Alien Skin is the moniker of Australian singer-keyboardist George Pappas. Originally part of the mid-90s incarnation of famed new wave outfit Real Life, Pappas sought to channel that decade’s experimental aesthetic. In 2008, he accomplished just that. His solo sound is described as a ‘cinematic’ and ‘liquid’ brand of electronic …

The 2016 Music Launch Summit (hosted by the Music Launch Hub) is a free virtual conference that, upon its commencement, will be the largest on a global scale. The hub’s founder, Steve Palfreyman, is an Australian musician and entrepreneur whose expertise was put to the test prior to the summit’s …

Last year, Norwich, England’s Lightscape debuted with a competent blend of alternative riffing and progressive textures. Within a relatively short span, assiduous work and tenacity would reward them considerably. The quintet went on earning large-scale exposure, having opened for acclaimed post-hardcore act Lonely the Brave as well as appearing on …

As the 2010s nears its remainder, rock music seems to have regained its heavy sensibilities. The indie signing/major distribution practice has become widespread, benefitted not only established acts but younger acts looking to impact the industry long term. Still, that impact has yet to be fully realized, especially in a …

In mid-2015, Gentlemen Jackals was formed by singer-guitarist Mark Wilson, second guitarist Craig McMahon, bassist-singer Scott Thomson and drummer Douglas Harden. The Dunfermline-bred quartet has since generated a buzz in the country’s capital, as well as Edinburgh and Fife, having crafted a distinctive musical identity. It is described by the …

Envision a time when the alternative was huge, local scenes were all the buzz, and music television still mattered. Now take those concepts and solidify them into a band. How about one that combines indie pop, sludgy grunge, witty lyricisms and a down to earth appeal, topped by an assiduous …

New York City’s Andrew Shapiro is a unique musical breed: classically trained with a knack for self-taught spontaneity. Large-scale publications, namely the New Yorker and ABC News, were quick to catch onto his artistic sensibilities. To date, the Brooklyn-based singer/composer has released six full-length albums and three EPs. As a …

Nearly four years ago, South Wales’ own Calling Apollo was acquainted by an Internet music forum. All of its members had honed their chops in previous bands, greatly expediting the transition. Nonetheless, the Cardiff quintet charmed U.K. underground crowds with their progressive rock sound, as well as their equally prioritized …

Brooklyn’s Courtesy Tier comes from diverse walks of life, each member sincerely channeling their formative grounds. According to their press release, frontman Omer Leibovitz’s microtonal singing and rhythmically Jewish guitar style come directly from his Israel upbringing. Kentucky-born, Florida-raised bassist Alex Picca complements Leibovitz with close, southern-tinged harmonies. To solidify …

Since 2008, Post Death Soundtrack has showcased the creative finesse of Kenneth Buck, Steve Moore, and Jon Ireson. The trio’s collaboration is long distance via Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto, utilizing the power of the internet to create a wholly individual sound. Their dingily distortive industrial and dark wave aesthetics on …

In 1981, Culture Club created a sound unifying the exotic and contemporary. Their presentation of reggae, blue-eyed soul, and dance elements, along with the visceral androgyny of front man Boy George, catapulted them to stardom just a year after forming. International chart toppers such as “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya,” “Time …

Summertime is now officially in full swing. Every now and then, a piece of music comes around and opportunely fits that particular solstice. Finding summer-based music is far from difficult. There are many releases that represent summer from a lyrical standpoint, or are eponymously named. However, when listeners seek something …