Category: FEATURES

Feature stories and artist interviews

KARMIN UNVEIL NEW SINGLE “I WANT IT ALL”

Platinum-selling duo Karmin (Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan) have unveiled that their brand new single “I Want It All” will be released on January 28th.   A lyric video premiered this morning on VEVO which will be followed by the official video soon. The lyric video can be seen at http://smarturl.it/IWIAlyric   The chart-topping duo…

SHAKIRA NEW SINGLE FEAT RIHANNA

Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, philanthropist, and global recording artist Shakira unveils today the worldwide release of her brand new single entitled “Can’t Remember to Forget You” featuring Rihanna available now via RCA Records/Sony Latin Iberia. She will also be releasing her forthcoming studio album on March 25, 2014. “Can’t Remember To Forget You”premiered today on…

G2 FEAT SARIYA JONES “TRYING TO BE THE BIGGEST” VIDEO

“Trying to Be the Biggest” is a laid back hip hop track that redefines the meaning of making it big. When aspiring young professional G2 suddenly became a rapper with increasing acclaim, he soon found out that the occasional star light and ego stroke of a budding music operation wasn’t all it was cracked up…

BAD THINGS SINGLE “ANYBODY”

LA rock band Bad Things – that consists of front man/lead singer Davis LeDuke, bass player Jared Palomar (formerly of Augustana), guitarist Anthony Sanudo, drummer Lena Zawaideh and lead guitarist Shaun White (professional snowboarder/skateboarder)   will be releasing their debut, self-titled album January 21st on Warner Bros. Records (iTunes Pre-Order here). The record was produced…

THE CRAZY CARLS “LEAVE ME TONIGHT” VIDEO

  The Crazy Carls explore pop rock with original personality and great songwriting. Alex Baugh, the band’s singer, songwriter and lead guitarist, is both a tremendous performer and versatile artist. His songs flow with superb energy and raw feeling. The band’s latest CD, “Owl Tattoo” features pop songs with a dynamic range from intense guitar…

COONE & SUBSTANCE ONE VIDEO “DROWNING”

“Drowning” is a featured track on Coone’s recently released full-length album Global Dedication, available now on Dim Mak Records. The track demonstrates the more melodious spectrum of the album, spotlighting harmonious vocals. A mixture of plush chord progressions and intricately sewn melodies shows off the diversity possible in modern hardstyle. Most impressive of all is…

JOSEPH EID “HUMAN”

Americana-Folk Singer/Songwriter Joseph Eid released his first full studio album, Human on November 19th. Recommended if you like the Avett Brothers and Ray Lamontagne, Eid has been garnering considerable buzz with his music, recently being named as one of the 100 Hottest Live Unsigned Artists of 2013 for the second year in a row. The…

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS “PAULINE HAWKINS”

Drive-By Truckers announce twenty-four new tour dates and premiere “Pauline Hawkins” in support of English Oceans. English Oceans is the band’s 12th release and comes out on March 4, 2014 on ATO Records. Known for their triumphant live shows the current lineup boasts a leaner and more powerful live show. Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood…

ADVENTURE GALLEY POST DEBUT LP

Portland based ADVENTURE GALLEY have just released their debut LP, Anywhere That’s Wild, via Internet Piracy Records. The album was co-produced an mixed by acclaimed producer Dave Trumfio, whose previous work has included albums by Built to Spill, OK Go, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Wilco & Billu Bragg, with additional recording by Brandon…

OR VIDEO “TELL ME WHY”

This is the latest single from Or’s debut EP, My Name Is Or, that will be released in 2014, produced by Steve Greenwell. Cello played by Yoed Nir (Regina Spektor, Paul Banks). “Tell Me Why” http://youtu.be/Y_f3E5FonWg Super indie-pop girl Or, 16 years old, was born and raised in Kibbutz Be’eri in Southern Israel, a tiny…

PAUL LEION OVERCOMES A CLINICAL CASE OF STAGE FRIGHT

Paul Leonidou a.k.a. Paul Leion is a North Londoner of Cypriot background who has long played multiple instruments, composed ardently, and obtained a degree in music technology. His one problem: A severe case of clinical anxiety, which has prevented him from launching his performing career. However, this November sees the release of his debut album…

CURIOUS KONTROL POSTS NEW EP

Curious Kontrol ‘Heatwave EP’ couples the combative vitality of glitch hop, dubstep and drum and bass with tenacious melodies and celestial themes. Each song is branded by its own unique disposition that differs from any other in the queue, a genuine emotional exhibition. Notable songs include The Rescue, an assailing bass anthem that bends tempos…

KO-P VIDEO FOR “EAST COASTIN'”

Roy Williams, known by his stage name KO-P, is a 20 year old Bronx native. Following in his uncle’s footsteps, whom he idolized, KO-P began persuing his dreams of becoming a rapper at the early age of 7. For the four years that followed, KO-P engaged in several freestyles with his close relatives in order…

ROSES & REVOLUTIONS SINGLE “TAKE ME WITH YOU”

Singer / Songwriter duo Roses & Revolutions announce the release of their self-titled sophomore EP, on April 1st. Already garnering much praise from industry tastemakers including MSN and SESAC Magazine on their debut, and having songs featured on networks including MTV, E! and Showtime, Alyssa Coco and Matt Merritt bring together a wide variation of…

LET’S GET MUSICAL

Eighty-five percent of the population wished they learned to play an instrument, but gave up from the frustration of learning the basics. Mastering an instrument takes time, dedication, discipline and concentration, so it’s no wonder getting a child interested in playing — and practicing — an instrument is no easy task. This is especially true…

KATEY LAUREL VIDEO “HURRICANE”

Pop/folk singer-songwriter Katey Laurel is announcing the release of her official “Hurricane” music video to coincide with the release of her new full-length album Periscope, produced by recording industry veteran Warren Huart (The Fray, Aerosmith). The video stars Denver actors Meghan McMahon, Alex Boccia and Miranda Reno and was produced by Breck Larson Productions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u3WS1IQEPs…

CHROMEO PREVIEW NEW SINGLE “COME ALIVE” FEATURING TORO Y MOI

Almost a decade ago, the Canadian duo Chromeo introduced their unique blend of electrofunk to an exponentially growing global audience. White Women, Dave 1 and P-Thugg’s 4th studio album coming this spring on Atlantic, refines their signature 70’s and 80’s influenced quirky pop songs, masterfully crafted in the tradition of the finest R&B, disco and…

RAINY MILO VIDEO “RATS”

Hailing from South East London and still only 17 years old, Rainy Milo is the kind of artist that seems to slow time itself.   From putting up her first track ‘Bout You’ at the age of 15, to self- releasing her much loved Limey EP last year, Rainy is an artist who steps to…

SKOPE SAYS GOODBYE TO CHRIS WEST

Hello to everyone all over the world. Today is a very sad & somber day here at Skope. We have lost Chris West who had been with Skope since we started back in 2001. Chris was a writer for Skope both print & online. Chris was a major fan of all the bands and musicians…

TOP 5 TIPS FOR APPROACHING MUSIC BLOGS

The Music Blog Directory provides all the information that you need to reach today’s most influential music writers but we wanted to give you some tips and advice on how best to use this valuable tool.   Keep it Personal! Please don’t mass email blogs! Take the time to individually email each writer and address…

BLACK LIPS ALBUM SINGLE “BOYS IN THE WOOD”

On the heels of the announcement of their upcoming full length Underneath the Rainbow (out March 18 on Vice), flower punk progenitors Black Lips have booked a full US tour stretching from early March into May (full dates below). In addition to appearances at Burgerama, and SXSW the band will mount a headlining tour joined…

ALOUD NEW SINGLE “A LITTLE BIT LOW”

Hailing from Boston, MA,   pop-infused rock ‘n roll outfit Aloud blends throaty lead vocals with spine-tingling male/female harmonies accompanied by infectious grooves and hard-hitting riffs.   Henry Beguiristain (lead vocals/guitar) and   Jen de la Osa (lead vocals/guitar)   have been writing songs together since they were teenagers, developing a sound reminiscent of Alabama…

EVERYONE LOVES CANDY!

Candy Rose is an award winning singer/songwriter from the UK. Her songs have been featured on television shows, radio and her numerous performances. Her catchy pop sound is now starting to spread out beyond England’s borders and we’re lucky enough to catch up with the busy Superwoman. Skope: You’re well known as an independent artist…

BORGEOUS NEW SINGLE “INVINCIBLE”

Borgeous is quickly making waves as a producer and DJ, with his keen ear and innate talent producing a provacative and textured sound. This January and February, he’s taking this sound on a string of North American tour dates in anticipation of his January 20 release “Invincible” on Spinnin’ Records.   https://soundcloud.com/borgeousmusic/borgeous-invincible-available  

NEW SINGLE BY DERMOT LAMBERT

Disused Roads, is the new single from Dermot Lambert, the leader singer and songwriter from cult Irish band “Blink.” In 1994 Blink released their debut LP, A Map of the Universe, on EMI Records and followed up with The End Is High (1998) and Deep Inside the Sound of Sadness (2004).   Their debut spawned…

ANDREENA COVERS FUTURE’S SINGLE “HONEST”

Andreena records, composes and produces, independently, collaborating with industry veterans such as DMX (Album: Undisputed “Cold World” & “No Love”); among others, she has worked with Drake (The Comeback Season, “Closer”), The Bizness (Chris Brown, “No Bullshit”), Brian Michael Cox (Mary J. Blige, “Be Without You”), James Fauntleroy (Jordin Sparks, “No Air”), Kevin McCall (Keri…

RAY ROC RELEASES SIX TRACK EP ENTITLED ‘DISCO LIFE’

Ray Roc is set to release his brand new six track EP, “Disco Life” on Gramm Records on January 6th, 2014. Ray Roc includes his signature slabs of driving electro beats laced with classic soulful, catchy vocals for “Disco Life”, followed by “Shine On” and “We Got Music.” All three tracks include additional club mixes.…

MLK FREEDOM CELBRATION FEATURING EYE’Z IN OAKLAND, CA

Join us Sunday, January 19, 2014 at 7 pm PST as we celebrate the birthday of the man who devoted his life to the freedom liberties of every race. Enjoy an evening of music Dj’d by DJ Igor Beatz and LIVE singing from Shavone Pretty Pickett-Browning, Fatimah Eye’z Verrell, and more! Imagine Affairs Art Lounge…

2 NEW SINGLES BY SLIPPERTAILS

Slippertails are an irreverent rock duo from New Jersey that formed while rooming together in Bloomington, Indiana. Upon returning to New Jersey, frontman Nick Casertano began recording demos alone in his basement that would eventually become their album, There’s A Disturbing Trend. Nick put up his self-proclaimed “junky demos” online merely to book some shows…

WILL SID SMITH: AN OLD SOUL WITH A NEW SOUND

Introducing the UK’s Will SID Smith, not to be confused with his American superstar counterpart, Will Smith. This young songwriter has the industry and music fans taking notice, with dramatic flair and indie compositions. Skope: First off, tell us a little about yourself. What got you into songwriting? Will: I guess it’s what gets a…

THE STEREO HOGZZ NEW VIDEO “HARD”

Talented US based foursome The Stereo Hogzz have today unleashed their first official Music video for their brilliant debut single ‘Hard’. Taken from their debut album, which is set to drop in early 2014, Trae Badd, KG, Jon and Just’n show their smooth and sultry side on this sexy R&B ballad which is now available…

MIKA HARY: ISRAELI SINGER/SONGWRITER RELEASES NEW STUDIO VIDEO

Mika Hary, Israeli singer and songwriter, releases her new music video, a recorded studio version of her track “My Letter to You”, off of her upcoming debut album. Filmed at the Peter Karl studio in Brooklyn, “My Letter to You” was shot in one take during the recording of Hary’s new album with a group…

2 FOUR POSTS NEW MIXTAPE ‘THE FAST LANE’

Nashville native 2Four is a creative, versatile, lyrical hip hop artist who creates thoughtful rap songs. An up-and-coming artist who is similiar to Lupe Fiasco, Ludacris, B.o.B and Drake, but with his own style and personality. His mixtape Fast Lane is a mix of various beats from multiple genres and styles with creative, thought-provoking, headbobbing,…

EMILY DANGER VIDEO “EASY REMIX”

Breaking out of their former folk rock shell, the NYC-based indie band Emily Danger dives deeper into their dark cabaret sound by remixing their catchy folk ballad “Easy” into a magnificent new rendition featuring the distinct operatic vocals of Emily Nicholas over shivering strings and minimalist percussion. The accompanying music video is a true work…

SCOTT GAGNER “I’LL BE DRINKING THIS CHRISTMAS”

San Francisco-based singer-songwriter Scott Gagner drops the first single off his new record in the form of a clever and beautifully shot new video “I’ll Be Drinking This Christmas.” Watch Scott get festive and a bit tipsy in the video for this soulful instant holiday classic. http://youtu.be/lufvowtFEAw “This is the only song you need for…

SCANNERS VIDEO FOR “CHARMED LIFE”

London-native alternative geniuses Scanners have unveiled the new music video for their track “Charmed Life” from their album Love Is Symmetry, released earlier this year on Dim Mak Records.   Scanners “Charmed Life”: http://youtu.be/Rb3RQTX9O5w   The haunting and unforgettable “Charmed Life” is a versatile track that perfectly sets the mood for a serene sunset car…

TONY BANXX BRINGS US ‘PARDON MY BACK’

Storm Lake, Iowa may not sound like the hiphop mecca when most people think of the genre, but Tony Banxx is making a noise and putting Storm Lake on the hiphop map. Mr. Banxx serves up a new mixtape which came out just in time for Halloween weekend with “Pardon My Back”.   The mix-tape…