Kill Electric just released a new song called “Machines.” It has a cool indie feel, like bands Bloc Party and The Bravery. The music is lively, raw, and energetic, with catchy melodies and a touch of synth vibes. It brings back memories of the good times at NYC’s famous punk club, CBGB’s.

The song taps into the anxiety and fear of living in a modern world filled with deception, manipulation, surveillance, and conformity. It reflects on the realization that we’ve become passive consumers glued to our devices, neglecting to question what’s truly happening around us.

Kill Electric started in West London when singer Tye Rutherford, along with producer Patrick McMahon, put together a band. They brought in singer/bassist Jasmin O’Meara, drummer Denis LeBreton, and guitarist Tristan McGarrigle after chance meetings in London’s indie music scene spots. The band, settling on the name ‘Kill Electric,’ kicked off with energetic gigs that earned them standing ovations and crowd sing-alongs, establishing a strong connection with their audience. Influenced by 1980s UK and North American new wave, punk, and rock, but with a modern twist, the four-piece found their unique sound.

youcallmecarla releases ‘Remember.’ It’s a good song, unique with well-crafted music production. The track takes you on a joy ride, coasting through different genres like indie pop, synth-pop, and alt-rock, reaching energetic highs but also diving into dark depths, and leveling off at chill moments.

“remember“ is my most personal song and a reflection on the complex relationship between me and my father, who struggled with mental health issues for as long as I can remember. It grapples with the changes in my father over time and the ultimate need to distance myself for my own well-being and freedom. It’s a tribute to the complex feelings that accompany such difficult family situations & conveys the mixed emotions of love, understanding, and pain.”

Carla Freude, a 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Germany, started writing her own songs at 15 and hasn’t stopped since. Cara will drop new songs in the coming months.

“The Road To Success In The Music Business,” a new ebook released on Amazon, is worth reading. Written by Dean Cramer, it covers the steps to have a successful career in music. However, these steps could be applied to other careers outside of music. Branding and image are everything, as well as telling a story that people connect to. I know what you’re thinking – does the world need another music book? What I like about this book is that it’s simple and short. It’s like a handbook. Whether you’re new or more seasoned, it’s worth having.

Dean Cramer said, “I didn’t mean to create anything extraordinary. This is only the beginning of my writing journey. Even though I have a lot to express, I have been working in music for what feels like an eternity, so I know enough about it.”

“The Road to Success in the Music Business” is a comprehensive guide that takes aspiring musicians through the key steps of establishing a successful career. Each chapter addresses critical aspects of the music industry, from finding a unique sound and building a brand to crafting an image and mastering songwriting and production. The book covers practical elements such as releasing music, networking, and handling the business side, along with essential strategies for marketing, going viral, and overcoming challenges. With insights into the dynamic music landscape, the guide concludes by encouraging artists to look ahead in their musical journey.

Check it out here.

The brainchild of songwriter/producer/arranger Sean O’Hagan, the High Llamas, has recently unveiled exciting news about their upcoming album, “Hey Panda,” scheduled for release on March 29, 2024, via Drag City. Simultaneously, the group has treated fans to the release of the title-track single. Reflecting on the inspiration behind “Hey Panda,” O’Hagan shares, “I spent lock down and recovery as a TikTok fan of a Panda bear who ate giant carrots every day. It made me so happy. I think as crazy as TikTok is, it also fosters a community, especially between us and animals… not sure if the animals know. I wanted it to be a Khalid meets Disclosure tune. The subs picking up every beat. But as it’s High Llamas… the key changes are there…sorry.”

In a broader sense, O’Hagan provides insight into the overarching vision of the project, stating, “I’m 64. Have made 40 records. Scored 8 films. And arranged for many. I love the pop aesthetic, especially the fresh and the naive. When I heard J Dilla in the early 2000s, I thought that was the great renewal of contemporary pop production. I did not have the language or skill set to go there. I was also afraid of being judged. So I avoided, or only hinted at this sound. I’m mainly an invisible contributor to music in my day job. I probably have one artistic record left at 64. So this record had to address what I have come to love. Dilla reshaped the world. We live in the finest non-judgmental musical times where the legacies of soul, jazz, and lo-fi indie have produced a hybrid of generous and stunning creativity. I want ‘Hey Panda’ to be of this generation.” CONTINUE READING

Spotify shares surged over 7% on Monday following the announcement that the music streaming giant will be reducing its workforce by 17%. In an email to staff, CEO Daniel Ek explained the move, stating, “We are taking substantial action to rightsize our costs.” Ek acknowledged that Spotify had overexpanded its team during 2020 and 2021 when capital was abundant.

This round of layoffs, approximately 1,500 jobs, reflects Spotify’s effort to adjust to a growth slowdown. Although Spotify reported a profit of 65 million euros ($70.7 million) in the third quarter, Ek highlighted the need for the company to address economic challenges and the rising cost of capital.

Spotify announces a layoff of 17% of its workforce in its effort for profitability following Taylor’s Swift $100 million payout from song streams.

In an internal memo posted on Spotify’s website, Ek expressed the company’s commitment to becoming the world’s leading audio company while ensuring consistent profitability and growth. The layoffs come despite Spotify’s strategic moves, including subscription plan price increases and expansion into podcasts and audiobooks.

This recent workforce reduction follows previous cuts earlier in the year, with Spotify trimming 6% of its workforce in January (around 600 employees) and an additional 2% in June (approximately 200 roles). Despite these adjustments, Spotify’s shares have more than doubled in value throughout the year. Wells Fargo analysts suggest that these layoffs signal Spotify’s focus on achieving profitability targets rather than merely reacting to economic challenges, estimating a potential nearly 2% reduction in operating expenses by 2024.