Steve Aoki, Yves V and Ryan Caraveo join forces to pay tribute to Avril Lavigne’s classic hit single ‘Complicated’.
Their modern makeover of ‘Complicated’ interpolates the famous earworm chorus, while adding a fresh set of introspective lyrics. With a crunchy electro pop soundscape and newly written verses, the trio revitalize Lavigne’s era-defining song.
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Nicky Romero Partners with Visual Lab and Ethernity Chain For His First NFT Drop – “Behind The Mask”
In an exciting new partnership with Visual Lab and Ethernity Chain platform, Nicky Romero releases his first, highly anticipated collection of NFTs. The Protocol Recordings label boss and veteran electronic producer joins the likes of Pelé, Tony Hawk, Muhammad Ali, Fernando Tatis Jr., and their authenticated NFT releases on Ethernity Chain. From the sneak peek into the 3-tier collection, many will recognize the iconic mask, bringing a welcome hit of nostalgia to a brand new concept. To create it Nicky partnered with Visual Lab, a Dutch company which also created an authenticated NFT collection for Pelé, pioneered Nicky Romero‘s “Another World” 3D livestream concept last summer and is responsible for designing and programming all the visuals you could see during Nicky‘s performances around the world. Nicky Romero is continuously finding new ways to infiltrate growing markets as an artist, and the stunning visual art on “Behind The Mask” will not disappoint.
“Since the beginning of my career I’ve been experimenting with different types of visuals for my performances, as my goal always is to elevate to the next level the experience of each attendee. After the last year’s debut of my ‘Another World‘ 3D livestream concept, the next step was inevitable. ‘Behind The Mask‘ is our first NFT collection that symbolizes the energy that the fans from around the world been giving me over the past years. I have created it with my visual team – Visual Lab, that I’ve been working with closely since day 1. We are happy to team up with the premier NFT platform Ethernity Chain for the release of ‘Behind The Mask,’ which places us among the official NFT collections of the likes of Muhammad Ali, Pelé, Tony Hawk, and more.” – Nicky Romero
“We’ve been creating visuals for Nicky Romero‘s releases and performances since the very beginning of our company. We know that some of those animations became memorable not only for us, but also for the fans of Nicky Romero around the world. When working on ‘Behind The Mask‘ we wanted to capture this powerful feeling of thousands of people sharing mutual memories and experiences. It’s about unity and what connects us, one with another.” – Visual Lab
After taking the world by storm with early hits such as “Legacy” with Krewella and the #1 single “I Could Be The One” with Avicii, Nicky Romero quickly proved that his talent is ever-evolving and here to stay. After launching his Protocol Recordings imprint in 2012, the renowned performer, producer, and label head continued his personal successes with a string of high-profile releases, ranging from collaborations with Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, W&W, Timmy Trumpet and Steve Aoki to remixes for the likes of Robin Schulz, Kygo, Rita Ora, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Jess Glynne and more. While showcasing his label’s roster via his weekly Protocol Radio show, Nicky Romero continues to innovate and evolve during these unprecedented times in the music industry. With the debut of his ultra-modern “Another World” live stream concept last summer and launch of Monocule alter-ego, Nicky Romero keeps proving his ability to turn into gold everything he touches.
Having stormed onto the scene with their daring debut ‘Very Fun Times’, Sterling Press are a fresh four-piece who deliver a compelling brand of in-your-face indie with roots in Ska that also throws back to the brit-pop heyday. ‘Lots Of Noise’ is the latest offering from the group, which has been lauded by the Specials, Radio X and now, us! We had the pleasure of catching up with the band on all things music, school and golf.
Hey guys, can you introduce yourselves and what role you play in the band?
Not just instruments!
The band is made up of Marlon (bass/vocals) , Ed (guitar/vocals), Greg (guitar/vocals) and Lucien (drums). We all write the songs together so there isn’t one person that writes a song from start to finish. We all chip in along the way. It normally starts with ed and marlon in a shed together and then goes to greg who works his producer magic and makes the demos sound class before playing it as a band with lucien as well.
How did you all meet?
We all met in school. We were the kids that played music for all the school musicals and whatnot so we became friends through that stuff and eventually decided to make our own band and write our own music.
What is ‘Lot’s Of Noise’ about and can you explain what influenced the lyrics?
It’s just a story of a woman who works in a pub and dreams of something bigger. Felt like most people have been/are in a similar situation including ourselves so felt relevant to sing about.
What are your biggest highlights of your career so far?
Getting support from legends like Steve Lamacq has been fucking sick. We put so much work into each song so it’s class to see it appreciated by the top DJs. We started the band during lockdown so obviously we haven’t been able to do much but it’s still been a great few months.
Any big plans in the next few weeks and months?
Wanna gig as much as we can. Try to play throughout the summer. We have our own shows in July including a London sellout which is gonna be massive but hopefully we can get some support shows and festival slots to take us through to Winter where a headline tour may be on the horizon.
Finally, who is the best golfer? Referencing your instagram, of course:
Not gonna lie, that was the first time any of us had picked up a golf club. I’d say Greg had the most natural talent.
https://www.instagram.com/sterlingpress/
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‘Y DON’T U (feat. Clams Casino & Take A Daytrip)’ by 박혜진 Park Hye Jin
out now on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music
Listen: https://phj.lnk.to/
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NEW ALBUM SONGS OF LOSS AND SEPARATION OUT JULY 16
BAND SHARES VIDEO FOR NEW SONG THE BURDEN OF BELIEF
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Churning depths of plaintive sorrow, stark self-examination, and moving soundscapes unfold in Times of Grace, with flashes of cathartic power and an undercurrent of insistent urgency. It’s all a meditation on absence, grief, bewilderment, and rebirth — summoned with harrowing authenticity. The Burden of Belief, the opening track on Songs of Loss and Separation, is a dark and melodic slow burn that gives an epic sense of what’s to come.
“This song is the spark of the oncoming fire,” says Leach. “It foreshadows the journey of this album. This song is an unveiling of who we, Times of Grace, have become after all of these years. This is a testimony of falling apart, losing faith, letting go, and the desire to kill and purge the past. It is the unraveling, the catharsis and the rebirth. So it begins….”
“It almost feels strange finally releasing the songs on this record, especially this one,” says Dutkiewicz. “I started writing this song over 10 years ago, so it’s been around for quite some time. I really hope you guys dig it, and I hope we will get the opportunity to play it for you guys live someday. Thanks, everyone!”
The band’s debut album The Hymn of a Broken Man arrived in 2011, nearly a decade after Leach’s exit from Killswitch Engage, the pivotal New Wave of American Heavy Metal band the duo co-founded with friends in 1999. The first music from Times of Grace materialized during Dutkiewicz’s arduous recovery from near-crippling back surgery. A collection of songs the multi-instrumentalist and producer knew would suit his once and future bandmate. The first album earned acclaim from BBC Music, The Aquarian, and Rock Sound. It willfully upended expectations, with flourishes of shoegaze and ambiance in its songs.
Now, 10 years after Times of Grace first surfaced, the eagerly awaited follow-up arrives.
Comfortably stretched beyond the parameters of what came before, without sacrificing an ounce of integrity, Times of Grace weave between pensive, heavy, midtempo rock, riffs, and atmosphere. The pair’s vocal interplay makes for a rich, dense, and enthralling concoction, powering through various trips through dark nights of the soul and mind-expanding excursions into the wild. Songs of Loss and Separation benefits wildly from the powerhouse performance of ex-Envy On The Coast drummer Dan Gluszak, who toured behind the first album and is now an official member of the band.
The sprawling second album from Times of Grace, with a stunning album cover painted by John McCormack and album art layout by Tom Bejgrowicz, channels a dissonant, menacing, and unrelenting depression. Haunting romanticism and deep spiritual yearning collide in beautiful melancholy. It’s a diverse but singular statement, like the most beloved work of classic bands. Songs of Loss and Separation, insistent in its bluesiness, bleeds distortion and emotion, like a nerve, exposed.
Simply put, Times of Grace are a revelation.
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The reissue of Get Bleak allows listeners to revisit the tracks from their EP and gives an exciting glimpse of what’s to come from the band. Ducks Ltd. are brimming with potential, bringing the same warmth to listeners as when unearthing an old fantasy; wistful and existential, but full of new gusts of inspiration and radiance.
Get Bleak EP is out now via Carpark Records, buy/stream it here.
TRACKLIST
Get Bleak
Gleaming Spies
Annie Forever
Anhedonia
Oblivion
As Big As All Outside
It’s Easy
Stay connected with Ducks Ltd.
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp
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Today, KUNZITE share their psychedelic & electronic-fueled single ‘FROSTY‘, alongside the announcement of their new album VISUALS out this winter via Lowly. / Wilder Records. The project of New York-based Mike Stroud (RATATAT) and Hawaii & Oregon-based Agustin White, the new track follows its explosive instrumental buildup with an infectious and breezy groove, the soundtrack to a perfect sunset after a long hazy summer’s day. ‘FROSTY’ follows previous singles ‘JUPITER‘, ‘SATURN‘ and ‘NOVAS‘, inviting listeners on another journey around the cosmos.
The visual for ‘FROSTY’ was filmed in Venice Beach, CA, befitting the warm, sunny vibe of the track and features local female surfers and skaters including members from the all female-identifying crew GRLSWIRL. On the Priest Fontaine-directed visuals, White details; ”FROSTY’ always felt like it flowed with surfing and skating… It’s all about grabbing your board or wheels and just having fun. All of the athletes featured in the video were super supportive and encouraging of one another. You see their different skills on display throughout the video, including roller skaters who have made such a big comeback over the last few years yet, for Black Culture, it’s always been there. The roots of roller skating lie within the Black community and we wanted to honour that.’
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Stream ‘Think I’m In Love’ Here
Vantage ft. Todd Edwards – ‘Think I’m In Love’
Out Now
Following on from the viral success of his 2020 track ‘50/50’, Vantage returns to team up with GRAMMY award-winning artist, Todd Edwards on feel good track ‘Think I’m In Love’, out today on FFRR.
‘Think I’m In Love’ brings the energetic funk stylings of Vantage and fuses them with Todd Edward’s vocal wizardry for one of 2021’s sure fire stand out tracks.
Emerging onto the scene in 2015, Vantage has since cultivated an immersive world at the intersection of sound and technology. With a belief that the music and imagery should do the talking, Vantage has created an engaging visual world to coincide with his music on 2015 album ‘Metro City’ and channeled a sound that has been coined as ‘future funk’, on his distinctive second album ‘J-Funk City’ in 2019. More recently he saw his re-released single, ‘50/50’ becoming a viral hit via TikTok and found an audience on a global scale.
Todd Edwards is a name synonymous with electronic music, with a career spanning over 25 year he’s been widely credited as one of the ‘Godfathers’ of UK Garage. His perhaps most notable works have come in the form of his co-production & vocal credits with global icons, Daft Punk working on tracks ‘Face to Face’ and ‘Fragments of Time’, from the Discovery and Random Access Memories albums respectively, the latter providing him with an ‘Album Of The Year’ GRAMMY. An icon in his own right, Edwards has recently worked with artists such as Groove Armada, Tchami and Majestic, in addition to delivering his debut on Defected Records, ‘You’re Sorry’ charting at #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart.
Joining forces on ‘Think I’m In Love’, the forward-thinking pair deliver a track that is set to be a regular on radio and across dancefloors globally. Packed with a funky bassline and disco cowbells, ‘Think I’m In Love’ drives home the signature sound of Vantage and reinforces the undeniable influence of Todd Edwards impact on the worldwide music scene.
Vantage ft. Todd Edwards ‘Think I’m In Love’ is out now on FFRR.
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TIBASKO – ‘THE ONE’
OUT NOW
As they continue on their inspiring trajectory, the young pair drop new single, ‘The One’ out today. Released via Another Rhythm in partnership with Three Six Zero Recordings, the powerful euphoric track is an exercise in tension arguably beyond their years, and affirms TIBASKO as one of 2021’s breakout artists to watch.
The pair’s effortlessly indulgent production quality on “The One” forges an ambitious sense of scale; a reminder that their output is also aimed above and beyond the dancefloors, with the biggest festival crowds and global airwaves in sight.
With both Ken and Andy holding strong musical backgrounds and impressive global travels, TIBASKO is a unity of their musical colour; one that spans breakbeat, trance, melodic house and more rich techno sounds.
Bold in structure and tone, ‘The One’ elicits ultimate effervescence to a growing audience of fans; sculptured amongst psychedelic future-trance sounds and a fulfilling vocal hook.
TIBASKO
Now named as Radio 1 Pete Tong’s Future Stars for 2021, TIBASKO’s future is reassuringly vibrant and with no signs of slowing down, ‘The One’ is their most ample statement yet.
TIBASKO ‘The One’ is out now on Another Rhythm / Three Six Zero Recordings
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GHEIST – ‘You’
Release Date: Out Now
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Title: Paradise
Label: Stabby Records
Sam Blacky is back with her new single “Paradise,” an appropriately titled house gem that evokes images of places like the sun-soaked Ibiza and Mykonos. The track features ethereal vocals by Florida-based singer/songwriter Madeline Austin; the two connected via social media and hit it off when Madeline sent demos for what is now “Paradise.” Sam works in a deep, groovy bassline with gently undulating melodies, making for a sultry dancefloor track that will heat up the night wherever you may be. “Paradise” is the third single to come out on Blacky‘s own Stabby Records, which launched in February this year.
“‘Paradise‘ is a more melodic track that I feel people can enjoy in different environments; listen to it while driving, use as a morning soundtrack after waking up, or dance to it in a club. I wanted to make it more universal than just a club banger. Once again, I pulled inspiration from all the beautiful places I have been to, and ‘Paradise‘ feels like summer in Ibiza or Mykonos. It’s the feeling of butterflies in your stomach, floating through the ocean with the wind on your face and a big carefree smile coming from within. Featured on ‘Paradise‘ is singer/songwriter Madeline Austin. When I look for a female vocalist, I post on social media about it because I want to find someone fresh, new, unknown to give them a shot and keep the female movement going. Madi sent me a message and some demos, and the rest is history. She started as a fan, and I soon realized that she is a very talented singer and songwriter. Her vocals and lyrics about paradise, heaven, and a little flirty danger were just perfect for this release.” – Sam Blacky
Samantha Black is a multitalented DJ/producer, model, and influencer professionally known as Sam Blacky. Originally from San Diego, Sam spent several years in Australia, where she first fell in love with producing music and performing live. Since moving back to Los Angeles, music and performing have taken a front seat in her life. In addition to her hectic modeling schedule, Sam has performed live across the world from 2017 to 2021, from Mexico to Ibiza to Bali, racking up over 120 gigs a year at some of the premier electronic festivals and clubs on the planet. With the global pandemic in 2020, Sam released a series of videos on Youtube called “A New World,” where she streamed live sets from some of her favorite places in Mexico, giving viewers a taste of vacation vibes even while staying safe at home. Before all the music, her modeling portfolio included brands such as Nike, L’Oréal, Galore, Marie Claire, Superdry, Guess, Sports Illustrated, Malibu, and Playboy, giving her a unique creative perspective to all types of cultures and styles to bring to her music. With the launch of Sam Blacky‘s label, Stabby Records, and her first releases, 2021 is set to be a breakout year for Sam as she expands her artistic brand.