New Music Releases: From Eric Nam and Sueco to Lily Meola and Marcel Wave
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.
Ian Flanigan drops new rendition of Lee Brice's 'I Don't Smoke'
Country music singer-songwriter Ian Flanigan’s new single 'I Don’t Smoke' is now out. Initially recorded by Lee Brice, featuring Warren Haynes, Flanigan always related to the song and its lyrics. Written by Lee Brice, Jon Stone, Billy Montana, and John Bohlinger, 'I Don’t Smoke' also features the top musicians in Nashville including Gordon Mote (piano), Willie B. Barthel (drums), Jay White (bass), Jerry McPherson and Colin Wells (electric guitar), Jon Stone (acoustic guitar), Russ Pahl (pedal steel), and Aubrey Haynie (fiddle, mandolin). 'I Don’t Smoke' is the second single from Flanigan’s upcoming album, due this fall.
"'I Don’t Smoke' is one of my favorite songs on this record," says Flanigan. "Originally cut by Lee Brice and Warren Haynes, who are two of the greatest. I wanted to do my version of it on this record. I haven't had a drink in nine years now, and this is one of the only songs out there saying 'I don't drink' and 'I don't smoke', while still sounding like a party!"
Eric Nam releases deluxe edition of 'House on a Hill' featuring new track with Lyn Lapid
Fresh off wrapping a successful 75-date world tour, Korean-American entertainer, singer-songwriter, and actor Eric Nam released the deluxe edition of his latest album, 'House on a Hill', available to stream now on all digital platforms via The Orchard. The expanded LP includes four brand new songs from the TIME 2023 'Impact Award' honoree and is bolstered by the standout collaboration 'Wish I Didn’t Care' with Filipino-American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Lyn Lapid.
The deluxe version of 'House on a Hill' continues to explore the complex themes of happiness. 'House on a Hill' – originally released September 8, 2023 – yielded the singles 'Don’t Leave Yet' and the title track, which were met with critical praise and a remix featuring Em Beihold. Nam was recently announced as the voice of the character Adult Aang in Paramount’s upcoming ‘Aang: The Last Airbender’ animated film due out in 2025.
“House on a Hill is a culmination of 10 years of me being a musician, pulling from my experiences and knowledge of creating not only music, but audio-visual content for one of the most important projects of my entire career,” Eric Nam previously said.
LA alt-pop outfit The Strike release 'Down' ahead of US tour
Los Angeles alt-pop band The Strike have released the synth-driven reverie 'Down', featuring modern sounding production and larger than life instrumentation and lyrics.
“'Down' is about the joys and difficulties of trying to ‘make it’ in the music business,” says The Strike. “The band started playing its first shows at Velour in Provo, UT. Like all artists, we anticipated that we would be playing bigger and bigger stages as we kept at it. It is an interesting feeling to return to your home venue and play there after being in the game for a while. It can feel as though your progress has plateaued. But on the other hand, bringing the house down for your hometown fans still feels just as good. As artists, we have tried hard not to become jaded and maintain gratitude for any opportunity to play to fans who know and love the songs.”
The Strike are bringing their energetic live show to US audiences this year for their headline tour starting July 11 in Houston.
Monica Aben drops latest single 'Made Of You'
Southern California-based singer-songwriter Monica Aben has dropped her latest single, 'Made Of You'. The track is the second single released from her anticipated EP, 'Everything I've Ever Known', out on July 26. Following the success of her single, 'Force Of Nature', last month, 'Made Of You' continues to showcase Monica Aben's unique blend of heartfelt storytelling and soulful vocals.
'Made Of You' is more than just a song; it's a deeply personal tribute to Moncia Aben's great-grandmother, affectionately known as Nana. Reflecting on her experiences and memories, Moncia Aben says, "'Made of You' is a love letter to my Nana... It’s really about the realization that when you lose someone who raised you (in any capacity)... They never really leave you."
Co-written with close friend Ali Stone, 'Made Of You' draws inspiration from her Latin heritage and profound connection to family. Monica Aben explains, "This is a song for anyone who has taken a long time to process their grief. For anyone who has been told they’re similar to a loved one they only knew as a child."
Sueco releases new single 'Mulholland Drive' off upcoming 'Attempted Lover' album
California-based singer-songwriter and producer Sueco has released his newest single, 'Mulholland Drive'. This is the second single from his new album, 'Attempted Lover', which is slated for a June 2024 release.
The song is a stripped-back track with soaring vocals pulling inspiration from Coldplay’s song 'Parachute'. His first single off the album was the fast-paced, anthem 'Drama Queen' released in March 2024.
“When I wrote 'Mulholland Drive' I was really looking to tap into a different side of myself than I had for 'Drama Queen',” says Sueco. “My next album, 'Attempted Lover', is all about trying to find love touching on the dualities and complicated emotions that come along with it, and I wanted these singles to emulate that.”
Iann Dior signs with Big Noise Music Group; releases single 'Edge of Tomorrow'
Multi-platinum recording artist Iann Dior has announced his signing to Big Noise Music Group and released his newest single 'Edge of Tomorrow'. This is his first release since joining Big Noise, blending melodic rap with high-energy hooks that entice listeners and leave them wanting more. The single has quickly become a fan favorite, and Iann has noted the significant fan enthusiasm for this song online and looks forward to its wider reception: "Seeing such a positive reaction to 'Edge of Tomorrow' is really motivating," Dior says.
“Iann’s incredible talent and dedication to his craft is the stuff producers dream of,” says Big Noise A&R/Producer John Feldmann. “Collaborating with him has been an amazing journey, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear these new songs!”
Sea of Treachery makes Mutant League Records debut with 'What's Past Is Prologue'
Ohio metal veterans Sea of Treachery have signed with Mutant League Records and have dropped their first single along with an accompanying music video for their label debut, 'What's Past Is Prologue'.
Vocalist Alex Huffman says: “We’re extremely excited to be working with Mutant League—we’ve wanted to find the right partner that understands both where we are as a band and as people, and in the past, that has often proven difficult. They are a breath of fresh air and believe in our music and our ethics and I am so excited for this chapter. It’s a blessing to be rejoined by Michael, who is an original member of Sea of Treachery and to see him work with Christian to record these songs. We’re also thrilled to have Ricky Armellino, Adam Reed, and Andreas Magnusson helping us with the mixing and mastering. It’s a dream scenario for us.”
Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown release new album 'Electrified'
Nashville, Tennessee-based rock quartet Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown have released their new album 'Electrified', out on the band’s own Rattle Shake Records.
“I view our little rock n’ roll band as underdogs every now and then,” says lead vocalist/guitarist Tyler Byant. “You go through years when you’re playing clubs, loading in and out, and then suddenly you’re playing concerts with AC/DC. It’s really amazing.”
The 11-song album crackles with onstage rock n’ roll energy. The band recently gave people a taste of the album with the leadoff single 'Snake Oil', a sleazy Sunset Strip strutter with dirty-sweet hooks, soaring lead guitars, and snarling lead vocals. 'Trick Up My Sleeve', 'Electrified’s second single, out on album release day, is a classic power-ballad.
Willie Nelson protégé Lily Meola drops new single 'Cowboy'
Maui-born singer and Willie Nelson protégé Lily Meola has dropped the single 'Cowboy'. “‘Cowboy’ came to life simply because I wanted to write a song about cowboys. Through its melody, I aimed to capture the spirit of the frontier and the romance of riding into the unknown. It’s the story of a lover who’s just better off alone,” explains Lily.
Since signing to Nettwerk, Lily has released a handful of new music such as the breakup anthem 'Without You' and 'Over The Moon', the vulnerable track about battling depression.
Over the past few months, Lily has been on the road in support of her new music. She performed at Willie Nelson’s historic 90th birthday concert event, dueting with Nelson on their song, 'Will You Remember Mine', and just recently wrapped a handful of tour dates with Lukas Nelson to packed crowds this past March.
Paris Paloma’s latest single 'Boys, Bugs and Men' is out now
Rising British artist Paris Paloma’s latest single 'Boys, Bugs and Men' is out. Paris recently announced that her highly anticipated debut album 'Cacophony' is set for release on August 30. Her sound and lyrics evoke powerful emotional responses from fans, as witnessed on her previously released tracks 'My Mind (now)', 'Drywall', 'As Good a Reason', 'Yeti', and the viral, Billboard-charting single that ignited it all, 'Labour'.
Paris is currently on her sold out European/UK headline tour before she brings her live show to the US for her sold out debut headline tour. The US tour starts June 12 in San Francisco and wraps June 26 in New York City, all leading up to a show with the legendary Stevie Nicks in London at BST Hyde Park on July 12 alongside Brandi Carlile and Anna Calvi.
Marcel Wave announces new album and drops video for 'Stop/Continue'
Marcel Wave has announced a new album and are back with the video for new single 'Stop/Continue'. Their inaugural sonic instalment ‘Something Looming’ is part trades club symphony, part itchy serenade, and part wistful lament.
Formed when Lindsay Corstorphine and Christopher Murphy of Sauna Youth and brothers Oliver and Patrick Fisher of Cold Pumas were summoned by Maike Hale-Jones, Marcel Wave’s debut offering is a walk through a smoke-filled pub with yellowing wallpaper and all eyes on you. It’s a chronicle of the death of the docklands, the decline of industry, of the high street, of civic pride, of civilisations, of hopes and dreams.
Matt Hunter & the Dusty Fates release single and video for 'The Narrator'
Matt Hunter & the Dusty Fates have released their latest single 'The Narrator'. The track, and its accompanying music video created by Sohrab Habibion from Savak is on all streaming platforms for any playlist shares. 'The Narrator' is the latest single to be released from their anticipated album, 'Reindeer Soul', out June 7 on Dromedary Records.
Last month the band shared 'Story Of A Supergroup', alongside a music video. Commenting on the single Matt Hunter says, "'Story of a Supergroup' was partially inspired by The Mountain Goats’ 'The Best Ever Death Metal Band Out of Denton', but is more about all the other indie rock bands of our time and generation. The difference between what inspired us, what we hoped for, and where it’s taken us. There was always the element of the divine, and no matter what it was worth it. I hope all of my past and current compatriots agree."
Super American drops single 'Manager Haircut'
Super American have released another new single -- 'Manager Haircut' -- off of their upcoming new album 'Gangster of Love'. The electro pop song features guitar riffs that sound like a lost 'American Pie' soundtrack. Only Super American can incorporate “it’s over for you bitches” into a song that’s equal parts snarky, joyful and hilarious.
The new single follows the release of 'Hopefully Pitchfork Doesn’t Hear This', a tongue-in-cheek track that rides palm-muted guitar chunks into a soaring, anxiety-fueled chorus. It was released with the announcement of ‘Gangster of Love’ last month.
Produced by Sam Guaiana (Neck Deep, Bayside), 'Gangster of Love' follows 2021’s 'SUP' and 2018’s 'Tequila Sunrise' and found the duo fleeing Buffalo for Los Angeles, where the push and pull between the two songwriters – the real magic at the heart of Super American – was allowed to flourish and grow in a brand-new environment.
Hot Water Music drop video for 'After The Impossible' off new album 'Vows'
Rock label Equal Vision Records and Hot Water Music have released the music video for new single 'After The Impossible', the latest track to be lifted from the band’s 30th anniversary LP, 'Vows', out now.
Featuring Dallas Green of City and Colour on guest vocals, 'After The Impossible' represents a massive stylistic departure for the veteran rock band, and is an ode to a loved one that is deeply missed, be it family, a friend or significant other. The accompanying 1980s fantasy film-inspired music video directed by James Poitier affectionately captures the song’s overall message of friendship, camaraderie and love.
The band had the following to share about the clip: “When we started trying to figure out the concept for this video, the one thing we wanted to avoid was 'man misses woman/woman misses man'. That's been done enough, right? One of the earlier concepts was two friends trying to reconnect. That fairly simple concept went through a few, wild iterations: are the friends maybe vampires? Ghosts? Aliens? Thankfully, we ended up landing on what you see here, which was very obviously inspired by many movies from our youth. We couldn't be happier with it or more thankful to everyone who worked so hard to make it a reality.”
Mercy Music announce dates for US tour
Las Vegas-based trio Mercy Music are preparing to hit the road on a cross-country tour with Strung Out. Starting the run with a one-off headlining show on June 4 in Salt Lake City, Mercy Music will be visiting cities like St. Louis, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Orlando, and more before wrapping up on June 26 in Austin, TX. Mercy Music will be playing an additional show on June 28 in Tempe, AZ.
Last year, Mercy Music released their most recent album 'What You Stand To Lose' via Double Helix. Produced by Descedents drummer Bill Stevenson, the album distills the trio’s essence via the streamlined energy of bassist Jarred Cooper and drummer Ryan Seaman, as well as frontman Brendan Scholz’s prism of bad news couched in effervescent songs.
Wild Yaks drops 'Desperado' as heartbreaking-yet-poignant story behind track is revealed
Rockaway Beach's Wild Yaks have dropped their latest single and video 'Desperado' which is on all streaming platforms for any playlist shares. The song is the latest single to be released from 'Monumental Deeds', the band's sixth album in a nearly two-decade-long career out on June 21 on Ernest Jenning Recording Co.
Of the song, the band's frontman Rob Bryn says: "'Desperado' was the last song to be written and recorded. Last November I drove my 79-year-old mother to Florida. I was driving but I felt like Daniel Johnston in the airplane with his dad throwing the keys out the window. I dropped my mom off at her sister’s house and kept driving south to Key West. A woman I knew from Rockaway who had been an occasional lover was housesitting there. I hadn’t been to Key West since I was a miserable fat 13-year-old. Believe it or not when I was with my mom they would serve me drinks at the bars! Nasty little man that I was!
"The drive alone south I listened to the entire Big Thief catalog and I cried and I cried. I was mourning a dream. For more than a year I thought the subject of my songs 'See That Girl' and 'Fortune Teller' and I were gonna fall in wild crazy love. I didn’t want to understand or believe I was being manipulated. But now she was in love with somebody else I had to accept the dream was over and mourn. I like driving and crying. I hope children in passing cars look at me and think I’m insane. Key West as an old adult -- I was struck by the similarities to Rockaway, the weird characters, the escapists, but more bars and restaurants and more money. I thought a lot about Jimmy Buffet and you feel him everywhere. My sometimes lover I knew from Rockaway was staying in a bungalow owned by the son of the woman who started the Margaritaville restaurant chain with Jimmy. I wrote 'Desperado' on his guitar -- the son's not Jimmy Buffet's.
"I thought the woman and I would have a roll in the hay for old times sake but she made up the couch for me. Turns out I had hurt her too many times so casually coming in and out of her life. Me? The perennial heartbroken one?! Breaking other hearts? When I came back to New York I taught the band the song in the studio and we recorded it live on the spot in two or three takes.”
Brandon Ambrose releases introspective and raw single ‘Keep Me Breathing’
East London's Brandon Ambrose, 23, tells a meaningful autobiographical tale about being lost in addiction on ‘Keep Me Breathing’ and the redemption which follows. His country pop-style fused with acoustic rap recalls hints of early Sheeran, Timberlake, Fender, Capaldi and is undoubtedly a powerful launch into the beginnings of a dream realised in music.
On ‘Keep Me Breathing’ Brandon explains, “I wrote this song about getting clean from drugs and alcohol, from which I have now been for a number of years. Despite its short duration, I believe it perfectly encapsulates not only the pain I experienced from addiction, but also the hope I have found in recovery.”
Coming from a musical family Brandon Ambrose has always had a toe in writing, singing and performing but as he further explains, “If you had asked me five years ago what I thought I would be today, a singer wouldn’t have been anywhere near the top of my list. I seemed to be trapped in a cycle that didn’t allow for much growth or direction. However, after hearing a message of recovery in others’ experience, strength and hope once dormant dreams of mine began to awaken.”
Lorrie Morgan announces first new studio effort in seven years with ‘Dead Girl Walking’
Grammy-nominated, CMA Award-winning Grand Ole Opry member Lorrie Morgan has announced her first new studio effort in seven years: ‘Dead Girl Walking’ (Cleopatra Records). The album will be released on June 28, 2024, and the title track is available now everywhere music is found.
“This album is very special to me,” shares Morgan. “Sadly, it turned out to be the final producing credit by my longtime friend and collaborator, Richard Landis, who passed just before its completion. 'Dead Girl Walking' ties together a career journey from the top 10 album, 'War Paint', that Richard produced to this new album. Richard also co-wrote the Billboard-charting single 'If You Come Back From Heaven'.
"Also in 1994, Landis was one of 14 producers to receive a CMA Album of the Year award for 'Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles', and produced me on the last track on the album, my cover of 'The Sad Cafe'. Richard’s brilliant, creative touch is all over this new album, and I’m eager to share every song. I miss my friend and honor him with this collection.”
Sarah Potenza teams up with producer Dave Audé on cover of Lady A's 'Need You Now'
Critically acclaimed vocal powerhouse Sarah Potenza has partnered with Grammy Award-winning artist/producer Dave Audé on a new single, a club-ready, disco cover of Lady A's smash hit 'Need You Now'.
Known to millions via appearances on 'The Voice' and 'America's Got Talent', Potenza has since parlayed that exposure into an impressive career as an accomplished solo artist.
The singer-songwriter's 2021 sophomore album,'Road to Rome', debuted at number one on the iTunes blues charts and received rave reviews from Rolling Stone, Billboard, American Songwriter, and NPR. Potenza, was named amongst one of the top three acts seen at SXSW by Rolling Stone Magazine.The newly out and proud artist is ready to debut the next significant chapter in her career, one that promises to further unveil her expansive, uplifting talents and larger than life persona to the world.
Mascots release new single 'Vertigo'
Ohio's Mascots have released a new single and video 'Vertigo', recorded and produced by Seth Henderson (Knuckle Puck, Real Friends) and mastered By Chris Gehringer (Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Wu Tang Clan, 50 Cent).
Guitarist/vocalist Robert Coyle says, "Our last single, 'Slipping in the Dark', released on 4/3 is about the acceptance of change. 'Vertigo' is the natural evolution and next step in finding hope, and seeing glimpses of a future beyond the instant satisfaction we so often seek. A social commentary on quick fixes that we use to tear ourselves down. It is the discovering of new possibilities and finding support to regain a sense of purpose."
Coheed and Cambria surprise fans with rare offering as they release stand-alone track 'The Joke'
Coheed and Cambria have dropped a rare stand-alone track, 'The Joke'. The new song comes from the 'Vaxis II' LP sessions, and the band is happy for it to finally see the light of day. It comes paired with the B-side 'Deranged', a remixed and remastered version of the track which was previously released in 2011 as part of the 'Batman: Arkham City' soundtrack.
“The meaning behind ‘The Joke’,” says singer Claudio Sanchez, “is basically, if you need a punching bag, I’ll be that guy.” The song is coupled with a video where we find one of Coheed’s The Amory Wars universe’s fan favorite characters 'Al The Killer' being bullied by a nefarious prankster. 'Deranged' focuses on the co-dependent relationship between Batman and The Joker. The song has been remixed and remastered for its return to DSPs after being unavailable for the past few years. Both tracks were mixed by Zakk Cervini.
The Early November drops new single 'Tired Of Lying' ahead of US tour
Alternative rock group The Early November is back with another new single, 'Tired Of Lying', along with a brand new music video. 'Tired Of Lying' is the third track to be released from the band’s forthcoming self-titled album.
Frontman Ace Enders says, “This song is about overcoming childhood trauma and demons while at the same time learning about and trying to face your new ones. The vicious cycle many of us sadly find ourselves in.”
The Early November will be bringing 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.