New Music Releases: From Coliseum and Wild Yaks to Islands and Monica Aben
New Music Releases is a column that keeps abreast of all the news from the music industry that often flies under the radar. Keep up-to-date with the underground and independent scene and find your next favorite band or singer-songwriter right here.
The Early November release 'The Fool' ahead of new album and upcoming tour
Alternative rock group The Early November has dropped 'The Fool', the second single from their forthcoming self-titled album.
“This song taps into the repetition of cycles we go through on the journey of life, and sometimes how we’re so ingrained in these cycles we don’t even notice when an opportunity is there,” shares frontman Ace Enders.
The Early November will be brining their new album across the US this summer as they hit the road for a month-long headline tour with support from Spitalfield, Hellogoodbye, Hit The Lights, and Cliffdiver. The tour kicks off on June 22 in New York City, with stops to follow in Chicago, San Francisco, Orlando, Richmond, and more.
Skatepunkers The Corps release single 'Dog of War'
Canadian skatepunk outfit The Corps have released a new single titled 'Dog Of War'. The track marks the first new music since the addition of new members and Vancouver punk rock veterans Morgan Farrell (ATD, Blacked Out, Bishops Green) on guitar and Dave Derksen (ATD, Little Fix, Whiskey River Gun Club) on bass.
Speaking of the track, the band says, "The comic book mask of ‘Dog of War’ is about Orion, the son of Darkseid. He was raised by his enemy Highfather as part of an exchange with his son Scott Free, so a peace treaty could be formed between the two nemeses. The song itself embodies the height of the inevitable rage that consumes a person who’s been living their life with no recognizable traits or practices. Knowing you're an alien, knowing you're different."
The Corps will also drop their sophomore album this year on Thousand Islands Records. The band will also embark on an Eastern Canada tour with Darko and a Western Canada tour with Authority Zero, in May and June, respectively.
After nine-year break hardcore legends Coliseum release single 'You Might Be Dead'
Hardcore band Coliseum — featuring members Ryan Patterson (vocals/guitar), Kayhan Vaziri (bass/backing vocals) and Carter Wilson (drums/backing vocals) — have released their first new single in nine years titled 'You Might Be Dead'. 'You Might Be Dead' was written and recorded in Patterson's studio in April 2024 during rehearsals for the band’s 20th anniversary shows taking place this weekend in Louisville, KY.
“As we played together and revisited songs from our back catalog that meant so much to us, we were inspired to write a new song that channeled those feelings and that energy,” Patterson says.
In the years since the hiatus, the three members of Coliseum focused on their separate current bands. Patterson went on to form post-punk group Fotocrime, Kayhan Vaziri continued with grind metal act Yautja, and Carter Wilson fronts slowcore band Null.
Wild Yaks drop single off upcoming 6th album 'Monumental Deeds'
Rockaway Beach's Wild Yaks have returned with 'Monumental Deeds', the band's sixth album in a nearly two-decade-long career. Set to be released on June 21, 2024, via Ernest Jenning Recording Co., the album encapsulates the essence of Wild Yaks -- "a raw, unhinged energy coupled with intricate songwriting that oscillates between triumphant anthems and poignant reflections on love lost".
'Monumental Deeds' is produced by Jack Dawson and recorded over two years in Red Hook, NY, the album features 10 tracks that explore themes of hope and self-awareness.
Wild Yaks have also dropped the lead single from the album, 'See That Girl', available now on all streaming platforms for any playlist shares. Wild Yaks are also announcing two Brooklyn shows in support of the upcoming release. The band will be playing a free show on April 20 in Brooklyn at Floyd Bennett Field (Public Arts Festival) and on June 15 at TV Eye with Shilpa Ray. Additional shows will be announced in the coming weeks
Islands announce release date for 10th album and drop lead single 'Drown A Fish'
Islands has announced the release of their 10th album, 'What Occurs' out June 21. The tenth album in 19 years marks a significant departure, with the band embracing a live-off-the-floor approach that strips away extensive layers in favor of a raw, unmediated sound.
The band has also dropped the lead single 'Drown A Fish' and its accompanying music video. On 'Drown A Fish', Islands' bandleader Nick Thorburn delves into the complexities of human interactions. Inspired by The Three O’Clock, Elvis Costello & The Attractions, and Kiwi Jr, the song embodies the essence of power pop, showcasing the band's dynamic energy and musical prowess.
Thorburn says of the track, “In my opinion, a compelling story is always full of contradictions, and with ‘Drown A Fish’, I was looking to throw my hat in the ring of Pop Songs About Lovelorn Losers Who Couldn’t Buy a Clue to Save Their Life. I set out to write a song that laid bare a series of 'ironic situations narrated by a delusional idiot', because I think that’s more interesting than listening to an uplifting anthem about a flawless, self-empowered smartypants. We recorded the song as a quartet, by sitting together in one room — a tucked away studio on Vancouver Island — and playing the song live, in a single take. Like a rock and roll band should! We sat down in a circle, learned the song, and then immediately pressed record. And that’s what you hear."
Immersion announces new album 'Nanocluster Vol.2' out June 14
Immersion has announced the release of 'Nanocluster Vol 2' out June 14. The album will be available as a double 10-inch, CD and on all digital platforms. 'Nanocluster Vol. 2' features collaborations with Immersion (Colin Newman and Malka Spigel), Thor Harris, and Cubzoa (Jack Wolter from the band Penelope Isles). Matt Schulz from Holy Fuck plays drums throughout the release. Immersion has also released the single 'Other Ways' featuring Cubzoa.
Nanocluster started as a one-off pop-up gig that turned into an album series. Built around Colin Newman from UK post-punk band Wire and his partner in life and sound Malka Spigel from Minimal Compact with various guests, they define collaboration. Colin met Malka when he produced her band in 1985. The collaboration started there. They became a couple and created their own projects like the instrumental electronic duo Immersion in 1994 and Githead in 2004 -- spaces where they both "feel really comfortable".
Monica Aben announces new EP 'Everything I've Ever Known' out July 26
Southern California-based singer-songwriter Monica Aben has announced the upcoming release of her new EP, 'Everything I've Ever Known', out on July 26, 2024. The EP follows her acclaimed singles 'That Kind of Happy' and 'Rearrange You' and is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the beauty of embracing one's true essence.
Monica has also dropped the EP's inaugural single, 'Force Of Nature', along with its accompanying video, which she filmed and edited alongside her mother, Anna Marie Aben.
Reflecting on 'Force Of Nature', Monica says, "I've spent the last two years reconnecting with my divine feminine and exploring the deep connection between humanity and nature. Through this journey, I've realized that we are all forces of nature, capable of profound transformation and regeneration. The world will continue to turn, and we will meet new versions of ourselves throughout life, but I’ve come to learn, that you only really meet the depths of yourself when you’re in nature."
Icyday drop debut album 'Clear Skies'
Pop/R 'n' B band IcyDay have announced the release of their debut album titled 'Clear Skies'. The album was released independently and is available to stream worldwide.
Clear Skies has eight new songs that were recorded in 2023 in Los Angeles. Showcasing IcyDay’s vocal talent and laid-back catchy melodies, this new body of work explores themes of falling in love, heartbreak, and a beautiful examination of human nature.
“This project has been in the works for so long and we are unbelievably grateful to share it with you. The support we have been shown these first few months has been so incredible and we can’t wait to share what we have next. For now, stream Clear Skies everywhere,” say Sloane Morgan Siegel, David Bloom and Isaac Cohen of IcyDay.
Craig Campbell is inspired by legends on new album 'Class of ’89'
Country hitmaker Craig Campbell has released his 'Class of ’89' album. Six songs that represent the core influences who helped mold his desire to pursue a career as an artist and songwriter is available now on Grindstone Recordings.
“I have been dreaming of recording this album for as long as I can remember,” said Craig. “These songs are some of the reasons I fell in love with country music in the first place. Every song on this album has a story, and each one of those stories shaped me into the country singer I am today. There will never be anyone that can do these songs as good as the originals, but at the very least I hope I made them proud.”
In a move unique in the Nashville music scene, Craig enlisted his friends to hunker down in the studio to record all of the tracks. “These are guys I spent years with on the road. When it came time to go into the studio, I knew there was no other band that could play these songs the way I wanted better than my boys. Thank you David Black, Shawn, Aaron, David Karns, Jamie, Tyler and David Spires!”
Free The Youth hit the music scene with single 'Who Dat Boy?'
Ghanaian fashion collective Free The Youth – who have taken the streetwear scene by storm -- have made their first foray into music releasing their debut single, 'Who Dat Boy?' via LVRN Records/The Orchard.
Produced by Quantum, the Accra-based, 10-person collective have leveraged their influence within the music space by collaborating with some of the hottest talent from the continent. On 'Who Dat Boy?', they enlist rapper and singer Kwesi Arthur for a single that perfectly fuses afro sound with drill to deliver what will no doubt be the soundtrack to every ‘fit check’ video on social media.
Speaking of their debut single, the collective said, “We made 'Who Dat Boy?' with our boy Kwesi Arthur and it’s just one of those songs that we want the youth to rage to."
Rosa Linn and Galantis team-up for dance banger 'Universe'
Global sensation Rosa Linn is back as she enlists Grammy Award-nominated Swedish electronic music producer Galantis for an upbeat dance remix of her latest hit 'Universe': Co-produced by Grammy Award winner Cirkut (Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Rihanna) and Connor McDonough (Ava Max, Dove Cameron, John Legend).
“A Galantis remix? Whaaaat? The small town Armenian fangirl me is still freaking out,” said Rosa Linn. “In an effort to make 'Universe' as universal as possible, I’ve started releasing multiple versions of the song. This time, I really wanted to create something that people could dance and get crazy to."
Galantis adds: “I’ve been a fan of Rosa Linn since I first heard ‘Snap’, so when she reached out for a Galantis remix of her new single ‘Universe’ I had something in mind right away for it.”
Rosa Linn achieved major mainstream success with her 2022 global smash hit single, 'Snap', which has surpassed 1.3 billion streams to date and has been certified Gold and Platinum in 30 countries including the US and UK.
LoveColor drop video for single 'Crazy Love'
LoveColor -- the musical project of Ryan Carnes (Desperate Housewives, Cupid for Christmas, Doctor Who) and singer, songwriter and producer Vanessa Silberman -- has dropped the official video for their single 'Crazy Love'. The video was directed by Jamie Wollrab.
Of the song, the band's Vanessa Silberman says, "We were fortunate to have a fantastic team behind us [Wollrab, Ciara Hanna, Brielle Friedman, Garrett Gaston, TJ Moore] to make this come to life. We had an incredible location and thought that it had a kind of nostalgic vibe that hinted at Old Hollywood and music videos of past decades, so we leaned into that."
LoveColor has also announced a show on May 3 in New York City at Drom with Johnny Manchild & The Poor Bastards and Holdfast.
SadBoi thrills fans with release of new single 'Baddies'
Gearing up for the release of her new project and fresh off being co-signed by Drake, SadBoi has released her latest single 'Baddies' available to stream now on all digital platforms via LVRN Records/The Orchard.
Following a standout year with knockout performances on 'From the Block', 'On The Ring', and 'On the Radar', SadBoi delivers smooth vocals with energy, crafting an atmosphere that’s both vibrant and laid-back.
Earlier this year, SadBoi joined forces with the alt-pop artist/producer Lolo Zouaï for a remix of previously released single 'Potential'. Originally released in June 2023, the Caribbean-infused track garnered over one million streams on Spotify alone and secured SadBoi a spot on the platform's highly coveted Best Pop Songs of 2023 year-end playlist.
Society of the Silver Cross release single; finally set date for new album 'Festival of Invocations'
Musical duo Society of the Silver Cross have released their latest single 'By The Millions'. 'By The Millions' is the latest track to be shared from the group’s forthcoming album 'Festival of Invocations', set to be released on Friday, June 14, 2024.
Of the new single the duo says, "'By The Millions’ emerged as a reflection of the uncertainty and fear that gripped us at the onset of the pandemic. Confronted with the prospect of an unknown and potentially catastrophic future, we both grappled with the overwhelming sense of isolation and abandonment. The lyrics convey our profound sense of vulnerability, as we felt like nameless shadows left to our own survival. The instrumental sections carry a lumbering quality, evoking a reluctant march of millions one by one, while amplifying the peculiar parallel of solitude amidst the shared experience. As the song concludes, it felt natural to steer the tale towards a more open, uplifting ending into a place of hope.”
Five years in the making, 'Festival of Invocations' is the highly anticipated follow up to Society of the Silver Cross’s critically-acclaimed inaugural album '1 Verse' (2019).
The North Country releases new sing off upcoming album 'The Future's All We Need'
The North Country, an experimental pop band hailing from Washington, DC, have dropped their latest single, 'San Antonio Pot Brownies', the final pre-release single from their upcoming album, 'The Future's All We Need'. The album is set to be released on April 26 on House of Joy.
'San Antonio Pot Brownies' encapsulates a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, as described by the band's Andrew Grossman: "This song is me coming out of that and concluding that there are no answers, and the best way to live is to just try to have a good time. That seems to work well. Beyond that, it’s all just speculation."
Andrew Grossman further shared that he wrote the music for 'San Antonio Pot Brownies' while on a day off during a tour with Sean Barna at SXSW in 2019. The band was staying at a friend's house in San Antonio, where Grossman found inspiration after indulging in a pot brownie.
Wafia releases new single 'Background' as they build on wave of success
The gold-selling Netherlands-born LA-based Iraqi-Syrian singer-songwriter Wafia is back with her new single 'Background' and announces her signing to Nettwerk Music Group. 'Background' and forthcoming releases are executive produced by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Sabrina Claudio, promising an exciting journey ahead for fans.
What distinguishes Wafia within the realm of pop music is her profound understanding of the human experience, underscored by her unique identity as both Arab and queer. Her musical journey began to gain significant momentum in 2015 with a cover of Mario's 'Let Me Love You', amassing an impressive five million SoundCloud streams. Subsequently, her track 'Heartburn' caught the attention of Pharrell Williams, who featured it on his Beats1 radio show, catapulting her into the spotlight. The endorsement of cultural icons like Jaden Smith and Kylie Jenner further propelled her ascent, illustrating the organic growth of her fan base.