British star-in-the-making Sody releases her heartwarming new single “Frozen Lake.” The song comes complete with a truly stunning official video that hits the soul’s core alongside Sody’s forever top notch songwriting prowess.
Watch the video to Frozen Lake – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y_Kisdi6cQ
Playlisting the song? You can do so – HERE
Speaking about today’s release, Sody explains “Frozen lake encapsulates the feeling of being trapped and not being able to break free. The inspiration behind the song came from a recurring dream I was having and when I looked up the meaning, it said I was being held back in areas of my life and was unfulfilled with the direction I was going in. That was exactly how I was feeling in my career at the time but can also relate it to certain relationships too.”
MULL HISTORICAL SOCIETY is back with a brand new album: ‘In My Mind There’s A Room’.
Released by the Xtra MIle Recordings label on 21 July, the first new material from Colin MacIntyre in five years will feature contributions from an all-star cohort of thirteen guest authors: Ian Rankin, Nick Hornby, Jacqueline Wilson, Val McDermid, Jennifer Clement (‘Widow Basquiat’), Booker-winning Sebastian Barry, Alan Warner, 2021 US National Book Award-winner Jason Mott, Scottish poet laureates’ Jackie Kay and Liz Lochhead, and booker-shortlisted Stephen Kelman (‘Pigeon English’).
Mull Historical Society is the musical project of Colin MacIntyre – the multi-award-winning musician, producer, author for adults and children, and playwright. Writing music that is often personal and steeped in the tradition of his native island, yet with an adventurous spirit and outward-reaching appeal, over the last two decades his works have resonated with audiences both in the UK and all over the world.
In 2023, Mull is bringing his worlds of words and music together for the extraordinary new album ‘In My Mind There’s A Room’. Across its fourteen songs, MacIntyre has enlisted an all-star cast of award-winning literary giants to contribute their own words about a special room that plays or has played a significant part in their lives. Using these words as the lyrics, Colin has then written the musical arrangements to create a 14 track album of personal and thoughtful songs. Rather fittingly, these songs were recorded in a room that holds a special place in Colin’s heart – his ‘Bard of Mull’ poet-come-bank-manager grandfather’s flat above the bank in Tobermory, isle of Mull, which has recently – remarkably – been turned into a fully-equipped recording studio.
Of the new ‘…Room’ project, Colin MacIntyre says: “It has been a great creative experience and challenge to work with all the authors’ original words and their ‘rooms’. For some time I’ve had the ambition to bring my worlds of music and writing together — and to set myself the creative challenge to collaborate using somebody else’s words for the first time. How does Elton work with Bernie? The chance came when my grandparent’s home of 40-plus years on Tobermory seafront on the Isle of Mull, was – unbelievably – transformed into a recording studio. My grandfather was the Scottish poet, and bank manager of Mull, Angus Macintyre. He was a unique character and remains my biggest inspiration…. I hadn’t stepped into that room in 21 years. So I decided to reach out to some of my favourite writers, many of whom have inspired me in words and song, to ask if they would write some original words on a significant room to them, that I would then mould into lyrics and record in this significant room to me: the room where my grandfather wrote and regaled many a visitor, where I sat at his feet. Over two magical, but intense spells, I stepped back into those rooms again. In my mind there are now 14 rooms.”
PRE-ORDER HERE
Vancouver musician Beau Wheeler reaches for the sky on their powerful new single ‘Flying Colours’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
’Flying Colours’ is the second single and title track from Beau’s new album and follows the release of ‘Arizona‘, which was released last year. Inspiring and full of hope, ‘Flying Colours’ is a triumphant song about coming out of the dark and into the light.
“‘Flying Colours’ is a comeback song,” says Beau. “It’s a song I wrote while I was going through treatment for cancer. I was thinking about a time when I could play music at shows with my friends again. I just wanted to be one of the people out there making music. Now when I play it, it seems to really resonate with people because everyone seems to need a comeback song right now. This is a beautiful time for the arts, like a flowering of culture. Lots of difficult things are happening, but also lots of amazing things. I also came out as trans during the pandemic. This song is super gay.”
Beau Wheeler is a queer non-binary composer and singer based in Vancouver. Blessed with a set of pipes that would be the envy of Torch and Twang era k.d. lang or a young Robert Plant, Beau’s new album Flying Colours captures the breadth and diversity of their musical vision.
Theirs is a music that encompasses a wide spectrum of human experience. With songs that touch on love, loss and redemption, and an unflagging ability to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start
all over again, Beau, who recently came out to the world as trans, is one of Canada’s brightest lights and an artist to watch out for.
Soaked in the bright psychedelia of the 1960’s and dipped in the indie rock explosion of the new millennium, The Velveteins are best described as a bridge between the two. Inspired after living out of a camper van on the beaches of Australia for a year, frontman Spencer Morphy returned to Canada and started the band with co-songwriter Addison Hiller in 2014. Later joined by Dean Kheroufi, Daniel Sedmak and Cam O’Neill, the fivesome have since made a name for themselves for their incendiary live performances.
Their latest single, “Declarations of the 3am Freeway” is the title-track from their upcoming sophomore album. Built upon moody synths and sizzling warbled guitars, the track envelops the feeling of road-tripping at dusk in the heat of summer, when there’s no one else on the freeway and it’s just you and your thoughts. Narrating driving in a battered motor vehicle on the cusp of a great adventure, Morphy shares, “The lyrics are yearning, and more insightful than our past works. That longing sentiment is relayed perfectly on the title track “It all begins right now / it all begins in the car on the freeway.”
Having moved to Tofino, Canada, a small surf town where Morphy lived for a month and finished the writing, the new single is backdropped by the foggy Pacific Northwest surf allowing the artist to access a diverse palette and find the missing pieces of this song.
Garnering millions of streams for their music to date, The Velveteins have built an ever-growing, dedicated fan base across all corners of the globe. Their vigorous touring schedule has led to international festival appearances (SXSW, and The Great Escape) and opening slots for established acts including Wolf Parade, Hockey Dad and Chad Vangaalen.
BC blues musician Liam Docherty takes inspiration from the stars with his new single ‘Gemini Rising’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
‘Gemini Rising’ is the first single and title track from Liam’s new album (out on June 30th), which was written and recorded when he was 15 years old.
“The song is inspired by my study of Greek Mythology and specifically the mythology of the Gemini star constellation,” says Liam. “The themes are experienced by all of us, every day, as we go about our lives, specifically; separation, loss, longing, love, and reunification. The song is about two people who have been separated and are destined to overcome all odds to reunite.”
Based on Vancouver Island, Liam Docherty is an official partner of Taylor Guitars and has been performing publicly since the age of 7. He’s opened shows for the legendary Terry Robb, Ken Hamm, Mississippi Delta Bluesman Terry “Harmonica” Bean, and BC Hall of Fame Inductee Doug Cox, among others.
Set for release on June 30th, Liam’s new album Gemini Rising follows the release of his 2020 debut album Modern. Magic. Melody., which earned critical acclaim and sold records internationally. The album also received TV, radio, and print media coverage from CBC, The Globe & Mail, The Vancouver Sun, The Times Colonist, and CHEK TV. It also yielded a nomination for New Act of The Year at the Maple Blues Awards and at just 13 years of age, he became the youngest person in the history of the awards to be nominated.
‘Gemini Rising’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services worldwide. For more information, please visit liamdochertymusic.com.
South East London artist KayOrAlpha continues his vigorous soul-search across his latest drill cut “Origins” – releasing via GRM DAILY.
Sharp and menacing at its core, “Origins” instantly defines KayOrAlpha as a standout prospect emerging across the UK landscape. Elevated by eerie violin samples and chest-rattling 808s, the 21-year-old talent effortlessly bends words to his will while displaying an unapologetic flair moving with purpose and persistence. He delivers a menacing sound wave riddled with deeper messages, flexing his story-telling lyricism shining front and centre. Paired with a sharp set of visuals that embody the gritty sounds of South East London, Kay develops an unwavering confidence as battles the pains of his past and the bold temptations that take control. Speaking to his younger self with an inspired presence, ultimately fuelling the rebirth of his razorblade artistry and crystal-clear hunger for success as a bonafide talent on the rise.
Speaking on the infectious music video, KayOrAlpha mentions: “The main concepts of this song are to the multiple personalities found within myself and to showcase that raw pain and emotion found within my journey. Coming from the perspective of Kay, this represents the mental struggles I’ve been through throughout life, the feeling of being alone wandering through the dark. This is Kay pleading with Alpha. ‘He said what you been waiting for’ – this is Alpha finally stepping into the light to take over, finally in the driving seat to shield Kay from all hurt and dismay, the feeling of rebirth.”
San Francisco producer Mike Kerrigan releases his two-track Liquid Dreams EP, out now via Dirtybird Records.
Following a number of hit collaborations on the label, Mike Kerrigan returns to Dirtybird with his debut solo effort. A true testament to his status as one of this year’s Dirtybird Players, Liquid Dreams is an imaginative and refined two-track EP from the rising producer and DJ. Offering the flock an instantly enticing listening experience, its titular track is a wondrously wonky house cut filled with deep basslines and cheeky vocal chops. ‘Liquid Dreams’ is complemented by ‘G2g’, a riveting 5-minute venture through textured synth melodies and crisp percussion. With Liquid Dreams, Mike Kerrigan cements his status as a Dirtybird artist to watch.
Regarding the EP, Mike Kerrigan said, “It took me a while to pull the trigger and send these tracks to Dirtybird. When I found out they wanted both, I was beyond stoked. I think they represent me well. Sometimes you just have to hit send.”
LA’s resident femme-punk royalty The Aquadolls release their hotly anticipated third studio album Charmed via Enci Records. The band’s first album in five years, Charmed was produced by Chris Szczech who is renowned for his work with The Goo Goo Dolls. Named after the hit 90s/00s TV show, the album fuses elements of melodic 60s harmonies and 90s-driven crunchiness with a modern twist that ushers in a new era for the band, and serves as a strong representation of where they are going next. Don’t let the relatable tales focused on love and relationships, heartbreak and longing, fool you, The Aquadolls are still about having fun and showcasing humor in their lyrics – Stream.
What started off as frontwoman Melissa Brooks’ bedroom demos and loose ideas turned into nine songs that perfectly chart The Aquadolls’ growth as a band. Charmed is also the first time that the trio wrote as a unit, allowing the tracks to blossom in the studio before transforming into the fully fleshed-out songs that ended up on the album. Nothing is off limits as the band dives deep into everything from loving yourself first, to the uncertainty of hookups, to the confines of capitalism, all with a twinkle of nostalgia.
In discussing Charmed, bassist Keilah Nina said, “This album to me is about love in all forms: self-love, sisterhood, romance, etc., and how magical (and sometimes terrifying) love can feel when you truly succumb to it in every way.”
Grammy-nominated Nigerian dance-pop vocalist Kah-Lo releases her new single ‘Karma’ on Epic Records.
Following on the heels of her fierce single ‘fund$’, Kah-Lo continues to dazzle with her unabashed lyricism and playful bravado with ‘Karma’. Flaunting her genre-blending tendencies, Kah-Lo’s unique palate of pop, R&B, and house music combine on ‘Karma’, with her sultry vocals shining amidst slinky basslines and snappy percussion. Enveloped with Kah-Lo’s bewitching personality, ‘Karma’ is masterfully dichotic as it captures Kah-Lo’s inspiring self-confidence while simultaneously exposing her deep vulnerabilities. With ‘Karma’, Kah-Lo looks inward to unravel her own “toxic feminine energy”, learning to accept and overcome her flaws.
Regarding the single, Kah-Lo said, “‘Karma’ is a song I wrote when I was trying to channel my negative emotions into fun pop songs. I uncovered in therapy that perhaps I was the toxic one in a romantic situation and I decided to make a campy dramatic time accepting that I got what I deserved – to be walked out on”.
Fast-rising R&B vocalist Sofi de la Torre recruits Italian star Livio Cori for her soulful pop cut “4 Sure Sure” – the second instalment from her hotly anticipated four-part international release.
Bouncing back from the incendiary collaboration alongside San Diego, CA talent PHABO, Spanish artist and creative Sofi de la Torre’s sun-soaked musicality is on full display across her latest version of “4 Sure Sure”. Delivered over warm, delicate synths weaved through the syncopated heartbeat of the drums, Sofi’s seamless harmonies flicker with promise, painting vibrant silhouettes for Italian rapper and vocalist Livio to fill with his sleek melodic touches. Illustrating the complications of a new love affair, the two champion an electric energy, one that propels them toward
self-reflection while battling intoxicating desires of lust in the exploration for true loyalty and companionship.
Speaking on the record, Sofi mentions: “This is not another love song. It champions companionship, understanding and loyalty in every line. It’s what we all long for in our other half and what we imagine love to sound like.”
American DJ and producer GRiZ releases the first official remix of John Summit’s hit single ‘Where You Are’ featuring UK artist Hayla. The remix showcases GRIZ’s signature sound, adding a taste of wonky beats and uplifting melodies to the original.
On remixing the track GRiZ shares “‘Where You Are’ is an absolute anthem of a song. It made me feel so warm and euphoric when I first heard it that I immediately went to my studio and ripped the acapella of the vocals and made a version of it – really just for myself. I wanted to hear it the way I heard it in my head. I felt really inspired, so the main chunk of it I made in just a few hours. Then I really took my time finishing the song and making it sound good. So blown away by the response to it. I hope it makes your soul feel beautiful.”
Over the last few months, ‘Where You Are’ has instantly become a fan favorite throughout the landscape of dance music lovers and beyond. Now, GRiZ brings his own version to life, flipping the switch on energy, giving “Where You Are” a fresh take with his melodic dubstep sound.
Peaking at #2 Dance Song in the US at Dance Radio and #9 on the Billboard Hot Dance/ Electronic charts, ‘Where You Are’ has gained respect from Armin Van Buuren and Zedd, who have recently incorporated the track into their sets. John Summit recently played GRiZ’s rework of the track at EDC Las Vegas when he came out as the special guest at Insomniac’s iconic Circuit Grounds stage. The remix is now available on all major streaming platforms and fans can expect to hear it throughout all of festival season. This week, John Summit will be headlining New York’s Brooklyn Mirage for 3 nights to kick off the cities summer season and will be playing major festivals such as Hard Summer in Los Angeles, Elements Music & Arts Festival, and Moonrise Festival.
DIY pop phenom Sizzy Rocket is mothering just in time for Pride Month with the explosive new single “MOMMY,” available today at all DSPs and streaming services HERE. The hard hitting track births a new era for Sizzy, who is fearlessly taking charge of her life.
In the midst of the SIZZY ROCKET’S ROCKSHOW IN THE BASEMENT Tour, “MOMMY” was teased via ultrasound on Mother’s Day, making friends and family alike freak out. The synth-driven single arrives today serving the perfect mix of bold beats and empowering lyricism to take over the club all month long.
LISTEN TO “MOMMY”
“MOMMY is the beginning of a completely new era for me, in my art and in my life. I’m finally, completely in control of my music, my decisions, my business, my creativity…like, I know what the fuck I’m doing.” says Sizzy Rocket. “I know how to harness my own chaos. I know how to take care of myself. and I know what I want – and I’m not afraid to take it.”
Ready to embark on her new era of self-confidence and power, Sizzy Rocket is celebrating the opening of Pride at this year’s OUTLOUD Festival at WeHo Pride on June 3 in Los Angeles along with many other queer artists. See below for more information.
Critically acclaimed, multi-platinum selling band Young The Giant today shares a four-track acoustic EP titled Both Sides via AWAL/Jungle Youth Records alongside their fifth studio album American Bollywood and current Top 15 single “The Walk Home”. The EP was recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, CA, the same studio their self-titled debut record was recorded. The EP includes acoustic versions of “Dancing In The Rain” and “The Walk Home”, plus a special Reflections version of “The Walk Home” and an acoustic cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.” “The Walk Home (Acoustic)” was released on May 12 alongside a music video, also filmed at Sunset Sound by Drew Dempsey.
Indie pop sensation James Hersey is thrilled to release his new single “Ghost Me” that is out now along with the music video that can be viewed at https://youtu.be/AWlIW69v_fE. “Ghost Me” is off of his new album Let It Shine to be released on September 15th.
James says, “I wrote ‘Ghost Me’ about a casual relationship I had with a beautiful girl overseas. We promised not to fall in love because I was travelling a lot, but in the end I couldn’t help myself.”
Since last year James has been releasing the singles “Cut Me Out” , “Right Where I Am” and “Fake Love” that will all be featured on Let it Shine as well.
The album, produced by Jochen Naaf, features a puristic approach to recording with live instrumentation and a neo-vintage sound handcrafted in the studio with his friends Antonio Fortino and Daniel Schreiber on bass and drums.
rising pop-rock artist Dean Ford has released his new EP Dream Fever. The formation of the 6-track EP began out of a need for creativity and excitement for Dean as he expanded on his sonic exploration, combining classic 80s synth-pop and rock. Resulting in his most cohesive project yet, the project finds Dean detailing the different kinds of love found throughout life’s journey: the hopefulness and infatuation you feel at the beginning of something new, the realities that set in when the rose tinted glasses come off, the power struggles that can manifest, and everything in between.
“This EP shares the same DNA as my previous work while feeling more developed, fleshed out, and a real step up. It feels like a natural progression for me and my catalog while going bigger than I’ve ever done,” shares Dean. “I’ve learned that once I’ve created and released something, it no longer belongs to me and that’s one of the things I appreciate about art. It takes on a life of its own, independent of my intentions and completely unique to everyone who engages with it, and I hope this project does just that.”
NYRE is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter who has been making waves in the alternative pop scene with her unique sound and captivating lyrics. Her music often incorporates dark and moody elements, combining electronic beats with enchanting vocals and introspective lyrics.
Her previous releases have garnered attention, with songs like “Coming Down” and “Keep Me Guessing” showcasing her emotive and evocative style. NYRE’s music often explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, delving into the complexities of mental health and the human experience.
With a new single entitled “Glitter with a Vengeance” set to be released on June 2nd, 2023, fans of NYRE can look forward to more of her signature sound and lyrical depth. It will be exciting to see what new musical territory she will explore and what emotions she will evoke in her listeners with her upcoming release with a touch of punk flair.
Email: [email protected]
Neill Frazer
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