Chris Stapleton
Kentucky-born artist Chris Stapleton is a 10x Grammy, 16x CMA and 15x ACM Award-winner and one of the country’s most respected and beloved musicians. In the past year, he’s been named Entertainer of the Year at the 58th ACM Awards—resulting in the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award—and Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2022 CMA Awards—his sixth time earning the award, setting the record for most wins ever in the category. The accolades follow Stapleton’s most recent album, 2020’s acclaimed Starting Over, which also won three awards at the 67th Annual GRAMMYs: Best Country Album, Best Country Solo Performance (“You Should Probably Leave”) and Best Country Song (“Cold”) in addition to earning Album of the Year honors at both the CMA and ACM Awards.
The album follows Stapleton’s pair of Platinum-certified releases from 2017, From A Room: Volume 1 and From A Room: Volume 2, as well as his 5X Platinum breakthrough solo debut album, Traveller. Known for his electric live performances, Stapleton is currently in the midst of his extensive All-American Road Show Tour and also joins George Strait for select stadium shows this summer. In addition to his work as a musician, Stapleton and his wife, Morgane, are founders of the Outlaw State of Kind charitable fund, which supports a variety of causes that are close to their heart. Latest single, “White Horse” is out now!
Santigold
Santigold is a genre-defying musician, style renegade, and visionary artist across multiple platforms celebrated for her fearless ability to fuse unexpected elements into bold new work. An artist whose perseverance relies on invention, her singular aesthetic has made her a major muse watched by the inspired world. She’s had a #1 record on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic chart, won an ASCAP Pop Music award (Vanguard Award), and has been nominated for a Q Award, MTV Europe Music Award, and BRIT Award. Her brand collaborations include a sneaker for Vans, make up collection for Smashbox, and an accessories collection for Stance. Santigold has also had comedic roles on The Office and Adult Swim’s NTSF:SD:SUV. In 2018, Santigold released the mixtape-style album project, I Don’t Want: The Gold Fire Sessions, a collaboration with DJ/ Producer Dre Skull. Unlike other Santigold albums, which are recorded over long periods and heavily curated and edited by Santi, I Don’t Want: The Gold Fire Sessions is a loose and spontaneous project, a snapshot of the infectious energy of the two weeks she spent in the studio with Dre Skull exploring reggae and Afro-Caribbean influenced rhythms and threading them with the incisive social commentary, humor, and daredevil sound that have become hallmarks of her work.
Read MoreStereo MC’s
Stereo Mc’s, a dynamic duo that emerged in the mid-80s, was deeply influenced by electronic music and early HipHop. Their journey began with the release of their inaugural 12” vinyl and the establishment of the renowned independent record label, G Street Records, which showcased the works of numerous talented artists from the UK and U.S. Soon after, they inked a record deal with Island/4th and Broadway records, unveiling their debut LP to the world. The duo embarked on extensive tours as a captivating live act, captivating audiences across multiple tours and festivals. Their third LP, ‘connected,’ released in 1992, swept the globe by storm, with the hit single ‘connected’ solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
Fast forward to 2015, fueled by a desire to break free from the confines of major record labels and a profound passion for dance music, Stereo Mc’s returned to their musical origins. This marked the inception of a groundbreaking venture, the birth of ‘connected’ label, initially conceived as a platform for their own music and an avenue to showcase the diverse talents of other artists. Embracing genres like Afro House, Deep House, Techno, and their myriad sub-genres, the label quickly gained momentum, thanks to distribution support from Kompakt records in Cologne, growing exponentially over the years with an impressive 40 releases under its belt. While actively touring as a live band, the duo, Rob Birch and Nick Hallam, also delve into their love for DJing, a pivotal element of the connected label’s ethos. Noteworthy collaborations with esteemed artists such as Adam Port, Anja Schneider, Re.You, Yotam Avni, and Terranova illuminate their artistic journey, with a roster that boasts talents like David Mayer, Florian Busse, Nandu, Aaaron, Re.You, Cee ElAssaad, Da Mike, DJ Angelo, and more, making ‘connected’ label a powerhouse of creativity and innovation.
Brittany Howard
With five Grammy® wins and sixteen nominations, Brittany Howard follows up her massively acclaimed solo debut Jaime with the new single “What Now” and teases what is to come from her upcoming album of the same name. Like Jaime (whose celebratory single “Stay High” earned a Grammy for Best Rock Song), What Now finds Howard once again taking the helm as producer and working closely with longtime collaborator engineer/co-producer/co-mixer Shawn Everett. The album emerged through a deliberately free-flowing process, with Howard doubling down on the unfettered creativity that’s long defined her work. “What Now” takes on a potent urgency fueled by its syncopated grooves, blistering guitar riffs, and fiercely honest lyrics (“I’ve been making plans that don’t include you anymore/My heart wants to stay but I don’t know what for”). “‘What Now’ is maybe the truest and bluest of all the songs,” says Howard. “It’s never my design to hurt anyone’s feelings, but I needed to say what was on my mind without editing myself. I like how it’s a song that makes you want to dance, but at the same time the lyrics are brutal.” There’s a double meaning to the title of What Now. “With the world we’re living in now, it feels like we’re all just trying to hang onto our souls,” says the Nashville-based musician and front woman for four-time Grammy Award-winning Alabama Shakes. “Everything seems to be getting more extreme and everyone keeps wondering, ‘What now? What’s next?’
Read MoreThe xx
Atmospheric English indie pop group the xx formed in London around the talents of Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim, Baria Qureshi, and Jamie Smith, when the band members were still in high school. Captivating and cool, the group cites influences that run the gamut from R&B (Aaliyah and Rihanna) to classic alternative rock (the Cure and the Pixies). Built around the duel vocals of Croft and Sim, the group’s signature brand of moody, soulful indie rock first appeared on the public radar in early 2009 with the single Crystalised, which created a huge buzz among critics and fans alike. The xx released their self-titled debut LP in July of that year in the U.K.; it was released in the U.S. the following month. Late that year, Qureshi was no longer part of the group; the rest of the xx released a statement via NME saying this was due to personal differences. During 2010, the live dates continued, including spots at several high-profile summer festivals, and in September, their album won Britain’s coveted Mercury Prize. Meanwhile, Smith worked with Gil Scott-Heron on the remix album We’re New Here (in turn spawning the Drake song Take Care, which sampled the pair’s I’ll Take Care of U). In mid-2012, a pair of singles, Angels and Chained, heralded the release of the group’s second album, Coexist, that September. The following year, the band’s song Together appeared on the soundtrack to Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of The Great Gatsby. The xx began working on their third album in 2014, and recorded in locales as varied as Marfa, Texas, London, Reykjavik, and Los Angeles. Jamie xx’s solo debut In Colour, which featured contributions from Sim and Croft, arrived in 2015. Late in 2016, the single On Hold introduced the more energetic, eclectic direction of I See You, which was released in January 2017. ~ James Christopher Monger, Rovi
Read MoreGenesis Owusu
Genesis Owusu is a Ghanaian-Australian songwriter and performer whose genre-defying music blends laid-back funk, hardcore rap, and the energetic vibes of alternative rock. Influenced by the likes of Frank Ocean, Kanye West, OutKast, and Jimi Hendrix, his songs resonate with a mix of celebration and introspection, often addressing important social issues like cultural appropriation and police brutality. Emerging from Australia, Owusu gained recognition with his early works such as the EP Cardrive in 2017 and his dynamic live performances. In 2020, his track “Don’t Need You” caught the attention of music influencers in both the U.K. and the U.S., setting the stage for his debut album, “Smiling with No Teeth,” which took the music scene by storm in 2021, earning the prestigious Album of the Year title at the ARIA Awards. Born as Kofi Owusu-Ansah in Ghana, he later moved to Canberra, Australia, at a young age. His musical journey began with the Ansah Brothers duo alongside his brother Koji, also known as Citizen Kay, before he embarked on a successful solo career as Genesis Owusu. With his signature style and captivating performances accompanied by his troupe of dancers, the Goons, Owusu became a standout figure on the Australian music scene, receiving accolades such as ACT Live Voice of the Year. His singles like “Sideways,” produced by Hiatus Kaiyote members Perrin Moss and Simon Mavin, and hits like “Wit’ da Team” and “WUTD” further solidified his place in the industry. The release of his debut album marked a milestone in his career, garnering critical acclaim and multiple ARIA Music Awards. In 2023, Owusu followed up with his second album, “Struggler,” featuring a unique fusion of punk-rap elements and collaborations with prominent producers like Mikey Freedom and Jason Evigan.
Read MoreThe Girl and The Dreamcatcher
The Girl and The Dreamcatcher is an American pop duo formed by actress and singer Dove Cameron and actor Ryan McCartan. The duo gained popularity through their Official Artist Channel on YouTube, where they share their music, covers, and behind-the-scenes content with their fans. With a unique blend of catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, The Girl and The Dreamcatcher captivates audiences worldwide. Their channel, known for its engaging and creative visual storytelling, has garnered a loyal following of music enthusiasts who are drawn to the duo’s authentic and soulful performances. Through their channel, The Girl and The Dreamcatcher continues to showcase their talent and passion for music, establishing themselves as a dynamic and promising duo in the pop music scene.
Read MoreElastica
Elastica, the renowned punk rock band, emerged as a sensation on both sides of the Atlantic in 1995. Departing from the traditional sounds of new wave and punk rock, Elastica infused their music with catchy hooks and a distinct angular edge. Their hit track “Connection” from the album Elastica epitomizes their pop-oriented, hook-driven approach. Despite drawing inspiration from legendary bands like Adam & the Ants, Wire, the Buzzcocks, and Blondie, Elastica carved out a unique space in the music scene with their refreshing sound. However, their sophomore album, The Menace, failed to make a significant impact leading to the band’s disbandment in 2001.
Lead guitarist and vocalist, Justine Frischmann, kickstarted her professional music career in the early ’90s with the formation of Suede alongside Brett Anderson. After departing from Suede in 1991, she founded Elastica and assembled the band lineup in 1993 including guitarist Donna Matthews, drummer Justin Welch, and bassist Annie Holland. Elastica’s debut single “Stutter” and subsequent tracks like “Line Up” garnered immense acclaim and solidified the band’s presence in the music scene. The band’s self-titled first album broke records in the U.K. by becoming the fastest-selling debut, surpassing Oasis’ achievement. Despite facing legal challenges over music similarities, Elastica’s music resonated with audiences worldwide, earning them a top spot in the charts and critical acclaim.
Blondshell
You wouldn’t sing about the potential for improvement if you didn’t believe in it. The debut album by the artist name is currently available, presenting a compelling mix of emotions and experiences that resonate with listeners on a profound level.
Read MoreRubblebucket
One of the most compelling groups on the scene since the early 2010s, Rubblebucket’s seeds were sown when Kalmia Traver and Alex Toth, the group’s front persons, co-writers and co-producers, first began a friendship as jazz students at the University of Vermont. Soon after, they formed Rubblebucket, using the project to delve into pop, funk, dance and psychedelia; performances have spanned Bonnaroo to Glastonbury to their self-curated Dream Picnic Festival, and they’ve collaborated with kindred genre-blenders including Arcade Fire and Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears.
Rubblebucket’s new album explores one particular year from the band’s past known as the Year Of The Banana. Frontwoman Kalmia Traver has a personal practice of naming each year since 2011, ie: Year of Brushstrokes (2014), Year Of The Mountain And The Steady Flame (2022), Year Of Stop Crying, Start Flying (2023), etc. However, in 2015 (Year Of The Banana) Kalmia’s romantic relationship with Rubblebucket co-founder Alex Toth fell apart, and that year was spent peeling off psychological layers in search of the sweetness that would allow the friendship, and the band, to continue. So Rubblebucket is celebrating 15 years as a band with a record about the year it almost ended. The album has a transforming effect, inspiring us to face ourselves and radically keep loving each other, assuring us that the unpredictable process has potential to feel as free and sweet as peeling a banana on the dance floor.
DEVO
Devo, one of new wave’s most innovative bands, emerged from the Midwestern underground scene of the 1970s with a uniquely abstract and self-designed approach. The band’s name stems from their philosophy of ‘de-evolution,’ blending dark social satire and quirky humor with striking visuals. Their breakthrough came with the hit single ‘Whip It’ from the album ‘Freedom of Choice’ in 1980, propelling them briefly into the mainstream spotlight alongside the rise of MTV. Despite facing criticism for their campy elements, Devo’s influence grew over the years, solidifying their status as a revered cult band with a dedicated following.
The core members, Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh, initially met as art school students at Kent State University in the early ’70s. Together with friend Bob Lewis, they crafted the concept of ‘de-evolution,’ challenging the notion of human progress and societal norms. Devo’s early days saw experimentation with unique visuals, costumes, and musical instruments, culminating in their breakthrough with the album ‘Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!’ produced by Brian Eno. Despite facing criticism and controversies, Devo continued to evolve creatively, releasing albums, scoring films, and venturing into commercial collaborations, leaving an enduring mark on the music industry.
Say She She
Say She She, the soulful female-led group, stand rock solid on their disco-delic duty with their boundary-breaking sophomore album Silver (released September 29 on Colemine/Karma Chief Records). The voices of Piya Malik (El Michels Affair, Chicano Batman), Sabrina Mileo Cunningham and Nya Gazelle Brown (79.5) front the band.
Silver was written and recorded live to tape at Killion Sound studio in North Hollywood in early 2023, and produced by Sergio Rios (Orgone, Neal Francis, Alicia Keys). While these analog recording techniques help root Say She She’s sound in a bedrock of tonal warmth that only tape can achieve, it is also their process of cutting the track in the moment and capturing the magic of communal creativity that have critics reeling. Musical inspirations include Rotary Connection, Asha Puthli, Liquid Liquid, Grace Jones, and Tom Tom Club.
Described as “a glorious overload of joyful elation and spiritual elevation” (MOJO) and “infused with the wonky post-disco spirit of early 80s NYC” (The Guardian), the band consistently tops the radio charts of tastemaker station KCRW and BBC’s Radio 6 Music. Sold out shows from London to Los Angeles are a testament to a rapidly growing fan base. Say She She has toured with the likes of Thee Sacred Souls, and have already played iconic festivals like Glastonbury, Central Park Summerstage, and more.