INsiders Guide: gavn!, beccs, Venusian Motel Guests, Soda Blonde, Stevie Toddler, Mau P… (2024)

Gavin Maher, known by his stage name gavn!, has been immersed in music since childhood, finding his voice through school choirs, discovering new sounds with friends, and honing his guitar skills. While pursuing higher education, his passion for creative writing enriched his songwriting prowess. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, gavn! channels his experiences into introspective narratives, exploring themes of loss, departure, and self-acceptance in his indie-folk compositions. A genuine artist, he infuses each creation with authenticity and relatability, ensuring his message resonates deeply with audiences.

Blending the soulful essence of folk with irresistible hooks, gavn! emerges as a versatile singer-songwriter with a distinctive sound. A master storyteller, he intricately intertwines personal anecdotes into his music, evoking raw emotions with every lyric and melody. Since his debut single in 2019, gavn! has garnered attention from esteemed platforms likeBillboardandDancing Astronaut, amassing a dedicated following of millions of monthly listeners on Spotify alone with over 163 million streams.

With each song, gavn! invites listeners into his world, offering a glimpse into the authentic vulnerability that defines his artistry. Committed to pushing creative boundaries, he continues to carve his path in the music industry, sharing his narratives and connecting with audiences on a profound level.

beccs is an indie pop artist hailed as one of NYLON Magazine’s “favorite cool girls”, A John Lennon Songwriting Finalist, and an “indie-pop vocalist of astonishing candor” by the HuffPost. Holding up a mirror to herself and society at large, beccs confronts and heals audiences with a soul-stirring voice that is as dynamic as it is vulnerable. Steeped in music from birth, fearless on stage from childhood, beccs – Becca Gastfriend at the time – was an innate songbird. She moved to New York to study acting at Tisch School of the Arts, where she began gigging and making her first record. Blending a playful modern songwriting with a powerful voice akin to classic 60’s Laurel Canyon, the indie pop artist has been critically acclaimed by Refinery29, NYLON, Atwood Magazine, Huffington Post Queer Voices, Popdust, LADYGUNN and featured on The BUILD Series with Monet X Change from RuPaul’s Drag Race for her queer-inclusive Christmas music video “Before This Christmas Ends“. beccs has toured the East Coast, played SXSW, and most recently opened for puss* Riot at Adhoc x Audiofemme’s unofficial SXSW showcase in Austin. Her upcoming EP stay moist is a bold, edgy indie pop record “bursting with color, soulful vocals…[and] a hook you won’t get out of your head.” –The Daily Skimm.

It is 2054. Earth has changed.

All Was Carbon is the first release from the synth and guitar experimental outfit, Venusian Motel Guests, a sonic postcard from the future about the runaway effects of climate change on Planet Earth — as experienced 30 years from now.

A suite of four conceptually linked tracks that portray different environmental symptoms of climate change, the All Was Carbon EP is a powerfully layered set of beautiful cinematic soundscapes, permeated by undercurrents of loss, urgency, and dread. Each piece respectively paints a tonal portrait of desertification, biodiversity loss, ocean-level rise, and forest fire. By turns both insistent and wistful, All Was Carbon is deeply alluring instrumental music, sounding seductive alarms about the future of our shared home.

Venusian Motel Guests is a musical collaboration between Mike Skagerlind and Chris Romero. Mike became fired up about climate change and environmental issues as the creator/producer/host of the Coffee At New Jersey Audubon podcast, where, without exception, all his shows over a two and a half year run (including interviews with broadcaster and writer Dr. Carl Safina, and National Book Award-winning author Jonathan Franzen), ended up discussing the alarming effects of climate change on wildlife and humanity. As a musician, he wanted to extend the clarion call to fight the causes of climate change in new directions, starting Venusian Motel Guests and composing the music on the EP. Mike plays electric and acoustic guitars and analog synth on All Was Carbon.

Chris is an active musician and audio engineer, playing with both Gamelan Dharma Swara, one of the leading Balinese gamelan and dance groups in the United States, and Numün, a NYC psychedelic instrumental trio with a history of gorgeously intriguing releases under their belt. On All Was Carbon, Chris played fretless guitar, bass guitar, digital synth, timbales and other percussion, and also mixed and mastered the EP.

The vocals on “Metrosands” and “The Re-entry of Embers” were performed by “guests of the motel” — Willa Roberts (Black Sea Hotel) and Lena Skagerlind respectively.

All the money raised from Bandcamp sales of All Was Carbon is going to the San Francisco-based Giving Green Fund (www.givinggreen.earth). The Giving Green Fund offers a convenient way for donors to support several high-impact climate strategies tackling the causes of climate change by allocating donations for All Was Carbon to where it will have the most impact, even as the climate landscape evolves.

https://venusianmotelguests.bandcamp.com/album/all-was-carbon

Irish indie-pop sensation Soda Blonde is back with a bold and thought-provoking new music video, “Why Die For Danzig”, out May 3rd. Directed by the band’s own Adam O’Regan, the visually stunning video challenges viewers to reconsider the intricate web of Western involvement in warfare.

“In our latest music video for ‘Why Die For Danzig,’ we challenge viewers to consider where Western involvement in warfare starts and ends”says lead singer Faye.“The video uses the setting of a commercial photoshoot to introduce a narrative that slowly unveils deeper and darker implications.”

“The conception of the project was born out of our decision to withdraw from SXSW, prompted by our stance against the festival’s links to weapons manufacturers and the military. Proudly funded by our members club, this video represents a significant milestone in our journey as independent artists.”

The Soda Blonde Members Club, launched in August 2023, is an exclusive, subscription-based community designed to offer a direct connection between the band and its most dedicated fans. Members enjoy unique benefits such as access to unreleased music, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and direct involvement in funding special projects. The club reflects Soda Blonde’s commitment to a fan-centered approach, promoting a sustainable model of engagement that empowers both the artist and their audience.

Soda Blonde’s trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Following the success of their debut album “Small Talk” in 2021, which received critical acclaim and was nominated for RTÉ’s Choice Music Prize for Album of the Year, the band has continued to evolve and their latest album, “Dream Big,”, also nominatedfor RTÉ’s Choice Music Prize for Album of the Year, showcases a mature awakening to the world at large.

As Soda Blonde continues to push boundaries and challenge conventions, “Why Die For Danzig” serves as a testament to their artistic integrity and unwavering commitment to addressing pressing societal issues.

Taking inspiration from the likes ofSt Vincent, Feist, Dirty Projectors, Nai Palm, Unknown Mortal Orchestra & Connan Mockasin,‘Last Time Forever’ is an enchanting piece rich in textures and dynamics.Having learnt classical double bass from age seven, and playing in orchestras as a child, it was in her teens that Stevie seriously felt music as a calling – when she picked up a bass guitar and got intoRadioheadandPixies. HearingEsperanza Spalding’s‘Chamber Music Society’made her realise“Oh – that’s actually possible for a bassist!”and the seeds of her solo project began to take root.

Throughout her new record, Stevie questions the idea of space and time within human interactions.“‘Last Time Forever’ is an isolated lyric from the album. The song is reflecting on the fact that there will be a final interaction between yourself and each person you encounter and that you may not recognise this as it happens. The phrase also appeals to me as those three words, last, time and forever, conjure up images of both finality and the infinite, which feel like 2 sides of the same coin.”

The first singles lifted from the album‘Wake Me Like’,‘Into You’and‘Now And Then’already received support fromDeb GrantandTom Ravenscroftonthe New Music Fix (BBC Radio 6 Music)andJohn KennedyonRadio X.

It is not often that an artist of Mau P’s caliber joins the ranks in electronic music. In what can only be described as one of the break-out stories of the decade, Drugs From Amsterdam originator Mau P has indisputably left his mark on the dance music scene since his debut single was released. Born Maurits Westveen into a family brimming with musical genius, the artist within was destined to come out at some point. Starting a career as DJ and producer Maurice West, he quickly made his way onto world’s premier stages and into the hearts of many. Despite everything seemingly running smoothly, the Maurice West project had run its course and a seismic shift was in the works. Fast forward to today and Mau P is reaping the rewards of a leap of faith, the wager on his artistry paying off in a spectacular manner. His debut single rocketed from the underground to become a huge global hit with close to two hundred million streams across platforms. Drugs From Amsterdam cracked the charts, topped Beat port’s prestigious Top 10 for over a month and turned out to be the beginning of a meteoric upwards trajectory. Mau P released the follow up, Gimme That Bounce, in January 2023, right as he was embarking on his first North America tour. A tour that sold out shows from coast to coast. The summer that followed, Mau P was firing on all cylinders, releasing official remixes for the Swedish House Mafia, Calvin Harris and Armand van Helden as well as his original collaboration with Kevin de Vries, Metroon Afterlife. The latter of which became the most played track of Tomorrowland 2023, only to be followed in second place by Drugs From Amsterdam. In 2023 Mau P also released Your Mind Is Dirty and Dress Code, which both turned out hugely successful in their own right. Over the course of his first full year in business, Mau P graced acclaimed stages across the globe, from EDC Las Vegas to Tomorrowland and from Hï Ibiza to Amsterdam Dance Event, winning over fans one beat at a time. It was this foundation of high profile performances and successful releases that set up Mau P for a truly spectacular start to 2024.

Presenting us with fuzzy guitar tones and poised vocals,Early Internetinvitesus into their own unique aural landscape onRuminator.Containing eight tracks of compact indie rock in the sonic realm of artists such asBombay Bicycle Club,Day Wave, andHazel English,the new album is perfect for a relaxed sunny afternoon. With themes throughout that focus on ruminating fears, anxieties, and the ways in which to cope with them,Ruminatoris a cathartic experience for those relating to it. Coming on the heels of standout single“Keep My Mouth Out Of Your Name”,Ruminatoris set to be released onMay 17th.

Beloved children’s musician and content creatorJules!is back, with new music! “Pizza Party,” due outMay 24, is the first single from their debut album,Jamming with Jules, which is set for release this fall.

Known to millions of kids and families worldwide as the non-binary co-star on Ms. Rachel’s immensely popularSongs for LittlesYouTube series,Jules’music crosses generations and opens minds and hearts, with catchy riffs and melodies that never fail to get both adults and kids singing along.

A high-energy bop inspired byJules’love for many different types of pizza, “Pizza Party” celebrates people’s differences and uniqueness – through pizza! Close listening will reveal themes of diversity and acceptance interwoven throughout this upbeat number.

“‘Pizza Party’ started as a simple song about my lifelong love of pizza,” explainsJules, “but once it was time to record the album, I wanted to make sure there was a deeper message. I was able to touch on the importance of inclusivity, celebrating all our different tastes, and appreciating what makes us unique via the simple act of connecting through food. Pizza is the perfect food for sharing, and I hope people feel the joy and love I put into this song every time they listen to it.”

“Stuck Inside a Map” is the title track and second single off ofArto’s debut projectStuck Inside a Map, set to release June of thisyear. The project is the result of around 6 years of somewhat reclusive songwriting while he was overseas and grappling with loss, grief, anger, and rebirth. It’s an album that signals me coming out of a decades-long fog brought on by the high dose of tragedy, upheaval and PTSD he experienced in his teens through 30s.

Come and sink your teeth into the dazzling new era for alternative luminariesYours Truly. The Sydney trio has today announced their brand new albumTOXIC, set for release onAugust 16viaUNFD.

With their name now cemented on a global scale, Yours Truly journey even further into their trademark versatility on their forthcoming sophom*ore album chapter, expanding beyond stylistic confines and expectations. Effusive and effervescent one moment, dark and damaging the next,TOXICruns the spectrum of human emotions across its 10 tracks. Led by a star turn from vocalistMikaila Delgado, the album is an open-vein, open heart diary of personal crisis, a dynamic yet cohesive soundscape of pop and rock, indie and alternative shimmering and shuddering beneath Delgado’s cathartic confessionals: in short, it’s a lethal dose of brilliance from one of the scene’s brightest musical acts.

Following up from the brooding pulse of “Call My Name”, latest single “Sour” serves up captivating hooks for days on a platter of irresistible staccato swagger.

musician and writerScott Guildshares the moving track “Until They’re Home,” a stirring exploration of grief and the transience of lifeout now. The track arrives ahead ofPlastic:The Album,due out later this month on May 31 andavailable for pre-order now.

Alongside the new music, Guild is thrilled to share he has beensigned toNorth Street Records, a label in partnership withTheOrchardandSonyMusicto support the album release. The head of the label,ChrisHowerton,is pleased to welcome Guild and adds, “Through his words and sounds, Scott Guild has created a truly unique world that I find myself entranced by. We are excited to share it with everyone.”The LP is the musical component of his innovative book-and-album project, whichincludes his acclaimed debut novel,Plastic,out nowviaPenguin Random House.Plus, Guild announces a summer book-and-music tour across the Midwest, open to the public, beginning June 3 in Parma, OH. Find a full list below with additional dates to be announced.

“Until They’re Home,” out today, delves into grief and aims to make sense of the past and its impact on the future. Emerging from Guild’s grief in his own life, the musician & author shares the track is,“a song about grief, about feeling haunted by the loved ones you’ve lost, about wondering if you’ll ever feel whole again. Erin, my main character, sings here about the loss ofher father and boyfriend, but the song comes from my own experience of losing a parent in my twenties, the pain and confusion from that death, the ways I tried to escape the pain. Life is so fleeting, but the memories never leave us; the past can often feel more real than the present.”

Hardcore groupGHOSTxSHIPis thrilled to share their highly anticipated new single “Ties That Bind”, out nowhere. The song comes on the heels of the band’s explosive return in 2023 and marks GHOSTxSHIP’s first new music in a decade.

“We meet a lot of people and make friends for many reasons in our lives. But certain things connect us at a much deeper level,” shares vocalistKeith Allen. “Hardcore and punk rock has created bonds of friendship and family that run deep. Even when we don’t see each other for years, those bonds are still there…It’s pretty f*cking cool.”

“Ties That Bind” showcases the band’s evolution over the last ten years, capturing GHOSTxSHIP’s raw live energy, while highlighting their growth as people and musicians. The song was engineered, mixed and mastered byJason “Jocko” Randall(Architect, Engineer, Forfeit, Unholy, Freya) atMore Sound Studiosin the band’s hometown of Syracuse.

With its breakneck pace and in-your-face attitude, “Ties That Bind” makes one thing clear: GHOSTxSHIP is here to stay. Stay tuned for more information atwww.instagram.com/ghostxshiphc.

Musical duoSociety of the Silver Crosshave today shared a brand new lyric video for their latest single, “By The Millions.” Fans can watch now here:https://youtu.be/LKe02NBnUHI.“By The Millions” is the latest track to be shared from the group’s forthcoming albumFestival of Invocations, set to be released onFriday, June 14, 2024.

“’By The Millions’ emerged as a reflection of the uncertainty and fear that gripped us at the onset of the pandemic,” the band shares.“Confronted with the prospect of an unknown and potentially catastrophic future, we both grappled with the overwhelming sense of isolation and abandonment.”

They continue: “The lyrics convey our profound sense of vulnerability, as we felt like nameless shadows left to our own survival. The instrumental sections carry a lumbering quality, evoking a reluctant march of millions one by one, while amplifying the peculiar parallel of solitude amidst the shared experience. As the song concludes, it felt natural to steer the tale towards a more open, uplifting ending into a place of hope.”

Society of the Silver Crossembarks on a sonic odyssey with their new albumFestival of Invocations. SongwritersJoe Reineke(The Meices, Alien Crime Syndicate) andKaryn Gold-Reinekelead listeners through otherworldly realms, delving into themes of life and death, beauty and darkness and transcending the veil between worlds. Their music draws listeners into a trance-like state of introspection and exploration, as embodied in this powerful new release.

Philly indie rock/emo band,Carly Cosgrove, have revealed details surrounding their new full-length album ‘The Cleanest of Houses Are Empty’ outJune 14viaWax Bodega. The first single and music video for “You Old Dog” is out now. The song “describes the apparent futility of breaking a habit, delving into the conditions that made me so stubborn and unchanging” says singer/guitaristLucas Naylor.

Stream “You Old Dog” here:https://go.mhe.fm/cc_youolddog

Watch the music video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HClma0_zeI

‘The Cleanest of Houses Are Empty’ is the follow up to the band’s 2021 debut ‘See You In Chemistry’, which found the band tracing personal growth through anxiety, depression, indecision, and, ultimately, self-actualization. It was mentioned by writersAV Club, Consequence, Brooklyn Veganand others who marveled at the band’s “unbridled ambition”.

On ‘The Cleanest of Houses Are Empty’ Carly Cosgrove finds themselves face to face with the chronic emotional struggles that come with life in the modern age. “In summer 2022, I was diagnosed with a personality disorder,” continues Naylor. “Over time, I subconsciously determined that the best way to eliminate the collateral as I figured things out was to isolate for as long as possible and just sort of shut everyone else out. This record details those thoughts. This is an album about habit, familiarity, unfamiliarity, depression, lethargy, and self-reflection”

The Hailsannounce that they will be headlining Gainesville, Florida’s infamousHigh Dive’s last hurrah,All Hail High Dive, before closure. Taking place on May 19, with support still to be announced, the indie five-piece is the perfect example of the musical launch pad High Dive has been for the Florida music scene over the last decade plus. Last week, High Dive’s founder and owner Pat Lavery shared onsocial mediathat the venue is coming to a sudden end after their landlord informed them they had 30 days to vacate to make way for the new owner who will redevelop the property.

The Hails shared, “Every musician has a place where they feel they truly cut their teeth, and High Dive was ours. We take pride in being a band that started in Gainesville and were able to climb the ladder of playing local indie showcases and food truck rallies, to eventually selling out shows of our own. High Dive always welcomed us and gave us countless opportunities to improve — even when we were insufferable college kids who showed up late to soundcheck and sometimes only cared about how many drink tickets we could score.”

The band’s frontman Robbie Kingsley continued,“As a performer, I learned invaluable lessons from the people who worked at High Dive and from those who came to our shows. Every time I was on stage, I discovered something new about myself and the community. The building has a soul that can’t be extinguished, enriched by all the culture that has been shaped within its walls. Having spent nearly a decade in Gainesville, I’m sad to see it go. I always planned to return for more shows and good times. High Dive will be dearly missed, but its impact will resonate with us forever.”

Tickets for The Hails’ final show at High Dive are on sale nowhere. The band and the venue expect this to be a massive friends and family affair, and a proper chance for the community to say a heartfelt goodbye to the landmark location.

Australian-based brothers,Atlas Geniusare thrilled to announce their new albumEnd of the Tunnel.Album ingredients: Lost love, guilt, passion, a dash of social commentary, existential crises, reckless abandon, and honest self-criticism. May contain traces of lust.

Along with the album announcement, the band has shared their lead single “On A Wave” available today on DSPs.“This track is all about vibing with life’s ups and downs, embracing the mess, and just enjoying the ride—total chaos and all.” “On A Wave” and “Don’t Let Love Be A Stranger,” follow “Nobody Loves Like You” and “Romans,”which were released earlier this year.

Susan O’Neill releases another new song, ‘Bright Eyes’ as well as announcing details of a full Irish headline tour for autumn which are all on sale today

The heart-thumping single ‘Bright Eyes’ is a soulful ode to keeping on going despite the obstacles. It swaggers in and out of sublime gospel harmonies, soars to joyous heights with Susan’s unmistakable voice singing out the hopeful words ‘Out of the darkness into the colour, you’ll see me again’ Engineered and produced by Christian Best in Cork, written with fellow bandmate brothers Cillian and Lorcan Byrne, and mixed by Canadian producer Daniel Ledwell.

Of the song Susan said:

“This song is about how eye contact can help change the feeling of someone’s sense of belonging and purpose. You don’t know when connecting with someone purely and honestly can be such a beautiful and crucial thing. The song talks about movement from a tough time into an understanding that things can change with a new perspective. It talks of the day to day happenings of someone that finds solace from a harsh reality in the eyes of others”

‘Bright Eyes’ is Susan’s second release this year, following ‘Drive’ which was released in March and has since received critical acclaim both home and abroad, including a performance on a recent episode of‘The Tommy Tiernan Show’on RTE 1.

A full Irish headline tour has also been announced for the autumn, including shows in Dublin, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo and Belfast. Susan has also been announced for a handful of arena dates with Jamie Cullum in Germany this July, as well as a special guest for American roots royalty ‘Calexico’ on their Hannover show at The Capitol, before performing the mainstage at The Haldern Pop festival accompanied by The StarGaze Orchestra.

Already announced summer shows include: ‘Live at The Marquee’ in Cork and ‘Dinard Opening’ festival in France with Mick Flannery. “Night and Day Festival’, “When We Next Meet” festival and Feile Na Bealtaine. More dates to be announced very soon.

GRAMMY-nominated,Platinum-certified singer-songwriter,Cassadee Popehas announced the release of her upcoming album,Hereditary,outJuly 12. The album marksThe Voicewinner’s first full length following her shift from country back to herpop punkroots. The announcement pairs with the release of her latest single and music video for “Three of Us.”

Pre-SaveHereditaryhereto access exclusive BTS clip from the making of “Three of Us”

Listen to “Three of Us” here:https://orcd.co/cassadeepope

Ayoni is a multifaceted singer, songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist from Barbados, making waves across the music industry.

With hersoaring, soulful pop/R&B vocals,Ayonihas garnered millions of streams and has received widespread acclaim from prominent publications such asOnes To Watch,The Fader,Essence,V Magazine, and more. Having lived inSingapore, Indonesia, and theUnited States, she developed a global worldview, absorbing a variety of experiences while nurturing her ever-evolving passion for creating and performing music.

The Picturebooks, a distinctive rock duo fromGütersloh, Germany, consists of thegritty vocals and fierce guitar workofFynn Claus Grabkeandthe dynamic drumming of Philipp Mirtschink. Theirraw, minimalist style, marked by a blues-infused garage rock sound, sets them apart in the rock music scene.

Formed in 2009,The Picturebooksquickly gained recognition for their visceral performances and unique approach to music production, often utilizing custom-built instruments and unconventional recording techniques. Their discography includes several albums that showcase their evolution in sound, with“Home is a Heartache”and“The Hands of Time”as notable examples.

‘LieInFire’ showcases Hugo’s enchanting vocals trading with warm guitar layers, gentle bass and a soft-rock drum groove that could as well be a jam for hazy summer days. It’s lifted from his debut album‘Portfolio II’due for release6th September 2024.

Influenced byAlex G, Father John Misty or Tame Impala, ‘Portfolio II’ is an ode to growing up in the big city where light guitar tones, subtle grooves intertwine with Hugo’s warm and hooky vocals. Drawing heavily onto a vintage feel, the record also meditates on love in its many forms.

Hugo explains:“This album serves as an ode to my youth, marking my transition into adulthood. It delves into all kinds of emotions we experience while coming into our own: nostalgia, worry, happiness, jealousy, love, anger, and more. It’s a deeply introspective project that allowed me to express myself through my instruments during the time I was on my own. I took on the roles of writer, musician, recording engineer, and mixer, crafting the entire album in the intimate spaces of my old room and music studio”

Following the release of his debut,Hugospent the past years producing for the likes of Windmill rising bandVelvetineor celestial groove outfitYUUF, went on tour withLEAPandSion Hilland recently took off the road on the guitar forGroove Armada’s former lead singerSaint Saviour’s tour this spring opening forBilly Ryder-JonesatThe Islington Assembly Hallin London.

Hellier, Forever– the new album from Seattle alt-rockerMia Day– drops onMay 17th. The album itself comes after singles“Severed”and“Mountain Song”.

Australian electronic duo Flight Facilities release their new single, “Days of the Week,” featuring Aramis Johnson of the Tacoma, Washington-based band Enumclaw. The track, which arrives alongside a new music video, is out now via Future Classic.

Written in Los Angeles, “Days of the Week” follows the wrap of Flight Facilities’ Trouble Tour, which concluded with dual weekend performances at Coachella’s coveted Yuma Tent. The duo, steeped in Southern California spirit, indulges in a playful commentary on stereotypical LA, with nods to the city’s guilty pleasures like overpriced Erewhon smoothies, plastic surgery, and influencer culture.

Never taking things too seriously, Flight Facilities’ innate humor shines through Enumclaw’s Aramis Johnson (NME,KEXP), who facetiously raps cheeky lyrics (“Monday bought a brand new car / parked the old one way too far / Tuesday, rhinoplasty / other nose, way too trashy”) over the duo’s too-good-to-be-true acid house production. In the music video, dancer/influencerGilly Moyafeels the groove of the track in the iconic LA spots: The Beverly Hills Hotel, Catch, the Church of Scientology, Muscle Beach, and Runyon Canyon.

“What started out as a joke during a three-hour studio session with Aramis of Enumclaw has turned into one of our guiltiest pleasures. A modern-day ode to Los Angeles and the people who make it shine.” — Flight Facilities

“After they stole my apes, I knew I had to find some new collabs, and thankfully Flight Facilities gifted me this beat for free. Feeling #blessed rn. Anyway, as I was saying, a lot of you have asked about my skincare routine…” — Aramis Johnson of Enumclaw

pop punk duoiNTeRNeT FReNDzhave shared their newest single “So Obvious” off of their upcoming EPiT’S a SeCReT.“So Obvious” is a high-energy track that brings the nostalgia of the late 2000s; pop punk scene, but with an elevated edge that’s distinctly iNTeRNeT FReNDz. The chorus packs a punch with a nod to an iconic Mayday Parade track that pop punk enthusiasts of both young and old will enjoy.

Fans can stream“So Obvious”now athttps://bit.ly/IFLifetime

Last month, iNTeRNeT FReNDz announced their debut EPiT’S a SeCReT,due for release onJune 26.Produced byMatt Squire(Underoath, Panic! At The Disco, Sum 41), the new EP welcomes iNTeRNeT FReNDz to the scene with a bang with four anthemic pop punk tracks – including previously-released singles “Warning Signs” and “Forever” – featuring soaring vocals courtesy ofMichael Swankand earworm guitar riffs fromRossy Burr.

Hot club swing meets big band bounce onSwingset Serenade, a new album spanning decades of musical heritage with jazzy, playful songs for all ages from the ensembleMel and Friends. Fronted by vocalist/songwriterMelanie Dill,Swingset Serenadeis out todayand is now available digitally, on vinyl, and on CD.

“This album is probably not what comes to mind when most people think of children’s music,” saysMelanie Dill. “Our musicians, many of whom are regulars on the Kansas City jazz scene, come from vastly different backgrounds and are recognized masters of a variety of genres and styles.Swingset Serenadeis as much a jazz and swing album for everyone as it is a children’s album.”

“When Melanie and I were kids, the quantity of music produced expressly for children was relatively small, but the quality of much of the music and production was incredibly high. Those records were truly musical events, with a scale and a purpose all their own,” addsSwingset Serenadesongwriter/producerTom Johnson. “We wanted to bring that feeling back, and we also wanted to incorporate the styles of music our parents and grandparents listened to when we were growing up.”

‘From Touch 2 Tackle’will be the next single to drop byRiver NelsonandAltoBeats,quickly following his critically acclaimed release ‘The Mindfulness Remix’featuring Hiphop veteranKoncept, the boys are back!
Amidst this new offering,River Nelson’slyrics intertwine the narrative of American Football to explain the vast and painful difference between one’s carefree youth, and adulthood..
River said:
“I just wanted to focus on how life can get harder for people as the years go by, and that transitioning into adulthood can sometimes feel like thedifference between a game of touch and full contact. This jump becomes moreaggressive,challenging, and can have much harsher consequences if done incorrectly”.
The slick and head-nodding production is handled by River’s partner in crimeAltoBeats.His confidant,who worked with River on latest studio album‘We Should Escape’,and previous LP‘Like the Sun Didn’t Sink.’

Last Friday, Stephan Jenkins ofThird Eye Blindmade a surprise appearance at Emo Nite at The Avalon in Los Angeles. He and bandmate Colin Creev performed “Jumper” and Paramore’s “The Only Exception.” Check it outhere.

Also joining in on the fun wereVanderpump Rules’Katie Maloney and Dayna Kathan,Beauty School Dropout,Bryce Avaryof The Rocket Summer,Nervous Kids,MVSSIEandNot My Weekend.

Emo Nite have recently released tickets for new dates this summer in cities including San Diego, San Francisco, Honolulu, St. Louis and more. Join the party at a date near you! Tickets can be purchased atemonite.com, see below for the full list of dates and get your tickets before they sell out!

Emo Nite was started byMorgan FreedandT.J. Petraccain December of 2014. Over the last 10 years, Emo Nite has laid the groundwork for artists in the mainstream to bring emo to rapidly growing audiences and help its popularity reach greater heights than ever before and have continued to champion the rising stars that we now see carrying the emo torch. What started as an iPad plugged into an aux cord at a dive bar in Echo Park, has exploded into a nationwide monthly dance party bridging the gap between the emo scene we grew up with and the spark of its next generation. Emo Nite has flourished into having a regular presence in over 50 cities, fueling mosh pits from coast to coast. Additionally, in these last two years alone, Petracca and Freed made their debut at coveted festivals across the country like Coachella, Hangout Music Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Fest, HARD Summer and more, playing sets filled with emo and pop punk classics to packed crowds. They also launched their FIRST EVER residency at Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas, which sold out all of its dates.

Most recently, Emo Nite partnered with Insomniac, the world’s leading music festival and live events experience creator. As they combine their expertise, the two powerhouse promoters launched a brand new event series,GRAVE at the TORCH. The brands shared passion and creative synergy will bring forth other collaborative music and apparel projects planned in the future and more live experiences.

Upcoming Emo Nite Tour Dates

May 3rd AUSTIN, TX Vulcan Gas Company

May 3rd BOSTON, MA Big Night Live

May 3rd CHICAGO, IL Subterranean

May 3rd LOS ANGELES, CA AVALON

May 3rd PORTLAND, OR Holocene

May 3rd RENO, NV The Ranch Complex

May 3rd WICHITA. KS WAVE

May 4th DES MOINES, IA Wooly’s

May 4th MEMPHIS, TN Growlers

May 4th SACRAMENTO, CA Ace of Spades

May 9th ORLANDO, FL The Beacham

May 10th ATLANTA, GA The Masquerade

May 10th DALLAS, TX South Side Music Hall

May 10th TUCSON, AZ Club Congress

May 11th PAWTUCKET, RI The Met

May 17th BALTIMORE, MD Ottobar

May 17th OMAHA, NE The Waiting Room

May 17th SAN DIEGO, CA The Casbah

May 17th SEATTLE, WA Neumos

May 18th DAVENPORT, IA Capitol Theatre

May 18th PALM SPRINGS, CA Pretty Faces Nightclub

May 24th FERNDALE, MI Magic Bag

May 24th MINNEAPOLIS, MN Fine Line

May 25th BOISE, ID Knitting Factory

May 25th NASHVILLE, TN Skydeck on Broadway

May 25th SAN FRANCISCO, CA Rickshaw Stop

May 25th POMONA, CA The Glass House

May 26th PIONEERTOWN, CA Pappy + Harriet’s

May 30th FORT LAUDERDALE, FL Kemistry Nightclub

May 31st FORT WORTH, TX Tulips

May 31st WANTAGH, NY Mulcahy’s

June 1st TAMPA, FL The Ritz Ybor

June 7th HONOLULU, HI The Republik

June 7th PHILADELPHIA, PA Underground Arts

June 7th MILWAUKEE, WI The Rave

June 8th BIRMINGHAM, AL WORKPLAY

June 14th DENVER, CO Summit

June 14th PHOENIX, AZ Crescent Ballroom

June 14th VENTURA, CA Ventura Music Hall

June 15th GRAND RAPIDS, MI Elevation

June 15th MYRTLE BEACH, SC House of Blues

June 20th ROTHBURY, MI Electric Forest *

June 21st HOUSTON, TX Warehouse Live Midtown

June 21st NEW YORK, NY Webster Hall

June 22nd KANSAS CITY, MO recordBar

June 27th WASHINGTON, DC Soundcheck

June 28th RALEIGH, NC The Ritz

June 29th CHARLOTTE, NC The Underground

June 29th SPOKANE, WA Knitting Factory

July 6th SAN ANTONIO, TX Paper Tiger

July 11th BERKELEY, CA Cornerstone

July 12th ALBUQUERQUE, NM Launchpad

July 12th LOUISVILLE, KY Headliners

July 12th RICHMOND, VA The National

July 13th ST LOUIS, MO Off Broadway

July 27th KALAMAZOO, MI Bell’s Back Room

August 16th OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Tower Theatre

August 17th NORFOLK, VA The Norva

August 17th TULSA, OK Cain’s Ballroom

August 29th COLUMBIA, SC The Senate

Some exciting new music from Paris-based DJ, producer and vocalistGab Rhome, whois preparing to unveil his captivating new collaboration “The Sun”, with the legendary electronic duo,Booka Shade.

“The Sun” emerges from a serendipitous encounter between Gab and Booka Shade’s Arno and Walter in Montreal, just before Gab’s move to Paris. Despite his usual reservations—shaped by peculiar past experiences from his life on tour—Gab was convinced by a mutual friend (and an unexpectedly persuasive text message) to meet up for what would become a pivotal night of creative connection. This meeting not only brought Gab face-to-face with one of his teenage inspirations but also sparked the beginnings of this beautiful collaboration.

Featuring glistening synths and lush, sweeping arpeggios, all underlined by a robust beat, “The Sun” paints a vivid, sun-soaked soundscape that captures the essence of a golden summer day. It’s a masterful blend of sonic elements that showcases Gab’s shift from the high-energy ADHD dance music to a more calm and thoughtfully constructed sound. The lyrics flowed effortlessly, inspired by authentic vibes and the intricate piano patterns that have become the backbone of this track.

Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer