Listen to the new track These Games by UK’s Stephen Sims + Decade Defector. The track takes you back to the early 80’s in the world of synth wave acts like Ultravox, Soft Cell, and Depeche Mode.

“The song is about the games we play in the pursuit of love and the pain endured along the way” shares Sims.
They recorded a 10 track album during the lockdown of last year which is set for release this year, with singles following each month. Next release ‘Hunter’ late Feb. Sims track Fix Me is still one my favorites.

The Weeknd is spending $7 million of his own money on the Super Bowl halftime show. The Super Bowl is footing the bill for the usual production costs, but The Weeknd says:

“we’ve been really focusing on dialing in on the fans at home and making performances a cinematic experience, and we want to do that with the Super Bowl.”

Production costs can run up to $10million. The production this year will be extra special if The Weekend is throwing in an extra $7 Million.

Look out for Marney and the indie rock song Fireflies. You’ll like if you love The Head and the Heart and Bastille – indie pop with anthemic choruses.
The indie duo hails from LA has Crystal Douesnard on vocals and Thomas Moore on guitar and production. The band released their debut track last year and garnered features in Letfuturewave, Mash Viral, and The Vinyl District. Give it a stream on KOAR’s Indie Invaders Playlist.

Marylin Manson has been dropped from his record label after former girlfriend Evan Rachel Wood accused him of abuse.

The indie label Loma Vista Recordings is an independent record label founded by Tom Whalley, former CEO of Warner Bros. Records.

“In light of today’s disturbing allegations by Evan Rachel Wood and other women naming Marilyn Manson as their abuser, Loma Vista will cease to further promote his current album, effective immediately. Due to these concerning developments, we have also decided not to work with Marilyn Manson on any future projects,” the record label said.

Manson also known as Brian Warner has faced other past allegations, but this seems to be the most serious as far as consequences. The shock rocker is without a label. More importantly, this could snowball into live concerts.

Watch out for Swedish pop artist Eleonor Léone and her new electro pop song “More Like Him”.
“In different ways, I’ve been making music my whole life. I did musicals and shows, so I have that background, but in the last year, I finally found what I was wanting to do ”“ like electro-pop and find my own voice,” she tells Rolling Stone.
She has performed at the showcase festival “Live at Heart” in Canada. She’s also touched down on various stages across the globe like India, Tokyo, Singapore and Barcelona. She recently performed at the Sweden’s biggest music conference; Sweden Live. Give it a listen.