Month: June 2022

Mike Lindell continued his one-man self-own crusade by stopping by Steve Bannon‘s podcast and inadvertently revealing that absolutely no one of any importance wants to hear his election fraud “evidence.” While fielding questions from Bannon, the MyPillow CEO admitted that his attempts to testify in front of the January 6 hearings were rebuffed. Lindell also shared that former United States Attorney General Bill Barr wouldn’t even give him the time of day.

Via Ron Filipkowski on Twitter:

BANNON: Has the committee reached out to you to go through all the voluminous material you have about the election of 3 November 2020, sir, yes or no?

LINDELL: No, they haven’t. And that’s sad, too, because I’ve offered. I’d love to come to your little committee as long as you nationally televise it there, Miss Pelosi.

BANNON: Ok, fine. Number one, so they’re too gutless to get the information you have. Has Bill Barr ever reached out to you to ask any questions, given all the high profile that you have, about anything that you’ve found regarding election fraud in the last two years, sir?

LINDELL: No, he’s actually avoided me, Steve. I mean, I’ve put out stuff, I tried to get stuff to him in the past, and it’s a complete block.

Of course, Barr rebuffing Lindell fully tracks given the recent disclosing of Barr’s deposition for the Jan. 6 committee where he called the stolen election claims “bullsh*t.” The former attorney general also laughed at the premise of Dinesh D’Souza’s election fraud film, 2000 Mules, which he called “unimpressive” and “indefensible.” Those remarks prompted Bannon to threaten Barr.

“We’re coming for you, bro!” Bannon declared on his podcast.

(Via Ron Filipkowski on Twitter)

Canadian post-punk band Preoccupations just announced the release of their fourth album, Arrangements, today. It’s a bit of a misnomer to call them simply post-punk anymore, as the band has progressively kept pushing the boundaries of their sound into a well-rounded aesthetic. Due out on September 9th, Arrangements promises more synths to go along with their always guitar-centric tunes. Lead single “Ricochet” is a fine exploration from the Calgary quarter.

Guitars jut up against an industrial pop groove, with vocalist Matthew Flegel singing, “Everything you can touch, feels like a bitter end.” The lyrics are bleak, but Flegel explains in a statement that this is the very point he’s trying to get across, “It’s basically about the world blowing up and no one giving a sh*t.”

Listen to “Ricochet” above. Check out the Arrangements album art and tracklist below, along with the full list of Preoccupations’ upcoming tour dates.

1. “Fix Bayonets!”
2. “Ricochet”
3. “Death Of Melody”
4. “Slowly”
5. “Advisor”
6. “Recalibrate”
7. “Tearing Up The Grass”

10/19 — Loving Touch @ Detroit, MI
10/20 — Grog Shop @ Cleveland, OH
10/21 — Lincoln Hall @ Chicago, IL
10/22 — Racoon Motel @ Davenport, IA
10/23 — Turf Club in St. Paul @ Minneapolis, MN
10/26 — Commonwealth @ Calgary, AB
10/28 — Tractor Tavern @ Seattle, WA
10/29 — Biltmore Cabaret @ Vancouver, BC
10/30 — Doug Fir Lounge @ Portland, OR
11/02 — Rickshaw Stop @ San Francisco, CA
11/04 — Echoplex @ Los Angeles, CA
11/05 — Valley @ Phoenix, AZ
11/08 — Paper Tiger @ San Antonio, TX
11/09 — Parish @ Austin, TX
11/10 — Three Links @ Dallas, TX
11/12 — Aisle 5 @ Atlanta, GA
11/16 — DC9 @ Washington, DC
11/17 — Johnny Brendas @ Philadelphia, PA
11/18 — Bowery Ballroom @ New York, NY
11/19 — Space Ballroom @ Hamden, CT
11/21 — The Sinclair @ Boston, MA
11/22 — Bar Le Ritz @ Montreal, QC
11/24 — Lee’s @ Toronto, ON

Arrangements is out 9/9. Pre-order it here.

Indie music has grown to include so much. It’s not just music that is released on independent labels, but speaks to an aesthetic that deviates from the norm and follows its own weirdo heart. It can come in the form of rock music, pop, or folk. In a sense, it says as much about the people that are drawn to it as it does about the people that make it.

Every week, Uproxx is rounding up the best new indie music from the past seven days. This week we got new music from Beach Bunny, Soccer Mommy, Joyce Manor, and more.

While we’re at it, sign up for our newsletter to get the best new indie music delivered directly to your inbox, every Monday.

Joyce Manor — 40 Oz. To Fresno

Everyone’s favorite emo band Joyce Manor returned with their signature power chords, propulsive rhythms, and self-effacing humor on their sixth studio album, 40 Oz. To Fresno. The tight nine-track album displays their lasting appeal, and as Ian Cohen put it in his recent interview with the band for Uproxx, “demonstrates the breadth of Joyce Manor’s craft and their dedication to brevity.”

Saya Gray — 19 Masters

For years, Saya Gray worked behind-the-scenes as a backing musician for artists like Willow, Daniel Caesar, and Liam Payne. But with her debut album 19 Masters, Gray steps onto center stage to show off her unique songwriting abilities. The LP weaves together her experience in the music industry, combing captivating hooks and fluttering melodies that speak to her authentic self and the lofty expectations placed on her.

Grace Ives — Janky Star

NYC-based producer Grace Ives dropped her spellbinding sophomore album Janky Star. Jam-packed with quick and quirky beats, the album showcases Ives’ polished, off-the-cuff style of songwriting.

Jack White — “If I Die Tomorrow”

It’s only been a few months since Jack White‘s latest album Fear Of The Dawn was released, and the prolific musician is already gearing up for his next LP Entering Heaven Alive, which is due in July. His latest track “If I Die Tomorrow” is more classic rock-leaning compared to his previous experimental project. It’s a solemn, acoustic-led ballad that offers a reflection on life and legacy.

Soccer Mommy — “Newdemo”

Soccer Mommy is just a few short weeks away from the release of the new album Sometimes, Forever, and her latest single “Newdemo” displays singer Sophie Allison’s stripped-back approach to songwriting. She pairs a hollow guitar with melting synths, creating a swirling, atmospheric backdrop for Allison’s poetic prose.

Beach Bunny — “Entropy”

Chicago group Beach Bunny are well underway with their Emotional Creature album rollout, and their recent singles have taken them on an intergalactic pop journey. Their newest track “Entropy” is no different, channeling formative post-Y2K pop icons like Kelly Clarkson for a stadium-filling power pop number.

Wet — “I’m Not Her”

Wet’s Kelly Zutrau is right around the corner from the release of her stripped-down EP Pink Room, which follows 2021’s project Letter Blue. The soulful and sultry “I’m Not Her” further previews the upcoming effort, layering languid piano chords over Zutrau’s robust and moving vocals.

Miya Folick — “Ordinary”

Notable indie musician Miya Folick released her first new song in three years last April, and her latest tune “Ordinary” features lyrics describing the crippling nature of self-doubt. The tender and ruminating track manages to turn a simple melody into a heart-tugging ballad. “This song is about slowing down, looking inward, taking time with the people you love,” Folick said of the song. “Things don’t have to be a party or a spectacle. They don’t have to be special to feel special.”

Sasami — “Tried To Understand” Feat. J Mascis

Sasami released her cutting sophomore album Squeeze earlier this year, and she’s now invited legendary Dinosaur Jr. musician J Mascis to join her. This alternate version of “Tried To Understand” flips the original track on its head, layering ripping electric guitar and frenetic instrumentals to pick up the pace. “This rawer cut with J. Mascis is kind of a peek into the different dimensions and moods one composition can inhabit,” Sasami said about the track.

Blondshell — “Olympus”

For her musical project Blondshell, LA-based artist Sabrina Teitelbaum comes to terms with her past. With a deadpan lyrical delivery and warm-toned instrumentals, Blondshell’s debut track “Olympus” walks listeners through relatable prose about internal turmoil. Tapping producer Yves Rothman, who has worked with the likes of Nasty Cherry, Yves Tumor, and Porches, the song undoubtedly puts Blondshell on our ones-to-watch list.

Pet Fox — “It Won’t Last”

Boston-based indie-rock trio Pet Fox is gearing up for the release of their third studio album A Face In Your Life, which they’ve now previewed with the atmospheric number “It Won’t Last.” Though the song features minimal vocals, its danceable guitar tones and mesmerizing melodies play up Pet Fox’s tangible chemistry as a group.

Claude — “Twenty Something”

Chicago-based musician Claude’s ethereal songwriting is on full display in her wistful new track “Twenty Something.” Fitting seamlessly within her self-described “existential dream pop” genre, the song layers a moving orchestral section with her soothing, breathy vocals as she describes the relatable ennui of twenty-something existence. “Twenty Something” previews Claude’s forthcoming debut album A Lot’s Gotta Change, which is expected to be just as dreamy as the single.

Last month, Chloe asked her fans for help choosing her next single from one of three possible options. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like they were very helpful, more or less evenly splitting between “For The Night,” “Surprise,” and “Cheat Back” during the Instagram stream in which she played snippets of each. On the bright side, she had one more person she could turn to for help — someone who has been quite adept at choosing singles for herself over the years: Chloe’s mentor and label head, Beyonce, who chose “Surprise” as the next single.

In another video on Instagram, Chloe explained that despite receiving strong support for all of the options both in the informal stream and via a Twitter poll she posted afterward, “When the Queen speaks, the Queen speaks, and that’s all I’m gonna say and that’s all that matters to me.” While some fans weren’t super happy about their picks being overruled, the fact remains that Beyonce was the Recording Industry Association of America’s Top Certified Artist of the 2000s for a reason. In 2016, she became the first act in history to have six consecutive No.1 albums in the US, and she’s got 20-plus Platinum-certified singles to her name, so… yeah, good call, Chloe.

The single is set to drop sometime this month, although fittingly, Chloe is keeping the exact date a — you guessed it — surprise. She’s still working up to releasing her self-titled solo debut, but with “Have Mercy” and “Treat Me” already out, she’s off to a good start. Stay tuned!

In 2016, Millie Bobby Brown’s Stranger Things character Eleven was a popular Halloween costume choice due to the distinct look and relative ease with which one could put the proper outfit together. That year, Halsey pulled it off better than perhaps anybody because they and Brown actually share a physical resemblance.

That has been brought up time and time again over the years, most recently on The Tonight Show yesterday. Halsey was a guest and after Jimmy Fallon asked who should play Halsey in a movie, Halsey said of Brown, “Millie would be so great. I mean, it’s kind of uncanny how much we look alike. It’s like, oh no, we actually just look like sisters.

Now, Brown herself has chimed in and when the casting call comes, expect Brown to show up: She shared a clip from the Halsey interview and wrote on her Instagram Story, “sooooo down.”

This comes shortly after Halsey tweeted earlier this month, “When are Millie Bobby Brown and I gonna play sisters in something this is getting out of hand.”

Halsey isn’t the only famous face to which Brown has been compared: In 2019, Kevin Smith made a connection between Brown and his Mallrats co-star Jason Mewes that can’t be unseen.

From Post Malone announcing his new engagement and the birth of his baby daughter to the chaotic crashing of Britney Spears’ wedding by her ex-boyfriend, a lot of things went on this past week. Most importantly, though, we were blessed with new songs from some of the best pop sensations, including Halsey, Demi Lovato, Lizzo, BTS, and more.

Each week, Uproxx rounds up the best new pop releases. Listen up.

Halsey – “So Good”

After publicly accusing their label of not letting them release this song until it had a “viral moment” on TikTok, Halsey has finally unveiled “So Good.” Their storytelling is at the forefront of the track; the heartbreak and feeling of betrayal is undeniably powerful: “Maria calls me and she says she’s gettin’ married / She asked me if there’s any extra weight I carry / And do I think about the one that got away,” they sing.

Demi Lovato – “Skin Of My Teeth”

Diehard Demi Lovato fans know that the “Heart Attack” singer’s pivot to heavier, edgier pop is more of a return to roots. “Skin Of My Teeth,” though, is better than anything they’ve ever released, strengthened by complete vulnerability and bravery. They’re confident and honest, making the song absolutely impactful.

Lizzo – “Grrrls”

Lizzo’s feel-good anthems keep getting better. “About Damn Time” has taken over the world with its playful and catchy vibes, and this new hit “Grrrls” leans into unabashed idiosyncrasy and humor while also keeping the theme of friendship at the center.

BTS – “Yet To Come”

This new hit from BTS is instantly wistful as the members reflect on the past and the fleeting nature of everything. But as the song moves forward, buoyed by their bewitching voices, hope seeps in and prevails. The repetition of the refrain “The moment is yet to come” is inspiring, shedding light on the importance of gratitude and optimism.

George Ezra – “Dance All Over Me”

George Ezra’s new single “Dance All Over Me” is a sonorous, jangly anthem that thrives through simplicity. Ezra repeats over and over: “Dance, dance, dance / Let it be, be, be / Dance all over me,” and his voice is so distinct and urgent that he almost puts the listener in a hypnotic daze.

Joji – “Glimpse Of Us”

Off the bat, Joji’s new song “Glimpse Of Us” is unafraid of vulnerability. The intimate piano ballad depicts heartbreak so vividly that it feels contagious: “Maybe one day you’ll feel lonely / And in his eyes, you’ll get a glimpse / Maybe you’ll start slipping slowly / And find me again,” he croons achingly.

Marshmello, Khalid – “Numb”

Marshmello and Khalid prove to be a perfect match for this collaboration “Numb.” Marshmello’s irresistibly upbeat and unique beats mixed with Khalid’s one-of-a-kind voice and succinct lyrics make for a great spurt of pop. At less than three minutes, it makes sure every second is worth it.

Dixie – “Someone To Blame”

Dixie, known for her TikTok personality as a D’Amelio sister, is proving that she can craft a catchy, meaningful pop song with “Someone To Blame,” which calls out unnecessary drama: “Guess you need another villain for your story / God knows without it, that sh*t would be boring,” she sings. Along with the detailed lyrics, it has a sticky, pleasant melody.

Mia Rodriguez – “Superglue”

19-year-old singer Mia Rodriguez’s new song “Superglue” instantly hooks the listener in with its eccentric, hyperpop-esque atmosphere that’s not worried about speed. It’s simultaneously lively and tame; her voice imbues the track with energy, and her lyrics add a layer of relatability: “Why is it the hardest thing to do / To let somebody love you?”

Grace Ives – “Lazy Day”

Janky Star is the title of Graces Ives’ new album, and it aptly captures the aura of her music. It’s messy, but that’s what makes it good; the chaos is completely original, like in this stunning, transcendent track “Lazy Day,” whose synths meld with her hums to create a beautiful wall of sound.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Cowabunga, motherf*ckers! Wu-Tang Clan and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles together at last?! You gotta figure the Turtles still owe us after having to weather the ’90s storm of the Vanilla Ice x TMNT “Go Ninja Go” collab. The dawn is now upon us as Ghostface Killah and Raekwon have officially penned a new track for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtled: Shredder’s Revenge video game and it’s awesome, dude.

Titled “We Ain’t Came To Lose,” the track is bona fide motivation for the sticks in the beat-em-up-style game. Ghostface comes in hot right off the bat, spitting, “Nice to meet ya, now I’m here to beat ya / With full force, mess up ya facial features. Hasta la vista, I’m sonnin’ all y’all, Little Caesar’s / All y’all stuff ya face with is pizza, pizza.”

It’s clear how natural this marriage of timeless city dwellers is before Ghost drops easily the best line in the track with, “My stomach cringes from all o’ ya fake ninjas,” to drive the point home. Raekwon The Chef is on the hook, repeating, “We ain’t came to lose,” like a mantra, leaving any shred of Vanilla Ice’s memory in the dust.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtled: Shredder’s Revenge is due out on June 16 via Tribute Games and Dotemu and will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and Linux. Peep the audio of “We Ain’t Came To Lose” above.

Rolling Loud has announced the lineup for its 2022 New York edition, tapping a pair of locals to headline along with another familiar face. Nicki Minaj and ASAP Rocky will headline the first two days of the festival, September 23 and 24, while Future will close it out on Sunday, September 25 at Citi Field in Queens. Tickets are going on sale starting Friday, June 17 at noon, and as usual, you can get more information and tickets at RollingLoud.com.

http://RollingLoud.com/nytix

In addition to the above names, the Big Apple-centric lineup will include local faves like A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Fivio Foreign, J.I., Lil Tecca, Lil Tjay, Rowdy Rebel, Sheck Wes, and Sleepy Hallow, along with national standouts such as 21 Savage, Big Sean, Chief Keef, DaBaby, Dej Loaf, Don Toliver, Kevin Gates, Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, Moneybagg Yo, Pusha T, and Ski Mask The Slump God. Rising stars on the roster include Abra, Babytron, BkTheRula, Erica Banks, Kali, Symba, and more — many of whom were recently featured on this year’s XXL Freshman Class.

2022 has seen Rolling Loud expand into new territories in addition to its usual locales. While Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, and Future were booked for Rolling Loud’s hometown Miami show, Rocky and Future were also tapped for the first-ever event in Portugal alongside J. Cole, while mainstay Future joins UK star Dave and Afropop sensation Wizkid to headline Toronto. In addition, Rolling Loud is backing Lil Baby’s upcoming One Of Them Ones Tour with Chris Brown. It certainly looks like Rolling Loud will keep… well… rolling in 2022 — but if I can make a request, give poor Future a rest when it’s time to announce the LA show.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

The Kanye West musical family tree just keeps growing and adding branches, doesn’t it? Hate him or love him, a huge number of today’s artists owe at least a percentage of their styles to the artists he helped inspire, whether it’s Drake or Kid Cudi. Today’s UPROXX Sessions performer Boslen takes after the latter, incorporating Cudi’s signature hums and moans. If Travis Scott is Baby Cudi, Boslen might be Cousin Cudi, coming through with less distortion than Travis but more precise rapping than Kid Cudi himself on “Levels” from Boslen’s 2022 project Gonzo.

Hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada, Boslen describes himself in his bio as a “23-year-old hip-hop experimenter” who mixes “trap, pop, punk, and rock melodies” with an underdog mentality that drives him to put his seemingly far-flung hometown on hip-hop’s map. Pursuing rap after back-to-back ACL tears derailed his rugby scholarship at the University of Victoria, he proudly wears his Cudi and Kanye influence on his sleeve. With Gonzo dropping on June 24, the Capitol Records rapper will have the chance to make his own mark on hip-hop, perhaps even inspiring another branch on that ever-growing tree.

Watch Boslen’s UPROXX Sessions performance of “Levels” above.

UPROXX Sessions is Uproxx’s performance show featuring the hottest up-and-coming acts you should keep an eye on. Featuring creative direction from LA promotion collective, Ham On Everything, and taking place on our “bathroom” set designed and painted by Julian Gross, UPROXX Sessions is a showcase of some of our favorite performers, who just might soon be yours, too.