@skopemag news – thursday – january 28, 2021 @ 4 pm est

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

Matthew E. White + Lonnie Holley announce “Broken Mirror, A Selfie Reflection,” out April 9 on Spacebomb/Jagjaguwar

In November 2018, Matthew E. White wanted to reinvent his approach to songwriting, at least for a session. In the throes of shaping the follow-up to his second studio album, 2015’s Fresh Blood, White assembled a trusted posse of seven musicians in Richmond’s Montrose Recording, one of his favorite spaces in the city. He directed the septet through a series of loose, largely gestural compositions, guiding their spirited improvisations in the iconoclastic tradition of Electric Miles. The sounds were tremendous, an array of keyboards and guitars bejeweling the momentum of an interlocking four-piece rhythm section. But the results didn’t quite fit the record in process, so White shelved the jams until the right muse arrived.

Singer-Songwriter Stephanie Quayle Releases Concept Lyric Video for Latest Single “By Heart” Exclusively with Sounds Like Nashville

Country music singer-songwriter, Stephanie Quayle, has released the official concept lyric video for her latest single, “By Heart,” exclusively with Sounds Like Nashville. The touching track, which highlights the complicated simplicity of love, is available now everywhere you find great music.

Exclusive Premiere: Stephanie Quayle Takes A Trip To Montana For Scenic ‘By Heart’ Lyric Video

Steve Lukather Releases Video For “I Found The Sun Again”

In reference to “I Found The Sun Again,” Luke offers, “This was the first solo record I have done in many years. I felt free to try a do it old school, like we used to do it – live in the studio. I am very proud of it, and the players I used really brought their very best.” Luke, and Toto singer Joseph Williams will both release solo albums simultaneously on February 26, 2021. Both artists made significant contributions to the other’s album.

Atria (Travis Atria from Morningbell) Announces Debut LP & Shares Lead Single

Moonbrain is the first solo album from acclaimed musician and author Travis Atria. It takes sonic cues from classic artists like Curtis Mayfield and Parliament, while remaining immersed in the present moment. Conceptually, it draws on everything from climate grief (“Jazz Cigarette”) to the Beatitudes (“Lucky”), to the oldest known song, a 3,400-year-old Sumerian hymn known as the Seikilos Epitaph (“Shine”). It is an album of heavy grooves and deep moods, modern tools and timeless feels, lush arrangements and adept musicianship.

French progressive rock project Celestial Burst

A few weeks after the official release of the first record from the “band” ‘The Maze’ (feat. Dutch diva Anneke Van Giesbergen (The Gathering, Devin Townsend…) as vocal guest, French Progressive-Rock project Celestial Burst finally shared the whole effort for free streaming on YouTube thanks to the courtesy of the RareMetalAlbums channel.

For the reminder, Celestial Burst – launched by Alexis Lustenberger in 2012 as a solo studio project before he was joined by Singer/Actress Kenza Laala to work on the lyrics and contribute to the vocals – released its debut effort ‘The Maze’ a couple of months ago on CD & Digital through Bandcamp and the main legal platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.).

FEMI KUTI – New single: “As We Struggle Everyday”

Today, FEMI KUTI has shared a new song and accompanying video from his upcoming album ‘Stop The Hate’ – out 5 Feb via Partisan Records.

“As We Struggle Everyday” speaks truth to power behind an infectious and driving groove, while the video (filmed by Optimus Dammy, edited by Audrey Hurtis, with illustrations by Kiki Picasso) shows scenes from around Femi’s hometown of Lagos. Listen/watch below:

Neo-glam rocker Art d’Ecco announces new album, shares video

“‘TV God’ is what captivates us with celebrity,” d’Ecco explains. “We tune in, we obsess. We feel close. Nothing can shake it. Every era, and every culture has their very own TV God. They come and go, and leave us reminiscing — longing for that escape to distract us from our daily lives. When the world is crumbling around us we look to entertainers and load up on celebrity super powers to rock our world and give us hope. It’s all very sad, and all too unavoidable in today’s day and age. I’m guilty of it, and so are you.”

Art d’Ecco Shares the Origins of New Song “TV God”: Stream

New Video Today | Protoje x Koffee | “Switch It Up”

From humble beginnings to climbing the ranks, two of Jamaica’s leading artists Protoje and Koffee celebrate their hard work and achievements on the lavish video for “Switch It Up.” The Winta James-produced track is from the reggae titan Protoje’s latest album In Search Of Lost Time.

MUNROE – Don’t Rush To Get Old

“Don’t Rush To Get Old” is the title of my new song. I wrote it at the end of something that meant a lot to me. I sat down to write what I thought would be a song with some edge, or regret, or bargaining. But all that came out was this well-wishing. Just love.

TROLLFEST Unleashes Insane New Video for Classic Hit “Don’t Worry Be Happy”

TROLLFEST transform energetic hits into pure Norwegian Balkan Metal K.A.O.S. with Happy Heroes!

Legendary Norwegian outfit TROLLFEST is back, ready to deliver their energizing and K.A.O.S-infused sound to the masses! TROLLFEST are set to release their new dual-themed EP, Happy Heroes (out March 19, 2021 via Napalm Records), proving themselves as masters of K.A.O.S and madness more than ever before (with a wee sense of humor to boot).

RISING GLOBAL SUPERSTAR TATE MCRAE RELEASES NEW TRACK & MUSIC VIDEO “rubberband”

The track continues to showcase Tate’s undeniable songwriting and vocal ability while the music video combines both talents with incredible choreography for yet another triple threat moment.

KING STACCZ RELEASES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED TRACK “RED LIGHT”

Today, rising Brooklyn rapper King Staccz releases his highly anticipated new track “Red Light,” initially only available on YouTube and SoundCloud, now on all digital service providers via Polo Grounds Music/RCA Records. Over an infectious, bouncy beat King Staccz effortlessly spits catchy, energetic bars –

Rothrigo’s ‘Debut “Apple Juice” Reminiscent of Beatles Indie-Rock Sound

A Madrid/London-based photographer whose work has been published in Vogue, Rothrigo is showcasing a new side of his creativity with several original singles planned for 2021… culminating in a debut album in April. “Apple Juice” is the first tease fans will have of Rothrigo’s nostalgic Beatle-esque rock charm sound.

Justin Courtney Pierre Announces ‘An Anthropologist On Mars’

After many failed attempts of trying to craft the perfect press release to announce the upcoming EP from Justin Courtney Pierre, there comes a time when one must admit defeat. Instead, I have a memo directly from the desk of Justin Courtney Pierre himself that surpasses any cool or jargony things I could’ve written;

My obsession with Debbie Reynolds started at a young age. I believe I was 12 when I noticed her book, Debbie: My Life, on my grandmother’s nightstand. My parents traveled for work, so I spent a good deal of my childhood and early teen years in the company of my grandmother. We watched The Golden Girls together, and she let me feast on a rotating smorgasbord of Pepperidge Farm products, sherbet ice cream, and giant bags of gourmet popcorn she’d pick up from our frequent late-night trips to Red Owl.

Jeff Dazey debuts “Song For Atatiana” video to raise funds for community center in Atatiana Jefferson’s honor

A year after the killing of Atatiana Jefferson in Fort Worth, Texas by a white police officer, Jeff Dazey, musician and close friend of the family, releases “Song for Atatiana” as part of a volunteer effort by several artists and musicians to honor Jefferson’s memory and legacy. Written by saxophonist Dazey, who’s a member of Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and has performed with Leon Bridges among many others, the single will raise funds for the Atatiana Project, a charity that will create a STEM learning center in Jefferson’s former home where she was shot and killed.

Alex Frew Releases “Something To Hold On To” – Listen Now!

Highlighting Frew’s candid and unflinching brand of storytelling, “Something To Hold On To” narrates from the perspective of a vice latching onto an individual who needs it most. “This is a view point that I have always wanted to explore in my songwriting,” Alex Frew says. ‘It’s asking: “If my addictions had the ability to speak, what would they say?’ This song is a way in which I can navigate that perspective.”

ARCHSPIRE Members Launch Online Cooking Show, “Good Morning Handsome”

Canadian tech death masters ARCHSPIRE are now embarking on an exciting new endeavor and have launched their very own online cooking series, “Good Morning Handsome!” Hosted by vocalist Oliver Rae Aleron and produced by guitarist Dean Lamb, the guys are now taking their technical skills to the kitchen to bring you the most unconventional and spicy cooking show that would have Julia Child rolling in her grave… and we mean that in a good way!

David Solomon curates Spotify’s dance Guest List

Ahead of the release of David Solomon’s new single, “Cross Your Mind,” the New York City-based DJ/producer has been given the keys to Spotify’s acclaimed playlist “Guest List.” Available now for streaming, David’s selections reflect the pulse of the current dance music scene and features artists including Alison Wonderland, Anabel Englund, Autograf, Chris Lake, Diplo, Disclosure, Galantis, Gorgon City, Gryffin, Lane 8, Meduza, Mija, Nora En Pure, Oliver Heldens, and Yaeji, to name a few.

Balthazar Share New Track “On A Roll”

Lending some context to the song and video, one half of the Balthazar writing and frontman partnership Jinte Deprez explains: “The song and video is about the repetitive lack of control you have on situations, your life, your own ways. Even for a moment when you think you can escape your own loop, you find yourself right back at the start again, finding out the changes didn’t change the outcome, or you.”

SUAD makes “Waves” with her debut album worldwide via Svart Records from the 22nd of January 2021

SUAD creates dream-like memories with her singular, emotive voice. An accomplished Finnish singer/songwriter, SUAD forges her own distinctively personal and boldy organic style. From retro-chic dancefloor beats to dark-edged, emotional indie pearls of longing, Svart Records is proud to present SUAD’s debut album “Waves”, a treasure chest of crushing hits that lands in January 2021. Waves is a dark pop jewel, with SUAD’s soulful voice at its heart and powerfully introspective lyrics. Shimmering chords, and gossamer melodies that Atwood magazine describes as “An uplifting, cathartic enchantment”.

“Jim and Pam” out now – Peter Drucker

The song is named “Jim and Pam” after the famous dynamic duo from The Office. However… I’ve genuinely never seen a single episode of this show. I view them as the modern day version of Bonnie and Clyde and feel that we need to embrace clichés. My friends are often scared of becoming one and that confuses me. Why does feeling the same way as millions of people immediately make you feel tired or re-used?

NEW MOTOWN SIGNEE ELHAE RELEASES MINIMALIST VISUAL FOR “FUN FACT”

The song is both a tender request for physical intimacy and a swaggering avowal of self-confidence. Though this is Elhae’s first Motown release, “Fun Fact (Ballad Version) produced by Keys Open Doors (Ariana Grande) is another stirring addition to his sonically diverse catalog.

A smooth and downtempo affair with a deep bassline, the “Fun Fact” instrumental allows Elhae to blur genre lines so seamlessly that they cease to exist. In control during the verses, Elhae is overrun by passion on the charged hook: “I can’t control this feeling, baby / I need some sexual healing, baby.”

Balou kicks off 2021 a little differently with heartfelt party song ‘Best Wishes’

Best Wishes is a heartfelt party song by Los Angeles based independent artist, Balou. Produced by Frankie P who is most well known for producing for artists including A$AP Ferg of the A$AP mob and XYZ, this collaboration is the perfect soundtrack whether you’re dancing in the middle of the party or smoking in the back room.

EKTOMORF Releases New Single & Video “Smashing The Past”

EKTOMORF have revealed the third single off their upcoming album, Reborn, out January 22 via Napalm Records! On “Smashing The Past”, the Hungarian thrash metal power machine is at their best: speedy, crushing guitar riffs and smashing drums upon angry, hateful vocals by singer and guitarist Zoltan “Zoli” Farkas, topped off with a dizzying guitar solo. This is thrash metal in its truest form!

Mastermind Hitmaker, BRS Kash Releases “Throat Baby (Go Baby) Remix Ft. DaBaby and City Girls + “Kash App ft. Mulatto”

Atlanta’s rising star, BRS Kash returns to the spotlight today with the release of “Throat Baby ft. DaBaby and City Girls” and “Kash App ft. Mulatto” via Team Litty/ LVRN/Interscope Records. Both tracks are off his label debut mixtape, KASH ONLY, out tomorrow, January 22. The viral single, “Throat Baby (Go Baby),” initially released last year has helped Kash reach massive heights in his sky-rocketing career. The slick-talking anthem first started to organically grow out of Atlanta’s nightlife and as the rapid success progressed it went on to spark a dance craze on TikTok (nearly a million creates). The sudden rise helped him land spots on Rolling Stone’s Breakthrough 25 and Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart. Since then, the viral song has achieved RIAA Certified Gold status, and continues to chart Top 10 spot on Urban Radio as well as chart on Billboard’s Hot 100. It also received critical acclaim from XXL, Complex, NPR, Noisey, GQ, and more, as well as recognition from Chris Brown, Trippie Redd, Fredo Bang, amongst others. The rising artist is paving his way to prove he is indeed a force to be reckoned with: “Throat Baby (Go Baby)” has logged nearly 250 million streams globally since its debut in March.

CHARLI ADAMS teams up with NIGHTLY for ‘Maybe Could Have Loved’ | out January 21st via COLOR STUDY

Rising indie sensation Charli Adams teams up with fellow Nashvillians Nightly for pulsating new cut ‘Maybe Could Have Loved’, the latest reveal from her debut record out later this year.

The first of several collaborations on ‘Bullseye’, an album title inspired by a nickname Justin Vernon gave her playing darts following a chance encounter at a Nashville dive bar, ‘Maybe Could Have Loved’ spotlights the depth of Adams’ remarkably relatable songwriting, as she continues to shape her growing status within the alt-rock sphere.

RENCE RELEASES NEW SINGLE “ENDLESS” TODAY

Locking into a head-nodding groove, finger-snaps and guitar brush up against airy synths on the track. Rence’s laidback flow gives way to an instantly chantable chorus as he once again seamlessly integrates pop, alternative, and a little bit of hip-hop into a bold bop of his own. He’s gearing up to unveil the music video next week. Be on the lookout for its imminent premiere.

Dead Poet Society Drop New Song “.loveyoulikethat.” — LISTEN

“The final moments of a long-term relationship can be crushing,” singer/guitarist Jack Underkofler says about the song. “But what’s more important — being honest with your love or bringing them happiness? They don’t always coincide.”

GIRLZLUHDEV SHARES TRUNK-RATTLING SINGLE “MARIO CHALMERS”

Produced by Jestindothat, “Mario Chalmers” is a trunk rattler, with Dev’s crooning floating over the earthy low end like a hot air balloon. He laces his brags with NBA references, a nod to his past life playing ball, and he also throws in a reminder that he’s still hitting the books (“I try to log into school but I’m just too damn lazy”). His buoyant energy is infectious.