The bb u ok? album features collaborations with Chet Porter, Mr. Carmack, Bipolar Sunshine, and more! It’s a vibrant collection of different styles and corners of this genre– all working together to create a cohesive, yet unpredictable album. From “i am thinking of you,” to “one more day,” both of which share the same melody, “full circle…” San Holo tweeted, referencing this unity of intro and outro melodies.

San Holo also announced a North American tour to accompany this latest album, sending fans into a frenzy– those who swooned for bb u ok? anyway…

Many are calling it “emo-edm” either as a term of endearment or disappointment. I wouldn’t personally call the album sad, but it certainly echos with emotion– with an intense quality that comes across as more uplifting and soothing than anything else. “find your way,” for instance, melts into the ears with a hopeful quietness that couldn’t possibly dampen my mood. I’m not going to get up and dance to it, but there is certainly a hopeful passion there. I find “wheels up” to be the most exciting song included in the bb u ok? album. The combination of guitar-driven beat drops, San Holo’s electronic smoothness, and Weezer’s rock influence makes for a unique flavor that stays true to Sander, while also delivering something new and genre-bending to the San Holo library.

The song “ewing street” pays homage to the place where Sander wrote much of the album, as he said on Twitter. That’s the kind of inspiration you can sense while listening to this album; and hopefully, the same warmth will transcend the digital and make its way to the stage, because, again, we’re getting a tour! San Holo announced an exciting North American tour to accompany this new release– taking the music on the road and into our hometowns. Ready your ticket-buying-typing-fingers, because I don’t think we’re going to want to miss this.

Check out this article for a more in-depth look at the album’s creation, and click here for more insights into bb u ok? collaborations.

Listen here!

The post San Holo Releases “bb u ok?” Album and Announces Upcoming Tour appeared first on Red Roll.

Somewhere Else (with BabyJake)

Louis The Child, BabyJake

Louis The Child and BabyJake received some serious love in the wake of their latest release, “Somewhere Else (with BabyJake).” The song’s quick, steady beat landed this collaboration on Spotify’s New Music Friday shoutout. Give it a listen!

“Go play this one loud.” says Louis The Child’s Twitter. Turn up the volume and check out the official music video posted on YouTube.

Heat Waves – Oliver Heldens Remix AND Sonny Fodera Remix

Glass Animals, Oliver Heldens, Sonny Fodera

On the 5th, Official Charts tweeted that Glass Animals’ “Heat Waves” is gaining traction and popularity, claiming the 34th spot on the Official Singles Chart. This lively single has now earned two new remixes included in an “Expansion Pack.” Both, of course, are included in the February playlist. Each remix brings its own unique flavor to the crowd-pleasing Glass Animals original.

NEON LIGHTS

Marlee Gray, GRiZ

GRiZ is featured on artist Marlee Gray’s second Spotify release, “NEON LIGHTS,” a breathy single that mixes the gentle strumming of indie music with the ethereal echo of dreampop. Gray’s first song available for Spotify streaming came out last month. Titled E-GIRL TRANCE, it is now added to the January 2021 playlist posted in this article.

And hey, check this out. Stay tuned!

find your way

San Holo, Bipolar Sunshine

Following December’s release of “bb u ok?” is San Holo’s latest addition to album 2, “find your way.” The track features Bipolar Sunshine, and has an undeniable energy that builds, gently, to a smile-inducing eruption of life and positivity (the song does say “I’ve come alive” after all). This isn’t the first time these two have collaborated. Their song “brighter days” from 2018 carries some of that same essence– that brightness that can also be heard in “find your way.”

The completed album is set to be released on May 21st!

San Holo also tweeted a full track list for listeners to check out and GET EXCITED for each upcoming song.

Sacrificial (feat. PVRIS)

Rezz, PVRIS

Rezz and PVRIS just released “Sacrificial (feat. PVRIS)” and it’s all the edgy, ominous darkness you could ask for on these frigid February evenings. It reverberates through the ice-chilled walls of my poorly insulated college campus house and catapults me to some life or death chase– running through an electrified forest. Is Rezz after me? I hope so.

One More (feat. Nile Rodgers)

SG Lewis, Nile Rodgers

This new SG Lewis and Nile Rodgers jam is getting lots of music industry attention. Billboard included it in an article on the latest dance tracks (along with San Holo and Rezz), ThisSongisSick highlighted the release, and The Line of Best Fit recently published an article detailing SG Lewis’ inspirations and rise to fame in the dance music community. He is also currently selling tickets to The Live Experience, where he will be performing his newest album– connecting with fans through recent music and a much-needed live show.

Man’s World (Empress Of Remix) [feat. Pabllo Vittar]

MARINA, Empress Of, Pabllo Vittar

Empress Of remixed MARINA’s “Man’s World [feat. Pabllo Vittar]” to create an empowering, feminine jam that you can really dance to. Jump up and down in your room, scream-singing into the mirror, “I don’t wanna live in a man’s world anymore.”

Sylph Fossil

Iglooghost

Electronic music producer/artist Seamus Malliagh, widely known as Iglooghost, just dropped a new song, “Sylph Fossil.” Carrying Iglooghost’s signature sound, it fulfills all your glitchy, fractured fantasies– sending multi-colored crystals shattering down from your bedroom ceiling, in a frenzy of glittery dust, to rest on the tips of your hair. 

This latest otherworldly jam won’t just be a single serving. Iglooghost also excitedly announced the release date of a new album, “Lei Line Eon,” described as, “A MUTED YELLOW, HYPER SLOW-MOTION, SQUELCHING/MORPHING/HOWLING STUDY OF CEREMONIAL LAPTOP MUSIC.”

Anything – Malaa Remix

Alison Wonderland, Valentino Khan, Malaa

Who could complain about new Alison Wonderland? The Malaa remix of her song “Anything” was just made available, and it serves up a unique concoction of light and dark– some funky bass and incessant beat that builds to a haunting echo. Malaa’s rendition put

Alison Wonderland seems to always be up to something. And, of course, this month is no exception. She recently performed a virtual live show in a fully realized three-dimensional world, transporting viewers to another planet– another dimension– one all her own.

There are a couple other additions to the playlist, which you’ll find below. I hope to keep adding to it throughout February, and maybe continue this article series into future months. I edited the January playlist as well, including some bops not yet released at the time of the article’s publication.

Enjoy!

The post NEW MUSIC UPDATE: February 2021 Playlist appeared first on Red Roll.

Made available for streaming on December 1st, this new single upholds San Holo’s commitment to support and positivity, using it to interact with and check-in on fans. All over his Twitter account, Sander van Dijck used his new single’s title to post smile-worthy content, sparking lively and loving conversations in the comments and quote tweets below.

Honestly, are we okay? There are definitely plenty of comments that say, “NO” and can you blame them? But, now they have this song– a soft and bright 3 minutes and 22 seconds– in which to melt away, drifting into the warm embrace of an artist who stays true to his vibrance. His compassion is ever-present in this single that now launches him into a new phase of music life with Counter Records. Read more about that here!

I mean…he even has presents

Here are a couple of Spotify playlists for anyone craving more “bb u ok” energy.

Oh, and by the way, “bb u ok?”

The post bb u ok? appeared first on Red Roll.

Slander wants our help!

On Twitter, they’re asking for fans and artists to step up and get creative! The responses have been staggering. The comments section is riddled with lists of artists that followers would like to see on the lineup, as well as a slew of outer-space-esque festival titles.

AND GUESS WHAT…

If your name reigns supreme, Slander will crown you the proud winner of free passes for life!

Several artists have added to the conversation, bouncing ideas off of each other and getting excited about another bass festival coming onto the electronic scene. The collaborative spirit surrounding this festival-to-be sure does feed my soul the sweet music nutrients I’ll need to get through the rest of summer without concerts.

Nothing seems to be totally in motion yet, as the world is still patiently waiting for this “new normal” people keep talking about. Who knows what festivals will even look like once next summer rolls around. There will certainly be a lot to consider in the wake of COVID-19. Keep checking back for updates on Slander’s new music festival, and hit reply on Twitter to throw your hat in the ring for those free passes!

The post Slander Releases Plan for Their Own Space-Themed Festival appeared first on Red Roll.

It’s not just about the music though…

The festival website makes it very clear that the efforts made by artists and organizers have the same goal in mind. They have partnered with Color of Change and the Equal Justice Initiative to raise money for the colossal amount of damage done by racial inequality and institutionalized injustice.

Digital Mirage describes itself as, “AN ONLINE MUSIC FESTIVAL BENEFITTING EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE AND COLOR OF CHANGE.”

Artists were taking extra steps to support the cause by teasing their sets online and practicing creative performance techniques to draw an even bigger crowd. More viewers equals more donations! Check out Chet Porter and Matoma’s sets from earlier this weekend.

There’s no telling what we may see from these performers. Two Feet promised “something special,” and Griz pledges to feature black producers and musicians during his set, donating all proceeds to the Black Lives Matter movement. “I wanted to put these sounds together as a reminder that they have created the landscape for almost every genre of music we consume today,” Griz tweeted this week. This is the message that Digital Mirage broadcasted over the weekend– that the movement is far from over. Just because most streets are now void of protesters, doesn’t mean we can sit back and relax. 

Stay tuned to their YouTube channel for each artists’ set to be released, more information on how to watch upcoming sets/future festivals, and donate!

The post Donate and Jam out at Digital Mirage! appeared first on Red Roll.

Walking is one of the few activities we have right now that actually gets us off the couch and into the fresh air. One thing that I believe is very necessary on one of my slightly somber, socially isolated jaunts about the neighborhood, is music. A good playlist makes going around the block a little more invigorating, doesn’t it?

And right now, we sure could use some invigoration!

So, what I thought I’d do is string some songs together, including new releases (that we surely have plenty of time to listen to), as well as older ones by the same artists. It is my hope that jamming out to some older songs will remind us of a friendlier time– one full of socializing and shaking hands. Those new songs though, they keep my head up during this total global stand-still. Music is still being churned out for us, so we better keep listening!

And, you know what? One day some song that came out during this pandemic will come on, and we will immediately be transported back to our couch, our parents’ house, or wherever it is we are right now (walking maybe?!). I don’t know if that’s entirely positive, but I am interested to see, looking back, what I will always think of as the soundtrack to my quarantine!

Glass Animals is way ahead of me here, and already has an album titled “Quarantine Covers.” Don’t worry, I added both songs to this playlist

The post A Playlist of New and Old for Your Quarantine Walks appeared first on Red Roll.

GRiZ: “Could U”

On February 6, “Could U” hit all of our favorite streaming services and social media platforms. Grant Kwiecinski himself (AKA GRiZ, duh!) took to Twitter the other day describing this latest jam as, “Funky, techy, bassy house vibes” and I couldn’t agree more. It has that signature funkiness that is always present in GRiZ songs– that high energy sound that grabs your shoulders and insists that you move around (no matter how weird it looks).

This new single came in a pack of two. He dropped an original and the Club Mix, and they both pack a punch (okay, I won’t lie, I can’t really tell them apart). There is an echoey element before the drop, that then bubbles up straight out of the speaker. Songs like this are so surreal when you pop in your headphones and crank the volume. It’s a totally different experience, especially compared to just playing it from a computer. Basically, check out “Could U” and seriously consider splurging on a concert or festival ticket to catch GRiZ in action when he returns to the states.

Louis The Child: “Don’t Mind”

Louis The Child (Robby Hauldren and Frederic Kennett) released their new single, “Don’t Mind” on January 31, shining some well-deserved light on our lives. The duo has been on quite the singles kick lately, putting out six in 2019. They continue that here in 2020 with this latest song. It certainly follows their usual thread of sunny-sounding, electronic pop, which is exactly what I’ve been craving lately. Listening to “Don’t Mind” on the way to class puts a spring in my step and a smile on my face.

I wouldn’t be surprised if every song represented in this article joined hands and ran off into the sunset together– the sunset being the cover art for this Louis The Child song. I would absolutely chase after them, happy to follow that rainbow road as far as it would take me. Hopefully, it would lead through winter and straight to California in time to catch “Don’t Mind” live this April.

San Holo: “Honest”

Sander van Dijck, known to us as San Holo, released a new song on January 31. Similar to much of his music, “Honest” gives me some gentle electronic vibes. He and Broods came together to create a perfect blend of indie-pop and EDM. This latest song truly coincides with San Holo’s “stay vibrant” philosophy, a phrase that grew in popularity in 2019. He promotes positivity and good energy as a spectrum, able to be represented by whatever percentage of “vibrance” you seem to be feeling. He tweeted yesterday, hinting at a “vibrant hotline” (whatever that entails, we don’t know yet), and the replies have been overwhelmingly positive.

This gushing and overflowing of positivity present on his timeline spills out in this new release. With 1 million streams in its first week, “Honest” is definitely a hint of warmth in this dreary February. San Holo is already touring, and if you want to kill two birds with one stone, he’ll be in Detroit with Louis The Child in May!

The post New EDM to Warm Your Winter appeared first on Red Roll.

March

Cupcakke + Haiku Hands + DJ Taye – Thalia Hall – Thursday, March 21

If you’re not scared away by her explicit lyrics about bodily fluids and genitalia, check out this Chicago native performing on her home turf. It’s sure to be an… empowering experience.

Bad Bunny – Allstate Arena – Sunday, March 24

Kacey Musgraves – Chicago Theatre – Monday, March 25

Mumford and Sons – United Center – Friday, March 29

Maybe it’s not the most complex, but the happy vibes and positive messages of a Mumford and Sons concert could be just the thing for shaking off the winter blues. If you can swing the $130+ ticket price, grab a friend and prepare for a rockin’ stompin’ good time. (too country? Sorry)

April

Open Mike Eagle – Schuba’s Tavern – Monday, April 1

Andrew Bird – The Green Mill – Tuesday, April 2

Com Truise – Lincoln Hall – Wednesday, April 3

Fall into a 1980s synthwave swimming pool with Com Truise at the prestigious Lincoln Hall in Lincoln Park. For only $20 this 18-and-up show is an easy ticket to some springtime fun in one of Chicago’s most musical, vibrant neighborhoods.

Spiritualized – The Vic Theatre – Tuesday, April 9

Muse + Walk The Moon – The United Center  – April 12

An interesting pair you might say, U.K. Alt-Rockers Muse join forces with Ohio natives, Walk The Moon for what’s sure to be an electric show at the home of Chicago’s Bulls and Blackhawks. It’s not the cheapest ticket on this list but it’ll be worth checking out just for the different types of people in the crowd.

San Holo – Aragon Ballroom – Saturday, April 27

May

CHVRCHES – Aragon Ballroom – Thursday, May 2

Broncho – Bottom Lounge – Thursday, May 9

If you haven’t heard of Broncho, they’re a rock band that formed back in 2010 and since then have come out with several catchy, upbeat songs that’ll get stuck in your head in the best way. If you like bands like The Cars, early Weezer, and The Strokes, you’ll want to tune in to some of what Broncho’s been laying down.

St. Lucia – Bottom Lounge – Monday, May 13

Slushii – Aragon Ballroom – Saturday, May 18

As seen hanging out with DJ and social media mogul Marshmello, Slushii is a DJ and producer on the rise. Catch his act this spring before he blows up big and his ticket price skyrockets!

The post Ring in the Spring With These Upcoming Chicago Shows appeared first on Red Roll.