Philly Post Hardcore Quintet Amora Announce Their "Cutting Teeth" EP, Due Out on August 12th
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based post-hardcore quintet Amora are set to release their “Cutting Teeth” EP on August 12th via Fred Mascherino's Heading East Records.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based post-hardcore quintet Amora are set to release their Cutting Teeth EP on August 12 via Fred Mascherino's Heading East Records.
The EP is the result of a songwriting session that found the band locking themselves in a cabin in order to dig deeper and write on a more grandiose scale than they ever had previously. Produced by Fred Mascherino, a musician who has cut his teeth in Breaking Pangaea, Taking Back Sunday, Terrible Things, The Color Fred and more, the effort offers a look at Amora's cold and erratic side (songs such as “Stay Pony, Golden Boy” and “Shutter”), and delivering hard-hitting instrumentals and vocals that walk the line of melody and ferocity.
"I love the way Amora combines different styles into their brand of hardcore," Mascherino says. "They had a song where they wrote this busy bassline and their guitarist Tristan told me it was inspired by Anti-Flag.
"Another song, 'Shutter,' has four different members of the band singing lead vocals on it," he adds. "I just love how they aren't worried about anything other than getting their vision for the song across. They make super eclectic, but well though-out, hardcore songs."
Melodic House Producer Fløa Unveils His Six-Track EP "Anna", Featuring Norwegian Label Veteran Astroleaf on Monstercat
Following a string of fan-favourite releases on @Monstercat, rising deep and melodic house artist @Fløamusic has revealed his impressive EP ‘Anna’, featuring multi-faceted singer, songwriter, and producer, @Astroleaf.
Following a string of fan-favourite releases on Monstercat, rising deep and melodic house artist Fløa has revealed his impressive EP ‘Anna’, featuring multi-faceted singer, songwriter, and producer, Astroleaf. The six-track package includes the beautifully-haunting title track, which the duo collaborated on. Astroleaf gathered inspiration for the lyrics from the TV show Arcane, during a scene in which mayhem ensues when a character tries to help their friends, but ends up causing nothing short of heartbreak. Also featured on the package are new tracks “Journey” and “Watch When I’m Near”, plus three extended mixes that champion Fløa’s moody undertones and textural melodies.
Fløa shares, “This EP is a tribute to the people who have appeared in my life, in particular my girlfriend. In life, everything can collapse, but one day you realize that this journey will lead you to the right place.”
Astroleaf adds, “The title song “Anna” tells a story of a person who has done something terrible and unforgivable that was caused by accident. The agony and uncertainty of not knowing if they will ever be forgiven for their actions causes cracks in their sanity, while having to live with the thought of "what if'' their whole life.”
Listen to “Anna” now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Fløa on his social media.
Run the Jewels and Brooklyn Brewery's New Craft Beer Collaboration Launches
@RunJewels, the prolific duo of Killer Mike and EL-P, and renowned craft beer stalwarts Brooklyn Brewery, who helped pioneer the American craft beer revolution, have launched their new collaborative brew - a double pilsner, dubbed 36” Chain.
Run The Jewels, the prolific duo of Killer Mike and EL-P, and renowned craft beer stalwarts Brooklyn Brewery, who helped pioneer the American craft beer revolution, launch their new collaborative brew - a double pilsner, dubbed 36” Chain. This limited edition release is rolling out throughout NYC, and will be available at the group’s landmark run of five live concerts at MSG in August, as well as via BaRTJ, the group’s own newly launched direct-to-consumer ordering service.
Featuring striking artwork created by label design contest winner Matt C. Harvey, 36” Chain is a satisfyingly snappy double pilsner made with fonio, an ancient West African grain renowned for its resilience and unique flavor. It has golden notes of lychee with light honey, an assertively crisp finish, and pairs well with many of Run the Jewels’ favorite foods and activities: bagels, lemon pepper wings, cheesy grits, burgers and fries, and, of course, loud music. Special 36” Chain limited edition merchandise, including hats and pint glasses will also be available for sale, starting August 8th.
“Run The Jewels is out there with an edge and a message, so we definitely didn't want to just phone this one in,” explains Brooklyn Brewery’s James Beard Award-winning brewmaster Garrett Oliver. “When I met with the band, I joked that I wanted to make a "tactical pilsner" - a beer that "tastes like beer", but has some refreshing bite and fruitiness that comes from the use of fonio. And it's a little bit strong because nothing RTJ does is light!”
In keeping with Run The Jewels’ commitment to putting money back into the communities where their beers are made, a portion of proceeds from the sale of 36” Chain will be donated to the Red Hook Art Project, (R.H.A.P). The organization’s mission is “rooted in the conviction that creative self-expression is a transformative experience that enriches individuals and communities,” and as such they work to provide a space where young people feel safe and supported as they develop their voices through artistic projects and activities.
Brooklyn native EL-P states, “On our unexpected journey into the craft of brewing, we’ve been fortunate to work with an amazing community of artists & enthusiasts from all over the world, and we couldn’t be more excited about our new collaboration with the good people at Brooklyn Brewery. From the moment we talked to them, it was clear that they truly care about what they are doing and they really get where we are coming from. This one is going to be special.”
DJ/Producer The GOAT Makes His Most Expansive Creative Statement Yet With "The Details Are Vague" Album
One of Vancouver's finest electronic music exports, trending DJ and producer The GOAT has prepared his most expansive creative statement yet with new album "The Details Are Vague", out now via Groundwerk Recordings.
One of Vancouver's finest electronic music exports, trending DJ and producer The GOAT has prepared his most expansive creative statement yet with new album "The Details Are Vague", out now via Groundwerk Recordings. The GOAT is the musical alias of Chris Marcinikiewicz, whose uniquely potent signature sound is best described as 'peak-time, after-hours techno steeped in minimalism and dark, abstract textures'. Undeniably hard-hitting and steeped with shadowy fire, Marcinikiewicz masterfully fuses Techno, Industrial and Ambient sounds to create a commanding wall of sound.
The GOAT is no stranger to the music scene. He has been performing electronic music throughout Western Canada since the early 2000's, and shared the stage with artists like Chris Liebing, Layton Giordani, D-Unity, Ramon Tapia, Kevin Saunderson, Dave Angel, and Claude Young.
His first release as The GOAT (2016's "Flout" EP) entered Beatport’s Top 100 Techno Releases chart, and climbed to the top 10 on the Top 100 Minimal Releases. He followed this release with 8 singles, 3 EP's, and now the new full-length album "The Details Are Vague".
“This music on The Details Are Vague didn’t come from an easy place. These last few years were very emotionally taxing and there was a lot of uncertainty with it. As we all went through it, I felt like I wanted to tap into that. I wanted the unease of this past year to live inside the music. So you’ll hear a lot of depth to the design.
A lot of techno draws from dystopian imagery and art concepts and things. I just wanted it to sound human. Nothing about it is pretty. And a lot of it will have frailty to it. It reflects how delicate we are as humans in life. But also how fickle people can be towards each other. ” - Chris Marcinikiewicz
As if the expansive new album wasn't enough, The GOAT has two follow up EP's completed, each featuring international remixers reworking tracks from the album. JFK of MSTRKRFT, Risa Taniguchi, Joel West, ANNA V, MÆDON, & Alex Bau will all be contributing mixes for the EP's, released on July 8th and due on August 12th.
Austin Multi-Instrumentalist/Producer 1st Base Runner Releases His New EP "Light Roars"
"Light Roars" is the 3rd official EP offering from award-winning Austin, TX experimental indie rock multi-instrumentalist and producer 1st Base Runner. Listen to this project now!
"Light Roars" is the 3rd official EP offering from award-winning Austin, TX experimental indie rock multi-instrumentalist and producer 1st Base Runner. Following up the acclaimed releases "Seven Years of Silence" and "Ellis" (which charted on the NACC Radio Top 200 for 6 + weeks upon it's release), "Light Roars" enhances the edgy post-punk, gothic atmospherics and expansive post-rock elements of the project as well as the dark, emotionally poignant lyrical themes.
"Light Roars" finds 1st Base Runner's Tim Husmann adding live drums and bigger guitars to his signature sound, making this a heavier, more rhythmic collection than it's predecessors. Husmann has also assembled a full live band, recording a live EP and video series which will also see the light of day in 2022. The cover artwork for "Light Roars" continues Husmann's creative collaboration with the legendary Matt Needle. Moody, unpredictable and uncompromising, 1st Base Runner is the steadfast artistic Anti-Hero we need in 2022's repetitious music scene.
Under the guidance of longtime Radiohead Creative Director Dilly Gent, the project will soon release a video for menacing EP closer "Planter".
Fans of artists as varied as My Bloody Valentine, Radiohead, Joy Division, Nine Inch Nails, Aphex Twin and Godspeed! You Black Emperor should find common threads in 1st Base Runner's music.
Rochester, NY's 38 Spesh Announces New Project "7 Shots", and Releases "Last Gasp", With Ransom
To get listeners ready for what they are about to experience on “7 Shots”, @iamSpesh is sparking it off with the project's lead single “Last Gasp,” which features TRUST mob capo, Ransom. “7 Shots” drops on 8/12.
A few things in life still live up to expectations. One of them is hearing 38 Spesh and Ransom barring up on a track together; which they do on the just-released single “Last Gasp.”
38 Spesh has been so focused on producing for the last year, rappers finally got a chance to breathe. But that will end when he releases his forthcoming project 7 Shots, which will once again demonstrate how effortless emceeing is for the Rochester mastermind.
Upstate boss 38 Spesh is known for dropping guest verses that are the highlight of other artists’ albums. He has quietly become tastemakers’ top pick for “next to blow.” Just ask DJ Premier, Sway, Method Man, Lloyd Banks, or Mistah FAB. Further, his ear for talent heralded the arrival of Che Noir and the reemergence of Ransom. Not to mention, he signed Benny The Butcher to his label almost a decade before he entered the spotlight. And as far as his production, he may be the most slept-on beat-maker in the game. He has crafted tailor-made, distinctive sound beds for a who’s who list of emcees in the new underground.
Though Spesh has been content to play the background while helping others move to the forefront, starting this summer, he is about to go on an epic run, as its time for Spesh to take his place among the scene’s elite; and it all starts with his upcoming 7 Shots, the third installment in his evolving fan-favorite “Shots Series.”
To get listeners ready for what they are about to experience on 7 Shots, Spesh is sparking it off with the project's lead single “Last Gasp,” which features TRUST mob capo, Ransom.
Check out “Last Gasp” below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with 38 Spesh on his social media. Also, be on the lookout for “7 Shots”, which will be released on 8/12.
Apollo Brown Releases His New Instrumental Album "This Must Be the Place"
Prolific Michigan producer Apollo Brown is proud to announce “This Must Be The Place”, his first instrumental album in 8 years, is out now on Mello Music Group. Listen to this DOPE new project now!
Prolific Michigan producer Apollo Brown is proud to announce This Must Be The Place, his first instrumental album in 8 years, is out now on Mello Music Group. For the veteran beatmaker, the new album is a self-reflection in beat form over his 15-year career working with artists including Ghostface Killah, Danny Brown, Joell Ortiz, Roc Marciano, Stalley, Raheem DeVaughn, and many more.
Recorded over the past two years of the pandemic in his home studio Brown Study, Apollo Brown transposes the happiness he’s found in his career, family, and circle of friends into his new album, This Must Be The Place. Brown explains the meaning behind the title, “It's that peaceful place in your existence where you've always dreamt of being, the attainment of certain emotional, physical, and spiritual elements that make you whole, and being so comfortable with life, that you could sit on the edge of a cliff and fly a kite.”
The creation process for this album is especially unique when compared to Apollo Brown’s previous work. Highly-revered for digging in the crates and his traditional sample use, Brown chose a different method for making This Must Be The Place, pulling from compositions by some of his trusted sound designer colleagues. Brown explains, “I wanted to craft this album out of modern instrumentation. The result is just what I wanted.” This Must Be the Place is a continuation of Brown’s celebrated 2011 album, Clouds, as well as a departure from it. Clouds was melancholic boom-bap made for the fall, the soundtrack to a ruminative walk through a leaf-strewn park beneath gray skies, but Brown’s new album “This Must Be the Place” trades somberness for warm nostalgia and glimmers of hope. Brown offers moments for reflective gratitude and portals of escape through new permutations of East Coast-rooted boom-bap, his drums hitting with concussive force as snares crack like ice on midwestern lakes.
For every instrumental that inspires reflection, another transports you above the clouds and to the cosmos. At every sonic turn, This Must Be The Place can remind you to appreciate living the life you imagined or push you as you navigate there. Brown concludes, “It definitely encapsulates my gratitude for my career, family, friends, supporters, and the growing world around me.”
Listen to “This Must Be the Place” below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Apollo Brown on his social media.
Mass Appeal's DJ Premier: HIP HOP 50th Anniversary EP Drops This Friday, July 15th
@MassAppeal has announced that “DJ Premier: Hip Hop 50 Volume 1” - the 1st EP as part of Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack - will be released on July 15th. The EP will be produced by the legendary DJ Premier, and includes all-new, original music from Nas, Lil Wayne, Run The Jewels, Joey Bada$$, Remy Ma, Rapsody and Slick Rick.
Mass Appeal has announced that “DJ Premier: Hip Hop 50 Volume 1” - the 1st EP as part of Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack - will be released on July 15th. Produced by the legendary DJ Premier, the 5-track project will celebrate the sounds of one of Hip Hops most prolific producers and include all-new, original music from Nas, Lil Wayne, Run The Jewels, Joey Bada$$, Remy Ma, Rapsody and Slick Rick.
Its an honor to kick off this iconic Hip Hop 50 music program. Hip Hop continues to inspire fans across the globe and its incredible to think of what the next 50-years will bring DJ Premier affirmed.
The Soundtrack will encompass a series of 10 EPs of all newly released music that will bring together the industrys most highly regarded producers who are defining the culture in celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop. Following DJ Premiers EP release, fans can look forward to new music curated by Swizz Beatz, Mustard, The-Dream, Mike Will Made It, No I.D., Hit-Boy, Take A Daytrip and Tainy.
The entire series will be distributed via Mass Appeals new deal with The Orchard. Bringing together some of the biggest names in Hip Hop, this project will further solidify the #HipHop50 movement as it not only captures 50 years of culture but will also honor some of the latest and greatest to do it. A portion of all #HipHop50 proceeds will be donated to various charitable organizations, including, the Universal Hip Hop Museum set to open its doors in 2024.
Mass Appeals massive #HipHop50 initiative includes strategic partnerships, immersive global activations and innovative content/programming in celebration of Hip Hops 50th birthday. Mass Appeal recently announced its partnership with Live Nation Urban to produce live event programming. From Park Jams to Festival stages, this partnership will create moments that will bring together the voices that turned Hip Hop into a way of life.
Additionally, Mass Appeal has its #HipHop50 premium content partnership with Paramount + / Showtime, which has aired documentaries such as: YOURE WATCHING VIDEO MUSIC BOX, CYPRESS HILL: INSANE IN THE BRAIN and more. Fans can look forward to SUPREME TEAM premiering on July 10th. Last year, Mass Appeal also launched its Spotify Original podcast - The Bridge: 50 Years of Hip Hop - hosted by Grammy-Award winning artist Nas and radio personality Minya Miss Info Oh.
About #HipHop50
With 2023 marking Hip Hops 50th anniversary, Mass Appeal developed #HipHop50 - a massive cross-platform initiative aimed at celebrating Hip Hops momentous anniversary in the most authentic and globally impactful way possible. #HipHop50 is a multi-year celebration that includes strategic partnerships and immersive global activations - all accompanied by charitable elements. As 2023 approaches, #HipHop50 will create once-in-a-lifetime moments featuring the iconic voices that have transcended culture.
About Mass Appeal
Mass Appeal is an entertainment company dedicated to telling stories from the perspective of those who shape and shift culture. Since 1996, we have documented the emerging movements that influence popular ideas. Today, Mass Appeal is the elevated voice of Hip Hop and its ever-expanding sphere of influence. Integrated offerings in content, music, and creative services stoke Mass Appeals ability to maximize the impact of our output. Our diverse school of thought separates us from friends and foes alike.
Pre-Save “DJ PREMIER: HIP HOP 50 VOLUME 1”: HERE
Rising Pop/Rock Artist Mistine Releases Her Story-Driven Nostalgic Debut "FADE" EP
Emerging from touring with Conan Gray, WizTheMC, and Zeph, log cabin-born but Jersey-bred @Mistinemusic has just released her debut project, “FADE”.
Emerging from touring with Conan Gray, WizTheMC, and Zeph, log cabin-born but Jersey-bred Mistine has just released her debut project. “FADE” tells the story of five meaningful connections experienced throughout one chaotic year. This record will take listeners through a full spectrum of emotions that will have them blasting the songs in their car with the windows down, crying with their friends about a past relationship, and dancing all night long while screaming the lyrics in their bedrooms.
Mistine narrates the beauty of different relationships and explores the intangible feelings that can exist between two people. From a romantic summer fling based down the Jersey Shore to a moonlit midnight club anthem, this record encapsulates nostalgic story-based pop. This EP was made to listen to while you’re driving in your car, right before sunset when the sky is just turning orange, with the windows down, and your hair is flowing in the breeze. Timeless nostalgia. Through high energy guitar guitars, glistening synths, and conversational vocals, this record will without a doubt be playing in your head all year long.
Mistine wrote and produced this EP mostly over FaceTime from various locations around NJ and LA with her old college roomate and new producer friend from the UK. This release is available on all streaming platforms, followed by a music video for the title track, new merch line, and an acoustic version of the entire record, all released before the end of summer. Are you ready to fade into the record?
ABISHA's EP "Everything Falls Into Place" Drops on Friday, July 15th
London queer artist @ABISHA upcoming sophomore EP “Everything Falls Into Place” on Friday, July 15th. It’s a collection of six tracks where she toys with elements of electropop, UK garage, and garage pop.
London queer artist ABISHA‘s upcoming sophomore EP “Everything Falls Into Place” on Friday, July 15th. It’s a collection of six tracks where she toys with elements of electropop, UK garage, and garage pop.
The EP is the follow up of her 2020 debut record “Scorpio”, which is closely tied to her coming-of-age journey of finding self-acceptance while also delving into some of the mental challenges that she faced during the process.
Growing up as the only black queer person in her hometown of Devon, ABISHA has always wrestled with her identity and finding her community. It took many hard years of practicing self-love and discovery that have helped her build her bold artistry. With “Everything Falls Into Place”, she mirrors a more optimistic headspace where she showcases a newfound confidence while also celebrating her relationships that have helped her get through these past few years of uncertainty. The EP includes her fan and radio favorites including the title track “Everything Falls Into Place” ft. Double S and “Home To You.” See their music videos below.
Since debuting back in 2017, the young artist has received support from tastemakers around the globe including DAZED, i-D, Billboard / Billboard Pride, BBC Introducing, COLORSXSTUDIOS, Earmilk, gal-dem, Complex, DUMMY, High Snobiety, NYLON, Gay Times, and many more. Every song mirrors a new side of her that keeps evolving as she continues to work on herself and supporting values she believes in. Beyond music, she is also the ambassador of LGBTQ mental health organization MindOut where she’s been using her platforms to raise awareness and open conversations around LGBTQ mental health.
Be on the lookout for ABISHA’s EP, “Everything Falls Into Place”, on July 15th, and connect with her on social media!
Connect with ABISHA: Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook
Bull City Summit Summer Showcase Coming This Friday, in Durham, NC
On Friday, June 24th, from 6pm - 10pm, Bull City Summit (BCS) and Love Tito's presents a free music and arts evening showcase at Durham Central Park.
On Friday, June 24th, from 6pm - 10pm, Bull City Summit (BCS) and Love Tito's presents a free music and arts evening showcase at Durham Central Park. Come on out for an evening a live music, live and digital art, crafts, food trucks, and more, as they showcase the winners of the Spring 2022 BCS Arts Grant Program in partnership with The Durham Arts Council.
Connect with Bull City Summit: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Imagine Dragons Meets Kanye West With RAGS and RICHES' Debut Album "ALWAYS GOLD"
Kentucky brothers @_ragsandriches have released their debut album entitled “ALWAYS GOLD”, featuring ten tracks all covering a multitude of emotions and feelings they experience in life, including time, stress, money, happiness, anger and faith.
RAGS AND RICHES are an adrenalized, American pop-rock band hailing from Lexington, Kentucky. Formed in 2017, the band features brothers Tanner & Peyton Whitt. Over the last four years, the band has discovered their unique sound, identity and aesthetic.
Through their organic, kaleidoscope of creative abilities the brothers hope to be a light to guide people for owning what it is to be human - to grab life by the horns and live to the fullest, embracing all the twists and turns on the rollercoaster of it all. They share, “Our music is written to inspire others and spark hope for everyone to leave their legacy with the time they are given. No matter what is weighing on you in the present, or if you feel surrounded by your stress and anxiety, let that be a part of who you are and use that as motivation. This world is yours for the taking.”
Their debut album “ALWAYS GOLD” features ten tracks all covering a multitude of emotions and feelings that we experience in life. Touching on themes ranging from time, stress, money, happiness, anger and faith, the album is an honest and true reflection of everyday life. They share, “Since these songs were mostly written in the beginning phases of RAGS AND RICHES, we were focused on what life looks like as a band and a future in the music industry. That is how a lot of these topics popped up.”
A colorful concoction of sounds and styles, the band take inspiration from the likes of Imagine Dragons, Twenty One Pilots and Kanye West. Bursting with life and full of attitude, the album is fast-paced and energetic, as thundering percussion, animated guitars, throbbing basslines and quirky synths provide the foundations to this deliciously extravagant release.
RAGS AND RICHES have impressively clocked close to three million Spotify streams and had numerous TV appearances on shows such as Morning Show, Everyday Kentucky and Good Day Kentucky. With the hope to inspire a generation of dreamers, RAGS AND RICHES continue to forge ahead with the unveiling of their debut album.
LANDR Launches Its First Remix Challenge, Hosted by LXGEND
The one-stop music creation platform LANDR now lets established artists and brands partner with creators and fans to create, release, own and promote songs, transforming casual music listeners and fans into A&R powerhouses.
The one-stop music creation platform now lets established artists and brands partner with creators and fans to create, release, own and promote songs, transforming casual music listeners and fans into A&R powerhouses.
LANDR is redefining collective creation and promotion of new music with the launch of LANDR Challenges. Each challenge will feature established music artists, influencers and brands as “hosts” who provide curated content to be used in the creation of original music or remixes by Challenge contestants. Participation is free, and contestants are encouraged to share their creations with family, friends, and networks. The goal: Gain as many votes for their tracks as possible.
“We’re fostering a new sense of co-creation and community ownership, to support what many in the creator economy are trying to do on their own. The experience will give everyone that extra little nudge to inspire, if they are the host, or to push themselves to up their game, if they are submitting a track,” explains Daniel Rowland, award-winning producer and Head of Strategy and Partnership at LANDR. “The community aspect will open up new connections and new ways of making and sharing music together.”
Finalists for Challenges will be determined exclusively through fan voting, with the host reserving the right to choose between 1 and 20 winners from that list. And unlike most music contests, the fans also have a stake in the outcome as up to 100 voters of the winning track(s) will receive 10% of ownership shares when the song(s) are released, with the rest going to the host and winning contestant(s).
“We see Challenges as a new addition to other fan engagement and promotion approaches,” Rowland notes. “Artists or brands can launch a Challenge to celebrate a new release or to get fans involved in a remix or other creative project or campaign. Fans can find a new way to get involved with the music they love by acting as A&R for the creative community. It puts a different spin on the artist-fan relationship that will encourage creativity and meaningful connections.”
The kick-off Challenge will be hosted by LXGEND, a producer, songwriter, artist, and online educator with a devoted fan community, soon followed by Austin Millz and Social House.
About LANDR
Founded in 2014, LANDR is a platform where music makers can create, master, and distribute their music. Powered by a passionate team of engineers, producers, and musicians, LANDR continues their groundbreaking work at the intersection of music and technology, combining the broadest set of tools and services in the industry under one platform to support both emerging and professional creators.
Apollo Brown Announces New Album "This Must Be the Place" Due Out July 8th, and Shares New Single "It Just Is"
Legendary Detroit beatmaker @ApolloBrown announces his new album “This Must Be the Place” due out July 8th on Mello Music Group, and drops the lead single “It Just Is”.
Detroit beatmaker Apollo Brown announces his new album “This Must Be the Place” due out July 8th on Mello Music Group. “This Must Be The Place” is the prolific veteran producer’s first instrumental project in 8 years! Along with the announcement, Brown drops the album’s lead single “It Just Is”. Highlighted by shimmering synths, the lo-fi Hip-Hop tune serves as a brilliant teaser for the upcoming album.
“This Must Be the Place” is a continuation of Brown’s celebrated 2011 album, “Clouds”, as well as a departure from it. “Clouds” was melancholic boom-bap made for the fall, the soundtrack to a ruminative walk through a leaf-strewn park beneath gray skies, but Brown’s new album “This Must Be the Place” trades somberness for warm nostalgia and glimmers of hope. Brown offers moments for reflective gratitude and portals of escape through new permutations of East Coast-rooted boom-bap, his drums hitting with concussive force as snares crack like ice on midwestern lakes.
Though Brown is a consummate and discerning crate digger, he sought different source material for “This Must Be the Place.” After soliciting compositions from ten trusted sound designers, Brown holed up in his basement home studio, looping, chopping, and deconstructing their work to create 21 wide-ranging productions. Thumping music box grooves (“Butter”) and wistful, jazz-imbued suites (“Nervous Goodbyes”) bump next to ethereal intergalactic funk, beats accented by synths that glint like stars shooting past psychedelic nebulae with drums seemingly sourced from colliding asteroids (“Escapism,” “Jupiter Gold”). For every instrumental that inspires reflection, another transports you above the clouds and to the cosmos. At every sonic turn, “This Must Be the Place” can remind you to appreciate living the life you imagined or push you as you navigate there.
In Apollo’s extensive catalog, knocking instrumental projects like “Clouds” (2011) and the noir-tinged “Thirty Eight” (2014) bump alongside acclaimed full-length albums with revered and elite veterans: Ghostface Killah (The Brown Tape), Ras Kass (Blasphemy), OC (Trophies), Planet Asia (Anchovies), Skyzoo (The Easy Truth), Stalley (Blacklight), and Joell Ortiz (Mona Lisa). On 2021’s “Lovesick”, Apollo adapted his sound for R&B and the velvety vocals of Raheem Devaughn. His collaborations always occur in the studio, as he cherishes the in-person synergy that yields each album’s cohesiveness.
Prolific Michigan producer Apollo Brown transposes the happiness he’s found in his career, family, and circle of friends into his new album. Brown is excited to release “This Must Be the Place” on July 8th via Mello Music Group.
Pre-order “This Must Be the Place”: https://orcd.co/thismustbetheplace and connect with Apollo Brown on his social media.
California Metalcore Band SECRETS Release Their Ferocious New Album "The Collapse"
CA based metalcore stalwarts @secretsofficial have released their crushing new album “The Collapse” on Velocity Records. The album is a caustic 12 track tour-de-force of metalcore fury that is equal parts aggressive and emotive.
CA based metalcore stalwarts SECRETS released their crushing new album The Collapse on Velocity Records. Garnering steady hype from a dynamic series of singles including titular track "The Collapse" and follow up "Get Outta My Head", the new album showcases the bands relentless creative drive and ability to craft heavy music that has solidified their place as one of the most exciting voices in their genre and beyond. The record was produced by long time collaborator Tom Denney (formerly of ADTR).
The Collapse is a caustic 12 track tour-de-force of metalcore fury that is equal parts aggressive and emotive. Angular riffs weave in and out of each other building to explosive crescendos supported by a brutally heavy grooves. Powerhouse vocals courtesy of the bands dual frontmen juxtapose soaring melodies against anguished and guttural screams, delivering lyrics with chilling effect. The band doesn't shy away from unknown territory - incorporating previously unexplored electronic elements and influences pulled from a gamut of genres that speak to the maturity of their songwriting ability. Focus track "Lost" is a ferocious statement piece on an album full of explosive moments, fans will undoubtably find themselves connecting with each song in new ways with every spin of the record. You can stream The Collapse here.
The band has this to say about their latest album:
"The Collapse is our 5th LP and was written in two parts, pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. The album covers topics of anxiety, depression, addiction, loss and hope. We wrote this album in one of the most confusing times we've ever experienced, but we believe that the best art comes from times of struggle and this collection of songs proves that. You can expect aggressive in your face breakdowns, soaring choruses, and lyrics straight from the heart. We want people to walk away from listening to this album a little shaken up, but ultimately left with a sense of hope that they're not alone in their struggle."
The band spent the early part of 2022 reintroducing audiences across the country to their massive sound as part of The Velocity Records Tour alongside labelmates Scary Kids Scaring Kids, D.R.U.G.S., Dead American and Glasslands. They plan to spend the remainder of this year touring in support of their new album and beginning work on their next studio offering.
Listen to SECRETS’ brand new album “The Collapse” right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with the band on their social media.
Demi Lovato Announces 8th Studio Album, "HOLY FVCK", Arriving August 19th
GRAMMY-nominated global superstar @ddlovato has announced their 8th studio album, HOLY FVCK, will be released on Friday, August 19th. The 16-track album is a sonic journey grounded in Demi’s rock and pop-punk roots and illustrates an earnest yet tongue-in-cheek retrospective of their life experiences.
GRAMMY-nominated global superstar Demi Lovato has announced their 8th studio album, HOLY FVCK, will be released on Friday, August 19, 2022 via Island Records. The 16-track album is a sonic journey grounded in Demi’s rock and pop-punk roots and illustrates an earnest yet tongue-in-cheek retrospective of their life experiences. HOLY FVCK is available for pre-order on Demi’s webstore HERE.
“The process of making this album has been the most fulfilling yet, and I’m grateful to my fans and collaborators for being on this journey with me. Never have I been more sure of myself and my music, and this record speaks that for itself. To my Lovatics who have been rocking out with me since the beginning and those who are just now coming along for the ride, thank you. This record is for you,” states Demi.
The album’s highly-anticipated lead single “Skin of My Teeth,” will arrive this Friday, June 10, alongside it’s music video. Demi will be performing the new song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this Thursday, June 9th. The infectious rock-laced track showcases Demi’s multi-faceted artistry and powerhouse vocals. The song was produced by Warren Felder (OAK), and written by Demi Lovato, Alex Niceforo, Keith Sorrells, Laura Veltz, and Aaron Puckett (lil aaron).
The album follows Demi’s critically acclaimed seventh studio album, Dancing With The Devil… The Art Of Starting Over, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Album Sales Chart and #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, following its release on April 2nd.
Be on the lookout for Demi’s new single, “Skin of My Teeth”, on Friday, the “HOLY FVCK” album on August 19th and connect with her on social media.