@skopemag news – wednesday – may 19, 2021 @ 12 pm est
@skopemag HQ – http://smarturl.it/skope
Newcomer Bobby McClendon Releases New Single “Whiskey Burnin'”
“For me, the song is about the beginning of a breakup. Where you feel something isn’t right. it burns just like the first shot of whiskey but the more you drink the easier it gets to drink. Same thing in a relationship. When it’s over it burns but in time it gets easier to deal with,” explains Bobby in an exclusive with Country Sway. “I feel a lot of people will be able to relate to the song because most people have gone through a breakup and also know that the first shot is a tough one.”
OUT TODAY: Alt-rock London Quartet Giant Sky share ‘Human’ !
London-based alt-rockers Giant Sky released their latest single, ‘Human’ on the 14th of May via Bloody Sunset Records, accompanied by a live video. The single follows the release of ‘Change’ and ‘Snow’, which was accompanied by an elegant lyric video, which all precede their debut album Not Today, slated for release on the 24th of June. The quartet has been supported by tastemaker publication CLASH Magazine as well as the National UK station Planet Rock/ Kerrang!’s Wyatt on The New Rock Show.
Wounded Buffalo Beats “Wounded” feat. Randall Rush, Grandsome, Ruste Juxx & JabbaThaKut
Wounded Buffalo Beats and Randall Rush have teamed up with Ruste Juxx & Grandsome to bring you their new Single “Wounded”. Thought provoking lyrics over a beautiful soundscape of Spanish guitar and haunting chants. Plus some dope cuts from the one and only JabbaThaKut.
Another certified boombap banger from U.K. based producer, Wounded Buffalo Beats. Available on all streaming platforms now.
Ayron Jones releases slow burn anthem ‘Take Your Time’
Seattle rocker Ayron Jones has released the new single ‘Take Your Time’, which is a slow burn anthem with his powerful vocals and signature guitar squeals lighting up the track. It’s taken from his highly anticipated debut album CHILD OF THE STATE, which is coming out 21st May via Big Machine/John Varvatos Records. Listen to the track here.
Jones co-produced and wrote the track as a reminder to himself about embracing the moment and appreciating how each plays a part in your story. “Being grateful is what this song is really about and being able to really enjoy where you’re at, from wherever you’re at,” he explains.
Strange Bones announce debut album and share title track “ENGLAND SCREAMS”
UK act Strange Bones are set to kick start their loudest chapter, announcing the release of their highly anticipated debut album ENGLAND SCREAMS out on August 20th via FRKST / 300 Entertainment. As a taste of things to come, the band have shared the title track “ENGLAND SCREAMS”, a ferocious call to arms that blurs the lines between punk rock and electronica, alongside an accompanying video. The song features an anthemic hook and lyrically focuses on the ever-changing thought process behind human behavior.
Country Newcomer Colby Acuff Releases New Single “If I Were The Devil”
“If I Were The Devil” is featured on Sounds Like Nashville’s New Nashville playlist and Country Sway’s Undiscovered, Notable, and Highly Addictive Releases feature, and many additional editorial and playlists.
Coming from North Idaho, the singer-songwriter prides himself in writing songs that connect to people just like his own heroes have done his whole life.
Kwesi Arthur Releases New Single “Winning” Feat. Vic Mensa Out Now Via Platoon
Rising Ghanaian superstar Kwesi Arthur releases his brand new single “Winning” featuring Chicago rap royalty Vic Mensa. Released today via Ground Up Chale and Platoon, the track is a new taster from his forthcoming debut album pencilled for this Summer.
A lilting guitar instrumental building to an explosive, rugged chorus allows the two artists maximum bragging rights, delivering uncut Drill vibes that’s sure to resonate at street level from Tema in Ghana to Chicago’s South Side.
RISING ALT-POP STAR AU/RA RELEASES NEW SINGLE “BITE MARKS”
Following the release of her single “Dead Girl! (Shake My Head)” and her feature on the Jax Jones radio smash “i miss u,” Au/Ra has shared new single “Bite Marks” – a hypnotic alt-pop track with a psychedelic visual focusing on the sting of a heartbreak that you knew was coming. Written in LA with CJ Baran, the pair penned the entire song the first day they met while the video was recorded in Au/Ra’s home country of Antigua, where she has spent all of her time through lockdown.
Horsey share new single “Seahorse” ft. King Krule + announce debut album “Debonair” | Out Summer 2021 via Untitled Recs
Today, South London’s unclassifiable 4-piece curios, Horsey, return with the announcement of their highly anticipated debut LP “Debonair” and the release of their new single “Seahorse”, which features the band’s long-time friend and critically acclaimed songwriter Archy Marshall (King Krule) on vocals throughout.
Lavender Diamond Release New Song “Turn Around”
Today, the Los Angeles-based chamber-pop band Lavender Diamond released a new song “Turn Around,” a bonus track from the digital re-release of Now Is The Time, their first studio album in more than 8 years out now via Petaluma Records.
Judah & the Lion Releases “Help Me To Feel Again” During Mental Health Awareness Month
“Last year was the first year in 7 years we haven’t toured. For the three of us we found a lot of health, rest, and growth from it even though it was also incredibly hard (like the rest of the world). For me, I had a tragic family thing happen which is par for the course for the last few years but I didn’t have a stage or a crowd to distract myself with the emotions of it. Having to face the reality and deal with the emotions was something I was bad at. This song is about learning to cry and not hold everything in.
2KBABY CHANNELS HIS INNER “GREAT WHITE” IN NEW SONG AND VIDEO
With his star on the rise, “Great White” arrives as the follow up to his recent collaborative smash “Like This” with Marshmello. Much like a great white shark, 2KBABY never stops moving. His consistent output of quality music which boasts nearly 300 million streams and includes an RIAA Gold Certified track in his breakout hit “Old Streets” has established him as an all-star amongst his peers. He says of the new track:
Anonymous Experimental Metal Collective Non Serviam Stream New Video
The multi-talented, genre hopping anonymous collective Non Serviam have teamed up with label Code666 to bring forth another masterful release, blurring lines between genres and going beyond the boundaries that restrain them. Non Serviam creates a sonic collage of experimental, black, doom, grindcore, crust and industrial metal while staying within the framework of a baroque influence that will assault the auditory senses in the form of one of the most brutal and extreme releases of the year.
Witness the Unbelievable Majesty that is NON SERVIAM “I Watch You From Afar”
BUZZING POP SINGER/SONGWRITER ANNIKA WELLS SHARES NEW SONG “THE BITTER END” TODAY
The track serves as an anthemic breakup song bristled with energy as she confidently proclaims, “I’m not your girl, and I’m not your friend…I’ll be that bitch till the bitter end.” The only thing sharper than the edgy production is her incisive lyricism as she drops one head-turning line after another like, “Tell your friends you broke up with me when I’m the best that you ever had, sorry!”
EASTERN HIGH: Decibel premiere “Emperor” video; new album ‘HALO’ out this summer!
Sweden’s fast-rising progressive melodic metal unit EASTERN HIGH teamed up with Decibel Magazine to present the first single and video taken from their upcoming sophomore album ‘HALO’, due out July 30th. Embrace the beauty of the North and watch “Emperor” now!
UK’s Subculture + Hak Baker share weightless “Tornados”
Gorillaz-approved producer Subculture (aka Edan Feldman-Vazan) is becoming known for a collage-style of production powered by soulful instrumentation, lo-fi hip hop beats, pulsing rhythms, and forward-thinking synths and samples. The Haifa-born, London-raised producer’s ability to seamlessly maneuver between styles and build an eclectic community around his work comes from years of honing his skills not just as a producer but also as a songwriter, DJ, and record label co-founder.
Today, brand new indie alt-pop duo Middle Child has released their debut single “Burn Out” on Casual Jam Records, a fast growing label owned by popular UK tastemaker MrRevillz. FLAUNT premiered the track, praising how Middle Child’s “minimalistic production style feels evocative of JP Saxe or FINNEAS: a comparison that we don’t take lightly.” The duo features producer Jacob Lee and songwriter/vocalist Mikey Wax, whose solo career has already achieved over 1M online fans and music placements in advertisements for major brands including Nike Swim, Hollister Clothing, United Airlines, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
JUCEE FROOT CELEBRATES FROOT FRIDAYS WITH NEW SONG “NO BROKE DICK”
“No Broke Dick” follows Jucee Froot’s P-Valley opening credits song “Down In The Valley.” Her other recent appearances on the official INSECURE soundtrack with “Eat Itself” and the Madden NFL soundtrack with “Champion” prove Jucee continues to be an artist to watch.
Rodrigo y Gabriela’s Jazz EP out today; 22-date U.S. tour announced
GRAMMY® Award-winning guitar virtuosos Rodrigo y Gabriela release their JAZZ EP today via Rubyworks/ATO at all DSPs and on 12” cloudy orange vinyl (limited to 3,000 copies worldwide and individually numbered). Rod and Gab’s recently released heroic interpretation of “Street Fighter Mas” by tenor sax giant Kamasi Washington, their sublime interplay with flamenco-guitar legend Vicente Amigo on Astor Piazzolla’s timeless “Oblivion,” have helped introduce their magical guitar interplay to a whole new world of music fans. Today, they get to hear the duo’s distinctive take on Snarky Puppy’s “Lingus.”
RODRIGO Y GABRIELA’s “Jazz” EP Out today; 22-Date U.S. Tour Announced
Joy Oladokun collaborates with Maren Morris on new song “Bigger Man”
Of the collaboration, Oladokun shares, “The day we wrote ‘Bigger Man’ was actually the first day I had met Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, and Laura Veltz. We were bouncing ideas around the room, and I had this song idea that came to mind when I was meditating that morning. The idea was about being the bigger man. In my life, I sometimes experience being the youngest and the most inexperienced, and yet I have to conduct myself as though I am way above my years or my maturity. I think it’s an old feeling, especially for women and people of color, of having to be stronger, better, brighter, and harder working at everything just to get a shot. We wrote from that place and the song was born—I’m really proud of what we did. I’m also excited about the friendship and the things that were born out of it. I hope it helps people in the same way that it has helped me.”
Hear Joy Oladokun, Maren Morris Duet on New Song ‘Bigger Man’
ICYMI- “Rigid gender norms suck. Pony Hunt’s cosmic doo-wop rules.”
New Orleans based band, Pony Hunt is set to release their long awaited second album, VAR! on July 23rd 2021 via Wing and Wing. The album explores queerness, gender identity, and the struggle to be at home with one’s self. Pony Hunt’s hazy doo-wop sparkles with bits of soul, psych, and even an occasional string section.
This week the band shared, “Stardust,” the first single from VAR!, accompanied by a gorgeous stop-motion animated video created by Jessie Antonick (of Pony Hunt) and Jesse Wilson of Skull Island Art & Fabrication. The video is dreamy- there’s a beautifully barnacled whale, an adorable sailor, a glowing moon, icebergs, and strange sea creatures.
Bay Area Rapper Larry June New Video + Album Announce
Bay Area rapper Larry June has a new album on the way June 11 and here is the first track from it for “Wait On Me”. The video, directed by THEDAILYGEMS, draws from June’s notoriously laid back demeanor, as he enjoys the finer things. More details on the forthcoming LP will be divulged imminently, stay tuned.
Sean Hassard Reveals “Lemonade,” Out Today!
Sean’s new single, “Lemonade,” is about unrequited love. The emotional weight of falling for someone, who despite admitting feeling deeply about you, purposefully distances themself out of the fear of heartbreak. The message echoed in the chorus – you’ve got none if you give all that you’ve got – puts an interesting twist on the old adage of giving it your all.
The Picturebooks Release “Rebel” Featuring Lzzy Hale of Halestorm
Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale states about track, “This project came into my life at a time when I really needed it. The Pandemic stole a huge part of my life, and my identity. I was forced to look myself in the mirror and figure out who I am without that missing piece. I had to remind myself that no matter what is happening outside…the flame that burns inside of me is still alive. Writing these lyrics was like drawing a road map to guide myself back to who I am. No one can do it for me, no one can save me but myself. In order to do that, I have to start a revolution inside my soul, and be a rebel from the inside out. This song is my war cry.
MVW and Valee blend Classical and Trap on Still Do
New York composer Michael Vincent Waller (MVW) teams with producer Lex Luger and Chicago rapper Valee for “Still Do,” the second single from his upcoming project Classic$ available via AWAL Recordings. With MVW and Lex Luger’s rich production of ominous strings and punchy beats, and Valee’s effortless vocals on wealth and luxury, the three artists come together to create a fresh new sound reimagining Michael Vincent Waller’s stand-out composition “Lines.”
Tyler Shaw releases “Be Like You”
Tyler Shaw continues his ascent to the upper echelons of pop on new single “Be Like You” out now via Sony Music Entertainment Canada.
“Be Like You” pulsates with a rhythmic beat as Shaw’s roaring vocals tell the tale of an ex-lover meeting someone new. Co-written and produced by Tyler Shaw himself, as well as Sam Merrifield (Lewis Capaldi, JC Stewart), the song will be featured on Shaw’s forthcoming third studio album due out this summer.
Taleban Dooda Shares Fallen Angel, His Melodic and Hard-Hitting Debut Album
Armed with a pure tenor and a nimbly melodic flow, Taleban Dooda is one of the most promising young artists in the thriving Florida rap scene. Examining his come-up and confronting his demons, Dooda shares Fallen Angel, his debut album. The album probes all aspects of the 19-year-old artist’s psyche, discussing his fractured upbringing in songs like “Broken Soul” and “Heart Turned To Ice,” getting ready for war in hard-hitting trap tracks like the Internet Money-produced “Chopstix II” ft. Tory Lanez and “Sinning,” or splitting the difference on songs like the TM88 & ATL Jacob-produced “Finish Him.”
Experimental pop star BONZIE premieres hand-animated video for “Reincarnation”
“With each release, BONZIE’s artistry grows into something bigger… Built upon guitar strings and folk undertones, the single is crafted into a track that showcases the lustrous world of BONZIE and her intricately emotive musical output,” says Earmilk. The track hails from BONZIE’s critically acclaimed new album Reincarnation, out now.
Greg Loiacono Shares New Single “What Can I Say?”
“The song has one of those melodies that comes in the middle of the night. When this happens I get out of bed and start humming and strumming very quietly as not to wake anyone in the house,” Loiacono told Relix Magazine who premiered the track. “As ‘What Can I Say?’ formed the delicate singing style kept working with the melody and the pleading lyrics, so I opted to sing falsetto. The amount of Curtis Mayfield I was listening to during that time probably influenced the style, as well. A lot of us have been in a situation where we have asked for forgiveness even when we knew we probably wouldn’t get it. Sometimes you gotta put yourself out there regardless of the outcome.”
Song Premiere: The Mother Hips’ Greg Loiacono Channels Retro-Soul with “What Can I Say”
Ida Maria, Norway’s Indisputable Punk Viking Releases New Rebellious Single ‘DIRTY MONEY’ Forthcoming EP Title Track
Featuring a punk blast of garage guitar, ‘Dirty Money’ carries the high-energy punk-pop Ida’s been widely acclaimed for with cheeky lyrics that are sugar-coated with a highly addictive chorus, addressing much more serious topics that are frustrating to her. Ida’s personal experiences with greed and corruption are detailed with a racket of petulant screams, among them “Pay me all your Dirty oney/I’m your favorite monkey/watch me go!!!”
Blood takes a deep dive into the dark side with a lens on modern human psychology and behaviour. “I think these songs are a reaction to how seriously and negatively a lot of people have been affected by the past four years,” says Juliana. “But it’s fun, musically. There’s a lot of playing around. I didn’t really have a plan when I started this project.”
Michael Oakley surprises with new album and single – a heartfelt ode to Glasgow featuring synth siren Dana Jean Phoenix
From heroically saving two men from a burning car wreck just outside Glasgow in 2012 to soaring to the top of the world synthwave music charts, Canadian-based Scottish singer songwriter Michael Oakley releases his highly anticipated third studio album, “Odyssey”, today.
THEHXLIDAY’S “THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DISASTER” EP OUT NOW
“This is my first time doing a project like this. I wanted it to have a balance of good and bad energy,” says TheHxliday, “If you listen it’s a story where it starts off light and gets deeper and darker as you dive in.”
Known for his emotionally raw yet positivity-minded lyrics, TheHxliday lets his sensitivity shine on the five unforgettable tracks that comprise Beautiful, such as “A New Life” (the piano-laced opening cut) and “miSSed Calls” (a slow-burning and soulful song featuring his falsetto vocals). The EP’s first half also includes the 19-year-old artist’s previously released single “Salsa,” a dance-ready bop that expertly blends trap and pop with a Latin twist.
EDMP has found success across the nation through their poignant music and creatively engaging social media presence. Davis’ “heart-on-sleeve lyrics, biting wit, and own brand of acoustic-electric folk-punk,” as El Paso Inc. described it, brings a unique presence to the Southwest US music scene.
BROOKLYN SONGCRAFTER ANNIE KEATING’S TIMELY NEW SINGLE “NOBODY KNOWS” OUT TODAY + NEW LP “BRISTOL COUNTY TIDES” OUT JUNE 4TH
Brooklyn-based artist Annie Keating has released “Nobody Knows,” the latest single from her forthcoming album Bristol County Tides, due out on June 4th. In this timely track, Keating sings, “One thing that’s for sure, nothing’s guaranteed. Life’s a ride into uncertainty.” Like millions of us across the globe, Keating found herself grappling with the uncertainty during the early pandemic days.
Bear Grillz Transcends with New Single “Head in the Clouds (feat. Nevve)”
Following a successful remix package of his sophomore album “Friends,” Bear Grillz charges ahead with a brand new single. Featuring EDM princess Nevve, “Head in the Clouds,” elevates Bear Grillz’s status as a bass master with this glistening production. Similar to how the song sings “never going back to before,” Bear Grillz continues to climb up the ranks as his career continues to rocket. Stay tuned for more music coming your way.
Punctual Release New Single “Smoke Ring”
“Smoke Ring” marks their second single release of the new year following January’s “The Step” featuring Nabiha, and prior to that was smash single “I Don’t Wanna Know,” which has amassed 25 million global streams. A club-ready vocal house jam with serious crossover appeal, “Smoke Ring” looks destined to become yet another Punctual hit.
Goose share the 10-minute odyssey that is “Madhuvan”; new album out June 4
Following a completely sold-out run of tour dates this month, Norwalk, CT-based rockers Goose release the third song from their eagerly awaited new album, SHENANIGANS NITE CLUB. The 10-minute odyssey the band is calling “Madhuvan” is a live show staple of late that the band shortened for the studio version. Though half as long here, the song still captures the travelogue aesthetic that has made it a fan favorite. Classically Goose in that its groove is as deep as its sense of melody is indelible, “Madhuvan” references the story of Dhruva and his quest for enlightenment, originally written in the Bhagavata Purana. The song is an exploratory journey, examining life’s most beautiful offerings and most dangerous pitfalls.
AMAZON MUSIC’S “A LADY LIKE THAT” SHORT FILM FEATURING INGRID ANDRESS OUT TODAY
“It’s been a dream to work with Lauren Dunn, Amazon Music, Breakwater Studios, and my team on this project. To have the opportunity to work with this stellar group and bring my story to life has been incredible,” shared Andress. “I’m excited for more folks to learn about my journey into the country music format and I hope my story can be encouraging to anyone who feels like an outsider.”
GEORGE RAGAN THE DEAD SON RELEASES DEBUT SOLO ALBUM, ‘THE ABYSS’
After the release of the album’s first single “Heaven Can Wait,” Loudwire shared, “It’s a lighter sounding song with deeper and darker overall lyrical content for Ragan, as ‘Heaven Can Wait’ bounces along with a more acoustic guitar-driven vibe.” American Songwriter praised the second single “All Gone,” writing, “Ragan appears ready to ditch the mask and show the world who he’s been hiding.”
YOUNGBOY NEVER BROKE AGAIN RELEASES LATEST SINGLE, WHITE TEETH
The boastful record follows a plethora of loose singles from the Baton Rouge rapper including “Toxic,” “I Ain’t Scared,” “Territorial,” and his latest mixtape “Until I Return.”
The 15-track tape quickly proved to be a vivid follow up to his latest collaboration with Mike WiLL Made-It and Nicki Minaj for “What That Speed Bout?!,” which was accompanied by an eclectic music video, now surpassing 32 million views. The superstar’s latest mixtape also followed his last chart-topping project, TOP.
MA’s Jay Kinser Spits Hardbody Rap On New Video “Savage Lands” FT. Termanology, Heavy (EXP), & DJ Deadeye
Jay Kinser (formerly JK) follows up his latest single Savage Lands featuring Termanology, Heavy (EXP), and DJ Deadeye with raw visuals directed by Myster DL. The track combines Massachusetts’s dedicated crew members of EXP The Expendables and ST Da Squad trading unapologetic bars in an abandoned sector. “I wanted the video to have an apocolyptic feel to it” says Jay. This song will be featured on his upcoming Germain Ave LP available this summer. Check out Savage Lands now on YouTube and your preferred digital streaming provider.
Soulful Alt-Pop/R&B Trio Ahmore Releases “Rioja (Next To You)”
“Sipping Spanish wine, love drunk, under a Southern California sunset.” This is how soulful alt-pop/R&B trio AHMORE describes their debut single “Rioja (Next To You)” out today, May 14. Characterized by its Spanish influences, R&B beat, and sultry multitracked vocals, this is the first new music that will lead to an EP release this summer.
ALAINA CASTILLO RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM: ‘PARALLEL UNIVERSE PT. 1’ OUT NOW
Mexican-American bilingual singer-songwriter Alaina Castillo has released pt. 1 of her debut LP parallel universe via Chosen People / AWAL. The seven track collection of dark R&B ballads and catchy pop-infused anthems sees Alaina finally in control of her own narrative and relationships, exuding confidence and self-reliance – things she struggled with growing up. On the release, Alaina says: “The process of making my album has taught me a lot about who I am as an artist, but it’s also showed me who I am as a person, and allowed me to have the confidence to finally be that person in the real world. parallel universe is the soundtrack of me becoming who i was always too shy to be”. Just announced, Alaina will be embarking on the parallel universe tour this November, tickets go on sale May 17.
Dallas String Quartet Releases Official Music Video For ‘Sabor’ Featuring Jesús Molina on 5/14
Today, Dallas String Quartet releases a flavorful music video for their latin-jazz hit ‘Sabor’ featuring pianist extraordinaire, Jesús Molina on the keys. The video transports you into a welcoming and sunny summer feel, bursting with dancing, rhythm, and spice. This instant hit was released on May 7 and has gained attention on Spotify’s All New Jazz and Pandora’s Classical Crossover editorial playlists, as well as dazzling fans worldwide!
DENM Releases Debut Album ‘Slum Beach Denny’
“This record’s been in the making for the last 4 years so I’m just excited for it to finally come out,” shares DENM. “I’ve heard these songs a million times already and I still love it so I’m just eager and hyped to see how the rest of the world likes the record haha…and just get to go play it live. Cowabunga.
John Andrews & The Yawns’ newest album, Cookbook, is out now on Woodsist
John Andrews is picking flowers from each corner of his life and presenting you with an unusual bouquet. His imaginary band “The Yawns” are back! Third time’s a charm. In hockey terms, they call it a “hat trick” and you know who’s always wearing a ratty old hat? John Andrews. Three years in the making and we have COOKBOOK, the third, and most colorful record from your favorite New Hampshire based craftsman.
