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Weekly Roundup: New music from MKTO, Elohim; 320 Conversations and rescheduled AZ events

Even with the coronavirus pandemic shutting down tours and events, there are plenty of new releases to fill your playlists in this time of social distancing. Check out our pick for songs to hear this week!

320 Conversations with Kevin Lyman and Talinda Bennington

The first partnership event between the Kevin Lyman Foundation and Talinda Bennington (widow of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington) took place on March 9 at USC. This event was hosted by actor Ken Jeong and brought people of all ages together for an evening of music and panel discussions about de-stigmatizing mental health struggles. LA-based musician and activist grandson provided the entertainment with an acoustic performance for the attendees. Check out photos from the event courtesy of Yising Kao.

MKTO: “Party With My Friends”

Malcolm Kelley and Tony Oller are back with their infectious new single, “Party With My Friends”. The title might be a bit ironic in these days of social distancing, but the track will have those in quarantine vibing with this pop duo. The band describes this single as an acknowledgement of what’s happening in the world right now, while reminding everyone that friendship and hope still exist. The music video is goofy and fun, with MKTO never taking themselves more seriously than the good time to be had. 

Heavy Hearts: “Safe Bet”

These sweet Canadian boys have a story to tell with their newest single. The eerie, steady alt-rock track is melodic and, according to the band, part of a bigger story. Says the band, “Lyrically, Safe Bet is the closest thing we’ve ever had to a ‘love song’ but when paired up with another track on the new record it tells a longer story.” Fans of Silverstein and Balance and Composure will find a home with Heavy Hearts’ driving guitars and incredibly earnest lyrics.

Stream “Safe Bet” here

Ocean Grove: Flip Phone Fantasy

These guys may look like the love children of Riff Raff and New Beat Fund, but their music is much more. Flip Phone Fantasy combines a love of 80s glam with driving 90s grunge for an aesthetic and a sound that will undoubtedly keep people on their toes. The band wants this stellar second album to be everybody’s mixtape and, with their extensive touring experience with the likes of Limp Bizkit and The Amity Affliction, their wish will certainly come true. Flip Phone Fantasy is not to be missed.

Stream Flip Phone Fantasy here

Locals Take Over Last Exit Live

Local bands New Chums and The Deadbeat Cousins rocked Last Exit Live right before Phoenix venues shuttered in response to COVID-19. The bands supported Chicago duo North by North on their cross-country tour, and they were grateful to have the fans out for one more gig before social distancing really took hold. Hand sanitizer and toilet paper jokes were aplenty, but each band reminded everyone to stay safe and healthy.  

Relentless Beats Reschedules Spring Events

After the postponing of last weekend’s ‘AREZZONA’ event, Relentless Beats has also postponed two more shows: Louis the Child with k.flay and Phoenix Lights. The new dates are as follows:

  • AREZZONA: July 11th
  • Louis the Child & k.flay: October 16th
  • Phoenix Lights: October 2 & 3

Elohim: “Group Therapy”

Elohim’s newest track hits different now that she can’t play it live until later this summer. Originally written with her best friend to be a song called “Chaos,” the duo started with the track and then reworked the lyrics to play with the concept of group therapy, which Elohim has been tinkering with for awhile. They then added the Los Angeles Children’s Choir to complete the song, which emerges from its small confession of “I need some help” to the huge swell of an 808 and almost tropical feel.