SKOPE NEWS FOR JULY 4, 2018 @ NOON EST

House of Whales are indie hip-hop’s new torch bearers

The inimitable hip-hop trio House of Whales are back with their first new music since 2014’s breakout House of Whales LP. The release garnered them praise from outlets like Afro Punk, Metro Active, Pop ‘stache and more, and illuminated them as some of Chicago’s freshest innovators.

Breaking up the time between records, the group have returned with a song that distills summer in Chicago. “Colors” see’s the band channeling their energy into a bright, almost psychedelic haze of stacked flows and effected keys. Lyrically, “Colors” see’s the trio flipping the national conversation concerning Chicago on it’s head, focusing on the cities beauty rather than it’s pain. It’s inherently political, and an act of deviance in itself.

FLAVIA Debuts Visually Stunning Music Video Today

Life is exhilarating and heartbreaking and ridiculous. Might as well make the most of it as you burn it all down. Oh, and definitely love yourself. These are the themes in FLAVIA’s lyrics. There is a tangible strength in her music, an unapologetic curiosity about life, love, and sexuality. Layered over fluid and powerful beats that make you dance hips first. Eyes closed, middle finger up, smile on your face.

Canton, MS Rapper 101 Releases HOT New Single “Ride the Wave”

Inspired by numerous rappers like T.I. and Jay Z, 101 has been crafting and molding his talents since he was a kid. Life experiences and a dream have motivated 101 to push toward making music that is not only quality, but also sets him apart with his performances and stage presence.

WIZ KHALIFA WANTS YOUR HELP WITH MORE BOUNCE IN HIS NEW TRACK “GIN & DRUGS”

Stream it HERE. #RollingPapers2

Homebound Release Brand New Single, “Change of Heart”

“More To Me Than Misery draws on the many pitfalls when searching for happiness in love and life. Last year was possibly the best and worst year of my life for the very same reasons and you begin to fear the very things that once made you who you are. Honesty is a strong theme throughout the record, not just lyrically but I feel it transpires right through to the very core of everything we did with MTMTM. We treated the whole process like it was the last thing we might ever do as a band and I believe that’s made for the best collection of songs we’ve written to date. There’s certainly no hiding the fact that it’s a sharp change from the previous Homebound but it’s definitely the closest representation of the band we want to become”

HIDEOUS SUN DEMON plot ferocious return with new single ‘ANTITHESIS’ from brand new album ‘FAME, EROTIC, DREAM’

The premiere of ‘Antithesis’ comes with the announcement of Hideous Sun Demon’s third studio album, ‘FAME, EROTIC, DREAM’, set to be released on July 27th. The foundations already laid by the band on previous releases Industry Connections (2016) and Sweat (2013) have been impressively built upon with this new collection of material; the WA trio have gone further in exploring some blistering soundscapes, all the while upping their artistry and talent as instrumentalists. As ‘Antithesis’ brilliantly demonstrates, Hideous Sun Demon are generating their best musical energy yet, channelled through Vincent Buchanan-Simpson’s lead vocal, not to mention the penetrative rhythm section courtesy of Jake Suriano and Blake Hart. “‘Antithesis’ is one of our most explosive tracks we’ve written; inspired by a certain kind of person who does malevolent or selfish things under the guise of good intention.”

Cam Maclean Shares Debut LP On Pop Matters | ‘Wait For Love’ Out 7/6 On Atelier Ciseaux

Cam Maclean has shared his debut LP Wait For Love on Pop Matters. Prior to this LP stream, Cam shared the video for his track “Light Cast”, and he shared his tracks “New Jerusalem” and “Wait For Love” on GvsB & “Where I Go” on Noisey. The debut LP will be out on 7/6 via Atelier Ciseaux. He’ll also be playing a handful of Canadian dates this summer.

WEST OAKLAND HIP HOP ARTIST J. STALIN DROPS “CHANGED ON ME” FT. HITMAN BEATZ OFF HIS NEW ALBUM TEARS OF JOY 2

Always repping for his West Oakland neighborhood, J. Stalin is known for his slick sense of street lyricism over slap-heavy beats – and that is exactly what he delivers on his new album Tears Of Joy 2.

Stalin follows up his album release with the official visual for his track “Changed On Me” featuring Hitman Beatz.

The 502s – ‘Because We Had To’ LP

Listening to their lighthearted gang vocals and buoyant trumpet lines, you could certainly slap The 502s with an ambiguous indie label. Their loosely boondock, on-the-road-again acoustic tenor makes them a fit with the Americana crowd. And with their big, open strumming patterns, fingerpicked banjo, and mildly twangy vocal flair, it would be easy to call them a folk band, throw on a plaid shirt, and compare them to The Lumineers or The Avett Brothers.

Vevo LIFT Update: Lil Xan Shares His “Official Story”

Lil Xan isn’t your normal hip-hop artist. He named himself after a prescription drug, his sullen delivery doesn’t rely on boast or beats per se, and there seems to be at least a part of him that’s the opposite of whatever swag is. But the 21-year-old Diego Leanos has a definite magnetism defining his work. Whether onstage or in a video, the clear-cut emo feels of his lyrics and the almost-disturbing candor of their subject matter create a fascinating character.

OMNISCIENT RELEASES OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “SAVAGE”

Latin GRAMMY nominee Omniscient releases his video “Savage” globally today after premiering at a massively successful single release party in the rapper’s home town of Miami.

New Music! Tokyo-Rynn

Rynn lets it all go for the release of her highly anticipated single “Tokyo” set to drop July 20th. The song takes you through Rynn’s journey of self recreation during a life changing period throughout a month long trip to Japan. “Tokyo” is a fusion of ethereal soundscapes and hypnotically unfurling melodies that captivate listeners with its dreamy, atmospheric sound.

“Tokyo holds one of the most special places in my heart, because it was where I fell to my lowest point, but also the place of the biggest turning point which ended up shaping me the most. I knew that once I came back home things had to be different. I knew that I had to find myself, and rebuild myself.”- Rynn

Crohn’s disease sufferer makes waves as successful session drummer, releases new music!

Despite being a sufferer from Crohn’s disease, Emma (Uno Prism) has battled on and been in high demand as a percussionist for many years: From playing drums at festivals around Europe for Harley Davidson motorbikes (supporting the Fun Loving Criminals, Wizard, The Small Faces) to playing on a number one hit album!

Loco Dice releases brand-new 15 track ‘Love Letters’ album

Loco Dice has released his darkly eclectic album ‘Love Letters’, a 15-track embodiment of his diverse production range. Featuring the latest single ‘We’re Alive’, the most highly anticipated record of his recent sets.

Dice’s third studio album after ‘7 Dunham Place’ and ‘Underground Sound Suicide’ sees him reflecting on his musical influences and connections to Dusseldorf and beyond. The album is packed with the producer’s typically forceful tones, which blur the lines between house and techno. Utilising the bristling sounds and smooth drum beats, Dice’s ‘Love Letters’ album serves as an aural embodiment of the tones which make his sound so unique.

Austin Teen Madison McWilliams Joins Boys of Summer Tour; New Single/Video Due

Rising teen pop powerhouse and singer-songwriter Madison McWilliams has announced that she is joining the 2018 Boys of Summer tour for dates in her home state of Texas. The Boys of Summer Tour will feature huge social media stars including (but certainly not limited to) Single By Sunday, Hailey Ona, and Mackenzie Sol. Madison plays Houston 7/26 at Fitzgerald’s and Dallas 7/27 at South Side Music Hall. Tickets for these dates and more are on sale now including special VIP meet-and-greet passes.

NATALIE HOLMES TO RETURN WITH STUNNING NEW SINGLE ‘HIDEOUT’ OUT 29TH JUNE.

Bristol-based singer/songwriter Natalie Holmes writes lilting, haunting and yet somehow invigorating pop, with honey toned vocals and an incredible depth to every song. An independent artist building her fan base entirely from scratch, she kick-started her musical career by uploading songs and now has over a million hits on YouTube, thousands of subscribers and a loyal following on social media. Although just into her twenties, Natalie has clocked up four successful EP’s: The Simplest Things, Child, Over & Out and her most recent release, Calm Places, all of which featured in the iTunes and Top 10 Singer/Songwriter Charts.

Liverpool art-pop outfit St. Jude the Obscure reconnect with nature on ‘I’m The Wolves’

In the artists words:

“I’m the Wolves is a song about independence and freedom of spirit, the need to escape a somewhat chaotic world and to reconnect with the simplicity nature. It celebrates how strength can be found in vulnerability and choosing to walk your own path even though it might be a solitary one at times.