Longboat Drops New Album Absentia, A Sharp and Thoughtful Study of Loss
Longboat is back with a full-length statement. Absentia, the newly released album from Longboat, is out now, and it finds the Seattle-based artist digging deep into the idea of loss from every possible angle. Rather than framing the record around one emotional narrative, Longboat builds Absentia as a collection of stories, each one examining what disappears, what remains, and how people respond when something essential is taken away.
At its core, Absentia is an album about absence, but not in a single sense. Across its tracklist, loss shows up as heartbreak, lost freedom, faded relevance, cultural erosion, political consequence, and even dark humor. Longboat has been open about the intent behind each song, but the album never feels prescriptive. Listeners are encouraged to connect in their own way, making the experience personal rather than fixed.
Musically, Absentia leans into organic instrumentation and careful arrangement. Longboat handles vocals throughout and adds soprano sax on “Who Can Stop Me Now?”, bringing an unexpected texture to one of the album’s most striking moments. He’s joined by Ryan Leyva on acoustic and electric guitars with backing vocals, Eric Verlinde on electric piano, Will Moore on bass, and James Squires on drums. The performances are tight and understated, giving the songwriting room to breathe.
The album opens with “A Hole in the Air,” a quiet but weighty reflection on the loss of a longtime partner and the emptiness that follows. From there, Absentia widens its scope. “Begin at the End” reframes loss as a necessary step toward renewal, while “Captivity” explores the loss of freedom through the imagined perspective of a wild predator. Tracks like “Down the Drain” and “Everything to Offer, Everything to Lose” turn toward social and professional fallout, examining what happens when power, money, or status disappears.
View this post on InstagramLongboat also balances the heavier themes with sharp observation. “Style Grenade” offers a satirical look at someone obsessed with staying relevant, while “What and WHAT?” captures the cruel irony of a metal fan losing his hearing. On “What They Tell Me,” cognitive decline is approached with unexpected calm, and “Once It’s Gone” delivers a brief but cutting character study that reveals how loss can expose deeper truths.
One of the album’s most grounded moments comes with “Replaced with Nothing,” inspired by Longboat's experience watching culturally significant buildings in Seattle torn down and left undeveloped. The track connects personal unease with a broader sense of cultural disappearance, giving the album a strong sense of place.
Closing track “Who Can Stop Me?” addresses the loss of an American election and its aftermath, focusing less on outrage and more on consequence, momentum, and uncertainty. It’s a measured ending that reinforces the album’s reflective tone.
Recorded and mixed at Studio Litho by Floyd Reitsma and mastered by Ed Brooks at Resonant Mastering, Absentia benefits from a cohesive vision. Igor Keller (Longboat himself) wrote, arranged, and produced the entire album himself, giving it a clear sense of identity from start to finish. He’s also hinted at stripped-back piano versions of select tracks, suggesting the songs may continue to evolve beyond this release.
Out now, Absentia positions Longboat as an artist unafraid to sit with discomfort and complexity. It’s a thoughtful, well-crafted album that rewards close listening and proves that sometimes the most powerful statements come from what’s missing rather than what’s said out loud.
Julian Cross Delivers New Single “Hot N Cold” Featuring Cesqeaux and Notelle
Drum & Bass, a genre known for its rapid breakbeats and heavy basslines, continues to evolve with artists who push its boundaries. Julian Cross, a rising name in the electronic music scene, is one such artist making waves with his innovative approach. Known for blending powerful rhythms with emotive soundscapes, Julian Cross’s latest track, “Hot N Cold,” showcases his ability to infuse Drum & Bass with fresh energy, setting the stage for what’s next in the genre.
Julian Cross, the Amsterdam-based DJ and producer known for his electrifying sound, is back with a new single that promises to heat up dance floors worldwide. “Hot N Cold,” featuring genre-blending beats from Cesqeaux and the soulful, captivating vocals of Notelle, is the latest offering from an artist who has quickly established himself as a dynamic force in the electronic music world. With its pulsating basslines, high-energy production, and emotive lyricism, “Hot N Cold” is set to be a standout in the Drum & Bass scene.
Julian Cross‘s collaboration with Cesqeaux and Notelle is a fusion of styles that elevates the track beyond standard dance music fare. Known for pushing boundaries, Cesqeaux brings his signature blend of diverse genres, adding a unique twist to the track’s hard-hitting beats. Notelle’s powerful voice and evocative lyrics inject an emotional undercurrent, making “Hot N Cold” more than just a club anthem—it’s a track that resonates on multiple levels. Julian Cross expertly weaves these elements into a cohesive soundscape that showcases his ability to craft tracks that are both innovative and accessible.
Julian Cross’s journey from local DJ to main stage sensation has been nothing short of meteoric. Since signing with Afrojack’s WALL Recordings in 2021, Julian has continued to push his artistry to new heights. His debut album, The Stories of the Nebula, solidified his reputation, amassing millions of streams and gaining support from top DJs and radio stations across Europe. With hits like “Antidote,” “All I Need” featuring Afrojack, and “Lose It All,” Julian Cross has shown his versatility in blending emotive soundscapes with hard-hitting electronic beats, a formula that has quickly endeared him to fans and critics alike.
Live performances have also been a crucial part of Julian Cross’s rise. From his early sets in local bars to commanding the stage at global festivals like Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Club Eleven in Miami, his shows are known for their infectious energy and technical prowess. Julian Cross’s ability to connect with audiences, combined with his innovative approach to production, has cemented his place as a rising star in the international electronic music scene.
With the release of “Hot N Cold,” Julian Cross continues to build on his impressive trajectory. Supported by the likes of Afrojack and with growing acclaim from both fans and industry peers, Julian’s distinct sound and relentless creativity keep him at the forefront of electronic music. “Hot N Cold” is not just a testament to his evolution as an artist but also a bold statement of where he’s headed next—a future filled with genre-defying tracks that keep listeners coming back for more. As Julian Cross pushes the boundaries of electronic music, his latest single reaffirms his place among the genre’s most exciting talents.
50 Cent Has Apologized To All He’s Offended But His Apology Is Unique
50 Cent's been trolling for years, all day and every day.
He wouldn't be much of a troll if he didn't leave a trail of offended. Mindful of that, Fif has decided to apologize for his evil ways.
Only his apology isn't like most apologies.
View this post on Instagram"I want to apologize to you, if i have offended you over the years. I would say i’m sorry but i’m not a sorry person. ?This will have to do," Fif typed.
So far no comment from Ja Rule, Rick Ross, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Wendy Williams, The Game, Meek Mill, French Montana, Floyd Mayweather, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Puff Daddy, Kevin Hart, Jim Jones, Donald Trump, Randall Emmett, Bow Wow, Soulja Boy, Nick Cannon, Chris Brown, Dwayne Wade, Deonty Wilder, Conor McGregor, Fetty Wap, Taraji P. Hanson, Jussie Smollett, Lee Daniels, Vivica A. Fox, Kanye West, Teairra Mara, T.I., Tank, Freekey Zeeky, Tekashi 6ix9ine, Paris Jackson, Jackie Long, Irv Gotti, Adrien Broner, Trey Songz, Jimmy Henchman, Tony Robbins, Common, Busta Rhymes, Madonna, Juelz Santana, Ashanti, Michael K. Williams, JAY-Z, Ebro, The Entire City Of Atlanta, Blac Chyna, Terry Crews, Fat Joe, Lil Uzi Vert, Rampage Jackson, Hell Rell, Fabolous, Cardi B, Tony Yayo, Troy Ave, Joe Budden, Tyrese, Spider Loc, Bang em Smurf, Usher, Kodak Black, Melanie Trump, Gunplay, Jay Electronica, Ronda Rousey and 50 Cent's eldest son.
Joe Budden Destroys The Jay Electronica JAY Z Album
Joe Budden had harsh words for the long-awaited Jay Electronica album A Written Testimony, which is basically a joint album with JAY-Z even though HOV isn't credited on it.
He hated a lot of it.
Joe Budden really is going off ?.I agree tho...this Jay Elec album was really underwhelming. We waited 10 yrs. This is sad tbh pic.twitter.com/7S0CVdpx8W
— Mira (@fentyxxshady) March 14, 2020"This is hate. I want make that clear. But it's rapper hate ... The last decade, you have put Jay Electronic on the same level of JAY-Z ... I hate this album. I hate it on multiple levels ... I hate those beats. I hate how their two voices sound together. I hate it. I hate the structure of these songs," Budden ranted.
He also said that Jay Elec is nowhere as good as he was on his 2009 track "Exhibit C" and argued that nobody should ever again compare Jay Elec to Royce Da 5'9" or Lupe Fiasco because JAY-Z carried the album.
While Rory and Mal liked the album more, they agreed JAY-Z outshined Jay Elec on his own album.
Jump to 33 minutes to hear Budden talk A Written Testimony.
What did you think of the album:
Chris Brown Got a New Hairstyle & He’s Being Roasted For Looking Like Justin Bieber
Chris Brown and Justin Bieber have been on a few songs together over the years and one would suspect Bieber looks up to his elder R&B star, who he has compared to 2Pac.
Judging from Breezy's new hairstyle, that may flow both ways.
View this post on InstagramSENDING A PRAYER FOR ANYBODY WHO NEEDS IT. LOVE YALL❤️
Twitter and Instagram commentators have noticed that Brown's new locks look a bit like Bieber hair.
Is this Chris Bieber? Justin Brown?
— Courtney Kelly (@courtneykellyxi) March 13, 2020Chris Brown out here looking like Justin Bieber that looks like Boris Johnson
— Captain Canada (@FacundoXXII) March 13, 2020chris brown n justin bieber are turning into each other.
— miss coco v (@creamofwheatz) March 13, 2020Justin Bieber wants to be Chris Brown. Chris Brown wants to be Justin Bieber... https://t.co/K7KmmTi6ic pic.twitter.com/h8kiIKGQu0
— Cutie Camille (@CxtieCamxlle) March 13, 2020Jay Electronica dropped an album and Chris Brown has transformed into Justin Bieber.
— modest girl (@5THCONSCIOUS) March 13, 2020
I didn’t see these verses in Revelations but here we areAgree?
Jay Electronica Drops New Music With Sons Of Yusuf
Jay Electronica has been missing in action when it comes to dropping new music, but it looks like we have a sighting, and it comes in the form of a guest feature.
On a new track titled Diving For Pearls, Jay Electronica teamed up with the Arabic hip-hop group, Sons Of Yusuf.
The track features middle eastern vibes, with the duo spitting their verses first and leaving the final verse for Jay, who drops some dope bars.
Check it out below.
Cardinal Artists Expands Roster With Luca Lush, Carbin, Benzi, Saka, and Copycatt
Since its creation in early 2018, Cardinal Artists has quickly become one of the go-to management companies for emerging electronic acts. With an initial roster of QUIX, Vincent, and StayLoose, founder Marc Geylman partnered with Justin Van Vranken later that year and their success only continued from there.
Since then, the two expanded the company by signing rising stars JVNA, Juelz, and Jaron. Cardinal Artists is now ready to go into the new decade with the addition of Chaz Marshall, a talented artist manager who will help oversee Cardinal’s newest signings – Luca Lush, Carbin, Saka and Copycatt. Geylman and Van Vranken are also pleased to announce they will now be representing dance music veteran Benzi, a Diplo and Friends resident DJ and executive at Parametric/APG.
2020 is looking bright for this talented group of artists and managers.