Newport Folk Festival Announces Stewardship Program, Names Nathaniel Rateliff As First Appointee

NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM, NAMES  NATHANIEL RATELIFF AS FIRST APPOINTEE FIRST ARTIST APPOINTED TO SUCH A ROLE SINCE  PETE SEEGER   RATELIFF TO DEVOTE THREE YEAR TERM TO ARTIST ADVOCACY, CURATION, FELLOWSHIP AND MENTORSHIP

Nathaniel Rateliff and Newport Festivals Executive Producer Jay Sweet | Photo Credit: Brian Lima

For over 65 years, Newport Folk has been one of the most storied American cultural institutions in music. Audiences and artists alike return each year to its hallowed ground to experience the joy of this Festival’s long running tradition of diversity, discovery and artistic virtuosity. Inspired by its founders, Newport Jazz creator George Wein and musician Pete Seeger, Newport Folk will bring its cherished community to the forefront with the creation of the Newport Folk Stewardship Program. At its core, the program hopes to identify remarkable individuals with a demonstrated history of enriching and supporting the legacy of Newport Folk. The Newport Folk Stewards will pledge to continually challenge and celebrate the “Folk Family” by pioneering meaningful initiatives that impact the future of the Festival in significant and collaborative ways. Its first appointee is acclaimed artist and band-leader Nathaniel Rateliff. Chosen for his artistry, perseverance and continued allyship, the position holds a three-year term, which will see Rateliff serving as Steward actively for two years and advising the next recipient during a third transition year. As the first Newport Folk Steward, Rateliff has chosen to devote his term to artist advocacy, fellowship and mentorship both at the Fort and beyond.  “We spoke to people in and outside the organization about who would be best for the position and there was a clear consensus that Nathaniel should be the first. Not only is his indefatigable nature best suited to help us establish what it means to be a steward of Newport Folk, but mostly because he truly embodies what it means to be ‘Folk Family’. He has always answered our call to help a cause, played every stage and has been a force behind some of our biggest musical moments including the 2022 star studded Paul Simon tribute set (Simon’s first appearance in four years). If that’s not enough, he’s also one of the kindest and most considerate people I know. Basically, I see him as being our ‘Human in Residence’ as we embark on this new endeavor,” says Newport Festivals Foundation Executive Producer, Jay Sweet. The long-time executive producer will continue to helm the festival, while supporting Rateliff in his additional advocacy initiatives. The creative communion between the Newport Folk audience and the artists who play it has long been one of the most unique and prized relationships in music. The openness and receptive nature of the Newport crowd allows new and legendary artists alike to step out of their comfort zone, debut new projects and collaborate at the highest level. Rateliff aims to recognize the traditions while working to cultivate new ones that honor this rapport.  "I have always held the Newport Folk Festival in high regard historically, but once I finally attended as a performer, it felt life-changing,” says Rateliff. “I was immediately drawn into the community of musicians and fans. There is a general feeling of family among everyone present, and I consider it an honor to help curate, cultivate, and expand the spirit of Newport and the community that exists there. I view this as a valuable opportunity to learn from the talented performers who return each year, as well as from the dedicated fans and individuals who help shape the festival into what it has become today.” Raised in Hermann, Missouri, Nathaniel Rateliff began his music career playing drums in his family’s church band. In seventh grade his father was killed in a car crash, forcing him to drop out of school to provide for his family. At 19, Rateliff moved to Denver, working night shifts at a bottle factory and trucking while testing songs at open mics. In 2002, Rateliff formed Born In The Flood, who quickly garnered a local following—their debut LP If This Thing Should Spill landed in 2007. Rateliff then shifted his focus to a more stripped-down, intimate effort, releasing Desire and Dissolving Men under the moniker Nathaniel Ratleliff & The Wheel on Public Service Records, Memory of Loss, another folky solo album on Rounder Records, followed by 2013’s Falling Faster Than You Can Run on modyvi records and the Closer EP. Rateliff then formed the rock outfit Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Since their 2015 self-titled breakthrough album, the band has established themselves as generational talents through their dynamic live performances and growing catalog of essential studio recordings. The band has released three LPs, two EPs, and a live album, appeared on Saturday Night Live, and their first arena tour will include performances at Chicago’s United Center and Madison Square Garden. Their new LP South of Here is another mighty leap forward. "Kudos to Jay Sweet and his team at Newport Folk Festival. You continue to be a beacon of inclusivity, imagination, curiosity and kindness in our troubled world,” says longtime supporter of the festival Fiona Prine. “How lucky are we to experience the open arms of this beloved community you have shepherded so well. I can’t think of a more perfect candidate than Nathaniel Rateliff to carry the torch for this new program. Of course he is a dear, dear friend to me and my family. In addition to being a respected and renowned artist, he exemplifies the best of humanity in his advocacy work and his love of people. I can’t wait to witness what Nathaniel will bring to this program. George Wein and Pete Seeger are most happy." Sweet continues, “It is our great hope that the Newport Folk Stewardship Program will add to the creative fabric of our institution's history while continuing to serve the needs of our entire community for years and years to come.”  More about Newport Festivals Foundation Newport Festivals Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to create moments of hope through the power of music and community. Best known for producing the Newport Jazz and Newport Folk Festivals, the Foundation spends the rest of the year working to create the next generation of musicians through music education and artist relief programs.  Thanks to the support of our community, NFF offers music programs in our own backyard of Newport, Rhode Island, including free private music lessons, instrument donations to public schools, assembly programs, and summer camps.  Nationally, NFF partners with festival artists to support music education programs they’re passionate about. Since 2018, the Artist Gives initiative has provided over 197 grants to music education programs in over 35 states, including instruments for public schools, funding for music instruction workshops for Veterans, Girls Rock Summer camps, after-school music lessons for children with learning disabilities, and more. In response to the pandemic, the foundation established the Newport Festivals Musician Relief Fund (MRF) to provide financial relief to musicians in our Folk & Jazz communities experiencing a loss of income as a result of COVID-19. Resources from NFF and donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations have allowed the MRF to help over 602 musicians since April 1, 2020.  For more information on the education initiatives of Newport Festivals Foundation, please visit www.newportfestivals.org.

Allie X Releases New Single "Bon Voyage" and Announces 'Girl With No Face Deluxe' Album Out October 31st

ALLIE X RELEASES NEW SINGLE “BON VOYAGE” LISTEN HERE ANNOUNCES GIRL WITH NO FACE DELUXE ALBUM OUT OCTOBER 31st PRESAVE HERE WEIRD WORLD TOUR – THE SECOND LEG OF ALLIE X’S 2024 TOUR KICKS OFF ON OCTOBER 31st

Photo Credit: Marcus Cooper

“Allie X is an astonishing force in songwriting” GQ (UK)  “Individual and boundary pushing in her approach, the songstress is never behind trends, only in front of them” Wonderland Thursday, October 3rd (Los Angeles, CA) – Today, pop savant Allie X releases lush and melodic synth pop single “Bon Voyage” and announces her Girl With No Face Deluxe album, which will be out on Thursday, October 31st. Listen to “Bon Voyage” HERE Pre-Save the Girl With No Face Deluxe HERE Comparable to a goth version of a Fleetwood Mac song, “Bon Voyage” is arriving just in time for the turning of the leaves. “I’m going on a journey. You must stay behind. I’m going on a journey. I leave tonight.” Allie sings as she turns her back on humanity and ascends deep into nature. Perhaps a storm is coming and it’s time to batten down the hatches! “Bon Voyage” is the perfect song for this time of year as it offers a glimpse into Allie’s new journey as she embraces change and ushers in a new era for herself. “Bon Voyage” adopts a slower pace that allows for deeper emotional exploration. Allie’s striking vocals soar with captivating intensity, drawing listeners into her personal evolution, combined with a silky melody and deep synth rhythm which are intrinsic to her artistry. The perfectly paired blend of elements not only showcases Allie’s depth and nuance as an artist but also invites her audience to share in her journey of self-discovery and reinvention. “Bon Voyage’ is a song that marks a change in the weather and a change in me. I can sense a new season coming and “Bon Voyage” expresses a willingness to allow its arrival. Sometimes change can't happen until we are ready for it.” Allie says. Alongside the new single, Allie has also announced the deluxe version of her most recent and highly praised album Girl With No Face which will be out October 31st. Girl With No Face was named as one of the best albums of 2024 so far by Cosmopolitan, Brooklyn Vegan, The AV Club, The Boston Globe, and more. The deluxe version will feature several new tracks, as well as some remixes on some of her timeless classics from the original album. “The deluxe release of ‘Girl With No Face’ is a further exploration into darker corners. Songs that didn't feel perfect on the original, now feel appropriate that the world is built and I've toured the record, etc. This deluxe version includes dark wave remixes from some of my favorite artists, a v cunty song about a Saint with Tove Lo, and my new fav, the song of the fall.. “Bon Voyage.” Allie adds.   On the day of her deluxe album release, Allie will also kick off the second leg of her 2024 Weird World Tour, starting in Boston, Massachusetts on October 31st and ending on November 27th in Fort Worth, Texas.  Violet Chachki – who featured Allie on the track - “Mistress Violet,” praised as “transfixing and provocative” by NPR – will open on the tour. See below for itinerary. Tickets can be purchased here: https://us-store.alliex.com/ Over the past decade, Allie X has cemented herself in the pop pantheon as one of music’s sharpest, most insightful, and trendsetting artists, producers, and songwriters, having written hits with luminaries like Troye Sivan, Mitski, BTS, and many more. Now with the release of Girl With No Face, Allie continues to demonstrate a bold, striking visual and sonic palate and a command seemingly light years ahead of the competition. Weird World Tour Artwork Girl With No Face Tour Dates: Oct 31 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club Nov 1 – Philadelphia, PA – Foundry Nov 2 – Asbury Park, NJ – Asbury Lanes Nov 3 – Towson, MD – Recher Theatre Nov 6 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club Nov 8 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse Nov 9 – Nashville, TN – The Mil Nov 10 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground Nov 11 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre Nov 13 – Pittsburgh, PA – Spirit Nov 14 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts Nov 15 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone Nov 16 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues Nov 18 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Nov 19 – Detroit, MI – St Andrew Nov 21 – Madison, WI – Majestic Nov 22 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Nov 23 – Chicago, IL – The Vic Nob 26 – Austin, TX – Empire Garage Nov 27 – Ft. Worth, TX – Tannahill’s Tavern

Annahstasia announces new EP + shares lead single

ANNAHSTASIA ANNOUNCES NEW EP SURFACE TENSION  OUT NOVEMBER 1ST VIA DRINK SUM WTR  SHARES NEW SINGLE “STRESS TEST”

Annahstasia by Hop Nguyen (Download Hi-Res Assets HERE) Surface Tension EP  PRE-SAVE/ORDER: https://drinksumwtr.lnk.to/annahstasia-surface-tension “Stress Test”  WATCH: https://youtu.be/9wGUUy5YjXE LISTEN: https://drinksumwtr.lnk.to/annahstasia-surface-tension (October 3rd, 2024) - Today, rising multidisciplinary artist Annahstasia announces her forthcoming EP Surface Tension, due November 1st via Secretly affiliate label drink sum wtr. As an initial preview of the EP, she’s also sharing her new single, “Stress Test,” along with an accompanying lyrical visualizer. The song marks the start of a new era in Annahstasia’s artistry, following last year’s self-released EP, Revival.  “Stress Test” embodies her soulful, poetic folk songcraft with impeccable vocal control and haunting melodies. Sparse instrumentation gradually swells around her guitar – first keys, then bass, saxophone, and percussion, as she finds an apt symbol in the rarest gems – not diamonds, with their fabricated value in culture, but amber and pearls, the ones that require life.  Annahstasia’s powerhouse voice reverberates through “Stress Test,” which hints at the spectrum of love navigated throughout Surface Tension and her forthcoming debut album, due next year. Speaking on the significance of “Stress Test” Annahstasia shares, “The Universe tests you to see if you break. To see if you’ve learned your lessons. This song is about the games we play with each other in the process both consciously and unconsciously. The residual of every heartbreak and trauma becomes a part of you from the moment it happens, going forward. So you can’t change that, but you have all this new information. What will you do with it?"  Born Annahstasia Enuke, the LA-based artist first learned about the importance of artistic resilience and creative intention at the age of 17 after being discovered and later propelled into the entertainment industry and the stifling pressures that accompany it. "I've come into the power of my voice as a medium," she says. "As a tool of expression, I am able to shape the emotional space around me.” Recorded at the storied Shangri-la studio in Malibu with producer Jason Lader in collaboration with a range of accomplished musicians, Surface Tension finds Annahstasia at her most intentional. She’s embracing a slower sound across the project’s three-part structure, tracing the unsustainable nature of past relationships, what she calls, "a romantic war." Sessions were both measured and spontaneous, in a setting she’d dreamt of for years, yielding open-hearted material with vocals left up-front as she explored the capacity of her gift with newfound artistic latitude.  Pre-order/save Surface Tension EP and listen to “Stress Test” above and stay tuned for more from Annahstasia coming very soon.

Surface Tension EP artwork by Yana Yatsuk (Download Hi-Res Assets HERE) Annahstasia  Surface Tension EP  November 1, 2024  drink sum wtr  1. Saturday 2. Sunday 3. Stress Test

“Stress Test” single artwork by Yana Yatsuk (Download Hi-Res Assets HERE) (Download Hi-Res Assets HERE) Connect with Annahstasia:  Instagram | TikTok | X (Twitter)

anaiis announces collaborative mini album + shares new single with Luedji Luna

ANAIIS ANNOUNCES MINI ALBUM AND NEW COLLABORATIVE PROJECT SHARES LEAD SINGLE “TODA COR” FEATURING LUEDJI LUNA  ANAIIS & GRUPO COSMO OUT NOVEMBER 14TH

anaiis by Alexandra Waespi anaiis & Grupo Cosmo  PRE-SAVE: https://symphony.to/anaiis/anaiis-grupo-cosmo “Toda Cor” LISTEN: https://symphony.to/anaiis/toda-cor WATCH: https://youtu.be/cE-owOa2MO8 (October 3rd, 2024) - French-Senegalese artist anaiis is set to release her new mini-album, anaiis & Grupo Cosmo, on November 14th. Leading up to the album, she shares her lead single “Toda Cor” featuring Luedji Luna. This seven-track record intricately weaves together diverse cultural and musical influences, exploring profound themes such as Black identity, motherhood, birth, and the natural world. anaiis describes the album as "a sonic emergence of the person I was becoming at this moment in my life," reflecting her personal growth and transformation. Collaborations with Brazilian artists Sessa and Luedji Luna deepen the album's cross-cultural dimension, merging elements of Brazilian musical traditions with her own creative vision to create a rich, multi-layered sound. For anaiis, creating this album was a transformative experience, built on a human, organic, and spontaneous approach to creating music. "We spent days on the beach, sharing meals and stories, while creating together. Every track was recorded live to tape—no computers around. By the end of the week, we had an album that captured the essence of that moment."  On the record, anaiis collaborated with Grupo Cosmo, the Brazilian trio featuring drums and percussion, bass, and Sessa on acoustic guitar. Their sound blends the energy of a power trio with the lush traditions of Brazilian music, incorporating rock, pop, and psychedelia influences from the '70s. They have created spacious, layered compositions, whilst balancing electric and acoustic elements, producing a fuller yet intimate sound that retains the warmth of folk and bossa nova. Although the trio has never performed live together, their intense studio sessions fostered a fast-paced, organic creativity. The music reflects a deep connection to nature, often evoking themes of environmental awareness, beauty, and contemplation in the face of global challenges. Despite the amplification and complexity, Grupo Cosmo's work remains grounded in simplicity and sensitivity, allowing their sound to resonate with a powerful, dynamic energy while celebrating the small moments of peace in a changing world. The album's roots trace back to a 2020 artist residency in Salvador, Brazil, where anaiis first connected with Grammy nominated Luedji Luna. The pair wrote “Toda Cor” in a studio after bonding over shared cultural experiences as Black women, despite their geographical differences. However, the production didn’t fully reflect Brazil's energy until anaiis discovered Sessa’s music in 2022. The collaboration came to life in December, and by April 2023, anaiis returned to Brazil to continue working with the artists in Ilhabela, creating a truly collaborative album. Reflecting on the first single, “Toda Cor” with Afro-Brazilian artist Luedji Luna, anaiis recalls, "I wrote the song with the wonderful Luedji Luna. Though we come from different parts of the world—Senegal and Bahia—we felt an immediate sisterhood. The song speaks to our shared Trans-Atlantic connection and creating home wherever we are." Whilst Luedji adds, “‘Toda Cor’ is where the diaspora meets. A song where my poetry connects with the poetry of anaiis, this amazing and talented artist. An honour to be part of.” Pre-save/order anaiis & Grupo Cosmo and listen to “Toda Cor” above and stay tuned for more from anaiis coming soon. anaiis & Grupo Cosmo anaiis November 14th, 2024 1. Toda Cor (anaiis, Grupo Cosmo & Luedji Luna) 2. Voyage (anaiis, Grupo Cosmo & Sessa)  3. Honeydew (anaiis & Grupo Cosmo)  4. BPE (anaiis & Grupo Cosmo)  5. A Gente Mesmo: interlude (anaiis & Grupo Cosmo)  6. Como Es (anaiis & Grupo Cosmo)  7. Finding Toda Cor (anaiis & Grupo Cosmo)

Art by Rachel Jones About Luedji Luna: Luedji Luna, a singer-songwriter from Salvador, is a leading voice in contemporary Brazilian music and activism. She has released three albums, including Um Corpo no Mundo and Bom Mesmo É Estar Debaixo D'água, which earned a Latin Grammy nomination. Through her music, Luedji conveys themes of struggle, resistance, and faith, rooted in the black feminist movement and the soul of Brazil.  About anaiis: anaiis is deeply inspired by her multicultural upbringing across cities as diverse as Toulouse, Dublin, Dakar, Oakland, and London. This background fosters a fearlessness and openness to new sounds and experimentation, as she draws from a vast range of cultural and musical traditions. anaiis' music is a reflection of this quest, inspired by the revolutionary legacies of figures like Nina Simone, bell hooks, and Zanele Muholi—each of whom challenged conventional thinking and championed personal and collective liberation. In this sense, her artistry is both deeply personal and politically resonant, encouraging fearlessness not just in sound, but in thought and identity as well. She self-released her debut This Is No Longer A Dream, a cathartic album featuring Chronixx, Sjava, and Topaz Jones, with art direction by Ib Kamara and Rafael Pavarotti. She has since performed alongside Erykah Badu, Daniel Caesar, and Nick Hakim, including a sold-out headline show at the Barbican. Now embracing motherhood, anaiis is entering a new chapter, drawing inspiration from her evolving experiences as she continues to shape her future work.  anaiis is always written in lowercase as a tribute to bell hooks, a feminist author and activist known for her work on race and gender. Connect with anaiss: Instagram | X (Twitter) | YouTube

New track "Online Jesus" from KELI HOLIDAY and ALEX CAMERON is "brit-pop, synthpop tangerine nightmare on ecstasy"

KELI HOLIDAY AND ALEX CAMERON

 

COLLABORATE ON JOINT SINGLE

 

“ONLINE JESUS”

 

OUT NOW

 

October 3rd, 2024 - Today, celebrated Australian artists Keli Holiday and Alex Cameron are thrilled to release their joint single, “Online Jesus”, available now across music platforms.

“This track was one of the first ideas Alex and I worked on together,” explains Keli Holiday (aka Adam Hyde). “We laid in a scratch melody on the bassline and the guitar lead, then came back the next day and we were speaking about the state of modern love and dating apps. The online Jesuses who believe they are god’s gift to women sent from the internet to be the rapture and savior for those women longing for a partner… A far cry from the truth.”

Described by Holiday as a “brit pop, synth pop tangerine nightmare on ecstasy”, “Online Jesus” follows on from Keli Holiday’s JESTERMAN EP release earlier this year, which featured singles ‘disco’, ‘lowdown’ and the rapturous ‘doyoulikeitornot’, all crowd favorites at his recent sweat-soaked headline shows. 

STREAM “ONLINE JESUS” | DOWNLOAD “ONLINE JESUS”

"Online Jesus" combines Keli’s infectious punk-pop sound with Alex’s signature indie flair, encapsulating the emotional rollercoaster of modern romance. The song’s lyrics shine a light on the pitfalls of seeking genuine connections in an era dominated by social media and dating apps. The track sees Alex Cameron and Keli Holiday showcase playful vocals over an infectious melody in a colorful fusion of electro pop and rock.

 

KELI HOLIDAY BIO

 

The Keli Holiday project was created by Adam Hyde (one half of multi ARIA award winning, 10x platinum selling Australian duo Peking Duk) who had come off the back of a 2 month North American tour with back to back dates. 

He was told he had time for a holiday when he got home but instead of flying to a beach somewhere he decided to use an old guitar he had sitting in his bedroom to create something special. 

Two years later and the marriage of longing for that holiday he'll never get back mixed with the strumming of that dusty old guitar birthed a love child named Keli Holiday. 

 

CONNECT WITH KELI HOLIDAY:

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple Music | TikTok

ALEX CAMERON BIO

 

Alex Cameron is an Australian singer-songwriter from Sydney. He is best known for his solo career, a high-concept act in which Cameron initially adopted the persona of a failed entertainer. 

 

The shimmering star of Alex Cameron continues to shine bright from the gutters of show business four albums into his prolific career as an entertainer. And yet, people still have questions. Is he really 6 ft 4 inches tall? Why do none of his suits fit him properly? If he really is Australian, then why does he speak in a strange sort of European world news accent?

 

While the answers to these questions may or may not be of any interest to anybody - there they remain - shot into the sky like flares as red hot as the notes from his business partner and horn player Roy Molloy's alto saxophone.

 

CONNECT WITH ALEX CAMERON:

YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Bandcamp | Secretly Canadian