Billboard charting independent artist My Silent Bravery released its new album ‘Holding Out for Hope’ today. Matthew Wade, My Silent Bravery’s brainchild, once again teamed up with Jimmy McGorman of the Goo Goo Dolls who co-wrote and produced MSB’s 7th full length lp. It features the singles ‘Hideaway’, ‘After the party,’ ‘Hey Miss’ and ‘Holding…
Fiercely loyal and loudly supportive, E-40 is the world’s most famous Bay Area sports fan. Paying tribute to his city’s revitalized NFL franchise, 40 dropped “Niner Gang,” a new anthem for the San Francisco 49ers and their fans. Produced by 40’s son Droop-E, “Niner Gang” is a rousing mob slapper that salutes Niners’ legends like…
International Orange stands by the motto: “Guitar driven musical sunshine dancing to a global beat”. This band certainly has an international flavor due to the exotic rhythms that can be linked to countries such as: Brazil, Africa and India. With elements of jazz & funk heavily in place, I.O. is barking up the right tree…
I had the pleasure to work with the super-talented and highly optimistic Radio Drive once again and couldn’t be happier! Radio Drive’s music oozes with positive messages and pleasant melodies that will lift up your spirits for days to come. The new album, ‘In The Light’, is no exception to this rule as the record…
“Santa Bought A Yacht” is one unexpected sleigh ride from 308 Ghost Train. Just in time for the holidays, 308 Ghost Train sings about a hipper, Ray Ban Sunglasses wearing Saint Nick. Matching the energy and spirit of a rockabilly tune from someone like Brian Setzer to the humor and fun of a National Lampoon…
Leon Bridges Joins Noah Cyrus For ‘July’ Platinum-selling RECORDS/Columbia Records artist and songwriter Noah Cyrus has teamed up with Grammy Award-winning recording artist Leon Bridges for a very special rendition of ‘July.’ As the original version continues to climb the charts and amass millions of streams around the world, this heartfelt duet provides a new…
Farrah Frostt is one diligent woman but all work and no play makes Farrah a monotonous girl. “Work Hard, Play Harder” Featuring Mateo: is the perfect solution offering up plenty of harmless fun & entertainment. Farrah Frostt is letting her hair down in the new video and enters into a world that is equipped with…
2019’s biggest breakout act, Megan Thee Stallion, drops a hot new one today with the release of “Ride or Die”, a collaboration with Vickeelo from the upcoming soundtrack for Queen & Slim, out November 15th on Motown Records. On the track, Stalli says “I’m really excited to be on the Queen & Slim soundtrack because…
They say timing is everything and the timing couldn’t be more right for Radio Drive! Radio Drive’s sixth, full-length album was just released in August of 2019 and has been receiving rave reviews; one after another! The good news doesn’t end there for Radio Drive because the single “Sweet Thing”, featured on the album ‘She…
Canada’s own Linda McRae releases a new album called ‘Going to the Well’ that is just drenched with heart & soul. This record is soaked with raw emotion as Linda McRae proves she is one dominant singer/songwriter. ‘Going to the Well’ is one you will want to drink in fully because it just offers the…
Desolo is an army vet born in Venezuela and he now resides in Olympia, Washington. I wasn’t able to decipher the lyrics due to the words not being in English, BUT that didn’t even phase me! Reason being is because Desolo has a way of universally connecting with listeners through the music itself. “Te Extrano”…
“Woo-ah!” Rising “Young Pop God” (GQ) MAX has teamed up with the critically-acclaimed pop star Kim Petras for a rousing new version of his smash hit single “Love Me Less”, which has clocked over 100 million streams worldwide, been performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The TODAY Show, and LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, and is…
Ra Ra Riot has released “War & Famine” today, another new cut from their forthcoming studio LP Superbloom – due out August 9th on Rob the Rich Recordings/Caroline. The song comes as the band is in the midst of the Summer Gods Tour, supporting Third Eye Blind and Jimmy Eat World across the US, and…
I remember interviewing Paul Graves back in 2016 and was just so enthralled with his mountainous music and wildlife lifestyle, (https://skopemag.com/2016/10/07/jimmy-rae-goin-squatchin-with-mountain-man-paul-graves). They say home is where the heart is but in Paul’s case, home is where the heartfelt music stems from. Surrounded by spectacular views and pure nature at its finest, Wenatchee, Washington is where…
This is Laura Cheadle’s favorite time of year and the singer/songwriter is already off to the races this season. Laura Cheadle and her band are playing numerous shows on the East Coast and have a BIG event coming up with Robert Randolph & The Family Band. Her highly-acclaimed album ‘Chill’ was released in 2017 and…
Having already charted in the top 40, and just unleashing their new album entitled “Purrr”, Electric Radio Kings are well on their way to success. Already creating a massive buzz, their music is as powerful as a raging tsunami. The Vegas based band features Stacey David Blades on guitar, Paul Christiana on vocals, Keith Horne…
Even though I couldn’t understand the words due to the lyrics being in Spanish, I know good music when I hear it. And No TeVaGustar offers very good-sounding music on ‘Otras Canciones’ that is professionally done and so full of life. No TeVaGustar is referred to as “the most important group in Uruguayan rock and…
It’s been 10 years since I last heard from Straw Dogs and their infectious sound as I reviewed their last album titled ‘Love And Then Hope’: https://skopemag.com/2009/05/04/straw-dogs-love-and-then-hope. I can tell you firsthand that it was well worth the wait because ‘Your Immaculate Machine’ is the band’s sixth record and one prized possession that will raise…
Local Natives today share their first new music in over two years with the release of ‘Café Amarillo.’ The swooning, shimmering song is paired with a video directed by Van Alpert (Post Malone) featuring visuals by Public-Library (Drake, Mac Miller, Nike) – watch now. Based in Los Angeles, the quintet progressed their blissful sound over…
Hanz “Falco” Hölzel was an artist ahead of his time. His bold, international, synth-drenched style of electrofunk anticipated the sound of contemporary pop. Of course, he was hardly unappreciated in the ‘80s: “Vienna Calling,” “Der Kommissar,” “Jeanny,” and especially “Rock Me Amadeus” all became massive hits, influencing mainstream and experimental musicians alike. The members of…
ITSOKTOCRY is a versatile artist who binds the bridge between music genres to create his own unique sound. From guttural screaming, to beautiful melodies, his vocal range sets him apart from other artists. This one-man boy band from Denver is a pivotal leader in the new wave emerging from the rap genre. He will be…
Cicada Radio hail from Hudson County, NJ and have been a staple of the local music scene for the past six years. Though they came together as a trio in 2010, they have since expanded their lineup, consisting of brothers Patrick and Michael Keefe leading the band on guitars and vocals and supported by the…
The first thing that immediately draws my attention in is the cover art where I’m seeing a long pathway heading straight into the light in the sky with thick, fluffy clouds hovering above. This definitely comes across as heavenly at first glance just by the mere presence & vivid imagery on the front cover. ‘Narrow…
This is the fourth review this year I’ve done for the tenacious Fabp aka Fabpz The Freelancer and he continues to churn up musical lyrics in the lab with his trusty pen and pad. It’s safe to say that Fabp is going out with a bang for 2018 with the new release titled ‘Classical Rap…
This is instant enjoyment and music to my ears listening to David Graff’s new album titled ‘Supposed To Fly’. The overall artistry and musicianship on this record is magnificent and so finely-crafted. David Graff may have started his career as a drummer but there is no doubt that his songwriting skills are soaring high on…
Ray Greene’s ‘Tell Me The Story Of Christmas’ is loaded with sweet, yet sophisticated jazz/gospel versions of holiday standards, and three original compositions. This is the quintessential soundtrack for the Christmas/Holiday season and is sure to put you in a festive mood. Ray Greene and Dow Brain provide an array of Christmas classics as well…
The Swedish Sensations known as Gibrish are back with two, fresh new cuts that are simply appetizing to the musical palette. I was first introduced to Gibrish back in 2014 and my last article on the band was in 2016, (https://skopemag.com/2016/08/25/gibrish-gangster-tango). The group has evolved and grown tremendously since then and adds even more depth…
Dar.Ra is a rock and roll diamond in the rough molded in the shadows. The British invasion has taken over once again in the form of blazing distorted guitars and epic, cerebral songwriting. Exploding out of the garage and onto the freeway of dance music, his soul shines through, creating rock music with immediate impact…
It’s said by Motor City locals that the “D” in Jimmy D. Scott’s name stands for Detroit. That’s not merely about the singer’s love for his city. It’s also a measure of how much the city loves him back. In the exuberant clip for “Shakey Ground”, Scott feels the love from all quarters of town:…
Laura Cheadle is not one to just kick back and do nothing but rather she is a fierce, go-getter with a pedal-to-the-metal-type attitude. But, Laura Cheadle decided to ease off the accelerator and slow things down a bit on her latest release, ‘Chill’. The title of the record matches the mood & tone of the…
GRAMMY® Award-winning, acclaimed alternative rock pioneers, The Smashing Pumpkins today dropped “Solara”, the first recording in over 18 years to feature founding members Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin. Recorded in Malibu, CA at Shangri La Studios with producer Rick Rubin and longtime Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder, “Solara” is available now to stream…
I’m getting punched with such pristine grace as Annie Fitzgerald belts out the song “Black and Blue”. This track is off of Annie’s second album titled You & Me & the Sun which just came out on June 1, 2018 with a CD release party at The Hook & Ladder Theatre & Lounge in Minneapolis,…
Cleopatra Records To Release Alternative Recording Artist’s Four Track Digital EP Friday, January 12th! After independently raising money for Linkin Park’s charity, the Music for Relief, One More Light Fund in Memory of Chester Bennington, Jennifer Hope delivers her latest alternative acoustic EP, SINspirations. Available Friday, January 12th on iTunes and all major digital music…
I’m no stranger to Les Fradkin as I have been lucky enough to work with this extraordinarily talented singer/songwriter/composer/producer on numerous occasions. Not to mention, Les is a masterful guitarist and MIDI guitar innovator taking the instruments and technology to a whole new stratosphere. So, it’s safe to say I am a certified Les Fradkin…
The dazzling, larger than life, effervescently flamboyant Toggo Ultrarock has just released his new single entitled Cannonball. A cross between Freddy Mercury, Alice Cooper and Adele, this artist, born and raised in Norway has one of the most unique voices I’ve ever heard, in the best way possible. I was indisputably compelled to investigate his…
It’s been a little over seven years since I last worked with Steven Bryan and reviewed his album ‘One Way’ back in 2009, – https://skopemag.com/2010/06/22/steven-bryan-one-way. I said then that “You haven’t seen nothing yet from the man they call Steven Bryan; just get ready and prepare yourself because it’s gonna be HUGE!” And man does…
Rita Ora is set to open the 2017 Teen Choice Awards with an electrifying performance alongside rising California rapper KYLE who will perform his single, “iSpy” and Lil Yachty, who will then perform his new single “Forever Young.” Rita Ora will close the performance with her hit single “Your Song.” ‘Your Song,’ Rita’s collaboration with…
The King of Midi Guitar himself, Les Fradkin, never ceases to amaze me by continuing to evolve with his innovative style of music. ‘Welcome To The New Age’ is just that with a whole new perspective and direction from Les guiding the listener through airy soundscapes. Fradkin and his Starr Labs Ztar incorporate elements of:…
The latest full length album from songwriter Jimmy Shannon, Better Now than Ever, marks a new creative high for this fine musician. The eleven song collection plays with the same vibrancy and inspiration listeners might expect from a debuting young prodigy while still exhibiting the canniness and invention veterans bring to bear. Unlike many players…
With a casual cool kind of style, Jimmy Marin’s “Along The Way” ties together elements of classical rock, soul, and a little of the blues. Jimmy Marin’s vocals are impressive and his lyricism is poetic in nature. Arrangements are pitch-perfect as they have a timeless quality to them. Opting for an airy approach these are…
