@skopemag news – friday – july 16, 2021 @ 2 pm est
@skopemag HQ – http://smarturl.it/skope
Acoustic Syndicate issues a plea for humanity with “Simple Dream”
Like “Sunny,” written by acoustic guitarist bandmate and cousin Steve McMurry, “Simple Dream” is the culmination of a songwriting process that included its own hiatus. Though Bryon is the group’s banjo player, here he switches to electric lead guitar, punctuating his lead vocals with slinky, often twinned lines that recall the sound of groups like Steely Dan. With Fitz McMurry’s punchy drums and Jay Sanders’ sinuous, pulsing bass drive underneath, the song maintains its sense of urgency even as it luxuriates in the room to stretch out for a full five minutes of groove.
Clairo Releases New Album, ‘Sling, Out Today.
Praised for her diary-worthy stories earmarked by her devilishly sharp commentary and angelically intimate vocals. The singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer has quietly threaded these stories into the fabric of popular culture since she first surfaced as a phenomenon out of her dorm bedroom. Following the success of her 2018 debut, Diary 001 EP, Clairo unveiled her 2019 full-length debut album, Immunity (FADER Label). The now 22-year old received critical acclaim from the likes of Billboard, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, NME, NPR, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and many more.
Heartless Bastards share new single “Photograph”
“Photograph is about building bridges. We have to approach each other with love and give each other some room to grow. When we went into the studio the song was conceptual in form, and with its complicated structure, I wasn’t even sure it was going to work. I put trust in my instincts and had faith it was all going to translate. There weren’t a lot of rehearsals leading up to it. It was fresh and exciting to dive right in. There can be a lot of magic in those moments where you’re vulnerably finding your way through a new song and the recording light is on. Having the brilliant musicianship of Jesse Ebaugh, Greg Clifford, and Lauren Gurgiolo was monumental. Lauren and I trading leads over a psychedelic landscape might be one of my favorite musical moments to date. It was everything I hoped it would be and then some. I really feel the stars aligned and we created something really special.”
Nate Smith releases new song feat. Brittany Howard
One of the foremost faces of the current progressive jazz movement, 2x GRAMMY® Award-nominated drummer/composer/producer Nate Smith releases the second song from his inspired new album, Kinfolk 2: See The Birds. Dedicated to his father, who passed away in 2015, the gospel-laced ballad “Fly (For Mike)” features Brittany Howard, with whom Smith collaborated on her Grammy-winning 2019 album, Jaime. The song also features poignant solos from saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, guitarist Brad Allen Williams, and keyboardist Jon Cowherd.
Your Grandparents Deliver Debut Album ‘Thru My Window’
The rising Los Angeles-based R&B/Hip-Hop trio Your Grandparents — composed of vocalists DaCosta, Jean Carter, and producer ghettoblasterman — have released their long-awaited full-length debut album, Thru My Window, available independently on all digital streaming platforms via The Orchard.
Tink Releases New Single “Selfish” ft. Yung Bleu Today
Tink, the undisputed Queen of Chicago R&B, returns with the release of her new single “Selfish” ft. Yung Bleu today (Winter’s Diary / EMPIRE). On the new Hitmaka-produced single, Tink describes her unapologetic passion for her man – “maybe I’m just being selfish, baby I don’t wanna help it” – while rising superstar, Bleu Vandross croons over the beat in his own signature style. The new single comes ahead of the release of Tink’s forthcoming project, Heat Of The Moment, coming this summer. Selfish ft. Yung Bleu is available everywhere now.
BUTCH DAWSON RELEASES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO “GET MONEY” (ASYLUM RECORDS)
Rapper, producer, songwriter and “a leading voice in Baltimore’s evolving music scene” (Baltimore Sun) – Butch Dawson unveils his latest single “Get Money” with accompanying music video. Self-recorded and produced, “Get Money” is raw and textured while showcasing Butch’s dexterous flow. The catchy single follows on the heels of “Hummer,” the lead track off his highly anticipated EP ‘Stardust’ out later this summer via Asylum Records.
GEORGIA WEBSTER RELEASES DEBUT EP FIRST GOODBYE
First Goodbye is made up of five songs, each written solely by Webster. The long-awaited collection follows her major label debut, “Push & Pull,” which Off The Record praised as a “stunning, tender, and thoughtful vocal with a real lilt and melody.” The track was further praised by Entertainment Focus, The Honey Pop, and Music Row, who commented, “[Georgia’s] sweet/tart soprano has folk overtones and hidden strength.”
JULIA CANNON RELEASES NEW EP “LISTENING”
“I decided to produce and mix this whole project over the course of this pandemic, with the idea that having something to work on would help me to process my grief,” Julia explains. “Little did I know that there would be so much grief to process. There were two deaths in my family and then the whole country witnessed the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. This project became extremely cathartic and difficult to finish. At times, it was the only thing that I wanted to do and I obsessed as a way to cope. Here, on the other side of the tunnel, I’m really proud of what I’ve created. I’m proud that I could make my pain into something beautiful. I hope you enjoy it.”
Wave Break Returns With New Single and Music Video “Chemical Burn”
“This is probably the only relationship-focused song Wave Break will ever have. It is about being strung along for an extended period of time while the other person knows the whole time it’s not going to last. This was one of the first songs written for the EP, so it was chosen as the first single.”
Illenium Releases Highly Anticipated Album “Fallen Embers”
Following a roll out of singles including “Nightlight” (150M global streams), “Hearts on Fire” with Dabin feat. Lights (60M global streams) “First Time” feat. iann dior (50M global streams), “Sideways” with Valerie Broussard and Nurko (25M global streams) and “Heavenly Side” with Matt Maeson (5M global streams) ILLENIUM now has accumulated over 300M global streams on all of his 12Tone Music releases and collectively has more than 5B global streams on his entire catalog.
JOHN MAYER ANNOUNCES SOB ROCK TOUR 2022
John Mayer has announced concerts for his Sob Rock Tour 2022, kicking off Thursday, February 17, in Albany, New York, running through Thursday, April 28 in Chicago, Illinois. Produced by Live Nation, the tour features stops in New York at the new UBS Arena in Belmont Park (March 1st) and Madison Square Garden (February 20), and two nights at the Forum in Inglewood, California (March 13 & March 15), among others. Tickets go on sale starting Friday, July 23rd, at 11 AM @ JohnMayer.com.
RAGE Release First Single + Music Video from Upcoming Album ‘Resurrection Day’
Today will see the arrival of the first new RAGE single and music video for the song “Virginity”. The track is the first offering from the band’s upcoming studio album ‘Resurrection Day’.
Dava Is Back with New “Sticky” Summer Anthem
“Sticky” follows the release of Dava’s eclectic and impressive debut singles “New Ceilings,” “ASOS,” “Right Time,” and “Papercut,” which received critical acclaim from the likes of COLORS, Wonderland, Idolator, EUPHORIA, and Fashionably-Early as well as generated millions of streams thanks to playlist support from Spotify (Global New Music Friday, Fresh Finds, Anti Pop, Popsauce, Alternative R&B) and Apple Music (New Music Daily, Breaking Pop, Pop Chill, New In Pop).
Brazillian artist Munir Hossn, an esteemed producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist, shares his latest full-length album Vientre today via Jammcard Records. The brand new catalogue of tracks celebrates women across the globe, in dedication to the artist’s late mother, who unfortunately passed recently in the spring of 2021. To make the album, Munir teamed up with a cast entirely of female musicians and singers.
Vientre is a compelling new collection that evokes every emotion through the lens of various bonds that Munir has made with important women throughout his life’s journey. Amongst the most impactful, Vientre seeks to embody the strongest relationship that a human can experience, which is the relationship between a mother and a child.
Flora Cash shares new single “Chronically Beautiful”
RIAA platinum-certified indie-pop duo Flora Cash has today unveiled a tender and reflective new single. “Chronically Beautiful” is available now via the Swedish/American band’s own Flower Money Records at all DSPs and streaming services.
“‘Chronically Beautiful’ was sparked when we were having a conversation about what it means to be beautiful,” says Flora Cash, “especially when looked at through the lens of real love. It’s not an acute, momentary perception; it’s the feeling that the person you love; the person that you waited your whole life for has a beauty that transcends any given moment and isn’t dependent on what they happen to be wearing or how their face looks that day or week or month; they’re chronically beautiful.”
Video: Madoa Sankara – Gold Nickels
Hip-Hop/R&B Artist K-Riz Announces New Album, Shares Track “I Don’t Trust You”
On the song about an unfaithful lover, K-Riz confronts an ex-flame’s betrayal and deception, setting his melodic raps to a tender R&B-pop bounce assisted by production from J. Deppisch and Grammy-nominated LordQuest. Juggled into his wordplay, he recounts the good with the bad. “I let her in my world, heart wear on my sleeve/Tryin’ to leave/So many ways I’ve contemplated/Now we in the sheets/Things get complicated,” he rhymes, illuminating the difficulty in letting go of a toxic relationship when you’re already emotionally invested.
Afrobeat sensation DARKOO releases debut 2 in 1 EP & ‘Slow Down’ ft Tion Wayne
Darkoo’s debut EP 2 In 1 pays homage to her African and UK roots and allows us to delve into the sound that has defined her. The EP is a blend of her distinct afro sound and vocals paired alongside her unequivocal rap flow. 2 In 1 gives us a fearless and passionate insight into her emotions with tracks like ‘Drunk Texting’ and ‘Pick Up’, revealing a more vulnerable side to Darkoo while also showcasing her many facets via ‘Come up’ featuring Unknown T.
ENNY RELEASES DEBUT EP UNDER 25 OUT NOW
Speaking on the EP, ENNY says “This project concept was birthed in the most confusing time of my early 20’s. I was caught between the sudden ticking of the age clock and feeling unfulfilled in a 9-5. The songs reflect not only my journey into quitting my job to do music but also everyone involved in bringing this to life from meeting PAYA who nurtured and produced the tracks to just connecting with some really amazing people at Root73. I hope everyone that listens is able to feel the love and care that’s gone into crafting these songs because it’s not just mine it’s ours and just the first of many.”
OUT TODAY: Soul Messin’ Records Releases Jahrukus Double Single Release “Ashes To Ashes”
JAHRUKUS (Jah-ruckus) are a soulful roots-reggae collective, paying homage to the early Tuff Gong era whilst forging their own musical identity. Active on the Melbourne club scene circa 2005-08, the five-piece ensemble won local and international acclaim via their exciting live shows.
Alt-Pop Singer-Songwriter X. ARI Premiered The Acoustic Music Video For New Single “Stranger To Saviour” Yesterday With PopWrapped
Toronto born Los Angeles based Alt-Pop singer-songwriter, mental health & LGBTQIA+ advocate X. ARI is set to release her new EP Anja on July 23rd. In the lead up to the EP release, X. ARI premiered the acoustic music video for her third single “Stranger To Saviour” yesterday exclusively with PopWrapped.
Hallelujah! Boy Golden’s debut album, Church of Better Daze, is here
Boy Golden officially opens the doors to the Church of Better Daze with the release of his debut album, out now. With his gospel of a few good words: live well with what you’ve got, Boy Golden’s collection celebrates small wins and well-packed lunches with equal appreciation.
Biicla Drops “Outside EP” via Young Art Records
Russian producer Biicla has picked up a lot of buzz in dance music circles of late, winning over fans with his refreshingly unique production that blends elements of various genres of electronic music. Today, Biicla has dropped his latest project – the Outside EP – a 4-track extended play that draws on influences from house, future bass and hip-hop.
CHLOE MORIONDO SHARES BLOOD BUNNY (ACOUSTIC) EP
18-year-old artist Chloe Moriondo has shared blood bunny (acoustic), a new EP featuring four stripped-down tracks from her new album Blood Bunny. The blood bunny (acoustic) EP is available now on all streaming platforms via Public Consumption Recording Co./Fueled By Ramen.
Hush Release Moody New Track “Land Waves”
The duo just released their debut single, “Land Waves,” which is a moody indie pop track about seeing what you want in your life, but because it’s so far away and seemingly unattainable you’re scared by it while wanting it all the same.
MARINA UNVEILS “VENUS FLY TRAP (KITO REMIX FT. TOVE LO)”
Platinum-selling artist MARINA is celebrating today’s release of a vibrant Kito remix of her Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land track “Venus Fly Trap,” featuring Swedish singer-songwriter Tove Lo. “You see me laughing all the way to my happiness / Oh yeah I look like a winner in my golden dress” Tove Lo sings on her brand-new verse. “Venus Fly Trap (Kito Remix Ft. Tove Lo)” is available now via DSPs and streaming services –
SSGKOBE RELEASES NEW SONG “MIA”
THE LONELY ONES Release Official Music Video for New Single “GETTIN’ HIGH”
“We’ve seen the opioid crisis ravage the world and unfortunately every single person in America has been touched by it in some way. Either with our own struggles or people very close to us. It’s a national emergency and the lyrics describe one of many experiences I’ve had with this drug taking away people I cared very deeply about” says Marty McCoy, the band’s vocalist/guitarist.
VÂN SCOTT PAYS HOMAGE TO ELTON JOHN/BERNIE TAUPIN & JOHN LENNON/PAUL MCCARTNEY IN “DON’T KNOW THE WORDS” OUT TODAY
Scott has had many successes along the road towards this release having garnered numerous vocal credits singing on blockbuster film scores for La La Land, Mulan, Jurassic World, and Sing, on TV shows such as Black-ish, The Simpsons, The Goldbergs, and The Voice, to name a few, and he’s performed for renowned film composers like Danny Elfman and Michael Giacchino. Now, Scott’s ready to bring the spotlight directly onto himself and put his musical talent and songwriting skills front and center.
Laura Roy drops stunning new video for her summer anthem ‘Sunrise’
Canadian/London based Laura Roy releases brand new visuals for new track ‘Sunrise’. The video shows Laura and friends on top of a hazy sunrise London car park rooftop. Whilst Laura emotionally performs the summer anthem from her upcoming Tides EP and celebrates how far she’s come from her rural upbringing in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Shortly Announces Debut LP via Triple Crown + Releases Lead Single “Science”
Dancer was produced by Shortly — including longtime collaborators Austin Stawowczyk and Kris Herrmann —and Joe Reinhart (Hop Along, Beach Bunny, Smidley, Diet Cig) with much of the album coming together at Headroom Studios in Philadelphia, developed from sketches on codependence, gender dysphoria, and the tenderness of belonging.
