GRAMMY nominated band, OneRepublic, debuted their new album, Artificial Paradise. The new album arrives on the heels of the band’s recently released single “Hurt” from last week. Earlier this summer, OneRepublic shared their smash hit with David Guetta, “I Don’t Wanna Wait”, which has amassed over 130 million streams globally since its release.
Next week, OneRepublic will perform on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on 7/18 and TODAY’s Summer Concert Series on 7/19. The band will play songs from the new project and some fan favorites as well.
Earlier this year, the band also shared “Nobody (from Kaiju No. 8)”, which serves as the end credit song for the hugely successful manga-turned-Anime series Kaiju. No 8. The band collaborated with Italian Electronic group Meduza and German artist Leony for the release of “Fire”, the official song for the UEFA European Championships 2024 tournament, which they will perform in Berlin at the Closing Ceremony for the tournament.
GRAMMY nominated OneRepublic, is comprised of singer/songwriter and lead vocalist Ryan Tedder, guitarists Zach Filkins and Drew Brown, keys Brian Willett, bassist and cellist Brent Kutzle, and drummer Eddie Fisher. The band released their debut set Dreaming Out Loud in 2007. The release included the 20mm selling smash single “Apologize,” which shattered digital sales and airplay records worldwide and received a Grammy nomination. The band’s sophomore album, 2009’s Waking Up, produced the hit singles “All the Right Moves,” “Secrets” and “Good Life.” The certified-platinum album Native followed in 2013, featuring the No.1 hit and 41 million selling single “Counting Stars.” OneRepublic released Oh My My, their fourth full-length album in 2016. OneRepublic has amassed 5B streams on Spotify to date.
Renowned recording artist and songwriter Omari Banks is thrilled to announce the release of his highly anticipated new single, “Africa Identity.” This powerful track is set to release July 19th via ONErpm, marking Omari’s triumphant return to the music scene after a two-year hiatus since his last release, “Educate Us,” in 2022.
Inspired by the 50th anniversary of carnival celebrations in Anguilla, “Africa Identity” is a vibrant fusion of soca and Afro beat that pays homage to the island’s rich cultural heritage and its deep-rooted connections to African ancestry. Omari Banks, who produced and wrote the song, drew from his childhood memories and the music that shaped his upbringing in Anguilla.
“The song was inspired by the 50th year of carnival celebrations in Anguilla, which is a celebration of the emancipation from slavery and how our African identity should be at the forefront of our celebrations,” Omari explains. “I was inspired by the memories as a child growing up in Anguilla, the music I heard, and how it made me feel, and also how it ties into our African ancestry.”
Collaborating closely with Dennis Warrington, Omari crafted a beat that seamlessly blends soca and Afro beat elements, while his signature guitar playing adds a unique touch to the track. The legendary Jamaican saxophonist Dean Fraser also lends his talents to the song, adding a dynamic and soulful dimension to the horns.
Recorded between the studios of Dennis Warrington and Justin Richardson in Anguilla, “Africa Identity” is a celebration of identity and cultural pride. “The song is about celebrating our identity, which is Anguillian but rooted firmly in African culture, and this we should never forget,” Omari emphasizes.
With lyrics that resonate deeply, the opening line of the song sets the tone: “Once a year I does jump around and play mass in the street / Yep it’s that time of year, slave master set we free.”
Omari Banks has always been passionate about spreading messages of love and consciousness through his music. “The message I want to convey is we must be proud of who we are and never forget the lessons of the past as they shape our future,” he says.
As fans eagerly await the release of “Africa Identity,” Omari also hints at the exciting news of a full album set to be released in 2025. “Music and life continuously change as we grow, and that I believe is natural. But as a musician, I’m constantly inspired by what I’m hearing in the present, so expect more of me and my guitar and a bit more uptempo tunes at times,” he shares.
While there are no immediate plans for a music video, fans can look forward to a lyric video, and Omari will be performing “Africa Identity” on his upcoming summer and fall tours in the US and UK.
New York-based singer-songwriter Rachael Sage has introduced her mesmerising single, ‘The Place Of Fun (Reimagined)’ but is now releasing a powerful video to go with it. Scheduled for release under Sage’s own label, MPress Records, this release arrives after a recent tour supporting legendary Scottish singer Lulu and comes directly from Sage’s recently released 15th studio album ‘Another Side’, where Sage combines acoustic folk melodies with contemplative lyrics, capturing the essence of classic ‘70s songwriting effortlessly.
The convivial ‘The Place Of Fun (Reimagined)’ is an acoustic, completely reimagined version of this favourite from Rachael Sage’s album ‘The Other Side’. With the upfront mandolin laying the bedrock of the song, ‘The Place Of Fun’ features guest vocals and mandolin by breakthrough, award-winning Americana duo Annalyse & Ryan. Sage’s signature finger-picking and acoustic guitars also set the foundation, which bursts with percussion provided by Austin-based Katie Marie (Sophie B. Hawkins), along with Sage’s own acoustic guitar and percussive grooves. The song explores self-examination and a yearning for connection with loved ones, as one can expect from Sage’s introspective songwriting.
Rachael discusses ‘The Place Of Fun’, revealing: “This song is one of those musically upbeat tunes that sounds like it’s a cheerful, groovy track – but when you really listen to the lyrics, it’s chronicling the ups and downs of relationship miscommunication and overthinking. Gradually the words unravel into the resolve to make positive, lasting changes in one’s life. I do truly think there’s wisdom in creating a space where the noise of everything you’re used to, whether it be advice from family, social media or a loved one’s expectations, is turned down so low that you can actually hear your own essence. As a chronic people pleaser, it’s always fun to try to write lyrics that encourage others to do the exact things I find so difficult, including meditating, reflecting, and choosing balance over chaos.”
‘Another Side’ is a reimagined companion acoustic album to Sage’s critically acclaimed record, ‘The Other Side’. The entirely acoustic instrumentation brings Sage’s intimate vocals to the front and centre, resulting in lush versions of her most carefully crafted, exquisitely realized work yet. Here, the alt-folk singer-songwriter has stripped back to the inner roots of ‘The Other Side’. With memorable Americana-infused hooks and folk-fueled poeticism, Sage’s timeless writing reminds us what’s most important is always worth waiting for, via songs steeped in just the right amount of best-is-yet-to-come optimism.
Following her recent tour with Lulu, which included performances at prestigious venues such as The London Palladium, Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, and Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, Sage also made her debut at The Great Escape Festival in May. Fans in the UK can look forward to her return in both July and in November, when she will be supporting Hue and Cry on their ‘40th anniversary full-band tour’.
Returning with his latest offering ‘Safe Space’, the single stands as a testament to Gerem3’s ability to transform personal experiences into musical artistry. The song is a vivid representation of his tenacity and dedication to honesty, as well as his development as an artist.
The single discusses the good and bad experiences of a sneaky link turned “situationship.” With R&B elements mixed in with alternative sounds, synth-heavy backing, soulful elegance in Gerem3’s flawless vocal performance, and a catchy, approachable pop essence, the rest is a commercially viable track with a tonne of emotional depth. ‘Safe Space’ emerges as a beacon of hope and sonic embodiment as he navigates the complexities of relationships and self-discovery.
The track features electric guitars and synths, along with Gerem3’s captivating vocals. His distinctive tone will grab the listener’s attention from the first note. With this dark and sexy piece, he demands the attention of music lovers everywhere far and in between while showcasing his talent as a music artist.
On the release, Gerem3 shares, “Because my songs are so personal, I like to maintain that my relationship with my audience is a safe space. So this record is a bit more of a confessional piece.”
In his evolving story, Gerem3 promises to charm listeners with this new addition to his music discography. With his effortlessly amazing songwriting and intense live performances, Gerem3 is quickly becoming the next big R&B and pop star to watch.
Accumulating press coverage across the likes of Vents Magazine, PureMzine, Backseat Mafia, and Flex Music Blog, Gerem3 has presented himself as an exciting musical talent with a lot of promise for the future.
Rising East Atlanta rapper HUNXHO unveils the new music video for his song “Closer To Over” today via 300 Entertainment.
Watch BELOW. It graces the tracklisting of his nine-track EP, Before The Album, out now. Listen BELOW.
The visual hinges on the push-and-pull of HUNXHO’s music. As always, he spits bars straight from the heart, yet he also projects raw feeling through unshakable melodies. In the clip directed by BENMARC, he’s seen in the strip club, but is hyper focused in his thoughts, while vignettes of cash piles and dancers can’t diminish his pain. On screen, he holds nothing back.
“Closer To Over” has already amassed over 10 million global streams and counting. XXL named it one of “The 13 Best New Hip-Hop Songs This Week,” and HotNewHipHop praised how “Hunxho wears his heart on his sleeve.”
Capping off a scorching summer, he will support Sexyy Red on her much-anticipated “Sexyy Red 4 President” Tour. It kicks off on August 22 in Seattle at WAMU Theater, rolls through major markets coast-to-coast, and concludes on October 1 in Nashville, TN at Nashville Municipal Auditorium.
HUNXHO recently concluded his sold out “One Night Only” Tour and he joined a stacked lineup at “Birthday Bash,” sharing the stage with Latto, Killer Mike, Tee Grizzley, and more.
TRACKLISTING: Ups & Downs Recording In The Dark Do This For Me Can’t Fall Off Hot Topic Closer To Over Y’all Get It How It Feel Last Song
Released on the 21st of June, ‘The Wind’ is an astounding offering from Guatemala-based band Choca Blues. From the vibrant opening title track, ‘The Wind’ through to the country-inspired ballad ‘Old Man’ to the concluding anthem ‘Kabuki Dance’, Choca Blues showcase their unique flair for blues. Lead singer Delta Dina’s vocals soar over each of the diverse soundscapes, with a powerful performance prowess. Her vocals unite each of the soundworlds together, her incredible tone acting as a grounding force in the eclectic album. With the band members mixing in elements from rock realms and harpsichord country, Choca Blues boasts a sound like no other. And that’s what makes this album such an exciting release this year.
Band Members: Delton Dina – Lead Singer Carlos Funk – Guitar Laura Charnaud – Bass Whitney Petty – Drums & Mandolin Zach Bluestown – Harmonica
Credits: Recorded at La Finca Studios in Panajachel, Guatemala Produced by Whitney Petty Engineered by Frank Wild Mixed by Josh Evans Mastered by Rachel Field at Resonant Mastering, Seattle, WA
About Choca Blues Welcome to the soul-stirring world of Choca Blues, where the essence of blues music intertwines with diverse influences drawn from our multinational backgrounds. Founded amidst the serene landscapes of San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala, Choca Blues is a testament to the serendipitous power of musical connections.
Front and centre, the charismatic Delta Dina leads the ensemble, infusing her unique blend of blues with international experience. Alongside her, the talented Carlos Funk skillfully wields his ‘National Resonator Style O’ guitar, setting the stage for our harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. Complemented by ‘The Law’ on bass – Laura Charnaud, ‘The Wind’ – Whitney Petty on drums and mandolin, and Zach Bluestown on harmonica, our collective journey embodies the spirit of unwavering dedication and musical excellence.
Their compositions, born from Guatemala, the United States, and the Netherlands, weave a tapestry of diverse influences that transcend boundaries and genres. From their debut album ‘The Wind’ landing this year, and a second album on the horizon, Choca Blues invites you to join our musical voyage and be part of the magic.
Blue Note Records has announced an August 23 release of Celebration, Volume 1, the first in a series of archival releases that the legendary saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter curated before he passed away in 2023. This thrilling 2014 live recording captured Shorter’s acclaimed quartet with pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade at the Stockholm Jazz Festival in Sweden. The intrepid set includes some of the band’s favorite vehicles of exploration including “Zero Gravity,” “Smilin’ Through,” “Orbits,” “Lotus,” and “She Moves Through The Fair.” The album is introduced today with the single “Edge of the World (End Title),” a theme by composer Arthur B. Rubinstein from the 1983 film WarGames.
“In the fall of 2022, Rob Griffin started sending a lot of unreleased music for Wayne to sort thru,” writes Carolina Shorter in the album’s liner notes. “He started listening around the clock. I’d be doing something around the house, talking on the phone, doing work and he’d yell ‘Carolina! You’ve got to come and hear this shit! Check out what these guys are doing!’ Wayne made detailed notes – some of them are reprinted on this album jacket.”
“When he heard the Stockholm concert, he said ‘this is the album!,'” she continues. “Then he started listening to more things and, over time, realized that it was going to have to be more than one record. He originally wanted to call the collection Unidentified Flying Objects – thinking of the notes everyone played as being UFOs! In January 2023, when he was hospitalized for the last time, he continued picking tracks and laying out the albums. His ‘Never Give Up’ spirit, which underlines his entire mission, was stronger than ever and he was excited to release more music. It was only in the last 10 days of his life that he realized he was not going to be around to see it to fruition. He started feeling the urgency of celebrating life and decided to change the name of the collection to Celebration. I said ‘Yes Wayne! Let’s celebrate!!! That’s what it should be called. A celebration!'”
Blue Note will also be celebrating Shorter’s legacy with several reissues of his classic albums including a Tone Poet Vinyl Edition of Odyssey of Iska (1970) out July 5, a Classic Vinyl Edition of JuJu (1964) out August 16, and a Blue Note Authorized Dealer exclusive blue vinyl reissue of Speak No Evil (1964) which will be available August 9 at participating independent record stores. Celebration, Volume 1 is available for pre-order now on limited edition Blue Note Store exclusive color vinyl, black vinyl, CD, and digital download. The credits are as follows:
Side A
Zero Gravity to the 15th Dimension Written by Wayne Shorter, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade
Smilin’ Through Written by Arthur A. Penn
Side B:
Zero Gravity to the 11th Dimension Written by Wayne Shorter, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade
Zero Gravity to the 12th Dimension Written by Wayne Shorter, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade
Zero Gravity – Unbound Written by Wayne Shorter, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade
Orbits Written by Wayne Shorter
Edge of The World (End Title) Written by Arthur B Rubinstein
Side C:
Zero Gravity to the 90th Dimension Written by Wayne Shorter, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade
Lotus Written by Wayne Shorter
Side D:
She Moves Through The Fair Written by Wayne Shorter
Los Angeles’ pop experimentalist Angélica Garcia today releases her new album and first for Partisan Records, entitled Gemelo and translating to “Twin” in English. The album represents the two selves, the spirit and body, and tackles how they work together and against one another. An inspired convergence of vanguard electronic pop explorations mirroring the depth of its spiritual excavations, Gemelowas produced by Carlos Arévalo (Chicano Batman), and recorded over a month and a half in Virginia. There, Angélica discovered and tapped into a fresh pop auteur perspective, creating music that is searing and borderless, free of cultural confinement and challenging the notion that singing in English is a prerequisite for creating American music.
Prior to today’s full album release, Angélica shared five tracks from Gemelo which were met with widespread critical acclaim. “With a voice that leaps and keens like Kate Bush, with echoes multiplying behind her, [Angélica] Garcia sings about an attraction that surges beyond the physical to the metaphysical…,” writes The New York Times of her song “Juanita.” Elsewhere, Remezcla wrote that Angélica “..harbors the mixed chaos surrounding the discovery and breaking of generational trauma, while her alluring voice gently guides listeners through the ongoing and never-ending process.” Additional praise arrived at Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Wonderland, and NPR who said she”summons spirits.”
This week in Angélica’s extensive profile at The New York Times – which landed the paper’s Arts Cover earlier in the week and saw Chief Pop Music Critic Jon Pareles say the LP is “full of dualities: angels and demons, grief and healing, dreams and realities, mirror images,” – Angélica details the poetry of singing in Spanish, how she feels the most free singing, and the natural process of working with Arévalo. Read the full feature here.
Angélica’s live performance evolution has significantly altered this year. Performing now with a live drummer, her bold and captivating stage presence consistently leaves an undeniable impression. She started the year with a packed SXSW schedule, including showcases with KUTX, KEXP, Stereogum, and KCRW amongst many others. Currently, Angélica is on tour in the UK where she will also support IDLES before heading to Mexico for their set of shows together. In July, she will play a co-headlining date with La Doña at the Elsewhere Rooftop in Brooklyn, NYC. Later in the fall, she will directly support indie favorite Nilüfer Yanya on tour with stops in Nashville, San Francisco and Los Angeles and play a string of dates with the Black Pumas in Europe.
As her most focused work to date, Gemelo progresses from its delicate, tender entry in Side A, which serves like almost a meditation, to the visceral intensity of Side B, which immerses into the difficult, at times terrifying work of healing. All throughout the album she also challenges the traditional American pop music idioms, opening the floodgates with a refreshingly universal rhythmic set of songs where heritage snaps into focus in both lyric and disparate sound channeling elements of Yves Tumor, Kate Bush, Karen O, Rosalía, Kali Uchis and Xenia Rubinos. She and Arévalo have shaped a self-contained universe with her demos, bonding over everything from Portishead and Radiohead to Timbaland and early Madonna, incorporating front-and-center pop-vocal production and clublike textures and rhythms all throughout.
Raised in El Monte by Mexican and El Salvadoran parents, Garcia has been surrounded by music her entire life – her mother was an artist who had a top 40 Hot 100 hit and her stepfather was in A&R prior to becoming a priest. Already she’s earned praise from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair`, a debut atNPR’s Tiny Desk, space on Barack Obama’s annual best-of-the-year roundup with her cross-cultural anthem “Jicama” along with syncs at Apple, HBO, tour dates with Mitski, Vagabon and beyond. Now, with growth and exploration like wind behind her, Garcia has arrived at her clearest and most fully-realized vision of self.
GEMELO TRACK LIST: Reflexiones Color De Dolor Juanita Ángel [eterna] Mirame Y Grito El Que Intuición Gemini Paloma
ANGÉLICA GARCIA TOUR DATES:
July 5 – Summerfest – Milwaukee, WI July 9 – Elsewhere Rooftop – Brooklyn, NY – co-headlining with La Doña July 12 – Castle – Cardiff, UK – supporting IDLES July 13 – The Piece Hall – Halifax, UK – supporting IDLES July 20 – Dreamland – Margate, UK – supporting IDLES July 21 – The Wyldes – Cornwall, UK – supporting IDLES July 26 – Latitude Festival – Suffolk, UK August 31 – September 1 – Bumbershoot Festival – Seattle October 1 – Guanamor Teatro Estudio – Guadalajara, MX – supporting IDLES October 2 – Showcenter Complex – Monterrey, MX – supporting IDLES October 4 – Pepsi Center – Mexico City, MX – supporting IDLES October 6 – Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH – supporting Nilüfer Yanya October 7 – Metro – Chicago, IL – supporting Nilüfer Yanya October 9 – Basement East – Nashville, TN – supporting Nilüfer Yanya October 10 – Cat’s Cradle – Carrboro, NC – supporting Nilüfer Yanya October 11 – Terminal West – Atlanta, GA – supporting Nilüfer Yanya October 13 – Bottleneck – Lawrence, KS – supporting Nilüfer Yanya October 15 – Meow Wolf – Denver, CO – supporting Nilüfer Yanya October 18 – Hollywood Theatre – Vancouver, BC – supporting Nilüfer Yanya October 19 – The Crocodile – Seattle, WA – supporting Nilüfer Yanya October 20 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR – supporting Nilüfer Yanya October 22 – August Hall – San Francisco, CA – supporting Nilüfer Yanya October 24 – Fonda – Los Angeles, CA – supporting Nilüfer Yanya Oct 28 – Academy – Bristol, UK – supporting Black Pumas Oct 29 – Royal Albert Hall – London, UK – supporting Black Pumas Oct 31 – Arkea Arena – Bordeaux, France – supporting Black Pumas Nov 1 – Zenith – Toulouse, France – supporting Black Pumas Nov 2 – Sant Jordi Club – Barcelona, Spain – supporting Black Pumas Nov 4 – Fabrique – Milan, Italy – supporting Black Pumas Nov 6 – O13 – Tilburg, Netherlands – supporting Black Pumas Nov 8 – KB Hallen – Copenhagen, Denmark – supporting Black Pumas
The GRAMMY Award-winning artist Zedd delivers new single “Out of Time” featuring rising star Bea Miller. Today’s release marks the first record from the multi-platinum producer’s forthcoming album Telos (out August 30) – his first LP in nearly a decade. “Out of Time” is a window into the world of Telos, representing the DNA for what Zedd promises to be a profound listening experience. “I started writing “Out Of Time” back in 2015, making it the longest time I’ve ever worked on a song”, says Zedd on the writing of the record. “It was and still is one of my favorite compositions I’ve ever created. I made an intro for my live show based on this chord progression, but was never able to finish it. Bea was the missing piece of the puzzle; her voice added an emotional depth that completed the song. “Out Of Time” really encapsulates the DNA of the Telos album, which is why I chose it to be the song that introduces this new era.”
On the collaboration, Bea Miller says, “I have been a fan of Zedd’s music for so many years, it’s truly such an honor to have worked with him on this song. I think it’s so special and I’m still pinching myself that I’ve had the privilege of being a part of this project.”
“Out of Time” arrives in the wake of Zedd announcing his upcoming Telos tour, which kicks off with the 2-night return of his famed Zedd in the Park taking place on September 6th and 7th in Los Angeles – presented by Insomniac. With only ticket pre-sales, massive demand across the entire North American run prompted numerous sold-out shows and additional dates added for Zedd in the Park in Los Angeles, as well as New York, Boston, Dallas, Seattle, and San Francisco – with Zedd playing four consecutive nights at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. The tour will conclude on October 15th at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado.
London based singer/songwriter Fox Jackson has been enamored by music from as young as he can remember. Inspired by the likes of artists such as Earth Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang and George Benson, his music blends funk-fuelled melodies, sexy vocals and dance-worthy beats, creating a vibrant and distinct sound which is undeniably his own.
His career in the entertainment industry began at just 11 years old, when he landed the lead role as Billy Elliot, in the hit West End musical, “Billy Elliot the Musical”. His time there solidified his desire to be on stage, while also pushing him to dive deeper into the world of music. Following multiple roles on both stage and TV, Fox soon made an easy transition to his first love and true calling, music. Discovering his own sound and style, Fox has since been crafting music.
“A Sex Demo” is the title-track and first single to be released from the upcoming EP which focuses on relationships… Being in relationships, being around relationships and talking about relationships. While the theme stays consistent, the EP will showcase different flavours, genres and feelings, resulting in something for everyone. Jackson shares, “It’s safe to say that my music is inspired by what I go through in terms of my relationships. I think to love and be with someone is the greatest thing in the world. We all wanna feel those feelings of being treasured and looked after. It also connects with that deep rooted sense of self, because you only really know who you are through the eyes of someone else.”
“A Sex Demo” is about spending a night together with someone you love. The songwriter confesses, “The day I wrote it I was thinking of the person I was with and how they made me feel so special.” Staying true to Jackson’s signature sound of funk, soul and pop with a touch of R&B, “A Sex Demo” is the perfect soundtrack for declaring your love to someone. Featuring a sexy groove, overly romantic lyrics and a Prince-esque vibe, the track switches between tempos, reflecting how sometimes you like to chill it out and be a bit more tender with one another and sometimes… you have to turn up the heat. As he continues to inspire romance, love and communication through his music, Fox Jackson is certain to be London’s very own cupid, with A Sex Demo due 2024.
