Category: FEATURES

Feature stories and artist interviews

“UNDER NEON LIGHTS” FEATURING ST. VINCENT FROM THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS’

“Under Neon Lights”- a song from The Chemical Brothers’ new album, Born In The Echoes – is out today and available HERE. The hallucinogenic track, which features guest vocals from Annie Clark (St. Vincent), debuted yesterday on Lauren Laverne’s BBC 6 Music show. The visualizer for “Under Neon Lights,” which can be seen HERE, premiered…

MUSIC FLOWS IN THE VEINS OF RECORDING ARTIST SHANNEN NICOLE

Shannen took her first serious musical steps at thirteen years old when she wrote her first song and hasn’t looked back since. She began her love affair with music singing along to karaoke video games with her brother to imitating any Mariah Carey song with her mother. In addition she took on every school talent…

SOPHIA SHY TRANSITIONS TO DJ/PRODUCER

SOPHIA SHY is a spectacular female DJ/producer and Singer /Songwriter, to hit the Canadian scene! If you’ve ever heard her live, you’ll know she is an original DJ that takes the most forbidden and unconventional to make it work while shinning on stage. A definite crowd favorite that wins over and over again. Sophia Shy…

KILL J VIDEO “COLD STONE”

KIll J aka Julie Aagaard has set the bar high with her eclectic take on Scandinavian pop. With tracks like ‘You Have Another Lover’ (here) ‘Phoenix’ (here) or ‘Bullet’ (here) racking up 500,000 plays on Soundcloud last year she is quickly becoming an artist to look out for. With ‘Cold Stone’ she shows complete control…

TEN NEW SINGLE “THIS LOVE”

After a successful first radio single ‘Tell Me What To Do’, it’s time for that master song-writer Gary Hughes to show us what he can do with a ballad. ‘This Love’ is the second single to be lifted from Ten’s new album ‘Isla De Muerta’, with this gorgeous lyric video created by the director of…

XANDER DUELL PREMIERES NEW TRACK ‘HYPOTHETICAL VOW’

Xander Duell originally prevailed in the indie world alongside his brother, Damon McMahon (now of Amen Dunes), as 2/5ths of Inouk,the five-piece originating from Brooklyn. After releasing their critically acclaimed debut LP, No Danger, in 2004 the band quickly parted ways never to be heard from again. Until now…Xander is excited to release his upcoming…

GALVANIZE RELEASES NEW VIDEO FOR “MESS”

Check out the Philadelphia and NYC-based techno-rockers Galvanize and their new music video for “Mess” from the forthcoming “Projector” EP, which is set to release in September 2015. Galvanize is the techno-rock project of Peter Milos and session drummer Scott Frassetto who played in Moby’s band through the “Animal Rights”, “Play”, “18”, and “Hotel” album…

STOLI HEADS TO STOCKHOLM TO GET TO KNOW VILDIRHEART

Hello to all fellow music loving people on this fine Friday morning. I am going on 4 hours of sleep and a Starbucks Double Shot so please bare with me. Today we travel all the way to Stockholm in Sweden to check out the music of VildirHeart. But before we do that how about some…

PREMIERE: BRETTYN ROSE “THROUGH MY WINDOW” VIDEO

Canadian singer-songwriter Brettyn Rose releases her video for “Through My Window” today! The single defines Brettyn Rose’s signature sound, and the title represents the sole purpose of how she feels about each and every day. We all view similar things through our windows, but we feel and interpret them very differently. That is the primary…

DELTA RAE ADDRESSES CHARLESTON SHOOTING THROUGH MUSIC

Wanted to share this new song from Delta Rae with you. The band was, quite understandably, horrified by the events in Charleston, SC on Wednesday night, especially as it hit quite close to home for them, based in Durham, NC. So they wrote and recorded this protest song, “All Good People,” as a means to…

TIRED LION DROP CLIP FOR NEW SINGLE “SUCK”

Now, along with releasing the video for their brand new single “Suck”, Tired Lion have also been announced as the winners of the Triple J Unearthed competition to play Splendour In The Grass 2015 – joining an honoured list of previous winners such as Airling, Kingswood, Art vs. Science, and Millions. Opening the festival on…

RAURY “DEVIL’S WHISPER”

A week after the release of “Devil’s Whisper,” Raury debuts the song’s powerful music video. The Carlon Ramong & Andrew Donoho-directed visual features the singer-songwriter facing his and others’ inner devil, in an unexpected twist. “I’ve seen the powers that be and how deeply rooted they are in the poisoning of my people. I see…

MARY SARAH RELEASES “DRESS UP THIS TOWN”

On her new album Bridges, 19-year-old singer and songwriter Mary Sarah duets with some of country music’s biggest names on 12 captivating songs. Amazed by the Texas ingénue’s voice and talent, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, the Oak Ridge Boys, the late Ray Price and others all signed on to sing with…

RUBY THE RABBITFOOT “AS BAD AS I AM”

“I had an ‘aunt’ my cousins and I thought was a witch,” Ruby the RabbitFoot explains, her South Georgia drawl lagging after a long day at work. “So I think I’m connected to that world. Even though shit seems to always hit the fan, I feel like a lucky charm.” So explains Ruby’s adopted surname:…

THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX “SEXECUTIONER”

New Jersey’s legendary, riff-centric power trio THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX (aka TAB) has announced a North Amercian headlining tour in support of its new album, Gravitron. The five week tour will kick off on August 13 in Brooklyn, NY and will traverse the continent, concluding September 18 in NYC. Gravitron was released on April 21 via…

MARIANN ROSA “BANJO FOR MY BITCHES” SINGLE

Quirky Norwegian vocalist and DJ, Mariann Rosa brings her own unique blend of colourful style and sound to the UK this summer with the release of her new Sci-Fi Pop single, ‘Banjo For My Bitches’, released 6th July via Popjoy records. Former Judge on Norway’s version of ‘Idol’, Mariann is already a household name in…

GABRIELLE APLIN TO RELEASE DEBUT U.S. ALBUM + “LIGHT UP THE DARK”

Stunning U.K. chanteuse Gabrielle Aplin, who made her first waves stateside with last year’s English Rain EP, will be marking her official U.S. debut with the release of Light Up The Dark on September 18. The album follows her massive overseas success, where she’s enjoyed #1 chart positions in both the U.K. and Australia, as…

DISTURBED ANNOUNCE RETURN + NEW VIDEO

After a four year hiatus, Grammy Award-nominated, multiplatinum hard rock titans Disturbed have announced their return with their sixth studio album, entitled Immortalized, to be released August 21 through Reprise Records. Lead single “The Vengeful One” is out now, along with the accompanying animated video from award-winning filmmaker Phil Mucci, and Immortalized is available for…

FANS SINGLE “IF GOD IS REAL”

FANS are an alternative rock three piece, based in West Yorkshire, influenced by the likes of My Bloody Valentine and The Jesus and Mary Chain, set to release their debut EP ‘Born Into’ this summer. The new EP, produced and recorded by Eagulls / Hookworms / Pulled Apart By Horses producer Matt Peel is a…

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD “ONCE A DAY” DEBUT

Today Michael Franti & Spearhead are sharing his uplifting new single, “Once A Day” featuring Sonna Rele and Supa Dups. An irresistible summertime anthem, “Once A Day” was produced by Supa Dups who has worked with Eminem, Pitbull, Rihanna, Damian Marley and Bruno Mars among others. Michael Franti is a musician, filmmaker and social justice…

JILLIAN SPEER “SPILL”

Los Angeles based singer-songwriter Jillian Speer has announced June 22nd as the release date for her EP “Daggers & Suede”. In her six song self-release, Jillian sings stories of love, longing, and loss. Speer’s classically trained guitar sets the trance, supported by innovative drummer Chris Dave (Adele, Angus & Julia Stone, D’Angelo) and on electric…

SUPERHUMANOIDS DEBUT NEW TRACK “ANXIOUS IN VENICE”

LA indie electro-pop trio, Superhumanoids have debuted “Anxious In Venice,” the first cut from their upcoming sophomore album, ‘Do You Feel Ok?’ due out September 11, 2015 via Innovative Leisure. NPR Music proclaims “Los Angeles trio Superhumanoids have only been together since 2010, but their latest single, ‘Anxious In Venice,’ sounds like they’ve matured 20…

SKOOTA WARNER VIDEO “STILL IN LOVE”

Recorded at OWG Studio and Home Studios in New York City , ‘Vignettes’ is a collection of songs that Skoota describes as an eclectic mix of rhythms and genres of music that have greatly influenced him: “It’s a labor of love composed of snippets of everything I love.” A truly collaborative effort with a diverse…

GARAGE BAND DEBUT: HOW TO MAKE THE GROUP LOOK GOOD

In the modernized music industry of today, the success of a band depends on more factors than ever before. It’s no longer enough to just make good music – you have to know how to refine and market your sound, look, and overall artistic impression. How can an up-and-coming band make the biggest impact with…

CELEBS YOU NEVER KNEW ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LAW

Most people run into legal troubles at some point in their lives, but being arrested is just juicier when it happens to celebrities. Some arrests are overly reported while others are swept under the rug; however, no scandal can stay buried forever. In fact, this overview explores some lesser known crimes committed by the rich…

DJ KHALED PRESENTS STEPH LECOR “SATURDAY”

DJ Khaled is known for nothing but hits, so when he introduces you to We The Best First Lady Steph Lecor, you already know what it is. The Haitian born, Miami-based Steph Lecor drops her debut single “Saturday,” a sure to be female anthem. Stay tuned for the “Saturday” video coming soon. Listen to Steph…

PREMIERE: CARL BRISTER VIDEO “UNCOMPLICATED LOVE (LET’S GO BACK)”

Singer-songwriter Carl Brister releases his video for “Uncomplicated Love (Let’s Go Back)” today! This soulful R&B smash-in-the-making turns up the heat on love and relationships. The single defines Carl Brister’s signature sound of retro-R&B with Pop overtones set to lyrics that touch the heart. With “Uncomplicated Love” this singer-songwriter, and dynamic performer is sure to…

NEW SINGLE “GO PRETTY GIRL” LEAVES YOU IN A TRANCE

P.J. was born in the tiny island of Antiqua before moving to New York’s Section 8 Park Hill Projects in Staten Island. Watching his mother hold down two and three jobs at a time was a smack in the face example of hard work. However he used rap as a means of escapism. He has…

JANELIA’S CAREER IS EMERGING INTO A TRIUMPHANT YEAR

Janelia was born in Houston Texas but raised in Nigeria and pays homage to her people by singing and writing in English, Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin. She is said to embrace the stage with grace and has shared it with such stars as Raheem Devaughn a favorite here at Skope as well as Meshell NDegeocella,…

MERCY VIDEO FOR “BREATH”

Synth-pop artist MERCY releases her debut single, “Breath” with heavy clapping beats and crunchy synthesizer samples that will lead this single straight to the underground clubs of Los Angeles. The sultry and alluring essence of the track places MERCY firmly in the indie-electronic scene, with one hand on the microphone and the other pushing her…

THIRD EYE BLIND’S NEW ALBUM + “EVERYTHING IS EASY” MUSIC VIDEO

Third Eye Blind, one of the most cited and emulated to this new generation of indie bands, has just released its first album in six years titled Dopamine today (available on iTunes and Amazon). Songwriter Stephan Jenkins, renowned for his inimitable lyrical sensibility, developed this collection while on tour over the last few years behind…

BRIELLE “ROCKET” VIDEO

Billboard Charting and MTV Hits, America’s Pop Sensation singer songwriter BRIELLE released the video her 3rd consecutive single, “Rocket” on June 16th, 2015. “Rocket” The high-octane patriotic anthem, produced by Grammy Producer and Mixer Ken Lewis, debuted on Billboards Hot Singles Sales at #15 and within one week climbed over Madonna to #8 on June…

STOLI HAS FALLEN FOR THE VOCALISTS OF SONNET COTTAGE

Good morning to all, I must be honest though I write this column with a heavy heart, I am saddened and angry by the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina – CLICK HERE! Let us all say a silent prayer and pray for peace. Now let’s get to some music news going on this week. Ticketmaster…

DATING A RUSSIAN WOMAN THROUGH MARMELADIES: MYTHS AND SUPERSTITIONS

Many Western men have found love dating Russian women using sites such as http://marmeladies.com. Because of increasing interest, several myths and superstitions have sprung up. Here are a few myths about beautiful Russian women, as well the truth behind them. Myth: Russian women are only looking for a green card. Many of the ladies on…

ICONA POP PREMIERE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR SINGLE “EMERGENCY”

Today, the Swedish duo Icona Pop premiered the official video for their brand new single “Emergency.” The video was directed by esteemed Swedish music and film director Christian Larson and styled by fashion director B. Åkerlund, and is a welcomed reminder as to why the world fell in love with Icona Pop in the first…

THE HOLYDRUG COUPLE SHARES NEW VISUALIZATION FOR “CONCORDE”

The Holydrug Couple’s new LP Moonlust is out now Sacred Bones Records. The Chilean psych band just wrapped up a lengthy U.S. tour and are about to head to Europe for another month of shows. Today they are sharing a very trippy visualization for album track “Concorde.” Watch it here. The new album Moonlust sees…

STRATUS UNVEILS FREE THREE-TRACK ‘JUICED’ EP

After releasing a few singles in the past couple months, versatile Chicago bass producer Stratus is back with ‘Juiced,’ his first EP since ‘Power Up,’ which was released almost exactly one year ago. In the wake of prior releases with labels like Ultra Records, OWSLA, and Smog, Stratus has decided to strike out on his…

KWAME BINEA “HANG ON” SINGLE

Harlem-based roots rock singer/songwriter Kwame Binea, who fronts the Kwame Binea Shakedown, has announced the worldwide digital release of their second single, “Hang On” for Tuesday, June 16, 2015 via CDbaby.com and all their major digital distribution partners including iTunes and Amazon.com. “Hang On” is catchy, upbeat, funk/rock/soul dance song layered with a poignant, hopeful…

THE MOST AMAZING TRANSFORMATIONS ON HGTV’S ‘FIXER UPPER’

If you like to watch home improvement shows, then you have to be a fan of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper”, featuring Chip and Joanna. Aside from being funny, family oriented, and talented, this married couple is capable of taking a rundown shack and turning it into a veritable mansion. They hunt down the worst house on…