Interview: Fredericton, NB Rap Artist Ms.Thomas Talks About Her Latest Track "Bad Habits"

“I am on a personal health and well-being journey. My plans are to release a track once a week while I’m on a mini mental health leave. This project is called ‘Sober & Medicated’.”

— Ms.Thomas

Congratulations on the release of your new song "Bad Habits", which features Aaron Pond; how did you two initially connect with each other and have you collaborated on other material before?

Thank you, Aaron is such a talented artist located in my city, Fredericton, NB. We had met through a common group of hip-hop artists in the city. He and I share some similarities in the sense that we are both parents to young children and at the time when I had wrote “Bad Habits”, I thought it would be cool to diversity the acoustic track with a male rap vocal.

It couldn’t just be anyone, it had to be someone who could relate to the challenges one faces with mental health and raising children. Aaron’s devotion to his daughter and step daughter is beautiful. He is truly a great role model.

It was a no brainer that he would be perfect for this track. He really captured the emotion of the track and it turned out great!

Tell us about you and Aaron's creative process for the development of the "Bad Habits" song; what inspired your lyrics, and also, who produced it?

I had written the chorus and my verse a while back. I had this empty verse and didn’t know which direction to go. I sent the track over to Aaron and he instantly said yes to the collaboration. I am truly grateful!

The track was then completed at Higher Vibrations Studio and his verse at Raw Heart Records, both located in Fredericton, NB.

Can we expect a music video for "Bad Habits" to follow, and will it be appearing on an upcoming EP or album?

I don’t think there will be a video for this track, mainly due to lack of funding, but never say never! I have applied for a couple grants. We shall see if I get selected.

This track will remain as a single on all streaming platforms.

How would you describe the music scene in Fredericton specifically, and New Brunswick, overall? Would you say that it is easy to build a fanbase there for emerging artists?

Fredericton is a hip-hop hub! We are a growing community filled with talent! Definitely underrated if you ask me!

The hardest part about being in hip-hop is building a local fan base. As artists we all support each other, the challenges is getting an audience out to shows. The demographic here tends to be more live bands in the soft rock & folk genre. The music scene is thriving, but with hip-hop, it remains more of an underground scene. It is growing!

With "Bad Habits" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2023?

I am on a personal health and well-being journey. My plans are to release a track once a week while I’m on a mini mental health leave. This project is called ‘Sober & Medicated’. It’s really just a project to place my restless energy while I quit cannabis and alcohol consumption.

I will be releasing 1.30 to 2min tracks each week based on the emotions and thoughts I have throughout this journey. The first track was released April 19th called ‘People Pleasure’. There is a mini visual video out on my social platforms and YouTube. Once the project is complete, my intention is to release an EP with all the tracks.

If you had to pick one song from your catalog as the best introduction for a new listener to your music, which one would you select, and why?

Definitely head over to my artist page on any streaming service, I would recommend ‘Woah’ a collaboration I did with Michael J Foxx, a rapper from NYC/Moncton. My second suggestion would be ‘Trust Somebody’ an afrovibe track featuring Sasky Mail from Toronto. It is a great one!

Connect with Ms.Thomas: Website | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook

Interview: DialeInfinity Discusses His New Single/Video "Sabbath" and Occult Rap

“There’s a few rappers with elements of the occult incorporated into their artistry (Ghostemane, Daylyt, RZA), but to me specifically I think it deals in seeing the songs you write as a ritual rather than just a track.”

— DialeInfinity

Congratulations on the release of your new song "Sabbath", as well as its music video. What inspired your lyrics and what was your creative process overall from start to finish?

Thank you. I try to make everything I write down to the word as intricate as possible, with double and triple entendres being a favorite of mine. My writing process is very unorthodox, as some songs have taken me months to perfect ("Amaru" from my project “Moksha” for example).

Between directing the video, and making the beat, I wanted to exercise my lyricism and rapping ability's dominance over other lyricists, while voicing my frustrations with the world around me in my own way.

Is "Sabbath" the first visual that you've directed? Would you say that your vision creatively was able to be fulfilled in the clip's final product?

I've directed all my videos to date, this being my videos for my single "Dark Matter" & "Joss" from my project “Four Corners”. I think I was definitely able to convey a story of being in control of my own reality and still managing an occult edge although not having a nice label budget like others.

Tell us about how you got started as an artist and producer; and how would you define "Occult Rap"?

I've always been a writer; I've been writing poetry since elementary school, and when I got my first good laptop in high school (specifically freshman year) I started producing with a demo copy of FL until I saved enough to actually buy it.

I remember my first introduction to rap being 36 Chambers from the Wu-Tang Clan and Lupe Fiasco (Who's one of my top 5 favorite artists ever), so I've always had a knack for lyricism and producing.

There's a few rappers with elements of the occult incorporated into their artistry (Ghostemane, Daylyt, RZA), but to me specifically I think it deals in seeing the songs you write as a ritual rather than just a track. I grew up surrounded by sigils and witchcraft so it's only right I deliver it in my music, in an unadulterated and original way.

If you could collaborate with any artist on a remix to "Sabbath", who would you select?

If I could collab with anyone, it'd be Scarlxrd, Night Lovell or Bones since those are three of my favorite rappers and fit the style of "Sabbath". I'd feel pretty complete with the rapping side of my artistry if I could do a song or project with any of them, or produce for them (vice versa with Night Lovell).

With "Sabbath" now unveiled, what's next for you musically? Will the track be featured on an upcoming project this year?

I've been working on a new sound that I'm hoping to have perfected before the end of 2023 and unveiled on a new project. "Sabbath" was meant to be a single as I've had the beat done for the song for a while.

I hope that as I grow as an artist and in stature that I can maintain the authenticity I started with, while constantly evolving. I don't see anyone else doing exactly what I'm doing, and I feel like I can offer something new to Hip-Hop, especially given how popular and instrumental it is in the affairs of the world today and probably tomorrow.

Connect with DialeInfinity on: Website | Instagram | Twitter

Oregon Alt-Pop Trio We Three Announce Brand New Album "Love Me" and Headline Tour

Oregon alt-pop trio We Three have announced their brand new album Love Me, out July 21st via Palawan Productions. Alongside the announcement of their eagerly awaited fourth album, the band have also announced headline tour dates for 2023.

The band will play eight dates across the UK and Ireland, starting at Newcastle Riverside on October 22nd and finishing at The Academy, Dublin on November 1st. The tour will include a London headline show at KOKO on October 30th. Tickets went on sale 19th April via https://www.wethreemusic.com/

Love Me is the richest, rawest and hardest-hitting work yet from the Humlie sibling trio – Manny (vocals, guitar), Bethany (bass) and Joshua (drums). The first taste of the record is the vulnerable lead single ‘In Therapy’, which upon its release in March proved an instant hit with fans and has achieved over a million streams.

The acoustic-led pop ballad finds frontman Manny admittedly singing, "I'm a jealous little piece of shit," after telling us that he saw The 1975 live and couldn't help wondering whether his partner liked Matty Healy more than him, inspiring Manny to look inward and address his insecurities. ‘In Therapy’ is a snapshot of the frank and intense themes explored in Love Me.

The devastating opening track ‘Hell As Well’ sees Manny confront the biblical abuse he experienced as a child raised according to the strict code of Evangelical Christianity. "Even as a 10-year-old, I didn't understand why I was being told that women weren't allowed to speak in that community – and I still don't understand that now," he says. ‘Hell As Well’ is firmly rooted in Manny's own experience of the church, but also contains lyrics that reference the sexual molestation suffered by one of his peers.

"That isn't my story, but it felt important to include it in the song even though I was a little scared to do so," he says. "If you feel uncomfortable listening to this song, that because it is uncomfortable. And if people don't like it for that reason, I can live with it."

Love Me is also packed with big-hearted pop songs that will provoke similarly strong reactions. ‘If I Loved A Boy’ is inspired by the upbringing that Manny is still grappling with, one he describes as "very religious and very loving – as long as you fit the mould". He says of its unflinching lyrics: "It's almost me doing my 10-year-old self a favour by asking all the questions I wanted to ask back then. Like, would you still love me if I loved a boy? Would you still love me if I didn't enjoy being married? I hope it's an anthem for everyone out there who didn't get to ask those questions or asked them and didn't get the answers they needed."

The album title might be a small phrase, but it gives huge insight into the records themes. "There are love songs on the album, but none of them are a perfectly happy love song," says Manny.

‘Love Me In A Circle’, on which Manny pleadingly sings "just love me, love me, love me, love me, love me...", is very much a case in point. "I wrote that section of the song after I had been drinking a bit and felt ready to try something different," he recalls. "The next day, I thought it was going to sound too crazy, but even sober me was like: 'There's something about this, because that sense of desperation was coming across.' And that is an important theme on this record.

"You know you shouldn't be begging for love in that way, but it's like you can't see past that in your moment of desperation," he says. "It was actually Bethany who first suggested that we should call the album Love Me. And I was like, 'That's so cool, because "love me" can be taken in so many different ways.' Like, are you saying you should love me? Or is it more of a question – like, 'do you love me?'"

There is a deep sense of togetherness running intrinsically throughout both the band and their audience. We Three have built a passionate global fanbase with their anthemic, emotive and life-affirming songs: they have over a million TikTok followers, an audience they cultivated during the pandemic, and their music has received more than 250 million streams. Forever prompting complete honesty, their music has helped the lives of many and the new album Love Me is set to capture the hearts of millions more.

UK & IRELAND 2023 HEADLINE TOUR DATES

22/10 – Newcastle, Riverside

24/10 – Glasgow, St. Luke’s

25/10 – Edinburgh, La Belle Angele

26/10 – Manchester, Academy 2

28/10 – Birmingham, O2 Institute 2

29/10 – Brighton, Concorde 2

30/10 – London, KOKO

01/11 – Dublin, The Academy

Connect with We Three: Website | Instagram | Twitter

Interview: Shaney Poo Talks About His Newly Released Single/Video "POM"

“POM” was a smash song from the moment we cooked it up. There was this feeling in the studio where everyone just knew how special it was...Back in 2015 we made other videos to songs on the project like “Been Loving U” and “Girl Next Door”, so it only made sense to do a video for “POM.”

— Shaney Poo

Salute to you on the re-release of your debut album “Touch By An Angel”. What motivated you to release this project again in 2023?

When I first started releasing music I really didn't know what I was doing, at that time I was just enjoying being a new artist on the scene. I only understood how to make the music and how I wanted it to look, I had no O.G's, no manager or label to give me advice or point me in the right direction, I was pretty much winging the whole process.

I also had a handful of songs I didn't include on the album back in 2015 so this time around I was motivated to include those unreleased songs so my full vision would be realized for that album. I also wanted to reintroduce myself to a new audience.

Of all the songs on your debut album, why did you select “POM” to create a music video for?

“POM” was a smash song from the moment we cooked it up. There was this feeling in the studio where everyone just knew how special it was.

Back in 2015 we made other videos to songs on the project like “Been Loving U” and “Girl Next Door”, so it only made sense to do a video for “POM”.

At first the idea was to shoot a performance video for “POM” but then the video took a life of it's own, and here we are today.

Tell us about your creative process for the “POM” visual, which was directed by XdaGod.

Me and XdaGod go way back like rice and beans. We've been working since 2012, even before “Touch By An Angel”. He actually shot and directed most of all my early videos so working with him is always easy. But like I said before I originally just wanted to shoot a performance video but once I came up with the idea of using a green screen, I knew we had to go all out.

The video is about having fun, not taking life serious and just celebrating for no reason. It's a vibe hopefully any age could enjoy.

What’s your greatest memory of the period when you were songwriting and recording the “Touch By An Angel” album 8 years ago?

The best part were the people that were around me at that time. Some of these same people are still around today, but it's still very hard to replicate the same feeling you had back then. So many people inside and outside of the studio contributed to the creation of the album. Like I wouldn't have been able to make “Been Loving U” if I wasn't in love at the time, I wouldn't have been able to make some of the songs if it wasn't for Roosevelt Browns production and I wouldn't have been able to make “POM” without Che Afrique.

There's a lot of people to thank. But the best memory that stands out, was the reaction I was getting from the people who loved the music...that feeling is absolutely priceless.

With “Touch By An Angel” now re-released, what’s next up for you musically when it comes to new music?

The next step is to release my newest album “Alien Priest” dropping April 28th 2023. It's my best work yet in my humble opinion. It's my first album since my 2020 release "Mr Shane".

This album means so much to me because first; the music is dope and second there's a spiritual energy around this project that aligns with my real life experiences. I've always planned to release this album for a while now, I just didn't know when...but now is the perfect time.

Stream and Share “POM” on Spotify

Stream and Share “Touch By An Angel” on Spotify

Connect with Shaney Poo: Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

Mandi Crimmins Releases Her Hyper-Confessional Mental Health "BORDERLINE" EP

Mandi Crimmins is the chaotically-relatable rockstar you’ve been searching for. This Los Angeles-based Berklee grad is known for her vulnerable raw lyrics and unhinged pop hooks that draw the listener in. Mandi suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder and does not hide that, but instead uses it to connect and relate to listeners also struggling with mental illness. Her fierce authenticity has garnered her a cult following of 40k on TikTok, with the mental health community rallying behind every release.

Since moving to Los Angeles from her hometown in Massachusetts, Mandi has developed her sound into a raw gritty realness that’s an addiction to hear. This gained the attention of alt-rock band The Haunt, who has served as a main collaborator of Mandi’s since.

Mandi is making her official artist statement with her new EP, “BORDERLINE” - a concept rock EP about mental health that takes listeners on a rollercoaster of highs and lows. The EP is an epic experience of introspection and high emotions bursting with raw-edged hyper-confessional lyrics. From chaotic, high-energy moments to darker, melancholy periods, the EP covers a range of emotions, but one thing remains constant - her totally unfiltered approach.

Mandi shares, “While I was in the process of writing the EP, I actually ended up getting diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Writing to me is therapeutic and usually whatever is weighing on my mind most comes out during the writing session. After I finished the EP, I realized that I had been writing about my diagnosis before I even had it. They all perfectly described what it feels like to be in my head.”

Her music speaks for itself with its raw, real power that meets songwriting prowess - you can’t help but be addicted. With her storytelling lyrics and vulnerability, Mandi confides, “I hope more than anything that my music inspires someone to get help if they're struggling. I hope it makes people feel seen, validated, and strong.”

Listen to “BORDERLINE” right now and connect with Mandi on her social media.

Connect with Mandi Crimmins: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Ezza of Choom Gang Drops His Brand New Album "Fully Alive"

Brand new to DCWS is “Fully Alive”, the newly released 5th solo album by Canadian rapper Ezza of Choom Gang.

The Niagara region native pulls from a potent pallet to create and curate a truly comprehensive yet cohesive piece of art with this album. Influences from every era and every region of rap are sprinkled throughout, as a true love and passion for the craft and culture of hip hop is readily on display here.

The “Fully Alive” album is comprised of 12 tracks, and features Sayzee, Pluto Hann, JubElectron, 290 Jones, DJ K-Flip, Humble Had, Yung Next, Pattearns, and Thili.

Enjoy “Fully Alive” right now, and connect with Ezza of Choom Gang on his social media.

Connect with Ezza of Choom Gang: Facebook | Instagram

HOT 97 Summer Jam Returns to New York After Two Decades With Blockbuster Lineup on June 4th

HOT 97, the New York-based global culture-setting hip-hop brand, unveils the lineup and details for the 2023 HOT 97 Summer Jam. After over 20 years, the iconic hip-hop music festival is back in New York at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY boasting a star-studded lineup with headliner Cardi B and some of the hottest names in hip-hop. Joining Cardi B on stage will be GloRilla, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Fivio Foreign, French Montana, Lil TJay, and more. The LOX will also hit the stage to salute the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Tickets officially go on sale April 8th at 10:00 AM EST at hot97.com/summerjam and Ticketmaster. American Express® Card Members can purchase pre-sale tickets before the general public April 4th 10:00 AM – April 6th 10:00 PM. Download the HOT 97 App for more opportunities to win tickets, exclusive content, and hip-hop news and updates. The highly anticipated 2023 HOT 97 Summer Jam will offer two stages featuring some of the biggest names in hip-hop, while putting a spotlight on the recent rise of women to the forefront of the hip-hop movement. The Main Stage performers include Cardi B, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Fivio Foreign, French Montana, Lil TJay, Lola Brooke, and a number of exciting, surprise guest performances, which will make the night even more unforgettable. The show will also feature a dynamic performance by legendary group, The LOX, celebrating 50 epic years of hip-hop and culture.

“HOT 97’s Summer Jam is a hip-hop staple and we are excited to bring the most electric show of the summer back to NY for hip hop’s 50th anniversary.” says Bradford Tobin, President, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel.

In addition to the main event, the Warner Records Stage at HOT 97 Summer Jam will kick off the afternoon pre-show with host French Montana and feature some of the hottest emerging artists including, NLE Choppa, Kenzo B, 2Rare, Sha EK, McVert and TQ. From the Main Stage to the Warner Records Stage, the star-studded music celebration is guaranteed to be one of the best Summer Jams thus far.

“The show is all about bringing hip-hop’s biggest stars to the stage and we are honored to have New York’s own, Cardi B, as our headliner this year. I am so proud of the strong female presence in our lineup, which represents women’s dominance over the airwaves this year.” TT Torrez, Multi-Media Personality and VP of Artist and Label Relations.

Listeners can get more details about this year’s lineup and the Hip Hop 50th anniversary on the HOT 97 app, which allows them to enjoy the hottest hip-hop station and all of its amazing content from anywhere in the world. The app keeps fans up to date on the culture with breaking news, exclusive articles, video content, features from Ebro, Laura Stylez & Rosenberg, Nessa Funk Flex, TT Torrez, and other HOT 97 personalities, as well as access to a library of podcasts including Summer Jam Through the Years, Ebro in the Morning, and Tap in with TT.

“This year we reimagined Summer Jam in order to make sure it stays fresh, while still bringing the talent and excitement our fans expect,” added Rahsan-Rahsan Lindsay, Chief Executive Officer. Anticipation for the show is illustrated by a number of partners that have already signed on to sponsor the 2023 HOT 97 Summer Jam, including Smirnoff, Black Girl Sunscreen and Warner Records as the pre-show sponsor, among others.

Connect with HOT 97: Website | Instagram | Twitter

Shame Gang Announces Tour Dates and Reveals Track List For His "Better Late Than Never" Album

Since releasing his lauded sophomore album No Safe Haven in 2021, Shame Gang has caught the attention of Jay-Z's nephew, opened for Griselda's Benny The Butcher and Rap legend KRS-One, and toured with Little Brother's Rapper Big Pooh. Roughly two years later, the rising North Carolina-based emcee-- formerly known as simply Shame --prepares to release his third full-length album “Better Late Than Never”, and announces a string of upcoming show dates.

Shame Gang recently shared the album's track list, which revealed guest features from Skyzoo, Smoke DZA, Lute, Little Brother's Rapper Big Pooh, Oswin Benjamin, and more. Featuring the single "Get It Started", “Better Late Than Never” will hit all major digital streaming platforms via Manifest Destiny/Roc Nation's Equity Distribution on Friday, April 7.

Pre-order/save Better Late Than Never here.

Shame is set to perform at the Dreamville Fest kickoff event Goldmouf Garage this Friday, March 31st. The event is completely free, and more info can be found here.

Shame has also announced the following show dates:

April 7 - Charlotte, NC

April 11 - Portland, OR (w/ Rome Streetz)

April 22 - Raleigh, NC

MORE ABOUT SHAME GANG:

As a creative lyricist with catchy flows, rugged rhymes, a nimble vocal cadence, and a knack for storytelling, Shame Gang imbues the ethos of Hip-Hop's throwback era as well as its promising future. Born in the tough streets of Capitol Heights, Maryland and raised in Landover, Maryland, Shame drew inspiration from Rap artists such as Q-Tip, Biggie Smalls, A Tribe Called Quest, Tupac, Big L, Nas, Mos Def, Eminem, and Rakim. Like many these artists, Shame got his start to fame by competing in Rap battles and distributing his music through local college radio stations. Before his quest to conquer the music world began, Shame had to decide which parts of life were going to make or break him. Determined not to become a statistic or victim of gang violence or drugs, Shame used music to inspire and keep himself busy. “I got my name from my grandmother because I was hooked on the movie A Low Down Dirty Shame as a kid, but it stuck with me when I grew up in the battle rapping era. People used to say I put shame to the rappers I battled, hence, Shame.”

Shame has lived in Raleigh, North Carolina since 2013, where he continues to create music, and dropped his first project, The Sequence, in February 2016, featuring the lead single “Still Ballin.” He has performed at top venues throughout the Triangle (Raleigh/ Durham/ Chapel Hill) and beyond, amassing new fans along the way with his high-energy stage presence and dynamic delivery. Shame has also graced the stage opening for big names such as Bone Thugs & Harmony, Twista, Dave East, Yo Gotti, Ghost Face Killah, Raekwon, Slum Village, Nappy Roots and many more. His 2018 breakout album and first officially distributed project Genesis 98’ earned him an opening performance spot for Wu-Tang's reunion tour stop in NC.

Connect with Shame Gang: Instagram | Twitter

Monstercat Announces Back-To-Back Monstercat Silk Showcase Live Performance Events

Monstercat is pleased to celebrate the upcoming 700th episode of its weekly radio show & podcast, Monstercat Silk Showcase. To mark the occasion, Monstercat will bring Silk Showcase to Seattle for two nights of live performances from label greats Shingo Nakamura, BT, and Jacob Henry. Monstercat Silk Showcase Live will take place at Ora Nightclub on May 12th & 13th, with tickets now on sale to the general public here.

Silk Showcase has been a weekly staple for the Silk fan community since 2008. Featuring an hourlong mix of emotive and intelligent house, progressive, trance, & chillout, residents Tom Fall, Terry Da Libra, A.M.R, Sundriver, and Monstercat Silk Lead A&R Jacob Henry take turns co-hosting the broadcast. Following Silk’s strategic acquisition by Monstercat, the re-branded broadcast has since been syndicated globally, reaching over 2.8 Million listeners monthly.

Monstercat Silk Lead A&R Jacob Henry shares, “I founded Monstercat Silk Showcase nearly 15 years ago and never dreamed that we’d reach 700 episodes, let alone present our milestone with BT as a headliner. It has been equally extraordinary to work with Shingo Nakamura over the past 15 years and to witness his rise in the global melodic house & progressive scene. As both a performer and fan of these two extraordinary talents, I absolutely can’t wait for this event and to reconnect with Silk fans from Seattle and beyond.”

Dan Scarcelli, Head of Live Programming for Monstercat, adds, “Monstercat’s legacy - and our future - have always been about community. Monstercat Silk Showcase is the perfect place for us to share our music globally and bring our community together. This moment is just one of many ways we aim to blur the lines between online and in-person events, in a truly unique ‘Monstercat’ way."

Both of Monstercat Silk Showcase Live’s back-to-back nights will be headlined by two of Monstercat Silk’s most prominent acts. Friday, May 12th will be an evening of melodic house headed by Tokyo-based phenom Shingo Nakamura, whose latest release “Foggy Morning” released on Monstercat earlier this month. Nakamura entered 2023 as a full-time musician, quitting his day job to record and travel the world performing; this show will mark his Seattle performance debut. Nakamura will be supported by Lead A&R Jacob Henry. On Saturday, May 13th, iconic label contributor BT will command the space with a progressive set, supported by Shingo Nakamura returning for a deep set.

Tickets for each event start at $25 USD while supplies last, with additional packages available, including a two-day pass for both evenings as well as limited VIP Booths.

Both evening performances will be rebroadcast on Monstercat Silk's YouTube channel, and will also be available to stream and download starting March 24th. In addition, a special opening night livestream will be broadcast directly from the venue to the community on InCrowd. Stay tuned for more information about this on Monstercat’s Discord channel.

MONSTERCAT SILK SHOWCASE LIVE

Friday, May 12th

12:00am-Close Shingo Nakamura

10:30pm-12:00am Jacob Henry

9:00pm-10:30pm WEB x Johnny Monsoon (B2B)

Purchase tickets for Friday, May 12th here

Saturday, May 13th

12:00am-Close BT

10:30pm-12:00am Shingo Nakamura (Deep Set)

9:00-10:30pm WEB x Johnny Monsoon (B2B)

Purchase tickets for Saturday, May 13th here

Listen to Monstercat Silk Showcase: Spotify | Apple Music | Soundcloud | Amazon Music

Pitchfork Music Festival Announces 2023 Lineup | July 21-23 at Chicago’s Union Park

The coveted Pitchfork Music Festival returns to Chicago’s Union Park this summer, Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23. The Pitchfork Music Festival has announced its full 2023 lineup, including headliners The Smile, Big Thief, and Bon Iver.

The Festival commences on Friday with the US festival debut from The Smile, comprised of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner, Alvvays, Perfume Genius, Leikeli47, Nation of Language, Roc Marciano & The Alchemist, Youth Lagoon, Ric Wilson, Grace Ives, Jlin, Axel Boman (Live), Mavi, Sen Morimoto, and Contour.

Programming continues on Saturday with Big Thief, Weyes Blood, King Krule, Snail Mail, Panda Bear + Sonic Boom, Julia Jacklin, Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul, Vagabon, MJ Lenderman, Yaya Bey, Black Belt Eagle Scout, 700 Bliss, Palm, and Deeper.

The festival closes on Sunday with Bon Iver, Kelela, Koffee, Killer Mike, JPEGMafia, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Mdou Moctar, ILLUMINATI HOTTIES, Jockstrap, Soul Glo, Florist, Lucrecia Dalt, Rachika Nayar, and Ariel Zetina.

“We’re excited to be back at Union Park with a lineup of artists responsible for some of the very best music of the past year—Alvvays, Kelela, Yaya Bey, Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupil, Grace Ives, 700 Bliss, and more—alongside a few special moments with indie icons,” said Pitchfork editor in chief Puja Patel. “For one, this year will mark the very first time that Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood (as The Smile) and Bon Iver will perform at the Chicago festival. And Big Thief will complete their tour of the fest's stages over the years with a headlining set, their first at a festival this size.”

Since 2006, the Pitchfork Music Festival has consistently proven to be one of the most welcoming, accessible, and rewarding festival experiences, hosting 60,000 music fans of all ages from across the globe. Each year, the Festival showcases the best up-and-coming acts, as well as special performances from touring stalwarts and legends alike. It’s this unique blend of discovery and tradition that makes the Pitchfork Music Festival one of the most cherished music events of the year. With a wide range of vendors and a specialty record fair, the Pitchfork Music Festival works to support local businesses while promoting the Chicago arts and food communities as a whole.

Pitchfork Music Festival tickets are on sale now. Currently, three-day passes are $219 and single-day passes are $109. The Pitchfork PLUS upgrade, including a range of exclusive amenities, is $419 for a three-day pass and $209 for a single-day pass. Tickets are on a tiered pricing system for this year's festival. Payment plans are available for all ticket types. More details are available here.

FRIDAY

The Smile

Alvvays

Perfume Genius

Leikeli47

Nation of Language

Roc Marciano & The Alchemist

Youth Lagoon

Ric Wilson

Grace Ives

Jlin

Axel Boman (Live)

Mavi

Sen Morimoto

Contour

SATURDAY

Big Thief

Weyes Blood

King Krule

Snail Mail

Panda Bear + Sonic Boom

Julia Jacklin

Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul

Vagabon

MJ Lenderman

Yaya Bey

Black Belt Eagle Scout

700 Bliss

Palm

Deeper

SUNDAY

Bon Iver

Kelela

Koffee

Killer Mike

JPEGMafia

Hurray For the Riff Raff

Mdou Moctar

ILLUMINATI HOTTIES

Jockstrap

Soul Glo

Florist

Lucrecia Dalt

Rachika Nayar

Ariel Zetina

For more information, including lineups, event news, and the latest updates, please visit PitchforkMusicFestival.com, facebook.com/pitchforkmusicfestival and follow Pitchfork Music Festival on Instagram and Twitter.

The Mars Volta Will Unveil Their "Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon" Album on April 21st

On April 21st, The Mars Volta will release ‘Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon’ via Clouds Hill.

Much more than a simple “un-plugged” version of ‘The Mars Volta’ - the bands self titled seventh album and return as a band - this acoustic rendition furthers the mission of the source music, which drew into sharper focus the traditional Latin influences that have always inspired Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala. This is, says Rodríguez-López, The Mars Volta’s version of a “folk record”, tracing the melodies and rhythms of the parent album back to their traditional Caribbean roots and chal- lenging listeners to hear the group in an entirely new light.

Fans can now stream “Blank Condolences (Acoustic)” via this link: https://themarsvolta.lnk.to/BlankCondolences

The upcoming new album isn’t simply more content, but a bold, radical, political album, and one that recontextualizes the music of the group’s powerful last album within the lineage of the Latin and Caribbean sounds that Rodríguez-López has been mining his entire career, only many ears couldn’t hear past the distorted guitars to know what was going on. The songs are re-orchestrated and set to the traditional Caribbean rhythms that Rodríguez-López grew up on. Here, “Black Condolences” becomes an object lesson in this music, segueing between three different traditional rhythms across its three-and-a-half minutes.

Pre-order for ‘Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon’ is now available at this link: https://gtly.to/ghq-H4_iz

‘Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon’ tracklisting

Blacklight Shine (Acoustic)

Graveyard Love (Acoustic)

Shore Story (Acoustic)

Vigil (Acoustic)

Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon (Acoustic)

Cerulea (Acoustic)

Flash Burns From Flashbacks (Acoustic)

Palm Full Of Crux (Acoustic)

No Case Gain (Acoustic)

Tourmaline (Acoustic)

Equus 3 (Acoustic)

Collapsible Shoulders (Acoustic)

The Requisition (Acoustic)

For Rodríguez-López, ‘Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon’ is a long-held dream, finally coming true. “I realized I could finally make a record like this now, I just had to make it happen,” he says. “That was the experiment. And it was super-fun. I feel like The Mars Volta is finally beginning – that’s why the last album was self- titled, because we’ve finally stripped everything away and arrived at what the whole concept was at the beginning. And this acoustic version comes from a profound place, with its own meaning and philosophy, and its own reason for being.”

‘Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon’ is out April 21, 2023 via Clouds Hill Pre-order it here: https://gtly.to/ghq-H4_iz

Their previous release - the critically acclaimed - ‘The Mars Volta’ is out now and available to stream wherever you consume music. It was the first new music in almost a decade from the band and signified their return. Listen here: https://themarsvolta.lnk.to/TheMarsVoltaPR

The Mars Volta recently announced a string of upcoming headline tour dates that will take place this May and include performances at Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta, Welcome To Rockville Festival in Daytona, FL and a show supporting Red Hot Chili Peppers in San Diego, CA. Tickets on sale now at www.themarsvoltaofficial.com

The band has also announced an additional show taking place ahead of Shaky Knees Festival at The Masquerade on May 5th. Tickets are on sale now.

The Mars Volta – Upcoming headline tour dates

May 5 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA (Shaky Knees pre-show)

May 6 - Shaky Knees Festival – Atlanta, GA

May 9 – The Criterion – Oklahoma City, OK

May 10 – Revel - Albuquerque, NM

May 12 – Snapdragon Stadium - San Diego, CA w/ Red Hot Chili Peppers, Thundercat

May 13 – Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ

May 14 – Abraham Chavez Theatre - El Paso, TX

May 16 – Tech Port Center & Arena – San Antonio, TX

May 18 – Orpheum Theatre - New Orleans, LA

May 19 – 713 Music Hall - Houston, TX

May 21 – Welcome To Rockville Festival – Daytona Beach, FL

Connect with The Mars Volta: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Massachusetts Power-Pop/Emo Band Cape Crush Will Release Their Debut EP "San Souci" on April 14th

Cape Crush is a power-pop/emo band hailing from the North Shore of Massachusetts. The band consists of scene-veterans Ali Lipman on guitar and vocals, James Christopher on guitar, Jake Letizia on bass, and Cody Rico on drums.

The band will release its debut EP 'San Souci' on April 14 via Ancient Injury Records.

The title track is now streaming everywhere; listen to it now.

"San Souci" deals with the bittersweet emotions of leaving behind people and places you’ve begrudgingly learned to love.

Known for their catchy hooks, relatable lyrics, and high-energy performances, Cape Crush is poised to make waves in the music scene.

Cape Crush was but a twinkle in her eye when James Christopher approached Ali Lipman in the winter of 2021 about putting a band together. With shared influences like The Get Up Kids, and the Weakerthans, they started writing and arranging songs that explored themes of heartbreak, hardship, and change. They were soon after joined by friends Jake Letizia on bass, and Cody Rico on drums both of whose love of emo music influenced the overall sound of Cape Crush.

In 2022, Cape Crush entered the studio to record their debut EP, 'San Souci' which is set to be released in April of 2023. The EP is a collection of six songs recorded at God City Music in Salem, MA that showcase the band's infectious energy and heartfelt lyricism.

Another single from the EP ("Sandwich Wars") will be available on streaming platforms in the coming weeks.

"Sandwich Wars" is an ode to the age-old rivalry between Philly cheesesteaks and New England’s roast beef three-way.

Other tracks on the EP include "Sunny & Boone," a poignant reflection on the feelings of homesickness and growing apart from friends, and "Del Water Gap," a raw and emotional exploration of addiction and its impact on relationships.

With their debut EP on the horizon, Cape Crush is ready to take the music world by storm. Their infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics have already earned them a dedicated following, and fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for this exciting new band. San Souci - released on Ancient Injury Records is available everywhere music is streamed on 4/14/23.

Pre-save the band’s “San Souci” EP HERE, and connect with them on IG.

Connect with Cape Crush: Instagram

Jim Jones Teams Up With HitMaka for Their New EP “Back In My Prime”

Released through EMPIRE, Harlem hero Jim Jones teams up with producer HitMaka for their EP “Back In My Prime”. The eight-track project displays Jim’s ability to adapt his sounds to the ever-changing times in hip-hop culture.

The stand-out singles “Gunshot” featuring BEAM and “I Am” featuring Stefflon Don prove their musical chemistry.

“YKTV” featuring Ty Dolla $ign shows Jim rapping in a graceful manner. He opens the song with lines reflective of his failures leading to success. He raps, “I’m trying to leave my son a legacy, for my dogs I’m trying to leave a better pedigree… So many nights I slept in a crack den, I done took a bunch of L’s trying to stack M’s”. Jim’s mature cadence compliments his signature fly talk where he talks of having his lover covered in “furs dragging like a broken exhaust” and flooded with jewelry on her neck.

“Back In My Prime” is what happens if “Harlem: Diary of A Summer” was a wine aged by eighteen years. The beats are smoother and the maturation of Jim’s storytelling and cadences packs a stronger punch than his 2005 run in music. Rather than what the title of the EP implies, Jim is entering into a new prime at this point of his career.

Check out the “Back In My Prime” EP right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Jim Jones and HitMaka on their social media.

Stream and Share “Back In My Prime”

Connect with Jim Jones: Instagram | Twitter

Connect with HitMaka: Instagram | Twitter

Pop Artist Joanie Will Releases Her Debut EP "Neurotica" on March 10th

Joanie will release her stunning debut EP - Neurotica - on March 10 via Permanent Creeps Records. Produced by the fast-rising Jessica Winter (Jazmine Bean, Walt Disco, Metronomy, it follows the success of previous singles ‘Schadenfreude’ and 'Kerosene' as well as the most-recent 'Your Kind Of Freak'. All receiving support via the likes of DAZED, Wonderland Magazine, DIY Mag, Alfitude, God Is In The TV, Still Listening Mag and more. Not to mention heavy playlisting support from VEVO and Apple Music.

NEUROTICA is a record that pulls you into the darkness, captivating the listener with its siren songs. Drown out the floods and slowly scorching earth with disco decadence and melodic hooks, all grounded in the unique, spellbinding charisma of Joanie. The modern world can feel dystopian, but Joanie invites you to dance away the fear with glitter and excess..

Schadenfreude - Joanie says – “Schadenfreude interrogates the sickness of the modern age, where the downfall of celebrated women is entertainment. Kind of a female take on what Ballard talks about.

I was listening to a lot of late 70s disco songs when Schadenfreude was born. I felt this frustration about our culture of deriving pleasure from the downfall of others and at the same time, being house-bound during the pandemic I was compelled to dance and move and make music which would accommodate that need, in others.”

Kerosene - Joanie says “Kerosene takes inspiration from the dark, salacious world depicted in homoerotic 70’s movie ‘Pink Narcissus’. It’s a song about intoxication, obsession and escapism.’

The incredible Kerosene video was directed by Ash K Halliburton who has previously directed videos for Piers James, Crawlers and Katy B and worked with FKA twigs, Maneskin and Caroline Polachek.

Casino – With its driving bass line pushing the track forward from start to finish, Casino (the shortest track on the EP) takes the listener on a journey down into the dark and sweat-filled basement venues, where Joanie’s silhouette can often be found on stage only visible through the smoke and dry ice, with a suitably riled up crowd eating out of the palm of her hand.

Your Kind Of Freak - YKOF is a dark dancefloor track recalling classic electro pop. Joanie’s theatrical vocal builds throughout the track, as stabbing synths and guitar lines inject the track with a pulsing late-night energy.

Be on the lookout for “Neurotica” this Friday, March 10th; in the meantime, connect with Joanie on her IG.

Connect with Joanie: Instagram

Capo Corleone and Kuba Więcek Drop Their Collaborative Hip-Hop and Jazz Infused EP "Thank Myself"

Capo Corleone is an international recording artist & music executive based out of Los Angeles, CA. He is the CEO of C2 Management and the founder and former CEO of Tree4ort Records. His music has graced many stages and television screens throughout his tours in Europe and the United States, earning the alternative Hip-Hop artist the global success he has received today.

His latest project is a collaboration with notable Polish jazz musician and global producer Kuba Więcek. Their 2022 singles "Fly", “Brakes" and “Thank Myself” were released with international acclaim as "Corleone continues to shape the sound of the future" [Earmilk, 2022]. All three singles charted several times in the United States, Poland, and globally.

Now, they are unveiling their anticipated EP, Thank Myself, a combination of tracks that touch on everything that makes us human. From the difficulties, the pain, the rejection, the travel, the good feelings, and lastly and most importantly, the gratitude we all eventually face. This EP forces listeners to reflect on themselves, with Corleone opening up about his own, personal experiences.

The seven-track release is based on a new sound that’s authentic and original to both Corleone and Więcek’s influences in Hip-Hop and Jazz. This hybrid of genres is natural for a duo that is one part Sax one part Emcee. A sound that’s different from their peers.

Title-track “Thank Myself”, as well as the overall theme of the EP focuses on a central topic of self-gratitude for one's own accomplishments, self-will, determination, and love for oneself. “I want to encourage people to thank themselves for their scars and to thank themselves for remaining strong despite the obstacles and naysayers. These are the things that make us the powerful human beings we are all capable of becoming” says Corleone.

Sky-rocketing to a charted position in the Apple iTunes Hip Hop Charts ahead of artists like Drake, Kanye and Eminem, Capo Corleone continues to garner huge success. He also wrote the walk-out song for World boxing champion Nina Meinke. He is frequently a guest on TMZ and was previously a radio host of The Fixxx on Dash Radio. Alongside Więcek, whose collaborations have seen huge success with Warner Music Poland, and most recently, the title of winner of the Fryderyk Awards – New Face of Fonography for Jazz, they collaborate with Zalia’s unparalleled pop successes to shape the sound of the future.

Listen to “Thank Myself” now, and connect with Capo Corleone and Kuba Więcek on their websites and social media.

Connect with Capo Corleone: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Connect with Kuba Więcek: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Stream "Permit", the Newly Released EP by Electronica Musician and Producer Lamedd

Electronica musician and producer Lamedd showcases an atypical and shapeshifting creative approach on the intensely personal, explosive new EP "Permit", out now independently. With equal attention given to horror and beauty, rage and love, we get an unflinching and unfiltered glimpse into the mind of a fascinating artist at the peak of his powers, so far. Leading with the notion "Express what you are not allowed to", this is an artist who keeps the art at the forefront, allowing for some personal mystique and unique interpretation. Walking the line between Experimental Electronic/IDM, Noise, Ambient and Avant-Garde, Lamedd expresses himself freely.

"Permit boasts the ability to express my violent urges, weakness, softness, impulsiveness and power in the same breath.

I allowed my music to scream, wail, cry; To express without any filters. I improvised the tracks without fully knowing where I was going.

But above all, I think, Permit describes my experience as a gay man in a somewhat violent and rough place." - Lamedd

"Permit" is Lamedd's 3rd album and is available now on streaming platforms. Currently, Lamedd is busy working on album #4.

Listen to “Permit” now, stream it on Bandcamp and connect with Lamedd on his website and social media.

Stream and Share “Permit” on Bandcamp

Connect with Lamedd: Website | Instagram