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The Waking Point revives grunge rock with new single “Bad Girl”
“Bad Girl” is a track that portrays an abusive and obsessive relationship with a mentor that went very sour. Bipolar disorder, machiavellian revenge, feminism all included in this disaster batch. The inspiration behind this was sparked after learning a Black Sabbath song during a period of anger and resentment towards Sadie’s inability to please men. The song is a hard melodic/psychedelic rock but has a strong Latin drumming component.
Usher Releases “I Cry”
“This song was inspired by wanting to teach my sons that it is ok for a man to feel emotions deeply and to cry. Like many men, I was raised to believe that we have to be “tough” and not show our vulnerability, which I don’t want to teach them. While I was shut in during the Pandemic and watching the death of George Floyd, the ongoing slaughtering of Black men and women, the protests and the events that unfolded, I became very connected to the wider universal feeling of hopelessness. Like many, I grew increasingly frustrated by how slow things have been to change. I became very depressed thinking about all sons who have lost their fathers to police brutality, social injustice and violence; the daughters and mother’s too. So I returned to this song and realized it was intended for this time, so I finished it and here it is.”—Usher
Gabríel Ólafs’ new record Piano Works OUT NOW via One Little Independent Records
The Icelandic pianist wrote his debut record Absent Minded at just 14-years-old and piqued interest for his deft appreciation for ambience and space, creativity and a musical story-telling ability far beyond his years. Masterful compositions ebb and flow seamlessly and depict epics from pure imagination, as Ólafs small town isolation means he draws his inspiration from the smallest things; a poster of a French cyclist, his mother gardening or the harbor down the road.
Johnny Cash’s “The Complete Mercury Recordings 1986-1991” Out Now
In the mid-1980s as Johnny Cash found himself between labels, Mercury Records snatched up the country legend for what would end up being a prolific string of six albums in five years. The records, released from 1986 to 1991, were a diverse collection that included a notable reunion with fellow Sun Records alumni Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, star-studded collaborations with Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney, Glen Campbell, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams Jr. and others, inspired takes on songs from Elvis Costello, Guy Clark and Harry Chapin, the Man in Black revisiting his classic hits, and some of the finest songs ever written by Cash. Despite the quality of material, Cash’s stint with Mercury has never been revisited—until now.
GEORGIA KU ARRIVES WITH DEBUT “REAL” EP
Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Georgia Ku has officially arrived with her debut EP, REAL, available now via Atlantic Records. The collection features acclaimed singles, “What Do I Do?,” and “Ever Really Know” as well as the uplifting song, “Lighthouse,” which is joined today by a creatively choreographed visual, streaming now at YouTube.
Semisonic Release First New Song In Nearly 20 Years “You’re Not Alone” – EP out September 18
Today, the Grammy-nominated Twin Cities-based trio Semisonic released “You’re Not Alone,” the group’s first new song in nearly 20 years. The single is the opening track from their forthcoming five-song EP You’re Not Alone out on September 18 via Pleasuresonic Recordings/Megaforce Records. Find a full tracklist for the EP below.
RUSSELL DICKERSON DROPS NEW SUMMER TRACK: HOME SWEET
Today, Triple Tigers’ multi-platinum recording artist, Russell Dickerson released “Home Sweet,” the second song off his to-be-announced sophomore album. The track, available everywhere now, features Dickerson’s signature masterful songwriting with an evolved sound. As art imitates life, the mid-tempo Summer tune takes an intimate historical walk down his last several years of marriage, and for the first time, recounts the private first moment he found out his wife was pregnant.
New, incendiary LA-based post-rock band announce debut EP and share first single, “Paper Tiger”
LA-based post-rock band, French Mouth, is all about pointing their anger in the right direction and basking in self-awareness. Those energies combined are present in the four-piece’s first single, “Paper Tiger,” which also serves as the title track from their debut, forthcoming EP, due out in August 14, 2020. “Paper Tiger” is an allusion to the Chinese phrase “zhilaohu,” a term dating back to the 14th century that refers to something appearing to be more threatening then it is in actuality. This false threat is not powerful, and actually unable to defend itself against challenge.
Another Year Unknown (Atlanta, GA) New Single “A-TT-I-C” Out Today
“When writing A-TT-I-C we wanted to write something that gives that iconic early 2000’s summer pop-punk feel with our own style. Our goal was, if we had a chance to write a song for ‘American Pie’ back in the day, what would it be? Well it would be A-TT-I-C.”
SEMISONIC return with first new music in almost 20 years
Today, the Grammy-nominated trio Semisonic released “You’re Not Alone,” the group’s first new song in nearly 20 years. The single is the opening track from their forthcoming five-song EP You’re Not Alone out on September 18 via Pleasuresonic Recordings/Megaforce Records.
MIKE MAGO’S NEW SINGLE, “SUN KEEPS RISING UP” FT. JODIE ABACUS, IS OUT TODAY
Mike Mago says, “Although this track was recorded a couple of months ago, Jodie and I feel the lyrics might really connect with people now. We could all use something to lift us up at this point in time!”
DC Ska Punks Kill Lincoln Announce New Album ‘Can’t Complain’
On August 7, Washington DC ska-punks KILL LINCOLN will release ‘Can’t Complain’ their first new album in 5 years.
Following in the footsteps of bands like Less Than Jake, The Suicide Machines, and We Are The Union, KILL LINCOLN blends no-bullshit ska-punk with addictive rock anthems, throwing in the energy of a basement hardcore show for good measure.
MELANIE MARTINEZ DEBUTS NEW SONG “FIRE DRILL”
Alternative-pop phenomenon Melanie Martinez has announced today’s release of “Fire Drill,” available now at all DSPs and streaming services HERE. The ethereal track originally appeared as the closing credits in her “K-12” film, and fans have been eagerly anticipating its release since.
JAMES BLUNT RELEASES VIDEO FOR “SHOULD I GIVE IT ALL UP (DEMO)”
Multi-GRAMMY nominated and multi-platinum British singer/songwriter James Blunt celebrates the release of the Time Suspended deluxe edition of his acclaimed sixth studio album Once Upon A Mind with a nostalgic video for previously unheard track, “Should I Give It All Up (Demo)” – watch here.
Hua Li 化力 – ‘Four More Days’
Alexander Thibault (Gloze) produced this song, adding luscious synths to the Kawai grand piano I recorded during my residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity. We adapted the process due to social distancing guidelines, with Alex tracking the live drums and bass remotely, after which I recorded vocals in my Montreal home studio.
Even when we miss someone and are sad about not being around them, that type of love and energy is special. We should feel good about having people to miss when we have to stay at home. I hope that when you listen to “Four More Days,” you are able to access the ways in which desire can be really uplifting.
Hoodcelebrityy New Single “Broke Boy” Empowering Women Amid Uncertain Times
Amid the chaos this year has delivered, it is understandable that 2020 “Year Of The Woman” was somewhat overshadowed in mainstream news and media. Coined “The Year Of The Woman”, it marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote.
Japandroids Release Live Album ‘Massey Fucking Hall’ Today, Vinyl Coming October 2
Vancouver duo Japandroids are releasing their first-ever live album today, reverently titled Massey Fucking Hall after the historic Toronto venue where it was recorded. Now available digitally, it will be released on vinyl on October 2. The album’s 12 tracks include live versions of songs from all three of the band’s critically acclaimed studio albums. Listen and watch their Massey Hall performance of the 2009 song “Heart Sweats” HERE.
Savannah Conley Releases New Single “Never Want To Be In Love”
Today, emerging singer-songwriter and Nashville-native Savannah Conley is releasing her new single, “Never Want To Be In Love.”
Co-written with Andrew Petroff (Sheryl Crow, Devon Gilfillian) and the song’s producer Gabe Simon (Dua Lipa, COIN), Conley emerges from the ashes of heartbreak on “Never Want To Be In Love.” The euphoric, guitar-driven musicality on “Never Want To Be In Love” is augmented by Conley’s undeniable calling card: her rich, crystalline voice, and her vulnerable, somber lyricism.
OUT TODAY: The California Honeydrops new EP
“We wanted the EP to be super raw and to reflect how we play live, so there’s little to no dubbing on the tracks—what you hear is what you get,” says vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lech Wierzynski of the band’s upcoming release. “They’re fun, upbeat songs. Kind of let your hair down, celebrate joy and making music together. That’s why people come to our shows, so we tried to capture that feeling during a time when we can’t gather, a time when people may be looking for a little love and connection. As always, more than anything that’s what we’re trying to put out there.”
twst’s debut EP TWST0001 out now, debuts video for “Are You Filming Me?”
“I wrote the song after spending time in the Jungle in Calais, and the whole experience was such a culture shock, coming back into a very surveilled western system after being in Europe’s biggest refugee camp,” twst says about “Are You Filming Me?” “After that, everything about London felt orchestrated and self-centered, like the Truman show. It really stirred up a sense of paranoia within me, which ended up being one of the main themes of the lyrics. And it poses the question, ‘Are we right in feeling paranoid in such a heavily surveilled existence?’ ”
New Single, Inspired By Nostalgic Underwater Video Games
“This track was inspired by nostalgic underwater video games I used to play as a child,” Drew says. “It started with just two guitars, and built on from there. It is meant to depict a sultry day at the beach.”
“As for the music video, although I take my music very seriously, most people consider me to be one goofy dude, so I figured it would give everyone a little better outlook on my personality.”
GIRL GROUP RUN THE WORLD DEBUT FIRST SINGLE “RAINBOW”
Made up of social media sensations Kheris Rogers, Hayley LeBlanc, Jessalyn Grace and Corinne Joy, Run The World has a combined social reach of 10+ million followers. The up and coming girl group is dedicated to supporting their mission of spreading positivity by making all girls feel empowered by collaborating on original songs and reimagining hit songs. The group is set to record an album that puts an emphasis on making girls everywhere feel confident.
North Carolina Heatseeker Jaah SLT Makes ‘Em Say “Damn” on “Same Me”
Shaking his blonde dreads with a smile on his face, Jaah SLT is a charismatic rising star. Coming through with his latest turn-up anthem, Jaah shares “Same Me.” Gleefully annihilating a minimalist instrumental, Jaah thumbs his nose at haters and people who don’t know him yet, making sure they know he won’t change when he gets famous: “Words don’t hurt me, sh*t can’t faze me/F*ck you n****s sayin’, I swear you don’t know me.” In the video, directed by Mack, Jaah mobs in a with some homies, including a mysterious man with a TV for head, in a series of shifting locations, from desolate train tracks, to a spacious field house, to a psychedelic fantasy world. “Same Me” is Jaah’s first video since last month’s “Dottin Up,” which earned a premiere in Lyrical Lemonade and racked up over 260k views since its late-May release.
CHAZ FRENCH SHARES NEW SINGLE “WHAT A DAY”
On the track, the DMV wordsmith floats from airy verses towards a hypnotic hook uplifted by his elastic rhymes. Over ethereal production from CPSL0CK [Nafets] and Supah Mario [Drake, Young Thug], he offers pearls of wisdom by affirming, “The best advice I got is to love. The best that I can give is to love. All that I can do is love. With all that I been through, I still love.” It serves up an empowering and important statement appropriate for the times.
SOCIAL SCREAM – “World of Shadows”
Social Scream is a Heavy Metal band from Sparta–Greece formed in 2008. The band at its first steps performed as a cover band many live shows inside and outside her hometown. After a while the need for personal expression drove Vlasis Diamantakos (guitarist/vocalist/songwriter) to lead the band by composing and self-releasing the debut album ”Epiclesis” in June 2014. The release of ”Epiclesis” was followed by a release party and 2 headline shows at Athens and Sparta. With new material along the way, there came a record deal with New Dream Records. In June 2016 New Dream Records digitally distributed ”Epiclesis” and 2 years later released the band’s second album called ”Initiation to the Myths”.
Kacy Hill shares new track “Everybody’s Mother,” second album out July 10
“‘Everybody’s Mother’ is about taking care of others and wishing I had someone to read my mind and take care of me the way that I want,” Hill says. “I know there are people who care for me, but sometimes I don’t even want to put in the effort into communicating what I want or need—I just want them to take care of me without asking.”
NZCA LINES – Shares a video for “Prisoner Of Love”
NZCA LINES, the project of the producer and multi-instrumentalist, Michael Lovett, today shares a video for his single, “Prisoner Of Love”. Described by DIY as “a track that shimmies its way to the dancefloor, with a flourish of strings here, some funk-laden beats there, and a dousing of sunshine all over the damn place”, “Prisoner Of Love” is a standout cut from his forthcoming album, Pure Luxury, out on 10th July 2020 via Memphis Industries. The accompanying video was created by Lovett and his wife Alina Rancier, who directed, shot and edited the piece whilst in lockdown. In order to do this, they collaborated remotely with choreographer Elena Vazintaris and lighting designer Chris Lunney. Over a series of Zoom sessions, Lovett learnt a sequence of dance moves and also how to use software in order to trigger pre-sequenced lights. The video is available to watch HERE.
Skott Releases Debut Album, ‘Always Live For Always’ Today
Today, critically acclaimed Swedish singer, songwriter and producer Skott shares her highly anticipated debut album Always Live For Always, out now via Dollar Menu in partnership with Cosmos Music. The 12-track album includes six previously released tracks, including more recent cuts like “Settle Down,” “Talk About Me,” “Kodak & Codeine,” “Midas” and “Bloodhound,” as well as early fan-favorites such as “Porcelain” and “Amelia.”
DONNA MISSAL SHARES NEW TRACK, “HOW DOES IT FEEL”
“I hope this song finds the cracks in your heart and fills them with light,” says Donna Missal. “I hope this song can turn your disconsolateness into aspiration, and wrap its arms around you the way I wish I could right now. I hope this song meets your unrest with a challenge to desire and believe in dreaming for more.”
Never afraid to push the envelope, CamelPhat’s collaboration with Foals frontman Yannis Philippakis has been eagerly anticipated by fans. Needing little introduction, from playing chaotic house parties in their home city of Oxford to becoming major festival headliners across Europe, Foals’ trajectory has been remarkable. They’ve earned critical acclaim winning Best Band at the BRIT Awards last year as well as NME and Q Award wins. Not stopping there, the band have also been nominated for an Ivor Novello and have been nominated three times for a Mercury Prize earning fan devotion with anthems such as “My Number,” “Inhaler” and “The Runner.”
Bananagun’s debut LP is out today via Full Time Hobby
Hailing from Melbourne, but with a sound stretching from 60s and 70s Afrobeat and exotica, the proto-garage rhythmic fury of The Monks and the grooves of Os Mutantes, there’s an enticing lost world exoticism to the music of Bananagun. It’s the sort of stuff that could’ve come from a dusty record crate of hidden gems; yet as the punchy, colourfully vibrant pair of sold out singles Do Yeah and Out of Reach have proven over the past 12 months, the band are no revivalists. On debut album The True Story of Bananagun, they make a giant leap forward with their outward-looking blend of global tropical psychedelia.
Check Out ALIVE ALONE “Safe Sinners,” ‘Therapy’ EP Due Out 6/30/2020
Chicago, IL based Alternative Heavy Rock Band ALIVE ALONE has announced the release of their upcoming new album, Therapy. Due out June 30, 2020, Therapy was produced by Grammy winning record producer Dave Schiffman (Weezer, System of a Down, Vampire Weekend).
BANKROL HAYDEN RELEASES DEBUT MIXTAPE PAIN IS TEMPORARY
“Pain is Temporary was a vision I conceptualized laying in the hospital bed recovering. Over the two years I spent making this project, I really watched myself grow as an artist. It’s something my day one fans have been waiting for since I released my first song in 2018. I’ve been through a lot of life experiences – good and bad – since then, and I hope my fans connect with my art and my message.”
Singer-songwriter Owen Danoff releases new single, “Wax Museum,” today
“I wrote this song about a month after my uncle passed away,” says Danoff. “Going through that made me think about all the memories I had with him, then all the memories from my childhood. I noticed I remembered parts of really specific things – like my uncle sitting on the couch reading a paper, or one game of basketball I played with friends as a kid – but the details surrounding them tended to be blurry. I was in a very reflective mood and wanted to try to capture the impermanence of memory – a tall order for a three-minute song – but hopefully some of it came across.”
The track is a master-crafted display of CamelPhat’s signature hypnotic sound topped with Yannis’ melancholic vocals. “Hypercolour” sees two musical powerhouses of the British music scene come together to create what is set to be one of 2020’s biggest crossover hits.
Matt Ox debuts new song on Motown Records
“‘Beam Me Up’ is about how we get a confidence boost from material things and money,” says Ox of the new song. “Racks beam me up, my diamonds beam me up. The more we get the more we want. But does any of this really mean anything? Is any of it leading to real happiness? I’ma keep doing me and figure it out.”
