Danielia Cotton. began her musical journey in Hopewell, NJ, influenced by classic rock icons like AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. Her passion for music was ignited at age 12 when her mother gifted her a guitar. Cotton made history as the first in her family’s three generations to attend college, graduating from Bennington College before launching her career in New York City’s vibrant music scene.

Cotton recently released her Charley Pride tribute EP, Charley’s Pride: A Tribute to Black Country Music. Known for her soul-stirring voice described as “soulful enough to fill a revival tent” by The New York Times, Cotton draws inspiration from Charley Pride’s timeless songs that resonate with everyday life. This project holds a profound personal connection, inspired by a conversation with her 103-year-old grandmother about her late grandfather's secret admiration for Charley Pride, during a time when it was uncommon for Black people to openly listen to country music. 

‘Energy Mirror: The Prelude’ is the first chapter of Virtual Perfection Cowboy’s genre-defying concept album, Energy Mirror, due out later this year. The instrumental 6-track EP introduces listeners to VPC’s diverse, experimental and textured soundscapes. It's an eclectic project that blends ambient electronica, dream pop, psychedelic rock, neoclassical composition, and dance music. 

Singer-songwriter Mergui releases his sophomore EP, Shadows of Blue, out now on Saban Music Partners. Co-produced by Mergui in collaboration with industry icons like the legendary David Foster (Madonna, Michael Jackson) and acclaimed singer-songwriter/producer K-KOV, Mergui presents a one-of-a-kind body of work that captures the joy, pain, and beauty in staying true to one's passion, regardless of the challenges faced. It delivers an intimate yet cinematic journey through the depths of human experience. See full track listing below, and listen to the EP, HERE.

“One of my favourite songwriters ever said ‘a good tune should take 30 minutes to write’ and ‘No Backbone’ certainly falls into that category. Once we finished it we went back a few times to see if we should add a part or bring more instrumentation/layers to the mix but whatever we did seemed to take away from the song rather than add to it. As time goes on I think as a band we are more and more drawn to do what excites us creatively in that moment and to do things we haven't done before. I’m not saying this song is reinventing the wheel by any means but having a tune that feels raw and stripped down with incredibly literal lyrics (haha) is something that feels new and fresh for us to put out. All Killer No Filler as Elton John once said" - Chris LoPorto

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You can listen to the song here and watch the video here!

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You can see Can’t Swim live this Summer on their co-headline tour with Belmont; tickets are on sale now!

Album Art By: Jesenia Batista

Grand Jaguar releases their newest single, "Feeling Good," brimming with sweet summer melodies. Streaming now on Spotify!

Casino and gaming influencer Lorraine Bencivengo-Ziff, also known as "Goddess of Slots," has taken her jackpot-winning persona from viral fame to become a powerhouse in the gaming and entertainment industry. Known for her roles on Netflix's Real Rob and Burn Notice, Lorraine is now co-founder of Goddess of Slots Casual, Elegant, Club & Casino Apparel, bringing her casino-style fashion to her followers. She frequently collaborates with top casinos, including recent high-profile partnerships with Hard Rock Atlantic City and Peppermill Reno, where she’s showcased slot machine rollouts from leading gaming brands AGS and Aristocrat Gaming.

Fast-rising trio LVNDR.SOUND has released their new single, *In The Dark,* ahead of their upcoming sophomore album of the same name, set to drop this October via Perception Records. The moody dance track reflects on overcoming life’s darkest moments and features a blend of classic electronic elements with acoustic guitar and live-recorded vocals. The album promises a more vocal-centric approach and features collaborations with artists like Halle Tomlinson and Gordo Flea. According to the band, In The Dark is a journey through hardship, showing how adversity can lead to personal growth. LVNDR.SOUND has already garnered praise from prominent EDM outlets for their innovative sound. Fans can expect more emotionally charged, genre-defying tracks from this highly anticipated release.​

Rising artist Yasmina Moonlight has released her debut single, "Habibi (My Baby)," a rhythmic pop track infused with Arabic drums. The song explores the emotional challenges of navigating heartbreak and finding strength in moving forward from a toxic relationship. Produced by Moh Denebi and mastered by GRAMMY-winning engineer Dave Kutch, the single highlights Yasmina’s personal journey of healing and self-worth. Based in Dubai, Yasmina blends pop with Arabic and Hindi influences, creating a unique cultural fusion. She gained recognition on X Factor Dubai and has also made a name for herself in acting and brand partnerships with major beauty companies like Sephora, Huda Beauty, and Too Faced Cosmetics.

Photo Credit: Molly Peach​

Nashville-based singer and songwriter Jeffrey James blends both pop and R&B with his new single, “Day by Day.” 

“The song is based on my own experience of growing and learning about life and love alongside my wife,” Jeffrey shares. “It hasn’t always been perfect or easy, but there is nothing better than knowing you have a partner who is by your side and ready to take on whatever comes next.”

It is out now via Preach Records across all major streaming platforms!

Bright Light Bright Light’s upcoming album ‘Enjoy Youth’ is possibly his strongest album yet and will drop May 17th. Inspired by a timely piece of advice from an elderly woman, ‘Enjoy Youth’ explores themes of love, heartbreak, and joy through the lens of queer history, and is a delectably effervescent slice of synth-pop sunshine. Check out the Pet Shop Boys-indebted lead single “You Want My…” HERE.

In a near future, normal life on Earth has been decimated. Paul and his two sons, Thomas and Joseph, have been living a half-life – tranquility by day and torment by night. Every night, after the sun sets, they face the unrelenting attacks of a mysterious and violent evil. One day, when Thomas doesn't return home before sundown, Paul must leave the safety of their fortified farm to find him. A nightmarish battle ensues that forces the family to execute a desperate plan to survive.

ARCADIAN is in theaters NOW, with a debut on Shudder and AMC+ to follow later in the year.

Photo credit: Sarai Garcia

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Brooklyn's indie pop sensation, beccs, makes her debut as an Official artist at this year's South by Southwest Music Festival. With sets confirmed at three showcases, including Adhoc x Audiofemme x UMAW, Austin Monthly Presents Women That Rock, and an Official Headlining spot at The Iron Bear, beccs is set to showcase new music and a captivating Portishead cover. Praised by NYLON as one of their "favorite cool girls" and hailed by the HuffPost as an "indie-pop vocalist of astonishing candor," beccs combines edgy modern songwriting with a soul-stirring voice reminiscent of classic 60’s Laurel Canyon, creating a dynamic and vulnerable live performance.

CLIP, the innovative green alternative for travel, made its debut at SXSW 2024, capturing the attention of environmentally-conscious attendees. Offering a sustainable solution for transportation, CLIP aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly travel options. At the festival, CLIP showcased its cutting-edge plug and play device for bikes and e-bikes and emphasized its commitment to revolutionizing the way people commute. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, CLIP provides a glimpse into the future of transportation technology. The launch at SXSW 2024 marks a significant step towards a greener, more environmentally-responsible future in the travel industry.

Photo credit: John Rodriguez

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Peso Pluma made waves in Austin, Texas, with fans lining up since 4am to witness the global superstar's performance, spanning several blocks. At ACL Live at The Moody Theater, Peso delivered a mesmerizing set featuring his popular hits like “Rubicon” and “El Gavilan,” alongside new tracks like “Igual Que Un Angel.” With his trademark energy and charisma, Peso proved why he's breaking barriers in Mexican music worldwide. Rolling Stone dubbed him the "Most Important New Artist on the Planet" in their cover story.

Photo credit: Bryanna Vera

In Austin's Moody Amphitheater, ILLENIUM Rocks Crowd of 5,000 with Explosive Performance Saturday, March 16th - The climax of SXSW unfolded as ILLENIUM headlined Billboard's THE STAGE concert series. At The Moody Amphitheater in Waterloo Park, a fervent audience of 5,000 witnessed an electrifying show. Kicking off the night was Fairlane, treating fans to emo and nu-metal classics remixed with his own guitar solos. ILLENIUM then took over with a high-energy set, blending heavy bass music with his signature future bass anthems, complemented by fiery bursts and dynamic visuals, leaving the park brimming with excitement.

Photo credit: Karl Walter

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Thursday, March 14, marked the third year of Billboard's THE STAGE at SXSW concert series in Austin. The event featured Chxrry22 alongside DJ Cardo Got Wings, with PARTYNEXTDOOR headlining. During his one-hour set, PARTYNEXTDOOR delivered hit songs like “Break from Toronto” and “Come and See Me” (feat. Drake), accompanied by dynamic dancers and a lively three-piece band. Ending on a high note, he surprised fans with the announcement of his fourth studio album, PartyNextDoor4 (P4), set to release on April 26, along with the release of his new single, “Real Woman.”

SXSW has revealed its audience award winners, which include titles such as Monkey Man, Sing Sing, Resynator, My Dead Friend Zoe, Oddity, Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience, Clemente, Songs From The Hole, Bionico's Bachata, STAX: Soulsville, and the Hacks Season 3 Premiere. Follow the link below to view the complete list of winners!

Link to SXSW 2024 Film Awards Winners

Photo credit: Griselda Flores, Lisette Poole

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On Friday, March 15, regional Mexican artist Christian Nodal headlined Billboard’s THE STAGE at SXSW concert series at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. With a packed crowd, Nodal showcased his fusion of mariachi strings and horns paired with the norteño accordion, defining his signature mariacheño style. Nodal delivered an electrifying performance, and the evening came full circle with a duet of Luis Miguel’s “Sabor a Mí” featuring Estevie, sealing the night with charm and nostalgia.

Photo credit: Maria Sjöström

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Marshall's second year at SXSW in Austin, Texas, hosted over 10,000 attendees at Parish. The three-day event featured a vibrant artist lineup, including Marshall Records' showcase with acts like King Nun, Dream Nails, and Therapy?. Notably, Therapy?'s first U.S. performance since 2001 attracted a diverse audience. Attendees also enjoyed performances by Dinosaur Jr., The Black Angels, Frank Turner, and more. In addition to this, visitors could enjoy the carnival themed experiences, games, and DJ performances.

Relive Aurora's mesmerizing performance at SXSW Austin! Watch her captivating performance again through the link below:

Watch Aurora's Performance

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Delve deeper into Aurora's extraordinary journey, from the intimate stages of the Bluebird Cafe to her current triumphs. Explore her unique story by visiting:

Aurora's Story

"Drip" follows the meteoric rise of the Lane Brothers, Grayson and Garrett, a dynamic sibling duo that captured the attention of music icons like Shawn Mendes, Boyz II Men, Meghan Trainor, Teddy Swims, and others. Bursting onto the scene with their unique blend of bedroom pop and R&B, the brothers showcase their signature sound in their latest single released via Big Yellow Dog Music. Co-written with Autumn Buysee and Connor Thuotte, "Drip" features 80s-inspired synths and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, demonstrating the Lane Brothers' ability to infuse youthful energy into their music. Having signed with Big Yellow Dog Music last year, the duo released their debut EP 'Got Your Number' in October, solidifying their presence in the music industry.

“The Real Me” once again reveals Jeffrey’s talent for crafting heartfelt and captivating pop ballads. Produced by David Burris, the track unfolds in a dynamic arrangement of lush guitar work and nostalgic production, laying the perfect foundation for Jeffrey’s soulful vocals to shine. "'The Real Me' is about wanting to be heard and seen for who I truly am at my core, and finding someone who does that," Jeffrey explains. Pairing rich vocals, R&B influences, and reflective lyricism, Jeffrey creates svelte, brooding tracks that express universal emotions. Since making his debut in 2016, he's amassed millions of streams across his repertoire, received praise from tastemakers like Billboard and 1883 Magazine, and had his music featured in numerous TV shows and films. In Spring 2022, Jeffrey’s collaboration with Grammy Award-winning DJ, Dave Audé, climbed to number 5 on the UK dance charts.

In contrast to her recent melancholic ballad “How Long,” Brooke showcases a more upbeat and bubbly pop sound on “Consequences." Working with her sister and collaborator Breana, Brooke has created a fun, feel-good anthem to soundtrack the Summer days ahead. 

"'Consequences' is a fun, flirty song about being young and living in the moment," Brooke elaborates. "It's about using your brain less and your heart more. It’s for those moments when you consciously decide to do something chaotic, knowing it could end badly, but just having a good time anyway."

Photo Credit: Jan Neumann

Rare Americans have released the third and final act of their most innovative and ambitious project to date, Searching For Strawberries: The Story Of Jongo Bongo. Combining to create their new full-length album, Searching For Strawberries tells the true story of Rare Americans’ very own multi-instrumentalist “Jongo” (real name Jan Cajka) and his transformation from corporate pawn to rock star. 

 “Until last year, I had little to no understanding as to why people lost their minds over other people. I had no references to understand those classic love stories. I use the phrase ‘love story’ loosely - carelessly, really - as I don’t think this situation was one of those at all. It’s something that falls far short of such a title, but it carries the weight. It’s a brief epic.”

The EP follows the ‘brief epic’ as it unfolds. It opens with “Heartbreak You Can Hear,” a rapturous track that mirrors those early flutters of infatuation. Then, the overthinking kicks in and you start to believe maybe it’s all too good to be true ("Guts" and "Mississippi Air"). “This House” is about feeling the end closing in on you, and “St. George” is when you come to understand that the end is here and now you must begin to process the loss. The EP concludes with “Then I Woke Up,” which encapsulates the moment you realize that while the pain hasn’t entirely gone, it doesn’t hurt quite so much anymore. It’s a tale as old as time, a story we can all relate to.

Embarking on a musical voyage through the realms of nostalgia and personal evolution, the poignant track transports listeners to a melancholic world while delving into themes of growth, societal stagnation, and the bittersweet moments of life. Sleeper masterfully weaves together introspection and relatable narratives to establish a truly mesmerizing musical experience. The dreamy and ambient artistic depiction Eric Sleeper creates with “Magnolia” is now available to stream on digital platforms.

Andrew Cushin has released his new single “Wor Flags” via Peter Doherty’s label Strap Originals. “Wor Flags” is in reference to the fan-funded group of the same name who create flag displays at St. James’ Park as a way to unite Newcastle United Football Club’s supporters. Through the track’s uplifting soundscape of driving acoustic guitars and a jubilant refrain of "la la la's," Andrew speaks to finding yourself surrounded by the people you care for and truly living in the moment.  Louis Tomlinson and Peter Doherty — who have bonded over their mutual admiration for Andrew — have joined forces with their respective record labels to release Waiting For The Rain. “Here at Strap Originals we always put the artist first and it's amazing that Louis Tomilinson and 78 Productions are offering their support to the uber-talented Andrew Cushin,” says Peter.  

Photo credit: Matthew Medina

Tess & The Details— lead singer/rhythm guitarist Tess Stevens, drummer Gideon Berger, and lead guitarist/bassist Jacob Light—carve out a brand of punk rock that is bombastic, polished, and harmony-laden. 

"We just want to make great songs and see people going nuts to them when we play live,” explains Stevens. “It's really pretty simple – Runaway is just the start of what we hope will be a really good time."

Runaway was written and performed by Stevens, Berger, and Light. Runaway was produced, recorded, and mixed by Light at ModernTone Studios in Lafayette, California and mastered by Jason Livermore at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado.

VOILÀ is the project of actor/model/musician Luke Eisner (seen in Tall Girl on Netflix) and British producer and songwriter Gus Ross. The fully independent band has made waves online since they began rolling out their debut album Happy Never After, which was released last year.

'"Nevergreen' is a song for when the love of your life ends up being the loss of your life instead. To be able to collaborate with my favorite band on a song this personal is something I treasure dearly!" - Luke Eisner 

"This is a dream for us. We built out this track among a few others before the session and were excited that it had this explosion of a chorus moment in the track. Kellin sent over some voice memos that fit this perfectly and from there the record was born. We wanted something heavy but also catchy and felt like we got it on this one. You can hum it on the subway or scream it at the top of your lungs." - Gus Ross

Check out the music video here.

Photo credit courtesy Geffen Records.

“I love bringing artists together that you’d least expect,” says Uchis. “El Alfa is a Latino legend and JT is someone I’ve admired forever. Both of them are known for their summer hits and high energy, so I’m incredibly excited to bring them together for a fun, sexy song like this.”
The trio united for “Muñekita” after longtime mutual admiration—Kali had exchanged numerous DMs with both artists before JT came over to her L.A. studio, heard the track and cut a verse. She then got a version over to El Alfa, the foremost artist in the Dominican genre, who enthusiastically added his contribution.

Pictured left to right: Kenoe Jordan, SVP, A&R, Motown Records; Michelle Jubelirer, Chair & CEO, Capitol Music Group; Dominique Jones, Founder/CEO Glass Window Entertainment, LLC; Rylo Rodriguez; Arjun Pulijal, President, Capitol Music Group and Tramiel “Twin” Clark, SVP, Artist Relations, Motown Records. Photo Credit: Lester Cohen

Capitol Music Group/Motown Records have entered into a partnership with Glass Window Entertainment, LLC – the label founded by Dominique Jones, also known as the chart-topping artist Lil Baby. Rylo Rodriguez is the first artist signed to Glass Window Entertainment/Motown Records. Been One, Rodriguez’s new album, recently debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200.

“Whispers” – which was written and produced by Yukon — continues a growing string of releases from Yukon, including the glittering “Gloria !” and the energetically charged “Do You Feel It?,” the latter produced by Tiggi.

photo credit: Oliver Seid

18-year-old breakout glaive shares a new single, “the car,” alongside a video directed by Adrian Villagomez—listen here and watch here. The track is taken from the artist’s debut album, i care so much that i dont care at all, set for release on July 14 on Interscope Records.

“The car was one of the only songs I didn’t write from my perspective but rather from the perspective of a friend who was cheated on,” says glaive. “I had made so many songs for the album that I was running out of personal emotions to express, and I wrote this without full context of the situation but how I would imagine and interpret it.”

Photo credit: Neil Krug

Rock and Roll is still in style. “The Falling Sky” is the latest track to be unveiled from the band’s highly anticipated forthcoming third studio album Starcatcher, set to release on July 21. “An unwavering warrior carrying on the endless, eternal, and impossible battle for salvation; these were the elements of symbolism associated with this particular track,” explains guitarist Jake Kiszka. “In essence our fate is sealed, alike the stars that fall from the almighty heavens to the earth. This philosophy is carried through in the story of a bluesman, at the crossroads of the universe.”

Lily Lane's new EP *Love, Lily Lane* marks the artist's transition into her "lovergirl era," blending dark pop with uplifting electro dance beats to narrate her personal love story. Inspired by her engagement and released in time for her wedding, the five-track EP explores the stages of love, from limerence to happily ever after. Known for her advocacy for body positivity, women’s, and LGBTQ rights, the bicoastal pop artist brings a fresh and celebratory tone to her music. Written alongside Taylor Sparks, *Love, Lily Lane* reflects Lane's evolution from heartbreak themes to embracing the joy and security of love.

NOANNE, the Prague-based artist, returns with her electrifying new single "Everything I Hate About You," a high-energy rock anthem that blends dark humor and raw emotion. The song tells the gripping story of a woman’s tumultuous relationship with a deceitful lover, portrayed through a dramatic and innovative narrative. Inspired by iconic bands like Led Zeppelin and David Bowie, NOANNE collaborated with Gregory and Harrison Darling to create a powerful and haunting track. Accompanied by a suspenseful music video directed by Steen Agro, the single showcases NOANNE’s unique style and continued rise in the music world.