Artist Spotlight

M.A.G.S. RETURNS WITH EUPHORIC SINGLE “BEG”

M.A.G.S. RETURNS WITH EUPHORIC SINGLE “BEG”

Following the success of dream-pop banger “Choked Out,” indie artist M.A.G.S. is back with a new music video for his latest summer release, “Beg.” The track and supporting music video comes in celebration of his newly-announced debut LP, Say Things That Matter, out August 13th via ONErpm. The highly anticipated full-length project is considered the mark of personal growth in multi-instrumentalist and producer Elliott Douglas (M.A.G.S.), and will feature a total of fourteen tracks – including the latest string of retro indie-rock inspired singles; “Smile,” “Sunrise,” “Choked Out” and “Beg.” To coincide with the full-length release, vinyl copies will be available for pre-order through Take This To Heart Records today.

“Beg,” written and produced by Douglas, is a crowning achievement of the rising indie rock artist – showcasing a range of depth and growth since 2017’s self-titled release. The single ─ simply put ─ is indie-pop with an experimental twist: erupting into a euphoric celebration of emotions with brash guitar work and M.A.G.S. skating alongside the busy streets of Los Angeles. While the track pays homage to M.A.G.S.’ DIY punk roots and newfound confidence sonically ─ lyrically, the track was born from a transitional time in M.A.G.S.’ life leading to the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic:

“I wrote Beg while I was in Buffalo visiting my family in January 2020. At this point in my life I was actively trying to change myself and face some of my demons. I could see the results of my efforts but I was still healing from a few old wounds. I didn’t really know what was next, figuratively and literally with the pandemic about to kick in the door.

I love this song because every part is kind of its own thing, and they kinda shouldn’t work well together but somehow, they do. I wanted the dynamics of this song to be part of the narrative, with the bridge basically just being an explosion of rage and passion.” – M.A.G.S.

M.A.G.S. is the solo moniker for Buffalo-bred, Los Angeles-based artist Elliott Douglas. His style seamlessly glides between genres ─ from funky garage to minty alt-pop ─ and hooks you in almost immediately. His universal appeal feeds his success, and it’s never at the expense of his art. Elsewhere in his blossoming catalog, songs like “Mvp” and “Hi Tops” zig-zag from visceral, gnarly heavy metal to lo-fi folk-rock, respectively; his musicianship is a marvel to witness, each entry building on the last with refreshing acrobatics.

M.A.G.S. released his first solo record in 2015, an EP titled Cellophane, and his self-titled LP arrived two years later – securing a seat amongst the most prominent indie/alt-rock artists. With his new batch of music, Douglas displayed marked growth in vocal prowess, overall musicality and lyrical bite through the release of 2020’s Lost Tapes EP.

In May, M.A.G.S. announced he will be embarking on The Happy Fits’ “What Could Be Better” U.S. tour alongside snarls this Fall – tickets are available for purchase through the artist’s official website here.

M.A.G.S.’ debut album, Say Things That Matter, is set to release August 13th with leading singles “Smile.” “Sunrise,” “Choked Out” and “Beg” available for streaming everywhere. Watch the “Beg” music video on M.A.G.S. official YouTube Channel here, and pre-order Say Things That Matter in three different vinyl color variants via Take This To Heart Records here.

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Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

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Artist Spotlight

LAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”

LAST ALEX!, a Chicago-based artist and producer, comes out with “Plus 1,” a high-energy release that combines technical prowess with an undeniable melodic instinct.

LAST ALEX! puts both craftsmanship and creativity on display here. The song’s strength lies in its balance, in detailed execution without sacrificing feeling, and in complexity without losing momentum.

LAST ALEX! doesn’t fully lean into the cold technique or loose emotion, but finds the sweet spot where skill and soul meet. This yields a polished, vibrant, and musically confident track.

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