INsiders Guide: The Skinny Limbs, Cindë, Marella, MAJOR MYJAH, EDEN RAIN, ZOE’S SHANGHAI… (2024)

Comprised of brothers Max (Vocals, Guitar), Jake (Drums), and Nate Knoth (Bass, Vocals), along with Mitch Garcia (Keys), and Andrew Deters (Guitar),TheSkinnyLimbsbring a bright mix of soothing melodies and energetic rhythms together to create a sound inspiredbythewind and waves of Lake Michigan. Fans of classic outfits such asTheBeach Boys,ThePolice, and maybe even Henry Mancini will enjoytheband known asTheSkinnyLimbs.Theboys put out two new singles in 2023, “Too Little Too Late” and “For So Long!” and plan on following up these strong releases in 2024 with a new EP titledMozart for Martians,which will venture into sonic territory that has never been approached bytheband to this point.

Toronto-based artist Cinde is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who sonically combines gritty pop-punk angst and raw witty lyricism to create emo-pop for mosh-pits and solo sob-fests.

Picking up both the guitar and bass at 12 years old, Cinde started playing instruments as tools to accompany her while writing, but it soon led to a full obsession with song creation and composition. As a writer and composer of many works outside her own, she counts Green Day, Post Malone, Ash Nikko, SZA, and Gwen Stefani as major influences, creatively embodying their most inspiring traits.

Cinde has made several appearances on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists worldwide, along with It’s a Bop, Pop All Day, Fresh Finds, Outliers, etc. She made her initial mark in 2018 with her debut radio single “Hittin’ It” distributed by Sony Music Canada. It peaked at #12 on the Top 40/CHR Canadian Anglophone charts and its self-directed music video spent over 3 months in the Stingray Vibe Top 10. Cindë’s feature & credit on “Bipolar Hearts” with Morello Twins kicked it up a notch with over 850K+ Spotify streams, regular rotation on The Beat 92.5, and placements on both “Viral 50” and Nicky Romero’s “Favourites” Spotify playlist.

Daniel Marella is an emerging singer/songwriter within the Southern California rock and roll scene, making waves with a fearless fusion of boldness and sincerity. Originally hailing from the Bay Area, his music weaves his experiences, blending the demanding expectations of academia and extracurricular pursuits, along with the memorable moments from his beer-soaked years as a Division 1 swimmer and music major at UC Santa Barbara. This unique combination fuels his lively and dynamic performances, characterized by their rowdy nature, yet tight and sharp execution. Now based in Los Angeles, Marella also drums for a diverse range of artists, yet his true passion is Marella, which holds a special place in his heart as a cherished and personal undertaking. Marella’s forthcoming projects promise to delve deeper into these themes, offering fans a glimpse into the life of an artist who’s just like them – passionate, dedicated, and relentlessly creative.

Major Myjahfollows the release of his new single “Trying” with the official music video directed by Sara Lacombe. The fresh visual offering unveils cinematic moments and captures the infectious essence of the trap-soul track. WatchHERE.

“Trying” glides with infectious production, building the track to soaring heights from start to finish. With each release, the rising star is shaping up a showcase of his dimensional artistry that is not confined to one genre or feeling—at best, the most accurate definition to describe his style, sound, and swag is Major Myjah.

“Trying” follows the revered release of “By Your Side,” which was released earlier this year. The track has earned placements on coveted playlists across major platforms, including Apple Music’s “New in R&B,” “Smooth and Easy,” Tidal’s “New Arrivals: Pop & R&B,” and Pandora’s “Indie R&B,” and “Trap Soul,” playlist cover. The track has reached global highlights in the press space, including spotlights from London publication VIPER Magazine and Quip Magazine, Canada’s Faded 4U, as well as wide-spread of coverage nationwide such as Global Grind, Rolling Out, Earmilk, Urban Bridgez, and more.

London-based artistEden Rainreturns with a blissful new melancholic and heartfelt single‘Closer’. On this intimate account of love and loss, Eden evokes a powerful sense of helplessness and pain through her songwriting, as she witnesses the effects of grief in someone she loves.

LISTEN HERE/WATCH HERE

Speaking on the sentiment behind ‘Closer’, Eden shares;“It’s definitely been my most cathartic song to write- I wrote this song about my experience of loving someone who is going through grief. It’s about the feeling of someone being so close to you but unreachable at the same time, the pain of not knowing how to be around them or knowing that you’re powerless in helping them. I wrote it one afternoon with Conway (halfrhymes) and then I cried all the way home on the tube listening to the demo.”

Alongside the single’s release, Rain has shared an official music video which in true Eden Rain fashion was a DIY project, brought to life with the help of her imaginative, creative mind. Bringing light to the darkness, the visualiser acts as a gorgeous accompaniment to the song, and can be watched below:

Originally from Yorkshire, but now calling London home, the London music scene has fully embraced Eden and her irresistible charm. Through regularly playing headline shows, most recently Soho’s The Lower Third, as well as desirable support slots, she is fully immersed in the scene and is consistently growing because of it. Eden plans on continuing to share her stories and talents with her London community, whilst also taking on other UK cities in 2024, with her main goal being to take her music as wide as possible.

Today’s new release comes off the back of Eden’s sophom*ore EP‘But I’m Alright Now’, last November, which was a mesmerising body of work, featuring well-loved singles‘All Things Change’, ‘Pet Names’, ‘I Found My Brain’ ‘Terry And Julie’and latest track‘Ghost Girl’. The project garnered reputable support in press and playlisting, gaining her features in Official Spotify Playlists like,Fresh Find, anti-pop, peach and New Music Friday

Fast-rising jazz outfit Zoe’s Shanghai unleash their brand-new offering “When I Care” – released via Naïve Records.

Connecting experimental arrangements with tender, free-flowing jazz and house, “When I Care” instantly defines the Paris band as standout. Gliding across psychedelic guitars and jazzy drum breaks, Zoé Renié Harris (guitarist and lead singer) flexes her signature elastic rasp and vocal acrobatics with typical style before the infectious sound waves dissolve into a spacey atmosphere; an intimate tone for her to embody

vulnerability and self-healing as it transforms internal affirmations into something inspired and universal. Closing out with bouncy instrumentation and swirling harmonies, “When I Care” gives a glimpse into the dream-like vibrations expected from this unique talent still to come.

Speaking on the record, Zoé mentions: “”When I Care” is about learning alone. A humble place of curious ignorance. The cycle was time-consuming and vulnerable, demanding I slow down and observe. The results were unexpected and painful. I powerlessly watched the fruits of my labour slowly die day by day in front of my eyes. However, the real fruit of my labour was seeing how much effort I can put into something – I just have to be willing to try.

South Carolina-born, South Africa-based singer-songwriterGingerWinnshares dreamy, swirling track andvideo“Super8”out now. To celebrate the release, the artist will host two single release parties–one in Woodstock, NY at Early Terrible and one in Florence, Italy at La Menagere on March 23. Free tickets with RSVP are available, with complimentary food and drinks, for Woodstock, NYhereand Florence, Italyhere.

Inspired by the complexities of being a young woman and the hard fought realities of making one’s own ever-winding dreams come true, Winn’s ethereal yet booming vocals invite listeners into the hazy dream-like reality of her anxious yet ambitious mind on “Super 8.”It unfolds with an acoustic guitar and is carried by Winn’s delicate vocals mixed with swelling horns as the artist chronicles the intricacies of falling in love with recollections that feel familiar yet distant–as if to watch flashbacks play back on Super 8 film. The track is a tribute to the fleeting dreams of one’s twenties, as Winn shares,“This song is about dreaming of love, falling into it, and celebrating it, a story of the little moments we all share. Where your imagination shows you what it’s like to fall in love with a stranger, walk down a road in Italy you’ve never been, or finally making it to New York City—These dreams feel so out of reach for so many of us, but at the same time, they are what drives all of us.”

The track was produced byDavidBaron(The Lumineers, Shania Twain, Shawn Mendes) and recorded at his own Sun Mountain Studios in Boiceville, NY. Baron opens the song with a French celesta once played byThelonious Monk and with hypnotic horns, pays homage to Louis Armstrong. In addition to masterful production, the track features trumpet played byChrisPasin, who played with Buddy Rich in the 1980s and toured with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald and more.It was produced to illustrate an escape to a surreal world–built around a dizzying acoustic guitar that might accompany a carousel ride, and closes as if to drift off to sleep.

Amonita, the ethereal musician known for her enchanting compositions and captivating live performances, is set to release her latest body of work, the Rainbow EP, on March 29th, under Lee Burridge’s esteemed record label All Day I Dream.

Since her debut in 2017, Amonita has been on a steadfast mission to craft iconic melodies that resonate deeply with listeners, evoking emotions that linger long after the music fades. She seamlessly blends live instrumentation with electronic elements, creating an immersive sonic experience that transports audiences to a world of serenity and wonder. Amonita is no stranger to All Day I Dream; In addition to her Secret of Happiness EP in 2019 and Aura EP in 2021, Amonita has contributed tracks on two A Winter Sampler compilations, and was featured on Gorje Hewek’s 2021 Collages album released on the label. With additional releases on Anjunadeep, Highway Records, Earthly Delights, Shanti Radio, and Akbal Music, and the launch of her own record label and events series RUBICANDA, Amonita is solidifying herself as a rising star and tastemaker within the world of downtempo and organic house.

Drawing inspiration from her time spent in Turkey surrounded by nature, Amonita infuses the Rainbow EP with the essence of the awe-inspiring beauty she experienced: sun-kissed landscapes, tranquil seas, and the vibrant hues of a majestic rainbow. Her music speaks to the hearts of true dreamers – those who believe in love, walk barefoot in the rain, watch sunsets, admire the stars, and are impressed by the mystery and beauty of the moon.

In her own words, Amonita shares, “No matter how difficult your path through storms and thunder is, after that you will see a rainbow!”

Bali, Indonesia-based pop/rock bandMANJAshare vibrant track andvideo“MNSF”isout everywhere now. With their latest offering, MANJA invite listeners to get lost in the kaleidoscopic, splashy synths and offer a place of solace–what the band calls “Shangri-La for the soul.“

With their first release of 2024, “MNSF,” out today, paints a portrait of a light-hearted, upbeat mythical utopia that finds the band in a playful pursuit of a good time. Written by vocalistJamesSukadanaand inspired by The Weeknd and Parcels,the track came about following a bout of writer’s block and slowly formed a lush sonic world that can be experienced today. “When the melody came, I had this incredible idea to write about an otherworldly heavenly place where we can escape to, a world where fantasy and reality coexist side by side,”explains Sukadana. On the track’s title and its fluid meaning, Sukadana adds, “We call it ‘Minasofa,’ but the song might imply a different name for each wanderer. “It is up to the listeners how to pronounce or write it. It is a different state of mind or place for every artist or listener, so everyone is free to devise their word for it.”

The track was mixed by American multi-platinum producer and mixing engineerBrianMaloufandmastered by GRAMMY Award-winning mastering engineerHowieWeinberg. It also features the enchanting voices of Indonesian artistsMedaKawuandVenessaAdverta, who elevate the track and bring it deeper into its radiant sonic universe. The trio reunited with producer duoBrian Kresno PutroandEnricoOctavianowho produced their previously released track, “Last Night’s Kiss.”

“MNSF” is a slight departure for MANJA, unveiling another side to the band that represents a place of respite and self-discovery.In July 2023, the group shared the playful track andvideo,“Last Night’s Kiss.”Alt77wrote the track is a“guitar-driven pop single that’s big on hooks and sentimentality,”and praise the band’s ability to produce a memorable hook: “MANJAknow that there’s no quicker way to an audience’s heart and into their collective memory than through pop hooks.”

The track’s accompanying music video is a visual feast crafted by Jakarta-based directorsGiselaFebrina JuwonoandAdineHalim.The otherworldly visual mirrors the magic of the track, and it was a joy to make, says guitaristNickPratama.“It felt like we were in a movie set. The location was unique, and Gisela, Adine, and their crew did an amazing job designing the set. We had so much fun.”

I’m a public figure in American philanthropy and a little-known figure in American music, and looking to change that!

My first band was with my mother and my sister Nancy. My mother would lead us around the kitchen table on the second-floor of our two-family house in Malden, Massachusetts banging pots and pans and we’d all sing, “McNamara’s Band” at the top of our lungs.

I’m gay and my husband and partner of twenty-two years and I have fifteen year-old…triplets. Yes, three of them.

I’ve been writing songs for forty years, but took about a thirty-year break in the middle to create the AIDSRides, the Breast Cancer 3-Day walks, and the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention walks. We had 182,000 people take part in one of these epic, heroic journeys. They raised nearly $600 million in nine years—more money raised more quickly for those causes than any events in history, and were the subject of a Harvard Business School case study. In September of 2022 we have a documentary movie coming out based on my book, “Uncharitable,” about the need to liberate the nonprofit sector to its true potential. It features Edward Norton, and the heads of TED, the Ford Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, Charity:Water and many other organizations. Stephen Gyllenhaal directed it. My TED talk on charity is the 16th most commented TED talk of all time. I’ve written five books, served on two school boards, and sang the national anthem at a Los Angeles Rams game, and did not forget the words!

My music and my commitment to making a difference in the world are inseparable. I try to write songs about the human condition, as experienced by all kinds of human beings across all manner of circ*mstance, and songs about the possibility of a world that could work for everyone.

My songs are folks songs. I play guitar. Sing. I released my first album in twenty years in 2022 – “American Pictures.” My next, “Winnebago Dreams,” will be released this year.

Electro-house maestro No Mana returns to Monstercat Instinct today alongside burgeoning producer vowl. and singer-songwriter Leyla Diamondi for nostalgic record, “Falling in Love.”

“Yesterday” was the record that launched No Mana into the Monstercat community, ultimately securing the title of ‘Best New Artist’ and #1 on Monstercat’s ‘Best Of Instinct’ in 2022. Following multiple releases on the label, there is no doubt that No Mana has become a fan-favourite. His infectious records have been supported by some of the biggest names in the dance circuit, including deadmau5, REZZ, and Gabriel & Dresden. Fans have been able to witness him live at renowned events and venues like EDC Las Vegas, Shambhala Festival, Temple in Denver, Sky in Salt Lake City, and more. His virtuosic talents extend beyond music, as he integrates his pixel art prowess into both his captivating artwork and mesmerizing visuals played during his live sets on tour.

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, vowl. has become an undeniable force in the wave scene, amassing over 100MM streams across all platforms. His viral hits, including “2000” and “drowning,” have taken TikTok by storm with over 566K creates and counting. From opening for Mr. Carmack in Australia, to captivating fans in America and Europe, vowl.’s live performances have always left fans wanting more. His music has soared beyond DSPs and live stages featuring in video games and television ads across the world.

Inspired by cathartic, electric, and romantic elements, No Mana set forth to revive the spirit of early 2000s electronic music, heightened by a modern blend of house, electro, and trance. Collaborating with vowl., who enhanced the FX and drums with his classic dark and sensual elements, complemented by Leyla Diamondi’s stunning vocals touching on love, the track came together as the ultimate fusion of their collective talents – a record poised to capture the hearts of electronic dance music enthusiasts.

No Mana shares, “The track originally started as a classic trance tune. I’ve been listening to more house lately, so naturally, it ended up sounding somewhere in the middle between the two genres for me. It’s a pleasure to tie it together with Leyla’s vocals as the centerpiece, and vowl. to touch it up with FX and drums for the production.”

vowl. adds, “‘Falling in Love’ was a pleasure to be a part of. No Mana and Leyla created a world I could get lost in and add my own flavour. The song transports me back to the days I started creating music and I love it for that.”

Fans can see No Mana live at Mission Ballroom in Denver on March 30th opening for Audien and Jason Ross, followed by sets at The Green Elephant in Dallas on July 5th, Kingdom Nightclub in Auston on July 6th, and 45 East in Portland on July 12th. Fans can also stay tuned for more on the horizon from vowl. and Leyla Diamondi.

Florrie, the rare quadruple threat-multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer, and songwriter, is back with a bang in 2024. Today, she announces her debut album, The Lost Ones, set for release on June 14th via BMG and Xenomania Records, along with its first single and title track of the same name. For Florrie, making exceptional pop music has always been more of a marathon than a sprint. Since crashing into the music industry in 2010 with her fizzing, independently-released debut EP, Introduction, Florrie has enjoyed the breathtaking highs and endured the devastating lows of the industry’s winding rollercoaster. After two more EPs of forward-thinking independent pop that earned her international acclaim, a major label signing, and a challenging period of navigating differing opinions about her artistic direction, she took a step back from music to rebuild and rediscover her love of writing and producing. Now, in 2024,after a run of well-received independent singles, including 2019’s Grey’s Anatomy-soundtracking Borderline, she’s back with her long-awaited debut album, the pearlescent pop masterpiece, The Lost Ones.“I have been waiting to make my debut album for the last 12 years and it deserved all the time and love I’ve put into it.” The title-track and first single, The Lost Ones is an anthemic, future l i’ve favorite that captures a sense of outsidership and transforms it into a superpower. Speaking of the release Florrie said “This is a song about letting go; of past regrets, mistakes you made when you didn’t know any better, and keeping hold of hope when life gets hard. There was a time when I almost gave up on music, and I went through a rough couple of years. I wrote this song while rediscovering myself as an artist and a human being.”

Step into the sonic universe of Zach Adam, a musical luminary whose work defies boundaries and invites you on an immersive journey through time and emotion. With a signature blend of acoustic warmth, cinematic expansiveness, and the electrifying energy of live instrumentation and synths, Zach Adam crafts an auditory experience that is both nostalgic and groundbreaking.

Zach’s debut release takes you on a journey through memories and future dreams, with each note serving as a bridge between your past and future. The music weaves together nostalgic echoes and cutting-edge sounds, reshaping what we think of as contemporary music. At the heart of Zach Adam’s songs is a bold honesty about the challenges and joys of adulthood. His tunes carry a mature tone, urging listeners to confront their own truths, yet they also exude a playful energy—a lively celebration of life. Zach’s music is his genuine way of living authentically and longing for something deeper. It beautifully captures life’s highs and lows, making each song feel like a love story. His music isn’t just a bunch of songs; it’s a lively exploration of what it means to be human, where the past inspires, the future is wide open, and the present is a living melody. This album is a celebration of life’s complexities, an authentic journey, and a musical adventure that aims to be more honest, playful, and alive than ever before.

Rexand the Rhythm (Rex) is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and producer who spent his formative years hanging around the music studios of international superstar, Eddy Grant, on his historic plantation in Barbados.

Rexstarted playing the drums at nine. He later picked up the guitar and bass. At 15, his mother put him in the band she co-founded named Cover Drive, a Carib-pop band, which inked a deal with Polydor Records in the UK in 2010. The band, withRexon drums and co-vocals, scored a number one hit,“Twilight,” on the UK Official Chart in 2012. That same year, Cover Drive went on to score a total of three UK top tens, multi-platinum and silver singles, and opened for Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson and Lauryn Hill.

After graduating from Full Sail University in 2020,Rexreleased his debut EP,#127 Solacein 2021. His solo sound had all the feel good elements of his previous band’s sonic with a bit less Caribbean and more alternative R&B vibes. In December 2022,Rexopened for Ashanti in Barbados at The Hennessy Artistry festival.

Then in February of 2023,Rexreleased his sophom*ore project,Secrets Behind Our Smiles. On the project, you can hearRex’s artistry elements with a more urban contemporary sonic.

His recent single, “Highs & Grows” is a track inspired by90s hip-hop legends including Outkast and A Tribe Called Quest. “Highs & Grows” strikes a distinctivemark between psychedelic soul, alt-pop, and hip-hop for a cosmic journey of inner-evolution, honoring both the pitfalls and peaks of being human.

Thetrack explores an array of live percussion, sun-drenched electric guitar, and transcendental lyricism that is complemented byreverberating euphoric harmonies, resulting in a kaleidoscopic and uplifting sound. The music video for “Highs & Grows”,directed by DannyJFilms,pays homage to Outkast’s iconic single “Hey Ya!” and reflects an atmosphere of authenticity whereRexdelves into the core essence of his creative process and sincerityas an artist.

His new track “Umbrella” is written about an unexpected end to a relationship,Rexcaptures the duality of our fluctuating emotions. He reveals, “I wanted the direct contrast to play on the emotions we all feel post break up. Angry but longing, sad but reaffirming yourself at the same time.” Sometimes a sunny day gets interrupted by a storm when we least expect it.

Star2began his life in a Thai refugee camp where he was forced to flee genocide from the Burmese army in Myanmar who burned his village to the ground. A lottery in the camp brought him to San Diego with his grandmother and her four children, where he began a new life. Now, under the mentorship of esteemed producer Chico Bennett, his collaborations with acclaimed rappers include Soulja Boy, $tupid Young, Mozzy, MBNel, Luh Kel, Lil Poppa, HoodTrophyBino, YSN Flow, and MarMar Oso to name a few. While not on tour, he documents his journey in the popular ‘Adventures ofStar2’ series on YouTube. As an influential figure in Asian-American music,Star2entwines heartfelt stories with captivating visuals, chronicling a tale of resilience and ascent. Esteemed platforms like Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, GQ, HotNewHipHop, Ones to Watch, BET, and Lyrical Lemonade, among others, have celebrated his contributions.

Lucigenic are back with the brand new single: “Star”.

Pulsing with aPatti Smith Group-like mystique and a poetic soul to match, the latest from the Manchester collective shines bright like a beacon towards their long-awaited debut album (arriving in 2024).

A song about escaping reality and pursuing your wildest dreams, unrecognised potential and defiance in the face of expectation, “Star” tells a tale that will resonate with anyone who has followed their creative calling in life.

Speaking about the track,Lucy Wyattsays of “Star”:

“‘Star’ is a hypnotic dreamscape of swirling melodies, hooks and rhythm that aim to draw the listener into the lyrical journey of life’s unsung heroes, wasted talent, unfulfilled desires and reluctance to conform to ‘the norm’… Stars couldn’t shine without Darkness”

Illuminated by its glimmering piano arpeggios and astral guitar lines that sear like comets through the night sky,Lucy Wyatt’s wistful vocal is ably backed by guitaristsGary WyattandThomas Twemlow(Irrepressibles / Sea Fever),Simon Wolstencroft(ex-Fall) on drums,Rhona Mapperleyon keyboards, andDavid Tolanon bass/backing vocals),

Brooklyn-based rock outfit Earthquake Lights barely fits within its self-described alt-rock genre. Orchestral strings litter the dense arrangements, elevating the songs to something more refined and nearly classical feeling. But there’s a distinctive jazz influence to the grooves and harmonic richness that the bandis hesitant tocompare to jazz, though the comparison is something they contend with regularly. Still, the rock influences are clear, and Earthquake Lights sounds something like Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and Beck.

Their music has garnered millions of streams to date. Their latest albumDesert Bloomcharted nearly 30 times on the iTunes and Apple music charts, and somewhere along the way they managed to snag a feature on Vulfpeck’sThe Joy of Music, the Job of Real Estate. They have also received praise from the likes ofWonderland Magazine, NOTION, The Line of Best Fit, Ones to WatchandEarmilkto name a few.

Inanagewhenmental health is waning, Earthquake Lights gives us a look at the cultural phenomenaofsocial mediaand how it affects all of us through their latest release “Pictures” featuring Lindsey Lomis. Writtenallegorically, “Pictures” tells a story ofmutuallyunrequited love. The song looselyexaminesa personality thatreluctantlyromanticizes the nostalgia of a past relationship, friendship, acquaintance or flingprolongedby the ever-present role social media plays in our lives.

Rodenhouse explains, “Maybe you only feel connected to that person because of how immediate the internet and pictures have seemed to makethem. But seriously what even are these connections you have with other people on the internet? Just because you see a picture of them it doesn’t mean they’re actually important to your life.”

Tinged with a dark and moody undertone, “Pictures” features an enchanting melody, where sultry, velvet vocals collide in perfect harmony. Lomis sings, “Am I just a picture? Do you ever look for me? And I wonder if you saw me, would you tell me you remember my face?” Rodenhouse shares, “The lyrics were inspired essentially by an era that’s defined by pictures and feelings of missing out,or wondering about someone that may be in some memory, possibly just out of reach but still barely relevant. Wonderingif they actually care to remember you, or ifit’seven worth remembering one another and losing any sleep over.”

Speaking on Lomis, Earthquake Lights share, “She’s anathletic, excellent singer. Her unapologetic focus onhervocal ability really makes her a perfect fit for this tune.” Lomis was featured on Jacob Collier’s latest album on the song “Cinnamon Crush” and is about to embark on a tour with him in April.

London based singer-songwriter Sophia Alexa shares a tender indie-folk song titled ‘Losing by a landslide’ which vocalises the gut wrenching feeling of being in your twenties and sensing that you’re falling behind. There is a certain expectation that comes with being in that period of your life; that you should have it all figured out and living the life your teenage self would be proud of. However, in reality everyone is just trying to get by and move at their own pace, but this is something that can be easily forgotten.

Take a listen to ‘Losing by Landslide’ below:

As the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy, but as Sophia reiterates it is easy to fall into a pattern, and hard to get out of it. Her tender, melodic vocals beautifully communicate this struggle that is felt by the masses and offers some sort of consolation to her listener who can relate to this fear.

‘Losing by a Landslide’ is the next single to be released in this new chapter of Sophia’s musical career, which sees her drawing inspiration from her early childhood introductions to music, like Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, who inject a 70s flair to her folk-sentric sound. After the success of her previous singles ‘Hall Pass’ and ‘Emily’ and ‘Stones’, she is entering 2024 with a wave of momentum that is sure to continue landing her great acclaim and support this year.

CLOUT Magazine – “The track continues to showcase the weight and charm of the artist’s immersive songwriting style.”

Fizzy Magazine – “Positioning herself at the heart of the beloved genre of folk-pop, Sophia shines bright, sharing her tender, inner thoughts to the sound of blissfully melodic harmonies.”

Clash Magazine – “The dewy arrangement is hued in light, with Sophia’s voice offering calm assurance in the passing storm.”

Off the heels of an eventful week at South By Southwest, GRAMMY-nominated, Platinum-certified singer-songwriter,Cassadee Pope, shares her brand new single, “Eye Contact.” Co-written byCassadee,Mitch MarlowandDevon Lewow, the punchy track divulges on experiences of betrayal and its lasting impacts. With this release,Cassadeehopes listeners will know it’s okay to hurt, and the healing process isn’t linear. “Eye Contact” gives both her and her audience an outlet to scream out those negative emotions and heal from the past.

Two corners of electronic dance music collided today as trance pioneerArmin van Buurenand acclaimed artist and musicianGryffinreleased their debut collab, ‘What Took You So Long’. The track has been highly anticipated by fans since news of a joint studio session was shared by the artists on social media last fall.

While Gryffin has cemented himself in the crossover and future bass scenes with his previous two albums, he’s now embracing his dance-centric roots to the fullest, signaled by tracks that will ultimately feature on his forthcoming album,PULSE. Similarly, Armin van Buuren has been revisiting the faster BPMs and uplifting vibes of his early days in his recent album,Breathe In. ‘What Took You So Long’ captures this significant moment for both artists, intertwining a dynamic mix of dance and trance elements.

On the linkup, Gryffin said,“‘What Took You So Long’ came about in a session I was in with Armin, Jake Torrey, Madison Love and Toby Gad. I remember we were all talking when Armin told us a story around the concept of finding the love of your life and wondering why it took so long to find your person. All of us immediately thought the idea was incredibly powerful. From there, we started working on the production and I told Armin about the direction I was taking with my new album. We decided to dive head-first into the 140 bpm trance world and felt like the intense emotional instrumental perfectly complemented Madison’s vocals. Overall, I couldn’t be more excited with how it came out and to share it with the fans.”

emerging folk artist Peri Rae releases her sophom*ore EP ‘i moved to the beach’, which is made up of five stunning tracks, two of which being brand new singles titled ‘i get s.a.d’ and ‘i don’t know how to’. The project is inspired by Peri’s roots to nature, and the healing qualities within it, whilst showcasing the delicacy and vulnerability in her artistic delivery. The project is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.

Take a listen to ‘i moved to the beach’ below:

https://apollodistro.lnk.to/perirae

Peri’s EP ‘i moved to the beach’ tells the next chapter in her story following on from her debut EP release last year. The first EP being about escaping London, and learning to love herself, and the present release written with intricate vulnerabilities about her mental health in regards to her move to Cornwall, falling in love and being heartbroken – adventuring and growing up.

Her sound has matured with her experience too. The richer, guitar-heavy, lyrically-erudite tracks in ‘i moved to the beach’, created on a 10-day stay at the iconic White Star Studios in Virginia, USA with her band and producer John Trainum (Kanye West, Kate Bollinger), are a testament to her maturing as an artist.

Drawing inspiration from artists from Phoebe Bridgers, to Mumford and Sons, to Ben Howard. This EP acts as a showcase of Peri’s capabilities – what can’t she do? With angry pop-rock anthems like ‘small talk’ to the live, outdoor recorded lullaby that is ‘i get s.a.d.’. Peri’s versatility is celebrated on this record with a triumph that leaves her audience drenched in trepidation as to where she might go next musically.

Her music delves into some of the most vulnerable parts of what it means to be human, trauma, heartbreak, insecurity, depression, but despite this remains hopeful, aligning with her belief that humanity always comes out on top. Peri’s aim through her music is to connect with people through sharing her experiences. Ultimately, ‘i moved to the beach’ is a form of therapy, a gift from Peri, to help you heal.

GRAMMY-nominatedglobal artistMatt Bhas released two feel-good singles, “Need Some Wine” and “My Way,” out today viaVitae Records. The lighthearted track “Need Some Wine” serves as a reminder to take a step back, enjoy yourself, and get your body moving. Embracing his sensual side both lyrically and sonically, “My Way” is an ode to how body language can influence your affection toward someone you care about.

Alongside the release,Mattshares the music video for “Need Some Wine,” directed by hiswife, manager, and producerAngela Benson. “I wanted to channel the freedom and carefree spirit of the song,” sharesMatt.“Having my dancers ‘The Chocolate Drops’ as a part of it allows for another level of movement and spirit to the visual. Dance is an extension of music and allows for people to connect with a record on a deeper and personal level, it vibrates through your soul.”Check it outHERE.

Sue Decker’s rich and warm voice, distinctive slide guitar playing, and authentic songwriting make for a powerful combination. Ever since learning to play her first guitar chords in a bluegrass jam at the age of thirty-five, Sue has been discovering her truth in song. These days, her music inhabits the borderlands where blues, folk, country, and soul meet. “We have proof here that Ry Cooder and Lucinda Williams once hooked up. Decker is a mind-blowing talent not to be missed.” ~ Midwest Record.

March 2024 sees the release of Sue’s second album, Keeping Time. She collaborated with sought-after roots producer Steve Dawson to record at The Henhouse Studio in Nashville. Powerful, intimate, and playful songs made the cut for this long-awaited record. Killer playing by Steve on guitars and pedal steel alongside supreme Nashville session musicians Dave Jacques on bass and Justin Amaral on drums give each song a first-rate platform for Sue’s dynamic vocals.

On Keeping Time, Sue’s unique capacity for pairing meaningful and topical lyrics with ear-catching melodies shines through. True to her aim as a songwriter, she uses ordinary language to fuse everyday moments with the unspeakable and the extraordinary. The album title comes from a line in one of the songs, but it felt right to describe the whole album. The recording process was mostly live-off-the-floor playing music together in real time. The songs hold a lifetime of experiences within small moments—looking back on the past and what was not meant to be, current challenges we’re all facing, and preparing for what the future may hold.

In 2019, Sue released her debut full length album Outskirts of Love to international acclaim. “Decker’s songs and vocals show her to be an artist with a great future . . . marvelous stuff.” (John Valenteyn, Toronto Blues Society). Outskirts delivered twelve original songs with passion and honesty, spanning solo country blues, evocative ballads, and full band soul arrangements. “Sue Decker has one of the most remarkable voices I have heard for many a day. She has a warm voice, deep and strong and there is a haunting quality to it that gave me chills when I first put the album on . . . the whole thing is a terrific listen.” ~ Blues Matters UK.

Sultry pop artist Lily Lane has just released her fiery new single “Burn It Down.” Her energetic vocals with thundering drum backing make for a profound female empowerment anthem. “It is a song that says, I have your back, and also don’t f*ck with me,” says Lane. “It is a love song for baddies.”Drawing inspiration from icons like Lana Del Rey and Kelly Clarkson, the track seamlessly blends moody undertones with a sense of hopefulness, resulting in an anthem for the confident lover girl.“Burn It Down” is now available to stream and download worldwide.

In “Burn It Down,” Lily Lane crafts a compelling narrative of feminine grit and vulnerability. With lyrics that speak to the heart of every woman who knows her worth, the song captures the essence of being both a fearless warrior and a tender soul. Lane’s poignant words echo a sentiment of empowerment, declaring a message of “I love you so much, but I also know who I am, and if you choose to walk away, I will light a fire to everything we have built and start over because I have the strength to do that too.” Lane describes “Burn It Down” as an ode for the bad girls, embodying the spirit of a woman in her villain era and soft girl era simultaneously. “This song is about being a badass powerful woman and having the strength to start wars and burn down cities but instead using that strength to be vulnerable and find love and give it all to someone,” Penned by Lane herself and produced by Taylor Sparks (Ryan Tedder, Kelsea Ballerini), “Burn It Down” is a powerful anthem to lift women up and remind them of who they are.

Yarin Glam is a pop, R&B artist from Los Angeles. Born and raised in Israel, Yarin’s Middle Eastern background shines through her music as she brings her authentic self into each project she pursues. Her music touches on topics including female empowerment, mental health and self-love, and is reminiscent of the likes of Rihanna, Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish.

Her latest single, “Own Worst Enemy” narrates the songwriter’s own experience with self sabotage, low self-esteem and generally not being your own friend. As she opens up about her inner-battles, Yarin reminds listeners to be kind to yourself and learn how to be your own best friend, not your enemy. The songwriter shares, “I’ve lived my whole life being my own worst enemy and I’ve decided to write about that. It’s a dark place, but there’s hope. You can get out of it.”

Sonically, “Own Worst Enemy” shimmers with celestial synths, oscillating beats and a swirling melody that undulates beneath Yarin’s velvet vocals.

With the goal to create music for others to relate to and feel liberated by, Yarin’s songwriting acts as a reminder that we are not alone in life. She confides, “I’d say I write a lot about mental health, my struggles with it, the struggles of being a woman in this toxic society we have. I write about those subjects because I want others to know that they’re not alone in this.”

Yarin Glam has garnered over a million streams for her music, had the privilege of working with Grammy award-winning producers and toured the US and Canada with Emblem3. Starting the year with a bang, 2024 is set to be an exciting chapter for this artist on the rise.

International Bluegrass phenomSierra Hullbrought herTip Toe High Wiretour to St. Louis last night to the historic midwest music venue The Sheldon Concert Hall. She brought up a familiar St. Louis-based musician, her friendDevon Allman(son of Gregg Allman), and his guitaristJackson Stokesfor a spooky rendition of The Allman Brothers Band’s “End of the Line.”The trio brought the house down trading licks and utilizing the natural dynamics of the room.

WATCHDEVON ALLMAN AND SIERRA HULL PERFORM “END OF THE LINE”

Hull and Allman first performed the song together on The Allman Betts Family Revival Tour last year at the Beacon Theater in New York City among other cities.Hull’s tour is wrapping its midwest leg while Allman is planning for Allman Betts Band reunion shows in the spring in Australia and the United States with Japan in July and his also readying his next solo album.

East-side Tampa Bay rapperRublowshares a brand new single,“Rappin N Trappin”out now viaCash Money Records. ListenHERE.

The track’s skittering beat brushes up against his confident cadence as he asserts his authority proclaiming,“I’m in the water with these sharks. You gonna sink or swim!”His lyrical barrage and the immediately chantablechorus reel the listener in.Check out the premiere of the knockout music video out now on YouTube.See ItHERE.

It lands in the wake of his most recent critically acclaimed release“NoWeight.”Beyond plugs fromHipHopSince87and more,Hype Off Lifeapplauded,“The 2-minute track is a short and sweet one that packs the rawness of a freestyle,”andATTACK THE CULTUREhighlighted how“Rublowcomes through slapping.”

Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer