New Music Friday! Get ready to crank up the volume and dive into a few more sonic delights. This week brings a diverse selection of new releases from established artists and rising stars alike. Prepare to discover your next favorite song!

CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN – THE BALCONY

As they prepare for their groundbreaking return to the live circuit this summer, BRIT Award-winning, arena-filling giants Catfish and the Bottlemen today announce a special anniversary reissue of their multi Platinum-selling breakthrough debut album The Balcony. Released on 13th September, the album will be available on limited edition 1CD, Cassette and ultra-clear 2LP with inverted white artwork and 6 bonus tracks. Fans can also access a 7” box set, limited to 2,000 copies worldwide, which features the full album, plus ‘Hourglass’ (Ewan McGregor version) and rare bonus track ‘ASA’, available on a 7” again for the first time after the original pressing 10 years ago. PRE-ORDER HERE.

The news of the reissue comes in the wake of a spectacular return from Catfish and the Bottlemen, who sold out their biggest ever show, at Liverpool’s 32,000 capacity Sefton Park, just a week after going on sale. The Liverpool concert comes ahead of three huge open air shows in Cardiff and Edinburgh, announced last month, both of which went on to sell out in minutes, as well as their epic return to the Reading & Leeds Festival mainstage, which they headline for the second time in 2024. They’ll play Dublin’s RDS Simmonscourt on 31st August before heading off on extensive tours of Australia and the US, with nearly half of these huge global shows already sold out.

FRIEDBERG – THE GREATEST

Friedberg release infectious new single ‘The Greatest’ via Clouds Hill, as part of their debut album due for release later this year, stream here. Accompanying the track comes an eclectic music video. The band also returned to the UK this month, after supporting Giant Rooks on their U.S. tour, making their debut at The Great Escape Festival and supporting Big Special. They have also just been added to the bill of Lost Village, Lincolnshire, in August.

‘The Greatest’ cements itself as Friedberg’s most triumphant release yet. Anna Friedberg’s transfixing vocals are as breezy as ever, while the drum and bass grooves keep everything flowing. It’s a song destined for the festival season – for cool-breeze drives, warm summer parties and those endless road trips you never want to end.

A tribute to too many options and alienation setting in, Anna of Friedberg, says “It’s about modern society. About non-commitment. It’s about wanting everything, everywhere all at once (whilst slowly drowning in all the many options, because you’re too overwhelmed to make any decisions.)”

The music video for ‘The Greatest’ captures the diverse culture within London. Anna finds herself walking through the city catching eyes with people from all different walks of life, including the rest of Friedberg, and covets what they are; wearing, carrying, playing and doing. The penultimate shots of the video capture Anna lumbering all the belongings she’s accrued throughout her journey to a serene park, set against the evening backdrop of the bustling city.

LL COOL J – FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, two-time Grammy® Award-winning Hip-Hop icon, Kennedy Center Honoree, actor, author, NAACP Image Award winner, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder and CEO of Rock The Bells, LL COOL J makes his triumphant return to music with the release of his new single “Saturday Night Special” featuring Rick Ross and Fat Joe via Def Jam Recordings / Virgin Music Group. Stream/download the track HERE.

The new single kicks off with producer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Q-Tip’s innovative sonic approach as LL COOL J, Rick Ross, and Fat Joe dance on the track describing the harsh realities and intricate dynamics of life and the code of ethics that governs it. Named “Saturday Night Special” after the revolver class of the same name, LL COOL J highlights different types of key players found in the hustle, such as the “greedy killer” who reacts violently to disrespect, and the “daredevil type” who seeks attention and a reputation. With an emphasis on self-preservation and strategic interaction, the song’s core message is one of trust and reciprocity in the hustle.

The accompanying minimalist, black and white music video brings this hustler anthem to life as LL, Fat Joe and Rick Ross perform together, laying down the lyrics.

You can find more new releases here

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