It’s out of this world – Computer Magic has dropped her new single, “Perfect Game”, which will appear on her brand new record, DANZ, out February 23rd. The LP is released via her very own Channel 9 Records. Brooklyn-based Computer Magic (DJ/Producer Danielle “Danz” Johnson) releases “Perfect Game” as the fourth single off DANZ. She has previously released nine EPs and four LPs (three of which were Japan-exclusive); DANZ will be her second official full-length album. She will celebrate the release of her record with a release party at the Knitting Factory in NYC on March 3 “Perfect Game” is a synth-and-guitar filled track highlighted by Danielle’s smooth vocals that will take you to another universe with its extraterrestrial vibes. This song displays not only the talent of Johnson as she works as an entirely solo project, but also her ability to create something both personal and accessible. We can’t wait to hear the rest of DANZ when it drops later this week.
You can pre-order DANZ on vinyl or digital via iTunes and check it out when it drops this Friday, February 23rd! Keep up with Computer Magic here.
Xiuhtezcatl is an explosion of talent. The 17 year old rapper and activist is an indigenous artist who is using his voice to do big things – even leading a lawsuit against the Federal Government (Youth vs Gov). He’s been creating music since age 7, and ten years later, he’s dropping his debut LP Break Free this spring, led by his single “Blu Ink”, featuring his sister Isa. “Blu Ink” is just a sampling of one aspect of his talent, and displays not only his rapping skills but also his passion, complemented by his sister’s vocals. It’s everything you’d expect from an exceptional young artist and yet so much more. Xiuhtezcatl elaborates:
I’m telling my own story as a young artist, a young 17-year-old growing up in this world, and what the hell it’s like to process all that. I’m beyond stoked to release this record, simply because it’s a massive step for me in the world of music…The record is going to change the way the world sees me, and it’s going to change the way that I’ve told my story to the world.
If you’re looking for a video unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, we’ve got you covered: Tide Pods meet Britney Spears. For Elisabeth Donaldson’s directing debut, the multi-talented artist teamed up with indie piano rockers Molly Rocket to create a cover of Britney Spears’ legendary hit, “Toxic” while simultaneously creating satire that brings the current state of affairs in America to light. The video utilizes the infamous 2018 Tide Pods trend to show how crazy it is that, while there are much more important things to be worried about, America is focused on tiny balls of laundry detergent.
Exposing cultural decay while creating entertainment can be a tricky thing to pull off, but Donaldson achieves it. Visually, the video sticks to a Tide Pods themed color scheme, outfits, and locale (aka the laundromat). Who wouldn’t want to try some of the tasty meals shown in the video: Tide Pod cereal, eggs, pizza, etc?? Props to Donaldson for a directing debut worth noting, and Molly Rocket for a unique and unforgettable performance.
Need a little pick me up as this winter drags on? Check out the new record from John, Jack, and Charles of Monsterwatch! The Seattle-based punk band is soon to release their sophomore four track EP called Z O T, featuring “Brain Twist”, “I Don’t Get It”, “Lost My Car” and an already-released single, “Big Sin”. Z O T was produced and engineered by Steve Fisk and displays the flexibility of Monsterwatch’s music following their previous record, Blabbermouth, and a few other singles. From a classic, intense punk song like “Brain Twist” to a more mellow, but still upbeat track like “Lost My Car”, Monsterwatch has created a treat for fans and new listeners alike.
“Brain Twist” is the leading track on the EP, and will do just as the title suggests for the listener. With authentic screamo-punk sound and emotion, it is reminiscent of Carbon Airways’ “Razor Edge”.
“Brain Twist” is followed by “I Don’t Get It”, which follows the vein of the previous song. If you’re feeling angsty, this is the track for you. Filled with “you just don’t understand” vibes and a head bobbing beat, this is punk at its purest.
“Lost My Car” is one of the most approachable songs for those not used to heavier punk, tinged with some perfectly placed piano moments. “Lost My Car” has a slightly nostalgic sound to it. If The 1975 were a punk band, this is a song they’d put out; however, it is still 100% Monsterwatch’s own sound. It’s a great transitional song into the next song on the EP, a single which has already been released: “Big Sin”.
“Big Sin” has a bit of a Talking Heads sound to it, and along with “Lost My Car” definitely fits what Monsterwatch labels itself as: groovepunk.
Every track is filled with killer guitar and screamo vocals that are controlled yet unapologetic. We can’t wait to see what Monsterwatch does next.
If you’ve been searching for funkytown, look no further. Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics are gearing up to release “Call Out My Name”, a brand new single full of soul and authentic funk, in winter 2018. Finding success after the release of their debut LP, “It’s About Time” in 2012, Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics have been been making waves with their own unique sound. Originally created in Florida in 2006, the now Atlanta-based band is composed of Ruby Velle’s vocals/writing, Spencer Garn on keys, and guitar from Scott Clayton, as well as four additional members to create the eight-piece group.
“Call Out My Name” is teeming with classic funk and evident care put into the track. Whether you’re there for the instrumentation or the emotion-packed vocals, “Call Out My Name” will make you a new (or more ardent) fan of the eight-piece band. Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics know how to take their time to create the most authentic and inspiring tracks possible.
Amy Rigby is about to drop her brand new album, The Old Guys on February 23rd via Southern Domestic Recordings. Having moved all around throughout her musical journey over the past several decades, Rigby has worked with bands, partners, and alone; her solo debut was Diary Of A Mod Housewife in the nineties. Her first solo album in quite a few years, with writing by Amy and recorded by her husband Wreckless Eric in their current New York base.
An unapologetic album, The Old Guys is composed of twelve tracks that thoroughly display Rigby’s honesty and grasp of her own sound. The Old Guys is a step back into the solo life for Rigby, but as a veteran musician, she knows what works for her at this point. We’re excited to see what Amy Rigby continues to dish out.
Keep an eye out for The Old Guys, out February 23rd.
24-year-old New York-based reggae/dancehall/R&B artist Kranium just dropped his brand new single “No Odda” .
Born Kemar Donaldson in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Kranium has an amazing ability to create music on the fly, and “No Odda” is no exception. Ever since his breakout hit “Nobody Has To Know”, Kranium has been dishing out consistent quality content, as well as collaborating with big names, including label mate Ty Dolla $ign.
“No Odda” is #relationshipgoals in a song. With a catchy beat, authentic lyrics, and irresistible vocals, Kranium has checked all the boxes for a quality love song – just in time for Valentine’s Day. In addition, Kranium also dropped the lyric video for “No Odda”, created by 7Lemons.
Despite his success, Kranium remains refreshingly humble and rooted in authenticity: “To be honest, I’m just gonna be myself and make music to the best of my ability. I’m taking guidance from the right people. I’m here to work and I’m happy to have a platform like Atlantic Records to push it further. I’m here to stay not just to come and go. The rest is in God’s hands.”
Bristol-based electronic/R&B singer Henry Green has just released “Shift”, the title track off his forthcoming debut album, which is out March 30. His LP will be out via Akira Records, having already released two acclaimed EPs. He has also dropped “Without You”, which you can listen to here. “Shift” is a smooth, electronic track filled with airy vocals from Green. It provides a sense of whirling around within the listener’s experience.
Says Henry Green “Shift” is all about movement “The whole album is based around this theme, but none more so than this track. It felt like a very natural theme to explore and one that I constantly gravitated towards when writing lyrics or describing the evolution of a track. I wanted to make the album feel like it was constantly in motion; moving at a variety of paces, pushing and pulling in different ways but always feeling like progression. Lyrically, ’Shift’ refers to the sensation of falling, unaware of when you’ll reach an end but enjoying the loss of control and feeling of weightlessness.”
London-based duo San Scout has just dropped their single, “Familiar”. Comprised of Fred and Jonny, San Scout has put out an enthralling track, filled with dreamy vocals and one heck of a beat. Known for their “glitch-pop” sound, San Scout’s off-center music hits all the right places. You wouldn’t guess their songs are made in DIY, makeshift studios around London, but San Scout’s signature is effortlessness. They have seen success with their previous singles, “You Instead” and “Hold Fire”, among others, since their creation in early 2016.
With lyrics that will make you nostalgic for something or somewhere you don’t even know, pulling on your heartstrings and leave you breathless, “Familiar” is a definite bop. A song that sounds like a musical refuge, you’ll want to listen to “Familiar” over and over again. Says San Scout of their work, “Still pushing ahead with this project despite some pretty sound advice from family friends. We’re pleased to introduce ‘Familiar’. We can’t wait to see what 2018 holds for San Scout.
