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Norwegian Pop Artist MARI Releases Fearless Debut EP ‘Between The Lines’ Out Now

Eric Alper
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Norwegian Pop Artist MARI Releases Fearless Debut EP ‘Between The Lines’ Out Now

Norwegian pop artist MARI released her debut EP ‘Between The Lines’ following a period of deep artistic rebirth. This project documents a transition from teenage heartbreak to a state of self-respect and strength. The songwriting focuses on years spent processing a turbulent relationship, capturing the intense emotional gravity that defines the late teenage years. By taking a primary role in shaping the lyrics and melodies herself, MARI has transitioned from telling her story to other writers to crafting it directly. The music stays rooted in contemporary pop while moving toward a more intimate and vulnerable soundscape.

Production for ‘Between The Lines’ was handled primarily by MARI’s brother, alongside songwriter Kristine Willassen who co-wrote the entire track listing. This collaborative team established a safe environment for MARI to revisit and document experiences that remained suppressed for years. The EP structure functions like a diary told in sequence, beginning with confusion and concluding with the assertive anthem “Goddess”. This final track serves as a personal victory and a statement on universal self-worth. These recordings rely on cohesive, modern arrangements to support a narrative of reclamation and bravery. The vocal delivery on this record is unwavering and precise.

Australia Queer Pop Force Adam Noviello Returns With The Melancholic Bop “Ballet Boy”

Eric Alper
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Australia Queer Pop Force Adam Noviello Returns With The Melancholic Bop “Ballet Boy”

Australian pop artist and actor Adam Noviello officially entered a new creative era with the release of the single “Ballet Boy” via Global League Records. This track arrived following a whirlwind period where Noviello starred in national theatre tours of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ and ‘Hedwig & The Angry Inch’. The new music serves as a sonic intersection between high energy pop and a melancholic yearn, drawing from the singer’s previous work on tracks like “Another You”. It is a masterfully balanced anthem that sits perfectly in a venn diagram of dancefloor momentum and heartfelt storytelling.

The inspiration for “Ballet Boy” stems from a fleeting romance with a lover moving across the world, exploring the beauty of loving boldly despite geographical distance. This narrative is brought to life through a collaboration with Australian Ballet dancer Mason Lovegrove and filmmaker Cole Surrey. The accompanying visuals focus on tension and longing, depicting two people existing in different worlds while maintaining a deep emotional connection. The production provides a sophisticated backdrop for Noviello’s powerhouse vocals and theatrical flair. This record is a stunning display of vocal control and emotional depth that rewards the listener instantly.

Noviello recently performed as a support act for international DJ Jimi The Kween and held headline slots at the Midsumma Carnival and Bendigo Pride Festival. These live appearances cemented their status as a vital voice in the queer music scene, offering a space for audiences to dance and feel freely. The transition from the theatrical stage back to solo recording highlights a seamless blend of performance art and pop sensibility.

The track “Ballet Boy” follows the success of the single “RECIPE” and a series of iTunes chart achievements. With a headline performance at the Sunshine Coast Pride Festival already completed, the momentum continues to build toward further releases scheduled for the new year. The project remains unapologetically focused on specific queer experiences and the celebration of self-discovery. By using concrete musical outcomes to describe heartache and hope, Noviello has crafted a definitive pop statement that stands out in the current Australian landscape.

Margate Rockers Squangey Bobbins Unleash High Energy Single “Fake ID” From ‘Margate Crows’

Eric Alper
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Margate Rockers Squangey Bobbins Unleash High Energy Single “Fake ID” From ‘Margate Crows’

Margate based alt-indie outfit Squangey Bobbins recently delivered their fast paced new anthem “Fake ID” featuring additional vocals from Billy Lunn of The Subways. This track serves as the lead single from their upcoming studio album ‘Margate Crows’ which arrived on January 9th. The song captures the specific grit of misspent youth and the romanticized hustle of working just enough to fund a weekend with friends. It is a straight to the point indie punk tune that hits with immediate power and a nostalgic country flare in the vocal delivery.

The production of this single involved a heavy hitting team at Farm Factory Studios where Billy Lunn handled mixing, engineering, and producing duties. Alex Wharton completed the final mastering at the legendary Abbey Road Studios to ensure the thrashing drums and huge guitar riffs resonate with maximum impact. The arrangement favors a toe tapping momentum that channels the mid-2000s indie boom while maintaining a modern edge. The result is a feel good record that encourages unabandoned joy through its raw and honest energy.

‘Margate Crows’ represents a massive independent milestone for the band as they navigate the industry without traditional label backing. The album features an expansive roster of talent including Sean Hutchinson of Bleachers and Peredur Ap Gwynedd of Pendulum. These collaborations bring a diverse range of influence to the project, from orchestral elements to stadium rock sensibilities. Mastering engineer Nick Brine provided his expertise to the collection, adding his signature touch previously heard on iconic British rock records.

The band has already established a firm presence on the live circuit with performances at Dreamland Margate and The Libertines’ Albion Rooms. Their debut effort ‘Electric Vinyl’ previously earned a spot in the HMV Recommends section, and their participation in the ‘Brits and Pieces 2’ compilation saw them break into the Official UK Charts. This new material builds on that cult following with a sound that is as unabashedly chaotic as it is tightly composed. The music is a factual representation of the beauty and grit found in their seaside hometown.

London Pop Artist Nikki Ambers Returns With Radiant New Single “I Believe” Out Now

Eric Alper
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London Pop Artist Nikki Ambers Returns With Radiant New Single “I Believe” Out Now

London born artist Nikki Ambers makes a bold return to the spotlight with her brand-new single “I Believe”. This track represents a collaboration with producer Lonlioni and features a shimmering pop production with soulful R&B undertones. The songwriting centers on the choice to trust love again and leaning into fate with total conviction. It is a soaring anthem that combines a sticky, memorable chorus with a heartfelt narrative. This music radiates with a brilliant energy and a massive pop sensibility.

The release of “I Believe” follows a significant personal turning point for Ambers after a recent epilepsy diagnosis. This health milestone shifted her worldview and resulted in a renewed determination to share her art. She identifies this song as the beginning of a new era defined by resilience and light. The track avoids hesitation and instead offers a fearless dive into a fairytale ending. This record sounds incredibly polished and stands as a testament to her vocal power and experience in the industry.

Ambers brings a wealth of professional experience to this new chapter, having signed her first deal at age thirteen. Her credits include co-writing “Towers” for the Little Mix album ‘Salute’ and penning “Baby Don’t Stop” for NCT U. She previously secured a UK Top 10 hit with “Make U Bounce” and has shared stages with global icons like Justin Bieber and Rita Ora. These past achievements inform the confident and assertive direction of her current solo material. The performance on this single is sharp, precise, and full of life.

The sonic direction of this new material aligns with the high-energy output of artists like Dua Lipa and Zara Larsson. Her vocals carry a powerhouse quality that previously reached millions through appearances on The Voice UK and major venues like the O2 Arena. “I Believe” focuses on concrete themes of second chances and the magic of hope. The arrangement stays upbeat throughout, ensuring a radiant atmosphere from the first note to the final chorus. This is a definitive statement from an artist who remains an anchor in the London music scene.

Montreal Art Rock Trio DahL Unveil Their Arresting New Nautical Single “High Tide”

Eric Alper
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Montreal Art Rock Trio DahL Unveil Their Arresting New Nautical Single “High Tide”

Montreal art rock trio DahL released their latest single “High Tide” following a successful international debut at the New Colossus Festival in New York. This track draws direct inspiration from the literature of Judith Schalansky and her work ‘Atlas of Remote Islands’. The songwriting centers on a feverish monologue of exile involving a silent passenger on a fragment of land surrounded by saltwater static. It is a haunting and masterfully constructed piece of music that commands the full attention of the listener.

The recording took place at Studio Saint Zo in Montreal with producer Monty Munro of Preoccupations. During these sessions, the band moved away from their typical sequenced layers to prioritize a more physical and immediate sound. The arrangement focuses on percussion and bass to create a tension that mirrors the energy of their live performances. This shift results in an atmospheric texture that feels grounded and visceral. The final mix captures an emotionally charged grey zone that defies easy categorization.

Nassir Liselle provides the guitar and vocal foundation for the track alongside bandmates Bryan Greenfield and Edward Scrimger. The lyrics describe a grim camaraderie between castaways while swelling with a sense of rising pressure. This release follows the momentum of their debut LP ‘That’s It’ which established their reputation for immersive storytelling. The trio fuses elements of post-punk and trip-hop into a fluid and fearless sonic identity. They remain a constant presence on the experimental circuit through shared stages with acts like Suuns and FACS.

The track functions as a nautical romance set against a backdrop of wreckage and polar expeditions. It builds momentum through a fragmented narrative that explores the boundaries of isolation and flight. By stripping back electronic elements, the group allows the raw instrumentation to drive the story forward. This approach highlights the chemistry of the trio and their commitment to uncompromising artistic visions. The song stands as a specific and powerful achievement in modern art rock.

Murkage Dave Returns With The Vivid New Single “Swordfight In A Chicken Shop” Featuring Kayus Bankole

Eric Alper
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Murkage Dave Returns With The Vivid New Single “Swordfight In A Chicken Shop” Featuring Kayus Bankole

Murkage Dave delivers a striking return with the release of his new single “Swordfight In A Chicken Shop” which serves as a vivid capture of modern chaos. Produced by Tim London, the track features an impressive vocal assembly including Kayus Bankole of Young Fathers, Ellery James Roberts of WU LYF, and Lauren Auder alongside the Bournemouth Hope Youth Choir. The music relies on a brooding and pulsating rhythm to mirror the cacophony of everyday existence and the specific struggles of navigating a broken social contract. This composition represents a significant achievement in outsider-pop and provides a cathartic sonic experience for the listener.

The track showcases Dave trading lines with a chanting children’s choir during a haunting chorus that questions the current state of the cultural timeline. This work draws from a wide range of influences like Talking Heads and The Streets while maintaining the sharp social commentary established in his previous viral release “Old White Miserable & Rich”. Recorded with a focus on sincerity and satire, the song explores the information overload of the digital age. This is an essential and fearless observation of British life that hits with immediate emotional impact.

Dave continues to exert his influence as a tastemaker through his Refuge Worldwide radio show and his history with the cult Manchester club night Murkage Club. His collaboration with Mike Skinner on the touring party Tonga further solidifies his deep roots in the UK scene. Born in Leytonstone and seasoned in Manchester, his perspective blends R&B origins with indie sensibilities. This latest single arrives alongside the announcement of major headline shows in London and Manchester to support his expanding catalog.

The success of his previous albums ‘Murkage Dave Changed My Life’ and ‘The City Needs A Hero’ established a high bar for storytelling and independent chart success. This new material maintains that trajectory by using concrete musical outcomes to describe the feeling of being compelled to play the game of modern life. The arrangement allows the various guest vocalists to weave through the rhythm section with total precision. It is a masterful display of curation and songwriting that reflects the world with unfiltered honesty.

Hartlepool Newcomers Champ Arrive With Their New Single “Born In The Wild End” From The EP ‘Born In The Wild End’

Eric Alper
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Hartlepool Newcomers Champ Arrive With Their New Single “Born In The Wild End” From The EP ‘Born In The Wild End’

Hartlepool newcomers Champ recently released the title track “Born In The Wild End” from their debut EP ‘Born In The Wild End’. This guitar-driven anthem highlights the specific songwriting of frontman Jonny Bee, focusing on themes of friendship and the complicated relationship one maintains with a hometown. The track serves as the foundation for the band, marking the very first piece of music written under the Champ moniker. It is a triumphant and massive wall of sound that perfectly captures the spirit of small town dreaming.

This group creates a significant sonic presence that aligns with the energy of acts like Wunderhorse and The War On Drugs. Their schedule remains packed with upcoming live performances in Manchester and Stockton, leading up to a major hometown headline show. Previous singles “Taste To Run” and “Future” already secured airplay on BBC Radio 1 via Jess Iszatt and earned early coverage in NME and DIY. The band relies on concrete musical structures and big-hearted melodies to tell stories of late nights and the characters that define their upbringing.

Discover The Cinematic Indie Folk Magic In The New Pavey Ark Single “Epoch” From ‘More Time, More Speed’

Eric Alper
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Discover The Cinematic Indie Folk Magic In The New Pavey Ark Single “Epoch” From ‘More Time, More Speed’

Hull based outfit Pavey Ark delivered a massive addition to the indie-folk canon with their single “Epoch” from the sophomore album ‘More Time, More Speed’. This track centers on the finger-picked guitar work and evocative vocals of Neil Thomas. The lyrical content tackles the transition from the Holocene to the Anthropocene, focusing on the scale of human impact on the planet through a planetary lens. It is a breathtaking piece of music that balances weight with a soaring, euphoric energy.

The song structure provides a distinct duality that mirrors its complex themes. Swelling strings and vibrant horns rise during the first half, creating an upbeat atmosphere that translates perfectly to a live setting. This energy eventually shifts gears as the tempo slows, allowing a string quartet to take the lead. These intricate arrangements were recorded at the band’s own converted farm studio near Hull, capturing a specific earthy and expansive atmosphere.

Producer Paul Butler provided the mixing for this track, applying the same analogue warmth found in his work with Michael Kiwanuka and Andrew Bird. The result is a recording where guitars, brass, and strings weave together with absolute precision. This sonic depth supports the haunting closing refrain and the sharp observational songwriting Thomas provides throughout the piece. The instrumental sections highlight a band comfortable with cinematic scales and quiet, astonishing folk traditions.

This release follows a string of major appearances at SXSW in Texas and the Glastonbury Acoustic Stage. The band previously supported acts like This Is The Kit and Billie Marten, building a reputation for sublime live performances. ‘More Time, More Speed’ follows their debut ‘Close Your Eyes and Think of Nothing’ and focuses on how time stretches and folds. The music moves with a confident stride and a clear sense of identity.

Lillian King Explores Grief And Grace On Her Soulful Debut Album ‘In Your Long Shadow’ Featuring “Shadow”

Eric Alper
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Lillian King Explores Grief And Grace On Her Soulful Debut Album ‘In Your Long Shadow’ Featuring “Shadow”

Lillian King delivered a profound collection of ten songs on her debut album ‘In Your Long Shadow’ released through the Pronounced Kroog label. This record serves as a clear-eyed reflection on family and the passage of time following the loss of her father. King spent a decade refining her songwriting through solo sets across Canada and the United States before entering the studio with producer Jack Henry. The track listing includes the central focus track “Shadow” along with previous singles “Tiber Creek” and “Echo” which highlight her understated yet soulful vocal delivery.

The musical arrangements benefit from the atmospheric keys of Nick DePrey and the rhythmic contributions of Robert Salazar. This collaboration results in a grounded sound that moves seamlessly between sparse folk ballads and textured full-band sections. The sonic landscape of this record is a brilliant achievement in emotional honesty and musical restraint. Support for the project came from Spencer Krug who signed King after a successful tour pairing. The final product reflects a career built on genuine storytelling and the quiet rituals of daily life.

Ernest Honors Southern Heritage On His Self Produced New Single “Blessed” From ‘Live From The South’

Eric Alper
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Ernest Honors Southern Heritage On His Self Produced New Single “Blessed” From ‘Live From The South’

Ernest continues his prolific streak with the arrival of his latest project titled ‘Live From The South’ through Big Loud. This collection utilizes vivid Southern imagery such as Friday night football and cooling pies to ground the music in a specific sense of place. The lead track “Blessed” is available now and features the artist in a self-produced role alongside co-writers Mark Holman, Jordan Merrigan, and Matt Mulhare. This song highlights a perspective of gratitude centered on family ties and simple faith. The recording process emphasizes traditional instrumentation with prominent fiddle, guitar-picking, and pedal steel throughout the arrangements.

The sonic direction follows the path established by his previous record ‘Nashville, Tennessee’ with production assistance from Jacob Durrett. This new music carries a grounded weight and a clear focus on storytelling. The production on this track is a masterstroke of clarity and warmth. Ernest recently headlined two nights at the Ryman Auditorium to celebrate this new chapter of his career. He is currently preparing for his “Live From The South Tour” which begins in Denver and includes stops in New York, Houston, and Boston. New dates for the tour also include performances in Charlotte, Knoxville, and Jackson Hole.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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