Alexander Laurence's Blog, page 73
June 13, 2025
Natanya releases new EP 'Feline's Return' + supports FLO in London
NATANYA SHARES NEW EP FELINE’S RETURN
SUPPORTING R&B GROUP FLO
AT SOMERSET HOUSE IN JULY
Natanya by Tallulah FX
“a seven-song sprint that touts her silken, slinky vocals, dense production and lush sonic world.”
PAPER MAGAZINE
“dazzling vocals, provoking lyricism and sharp, slick production.”
WONDERLAND MAGAZINE
“a vibrant, intergalactic blend of Afrobeats and experimental neo-soul, showcasing her boundary-pushing artistry.”
NOTION MAGAZINE
Feline’s Return
LISTEN: https://orcd.co/natanya-frsa
(June 13, 2025) - London-based singer-songwriter-producer Natanya releases her new EP Feline’s Return via Human Re-Sources. Feline’s Return marks a bold evolution in her sound, as she embraces a more classic pop-driven sound while building on the foundations laid in her debut EP and coming-of-age project, Sorrow at Sunrise. The EP includes previously released singles “Daydream,” a song about self-reflection and quiet courage and “Dangerous,” which explores themes of obsession and desire.
Speaking on her new EP, Natanya shares – “This tape is about handling the realisation that you have chosen the life of an artist, whatever that entails. I’d just finished my English Lit course at UCL. I had a boyfriend who wanted me to be normal and stand behind him while he talked, and I thought, “what’s next?” It’s that line between my human interests and performance for the world. I’m figuring it out from top to bottom.”
At the heart of the EP, is the emotive song “Guitar” which Natanya states as one of the purest songs on the project. “It’s all about fun and letting go. I always wished I learnt guitar instead of piano as a kid, so I’m singing about a more aspirational version of myself. I’m free and fluid in a healthy relationship, with someone that plays me like a guitar, together we make great music!”
Born in North West London, Natanya has always considered music her second language. She began classical piano lessons at the age of four and quickly discovered her perfect pitch. As a teenager, she attended the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy on weekends, where she wrote her first songs. Inspired by Janet Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Paramore, and Stevie Wonder, she started producing beats with friends. This pursuit culminated in her debut tape, Sorrow At Sunrise (2023), featuring confessional writing set against a rich sonic tapestry. Written as six diary entries, the tape details the first tastes of independence during her first year studying English Literature at University College London, all while juggling a budding musical career.
Last year she shared her single "boombox," uncovering new facets of her production style. It leans into low-end, synth-heavy sonics mixed with afro fusion inspired sounds, juxtaposed with flowery instrumentation – something she first introduced in her last project. By extending the parameters of her musical tapestry, she further solidifies her promise as one of alt-pop’s most exciting and versatile future contributors.
Natanya’s music has received early yet abundant critical acclaim. She won GUAP GALA’s “Music Artist to Watch” award in 2023, an honor previously given to the girl group FLO. Natanya has also been featured in Wonderland, Clash, Metal, and GUAP Magazines, and toured with FLO in 2023 and Destin Conrad on his EU/UK tour in 2024. Her talent has captured the attention and adoration of a growing cult fan base, which is sure to expand as her musical arsenal continues to develop. She will be joining FLO again in July for their upcoming performance at Somerset House. Tickets are available for purchase HERE.
Listen to Feline’s Return and stay tuned for more from Natanya coming soon.
Feline’s Return EP art
Natanya
Feline’s Return
Human Re-Sources
June 13, 2025
1. Night Freaks
2. Dangerous
3. Guitar
4. Moviestar
5. Say The Word
6. Daydream
Connect with Natanya:
Wingtip Announces New Album Luckyman With Vibrant Lead Single “Bloodstream”
WINGTIP
ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM LUCKYMAN
WITH VIBRANT LEAD SINGLE “BLOODSTREAM”
LISTEN HERE
Credit: Sandy Honig
June 13th, 2025 – Wingtip announces Luckyman, his highly anticipated sophomore album set to arrive October 17th, 2025. The announcement coincides with the release of the project’s electrifying lead single, “Bloodstream” — a bold, maximalist pop-rock anthem that captures the dizzying rush of infatuation. With Luckyman, Wingtip continues to blur genre lines and push sonic boundaries, offering a thrilling glimpse of what’s to come.
Born Nick Perloff-Giles, Wingtip has carved a distinctive niche with his fusion of nostalgic soft rock, vivid pop, and cinematic electronic flourishes. On Luckyman, he reaches new creative heights, channeling his evolution as both a songwriter and producer.
“Bloodstream” opens with a glistening piano melody and breathy vocals, building toward an exuberant chorus drenched in rich guitar swells and dynamic instrumentation. Lyrically, Wingtip rides the line between romantic obsession and joyous surrender.
“It was the most fun song to make,” explains Wingtip. “We were plunking down on the piano, and the whole tune came together in an hour. It’s very maximalist. Lyrically, it’s about feeling excited for someone, but it almost toes the line between obsession and infatuation.”
Luckyman was conceived during an immersive, four-day retreat in the remote Malibu mountains, where Wingtip collaborated closely with Theo Kandel and Jack Kleinick. Stripping away digital distractions, the trio tracked the album live using a rich palette of instrumentation, including saxophone, pedal steel guitar, banjo, strings, and more. The result is a deeply textured and emotionally resonant album that blends vintage warmth with modern dynamism.
Building on past fan favorites like “You, Me, and the Flood” and “Think About,” Luckyman explores themes of hope, gratitude, and self-reflection.
“I’ve been putting Wingtip out for a long time now. The sound has obviously evolved. Simultaneously, it’s also been a decade of growth and change for me as a person. With Luckyman, I’m taking stock of how everybody around me is doing as they move through phases of their lives in different ways. One of the benefits of getting older and wiser is you appreciate where you’re at in the moment more—I know I definitely do,” says Wingtip.
Wingtip, first introduced to the world in 2017, has since amassed hundreds of millions of streams and collaborated with artists such as Adam Lambert, Lauv, and Céline Dion. With Luckyman, he steps fully into his own as an artist of rare vision and emotional depth.
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Follow Wingtip:
June 12, 2025
THE CURE RELEASES "MIXES OF A LOST WORLD"
THE CURE MIXES OF A LOST WORLD OUT NOW
NEW REMIX COLLECTION OF TRACKS FROM THE CURE’S
ACCLAIMED #1 ALBUM SONGS OF A LOST WORLD
FEATURING MIXES BY FOUR TET, PAUL OAKENFOLD, CHINO MORENO, ORBITAL, MURA MASA, MOGWAI AND MANY MORE
THE CURE’S ROYALTIES FROM MIXES OF A LOST WORLD
WILL BENEFIT WAR CHILD UK
DELUXE 3LP, 3CD, 3MC
2LP, 2CD, 2MC & DIGITAL
https://thecure.lnk.to/lostmixesSo
MIXES OF A LOST WORLD, conceived and compiled by Robert Smith, is a new remix collection of tracks from The Cure’s acclaimed #1 2024 album, SONGS OF A LOST WORLD. The set features brand-new remixes from Four Tet, Paul Oakenfold, Orbital and many more, with the deluxe edition including additional remixes and reworks by Chino Moreno (Deftones), Mogwai and 65daysofstatic, among others.
This stunning collection is out now via Fiction/Capitol Records with all The Cure's recording royalties benefitting War Child UK.
MIXES OF A LOST WORLD will be available as 3LP/3CD/3MC deluxe editions featuring both the ‘Artists’ & ‘Remixers’ tracks. The 3LP set includes three half speed mastered 180g heavyweight black bio vinyl LPs, a tri-gatefold printed sleeve, and a large foldout poster; the triple deluxe CD has an 8-panel digisleeve and includes a foldout poster; the limited edition 3MC set has individually printed o-cards and obi-strip and is exclusive to The Cure store.
The 2LP/2CD/2MC edition features the ‘Remixers’ tracks only and comes as a black vinyl 2LP with a gatefold sleeve; a double CD in 6-panel digisleeve includes foldout CD poster; the limited edition double cassette has individually printed o-cards and obi-strip is also exclusive to The Cure store.
Speaking about MIXES OF A LOST WORLD Robert Smith says “JUST AFTER CHRISTMAS I WAS SENT A COUPLE OF UNSOLICITED REMIXES OF 'SONGS OF A LOST WORLD' TRACKS AND I REALLY LOVED THEM. THE CURE HAS A COLOURFUL HISTORY WITH ALL KINDS OF DANCE MUSIC, AND I WAS CURIOUS AS TO HOW THE WHOLE ALBUM WOULD SOUND ENTIRELY REINTERPRETED BY OTHERS. THIS CURIOSITY RESULTED IN A FABULOUS TRIP THROUGH ALL 8 SONGS BY 24 WONDERFUL ARTISTS AND REMIXERS AND IS WAY BEYOND ANYTHING I COULD HAVE HOPED FOR. GIVING OUR RECORDING ROYALTIES FROM THE PROJECT TO WAR CHILD HELPS MAKE ‘MIXES OF A LOST WORLD’ AN EVEN MORE SPECIAL RELEASE.”
Initially formed in 1978, The Cure has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, headlined the Glastonbury festival four times and been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. They are considered to be one of the most influential bands to ever come out of the UK. The Cure’s first album in 16 years, ‘Songs Of A Lost World’ reached #1 in fifteen countries and the top 5 in a further seven.
Andy Vella, a long-time Cure collaborator, has ‘remixed’ the artwork for the album, which as with ‘Songs Of A Lost World’, features 'Bagatelle', a 1975 sculpture by Janez Pirnat.
# # #
The Kinks release "Sunny Afternoon" Live from Royal Albert Hall, 1993
IT'S A SUNNY AFTERNOON FOR THE KINKS
CLASSIC LIVE VERSION RELEASED JUNE 12
TAKEN FROM THE JOURNEY – PART 3, OUT JULY 11 VIA BMG
2CD, 2LP & HD DIGITAL FORMATS
One of the greatest songs ever written, "Sunny Afternoon," was number 1 on July 7th, 1966, when England won the World Cup. The Kinks today release a live version recorded at their 1993 Royal Albert Hall show, taken from the last chapter of their Journey Trilogy’s celebrating the bands 60th anniversary
The Journey – Part 3. Listen to "Sunny Afternoon (Live From The Royal Albert Hall, 1993)" HERE.
“As far as performances go, it was a high point achievement of the Kinks,” Dave Davies said of the Royal Albert Hall show.
The Kinks, one of the most influential rock bands of all time, also release a remastered version of "A Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy" today.
Talking about the song Ray Davies recalled: “There was a recession in America which influenced my lyrics.”
Dave called "A Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy" “a personal favourite” and admires “Ray’s sensitive portrait of a super fan based on his impressions of different people."
The Journey – Part 3 features two discs compiled by the band. Disc 1 features 11 classic tracks from the band’s Arista period, remastered from the original production tapes.
Disc 2 is a very special release featuring recordings previously never released and discovered in the Kinks studio archive selected from their July 11, 1993 Royal Albert Hall show on their return from conquering the USA.
The Journey – Part 3 is due for release on 2LP 180g vinyl, 2CD, and digital formats on July 11th 2025. Preorder and Presave HERE.
RELEASE FORMATS:
Disc 1:
1. Catch Me Now I’m Falling (2025 Remaster)
2. (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman (2025 Remaster)
3. A Rock’n’Roll Fantasy (2025 Remaster)
4. Sleepwalker (2025 Remaster)
5. Living On A Thin Line (2025 Remaster)
6. Come Dancing (2025 Remaster)
7. Around The Dial (2025 Remaster)
8. Do It Again (2025 Remaster)
9. Better Things (2025 Remaster)
10. Destroyer (2025 Remaster)
11. Low Budget (2025 Remaster)
12. Misfits (2025 Remaster)
Disc 2:
1. One of Our DJs Is Missing (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
2. Till The End of The Day (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
3. Where Have All The Good Times Gone (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
4. Low Budget (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
5. Apeman (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
6. Phobia (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
7. Only a Dream (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
8. Scattered (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
9. Celluloid Heroes (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
10. I’m Not Like Everybody Else (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
11. Dedicated Follower of Fashion (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
12. The Informer (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
13. Death of a Clown (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
14. Sunny Afternoon (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
15. You Really Got Me (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
16. Days (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993)
# # #
ABOUT THE KINKS:
Formed in 1963 in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray and Dave Davies with their friend Pete Quaife, and joined by Mick Avory in early 1964, the band quickly established themselves as one of the epoch-defining groups of the 60s, with their impact still being felt around the world today.
The stats speak for themselves: The Kinks have sold over 50 million records worldwide and have been streamed over a billion times; they have achieved 5 US Top 10 singles, 9 US Top 40 albums, 22 UK Top 20 singles / EPs and 6 UK Top 10 albums, with four albums certified Gold. Among numerous honors, they have received the Ivor Novello Award for ‘Outstanding Service To British Music’ and have been inducted into the 'Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame' and the 'UK Music Hall of Fame'. Multi-award winning, legendary frontman Sir Ray Davies is widely recognised as one of the greatest British songwriters.
# # #
CONNECT WITH THE KINKS:
Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Twilight Hours’ — A Never-Heard Homage To American Pop Standards — Is Previewed Today With ‘Sunday Love’
https://brucespringsteen.lnk.to/SundayLove
‘Tracks II: The Lost Albums’ Arrives June 27 Via Sony Music, Featuring ‘Twilight Hours’ As One Of Seven Previously-Unreleased Springsteen Records: https://brucespringsteen.lnk.to/TheLostAlbumsPR
Bruce Springsteen explores orchestra-driven mid-century noir on “Twilight Hours” — an ode to the great American pop music tradition — which arrives June 27 on “Tracks II: The Lost Albums” (Sony Music). Written in tandem with 2019’s “Western Stars,” over the course of a decade, it’s a collection that Springsteen describes as “romantic, lost-in-the-city songs” — ruminating on what becomes of the brokenhearted. The album is previewed today with a never-heard Springsteen original, “Sunday Love,” which features contributions from The E Street Band’s Max Weinberg, Patti Scialfa and Soozie Tyrell as well as producer Ron Aniello, and “Western Stars” collaborators Kaveh Rastegar and Scott Tibbs.
Listen to “Sunday Love”: https://brucespringsteen.lnk.to/SundayLove
Pre-order “Tracks II: The Lost Albums”: https://brucespringsteen.lnk.to/TheLostAlbumsPR
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Credit: Danny Clinch
“At one time it was either a double record [with “Western Stars”] or they were part of the same record,” explained Springsteen. “I love Burt Bacharach and I love those kinds of songs and those kinds of songwriters. I took a swing at it because the chordal structures and everything are much more complicated, which was fun for me to pull off. All this stuff could have come right off of those sixties albums.” Simultaneously, “Twilight Hours” finds Springsteen taking inspiration from the vocal work of Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams, the prose of Flannery O’Connor and James M. Cain, and the Robert Mitchum film “Out Of The Past.”
“Tracks II: The Lost Albums” arrives later this month on June 27, and will include seven previously-unheard Bruce Springsteen records in full: “Twilight Hours” as well as “Perfect World” (listen to “Rain in the River”), “Streets of Philadelphia Sessions” (listen to “Blind Spot”), “Faithless” (listen to the title track), “Somewhere North of Nashville” (listen to “Repo Man”), “Inyo” (listen to “Adelita”) and “LA Garage Sessions ’83.”
A set spanning 83 songs, “Tracks II” will be available in limited-edition nine LP, seven CD and digital formats — including distinctive packaging for each previously-unreleased record. Also included will be an 100-page cloth-bound, hardcover book featuring rare archival photos, liner notes on each lost album from essayist Erik Flannigan and a personal introduction to the project from Springsteen himself. A companion set — “Lost and Found: Selections From The Lost Albums” — also arrives June 27 from Sony Music, and will feature 20 highlights from across the collection on two LPs or one CD.
Tracks II: The Lost Albums
LA Garage Sessions ’83
1. Follow That Dream
2. Don’t Back Down On Our Love
3. Little Girl Like You
4. Johnny Bye Bye
5. Sugarland
6. Seven Tears
7. Fugitive’s Dream
8. Black Mountain Ballad
9. Jim Deer
10. County Fair
11. My Hometown
12. One Love
13. Don’t Back Down
14. Richfield Whistle
15. The Klansman
16. Unsatisfied Heart
17. Shut Out The Light
18. Fugitive’s Dream (Ballad)
Streets of Philadelphia Sessions
1. Blind Spot
2. Maybe I Don’t Know You
3. Something In The Well
4. Waiting On The End Of The World
5. The Little Things
6. We Fell Down
7. One Beautiful Morning
8. Between Heaven and Earth
9. Secret Garden
10. The Farewell Party
Faithless
1. The Desert (Instrumental)
2. Where You Goin’, Where You From
3. Faithless
4. All God’s Children
5. A Prayer By The River (Instrumental)
6. God Sent You
7. Goin’ To California
8. The Western Sea (Instrumental)
9. My Master’s Hand
10. Let Me Ride
11. My Master’s Hand (Theme)
Somewhere North of Nashville
1. Repo Man
2. Tiger Rose
3. Poor Side of Town
4. Delivery Man
5. Under A Big Sky
6. Detail Man
7. Silver Mountain
8. Janey Don’t You Lose Heart
9. You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone
10. Stand On It
11. Blue Highway
12. Somewhere North of Nashville
Inyo
1. Inyo
2. Indian Town
3. Adelita
4. The Aztec Dance
5. The Lost Charro
6. Our Lady of Monroe
7. El Jardinero (Upon the Death of Ramona)
8. One False Move
9. Ciudad Juarez
10. When I Build My Beautiful House
Twilight Hours
1. Sunday Love
2. Late in the Evening
3. Two of Us
4. Lonely Town
5. September Kisses
6. Twilight Hours
7. I’ll Stand By You
8. High Sierra
9. Sunliner
10. Another You
11. Dinner at Eight
12. Follow The Sun
Perfect World
1. I’m Not Sleeping
2. Idiot’s Delight
3. Another Thin Line
4. The Great Depression
5. Blind Man
6. Rain In The River
7. If I Could Only Be Your Lover
8. Cutting Knife
9. You Lifted Me Up
10. Perfect World
Bratmobile Bring Raucous Live Show & Message of Community to Stages This Summer
Bratmobile
Take Their Raucous Live Show On The Road This Summer
Continuing To Bring Joy & Community To Fans Across The US
Tour dates below + here
Pitchfork “My Perfect 10”
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Stereogum
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Rolling Stone
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BUST
Credit: Vice Cooler
"Bratmobile was one of the brightest spots in Olympia’s immense rock scene, as well as arguably the most influential musical tentpoles of the riot grrrl movement." – KEXP
“...[Ladies, Women and Girls] retains the attitude and wit of the group's earlier work...
bracing.” – Washington Post
“They flip the idea of what girls are “supposed to do” on its head” – American Songwriter
Feminist punk legends Bratmobile brought their singular brand of pointed political prowess and infectious dance punk chops to the stage for the first time in 20 years with an outrageous headline performance at Mosswood Meltdown in 2023. The reunion sparked a resurgence of critical acclaim and an outpour of fan support leading to appearances at Pitchfork Music Festival, Punk Rock Bowling and more. The band is thrilled to hit the road again this summer with a valiant return to the John Waters-hosted Mosswood Meltdown next month along with a slew of additional dates in Los Angeles, Portland, Vancouver and the South Sound Block Party in Olympia.
Bratmobile originally formed during an extreme political climate which we currently find ourselves in again. The band’s songs are still just as meaningful 20 years later, reaching the next generation as they welcome the next generation of Brat fans and children to their all-ages concerts. Speaking out and speaking up has been Bratmobile’s siren call. While we may reside in a different era now, they aim to create joy, community and space for more of us to use our voices.
Bratmobile’s live line-up features original singer Allison Wolfe and drummer Molly Neuman joined by Rose Melberg on guitar (Tiger Trap, the Softies), Audrey Marrs on keys (Mocket, Bratmobile 2.0 live, Oscar-winning filmmaker) and Marty Key on bass (Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Steady Sounds, Young Pioneers). The band recently linked up with Kill Rock Stars to release remastered reissues of Ladies, Women and Girls (October 4, 2000) and Girls Get Busy (May 7, 2002) on vinyl & CD. Stay tuned for more exciting news coming soon!
Bratmobile North American Tour - TICKETS
7/18: Los Angeles CA @ The Belasco
w/ Death Valley Girls, Trap Girl, doors 7pm (all-ages)
7/20: Oakland CA @ Mosswood Meltdown (all-ages)
8/21: Vancouver BC @ Hollywood Theatre
w/ PISS, Necking, doors 7pm (all-ages)
8/22: Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
w/ Roselit Bone, All Girl Summer Fun Band, doors 7pm (all-ages)
8/23: Olympia, WA @ South Sound Block Party
w/ Team Dresch & more (all-ages, children under 12 free!)
JÁNA shares new single "Distant"
JÁNA SHARES NEW SINGLE “DISTANT”
JÁNA by Sofia Aedo Zahou
“Distant”
LISTEN: https://awal.ffm.to/distant
WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjLUGrmnCHI
(June 12, 2025) - Today, singer, songwriter, producer and instrumentalist artist JÁNA shares her new single “Distant,” showcasing a raw, soulful reflection on emotional numbness. Rooted in her alt-R&B sound, the song blends organic live instrumentation with subtle electronic textures, showcasing JÁNA on both guitar and bass. Written during a period of emotional detachment, “Distant” speaks to how life experiences like heartbreak can leave you feeling flatlined if not processed. It’s a direct, stripped-back exploration of distance: from others, from yourself, and from feelings. “Distant" is produced by JÁNA alongside Swedish producer Jonathan Börjesson and Graciela Chin A Loi on backing vocals.
This latest offering is the follow up to previously released single “When Time Flies,” a bittersweet reflection on a relationship marked by nostalgia, emotional highs and lows, and the passage of time. In the live performance video, JÁNA shares clips from her childhood and showcases where youthful ideas are stored as life moves forward. Both songs are part of a larger body of work set to arrive later this year.
Since her last EP, JÁNA has spent time in Gothenburg with Little Dragon, back home in Stockholm where she focused on self-production with minimal means, and half a year in Los Angeles writing with new collaborators and forming her core group of musicians. She’s also reconnected with the heart of her creativity – the guitar, and producing her own music. Several songs on her upcoming debut album are self-produced, reflecting a new kind of presence and honesty.
With previous collaborations with the likes of Little Dragon, Vic Mensa, and VanJess, as well as a Spotify Single for their Oyster initiative, JÁNA has stepped from the Swedish underground onto the international scene. She has played on BBC Radio 1, featured on COLORSXSTUDIOS, and contributed as a songwriter to Stormzy’s acclaimed album This Is What I Mean. On the live front, she has shared the stage with artists such as Leon Bridges and Little Dragon and performed at festivals including SXSW, Way Out West, and All Points East.
Listen to “Distant” and stay tuned for more from JÁNA coming soon.
"Distant" single artwork
Connect with JÁNA:
YTLLING JAZZ ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM
YTTLING JAZZ ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ILLEGAL HIT VIA YEAR0001
JAZZ GROUP HELMED BY RENOWNED INDIE PRODUCER BJÖRN YTTLING TO RELEASE ALBUM SEPTEMBER 26TH
Yttling Jazz—the project of Swedish producer, songwriter, and artist Björn Yttling (Peter Bjorn and John, Abstract Crimewave, liv with Lykke Li, Jeff Bhasker, Miike Snow)—returns with a new album, Illegal Hit, out September 26th via YEAR0001. Two decades after the release of his 2005 debut Oh Lord Why Can't I Keep My Big Mouth Shut?, Yttling is back with a new group of Swedish jazz heavyweights. The result is a rich, cinematic collection of instrumental pieces drawing influence from Brian Eno, Jean-Michel Jarre, Nino Rota, Charles Mingus, and Thelonious Monk—a vibrant love letter to the sultry jazz that shaped his early musical life. Of the album that Björn has written and produced himself, he notes: “One could easily call Illegal Hit the difficult second album. Not because it’s very difficult to listen to, but it’s been 20 years since the first album.” Raised on jazz, Yttling attended one of the EU’s top conservatories and spent his formative years taking weekly train rides to Stockholm for private lessons with the late legendary Esbjörn Svensson. Illegal Hit marks a return to those roots along with his upbringing in rural north Sweden and its mysticism proving a unique perspective from a jazz band leader who is also an indie hitmaker.
The first single and title track, “Illegal Hit,” pairs brooding horns with disarming keys, offering an early glimpse of the album’s depth and instrumental prowess. Yttling notes of the track: “The main riff is sort of floating around in space like some debris that you sometimes can see and sometimes not. Starts with a cool delay drenched drumbeat and then an even cooler bass solo by Dan Berglund. An illegal hit is still a hit, whether it’s in hockey, tennis or music.” It’s serious music performed by serious musicians—but it’s also playful, sincere, and full of the eccentric charm that’s defined Yttling’s career. That spirit has led to collaborations with a wide-ranging list of artists, including Lykke Li—whom Yttling has worked with since her debut—as well as Robyn, Franz Ferdinand, Primal Scream, First Aid Kit, Tom Odell, Weezer, The Pretenders, The Hives, and even the late David Lynch.
Recently, Björn released a Yttling Jazz remix of Bonny Light Horseman’s “I Know You Know,” alongside “The Gambler,” a new Abstract Crimewave track featuring Lykke Li. Throughout the summer and fall, select tracks from Illegal Hit will be revisited in alternate vocal versions, further expanding the project’s creative world.
Photo Credit: Fredrik Bengtsson
Yttling Jazz Live Dates
August 7th - Way Out West Festival - Gothenburg, Sweden
October 14th - Stockholm Jazz Festival, Slaktkyrkan - Stockholm, Sweden
October 17th - Mejeriet - Lund, Sweden
October 18th - DR Studio 2 - Copenhagen, Denmark
+ More international shows to follow.
Illegal HIt Tracklist
Sodon the Mountain Man
Deadbeat Blues
Malgomaj
Pilot 23
Illegal Hit
City in Darkness
School Bus on a Weekend
Yttling Jazz #2 (Flox St)
Tanto in the Night
Illegal Hit Lineup
All songs written and produced by Björn Yttling
Björn Yttling - piano, hammond organ
Fredrik Rundqvist - drums
Dan Berglund - upright bass
Jonas Kullhammar - tenor saxophone
Magnus Lindgren - tenor saxophone, clarinet
Goran Kajfeš - trumpet
Nils Berg - bass clarinet
Fredrik Nordström - tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone
Mattias Ståhl - vibraphone, harmonica
John Eriksson - percussion
Recorded in the Ingrid Studio, Stockholm
PIXEL GRIP UNLEASHES NEW ALBUM 'PERCEPTICIDE: THE DEATH OF REALITY' + NEW MUSIC VIDEO OUT NOW; NORTH AMERICAN TOUR THIS FALL
PIXEL GRIP
RELEASES NEW ALBUM PERCEPTICIDE: THE DEATH OF REALITY
Photo Credit: Yulia Shur
Today, Chicago electronic trio Pixel Grip have released their highly anticipated third independent album, Percepticide: The Death of Reality, now available on all streaming platforms. Accompanying the release is a fiery music video for the focus track “Reason to Stay”, alongside visualizers for all tracks – deepening the album’s visceral, immersive experience. Watch HERE.
The album follows a series of acclaimed singles including “Reason to Stay”, “Split”, “Stamina” and “Bet You Do”. Co-produced with Joo Joo Ashworth (SASAMI, King Tuff), and written over a three-year period between Los Angeles and Chicago, Percepticide: The Death of Reality is a raw excavation of trauma, catharsis, and rebirth. The trio comprised of Rita Lukea (vocals), Jonathon Freund (synth), and Tyler Ommen (drums)—confront personal demons throughout: betrayal, addiction, emotional fracture, and disconnection.
The result is a searing sonic narrative exploring the collapse and reconstruction of identity, connection, perception, and reality itself. Opening track “Crows Feast” sets the tone and eases listeners in with Rita’s haunting lyrics: ”Thought that I made a friend, it turns out you’re one of them, I open up my ribcage and let the crows feast. And then they come back the next day and say they’re hungry.” On “Bet You Do”, Pixel Grip takes it up a notch with Rita’s vocals on full display amidst the band’s signature blend of darkwave and synth elements. “Reason to Stay” offers a gripping and emotionally charged confrontation of betrayal with unrelenting force, balancing vulnerability and strength in equal measure.
Percepticide: The Death of Reality marks Pixel Grip’s first fully independent release, a bold testament to their unwavering creative autonomy and DIY ethos of their earlier work. The album is incisive, aggressive, tender, and turbulent—capturing the full spectrum of tragedy, triumph, and emotional clarity. Throughout, Pixel Grip continues to eclipse genre, fusing darkwave, electronic, post-punk, and avant-pop into something wholly their own.
Explaining the title, the band shares, “Percepticide is a portmanteau of percipere (to perceive) and -cide (to kill), signifying 'the killing of perception.' Percepticide: The Death of Reality is more than just an album—it’s a visceral experience, a statement, and a call to redefine how we see the world.”
Rita adds, “‘Percepticide’ is a cognitive distortion and a symptom of trauma—beliefs you hold to be true are shattered—as you question everyone and everything around you. My dream is that expressing my rage can help someone else feel empowered and, at the very least, less alone. You’re never stuck, and you’re never alone.”
Pixel Grip will support the album release with a North American headline tour this Fall. The Percepticide Tour kicks off September 23rd in St. Louis, and hits 26 cities across the U.S. and Canada, culminating in a triumphant hometown performance at Chicago’s Metro on November 14th. For full dates and ticket info, visit pixelgripmusic.com/tourdates.
Percepticide: The Death of Reality signals a thrilling new chapter for Pixel Grip’s evolution–bolder, darker, and more expansive than ever. With their signature raw energy and cinematic flair, the trio transcends expectations, forging a singular sound that’s as abrasive as it is hypnotic. This is a band fully stepping into their power, unafraid to confront the chaos and beauty of reality on their own terms.
Stream the new album, stay tuned for more news to follow, and catch Pixel Grip live as they unleash Percepticide to the masses this Fall.
WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “REASON TO STAY”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yibmu-F_Qxs
STREAM/PURCHASE PERCEPTICIDE: THE DEATH OF REALITY
PERCEPTICIDE: THE DEATH OF REALITY TRACKLIST
1. Crows Feast
2. Bet You Do
3. Stamina
4. Reason to Stay
5. Insignificant
6. Noise
7. Moment With God
8. Split
9. Last Laugh
10. Work or Shut Up
11. Jealousy is Lethal
12. Gonna Be Faster
THE PERCEPTICIDE TOUR DATES
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
9/23 - St. Louis, MO @ OFF Broadway
9/25 - Dallas, TX @ Deep Ellum Art Co.
9/26 - Austin, TX @ Levitation Fest
9/27 - Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
9/29 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
9/30 - Durham, NC @ Motorco
10/1 - Philadelphia, PA @ Ukie Club
10/3 - Washington, DC @ DC9
10/4 - Brooklyn, NY @ Baby's All Right
10/5 - Boston, MA @ Middle East
10/7 - Montreal, QC @ Foufones
10/8 - Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace
10/9 - Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
10/21 - Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club
10/22 - Omaha, NE @ Reverb Lounge
10/24 - Denver, CO @ Ophelia's
10/25 - Salt Lake City, UT @ State Room
10/27 - Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
10/28 - Las Vegas, NV @ Swan Dive
10/29 - San Diego, CA @ Quartyard
10/31 - Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
11/1 - San Francisco, CA @ Substance Fest
11/4 - Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
11/5 - Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl
11/6 - Seattle, WA @ Neumos
11/14 Chicago, IL @ Metro
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PACIFIC NORTHWEST ARTIST MOLLIE ELIZABETH MOLLIE ELIZABETH ANNOUNCES DEBUT DIRTY BLONDE EP + RELEASES "ONE MORE NIGHT" ON NEON GOLD RECORDS
RISING PACIFIC NORTHWEST ARTIST
MOLLIE ELIZABETH ANNOUNCES DEBUT
DIRTY BLONDE EP
FOR 6.27 ON NEON GOLD RECORDS / VIRGIN HERE
SHE RELEASES “ONE MORE NIGHT” TODAY HERE
MOLLIE CO-PRODUCED DIRTY BLONDE EP WITH DEAN REID (LANA DEL REY, MARINA) + CO-WRITTEN WITH REID AND CASEY SMITH (OLIVIA RODRIGO, ASHE)
FOLLOW-UP TO HER STUNNING VIRAL OFFERING “VEGAS VENETIAN”
Today, the 21-year-old Washington State-based artist Mollie Elizabeth announces her debut EP, titled Dirty Blonde, to be released on 6.27 via Neon Gold / Virgin Music. Along with the EP announcement, she’s revealing “One More Night”, a blend of dreamy, vintage-inspired nostalgia with a sultry modern pop edge, the single captures the emotional tug-of-war between longing and letting go. With lyrics that ache with sensual memory and blurred boundaries, it’s a bittersweet anthem for anyone who's ever craved a love they know they shouldn’t. Co-produced by Dean Reid (Lana Del Rey, Marina) and co-written with Reid and GRAMMY-nominated Casey Smith (Olivia Rodrigo, Ashe, Benson Boone).
Mollie adds: “I have always had a bad habit of romanticizing things/people that are now lost to time. This song is really the anthem for all the girls and guys out there who just can’t help but think one more night might be a good idea- even though it’s definitely not!”
Pre-save Mollie Elizabeth - Dirty Blonde EP
Last month, Mollie released “Until We Meet Again” - a dusky, cinematic ballad steeped in Old Hollywood glamour. With a rare blend of chic elegance, playful confidence, and sincere sweetness, she infuses the track with timeless allure. The single was produced by Dean Reid (Lana Del Rey, MARINA) and co-written with Reid and GRAMMY-nominated songwriter Casey Smith (Olivia Rodrigo, Ashe, Benson Boone).
Earlier, she revealed her second track “Dinner For One”, (co-produced by Dean Reid and written by Casey Smith) along with a perfectly matching music video (dir. Maya Sassoon).
In January, she introduced herself with her first viral song, “Vegas Venetian”. Elizabeth adds: “To me, every melody is a tiny world that invites you in—an invitation to be both fierce and delicate, and to celebrate who you are, who you have been, and who you are becoming. My music isn’t just for listening—it’s for wandering, for imagining, and for finding a piece of yourself in a place you’d forgotten.”
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