Italian for “tree”) could be described as the resilient pulse of Mother Nature, a haunting instrumental ceremony which merest detail, from the delicate humming to the loudest guitars, are perfectly highlighted by James Plotkin (Isis, Sunn O))), Jesu, Cave In) work on mastering.
US artist Butterfly Ali (aka Titus Makin) announces his R&B-Soul-Funk-filled debut EP ‘Preacher’s Kid’ out June 11th, new single ‘Testimony’ out now
Following on from the huge success of his Sam Barsh-produced single ‘Pray For ‘Em’ late last year, which has seen support from American Songwriter, EARMILK, The Independent, WONDERLAND, WordPlay Magazine, RECORD OF THE DAY, Grit Daily, ATWOOD MAGAZINE, Spindle, YUCK MAGAZINE, The Hidden Hits and much more, fast-rising artist Butterfly Ali returns with news of his debut EP ‘Preacher’s Kid’ set for release on June 11th, alongside the new single ‘Testimony’ out today.
Much like what we have heard from him so far, ‘Preacher’s Kid’ looks to cement him as a bright and uplifting name on the neo-soul scene. Taking his cues from the classic funk and soul sound before filtering it through his own energetic lens, this new five-track collection is set to see him blossom into the fully-fledged superstar he has shown himself to be.
Lasting Maze: a reflection on fear with “Thunder” EP release
Brazilian melodic metal LASTING MAZE was formed back in 2014. Composing songs about the human mind, psychology, science, movies, games, as well as human feelings, the group formed by Grazy Mesquita (vocals), Pedro Anselmo (guitars), Isaac Barros (bass) and Mick Souza (drums) worked hard despite the delay caused by coronavirus pandemic, releasing singles, videos and playing online festivals while finishing their new effort, a follow-up to 2016’s “Silent Spring” EP.
April 23rd marks the end of this wait with the release of “Thunder” EP, an effort which shows LASTING MAZE’s new approach and maturity, presenting a positive message to fans, showing that it is possible to face your fears and challenges with patience, wisdom and holding your head high.
RISING ALT STAR JESSIE MURPH SHARES NEW SONG “LOOK WHO’S CRYIN’ NOW”
Today, 16-year-old alternative artist Jessie Murph has released her latest song “Look Who’s Cryin’ Now.” The breakup anthem is raw and honest with Jessie’s stunning and unique vocals on full display as she turns the tables on an ex who’s done her wrong. It’s derived from her personal experience, a story she’s shared directly with her extensive TikTok following of nearly 4M people.
R&B SENSATION RINI COMES “OUT OF THE BLUE” WITH NEW TRACK FEATURING EARTHGANG
Quietly racking up millions of streams, the singer-instrumentalist with an angelic voice has been captivating fans globally through earworm melodies, and “Out of The Blue” is no exception to his potency.
JACK KAYS RELEASES NEW SONG “MIDDLE OF THE END (HOW DOES IT FEEL)”
In speaking about the new track, Jack says: “I feel like everybody can relate to something about this song. It’s not just about me; I wrote it for my generation.”
COCHISE TRANSFORMS INTO “SANJI” IN NEW VIDEO
With a booming voice and an uncompromising attitude, Cochise continues to elevate his visual artistry. The Florida native rears his head once again with “Sanji”, his new song produced by Lousho3000. Rhyming atop hypnotic booming basslines, Cochise wastes no time to deliver a catchy and inventive wordplay. In the video for “Sanji”, Cochise goes on an unforgettable bank heist with FBI agents, adoring hostages and a solo fight scene inspired by the classic One-Piece character.
MELVONI RELEASES NEW RECORD “GET MONEY” FEATURING DDG AND TYLA YAWEH!
17-year-old budding star Melvoni releases two new songs, “Get Money,” a star-studded posse cut featuring Tyla Yaweh and DDG and the other, “Forgot About The Streets,” with Badda TD & Brillo is to be featured on the soundtrack to the critically-acclaimed Epix TV series Godfather of Harlem, starring Forest Whitaker and Nigel Thatch.
SASHA SLOAN RELEASES “when was it over?” FEAT. SAM HUNT
On “when was it over?” Sloan pairs for the first time with the incredible Sam Hunt for a country duet tinged with the beauty and the pain of an ending relationship.
Says Sloan, “when was it over?” is about not being able to let go of someone even when you know there’s nothing left. Shane brought the title into the room and Sam and I both loved it. The rest fell into place from there.”
Laurel Canyon Meets Yacht Rock
Total Brutal’s latest single “Had A Feeling”. The sun-soaked 70’s inspired track features breezy guitars and harmonious vocals. The “yacht rock” meets “Laurel Canyon” song details the need for connection, both emotionally and physically.
Total Brutal is Emily Moore, a multi-instrumentalist who has shared the stage with the likes of Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, FUN, and more. She has garnered acclaim from the likes of LADYGUNN, American Songwriter, Earmilk and Atwood Magazine to name a few.
LEADING AUSSIE ACTOR NICHOLAS HAMILTON ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘IN LINE’
Australian-born, LA-based actor and musician Nicholas Hamilton has today released his sparkling new single In Line, a song about coming of age that was two years in the making, out today – April 23. As a young actor and musician, Nicholas took the plunge and moved from his home in Byron Bay to Los Angeles. As an actor he has starred alongside Nicole Kidman, Joseph Fiennes, Hugo Weaving and Jessica Chastain to name a few, and has an ever-growing list of successful films under his belt, including roles in global blockbusters such as It, It: Chapter Two, Captain Fantastic, Strangerlandand more.
Dark Ambient Act LONG THE NIGHT Reveals The Ominous & Melancholic “Illusion”
US dark ambient act LONG THE NIGHT has released their new full-length album, Illusion.
Illusion is a sonic journey capturing the deep melancholy sound of things that are likely to be wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses. Consisting of massive drones, chants, and field recordings, Illusion paints the picture of darkness trying to find a light in one’s consciousness. Illusion perfectly balances so that each new listen reassembles the dynamic equilibrium in new and exciting ways.
EPOCH OF CHIRALITY TO RELEASE “NUCLEOSYNTHESIS”
Epoch of Chirality the Sci-Fi metal project of the UK’s Richard How, will release “Nucleosynthesis” on July 23 2021.
Richard commented: “I’m really stoked to announce the debut album NUCLEOSYNTHESIS from my SCI-FI METAL project EPOCH OF CHIRALITY! The album draws on kickass metal sounds, progressive song writing and exotic synthesizer experimentation to create a deep musical landscape, heavily influenced by Sci-Fi and fantasy themes from the likes of John Carpenter and Vangelis, with a touch of Ayreon and Devin Townsend!”
JUNO Nominated TORONTO TABLA ENSEMBLE’s “Maryem’s Here” Brings a Beguiling Cultural Mix to Life
Toronto Tabla Ensemble continue to entice ears and eyes with this, their new video for “Maryem’s Here” — available now!
Fresh from their most recent release, Unexpected Guests, the track and video bring diverse musical traditions together — from Indian classical dance, to Japanese drumming, to Arabic singing, and Western classical instrumentation.