Born in Orange County, KES’s family suffered a setback during his teen years, causing his mother to uproot the family to Compton. KES quickly adjusted and welcomed the transition but his observance of the wide gap between the haves and have-nots stayed with him and became the backbone for a lot of his songwriting. As…
Category: FEATURES
Feature stories and artist interviews
STARTING A BAND? SIX TIPS ON HOW TO GET YOUR NAME OUT
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It’s easier than ever to create your own music and distribute it to your fans. On the other hand, you first have to make people aware of your band’s existence. This can be challenging, but if you are creative about it you can accomplish this without a large budget. Here are six tips on how…
THE FRAY’S ‘HELIOS’ FEBRUARY 25 + “LOVE DON’T DIE”
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The fourth album Helios from critically acclaimed Denver-based foursome The Fray will be released February 25 on Epic Records. Of the new music, produced by Stuart Price (The Killers, Madonna, Keane) and Ryan Tedder (Adele, One Republic), Isaac Slade (piano, vocals) notes, “Working with Stuart was the best of both worlds. We brought our organic…
NEW VIDEO BY DUMPSTAPHUNK
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Dumpstaphunk has been forging a new path for funk music ever since the masters of New Orleans groove burst onto the stage at the 2003 Jazz & Heritage Festival. Today, in support of their new full-length album, Dirty Word (July 2013, Louisiana Red Hot Records), Dumpstaphunk brings their heavy-hitting party funk to life for the…
DAVID KANAGA SHARES “SPACE OX & PEKING DUCK” VIDEO
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David Kanaga is pleased to share a new video for the tracks “Space Ox && Peking Duck”. Andrew Strasser, director of the video, has said that the video is “all about the size of the human brain. We are easily distracted and capable of confusing real things with unreal things. Even when we are…
IRELAND NATIVES RED ENEMY SIGN TO MEDIASKARE + NEW VIDEO
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Mediaskare Records has signed Dublin, Ireland’s RED ENEMY, who will be coming to the U.S. in February to record their new album with producer Taylor Voeltz (Mureau). For now, a music video for the band’s previously recorded song “Changing The End” has been premiered on the Mediaskare YouTube channel, which can be seen here http://youtu.be/5126za7ugaQ.…
BREE NEW VIDEO “I’M THE BOSS”
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Nashville rocker bree has released a new video for “I’m The Boss” – Watch Now HERE. The song The video was directed by Casey Culver and filmed at the 19th century Joy Mansion in East Nashville, TN. “I’m The Boss” is from bree’s debut album, All American Girl, released this past summer on Werewolf…
MIRIAM BRYANT PREMIERES VIDEO FOR “RAISED IN RAINâ€
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Miriam Bryant, the 22-year-old Swedish singer with a strikingly soulful voice and a smash hit with Zedd, premieres the video for her new track “Raised In Rain” today on VEVO- check it out HERE. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrU7fQxiTCk Bryant also announces upcoming LA tour dates kicking off February 3rd with a special performance at Bardot’s “School Night” series…
METRIC REVEAL NEW VIDEO FOR “LOST KITTEN”
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Less than a month after revealing a complex display of collapsing worlds for the video to Metric’s most recent album title-track “Synthetica,” the band debuts the colorful and flamboyant video for “Lost Kitten.” Watch it here. http://youtu.be/meW7gONv0Wg The MuchFACT-funded video was directed by Sammy Rawal and and shot over two days in Mexico City. “Lost…
‘THE FOUND KING’ BY B-BLESS
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I couldn’t think of a crazy title for this one, maybe because I didn’t have to. Anyone who describes themselves as royalty just might be a bit crazy themselves… HOWEVER, HipHop and R&B artist B-Bless is actually a true blooded descendant of an actual king. But let’s be clear, this is about music… we’re not…
GALILEE REMIX CONTEST “GET YOUR MONEY RIGHT”
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Now it’s time to show off your remix skills for a chance to be featured on an upcoming remix album released through VOD Recordings. GALILEE’s “GET YOUR MONEY RIGHT” single is out now, featuring a remix by VOD Recordings producer MR. Dar. Make sure to check out the original version and then make your own…
OPERA VOCALIST JOHN G STRIVES WITH CLUB MUSIC
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John Babjeck otherwise known as John Garafalo aka “Orion286” starring John G chose to use Garafalo, his mother’s maiden name because she was his first musical influence. Also he wanted it for marketing purposes because of his Italian appearance. His mother played the accordion and especially during the Christmas holidays John and his sister would…
LIL SCRAPPY & YOUNG BUCK RELEASE “THEY HATE ME”
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Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta star, Lil Scrappy had much to be thankful for this past Thanksgiving. The rapper recently signed a joint venture between his record label and Sony Entertainment for his forthcoming album, Reparations, available Spring 2014. In addition, the platinum selling artist is shooting the new season of Love &…
BUSTIN’ OUT THE BIG GUNS! IT’S DOUG STOUFFER’S EYE OF THE NINE
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There was a time when rock was about big vocals and even bigger guitars. The 80’s left us with some of the best rock guitar players, leaving an imprint that has been influential on every kid in a bedroom with a stomp box and a dream to shred. Doug Stouffer knows all about that and…
OWENSTONE RELEASE NEW VIDEO FOR SINGLE “DAYS LIKE SMOKEâ€
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Gorgeous and instantly accessible, Owenstone crafts master compositions for wearied souls. Heartfelt and multilayered, these orchestral rock songs, matched with lead singer Nathan Owen’s unique voice, have longevity beyond the first listen. And such is the thought behind their new video for single “Days Like Smoke” — a narrative song that disguises a tale of…
WISE GIRL NEW SINGLE “LITTLE WHITE LIES”
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Power pop trio Wise Girl releases new track “Little White Lies” from their debut, full-length album You’ll Just Have To Wait. Led by the powerful vocals of frontwoman Abby Weitz, Wise Girl’s 10-track LP is filled with power chords, driving beats and authentic lyrics ripped straight from the band’s personal experiences. With influences like Letters…
ANYONE’S GUESS VIDEO FOR “APATHY”
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Orlando based female fronted band ‘Anyone’s Guess’ release their debut single and HD music video. After 9 months of hard work from Anyone’s Guess including raising $5,000 through kickstarter, recording, photography and videography. Anyone’s Guess release the 1st single from their kickstarter funded work! This is the first of 9 tracks that are due out…
KRIS BOWERS DEBUT RECORDING & NEW SINGLE “FORGET-ER”
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Twenty-four-year-old pianist Kris Bowers has grown up in an era of highly accelerated technological advancement. Digital technology has afforded him and his contemporaries access to unprecedented levels of information and communication channels. In many respects, his generation is more powerful than any that has come before it. Bowers’ awareness of this power and potential is…
SNIR YAMINBRINGS RAW EMOTION TO NEW MUSIC VIDEO “STAY”
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Israeli singer-songwriter Snir Yamin recently released his new music video, “Stay” to international audiences. The music video features Yamin’s single “Stay”, off of his debut EP, Urban Stories. The video stars Snir Yamin and actress Ann Zelinger. The music video was directed and edited by Sahar Golovaty, with videography by Sergey Maydin and makeup by…
BET TAPS SAMANTHA J FOR “YOUNG STARZ WEEK” DECEMBER 9
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BET has selected Samantha J to kick off their “Young Starz Week” on 106 & Park on December 9. Blending the sounds of Patois with Pop, Reggae & Dancehall, Samantha will be performing her infectious single “Tight Skirt” live at 6pm on BET on December 9th. While she has only just released her first…
BRUNO MARS BRINGS “MOONSHINE JUNGLE TOUR 2014” DOWN UNDER
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Grammy award-winning artist and Super Bowl XLVIII halftime performer, BRUNO MARS has announced plans to continue his worldwide arena trek dubbed THE MOONSHINE JUNGLE TOUR in 2014. After 10 dates in Australia and New Zealand, Mars will continue on to Asia and Mexico. Full list of dates below. Additional North American tour dates will be…
STOLI HAS GOT TO KNOW WHY CLASS REUNION DECLARE ‘NO DRUMS ALLOWED’
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Hello good music lovers of the world. We have made it to another week and for that I am grateful. You know on my free time I am always thinking of music and what makes a song a hit. I must admit that on my commute I listen to Boston radio to hear what the…
WHERE DO THE STARS CALL HOME?
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Celebrities make millions of dollars a year, which gives them the ability to afford mega mansions, luxurious cars and almost anything they want. Celebrity homes tend to be huge estates that come with all the comforts of luxury. Here are six examples of the most luxurious celebrity estates: Brad and Angelina’s New Property Brad Pitt…
HOW TO START YOURSELF GETTING HIRED: TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR RESUME
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An excellent resume is one of the keys to finding a good job. A potential employer will most likely use your resume to determine whether or not to call you in for an interview, which is why a strong resume is so important. Below are some tips for improving your resume and landing the job…
RACHEL GRIFFIN VIDEO “OVER THE MOON FOR YOU”
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Rachel Griffin is excited to release her vibrant new video for “Over the Moon For You,” the title track off of her latest release. The video is perfectly crafted with an astounding D.I.Y. background. Skillfully arranged, the story and video bring the viewer on a whimsical journey, all narrated and acted out by Griffin…
FLANNEL MOUTH POST “OH, BASTARD”
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The Tallgrass Prairies of Illinois are carrying the sounds of FLANNEL MOUTH (SwitchBitch Records) yet again, this time in the form of a new single entitled “Oh, Bastard.” The song, though independent of an album, showcases the emergence of Flannel Mouth’s ability to write a hard-hitting single whilst staying true to their unique…
WET DENIM POST “LEISURE”
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Wet Denim is the much-anticipated, self-titled debut from Halifax’s all female four-piece Wet Denim. The band has made the first single, “Leisure,” available for download HERE. With infectious chemistry, each member has contributed to the creative process, sharing ownership of the songs and their arrangements. With a keen sensibility to sound, the soaring harmonies and…
EASY COMPANY’S SINGLE FROM ‘HELLO WORLD’ EP
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Genuine rock music’s golden age of musicianship is not over. Easy Company’s first EP release, Hello World released in September of 2013 and produced by Brett Romnes of I Am the Avalanche, proves that. No stranger of the New York, Philadelphia and Boston markets, Easy company has been steadily growing a loyal fan base with…
CHRIS BATSON VIDEO “WINTERTIME”
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Chris Batson brings sheer emotion and a stimulating sound to Alternative R&B/Soul. The exceptionally personalvideo for “Wintertime,” Chris Batson’s new track from 1916 Music/Nettwerk Records, features actress/model Aurelia Scheppers as the leading lady. “Wintertime” tells the story of the first 24hrs. when a teen discovers she is pregnant. The video portrays the multiple emotions that…
FERRIS & THE WHEELS VIDEO “CAN’T BY YOURSELF”
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The band’s new video “Can’t By Yourself” deals with the serious subject of bullying. Says Geoff, “The video is for our first single ‘Can’t By Yourself’ and portrays an anti-bullying message. It’s a story of three middle school kids who are being picked on by a mutual bully. Once they realize their nemesis is the…
ANTIGONE RISING POSTS “SANTA, YOU OWE ME”
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“Santa, You Owe Me”, from all-female country rock force Antigone Rising, is a witty, sassy take on getting your just desserts for doing Santa’s dirty work. In addition to sharing stages with The Rollings Stones, Aerosmith, and the Allman Brothers Band, Antigone Rising has also traveled to the Middle East as cultural ambassadors for the…
UME NEW SINGLE “BLACK STONE”
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The latest from Ume (“oo-may”), who premiered the first single off their upcoming album earlier this week on Noisey/VICE. The Texas garage rock trio are set to release their sophomore effort via Dangerbird Records this coming March. Check out “Black Stone” below. Lauren Larson could give Danielle Haim a run for her money! https://soundcloud.com/umemusic/blackstone http://www.umemusic.com/blackstone/
JASON MARK YATES IS REACHIN’ OUT
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UK Songwriting Contest Finalist Jason Mark Yates isn’t your typical singer/songwriter. The Adult Contemporary artist is making a name for himself with his soothing vocals and trademark acoustic arrangements. His song “Reachin’ Out” impressed the judges enough to make him a finalist in the 2013 Songwriting Contest held in the U.K. His sound is smooth…
STOLI & OWEN STEVENSON WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
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Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. For some reason the Thanksgiving week post is one of my favorite posts of the year here on Skope. I love the holidays, once that egg nog sets in and I begin to get reflect about all the awesome musicians that we have covered this year…
“SEND ME A KISS FOR CHRISTMAS” TO BENEFIT ‘HELP FOR HEROES’ UK
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‘Send Me A Kiss For Christmas’ has been released worldwide by UK songwriters Chrissy Sykes and Georgina Hilton, as a charity single for Christmas 2013. Chrissy (music & vocals) and Georgina (lyricist) are meeting all the costs of the ‘Kiss4Christmas’ project themselves, so that 100% of the proceeds can go to their chosen charity, ‘Help…
THE CO$T OF FREE
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Rarely has there been a point in the Music industry and its related business processes from musicians’ perspectives, whereby, the corporate element of the industry wasn’t perceived as shaky-baky, at best, in respect to artists earning an acceptable income. Ironically and consequently, commercial musical artists today spend much of their time, in fact, most…
JOHNNY SIGAL POSTS “UNA VIDA QUE CUENTE” VIA NEW EP
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Venezuelan singer, musician and actor Johnny Sigal has a treat in store for his fans: the release of an EP on December 1st, that will be a preview of his new album, TESTIMONIO, which will be launched early 2014! TESTIMONIO is an inspiring album, entirely written by Johnny’s aunt, author and composer Danila Sigal, who…
SALLY SELTMANN RETURNS WITH “BILLY”
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Australian songwriter, Sally Seltmann, has returned with a new single, “Billy”, and video – listen here/watch here. “Billy” will be featured on Seltmann’s upcoming new album, due in March 2014 on Arts & Crafts. The video, directed by Nelson Alves, captures perfectly the ’60s girl-group noir of the song, about a woman losing her beloved…
CODY SIMPSON RELEASES A BRAND NEW VIDEO FOR “LA DA DEEâ€
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Cody Simpson released his new video for “La Da Dee” today, a track off his brand new album, “The Acoustic Sessions,” released earlier this week. The song, originally from his sophomore album “Surfers Paradise” was also featured in the credits of the SONY Pictures animated film, “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2.” WATCH…
NSFW 2 PISTOLS “GREEDY” FT. JUICY J
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With his French Montana-assisted single, “Know That” holding the #46 with a bullet slot at Urban radio, and with the audio to “Greedy” ft. Juicy J already unleashed, Florida rapper, 2 Pistols, drops off the “Greedy” visuals, which can definitely be labeled NSFW (be warned.) This video is rap hedonism at its finest and any…
