Alden Groves - "Windows"
Alden Groves is the singer, songwriter, rapper, producer and everything in between from Denver, CO. His songs are a complex blend of modern electronic pop with a careful design. Windows gives us a genre blend of electro pop and a post-dubstep sound like you have never heard before.
Armanie - "Bullshit"
'Bullshit' Armanie is a 24 year old, self taught singer and songwriter. Her music is inspired by real life events and a pleasure in helping others who may be going through similar situations. 'Bullshit' is her latest single.
Although all of Armanie's prior songs were written about things from her perspective, she decided to try something new this time around and wrote this song through someone else's eyes.
Armanie explained it plain and simple. "I have a friend who was going through it with her boyfriend. So she decided to play his game and have a side dude. But that side dude caught feelings and couldn't stay in his lane anymore. This song is for him or anyone in his same position."
TJ & DJ Paimon - "Don't Need You/ Need More"
Midwest R&B vocalist TJ links up with Midwest Producer DJ Paimon to make an EP of R&B infused hip hop club bangers over hard hitting trap beats. This song transitions from a Trap Club anthem into a darker slow R&B track midway through the song to provide different layers of the same theme.
Dane - "You Special"
“This Song came from a longing to appreciate our women for how special each and everyone is. It combines Caribbean vibes with R&B emotion. It also make for a great summer smasher.”
Lucinda Belle - "Baby Don't Cry"
The next British Invasion has arrived with unique Jazz-Pop Singer/Songwriter Lucinda Belle. After several years of wooing the United Kingdom, releasing her first album with Island Records she is now coming to the USA to launch her second album and collaborate with the musical community here. Bringing the elegance of old school classic Hollywood with smoky jazz-noir rhythms ala Amy Winehouse meets Peggy Lee but with a modern and upbeat twist, Jazz Harp! .
Considered a child prodigy at the harp, it was expected that Lucinda would continue on to have a successful career in classical music. Instead, she absorbed influences from countless types of music, from classical to jazz, pop to hip hop, blues to reggae, and created a sound that is entirely her own. She was running a successful laundry business in London when Decca Records first approached her with a record deal. Belle sold the laundry, and chased her dream. That dream has recently brought her to the shores of California and in October Lucinda released her EP entitled Urban Lullabies, a collection of covers featuring re-imaginings of classics by Nirvana, T.I., John Mayer and Paolo Nutini.
Lucinda's music will transport you to a seductive and anachronistic world where jazz, soul, gypsy jazz, blues, and reggae meld together creating her unique eclectic sound.
Lucinda has worked with a myriad of iconic musicians throughout her career. A select cross-section of her studio and stage collaborations include Annie Lennox, The Pet Shop Boys, Robbie Williams, Natalie Cole, Rufus Wainwright, Yes, Seal, Grace Jones, and Jamiroquai. Other collaborations with producers include Raphael Saadiq, Mark Batson (Beyoncé), The Bullits featuring Jay Electronica, Jay Z, and Charlotte Gainsbourg.
Her energy and skill as an entertainer has earned her awards which include an Oscar nomination in 2015 for Best Song with "Going Nowhere" in the film For No Good Reason (Johnny Depp). She also landed a role performing as 'Dixie Darling' with the Punch Drunk Theatre Company in their world-renowned immersion play The Drowned Man, as well as making cameo appearances in the New York production of Sleep No More.
Lucinda is one of those timeless rebels, unafraid to challenge the boundaries of what is possible; unashamedly paving the way through her artistry with an authentic connection to all she does. Her music and is truly like no one else you've ever seen or heard.
In the coming year, Lucinda will be releasing her album Think Big : Like Me which reaffirms her unique perspective of what can be done with the harp. She is also working on new collaborations (surprises) to be released later in the year... and is sharing more of her story and approach by giving Keynotes.
#LAOnLockExclusive: Macharo x Stophe Malone - "Sexxx Bars" [EP]
Macharo & Stophe Malone just released their collaborative EP “Sexxx Bars” for Valentines Day!
Featuring guest features from Kina Zala & J Classic.
Out now on all platforms!
Along with it is an x-rated music video for #2 on the project, “Pull Up”. Tune in below!
TJ & DJ Paimon - "Let It Be (Alright)"
Midwest R&B vocalist TJ links up with Midwest Producer DJ Paimon to make an EP of R&B infused hip hop club bangers over hard hitting trap beats.
Radicule - "Seba & Yancey"
A vignette fashioned in tribute to the producers roots: J Dilla and Nujabes. 'Seba & Yancey' is one of many snack sized beats leading up to a full course meal over the span of 'Sesame Kids'. Wearing his influences on his sleeve on this album whilst also constructing soundscapes that best embody his childhood in the Bronx, Radicule. pulls up with some of his most textured work to date. Tracks polished up just enough to shimmer through grains of dust & dirt, 'Sesame Kids' is a warm invitation to anyone listening to kick their feet up and step into the world of Radicule. in its purest form. A total of 24 tracks, clocking in at 36 minutes, it's a listen best for clearing your mental on a long train ride or simply cleaning around the crib & bopping a little bit. Released on the rising Boston-based beat label, Dust Collectors, the album is another testament to the growing and blooming beat culture springing forth worldwide.
Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/album/551Smi1dhCpOrKxa5apq3O
ALBUM REVIEW: She Knows - Mena →
Louisiana based singer-songwriter Mena just released She Knows, a sophisticated blend of jazz and soul. The EP includes four tracks; “She Knows”, “Want Me”, “Hand In Hand”, and “Us Two”.
Fusing gospel, Hip-Hop, jazz, and R&B with fine artistry, Mena juggles effortlessly with various subtle genre nuances. A latin infused bossa-nova feel for the introductory track “She Knows”, followed by a modern groove in “Want Me”. “Hand In Hand” and “Us Two” follow more traditional jazz patterns, directly inspired by the famous New Orleans’ swing, with an added french touch at the end of “Us Two”.
Partnering up with the legendary Carlos Stephens from New Orleans, Louisiana, who’s produced artists such as Snoop Dogg and Soulja Slim just to name a few, Mena delivers an outstanding performance in all four tracks of the EP. This album introduces us to this strong yet extremely smooth voiced songstress’ rich vocal tones, distilling a laid back feeling with a deep vibe.
Elias Boussnina - "Bring The Pain" feat. UnoTheActivist
Elias Boussnina shares ‘Bring The Pain’ featuring UnoTheActivist, the forth track, taken from Elias debut EP ’Shameboy’, set for release in February 2019.
Elias drops a brooding soulful vocal over dramatic electro-synth beats, the result is an irresistible brand of RnB that draws us in from the offset. Lyrically ’Bring The Pain’ continues to focus on the destructive impact of infatuation and addiction, two reoccurring themes that are present throughout the EP. ’Bring The Pain’ was produced by Louis Winding (Nelly, Brandy, Outlandish), as well as written and co-produced by Elias himself.
Speaking about the track Elias said “Bring The Pain is about feeling unable to keep yourself away from something you clearly know isn’t good for you, you keep returning to it because it feels great in the moment, but you know deep-down that it will all come crashing down in the end.”
It’s a sound hard not to love, pitch perfect heartfelt vocals underpinned by a rhythmical soundscape of rolling percussion and pounding synth beats. The final verse features acclaimed Atlanta-based rapper Uno The Activist, who, on hearing ‘Bring The Pain’ being presented to Republic Records in New York was hooked “He liked the track so much, we decided he had to jump on it for the last verse” said Elias.
Of Danish-Tunisian descent, Elias speaks English, Danish, Arab and French. He grew up listening to hip-hop and American soul and first found success in 2015 under the moniker of Rap artist Yung Coke. When that project came to its natural conclusion, Elias began writing more R&B infused tracks and transforming his sound and identity into the expertly crafted art you hear today. Elias’ first three singles, ”5:30”,“Lost Ones” and ”Candy” were released to critical acclaim in Denmark, and the artist is now poised to reach an international audience in 2019.
Elias Boussnina releases his debut EP ’Shameboy’ on February 15th 2019 via Universal Music Denmark.
Trevis - "Pretty Girls"
Rising Norwegian pop-kid Trevis Brendmoe has just revealed his new RnB single ‘Pretty Girls’ produced by JV The producer (Fifth Harmony, Ella Mai)
The talented 19-year old - who cites Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown and Travis Scott as his major influences - has been writing songs since the age of 16 and describes his latest single ‘Pretty Girls’ as being about, ‘having a good time at a club or at one of my shows, seeing pretty girls and wanting to get to know them.’
Trevis released his debut single ‘Hard To Get’ in November 2017, when he moved back to his hometown Oslo, Norway after studying and recording in LA for 3 years.
‘Hard To Get’ was playlisted on Norway’s biggest radio stations and was playlisted on Spotify’s New Music Friday. Subsequent single releases this year have been equally well supported and Trevis has already achieved over a million streams on Spotify. Already a bit of a superstar and a hit with his growing teenage fanbase over in Norway, Trevis also currently has over 30K likes on Instagram.
This summer saw Trevis warming up for The Vamps in Norway, performing at H&M Loves Music festival, Palmesus (Europe’s biggest beach festival), Arthur Ashe Kids Day and a performance at the 2018 US Open.
With more singles to follow ‘Pretty Girls’ and plans underway for Trevis to play live in the UK, 2019 looks like an exciting year for Trevis.
Josh White - "Numb"
Recorded in one hour, Numb was recorded at home and uploaded immediately to Soundcloud. Yesterday it was picked up by Elevator and is already garnering 10k views. Josh has been on the come up on the underground scene for over 5 years and has been making an indellible mark on the Cleveland/Atlanta scene since 2012. He's been called by Atlantic and Interscope regarding the freestyle and he plans on releasing many projects in 2019, including his debut album, Don't Kill Yourself.
Seven Lions, SLANDER, & Dabin - "First Time" feat. Dylan Matthew (Acoustic Mix)
To end 2018, Seven Lions teamed up with SLANDER and Dabin to release their blissful single "First Time," on Seven Lions' imprint Ophelia Records. Now, Dylan Matthew, the vocalist on the original track, has stepped into the spotlight for the magical "First Time (Acoustic);" a re-interpretation of the track, which makes for a cathartic listening experience for fans. The acoustic version showcases his clear and vibrant vocals as it pairs perfectly with the light piano melody. Alongside the release of "First Time (acoustic)" comes a live-recorded music video, which spotlights the beauty of the vocals and piano of the stripped down track as Dylan plays it out live.
Seven Lions made a strong entrance into the new year with his single "Island," a collaboration with Trivecta and Wooli featuring Nevve. 2019 is sure to be a massive one of the producer, be sure to catch Seven Lions at Insomniac's anticipated Beyond Wonderland festival on March 22, as well as a special set at Above & Beyond's Miami Music Week show at the RC Cola on March 28.
SLANDER are known for their massive collaboration with NGHTMRE dubbed "Gud Vibrations" - a name that the producers have also used for their recently launched co-owned record label. The LA-based duo has recently released two notable tracks with vastly different sounds: "Kneel Before Me" with Crankdatfeaturing heavy metal band Asking Alexandria and "You Don't Even Know Me" with RIOT, which was a single on their The Headbanger's Ball EP. SLANDER is in the midst of headlining their "The Headbangers Ball" North American tour as well, which included two sold out dates at the esteemed Hollywood Palladium on January 11th and 12th. Check out the full tour and grab tickets here.
Dabin is no stranger to working with Seven Lions, as he's previously released material on Ophelia Recordsand remixed the anthemic "Freesol". The Toronto native also just released a new single called "Altitude" with Fytch. Dabin has been working to incorporate live instruments into his shows and has performed live alongside Illenium and Said The Sky. Dylan Matthew has been previously featured on electronic classics such as "Alone" by ARMNHMR & Nolan van Lith as well as SLANDER and Kayzo's beloved track "Without You".
Sam Robins - "lipsclosedshut" (ft. loreti)
Sam Robins is a multi-instrumentalist, and producer. He is involved in the entire creative process in the creation of his music: he plays and records all instruments and vocals, and produces and mixes all of his records. His music is genre bending, with influences from: hip hop, psychedelic rock, jazz and blues.
In 2017, he released his psychedelic Debut EP "Escape my Head", along with an acoustic version of "Forever" (it can be found on his Soundcloud). This year, he released his new single "On You" with a more commercial sound. He is also beginning to produce for other acts and has several collaborations on the way.
Jboi - "Bossed Up" (feat. Rucci)
A funkadelic-inspired track featuring Rucci, with an LA-rap twist.
J.Lately - "Clean" ft. The Grouch
We often look at times of struggle and pain as negative experiences, overlooking the opportunity it provides us for growth and renewal. This song is about accepting the inevitable presence of these more difficult times in our lives, and using them to bring us strength and positivity as we move forward. The track features Living Legends emcee The Grouch, who has been someone that's embodied this type of spirit to me throughout his career.