Scotland Based Techno Artist Mha Iri Shares Her New EP, "Leader Of The Pack"
Scotland’s techno chart-dominating powerhouse Mha Iri unveils her latest project to mark her new signing to [PIAS] Électronique - a series of four EPs themed around the four Elements. First EP, three-tracker "Leader Of The Pack" representing the element of Earth, is out now.
Scotland’s techno chart-dominating powerhouse Mha Iri unveils her latest project to mark her new signing to [PIAS] Électronique - a series of four EPs themed around the four Elements. First EP, three-tracker Leader Of The Pack representing the element of Earth, is out now. The first single/title track already received strong support from Mixmag, Magnetic Mag, DJ Mag and SiriusXM.
The release follows her latest five-date tour in Australia, including Eat The Beat Festival alongside Carl Cox, Chris Liebing, Lilly Palmer. Ahead, she’ll play Gashouder with Awakenings for New Year. Mha Iri’s 2024 releases on Drumcode, FOA and TRICK have made her assertive, hyper-speed brand of techno with melodic elements a key part of the scene in very short time.
The Elements theme: Mha Iri is very aware of her Scottish/Gaelic roots, including a ‘deep love for nature. This series of EPs reflects this connection. The four elements – Earth, Air, Fire and Water - provide endless creative interpretation, allowing me to express various aspects of myself as a person and artist’ she says. ‘I found this beautiful amethyst crystal cave in Scotland for the artwork—it felt perfect.’ The first EP, themed around Earth reflects her own grounded and down-to-earth approach in her personal life and career.
EP focus track "Go Hard" goes well hard with rampageous percussion, distorted morse code stutters, mighty breakdowns using doppler to twist the sonic knife as the drop approaches, and a funky male vocal riff – all of it full of hooks from sudden changes or omissions.
"Give You" ft. Argy (UK) keeps up the punishing pace with arp-y bass, a solid wall of beats, and higher, resonant vocal riffs, with melodic phases competing with ripped metal stabs in the breakdown.
Recent EP single "Leader Of The Pack": hits the ground running with racing techno beats, hoover synth chords, and dark, no-prisoners spoken lyrics, while use of doppler FX and multiple stabs keep the vibe dynamic, urgent, relentless. Big breakdowns with siren-sound builds and deep-plunge drops complete the perfect dance fuel.
An emerging star, first in Australia, and now returned in triumph to her native Scotland, Mha Iri was 2023 Beatport #1 best-selling Hard Techno female artist + #2 in Peak Time/Driving Techno, while her five Drumcode and Filth On Acid releases all made Top 10, with two at #1. Her extensive touring schedule this year included Awakenings, Terminal V, Tomorrowland, and killer sets at this ADE's Gashouder for Drumcode X Awakenings and Dockyard X Mystic Garden Festival.
Check out Mha Ira’s new EP right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with her on social media.
Brooklyn Post-Hardcore Band Common Sage Release Their New Album, "Closer To;"
Legendary independent New York-based rock label Equal Vision Records and Common Sage are excited to announce the release of Closer To;, the Brooklyn, NY-based post-hardcore band’s brand new studio album.
Legendary independent New York-based rock label Equal Vision Records and Common Sage are excited to announce the release of Closer To;, the Brooklyn, NY-based post-hardcore band’s brand new studio album (stream/purchase HERE). Recorded and produced by Brett Romnes (Anxious, Oso Oso, Hot Mulligan, The Movielife) at The Barber Shop Studios in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, Closer To; features the album’s new single, “47.”, a song about self reflection, specifically on some negative aspects that sometimes frontman Julian Rosen finds himself acting on. Watch the music video for “47.”, directed and edited by Rich Weinberger (Gatherers), below.
Additionally, Common Sage will be making numerous west coast appearances supporting Reggie & The Full Effect, kicking off on December 6 in Roseville, CA. A full listing of dates can be found below, and more information on tickets can be found on the band’s site HERE.
Whether it’s acknowledged or not, starting a “post-hardcore” band in this era is not a decision to be taken lightly. The genre, rife with copycats, naysayers, and gatekeepers, can be one of the most critical of its kind. This is why, upon first listen to Common Sage, one should keep an open mind. The Brooklyn, NY based quartet brings to the table not only a serious deference for their groundwork laying predecessors, but they offer something new to the scene altogether—which is much easier said than done.
Common Sage’s sound feels like a modern take on the melodic side of post hardcore with a strong influence from the legendary Long Island emo scene. When these dualistic stylings are partnered with a dissonant, cacophonous riff-storm, they sound something like Quicksand and Title Fight dancing a delicate ballet. This is no doubt a very calculated and deliberate musical high wire act, and it’s not something that can be accomplished by a band that has not done their due diligence.
Herein lies the secret to Common Sage; it’s less of what they choose to put on the canvas as artists, but more of what they choose to hold back that shows the true nature of the band. While something such as a simple three chord breakdown could have served them greatly in the short term—the band opts for much more artful choices, making veteran level structural decisions that you would expect from innovative songsmiths like Modest Mouse or mewithoutYou. It’s easy to see why industry pillars like Geoff Rickly and Steve Pedulla of the band Thursday or Jason Gleason of Further Seems Forever were quick to lend their talents and to the band's new music.
This is why it is so fitting that Sage, a medicinal herb, when burned is used to cleanse the air of all its impurities. One can only hope that Common Sage can accomplish something similar within their genre, clearing out the staid tropes of the past and making way for something new to appear out of thin air.
Common Sage will be making the following U.S. appearances next month. Dates below.
DECEMBER
06 — Roseville, CA — Goldfield Trading Post #
07 — Anaheim, CA — Chain Reaction #
08 — West Hollywood, CA — The Roxy #
10 — Denver, CO — Marquis Theater #
# — supporting Reggie & The Full Effect
Connect with Common Sage: Website | Instagram | X | Facebook
Emzeezy Presents His Newly Released EP, "WHERE I'M AT"
Emzeezy is a talented up and coming rap artist and producer from Bosnia and Herzegovina who recently unveiled his latest EP “WHERE I’M AT”, featuring the three songs, “Frail”, “The Song I Never Wrote (Self Conscious Part 2)”, and the title track.
Emzeezy is a talented up and coming rap artist and producer from Bosnia and Herzegovina who recently unveiled his latest EP “WHERE I’M AT”, featuring the three songs, “Frail”, “The Song I Never Wrote (Self Conscious Part 2)”, and the title track.
“WHERE I’M AT” follows Emzeezy’s last project, “EMPTY”, and includes his production on two of the three tracks, as well as production from BIG SPICE.
Speaking about the release, Emzeezy says that the “lyrical content on this EP is pretty introspective and paints a vivid picture of where my mind was at when I was writing the songs”.
Powerhouse Electronic Music Artist HAYLA Releases Her Debut Album "DUSK"
UK-based HAYLA is a powerhouse vocalist and high-calibur songwriter who just released her debut solo album "DUSK", featuring the singles “Freefall,” “Embers” and “Fall Again.”
London, UK-based HAYLA is a powerhouse vocalist and high-calibur songwriter who is called upon by many prominent electronic music acts–from Kx5 and John Summit to KYGO, Meduza and Sub Focus just to name a few–to write with and perform on their biggest singles. She now celebrates the release of her debut solo album DUSK (Restless Minds Music/Believe UK).
Touted a notable album by NPR Music, each song on DUSK runs deep exploring different themes of love lost and won to anxiety, regained strength and dreams. The ten-track collection recorded over three years, consists of all original songs along multiple styles and genres, penned and performed by HAYLA with production from a variety of producers including Andy Sheldrake, Blanke, Carl Ryder & Nick Henriques and more.
Highlights on HAYLA’s DUSK include the downtempo electronica piece “Unfold” that has a storytelling style of songwriting which she wrote to herself addressing the internal battle of wanting connection but understanding one needs to spend time on their own to be themselves and heal. The infectious “Visions Of You”--which HAYLA labels the happiest track on the album–is for when you’re star struck by infatuation and the thoughts of that one person that gets you through your day. The title song is an experimental track which houses 12 part choral vocal swells and a comforting beat, produced by HAYLA herself and inspired by her favorite time of day.
From John Summit’s mega hits “Where You Are” and “Shiver” to deadmau5 x Kaskade’s Top 40 smash “Escape” from their GRAMMY nominated Kx5 project, HAYLA has been dazzling dance fans across the globe alongside her own singles from DUSK , "Embers," "Fall Again" and "Freefall." HAYLA has over 6.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone with her biggest track–the Platinum certified “Where You Are” reaching over 161 million plays. Her song with KYGO “Without You” appears on his current album and most recently she paired with Meduza on their single “Another World.”
To support the release of DUSK in the U.S., HAYLA will make her first ever major headlining performance December 4 at The Roxy Theatre on the world famous Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. The high-production album release party will have HAYLA performing live many selections from DUSK as well as her popular collaborations such as “Shiver,” “Escape,” “Without You” and “Another World.” A limited number of tickets remain here.
Over the last year HAYLA has performed in front of sold out crowds at iconic venues around North America with her collaborators. The dance music sensation joined John Summit during his closing set of Coachella 2024 to perform their single “Shiver”' for thousands of fans in the festival’s famed Sahara tent and those watching the live stream from home–and then again caused buzz for her guest performance of “Where You Are” and “Shiver”' at his recent Madison Square Garden play. HAYLA also joined deadmau5 as a special guest for his ‘retro5pective’ shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and New York’s The Brooklyn Mirage and Kygo at his Palm Tree Festival events in Hawaii and the Hamptons. Look for HAYLA to join Kygo again for select European dates of his World Tour before the end of 2024.
Check out the incredible DUSK album below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with HAYLA on her social media.
Orey Eyed Presents His First Album Entitled "Dozing Off While Driving"
Orey Eyed, a music project of the South Korean born singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jaehyun Kim, has unveiled the first full-length LP, titled “Dozing Off While Driving”.
Orey Eyed, a music project of the South Korean born singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jaehyun Kim, has unveiled the first full-length LP, titled “Dozing Off While Driving”.
Featuring performances and production from himself as well as a vocal performance from Ohio-based singer-songwriter mimete on the sixth track “Scarlet Noise”, the record encompasses a wide range of genres from dream pop and shoegaze to electronic rock and alternative.
The twelve-track album discusses various topics such as escapism, bisexual identity, apocalyptic future, and unconditional love, too. Easily-identified sounds of dreamy, lush synths, psychedelic guitars, and airy vocals are found all over the album, establishing a solid identity of the project.
Live dates as well as the detailed release dates for the deluxe version of the album will be announced soon. In the meantime, listen to “Dozing Off While Driving” below, stream it on Bandcamp and Apple Music, and connect with Orey Eyed on his social media.
Stream and Share “Dozing Off While Driving”: Apple Music | Bandcamp
Taiwan Based Singer-Songwriter Niki Releases Her Fifth Album "Pride and Prejudice"
Niki is a Taiwan based singer-songwriter who is thrilled and relieved to unveil her fifth album, “Pride and Prejudice”. The album includes a total of 15 tracks, and all made it to the charts from No.1 to 50 on StreetVoice, Taiwan’s local indie streaming platform.
Niki is a Taiwan based singer-songwriter who is thrilled and relieved to unveil her fifth album, “Pride and Prejudice”. The album includes a total of 15 tracks, and all made it to the charts from No.1 to 50 on StreetVoice, Taiwan’s local indie streaming platform. The entire album is inspired by and dedicated to her ex, expressing all the up and mostly down emotions that occurred throughout the 15-month relationship.
The boy, a narcissist, sexist, materialistic and patriarchal, pretended to be a man and ended up creating a heart-break album. It covers topics that often occur in the post-relationship period, and she hoped that her lyrics would strike a chord with her listeners and act as a haven for some. “Pride and Prejudice” is Niki’s side of the story and her farewell and last romantic gesture to the inspiration himself. (It is definitely not a revenge album.)
Unlike the previous albums Niki has released, “Pride and Prejudice” consists of a collection of tracks made and recorded within two weeks using an entry-level USB microphone, as she hoped to document the authenticity and feelings for her break-up. Even though the lyrics themselves are direct, irritating and gut-wrenching, Niki has teamed up with Casper Yang, a famous and talented Taiwanese producer/singer, to add elements to the arrangements to create a variety of genres, including country, RnB, folk, soft rock, and more.
The album evolves around several topics, including how people nowadays often ‘replace broken items instead of fixing them to last,’ how men frequently choose ego and pride over something real to hold onto, how promises are often made just for sex, and how goodnights turned into goodbyes.
Listen to “Pride and Prejudice” below, as well as on your preferred streaming service, and connect with Niki on her social media.
Stream and Share “Pride and Prejudice”: Apple Music | YouTube Music | StreetVoice
Connect with Niki: Instagram
JSDavani Presents His Self-Produced Concept Album, "The Melancholiac II"
“The Melancholiac II" is the incredible newly released, self-produced concept album from multi-instrumentalist and multimedia artist Jacoby Davani aka JSDavani, and comprises 20 tracks, opening with “Heartdrops”, and closing with “A Beginning/Ending :Rinse/Repeat”.
“The Melancholiac II" is the incredible newly released, self-produced concept album from multi-instrumentalist and multimedia artist Jacoby Davani aka JSDavani, and comprises 20 tracks, opening with “Heartdrops”, and closing with “A Beginning/Ending :Rinse/Repeat”. The album’s title is a reference to Jacoby’s favorite Dean Blunt album, “The Narcissist II”.
Along with being a music creator and artist for over 20 years, Jacoby is a behavioral analyst (BCBA) who works with children on the Autism spectrum.
He has released 6 different experimental music projects in the last year, with over 5 hours of music between them; the latest being “RE:sender -> VOL1”.
If you’re a fan of experimentation and next level creativity, then you will love Jacoby’s album, “The Melancholiac II”. Listen to it below, and hang close to DCWS because our exclusive interview with him and review of the project are both coming soon.
Connect with JSDavani: Soundcloud | Spotify
Legendary Hip-Hop Producer Diamond D Releases "The Diam Piece 3: INITIUM”
Diggin’ In The Crates Crew co-founding member Diamond D shares “INITIUM”, the first of three parts to “The Diam Piece 3”, which will serve as the final installment in his production compilation series.
Grammy-winning Hip-Hop legend Diamond D released “The Diam Piece” album in 2014, followed by the project's sequel, “The Diam Piece 2”, in 2019. Now, the Diggin’ In The Crates Crew co-founding member shares “INITIUM”, the first of three parts to “The Diam Piece 3”, which will serve as the final installment in Diamond D's production compilation series.
With star-studded guest features such as Fatman Scoop, Skyzoo, RJ Payne, 38 Spesh, and more, “INITIUM” will be followed by Duo and Tria to complete The Diam Piece 3 over the course of the next 12 months.
"I would never release an album with 28 songs in this age of short attention spans. With that being said, I'll be releasing he 'Diam Piece III' album in three separate parts over a 12 month timespan: 'INITIUM', 'Duo' & 'Tria'. This will give each release a chance to breathe on its own and to be appreciated. The Diam Piece 3 album will complete the trinity for my production series. It was an honor to work with all the talented spitters on the new album. If you're familiar with both Diam Piece parts 1 and 2 then you already know what to expect: hard hitting tracks and dope lyricism. I stand on that." - Diamond D
“The Diam Piece 3: INITIUM” arrives on all major digital streaming platforms via Dymond Mine Records/EMPIRE just a month short of the 32nd anniversary of Diamond D's 1992 classic debut “Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop”.
Stream/Share “The Diam Piece 3: INITIUM”
“The Diam Piece 3: INITIUM” can be purchased on vinyl via Fatbeats here.
Lupe Fiasco Releases His Latest Album "Samurai" and New Music Video for "No.1 Headband"
Lupe Fiasco unveils his latest album “Samurai”, a smooth, yet cerebral, 8-track album brimming with ideas, that radiates his pure love for the art of emceeing and committing himself as a servant of the rap game.
With over two decades of tenure in the rap game, Lupe Fiasco is a savvy veteran of hip-hop, but that doesn't mean he doesn't take the time to hone and perfect his craft at every turn. Now, the Chicago MC unveils his latest album “Samurai”, a smooth, yet cerebral, 8-track album brimming with ideas, that radiates Lupe's pure love for the art of emceeing and committing himself as a servant of the rap game.
'The word 'samurai' means to serve,' Lupe says on the album's title. 'My relationship to that word has always meant that you need to be at the service of other people, either in the overall community, or in this instance, the rap community at large that I’ve been a part of for years.'
“Samurai”, Lupe's ninth studio album, is produced in full by Soundtrakk, making it their second full album collaboration following 2022's DRILL MUSIC IN ZION, and the first album that Lupe and Soundtrakk worked on with their longtime manager, and 1st & 15th co-CEO Charles 'Chill' Patton, since 2007's “The Cool”. Patton also serves as executive producer on the album. It's home to recent singles such as the title track, 'Samurai,' praised by Rolling Stone, HYPEBEAST, Clash and Complex plus the lyrical beatdown, 'Cake,' which shows off Lupe's supreme ability to attack the beat with poetic and energetic bars.
Lupe's ninth full-length to date opens with aforementioned title track, 'Samurai' and is a loose and soulful record that gently lopes along with a prominent drumbeat and a lilting soprano sax lick, as Lupe dons his battle rap persona, attempting to draw a crowd with his poetic devices. While the chorus imitates a busker or carnival barker's call for attention, the verses dig deeper. The first verse analyzes the awkward relationship between hip-hop culture and high culture. The second verse tells the story of a struggling artist, contrasting her glamorous dreams with her gritty reality, but brimming with her unbroken spirit.
Lupe takes the listener on an introspective journey but also utilizes different eras of hip hop to tell the stories that lay within each individual track. From experimental melodies infused within hip hop beats that carry '90s twang like 'Mumble Rap', or paired down, sentimental percussions and keys as found in 'Palaces,' and the orchestral, street freestyle-esque 'No. 1 Headband,' Lupe weaves the many faces of hip hop, along with the many lives he has lived within the industry, into the narrative of his project.
On “Samurai”, Lupe retreats inward to deliver fans one of his most personal albums to date. 'I sometimes get tagged by my fans as not doing personal records,' Lupe says, 'but I always tell people there's me in there if you listen closely enough. This album is one of my more personal records to date. It's not a full biography, but my personal experiences are tied up in all of my music. A lot of the records are me. Some are from the POV of a character. and some are me. The album weaves things from my life as an artist, touching on things other artists go through.'
“Samurai” is Lupe's first new album since 2022's DRILL MUSIC IN ZION, which earned critical acclaim from NPR, Complex, The FADER, and many others, including Vinyl Me Please, who wrote 'At their best, Lupe's bars are as visually and phonetically pleasing as popped bubble wrap.' The product of a burst of thoughtful spontaneity, Lupe created DRILL MUSIC IN ZION over a short period, diving into a folder of beats sent by Soundtrakk and emerging with a fully-realized album in just three days.
In 2023, Lupe kept busy by releasing tracks like 'Wild Child (Remix),' a new version of his 2017 track created in collaboration with Chicago house luminary Vince Lawrence, and 'Out There,' an archival track from the 1st & 15th vault.
The iconic Chicago native also settled into his position as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he teaches 'Rap Theory and Practice.' Beyond music, Lupe continues to focus on the community organizations he founded, including We Are M.U.R.A.L, The Neighborhood Start-Up Fund, Society of Spoken Art, and his cross-cultural content venture, Studio SV.
Listen to the DOPE “Samurai” album below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Lupe on his social media.
Manchester, UK Singer-Songwriter Odd One Out Releases Her New EP "Alone"
Dynamic Manchester, UK based singer-songwriter Odd One Out has just dropped her third EP entitled “Alone”, featuring five tracks. Listen to this great new release now.
Courtney Pilling aka Odd One Out is a dynamic singer-songwriter based in Manchester, UK who brings a unique voice to the indie music scene. Inspired by the band Twenty One Pilots, she began her musical journey with a modest ukulele, a gift from her mum.
Since then, Odd One Out has been expressing her thoughts and feelings through songs, initially recorded in single takes using the microphone on her earphones. Now, at 23 years old, she creates music with a more professional setup.
The name 'Odd One Out' reflects Courtney's experiences of often feeling out of place. Through music, however, she discovered a sense of belonging.
Odd One Out’s music, characterised by its hauntingly beautiful melodies and introspective lyrics, has been described as "Spectral Pop" by many people, including radio host Graham Duff.
She’s just released her third EP entitled “Alone”, which is composed of five tracks. Speaking about the project, Odd One Out says, “This EP titled 'Alone' is about the perspectives of different people who are alone. Alone in the way they think, alone physically, alone because nobody seems to want them, but the ending song repeats "I am not alone." This conclusion to the EP emphasises that nobody is ever truly alone.”
Listen to “Alone” right now, connect with Odd One Out on social media, and be on the lookout for our exclusive interview with her coming soon.
Alt Punk-Rap Duo Joey Valence and Brae Release Their Sophomore Album "NO HANDS"
Fast-rising, viral alt punk-rap duo Joey Valence & Brae have released their highly anticipated sophomore album, “NO HANDS”. The boys have also announced a massive, US/EU fall tour in support of the album that kicks off September 9 in Dallas.
Fast-rising, viral alt punk-rap duo Joey Valence & Brae have released their highly anticipated sophomore album, “NO HANDS”. The self-written, self-produced, self-mixed and mastered collection takes the propulsive energy of their critically acclaimed debut, PUNK TACTICS, and goes harder, but also offers more range; housing their most impressive work to date and featuring guest appearances by Danny Brown, Terror Reid and Z-Trip, signifying a huge progression as they skillfully traverse a smash and grab collision of 90s hip-hop, drum ‘n’ bass and decades-spanning pop culture references while remaining undeniably themselves throughout.
The boys have also announced a massive, US/EU fall tour in support of the album that kicks off September 9 in Dallas. They’ll bring their insane live show to major cities around the world including Austin, Chicago, Washington DC, Boston, New York City, Toronto, Los Angeles, Stockholm, Milan, Paris, Berlin, London and more. Playing live is where Joey Valence & Brae truly excel, and their performances are a high-octane blur of pinwheeling arms and legs and adrenaline-fueled chaos with maximum crowd participation. Pre-sales begin with JVB’s artist pre-sale on Tuesday, June 11 ahead of the general on-sale beginning Friday, June 14 at 10 a.m. local time. Please visit www.jvbsucks.com for more info.
“NO HANDS” is classic JVB: raw, wily, full of braggadocio and peppered with their eclectic blend of interests — Star Wars, Super Mario, Putt Putt Golf, Olivia Rodrigo, Top Golf, Shirley Temples, Smucker’s Uncrustables, legendary UK chicken shop chain Nando’s and so much more. Opening track “BUSSIT,” with its distorted, bassy-synth, in-your-face, brain-rattling beats, and an unexpected jungle break, absolutely sets the tone. While lead single “THE BADDEST,” a body-quaking Miami bass banger, part Fatman Scoop, part LMFAO, is destined to be a riot-inducing live favorite. Elsewhere, early singles “JOHN CENA” and “WHERE U FROM” are full of swaggy braggadocio, simultaneously poking fun at those who think they’re all that. The latter is a mash-up of house synths and loose-limbed beats while tipping a cap to Brockhampton.
The record also includes stand out collaborations with Terror Reid on “DOUGHBOY,” and the just-released Danny Brown collab “PACKAPUNCH” (JVB slid into his DMs only to find out the Detroit rapper was already a fan). With its jazzy hook and scratching from pioneering DJ Z-Trip, the LP’s title track is also key.
“‘NO HANDS’ is driving home the point that we do this on our own, and that we're confident about it,” said Joey. “Like, ‘Look Ma, no hands.’ It also doubles for having no hands working on this project other than us in terms of the creative. This album is us doubling down: we bet on ourselves and it worked. [and] we're still having the best time of our lives.”
The album closes with “OMNITRIX,” a triumphant cut featuring sampled strings and soul vocals, the title a nod to the cartoon Ben 10. Joey calls it “a victory lap for the whole album,” and its more measured cadence showcases a new dimension to the brash, punk-rap stylings that have defined the duo since they popped off at the tail end of 2021. Music aside, what has really cemented their success is their humor, energy and attitude: they’re both down to clown, looking to entertain each other, and anyone around them. This spirit is the bedrock of their output as Joey Valence & Brae, and a cornerstone of their appeal.
Check out the “NO HANDS” album right now, and connect with Joey Valence and Brae on their website and social media.
AG Club's Jody Fontaine and Baby Boy Drop "BRODIE WORLD" Mixtape
The duo of Jody Fontaine and Baby Boy of hip-hop collective AG Club have released their latest mixtape "BRODIE WORLD". Alongside the ten-track project, they share the official music video for the song “ROWDYRUFFBOYZ” off of the tape.
The duo of Jody Fontaine and Baby Boy of hip-hop collective AG Club have released their latest mixtape “BRODIE WORLD”. Alongside the ten-track project, they share the official music video for the song “ROWDYRUFFBOYZ” off of the tape.
Fusing playful imagination with an innate sense of aesthetic, BRODIE WORLD is whimsical, masterful, and electric—a glimmering constellation of sharp technique and raw impulse. It plays out as an immersive, free-wheeling adventure, at once quintessential AG Club yet a confident evolution and statement from Jody Fontaine and Baby Boy. Full of high energy bars, mesmerizing melodies and shapeshifting sonics, the mixtape is powered by previously shared songs and music videos like “eva” and “Barry.” BRODIE WORLD includes guest contributions from Mike Dimes, Igwe Aka and Mercury, as well as production contributions from Hippie Sabotage on one song.
The just-premiered video for “ROWDYRUFFBOYZ” places the viewer in a familiar corner of AG Club’s world: an otherwise tranquil scene that AG Club discovers is actually the perfect site for some organized chaos. Still, the duo is committed to its range, and doesn’t shy away from experimenting with pace and tempo. As the album winds down, on tracks like “Iron Giant” and “Sabine,” they present more moderately as they explore themes of vulnerability.
The group has steadily built its audience with a multitude of releases since 2019, leading to appearances at global festivals such as Coachella by last year. AG Club has been crowned the “next big music collective,” by Nylon, “genuine, pure, and unlike anything you’ve experienced before” by Billboard and “The Bay Area music collective you wish you could join” by i-D. Baby Boy and Fontaine’s commitment to cohesion and culture has helped them develop a cult-like following that continues to grow with them, from 2020’s Halfway Off The Porch to 2022’s Imposter Syndrome.
It isn’t just a journey that AG Club has been on, it’s a world that they’ve been building. This is your official invite. BRODIE WORLD is now available.
South Korean Music Project Orey Eyed Shares the Brand New EP "The Last Flight to You"
Orey Eyed, a music project of 18-year-old South Korean producer and singer-songwriter Jaehyun Kim, has just dropped the three track EP “The Last Flight to You”, which combines sound palettes from alternative/indie scenes as well as electronic elements.
Brand new to DCWS is Orey Eyed, a music project of 18-year-old producer and singer-songwriter Jaehyun Kim, who is currently based in Yongin-si, South Korea. Influenced by artists such as Chairlift, The 1975, Perfume Genius, and more, fuzzy synths and mellow vocals characterize his sound.
With Orey Eyed, Jaehyun aims to capture the beauty of various eerie and ethereal soundscapes, conveying emotions through the medium of music. Also invested in exploring different perspectives of romantic relationships and emotional struggles, his lyrics often assume a fictional point of view, providing a fresh and entertaining encounter to listeners.
He has just unveiled his debut three track EP, “The Last Flight to You”, which combines sound palettes from alternative/indie scenes as well as electronic elements. The tracks on this EP are airy and emotional, yet danceable.
With a overarching theme dealing with departure and arrival in relationships, longing for intimacy and tortures of romantic devotion, this EP provides a peek into broader projects that Jaehyun is working on as an artist.
Check out the new “The Last Flight to You” EP right now, connect with Jaehyun on social media, and be on the lookout for our interview with him coming soon!
Berlin Based Artist Nadine Finsterbusch Releases Her Debut Solo Album "My Space"
Berlin based artist Nadine Finsterbusch has just unveiled her first solo album entitled “My Space”, produced by Ramin Bijan.
Berlin based artist Nadine Finsterbusch does not look back, and she is not interested in expectations for women her age.
With her newly released album "My Space", she wants to make room and take space. For an impetuous feeling of youth, uninhibited fandom and big feelings.
The 44-year-old artist concludes with experiences that have shaped her adulthood. Early menopause, breaches of trust or failed friendships. It is time for something new. With a certain mood for optimism that we probably experienced in our youth for the last time, she makes it clear that it´s about the here and now.
There is this kind of youthful despite in her voice of these 10 electropop songs on her first solo album “My Space”. And opens a door to what most grown ups have buried somewhere between shopping lists and work-life-balance: her revived teenage self, brave, unironically emotional and without any bitterness.
In her first single "You Make me Forget", Nadine makes it clear who is in control of her life: herself. "Don't tell me what to do now" she proclaims in the album opener. Framed by steady beats of an electronic snare and accompanied by a prancing electric guitar, Finsterbusch's voice makes its way through the increasingly dense thicket of synths - "No, I don't look back" - until at the end she lets herself be taken in by a booming and glowing soundscape. Sound backdrop.
She repeats "I've been around" like a calming mantra, as if she is now focusing her strength before launching fully into the album. Nadine's vehement and innocent-sounding vocals are not accidentally reminiscent of Björk. The singer was Nadine's earliest and most formative inspiration: "I secretly watched MTV when I was 13. When I saw Björk for the first time, I knew: that's what I wanted to do that," she says.
Most recently, Nadine had lived out her love of electronic avant-garde pop in the band project Phinsterbush. "Magnets", the project's first and last album, was released in 2017. Now it's time for Nadine to do her own thing. And it's poppier, more playful, more honest. "As a solo artist, I can express myself differently than in a band context," says Nadine. This is how her songs for the album emerged from her gut.
"What comes out, is right," thought Nadine during the creative process. The songs are snapshots, created impulsively. "I only understood the meaning of some of the songs in retrospect." Disappointments and hurt feelings have flowed into the songs, but also the dealing with the early onset of the menopause, the accompanying mood swings and the finality of childlessness. She found the right musical framework for this together with producer Ramin Bijan, with whom she has already realized several projects and who, among other things, worked with the band "Die Türen" or Robert Forster.
Nadine greatly appreciates working with Ramin Bijan because he gives her the space to trust and express herself. But perhaps the most important influence on Nadine's current creative work is K-Pop. "Without the band BTS, the album probably wouldn't exist," says Nadine. Discovered during seemingly endless corona lockdowns, the guys from BTS dug themselves deeper and deeper into Nadine's heart. The fact that she would feel so much fan love again in her early 40s surprised herself.
So much so that she lists all the BTS band members in the song "Make Some Time". "That was actually a spontaneous improvisation that we then left in the song," she says. So there it is again, the unspent joy of experimentation that characterizes Nadine’s "My Space". And speaking of "My Space": the association with THE musical social network of the noughties is unintentional but fits in well with the youthful just-do-it vibe. The album is intended to make it much clearer: This is my space, my feel-good place. And that Nadine would also like to create for others.
Nadine doesn't need advice from supposedly serious music experts. On the contrary: "Why so serious?" she asks in the song of the same name. "My Space" is an invitation to indulge in all feelings without irony. Just like we did as teenagers.
Toronto's Trash Pop Trio Mad Ones Unveil Their New LP “What it Takes”
Toronto's leading purveyors of Trash Pop and Garage Rock, Mad Ones, have just dropped their highly anticipated new vinyl LP "What it Takes" on Fortune Stellar Records.
Toronto's leading purveyors of Trash Pop and Garage Rock, Mad Ones, have just dropped their highly anticipated new vinyl LP "What it Takes" on Fortune Stellar Records. This marks Mad Ones' fifth studio album, through a joint effort between Fortune Stellar Records, The Orchard, and F.A.B. Distribution.
The album boasts 10 infectious, high-energy tracks, brimming with catchy hooks and straight-to-the-chorus melodies. Recorded with the band performing and singing live in the studio, often with no separation, "What it Takes" captures the raw essence of Mad Ones' electrifying performances. Listeners can expect a unique yet familiar blend of influences, likened to a fusion of Ramones meets Hendrix, CCR meets Nirvana, or The Replacements colliding with The Kinks.
Often drawing comparisons to The Replacements and a grittier Big Star, Mad Ones hails from the heart of Toronto's Rock 'n' Roll scene, delivering tight song structures infused with the untamed energy of their dynamic live shows. Exclaim! Magazine called the trio "Crunchy, garage-tinged rock'n'roll done right," noting their refreshing departure from the overly earnest indie rock scene. Mad Ones has garnered significant support from Canada's esteemed media outlets, including The Verge, Indie88, CBC3, Stingray, and Earshot campus charts. With their latest album, Mad Ones are poised to further captivate their expanding fanbase and connect with an even broader audience.
In reflecting on the journey of the band thus far, Andrew DeVillers, the singer, guitarist, and bandleader of Mad Ones, remarked, "We have experienced all the usual dumb stuff an underrated powerhouse of our stature should…slippery steel staircases that go all the way to the top… being told we should have listed “no cats” on our rider…et cetera, but we’ve had the chance to tour with some of our favourite artists, had a lot of fun making records, and feel pretty lucky we still get to do this at all”.
The band has enjoyed some unique tour moments, electrifying performances at a rave in Serbia, a roller derby in Alberta, the odd roof top and so many more. Andrew, who also co-manages Fortune Stellar Records with his wife, Shiloh Harrison of HotKid, has overseen the release and/or distribution of albums by acclaimed artists including By Divine Right, Ace of Wands, HotKid, Rusty, The Mark Inside, The Mercy Now, and others. Notably, much of the material for the new Mad Ones album was crafted in Toronto, within the confines of an alley space off Queen St. West, once home to the legendary Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet (known for their iconic Kids in the Hall theme). However, it's worth noting that two tracks, "Drone" and "Mess," emerged from a transformative weekend at The Tragically Hip's renowned Bathouse Studio near Kingston.
Listen to the incredible new album by Mad Ones right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with the band on their social media.
Oakland’s Fog Lamp Drop Haunting Synthpunk LP with Single/Video “You Prove Yourself Wrong”
Oakland, California’s premiere synth-punks Fog Lamp have released their sophomore LP “Anxious Stargazing” on The Bucket Records with their latest video-single “You Prove Yourself Wrong.”
Oakland, California’s premiere synth-punks Fog Lamp have released their sophomore LP “Anxious Stargazing” on The Bucket Records with their latest video-single “You Prove Yourself Wrong.” With their refusal to conform to traditional norms, exemplified by their choice to incorporate a drum machine instead of a drummer, Fog Lamp continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations.
Their music has garnered praise from both seasoned goth enthusiasts and newcomers alike. In 2022, Willow House Records introduced Fog Lamp to the world with their debut album, Conversation?, showcasing the band's penchant for discordant arrangements and introspective lyrics. Following this successful debut, The Bucket Records have unleashed their sophomore effort, Anxious Stargazing, further solidifying Fog Lamp's presence in the Bay Area punk scene. "We played some great shows in 2023," says vocalist Aaron. "I like to pick up things in DIY spaces and dance with them. We played at a vintage clothing store and danced with a woman’s boot covering my hand. We used it to twirl around the Valentine’s Day flowers that were hanging from the ceiling. We also opened for some great bands including Combo, Warp, and Sick Thoughts."
Fog Lamp's latest music video, "You Prove Yourself Wrong," is a haunting synthpunk creation that defies genre boundaries. Drawing inspiration from cyberpunk, darkwave, and goth influences, this visually-stunning production promises to captivate viewers with its surreal imagery and 80's VHS quality aesthetic. Directed by cinematographers Paul Abueg-Igaz and Niki Selken, the video transports audiences into a realm where reality and fantasy intertwine. Live footage of Fog Lamp's electrifying performance sets the stage, capturing the raw energy and intensity of their music. Against a backdrop of pulsating beats and ethereal melodies, scenes unfold featuring technicolor skeletons, their fluorescent hues casting an eerie glow in the darkness, blurring the lines between the organic and the synthetic.
"You Prove Yourself Wrong" invites viewers on a journey through the depths of imagination, challenging perceptions and defying expectations at every turn. Whether you're a die-hard fan of synthpunk or simply intrigued by the allure of the unknown, Fog Lamp's music video promises an unforgettable experience that transcends the ordinary.
