Colorado’s Jesus Christ Taxi Driver today announced their upcoming second album, Taxi The Rich, will be released digitally on April 24 via Midtopia. Rapturously irreverent, politically pointed, religiously disoriented, and existentially uncertain, the suite of songs’ ethos is pure rock ‘n’ roll, but the sound sure isn’t. Taking cues from garage punk, funk, surf rock, twang and even power pop, Jesus Christ Taxi Driver assembles an unlikely thematic cast of characters on Taxi The Rich including serial killers, Lana Del Rey, Jeffrey Epstein and more.
On today’s first sampling, a jazzy, satirical track titled “Too Cold To Golf,” the band is high-falutin’ while playing the flute. Personifying everything they hate, Jesus Christ Taxi Driver holds court amongst the silicone faces of the United States’ capital city, Palm Beach of course
Following on from the critical and commercial success of the previous record, ‘In My Mind There’s A Room’ album, Colin MacIntyre AKA Mull Historical Society will return this year with another literary inspired marvel.
Due for release on 29 May via the LNFG label, this brand new collection of songs will feature lyrical contributions from a panoply of world-leading authors, all of whom were asked to reflect on a single significant photo to them. Amongst the collaborators on ‘In My Mind There’s A Photograph’ are best-sellers, Pulitzer, Booker, Costa, Women’s Prize & Saltire Award-winners, including: Irvine Welsh, Ali Smith, Len Pennie, Jehan Bseiso, Louise Welsh, Irenosen Okojie, Paul Lynch, Colum McCann, Yiyun Lee, Alan Johnson, Dan Richards and Sir Alexander McCall Smith.
With Colin playing the ‘Elton to their Bernie’, coupling his musical idiosyncrasies to their affecting words, together they have created 12 songs of vivid photographic realisation and a very real emotional resonance. The first of these collaborations is revealed today, “Cattle Bells”, which features words from Sir Alexander McCall Smith, acclaimed author of the ‘No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’ series among countless other feats.
Set in Botswana, “Cattle Bells” finds the veteran writer reflecting on a photo of him sitting on the top of a hill overlooking the beautiful surrounds of the Kalahari (pictured on the single artwork), contemplating on life, time, being in the moment, and reacquainting with his younger self. A rumination on what home really means to us, Colin explains of the track:
“I have loved working with Sandy; he is such a generous and inspirational writer and man, and I am honoured to have this personal story from him of connection with ourselves and where we feel at home as the lead single off the album. The opening line, ’This must be me…’, with the intriguing use of the word ‘must’, strikes me as a line only a novelist could summon. I have always been inspired by Paul Simon and his Gracelands album, and this song allowed me to achieve an ambition of working with the glorious London African Gospel Choir”.
Beloved indie folk band The Paper Kites have unveiled their seventh studio album ‘If You Go There, I Hope You Find It’ via Nettwerk, available now on all streaming platforms HERE. To celebrate the release, they’ve also shared an official music video for the previously unreleased track “Morning Gum”, streaming now on the band’s official YouTube channel HERE.
About the new album, lead vocalist Sam Bentley reflects, “This record feels like a band remembering what made them fall in love with playing music in the first place. Five friends, five musicians, rediscovering what made them want to do this together. We had a beautiful time making this album. A lot of these songs were written out at the farm we rehearse at, which has become a place of great direction and growth for us over the years. As such, the record has taken on much of the character of that place, and you’ll see it reflected in the colours and visuals surrounding the album. There’s a lot of the five of us in this record. We hope you enjoy.”
Gold-certified, Choice Music Prize–nominated rock band The Riptide Movement return with their powerful new single “Owe You A Lot”, released on February 1st, 2026, to coincide with St Brigid’s Day. The release marks the band’s first new music of 2026 and opens a bold new chapter as they celebrate 20 years together.
“Owe You A Lot” is the first glimpse of the band’s highly anticipated sixth studio album, due later this year. Recorded at Orphan Recording Studios in Curracloe, Co. Wexford, and co-produced with acclaimed Irish producer Gavin Glass, the track captures everything The Riptide Movement are known for — big guitars, surging drums, and anthemic intensity — while embracing a fresh creative direction.
For the first time, lead guitarist JPR Dalton takes on lead vocals, marking an exciting evolution in the band’s sound. Built on driving rhythms and soaring melodies, “Owe You A Lot” builds toward a euphoric crescendo, echoing its themes of time, memory, impermanence, and the fragility of human connection.
“Reaching 20 years as a band makes you reflect on everything you’ve shared — the people, the places, the moments that shape you, and the connections with family, friends, and society that influence your
life’s journey. ‘Owe You A Lot’ came from that place. It feels familiar but also completely new for us, especially with JPR taking on vocals for the first time. It’s about honouring where we’ve been while still feeling excited about where we’re going.”
Anglo-Irish dreamrock trio KEELEY, fronted by charismatic Dubliner Keeley Moss, are pleased to announce the release of their third full-length album ‘Girl On The Edge Of The World’.
Due for release on 20 February via the Definitive Gaze label, the new album will be the first to feature Keeley’s touring bandmates – bassist Lukey Foxtrot and drummer Andrew Paresi, who played on Morrissey’s first three solo albums. It’s also the first album to feature guest vocalists – Miki Berenyi (Lush, Piroshka, MB3) on “Big Brown Eyes” and Sice of The Boo Radleys on “Trains and Daydreams”. The album was produced by longtime KEELEY studio collaborator Alan Maguire at his Dublin studio, and features twelve new songs including the current single “Who Wants To See The World”. Watch the video for the single here
Get acquainted with the talented, yet unconventional sound of newcomer Bee Bran, whose new single “To Feel Is To Be,” majestically blossoms into release today. Drenched in colourful synths that form an impressive ensemble to the immaculate vocals of the 20-year-old from London.
Creating beauty from a tough moment in her own life, Bee says “To Feel Is To Be is about being in a relationship where you’re both changing. It feels like you’re both growing, but separately, and although that can feel wrong that you’re not growing together, you realise you’re both still happy together whilst at that moment you’re growing apart.”
Although very much at the beginning her own music career now, Bee has always been around music since she was very young. “Music was everywhere in my household. I lived with my parents and my sister, and all three of them are musicians. I began my own musical journey sneaking into my sister’s bedroom and playing her keyboard, trying to write songs like hers.” Bee then went on to study at the prestigious The BRIT School and Trinity Laban.
Garrett Anthony Ricehas been quietly carving out a place for himself among songwriters who treat rock tradition as something living rather than nostalgic. His latest double single, “In the Night Time We Shone” and “Purple Man (For Jimi),” feels like a small but meaningful signal that he knows exactly where he comes from and where he wants to go.
“In the Night Time We Shone” arrives in a low glow. It leans into the atmosphere first, built on dark contours and a sense of movement that never forces itself into sharp focus. The chorus opens its arms a bit more, without losing the pulse underneath. When the outro starts to melt into subtle rhythmic experiments, the track has already gotten into this hypnotic pacing that is more like the afterimage of a moment than a remembered one. It’s low key in a manner which indicates the presence of confidence instead of caution.
A festival experience like no other, the E.N.D. Cruise is thrilled to announce their 5th annual voyage in partnership with Sixthman, taking place January 22 to January 26, 2027. Join us for the BEST.VACATION.EVER. as we set sail from Miami, FL to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas aboard Norwegian Joy.
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities on board, including live performances from their favorite bands, party (or hit the spa) with their favorite artists, gambling in the Joy Casino, Water slides, go-karts, Bellyflop Competition, drinking tournaments, comedy nights, theme nights, and so much more. The ship also hosts a number of amenities, including elevated dining experiences, Starbucks Coffee, Mandara Spa & Salon, Vibe Beach Club, Aqua Park, mini golf, Pulse Fitness Center, a video arcade, and more.
Don’t forget, excursions and exploration in Great Stirrup Cay is also a must for all cruise-goers. Guests will have a chance to book various activities while at port, such as swimming with the pigs, beachside cabanas, ziplining, and more.
Emo’s Not Dead founder Matt Cutshall shares: “The E.N.D Cruise is legitimately the best vacation ever. Seeing all of our favorite bands up close and personal on a cruise ship with all of our loved ones and friends is an actual dream! The vibes are so damn good! Everyone on this cruise feels like one big happy family. Cannot wait for 2027 to keep this party going!”
Currently in its fourth year, the E.N.D. Cruise has previously featured special guests including Dashboard Confessional, New Found Glory, Yellowcard, Mayday Parade, Boys Like Girls, Chiodos, Thursday, Secondhand Serenade, Norma Jean, Emery, Cartel, Charlotte Sands, Madina Lake, Cassadee Pope, Taylor Acorn, and more.
This year boasts the E.N.D. Cruise’s most expansive lineup to date, with several stages hosting performances from scene favorites and up-and-coming artists alike Performances, including acoustic sets and special album playthroughs, include: The Used, Story Of The Year, Underoath, Senses Fail, August Burns Red, Dance Gavin Dance, Saves The Day, Knuckle Puck, Silverstein, The Devil Wears Prada, We The Kings, Hot Mulligan, Anberlin, Escape The Fate, Hawthorne Heights, Copeland, Spitalfield, Daisy Grenade,, Stage Champs, Maylene and The Sons Of Disaster, Aaron Gillespie and Friends, Reclaim The Fallen, and Your Broken Hero. Don’t forget to swing by the Matt Says Stage to check out Barry Hendrixx, Dakota Ave, Not, Moments Of, and Lacey. Fans can also look forward to the Misery Loves Comedy lineup featuring Ian Fidance, Natalie Cuomo, Uncle Lazer, Dan Lamorte, Neil Rubenstein, and Alex Oliver.
The deadline for first round presale sign ups is February 10 at 11:59pm ET, with final round signups closing on February 16 at 11:59pm ET. Public on-sale begins on February 18 at 2:00pm ET.
Stay tuned for more information, including the lineup for 2027, coming soon at endcruise.com.
On Art of War, Mikey treats each track like a calculated move, balancing beauty and menace with intention. On focus track “Perfect,” the rapper explores the depth of his devotion, offering a melodic contrast to the album’s harder edges. “Get Out My Head +++” serves as a raw tribute to his late grandmother, incorporating her life perspectives and real emotional memories. Album centerpiece “Easy” featuring Lil Wudy showcases Mikey’s effortless flow and self assurance, while Lil Wudy slides in with a complementary melodic presence that amplifies the record’s unapologetic energy. On the magnetic track “Miami +++,” the rapper leans into the opulent lifestyle, blending provocative storytelling with the high-stakes energy of the city’s VIP nightlife. Other songs on the track list include confidence booster “Too Many +++,” and “IM In,” which DMV Daily claims “delivers a powerful fusion of introspective lyricism and vibrant production.”
A true independent success story, Mikey Polo has already racked up over 1.5 million streams and collaborations with heavyweights like Trippie Redd, Don Toliver, and Key Glock. His sound is a calculated fusion of his PG County and Atlanta roots, blending the precision of Kid Cudi with the alternative edge of Panic! At the Disco. After catching media attention from XXL, FLAUNT, Daily Chiefers, On The Radar, Attack The Culture and DMV Daily among others, he’s now gearing up for his biggest statement yet: Art of War.
classically trained multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and vocalist Faouzia unveils the official visual for “LOST MY MIND IN PARIS” from her debut album FILM NOIR released this past November. Shot entirely in Paris, the cinematic visual serves as a thank-you to fans for their continued support, especially around breakout single “UNETHICAL,” which continues to grow exponentially worldwide.
Dash Hammerstein is a songwriter and film composer known for crafting scores that blend a modern production ethos with the ramshackle melodicism of idiosyncratic artists like Moondog and Brian Eno. His work has premiered at Sundance, Tribeca Film Festival and DOC NYC, and he has scored projects for Netflix, Hulu, HBO, PBS and many more. In addition, he has released ten studio albums of Kinks-inflected folk pop and neo-classical music, which has been licensed for international commercial campaigns by brands including Adidas and Toyota. In recent years, he’s gotten more involved in NYC’s theatre scene, writing and consulting on a number of musicals in development.
His latest single is entitled “Noise Machine” “is a simple song inspired by my reliance on the ‘cabin downpour’ setting on my white noise app. Sometimes when it is raining outside, I will close the window and play the fake rain sound to fall asleep. The woodwinds (arranged and performed by Michael Sachs) are inspired by White Album-era McCartney and old musical hall records, lending a goofy air to what is a pretty goofy sentiment. Opting for the artificial over the real,” shares Dash.
“Noise Machine” is off of his forthcoming self titled album Dash Hammerstein which came out of a period of newfound creative sobriety and experimentation. The collection of songs is his most honest to date. Dash shares, “No more word salad psychedelia – each song is about something specific and meaningful, be it death, uncertainty, old friends or new biotech. With sobriety, my songwriting hours shifted from the night to the morning and much of what is on the album was written very quickly over coffee – a lot of first thought/best thought material. There are some wonderful guest contributions on there as well – Michael Sachs plays woodwinds and brass, Jordi Nus plays strings and Alden Harris-McCoy plays some guest guitar. Everything recorded and mixed by me in a few studios around Brooklyn.”
One of the rawest and most exciting vocalists crashing into UK consciousness right
now, Berlin-based, alt-pop star panicbaby explores dysfunctional love on “soft prn” –
the final single taken from her debut EP ‘f u jonathan,’ dropping on February 13th
alongside an exclusive vinyl launch.
Sitting on 25M+ streams across four singles in 2025, panicbaby has quickly introduced
herself as a serious creative force. Fragile and fierce, she effortlessly blends nostalgic
elements with hypnotic, new-edge production, drawing from the cinematic melancholy
of Sofia Coppola, the fragility of Lykke Li, and the sultry introspection of Lana Del Rey.
With significant, early support across the landscape from BBC RADIO 1 to becoming
one of Spotify GSA’s Artists To Watch in 2026, panicbaby is already marked for a
breakthrough year as her brand-new single and debut EP emerge into the spotlight.
Firmly cementing her status as a true multi-hyphenate talent and storyteller, “soft prn”
captures the turbulence and confusion of a complex yet captivating relationship, torn
between pain and beauty, heartbreak and desire. panicbaby seeks clarity in the storm,
with longing, anger, and self-doubt fuelling the beautifully destructive aftermath of
emotions that take control, reinforcing her universal edge alongside intimate,
vulnerable vocals and glossy, understated synth work.
Speaking on the single, panicbaby explains: “’soft prn’ is about a relationship that’s
both horrible and beautiful at the same time and the struggle of accepting that duality.”
Sanford: is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based & South Carolina-born musician Jay Sanford. He does all of the writing, arranging, and performing for his recorded music, (truly DIY). Much like his influences and listening habits, his songs have a wide-span of genres. “Figured I’d Ask Anyway” has been featured on the GEMSONVHS playlist, and “Gone to Hell” has passed 100,000 streams on Spotify. Big Tent Revival is his third full-length album, releasing January 2026, with a 4th in production.
More about the LP: Written, arranged, recorded and performed entirely by Sanford: (aside from “Just Waiting” which features Jay Rattman on assorted woodwinds), the new project sheds light the modern music industry, AI, fleeting love, the passage of time, religion and more on through a mix of jazz, country, Americana, folk, prog-rock and more.
The outdoor music festival rural 2026 will take place over four days, from July 17 (Friday) to July 20 (Monday, public holiday), 2026. Artists who continue to operate beyond existing genre boundaries—spanning techno, house, experimental music, and other forms across scenes around the world, will gather at nowhere CAMP in Numajiri Highlands, Fukushima. This marks the third year that rural is held at this distinctive site.
ARTIST LINEUP
For the first wave of artist announcements, rural is pleased to present Willikens & Ivkovic, the duo formed by Lena Willikens and Vladimir Ivkovic. Celebrated globally as “DJ’s DJs,” both artists have left a profound mark on electronic music culture through appearances at leading festivals and legendary clubs worldwide. Each has previously performed at rural as a solo act, and this long-awaited duo performance signals a new chapter shaped by their deep connection to the festival.
Also announced is the highly anticipated Japan debut of Al Wootton, the UK-based artist acclaimed for his low-end–focused rhythms and rigorous sonic exploration. He will perform both a live set and a DJ set.
From BASSIANI in Georgia, widely regarded as a new epicenter of techno—longtime resident NDRX joins the lineup, alongside Spekki Webu, the Delft-based artist pushing the outer limits of next-generation psychedelic music. Spekki Webu will appear in a B2B set with OCCA, who continues to expand his presence from Sapporo to the global stage. Also featured is YuY, a mysterious and compelling talent whose activities stand out within the rapidly evolving Taipei scene.
From Japan’s ever-maturing domestic scene—where cross-pollination continues to deepen—YAMA makes his first appearance at rural. Having performed at institutions such as London’s fabric and Thailand’s Wonderfruit Festival, YAMA commands overwhelming support in Japan’s Kansai region, where he is based. Alongside them, YAMARCHY, now regarded as an indispensable figure driving the new generation of psychedelic house music, joins the lineup. Joining the lineup are SAMO, a charismatic resident DJ at FULLHOUSE, and LEVOLANT, whose firmly rooted style connects Japan’s scene with neighboring scenes across Asia.
Footballhead have released the new single and music video for “Diversion” today. The song follows “Used To Be”, both of which can be found on the band’s upcoming new album ‘Weight of The Truth’, out March 20 via Tiny Engines. Fans can check out the new song here and watch the music video here.
“With ‘Diversion’ I’m arguing that you have the power to reverse the order of the old negative adage: it can now be one step back and two steps forward. Any sense of your own individual progress is measured by only you inside your mind. Distractions around us are at an all-time high, so stay grounded, and embrace yourself in your own meat suit every day. Revel in the fact that it’s uniquely yours. That’s when you really start to see results and feel yourself,” says guitarist and vocalist Ryan Nolen.
Footballhead wears their 2000s-era influences on their waffle-knit long sleeves, with power chord drives and pummeling choruses, all sequenced together like the teeth of a skeleton key able to unlock core memories for people who’ve either been there or people who simply wonder what being there was like. For a generation that came of age during the cultural shift of the 2000s and all its lingering cynicism – the parade of illusions shattered between 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and everything since – the lesson learned from looking back on sub generic movements like stomp-clap indie cosplay and barred-out dubstep drops might well be that chasing authenticity makes you look like a sucker. Tongue-in-cheek pastiche is all there is left.
“Dream Drowning” showcases the horrors of everyday life on an endless loop. On the new single, TRAITRS attempts to understand the emotion behind the dreams we have each and every night.
With their much-anticipated new album Possessor, produced by long-time collaborator Josh Korody (The Beaches, The Dirty Nil, Japandroids, Tanya Taqaq, F*cked Up) and mastered by Matt Colton (The Cure, Depeche Mode, Fontaines D.C., Wet Leg, Dua Lipa, Blur etc), Canada’s TRAITRS continue to develop their melancholic sound and imagery with the emotional follow up to 2021’s critically acclaimed LP Horses in the Abattoir.
Founded by singer/songwriter Vincent Brue shortly after moving to LA from the East Coast, The Vincenzos came together after hitting it off at legendary Culver City honky-tonk-dive Cinema Bar’s Wednesday open mic and have quickly become a major draw all over the city, headlining venues such as The Troubadour, Viper Room, Harvard & Stone and many more. Mixing indie/country/punk rock and roll with heartfelt yet darkly-comic autobiographical lyrics and beautiful harmonizing male/female vocals, The Vincenzos meld various genres into an original sound all their own, always getting crowds dancing, clapping and singing along. After releasing their debut album “To Live and Chenz in L.A.” in May 2025, the Vincenzos have already recorded two new albums worth of material at Gatos Trail Studios in Joshua Tree, set to be released in 2026. Their latest single, “Lay Down” is a heart (and drum) pounding anthem with soaring vocals, begging a would-be partner to drop their defenses and give in to love. With upcoming shows at Venice West, Molly Malones and the Whisky A-Go-Go set this Spring in LA and a tour planned for later this year, catch them while you can!
Sonically, the track gestures toward transcendence, brushing against the possibility of uplift before deliberately collapsing inward. “Just as it feels ready to lift its skinny fists to the heavens and brush against hope, I instead dig deeper into a nihilistic, defeated worldview,” Bentley says. In the next life, we’re told, our prayers will be answered. Our dreams are achieved. The world is at last in harmony.”
The result is a song that weaponizes contrast: anthemic momentum undercut by existential resignation. “The Next Life” doesn’t offer comfort or resolution; it interrogates the idea that relief is always postponed, always elsewhere. “Because really,” Bentley asks, “what is the next life?”
Since forming in 2014, Allegories have continuously blurred genre boundaries, melding electronic music, pop structures, and experimental sound design. Drawing inspiration from DJing house and hip-hop nights, the duo creates music that moves fluidly between the overground and underground, often disguising its eccentricities beneath deceptively accessible surfaces.
With “The Next Life,” Allegories further refine their ability to transform existential unease into something strangely communal and resonant.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Briana Marie Turner aka BMT is a Vintage Belle with a pop twist, known for her distinctive rockabilly-inspired style that blends timeless charm with modern pop edge. Raised in Muncie, Indiana, she grew up in a family of musicians where every holiday and reunion felt like a full-blown concert.
BMT began singing in her church’s children’s choir, eventually teaching it as she got older, and remained in choir throughout her entire school career. She went on to perform in show choir, talent shows, and competitive vocal events, developing both her voice and commanding stage presence early on.
After high school, she briefly attended beauty school (a self-proclaimed “beauty school dropout”) before choosing her true calling when she joined a music group—and everything took off. That leap led to touring with Machine Gun Kelly, collaborating with creatives affiliated with WILL.I.AM and The Black Eyed Peas, and working alongside an impressive roster of artists and producers.
After the group parted ways, BMT continued her journey as a solo artist, working with creatives behind the discovery of iconic artists like Lady Gaga, BOYZ II MEN and Whitney Houston, as well as collaborating with Darius Rucker and recording music she’s deeply proud of. BMT is Signed To VYRUS MEDIA, the Production Company owned by Charles Farrar, a multi-platinum Grammy award-winning producer.
Drawing inspiration from the folk traditions of his homeland, Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist Alcides Neto blends his distinctive percussive guitar playing and warm, soothing vocals with traditional rhythms with contemporary jazz, samba, bossa and more. Now based in Narrm/Melbourne, Alcides now unveils ‘Canforá’ the second single lifted from his debut album ‘Amú’ (due for release via Melbourne based non-profit label Music in Exileon 27th February 2026). The album traces Alcides’ childhood memories growing up in the countryside of São Paulo state, Brazil.
Brooklyn’s Endearments releases “Summersun,” the second single from their forthcoming debut album, An Always Open Door (March 6 via Trash Casual). A sauntering, self-effacing ballad on the passing of time — and the frustration of staying the same — the track contends with what it means to fit yourself into someone else’s life, and the frustration that comes from lying to your own reflection. “Every day’s another Halloween,” belts frontman Kevin Marksson on the song’s refrain, a tongue-in-cheek encapsulation of wearing a different costume to every party — Stream.
Following fast on the heels of “Real Deal,” the album’s propulsive first single, “Summersun” continues to showcase Endearments’ deft marriage of synths and feedback, weaving guitarist Anjali Nair’s powerful leads through shimmering pads, Marksson’s driving bass, and Will Haywood Smith’s assertive drumming. Once again working with director Paul Desilva, the accompanying music video, shot entirely on Super 8 film, follows two locals on an introspective journey to the Coney Island boardwalk. Marksson explains:
“‘Summersun’ is a song about losing track of yourself in the expectations of others, and how easy it is to fit into a mold someone else has made for you for the sake of love or companionship. The bridge of the song is meant to be a cathartic release — the guitars give way and then build up again to reinforce this feeling of wanting to be truly known, even while you still pretend to be someone that you’re not. We wanted the video to really convey that melancholy and self-searching. I love the way it cuts two stories together to show how our personal journeys often overlap in ways both internal and external.” Watch the official video.
In an era where the boundaries between human creativity and artificial intelligence are rapidly dissolving, Lucy Dreams emerges as a striking voice in the new frontier of music. At the heart of their vision is Lucy — an artificial band member whose presence redefines what it means to collaborate and create. Creating a sonic dimension of shimmering dream pop and new wave, Lucy Dreams’ musicbrims with euphoria and passion, setting them up for a landmark year ahead. VVVVV, their sophomore release, aims to reinvigorate the mind as it pushes the boundaries of pop music with a bold, cinematic edge. In addition to the release of the new album, Lucy Dreams will be gracing the stage at New Colossus in March.
UK singer-songwriter Lucy Kitchen offers a moment of levity ahead of her February album release with new single ‘Sunny Days’, out now via Bohemia Rose Records/Make My Day Records.
Blending 70s-inspired jazzy folk with the ease of a modern day troubadour, Lucy’s latest single features delicate flute and tranquil drums while capturing the fuzzy feeling of newfound love. Written during the summer when Lucy first met her husband and tucked away for years, ‘Sunny Days’ can now bring a perfect moment of emotional refuge from the deeper themes of grief on her new record.
“I liked the idea of a relationship origin song being on the album, like a thread tying it all together.” Lucy explains. “The lightness and newness of this track brings something else to the record so it’s not all just about death and loss. It’s full of that new love joy in the summertime when you’re a little bit tentative but you know you’re onto a good thing.”
Lucy’s upcoming album In the Low Light will be released on 27th February – a beautiful collection shaped by personal loss and quiet resilience. Blending hypnotic folk with subtle threads of Americana and the timeless spirit of 1970s singer-songwriters, the album marks a deeply personal chapter in Lucy’s life.
The son of Taiwanese immigrants, KENTON grew up in sunny Irvine, California, a place where he struggled to find his footing as an Asian American. In some of his earliest memories, the now Los Angeles-based artist watched his father teach music in their home, eventually cultivating a fervency for songcraft. As he grew out of his childhood home and became a full-fledged adult, his parents moved back to Taiwan, leaving the actor and singer-songwriter in the States to grapple with his queer identity and how it juxtaposed his traditional upbringing.
Sweetmouth, the multidisciplinary artist’s full-length debut, takes its inspiration from a 2022 visit KENTON took to Taiwan to see his parents for Thanksgiving, marking their first time seeing one another in nearly six years. KENTON describes Sweetmouth as his way of “processing the shame, guilt, grief and anger (he’s) harbored over the years, of honoring the heritage of (his) ancestors, and of learning the art of forgiveness so that (he), as an adult, can choose love.” The album navigates tension surrounding religion, queer identity and self-love, all while paying tribute to familial love.
The album takes its title from KENTON’s childhood nickname, sweetmouth (甜嘴), a Chinese phrase for an adorable and obedient child. It was given to him by his mother for his sweet words that alleviated her pains. “I was really good at placating her and saying what she needed to hear,” he says. “Simple things like, ‘We love you, Mom,’ or ‘Nobody appreciates all the work you do.’ And it’s really hard. I never really processed what that did to me, or how that impacted me emotionally, taking on that caretaker role.”
KENTON says that while part of his impetus for making the record was finding a way to forgive his parents for not accepting him as he is, he also wanted to honor them with his music. His father had a stroke prior to his 2022 visit, and complications rendered his father unable to play music like he used to.
KENTON has previously established himself as a sought-after pop-singer, collaborating with projects such as Postmodern Jukebox and Scary Pockets and supporting pop artists including Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Kesha, Demi Lovato, Portugal. The Man, Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson, among others. He toured for several years with Katy Perry, while part of her Las Vegas residency.
As an actor, KENTON has appeared in over a dozen national commercials, and several TV shows: Superstore (NBC), Platonic (Apple), Night Court (NBC), The Rookie (ABC), Perfect Harmony (NBC), and Room 104 (HBO). He recently voiced the character Mogui in Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld (Netflix), and was a featured singer in the animated movies Wish (Disney) and Wish Dragon (Netflix). Keep up to date with KENTON by visiting ItsKenton.com.
Evocative and empowering, drowning sees Mia Nicolai choose self acceptance.
Exquisite vocals and raw lyricism touch on a life of swimming against the tide and the power and relief that come with changing direction. Confronting and emotive, drowning is born from the emotional weight of finally facing your true self. Sharing more, Mia explained: drowning is about the emotional crash that happens when you stop running from yourself. It’s that moment when you let your feelings rise to the surface after holding them in for so long – and it completely floods you.
I wrote it from a place of deep overwhelm, where facing reality felt like drowning. But it’s also about honesty to yourself. I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 15, but at that time I didn’t take it as seriously as I should have. For years I tried to outrun my diagnosis thinking I could fix it myself, if I just keep healing my past or if I kept outrunning it. I was living nomadically on people’s couches and I was actually exhausted, as thrilling as the nomadic jumping around life was, it was starting to catch up on me.
drowning is about finally giving in to who you really are, even if that means feeling everything all at once.
Pop singer-songwriter Siena Fantini kicks off 2026 with the release of her new single “claustrophobia.” With her talented vocals and diary-like storytelling, this track marks her first single since the release of her debut EP, what is it with me? “claustrophobia” unveils the inner conflict of having deep emotions for someone while still being young and unsure of what you truly want, even when it’s right in front of you. “claustrophobia” is now available to stream and download on platforms worldwide.
“claustrophobia” cuts straight to the heart of young love gone cold. Siena Fantini writes like a lover halfway out the door, but with an added naivety that stops her dead in her tracks. The acoustic-pop single serves as the first glimpse into her forthcoming EP, set for release in summer 2026. It marks an era of growth for Fantini, who wrote and performed it in a way she’d never done before. “‘claustrophobia’ was my first time writing music in an alternate tuning, and my life has since been changed because of it,” she explains. “Open D is so beautiful and has opened me up to experimenting more as I write, which I think is the coolest.” Fantini wrote this track from a place of confusion, caught between not knowing what she truly wants in life and recognizing that what she has is so good, almost too good, that it leaves her feeling trapped. She reflects on the writing process, saying, “‘claustrophobia’ was very eye-opening for me to write, because it was really an introspective moment for me to look inside myself and put words to these really confusing feelings I had. That sensation of being loved and cared for, but somehow feeling trapped and claustrophobic in that dynamic, is so emotionally turbulent. Coupled with the stress of life, school, or your future, it can feel like chaos.” Fantini captures the fear that often comes with being an adolescent and falling for someone, while feeling too afraid to fully embrace it. She expresses this vulnerability in lyrics like, “You would treat me too well, so now I have to go,” and “Am I running from you, or from myself?” Fantini utilizes an Open D guitar tuning to create a rich, soft yet full sound, assisted by the deep, meaningful drum patterns, alongside expressive vocals that capture the utter pain of being overwhelmed and disoriented in your thoughts. The song was produced by Sean Hurley (John Mayer, Lana Del Rey), who also played bass, with programming by Ben Rose and keyboards by Taylor Mackall (Lizzy McAlpine, Marcus Mumford, Joni Mitchell). Grammy Award–winning guitarist Andrew Synowiec (Alanis Morissette, Lil Nas X) and drummer Kiel Feher (Selena Gomez, Meghan Trainor, Lauv) help bring the instrumentation to life. The track was mixed and engineered by Grammy Award-winner Darrell Thorp (Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Pink) and mastered by David Ives.
As the 2026 10-Year Reunion of Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival (OMF) draws near, the beloved Florida independent music festival has released all remaining tickets, including a small number of 2-Day Weekend tickets for the first time ever, along with a limited batch of Single Day tickets and the final available GA, GA+, and VIP 4-Day tickets. OMF 2026 takes place March 19-22, 2026, as always in the magical South Florida nature paradise of Sunshine Grove.
Staying on top of fan messages over the past few months, OMF organizers have seen that some members of the Okee Family can’t make it to all four days of the festival’s first gathering in three years, whether it be jobs with no PTO, little ones at home, or bills getting in the way. With its community always in mind, OMF has decided to open up a few additional ticket options while capacity is still available. GA Weekend Tickets for Saturday, March 21-Sunday, March 22 include 2 nights camping (festivalgoers must purchase a 2-day car camping pass to bring a vehicle), with arrival to the campgrounds available Saturday at 9:00 am-8:00 pm (ET). GA and VIP Single Day Tickets for Friday, March 20, Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22 have access to purchase Day Parking for that day’s festival. Tier 1 prices for GA Weekend or Single Day passes are guaranteed through Thursday, January 29, at 10:00 am (ET). Checkout with PayPal is available for flexible payment options for as low as $20 a month. For complete details, please visit www.okeechobeefest.com/tickets.
Founded in 2016 with a mandate of authenticity, kindness, and respect between each other and the environment we inhabit, Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2026 will celebrate the spirit of music, arts, and community with epic headline performances from Cage The Elephant, Fisher, GRiZ, Knock 2, T-Pain, LCD Soundsystem, and The Lumineers, along with a truly diverse, multi-genre lineup of global superstars, rising new artists, certifiable legends, and more, many of whom are making their long-awaited return to the iconic gathering following previous fan favorite performances. An array of additional immersive musical experiences is also in store for OMG 2026 festivalgoers, including Incendia (a four-night inferno of underground energy, bass, and special guests, curated by NYC-based production agency and cultural influencer Renegade) and the Jungle 51 Stage, presenting extended sets by internationally known DJs from sundown to sunrise. The Okeechobee 10-Year Reunion will also see the return of what has proven one of the festival’s defining moments since its inaugural event in 2016 – the PoWoW!, an all-star jam session pairing unexpected talents for a variety of live mashups filled with creativity and imagination against an epic setting under the stars deep in the heart of Sunshine Grove.
VISIT WWW.OKEECHOBEEFEST.COM/TICKETS
Metalcore group ERRA is excited to announce their new album silence outlives the earth, set to be released on March 6th, 2026 via UNFD. The record, which features previous release “gore of being” and “echo sonata”, explores themes of existence and the human condition. Fans can listen to new single “further eden” here, and pre-order/pre-save the album now at https://erra.lnk.to/silence.
On the new single, guitarist Jesse Cash shares: “’further eden’ was a song that Clint started and we built upon in the studio. The pentatonic leaning roots the song into a lighter energy than we typically employ, and the song feels like a fresh form of expression from the band. We were specific about wanting the music video and accompanying visuals to reflect that lightness.”
ERRA will be on tour this spring, co-headlining a six week run across North America with Currents. The tour kicks off on March 6 in Baltimore, with stops to follow in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Toronto, New York, Chicago (SOLD OUT), Denver, Anaheim, Dallas, and more. For a full list of upcoming dates, please see below or visit: https://errastore.com/.
lectronic duo, Eli & Fur (Eliza Noble and Jennifer Skillman), unveil their inaugural release of 2026, “ Strange.” Officially dropping on February 5, 2026 via PIAS, the track opens the portal to their sonic realm, diving into the labyrinth called love and arriving as the first from their upcoming EP, “Dreams At Dusk Pt. II”, set to drop May 29, 2026. Trading their signature ethereal style for a darker more ominous sound, “Strange” is an exploration of love’s most poignant questions. Eli & Fur embark listeners on a sonic journey through sparkling synths,
haunting melodies, and breathy vocals the track culminates with a synth-heavy crescendo to finish. Its pulsing heartbeat and remarkably atmospheric cadence make for a groove that’s as somber as it is irresistible. Daring to unearth secret truths, “Strange” is an emotionally charged confession – one that is honest, vulnerable, and intense.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
Source: OutLoud! Culture – outloudculture.com
