Hard Rock Trio Leadbetter Band Share Their New Album "Howl"

Bend, Oregon-based Hard Rock Trio Leadbetter Band showcase a powerful chemistry rooted in heavy rock n' roll, blues, psychedelic and progressive rock influences on new album "Howl", out now on major platforms. They don't just take influence from the greats though. Leadbetter Band recently opened for ZZ Top at Britt Amphitheater, Jacksonville, Oregon in August 2021. Lead vocalist/guitarist and songwriter Eric Leadbetter plays hundreds of shows annually, and was recognized as winner of the prestigious Moony Award for Central Oregon Best Solo Artist (2020).

“Howl” is a collection of some of Eric Leadbetter's favorite original songs. They cover the map of the music that inspires him, from the hard hitting hard rock songs like “Waterdogs” and “Middle Man” to the more sensational “time waits” and “find your love again", no ground is left uncovered.

"The depth of the music is always important to me, having songs that challenge or comfort the mind and inspire the heart is what I strive for. Howl definitely delivers that."

Leadbetter Band's amplified grooves and southern-tinged classic sound throughout "Howl" should appeal to fans of Govt Mule, Black Crowes, Joe Bonamassa, Robin Trower, Bad Company or Stone Temple Pilots.

Listen to “Howl” right now, stream it on Bandcamp and connect with Leadbetter Band on their website and social media.

Stream and Share “Howl” on Bandcamp

Connect with Leadbetter Band: Website | Instagram

K-Pop Group ONEUS Kicks Off Their Tour of the US on February 12th

ONEUS is a South Korean Boy band consisting of six members: RAVN, SEOHO, LEEDO, KEONHEE, HWANWOONG, XION. The group released their debut EP, LIGHT US, on January 9, 2019, which ranked #1 on the US, Australia, UK, and Canada's iTunes K-pop Album chart. The title song "Valkyrie" also reached the Top 10 chart in seven countries.

Less than a year after their 2019 debut, ONEUS was seen on Billboard's Social 50 Chart for their high social engagement. They remained on the chart for over eight consecutive weeks, showing its force among the 4th generation K-pop artists. This feat came nearly a month after the No. 15 debut of their 2019 EP, FLY WITH US, on the Oct. 12-dated World Albums tally.

On November 10, 2021, they assured their global influence by entering iTunes Album Chart Top 5 in 14 countries (Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Chile, Taiwan, Israel, Singapore, Turkey, and more) with their sixth mini-album, BLOOD MOON. This album illustrates unique characteristics that connect past and present, through conceptual and Asiatic themes. Rapper, RAVN, regularly participates in writing and producing ONEUS tracks.

ONEUS are now preparing their U.S. tour, which includes fourteen stops all across the country. The Blood Moon Tour kicks off on February 12th at Webster Hall in New York City, and wraps up a month later on March 12th at Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA.

Named by Billboard as a "K-Pop Act To Watch," this will be the bands second U.S. Tour since their debut in January of 2019. ONEUS' first U.S. Tour in 2019, Fly With Us, hit six different cities; and now just under 3 years later, their upcoming 2022 tour has catapulted to sixteen cities. Focus track '"LUNA" off their latest mini-album, BLOOD MOON, sticks to their roots; like many of their previous releases. The track was composed with an oriental musical instrument and Korean traditional flute, Pili. Vocalist Seoho elaborates; "We want to show more elements of Korea's traditional culture, but we don't want to be tied to a specific genre."

Check out ONEUS on their website and social media, and get ready for their Blood Moon Tour coming soon!

Connect with ONEUS: Twitter | Instagram

Interview: Mika Lion Discusses the Song "Buta Man", Off Her EP "Tipsy Rover"

“Everyday life and the ups and downs inspire every song. Right now with me being in college as a full time and working full time inspires my songs a lot because the time that I do have outside of that I strive to make memories and create unique experiences in my life. ”

— Mika Lion

We're huge fans of your new song "Buta Man", which appears on your EP "Tipsy Rover"; Describe for us your creative process for this song, and the EP overall.

“Buta Man” was about me telling my story about my spring semester in college where I had just lost my grandma to cancer and I wasn’t handling it well but I chose to stay in college and act like it didn’t phase me. So instead of saying how I felt I just partied and had so much fun to avoid my feelings. I was like that mac daddy on campus. I was hanging and chilling with every girl that let me. Then a lovely girl came into my life and I had to make a choice of continuing down that path or let myself be seen and actually fall in love and be with one girl instead of several.

I chose the girl of my dreams and the last few verses are about how I chose her metaphorically and that I didn’t have to hide from her I could just be myself so I basically didn’t have to hide my soul in order to be with her.

How did you and the producer Zurtha connect, and generally, what do you look for in the production that you decide to write to?

Zurtha and I connected in person. I was on my lunch break and he just happened to be working playing his beats in the market that I stopped in to grab my lunch. We had a brief conversation and exchanged contact information and we tested out the beat over a simple freestyle verse and that is how “Buta Man” became a thing.

Especially as a songwriter, what are things/people/places that inspire you to create new music?

Everyday life and the ups and downs inspire every song. Right now with me being in college as a full time and working full time inspires my songs a lot because the time that I do have outside of that I strive to make memories and create unique experiences in my life.

I get the most powerful ideas when I’m getting off work and taking a scenic drive through back roads and just letting my mind be free.

Can we expect a music video for "Buta Man", or any other song off the "Tipsy Rover" EP?

I have already released a music video for the song “Believe” and I just recently released the music video for “Buta Man”.

Later in the 2022 year there is a planned release for the music video for the song “Sorry Not Sober” that is a part of the EP “Tipsy Rover”.

With "Buta Man" now unveiled to the DCWS audience, what can we expect next from you musically?

February 2nd I will be releasing another album “Body Gral” and for everyone that loves “Tipsy Rover” there will be a part 2 released September 14th.

Stream and Share “Tipsy Rover” on Spotify

Connect with Mika Lion: Website | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook

Interview: Jus NBL Talks About His Latest Song "In My Bag"

“Growing up in West Philly influenced me to think outside the box when creating music...”

— Jus NBL

Salute to you on the release of your new song "In My Bag"; tell us about your creative process for it and how you decided on the beat by Turk Money.

I was looking for beats on YouTube and stumbled upon it. When I first heard it, the lyrics immediately came to my head then I began writing.

I decided on the beat because it was something uptempo.

"In My Bag" will be featured on your upcoming project "Rebirth Of The Cool”. What about Miles Davis led you to create a tribute to him?

His restless spirit creating innovative music that was different from his last work, his fashion sense that inspired me a lot as not only a artist but a person. Finally, his lesson on creating what’s not there instead of what’s already there.

How would you say that your hometown, specifically West Philly, influences the music that you create? Also, who are some artists from your city that have inspired you throughout the years?

Growing up in West Philly influenced me to think outside the box when creating music.

Some of the artists that inspired me in the city are Shawn Smith, Meek Mill and Nitro Nix.

Along with the "Rebirth Of The Cool" project in development, what are some of your goals musically for this year?

My goals musically are to record more innovative music, go out to perform more often and get more recognition for my music.

If you had to describe your music to a stranger in three words, which ones would you select?

Prolific, Innovative, Musician

Stream and Share “In My Bag”: YouTube | Apple Music

Connect with Jus NBL: Twitter | Instagram | LinkTree

Review: "Luke 9:5" Album by Ezza of Choom Gang

Niagara Falls’ own Ezza of Choom Gang delivers an ancient, timeless vision with the soulful hip-hop of “Luke 9:5”. Atmosphere is of the essence for there is a lot to love within the exquisite sonic universe he creates. For someone who grew up with this style of rap, there is a lot of comfort here. Ezza’s vocals have a loveliness to them full of compassion. Lyrics too have that kindness to them. In many ways it does harken back to the early 90s from the dusty hits of the drums to the laid-back, contemplative flow that runs through the entirety of the album.

There is a hazy, dazed quality to the entirety of the thing. Production-wise it has a woozy atmosphere to it that draws from Tyler, the Creator’s rather colorful compositions. Jazz, hip-hop, R&B, pop, and more enter into the fray making the sound kaleidoscopic. On the other side of things, Ezza’s cadence feels reminiscent of Biggie Smalls’ cleverness, his uncanny ability to delve right into the very heart of a people. Going further on out, references to late 90s rock emerges within a few of the verses helping to give the songs a rather soothing, reassuring quality.

“St. Catharines (Sayzee)” opens up with true poetry, for the exploration of money and materialism feels truly impassioned. Funky breaks anchor the elastic grooves of “Delta Bingo”. Elegant to a tee “Obie” has a classic A Tribe Called Quest vibe to it. The sample treatment of “Misguided”, with Humble Hab, features a gauzy beauty. On “Spins”, feat. Yung Next, there is a swagger, a confidence that feels gorgeous.

Tempos get melted on “Interlude 2”, feat. chuck Nyndees, with nice attention paid to the drum beats. Bass rolls through on the cleverness of “99”, feat. Marcity, Jack Shitt, and DJ K-Flip. Paranoid vibes tie the whole of “New New”, feat. Light Spectrum for here Ezza expands the sound out into the infinite. Infectious hooks reign supreme on the chilled out “Resonate”. Light jazz licks rest on the periphery of “Hybrid”, feat. Jubelection and Dablock.

Turning a new page is the cautiously optimistic “Unsung Heroes”, feat. Ill Table Manners, with fantastically insightful word play alongside the gorgeous flute sample. Casually cool “Our Way” slinks along in a blur. A nice lustful track enters the equation on the chilled-out “Witchy”. Truly odd and out there “Still Trippin’”, feat. Ase Mor the Corner Store Rapper, seems to float up into the heavens. Almost vaporwave like with its treatment of the sample comes the album highlight, the lush environment of “Chumbawamba”. Darker hues enter into the fray with “K.O.W.”, feat Anubis5 and Jawn Mortar. Bringing it home with true swagger is the confident finale of “99 (Remix)”, feat. Marcity, Crabrat, DJ K-Flip.

The “Luke 9:5” album shows off Ezza of Choom Gang’s exquisite skill in crafting a universe that feels distinctly his own.

Stream and Share “Luke 9:5” on Spotify

Stream "STUCK INSIDE", the New Album by Singer-Songwriter Duo Eric Anders and Mark O'Bitz

Award-winning singer-songwriter duo Eric Anders and Mark O'Bitz continue their expansive MTC (music in the time of coronavirus) collection with the atypically electric full-length album "STUCK INSIDE". "STUCK INSIDE" is the third installment in the MTC collection.

Speaking about the new release, Eric and Mark say,

“Many of the songs on Stuck Inside are about the extreme self-centeredness and pathological narcissism that goes hand-in-hand with the Santa beliefs I sing about in the song “Big World Abide”--being trapped inside yourself, stuck inside, and lost at sea.

I believe that millions of people have responded to the trauma of the pandemic (combined with the trauma of Trump and the effects of global warming) by retreating into their narcissism, commodity fetishism, fundamentalisms, and the simplistic right-wing ideologies that grow out of all of these.”

Listen to “STUCK INSIDE” now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Eric and Mark on their website.

Stream and Share “STUCK INSIDE” on: Bandcamp | Soundcloud

Connect with Eric Anders & Mark O’Bitz: Website

GOLF WANG Announces Basketball-Themed CHAMPIONSHIP Collection

GOLF WANG has shared its newest set of pieces in the basketball-themed CHAMPIONSHIP collection.

The new collection features clothing and accessories including a letterman, an athletic jersey set, a velour warm up set, a premium-crafted basketball, a championship ring and a headband.

GOLF WANG's CHAMPIONSHIP collection is available for a limited time exclusively at https://www.golfwang.com/ and in-store at the LA flagship location.

Review: "this is ME" EP by KARMAA

KARMAA shows off her clever storytelling abilities on the soulful style of the “this is ME” EP . The word choice here is exceptional. By going for the macro approach of societal changes that need to happen, alongside the introspection of one’s own actions, there is an extreme honesty to the verses. Once this is pared alongside the crisp clean production, everything works together into a great vast network. Elements of trap, RnB, rock even, all of these get woven together in a way that truly feels distinct and highly thoughtful.

By opting for a hybrid style, neither fully pop nor fully hip-hop, there are strong connections to the loose, carefree attitude of Outkast’s output. Going for a more contemporary take Klein’s deconstructions and revelations are an important element to the collection. KARMAA’s delivery proves to be truly her own for she adds a lot of vulnerability into the entire equation. Various pieces filter into the mix helping to add to the kaleidoscopic array, the bright bursts of color she incorporates into the entirety of the journey.

“Do You See Me?” opens things up on a gauzy note. Samples and melodies waft up into the infinite. KARMAA’s voice takes the lead and from there the rest of the track quickly comes into place. Percussion snaps alongside piano on the lovely sound of “You Don’t Know”. Rather tragic, there is a dramatic sensibility about the way they let the whole thing unfurl. Various bursts of neon-hued splendor adorn “VICES”.

By far the highlight of the EP, the exploration of depression and anxiety feels highly confessional. Done with dignity the piece has a symphonic beauty. Buildup matters a great deal on the tense “work in progress”. Within this piece, the way that the groove evolves seems to perfectly parallel the careful meditative presence that the song explores with vigor. Tremendous celebration brings things to a close on the confident, self-assured strut of “I Got THIS” featuring a whole slew of detail to be brought into the mix.

“this is ME” proves KARMAA to be one of those musical innovators, pushing the sound forward into the future with thought-provoking lyricism.

Stream and Share “this is ME”

Stream "Luke 9:5", the Newly Released Album by Ezza of Choom Gang

DCWS is excited to present to you, “Luke 9:5”, the newly released album by Ezza (of Choom Gang), which is the Niagara, Ontario recently-graduated Personal Support Worker/rapper's most laser-focused effort to date.

The focus on “Luke 9:5” is on spinning spellbinding narratives with witty lyricism over classic east-coast style hip hop production. Enlisting fellow Canadians Rsonal The Beatchef, NOMSTKS, and LethalNeedle, as well as Russian boom bap producer KULYA on the score, as well as a slew of local emcees - including Canada's underground rap legend Sayzee - on guest verses, “Luke 9:5” is a magnum opus which sees Ezza's ability to both rap and construct a cohesive body of work reach unheard heights.

This year, Ezza plans to continue his journey as a Personal Support Worker while making things happen with rap simultaneously. Ezza is growing into the epitome of a pandemic-era artist.

Listen to the very DOPE “Luke 9:5” album right now, and connect with Ezza on his IG. Also, be on the lookout for our in-depth review of the 17-track project coming very soon!

Connect with Ezza of Choom Gang: Instagram

Interview: KARMAA Talks About Her Brand New Album "this is ME"

“I wanted to create a project that would move people the way that movie moved me. Embracing every part of me and sharing the not so good parts of myself with the world to show that what they see on social media isn’t always what people are going through in life. ”

— KARMAA

Congratulations on the completion and release of your new EP "this is ME"; tell us about your creative process for the five songs and what the title represents.

Thank you. My creative process behind this project as a whole was to have a rollercoaster of emotions. I based it on some experiences I've had in my life and attempted to write in a way that would be healing rather than triggering.

Track 1 took the longest to write because I wanted to really describe how I experience anxiety. Track 2 was simple for me to write. I placed myself in high school when I was bullied for being queer to the point that I was suicidal and nobody even noticed. Track 3 was the first track completely written and recorded. I found rock bottom was the easiest for me to write about. Track 4 was written almost a year before I finally found the perfect beat. The beat was actually created around vocals for a different track completely but work in progress sounded perfect so I scrapped the other and moved forward with work in progress which is now a fan favorite. Track 5 was a last minute addition. Drvke Beats posted a snippet and I knew I had to have it. I actually had to pull over on the freeway to write the hook to this one so I wouldn't lose the lyrics. Then after I started driving again I had to pull back over to write the verses. I wanted to remind those listening that it's okay to be low, it's okay get depressed, it's okay to not be okay. You're not alone in those thoughts or feelings so please speak up and out. We need you here.

The title was inspired by the movie The Greatest Showman. I wanted to create a project that would move people the way that movie moved me. Embracing every part of me and sharing the not so good parts of myself with the world to show that what they see on social media isn't always what people are going through in life. Everybody has a mask but I took mine off. I embraced the vulnerability in hopes that others will see that they can now take the mask off and talk about their feelings.

Were there additional songs that you recorded but decided to not include on the EP? If so, why did they not make the final track list?

There was one other song that was supposed to be the opening track. I wanted the emotional rollercoaster to start with a confidence high then spiral but the track at the end just didn't fit. So that one was pulled. Which I think was the best decision. I love this project and it's been reciprocated so well.

Do you plan on filming music videos for any of the songs on the EP? If so, which song(s)?

I do intend to get at least a music video out for work in progress. I had initially wanted to do a short film going through each song as a whirlwind of emotions that a lot of us face daily, weekly, monthly. That may still happen, who knows.

Tell us about how you got started writing and recording music and how your advocacy for mental health awareness coincides with the songs that you create.

I started writing poetry in 8th grade after taking a creative writing course. In 9th grade those poems started turning into raps. Lyrics have always flowed through my head and my parents said if we got our degrees we could pursue whatever career we wanted and they'd support us. So in 2014 when I graduated early with a Bachelors Degree they said chase your dreams. I didn't start recording until 2017 which is when I released my first album. It was garbage, and has only progressed since.

At the end of 2019 I decided from 2020 on that I'd only create music I love and it has to include messages around equality, LGBTQ+ experiences, mental health, self love, self embrace and positivity spreading. I've removed over half of my catalogue because it was music I hated, didn't support my brand and was music I thought would help me fit in which didn't help me stand out. So now I proudly touch on "taboo" topics and make sure that those who feel "not normal" feel heard.

When someone listens to "this is ME" for the first time, what do you want them to take away from the experience?

I want them feel the pain, see the vision painted through lyrics, and embrace the emotional rollercoaster. Even if you yourself have never gone through mental health struggles, I wanted others to at least get an idea of what those struggles can look like. How does anxiety feel? What does depression look like? Is rock bottom different everybody? I want them to feel. I also want them to hear this journey and realize that things don't change overnight but that with time and healing it does get better.

With "this is ME" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2022?

This project has been my absolute favorite. I'm proud of its success and reach. Moving forward I'm dropping singles to stay in your face.

I have some re releases coming, I have a bunch of new stuff coming. Some fun rap, some sexy pop, and a lot more songs with messages. I'm also working on an album set to drop later this year. Mateus Seth is executive producing and engineering this project and so far it's incredible. I'm really excited for what's to come this year.

Stream and Share “this is ME”

Connect with KARMAA: Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Merch

Chinese Producer IPeiqi Unleashes His Second Visionary EP "Wheel of Life" on Monstercat

Born in 2000, IPeiqi is a Chinese college student who is addicted to the soulful and beautiful Techno/House. In the daytime, he is a student studying his major, but at night he becomes a producer creating dreams. Western and eastern philosophies both have many effects on his process. He always follows his consciousness and his perception of beauty.

Fresh from his debut on Monstercat Silk last year, IPeiqi returned to the studio and crafted his brand new EP, ‘Wheel of Life’. IPeiqi was inspired to produce the titular track after a walk around his University campus as the crowds reminded him that “life is a circle, like a wheel going forward, everlasting.”

While keeping to his signature mellow beats similar to his premiere track last year, ‘Wheel of Life’ explores the mature side of IPeiqi with a layered upbeat tempo and an energized yet poignant tone. This complements the progressive-tinged B-side, “We Shall Meet Again Some Day”, which further showcases IPeiqi’s production aptitude for blending both futuristic and traditional sounds seamlessly.

Listen to “Wheel of Life” below, stream it on your preferred music service, and connect with IPeiqi on his social media.

Stream and Share “Wheel of Life”

Connect with IPeiqi: Twitter | Instagram

Texas Based Artist KARMAA Releases Her Brand New EP "this is ME"

DCWS is excited to introduce you to Texas based artist KARMAA, who is also an advocate for mental health awareness, equality and paying it forward. She just dropped her brand new EP entitled “this is ME”, which addresses self realization and mental health.

Check out KARMAA’s break down of the EP’s five songs below:

Track 1: Do You See Me? (produced by thousand Grams and Dakota) is the opening track and focuses on anxiety. This track reminisces loss, whether it's a relationship, friendship, music opportunity, due to being so consumed by anxiety.

Track 2: You Don't Know (produced by A2ThaMo Makes Beats) is the spiral into depression. It's the track that showcases no matter how transparent and open we are, most times we're unseen. It takes place back in high school when I was battling depression and bullied to the point that I thought I was better off dead. That attempt was derailed due to an internal battle with religion. If I jump will I still go to heaven?

Track 3: VICES (produced by KiloOnTheBeat) is rock bottom. This is that place or time in life where you literally can't get any lower. You feel so stuck, so behind, so lost that you struggle finding the light. Whether it's failed relationships, drug abuse, alcoholism, unemployment, you feel the pain of this struggle.

Track 4: work in progress (produced by Ellipsi) is the climb out of rock bottom. This is the reminder that every day is a new day. Things can't change overnight but your mindset can. Remind yourself that you may not be where you want to be or thought you'd be, but you're working to get there. Slowly but surely.

Track 5: I Got THIS (produced by drvke beats) is when you realize you can do anything. Everyone has their struggles, everyone has their battles. It's not how many times you fall but how many times you get back up. Look in the mirror and remind yourself, "YOU GOT THIS!"

“This project is completely mixed and mastered by Mateus Seth in Brazil. Every producer was hand selected specifically for this project because we each have a desire to promote mental health. Personally, I want to kill the stigma that society has placed around mental health. The more we discuss it openly, maybe we can prevent more heartache and loss. I want others to know that they're not the only person who feels that way and I want to remind them that it's not permanent”.

Listen to “this is ME” right now, connect with KARMAA on her website and social media, and be on the lookout for our exclusive interview with her and the review of the EP, coming soon!

Stream and Share “this is ME”

Connect with KARMAA: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Merch

HANSON Announce Their 2022 RED GREEN BLUE World Tour and New Album

Pop-Rock trio HANSON announce their RED GREEN BLUE WORLD TOUR (tickets on sale January 20 at 10am local via Hanson.net), along with their unique new album comprised of the band’s three solo-lead projects. RED GREEN BLUE will be released via 3CG Records/ The Orchard on May 20 right as the band is reaching the milestone of 30 years performing together. The new RED GREEN BLUE album brings together the band's three unique creative voices like never before with a third of the album written and produced by each brother (Taylor’s Red, Isaac’s Green and Zac’s Blue). The project brings together a team of collaborators, with the album co-produced by Grammy Award-winning producer, engineer and mixer Jim Scott (Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wilco), and Grammy Award-winning artist and producer David Garza (Fiona Apple, Midland, Sharon Van Etten).

“Going into our 30th year as a band we felt like it was imperative we continue to tell our story like only we can, and telling stories in ways that will continue to challenge us to grow and give people new reasons to listen. RED GREEN BLUE is about sharing what has made us a band that has been able to weather so many storms,” said Isaac Hanson.

“Our love and respect for Jim Scott has only grown since we first met 20 years ago. He has been behind some of our favourite albums, so it’s an absolute joy to have finally made a project together,” said Taylor Hanson.

Added Zac Hanson, “We have had a long friendship and deep connection with David since our early days as a band. We could not have had a better musical collaborator for this milestone project.”

Beginning in June in Europe, the RED GREEN BLUE WORLD TOUR will bring HANSON to North America from July-September, including stops in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. The band’s first major tour since their String Theory album and tour in 2018/2019, fans will be in store for a tour which not only features the premiere of 15 songs from the new project, but will also be the first tour to include live performances of 2020’s Against The World, as well as career spanning set lists of fan favourites. The US and Canada leg of the tour is being produced by Live Nation. Citi is the official US and Canada presale credit card. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Tuesday, January 18th at 9am PT/12pm ET until Wednesday, January 19th at 10pm local time through Citi Entertainment. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

Fresh off of the release of Against The World, featuring seven songs released consecutively each month, the prolific band of brothers are reinforcing their deep musicality and credibility as writers, performers and producers with the new project. Leading up to May’s release of RED GREEN BLUE, fans will get a taste of the trifecta of sound, with a single featuring each of the brothers. Coming February 11 Taylor’s earnest and dynamic “Child At Heart”, March 11 will see the release of Isaac's organic and heartwarming “Write You A Song”, and April 15 will feature the rock infused pop of Zac’s “Don’t Let Me Down”.

HANSON are a multi-platinum three-time Grammy-nominated pop-rock trio, selling over 16 million albums, and performing concerts to over 3 million fans. Founded in Tulsa, OK in 1992, the band established a regional following before making a meteoric rise to international fame with their major-label debut, Middle Of Nowhere, lead by the ubiquitous single “MmmBop,” which was a #1 single in 27 countries simultaneously. They have garnered a string of consecutive top 40 singles, seven studio albums, two Christmas albums, and five live releases.

The band founded their independent record label in 2003, a story which was chronicled in their acclaimed documentary Strong Enough To Break, a crucial step in the band’s ability to maintain their coveted connection with their global fanbase. 2017 marked the band’s 25th Anniversary Middle of Everywhere best of release and world tour, featuring the new single “I Was Born”, followed by 2018’s String Theory symphonic album, which saw the band perform alongside leading symphonies in some of the world’s most prestigious venues on the accompanying tour.

In addition to their musical endeavors, in 2007 HANSON launched their Take The Walk grassroots campaign to provide poverty and HIV/AIDS relief in Africa. In 2013, they launched HANSON Brothers Beer, premiering their new venture with a signature Pale Ale, Mmmhops, and in 2014, they launched the Hop Jam Beer and Music Festival in Tulsa OK, which is among the largest craft beer and music events in the country.

Connect with HANSON: Website

UK House Producer Glaue Unveils His Transportive Melodic House EP "Dream On" on Monstercat

UK-based producer and melodic house tastemaker, Glaue returned to Monstercat with his mesmerizing seven-track EP, ‘Dream On.’ Each song is a perfect combination of live instrumentation and electronic elements. The title track, “Dream On” introduces a lighthearted energy to the package with vibrant synths, plucked guitar leads, and warm pads immersing listeners in waves of soothing sounds. Inspired by some of his fond childhood memories, Glaue channels his emotions into “Everything Changes,” as the lyrics take the shape of a message he wished his mother would have given him before she fell victim to cancer. Supported by a host of beautiful extended mixes, ‘Dream On’ takes listeners on an ethereal journey through Glaue’s cerebral creations and masterfully crafted soundscapes.

Glaue shares, “The ‘Dream On’ EP is my attempt at conveying certain thoughts and feelings that have been on my mind whilst writing the music, through the use of my sound selection and sonic themes.”

Listen to “Dream On” below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Glaue on his social media.

Stream and Share “Dream On”

Connect with Glaue: Instagram | Twitter

Seoul-Based Indie Rock Band ADOY Announce Their North American Tour

The four-piece band from Hongdae comprised of Juhwan (vocals and guitar), Zee (synthesizer), Dayoung (bass), and Geunchang (drums), put their own spin on pop songwriting, dubbing their music “commercial indie,” which incorporates the stylings of contemporary, radio-friendly pop music with motifs brimming with analog, lo-fi interiors.

ADOY unapologetically embraces the veneer of both commercial and nostalgic appeal without the restrictions and limitations imposed by either. Their new EP successfully carries out the band’s intent of bridging the gap between commercial and indie, and the sounds of the past and the future.

In August 2020, ADOY followed up the immense success of their EPs (CATNIP + LOVE) and full length album (Vivid) with a new EP, her. The music videos for EP standout tracks “Baby” and “Simply” garnered more than 2M views in less than a month.

Now, the four-piece band from Hongdae are thrilled to share details of their upcoming North American tour, featuring stops in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Toronto and many other cities on their way to Austin for an appearance at SXSW. Full list of dates below. Tickets are available for purchase HERE.

Stream and Share “her” on Spotify

Connect with ADOY: Twitter | Instagram

Drake, Disco, and Deep Catalog: What Samples Say About 2021

With an increase of 10% more samples on popular albums and a steady number of samples in 14% of the songs in Billboard’s Hot 100 charts (2020: 13% | 2019: 15%), it’s safe to say that samples are still very present in the sound of today’s popular music. Most notably in hip-hop: 48% of the songs on the Grammy-nominated releases for Best Rap Album include samples. Throughout 2021, songs by DJ Khaled, J. Cole, Kanye West, Tyler, the Creator, Pop Smoke, and Drake have dominated the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

This year clearly established “The New Nostalgia,” an emerging trend spearheaded by a new generation of producers who sample sounds from the 90s and early noughties—particularly classic hip-hop and R&B hits. But as shown by our stats, sampling 70s soul continues to keep coming in and out of fashion as well.

However, one of this year’s most intriguing trends takes place outside of the charts: there seems to be a much higher sense of awareness around sampling—even among a new, younger generation. Millennials and Gen Z get schooled on sampling through popular videos on TikTok (which according to our research, account to well over 500 million views). People’s reactions to news surrounding Timbaland’s sample usage, Olivia Rodrigo versus Paramore, Daft Punk’s sampling of Eddie Johnson “One More Time,” among other examples, show deep engagement and involvement when it comes to sampling. For the good and the bad: from viral praise for old originals to cancel culture-fueled backlash.

The state of sampling is a steady one, but newly-fueled awareness indicates that there’s a generational shift in sampling happening, too.

Below are some key findings from Tracklib’s 2021 State of Sampling report. Read the full analysis here: Tracklib’s 2021 State of Sampling Report.

• STAT: 14 % of the songs which charted on Billboard’s Hot 100 during 2021 sampled from other previously released songs.

• STAT: More than half (54%) of the albums that charted on Billboard during 2021 contains samples from other previously released songs.

• STAT: 48% of the songs on the 5 albums nominated for Best Rap Album of 2021 sampled from other previously released songs.

• STAT: The average year to sample (for the sampled songs that charted on Billboard’s Hot 100 during 2021) is 1992.

• TREND: There’s a clear trend to sample older songs this year with the average year being 1992. 2020’s average was 1999 and 2019’s average was 1998.

• TREND: Sampling the 70s is officially back in fashion — being 122% more popular to sample (for the sampled songs that charted on Billboard’s Hot 100 during 2021) compared to last year.

• RECORD: The oldest sample (among the sampled songs that charted on Billboard’s Hot 100 during 2021) of the year can be found in Justin Biebers’ controversial album opener “2 Much”, sampling from Martin Luther King Jr’s famous 1963 speech.

• RECORD: The newest sample (among the sampled songs that charted on Billboard’s Hot 100 during 2021) of the year can be found in Drake’s hit “Fair Trade”, sampling Charlotte Day Wilson’s “Mountains” released just 2 months prior.

• RECORD: Drake’s album “Certified Lover Boy” is the most sample-based album of all Billboard charting albums in 2021, with 15 samples in an album containing 21 previously released songs.

• FUN FACT: There were only 2 drum break samples found in all songs which charted on Billboard’s Hot 100 during 2021. Both sampled by Tyler The Creator for his album “Call Me If You Get Lost”. Seems Tyler is the last drum-break-sampling man standing.

• FUN FACT: The opening sound of Drake’s album “Certified Lover Boy”, “Champagne Poetry” has quite the sampling history. In 1965 The Beatles released “Michelle” in their album “Rubber Soul”, in 1972 that song was covered by The Singers Unlimited in an A Capella album, in 2017 that cover was sampled and chopped up by Masego for his track “Navajo”, and these chops are the ones sampled to create the opening of “Certified Lover Boy”.

About Tracklib

Tracklib is the world’s first and only digital service for clearing samples, finally solving a huge problem in the music industry and levelling the playing field by making sample clearance accessible and affordable. Their catalog consists of over 100k all-original recordings from over 400 record labels/publishers around the world. The catalogue includes everything from Isaac Hayes to Mozart and Jazz artists Bob James, whose music has been sampled in 1000s of songs. Samples from Tracklib have been used in major songs from artists like J. Cole, Phantogram, Mary J. Blige, Lil’ Wayne, DJ Khaled and BROCKHAMPTON.