@skopemag news – thursday – november 12, 2020 @ 11 am est

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

Leif Vollebekk (Polaris Prize nominee, Secret City Records, KCRW) | Shares new single “Long Blue Light”

Vollebekk has drawn critical acclaim in his time as a musician from the likes of The New York Times (“pensive and restless, blossoming with stream-of-consciousness verses that bear the marks of long nights spent alone on the road”), Pitchfork (“understated and affecting”), NPR, FLOOD, The FADER, The Line of Best Fit, Paste, Sunday Times Culture, World Cafe, KCRW and more. Alongside press and radio support, he scooped a Polaris Prize shortlist nomination for his record, Twin Solitude, shared stages with the likes of Sinéad O’Connor, Angie McMahon and Beth Orton, and sold out North American headline tours.

Falcon Jane (Darling Recordings, RIYL Fenne Lily, Sharon Van Etten) | Shares new single

Faith, although maintaining some of those charming melodies and shimmering soundscapes that were presented on her debut, Feelin’ Freaky, turns towards the darkness for inspiration just as much as it does the light. The new record arrives as a deeply personal collection of tracks for May, written throughout the opening months of 2019, a year that sadly marked a lot of death in Sara’s immediate family with her losing both her grandmothers, an uncle, and great uncle all within the space of just under twelve months – attending a funeral approximately every two months gave Sara a heartbreaking insight into memory, grief, loss and the fragility of life.

The Crowleys – “Making Friendly”

The original working title, “Arcade,” was inspired by a used video game store that has an arcade with vintage games in the basement. We like going there on breaks in between long practice sessions. One day after playing our favourite game Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and subsequently running out of quarters, we came back and wrote a lot of this song.

Elton John and David Gilmore Backing Vocalist Julie Harrington Releases Debut Solo EP

Having had a hugely successful career as a guest vocalist, both live and in the studio, Julie Harrington has a wealth of experience and an effortlessly stunning vocal which has seen her appear on a number of hits. Now returning with her first ever solo material, coming via mental health charity and record label Key Changes, Julie is opening up on her mental health experiences and how Key Changes has helped and how the whole experience has shaped her music.

ILSA: Cvlt Nation Premieres Preyer Title Track As Full-Length Nears Release Via Relapse Records

Cvlt Nation is currently streaming “Preyer,” the latest single from Washington D.C.’s ILSA. The mauling new tune comes off the band’s sixth full-length of the same name, set for release November 20th via Relapse Records.

Comments frontman Orion. “Theres a long battle ahead and little time for platitudes, old aches, and pains that slow the pace. ‘Preyer’ is simple and forceful, our spell for Hell on Earth.”

NEEDTOBREATHE release official music video for ‘Banks’

GRAMMY® Award-nominated rock band NEEDTOBREATHE have released an official music video for ‘Banks’, taken from their critically acclaimed new album Out of Body. The Chris Phelps-directed clip premiered with Clash Magazine and sees the band perform the anthemic song around a campfire.

Upon the song’s release the band shared, “This song is about the women in our lives. They are strong, ambitious, patient, caring, and intelligent forces of nature. ‘Banks’ is our way of saying we support you and that there’s nothing more beautiful than watching you effortlessly become the very thing you were made to be.”

ishi vu Shares New Track “Isolated Incidents”

Charting a course between electronic experimentation and the dark echoes of ’80s post-rock, ishi vu’s music transports the young artist’s philosophical meditations in Gothenburg to imagined dancefloors worldwide. His forthcoming project, beginning with “Isolated Incidents”, is truly unique: channelling all genres and none into a depiction of some of the most fundamental human feelings.

Amanda Shires feat. Jason Isbell “The Problem” video out now, debuts via CMT

“Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell deliver a stunning narrative about love and support through a difficult decision,” says Leslie Fram, CMT’s SVP, Music & Talent.

“This song is about making tough decisions and not having to go it alone,” Shires says of the track. “To me, ‘The Problem’ is a song about supporting someone you love through a difficult time,” Isbell explains, “It’s about helping without exerting your own will. I support a woman’s right to choose, and I know these choices are never easy.”

Leif Vollebekk (Polaris Prize nominee, Secret City Records) | Shares new single & Bon Iver cover

Vollebekk has drawn critical acclaim in his time as a musician from the likes of The New York Times (“pensive and restless, blossoming with stream-of-consciousness verses that bear the marks of long nights spent alone on the road”), Pitchfork (“understated and affecting”), NPR, FLOOD, The FADER, The Line of Best Fit, Paste, Sunday Times Culture, World Cafe, KCRW and more. Alongside press and radio support, he scooped a Polaris Prize shortlist nomination for his record, Twin Solitude, shared stages with the likes of Sinéad O’Connor, Angie McMahon and Beth Orton, and sold out North American headline tours.

MASEGO RELEASES “MYSTERY LADY” FT. DON TOLIVER

Today, Masego releases “Mystery Lady” ft. Don Toliver. The track is the final single off his upcoming EP, Studying Abroad, out this Friday, November 13th via EQT Recordings and Capitol Records. Crisp and flirty, “Mystery Lady” is a joyride through love-filled dreams featuring Masego’s breathy croons and Toliver’s slick wordplay.

Loryn Taggart – “The River”

I once moved across the world for someone I thought I loved. I didn’t listen to myself, or my heart, I just followed the wind. My gut told me one thing and I ignored it. That person made me feel like I wasn’t good enough, strong enough, or smart enough to face life alone.

“The River” is a song about relocating internationally for love, and realizing that it was a one-sided sacrifice. I need a man to cross the river is said in a sarcastic measure.

MANTICORA Release Music Video for “Katana – Death of the Meaning of Life”

Danish prog-thrash veterans MANTICORA have released the second music video from their critically acclaimed ninth album ‘To Live To Kill To Live’, which is the follow-up/second half to their 2018 concept record ‘To Kill To Live To Kill’. Both albums are based on the 334-page horror/thriller novel written by lead singer Lars F. Larsen.

CARDINAL WYRM: Oakland Doom Metal Trio With Members Of Vastum, Terebellum, And More To Release Fourth Album, Devotionals; “Nightmarchers” Streaming + Preorders Posted

Long-running Oakland, California-based doom metal band CARDINAL WYRM is preparing to release their fourth album, Devotionals, on December 11th. Alongside the album’s details, cover art, and preorders, the song “Nightmarchers” has been made available for streaming.

CARDINAL WYRM’s Devotionals can be described as heavy, intricate, driving, progressive, and genre bending music that seeks to tell a story. The album features Pranjal Tiwari (S.C.R.A.M.) on drums and lead vocals, Nathan A. Verrill (Terebellum, Fyrhtu) on guitars and backing vocals, and Leila Abdul-Rauf (Vastum, Terebellum, Hammers Of Misfortune, Fyrhtu) playing bass and providing additional vocals.

LOW ISLAND – ‘Don’t Let The Light In’ (faded) – Watch new stripped-back version

Following the release of Low Island’s first single in over a year, featured on the FIFA 2021 soundtrack, and supported by Lauren Laverne, Jack Saunders, Phil Taggart, Huw Stephens and NME, the band release ‘Don’t Let The Light In (faded)’.

ETERNAL IDOL’S NEW ALBUM “RENAISSANCE” OUT NOW ON FRONTIERS MUSIC SRL

Italian symphonic/melodic metallers Eternal Idol have returned with a revamped, re-energized line-up and an exciting new album, “Renaissance” out now on on Frontiers Music Srl. Featuring Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) and Claudia Layline on co-lead vocals, guitarist Nick Savio (Hollow Haze), bassist Andrea Burratto (Secret Sphere, Hell In The Club), and drummer Enrico Fabris, Eternal Idol’s sophomore album is an epic maelstrom of symphonic/melodic metal that will delight fans of the genre who treasure intense songwriting and impeccable vocal performances. For your first taste of new music from the band, watch the video for ‘Into The Darkness’ HERE:

JÁNA and VanJess dissect jealously on new “Green” video

JÁNA and VanJess today release the video for their new single “Green”. Filmed in a forest just south of Stockholm in a region called Nacka, the video depicts the feeling of jealousy and all its intricacies.

A delectable slice of R&B-tinged alternative pop, “Green” further accentuates JÁNA’s tight grasp of melody and song construction. Arpeggiated synths, matched with atmospheric electronic flourishes provide a luxurious base for both JÁNA and VanJess’ stunning vocal partnership.

SpeedStr Revs Up on his New Noise Debut “Live in The Moment (feat. King Salomon)”

SpeedStr goes full throttle on his New Noise debut “Live In The Moment,” introducing an electro-trap bass house fusion alongside King Salomon’s expressive carpe diem bars.

Following an epic remix of Henry Fong and Knock2’s “What’s the Move,” LA-based speed house connoisseur SpeedStr arrives on Dim Mak’s New Noise with a unique original track. On “Live In The Moment,” the producer lives up to his name as his quick-paced beats and pedaling siren synths leave hearts racing. SpeedStr showcased his unique speed house sound this summer via a Dim Mak Studios guest mix, and recently in a live stream on Dim Mak’s Stay In Your Damn House Party.

Ekelle Drops New Track “Why”

New single, “Why,” is a breakup song, but not the kind where you stay down forever. It’s about knowing that you deserve better and moving on. Some people like to say forgive and forget, but Ekelle doesn’t believe in that. If someone was awful to you, you should forgive yourself and treat the experience as a lesson. It’s okay and necessary to kick shitty people out of your life.

Elori Saxl embraces serenity on new track “Wave I”

Combining digitally-processed recordings of wind and water with analog synthesizers and chamber orchestra, Elori Saxl’s The Blue of Distance begins as a meditation on the effect of technology on our relationship with land/nature/place but ultimately evolves to be more of a reflection on longing and memory. The phrase “the Blue of Distance” was coined by Rebecca Solnit in A Field Guide to Getting Lost and refers to the phenomenon of faraway mountains appearing blue due to light particles getting lost over distance.

Video Premiere: Wave I by Elori Saxl

MERIDIAN DAWN Release New Single, Cover of Björk’s “Pagan Poetry”

“When Nick first presented the idea of covering this song I was a bit skeptical at first. But after hearing his complete reconstruction of the original I was hooked! We made it into an M.D song which was not an easy thing to do” says Antony Hämäläinen.

Ricky (Western Settings, Hey Chels) Unveils New Track (“New Day”) Off Debut Solo Album ‘Palm Trees’ Out This Friday, November 13

San Diego, CA musician RICKY (aka Ricky Schmidt) writer/singer/bassist of Western Settings and writer/bassist in Hey, Chels, has dropped another track off his debut solo album ‘Palm Trees’ which will be out everywhere this Friday, November 13

GENRE-BENDING ARTIST GRANDMA UNVEILS “BESTED”

“Bested” marks the first in a series of eagerly awaited new singles from Grandma, with more music due to arrive before the end of the year. This year has seen the Atlanta-based multi-instrumentalist unleash a number of extraordinary releases, including his recent partnership with anti-pop star sophie meiers, “Virtually Anything.” Hailed by Nuance as “an extremely enticing track that is a must listen for any alternative/R&B fans,” “Virtually Anything” is joined by a virtual visualizer streaming now –

guccihighwaters Releases Single/Video “straight jacket”

Like many of his previous tracks, which include 35 releases that have cleared 1 million streams on spotify, “straight jacket” is simultaneously bold and intimately familiar. It starts with a simple construct — warbling piano – then builds on more complicated lyrics.

Poised for pop stardom, guccihighwaters’ eager and vibrant fanbase of nearly 1 million monthly listeners have helped him secure over 168 million streams on Spotify, resonating with his tenacious ebb and flow storytelling style, his unwavering passion for perfection and a blue collar work ethic – all of which can be attributed to his emigration from Limerick, Ireland to Long Beach, New York at age fifteen.

Rob Drabkin Channels The Legendary Bob Ross In Lighthearted Video For “Let Out The Love

Drabkin’s impressive musical talent makes it easy to believe he’s always been a full-time performer. But Drabkin initially set out to become a doctor, earning a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Trinity University in San Antonio. Then, a life-changing trip to New York City led Drabkin to change his focus and ultimately dedicate himself to pursuing a career in music.

LA artist Sara Noelle shares cover of Judee Sill’s “Emerald River Dance”

Sara Noelle is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and creator of the print literary journal Lyrics as Poetry.

Her upcoming covers EP, Four Songs, revisits a few timely classics for this moment of tumult, including a reimagined version of John Lennon’s “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night,” as well as songs by Oasis, Judee Sill and The Youngbloods. Recorded remotely during quarantine, the project was produced by Dan Duszynski, who also worked with Sara on her full-length album Cover the Blue.

QUAVO ACQUIRES OWNERSHIP STAKE IN SPORTSWEAR BRAND LEGENDS

Award-winning artist, songwriter, athlete and entertainer Quavo has finalized an investment deal to acquire a minority stake in the athletic apparel brand LEGENDS, joining a team of high profile investors in the company that includes Steve Nash, Baker Mayfield, Matt Barnes, Willie McGinest, and a number of young NFL stars. In celebration of the announcement, Quavo sent a kit of exclusive Quavo x LEGENDS gear to a number of his friends including Pharell, Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Offset, Takeoff, Odell Beckham Jr., DeAndre Hopkins, Von Miller, Baker Mayfield, Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Matt Barnes, and Trae Young, offering a teaser of collaborations to come with LEGENDS.

Ella Grace shares beautiful video for ‘I Wonder’

Long-distance relationships are always complicated. While battling time zones, expensive travel costs, conflicting schedules and all the usual potential pitfalls you don’t need anything else interfering.

BLACKMORE’S NIGHT RELEASE BRAND NEW HOLIDAY SONG & VIDEO

Blackmore’s Night reveal their new holiday song ‘Here We Come A-Caroling’, taken from the forthcoming 4-track EP of the same name, to be released on December 4th, 2020.

The song is a beautiful rendition of the classic Christmas carol, which is being given a new-yet-traditional sound by Candice Night and Ritchie Blackmore. It’s the forerunner of the upcoming “Here We Come A-Caroling” 4-track EP which will bring the holiday spirit into the homes of many fans during the cold season.

Sick Of It All Releases “Never Back Down”

The track is off their album The Last Act Of Defiance and follows the previous quarantine sessions “Alone”, “The Bland Within”, “Paper Tiger” and “Hardcore Horseshoe”. Make sure to subscribe to the band’s YouTube channel in order to get notified about future releases like the last quarantine clip that will be released in two weeks.

Mear releases upbeat new single/video for “Soft Chains”

“Soft Chains” is upbeat, but lyrically leans darker, touching on toxic relationships. This theme is translated in the video – trying your hardest to make something work when it’s completely and fundamentally unworkable.

Adelaide’s SEABASS return with energetic new single ‘Burn’ from forthcoming debut EP, Always Kidding

ith their new single ‘Burn’, Adelaide indie-rock group SEABASS charge into the final months of 2020 impassioned and ready to start a new chapter.

Having spent their first year as a band quickly generating momentum surrounding their energetic and dynamic sound, the four-piece have wasted no time in pouring their diverse sonic influences and electrifying performance vibes into studio sessions, creating their debut EP, Always Kidding.

TURBO RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO FOR SINGLE “18”

Turbo channels nostalgia in his music video for his fourth single “18,” out now via 10K Projects/Homemade Projects/Internet Money Records. The music video tells the story of high school sweethearts whose love turns sour, and the artist’s struggle to let go of the past. With lyrics like “But don’t wait for me or waste your time,” in the track’s pre-chorus, Turbo shows his more sensitive, reflective side in “18.” Known for his country, rock, and hip-hop crossovers and fun tracks like “Bo Exotic” (a tongue-in-cheek play on Netflix’s Tiger King), “18” and its music video reveals his range as a songwriter, moving between silly and serious subjects with dexterity.

Pale Waves Release “Change” Single & Video

Who Am I? – the follow-up to the band’s 2018 debut album My Mind Makes Noises which amassed over 70 million streams worldwide, opens up a bold new chapter for Pale Waves. Heather Baron-Gracie’s songwriting holds the last few years of her life up to the light, reflecting on her own mental health and growing pains – depression, distraction, and feelings of darkness – but also her experience of falling in love and becoming more open about her sexuality, emerging with a clarity and optimism as she steps forward as the sort of front woman she never saw when she was growing up.

Ember Knight Unveils Hypnotic New Record; Out Today!

Ember Knight is not a musician, comedian, composer, filmmaker, director, writer, or choreographer. They are some combination of them all. Likewise, their new LP “Cheryl” is not a rock record, musical, storybook, or ballet. It is some combination of these things.

Smino Releases Hoopti Tour Documentary

BLUES BAND GA-20 TO RELEASE NEW SINGLE “SIT DOWN BABY” NOV. 17TH

Following the recent release of their Billboard chart topping EP Live Vol.1, the Boston-based blues trio GA-20 are dropping a brand new digital/streaming single next week. This gritty blues track is a cover of Otis Rush’s great 1956 single “Sit Down Baby.”