KTJ & CARLY return with their powerful new single, “Rollercoaster.” The duo, who write, produce, and perform all their music, frequently combine influences of EDM and soulful pop into masterful storytelling performances. Over the past year, they’ve experienced incredible growth off the success of their debut EP, “Identity.” Their single “Cherry Coke,” was featured on everything from Apple Music’s ‘New in Pop’ playlist, to American Songwriter, Euphoria and Flaunt Magazine, while their powerful voices have graced stages at The Hotel Cafe, Rockwood Music Hall, and virtual performances at PrideFest and on Clubhouse.
With the release of “Rollercoaster,” we see a different, softer side of KTJ & CARLY. Deeply emotional and mature, the track explores the intense ups and downs of loving someone unconditionally, despite the damage they might do to you in the long run. Inspired by the quote “Often, the thing we fall in love with, is the very thing that makes fall out of love,” they dive into the deep end as they reflect on the adventure and tragedy of love itself. Their understated vocals, filled with the intensity of each rolling high and every devastating low, conveys simmering pain. While the production effervesces with a quaking, bass-driven atmospheric instrumentation that showcases their mastery in building stunning songs that tell a story. KTJ & CARLY’s newest single, “Rollercoaster, is out now.
credit: Chad Griffith
Certain songs catch us off guard. Upon pressing play, we drop our inhibitions, let go, and give in to the moment. The music of HARLOR enables such release. For as much as they may resemble self-described “regular dudes,” the duo—Nick Gerard [singer, songwriter] and Max Anthony [producer]—surprise with an unpredictable and undeniable spark, integrating singer-songwriter spirit into modern pop punctuated by hypnotically high registered harmonies and synth echoes. With production from Katalyst [Bruno Mars, Eminem, Drake], the group comes to life in a series of singles released ths year.
“We want to make good songs people connect with,” says Nick. “We want to make songs people love. We’re trying to catch you instrumentally and then hit you with a message. Although not all our songs are heavy topics, we write openly about depression, addiction, and other struggles in order to empathize with a conflicted listener, and have them know they aren’t alone in that.”
Long before meeting in a dorm at University of Dayton, music respectively called to both Nick and Max. Trained in piano at six-years-old, Nick graduated from Scottish fiddle and classical violin to guitar inspired by the likes of Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, and Dave Matthews Band. In third grade, Max was trained in piano at an early age, but attributes his current skills to self-instruction. Prior to forming HARLOR, he also studied classical guitar at the University of Dayton program. Inspired by dance music and groups such as The Chainsmokers, he taught himself how to produce, mix, and master on his laptop during high school.
Fast forward to 2015, these lifelong musicians struck up a fast friendship and began collaborating at their university. Through it, HARLOR struck a balance between classic songcraft and catchy energy, representing a yin and yang between personal passions.
“Even though we have different backgrounds, we’re always on the same page with where we want to go,” states Max. “Our personalities are so similar that it’s created a strong friendship. We’re in lockstep mentally and musically.”
Since then they spent nearly two years perfecting a slick signature style before a demo link made its way to Katalyst. Blown away by their potential, Ken Lewis and Brent Kolatalo signed the boys to a production deal and welcomed them to the studio. Nick and Max immediately channeled an influx of inspiration.
Hypnotic in sound and stereo, Sam Louis is digital adrenaline. Hanging in the balance of alt pop and R&B, he continuously curates feelings of loss and regret while still inducing euphoria. Based out of Toronto, Louis looks to provide more than just a stream or casual listening experience, but medicine for those who need it.
New single, “Driftin’,” is about feeling lost and alone surrounded by so much beauty and wonder that you can’t reach/access. Being stuck in a bigger metropolis like Toronto during the COVID-19 pandemic brought upon the darker emotions of “Driftin’.” Having the city lights in view while feeling like you’re helplessly floating farther away from it, created this weird disconnect, one that Louis compared to drifting through space-time.
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Inspired by my own self-discovery and surrender, my new single, “Ready,“ encourages you to take the leap of faith in facing your fears, trust falling into the unknown regardless of the outcome. It also highlights the process of getting to know yourself and realizing that you are already complete and have all you need inside of you. When we find peace within ourselves in the present, we can face anything fearlessly, open up to limitless possibilities and live a life led from the heart. Stream “Ready“ and give in to the unknown. As we slowly transition into a post-COVID world, live your most authentic life right now. Apple Music 👣 Spotify 👣 SoundCloud Watch the official “Ready“ music video on YouTube. Someone I highly respected had told me I wasn’t ready for bigger things, when I knew I was. Though I was hustling non stop, I had unintentionally been playing it safe in my comfort zone, caught in the same cycle everyday almost on autopilot because subconsciously I was trying to control everything, holding myself back from making any potentially life changing decisions and pursuing new and bigger shifts in my life. |
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https://www.chloecaroline.com/ After this not ready comment was made to me, that same day I walked into my writing session with my co-writers Darren Rayl (Night is Electric) and Johanna Cranitch (White Prism, The Cranberries). I’d gotten used to ignoring my own gut instincts nudging at me but I was done. I wanted to feel alive, I wanted to be happy and I needed to trust myself to do so. What I’ve learned so far: Sometimes letting go means starting at ground zero by taking a line of credit out on yourself, upping the stakes of what you’re willing to risk possibly losing or leaving behind for the chance of having much more to gain. You are already free if you choose to be. Nothing but you is holding you back. Chloé Caroline |
Rounding off the success of fiery singles “Rich Bitch”, “Bleedin” and “Medicate”, rising singer
songwriter ELLE YAYA unveils her long awaited debut LP “Pharmacy”, headed by lead
single “Little Thing”.
A rich and eclectic collection of 10 tracks, the young artist showcases her innate ability to
fuse intricate R&B melodies with clashing lyrical frankness. A comprehensive journal with
broad and inventive instrumentation, YAYA invites you into the confines of her mind, as she
details her experience with addiction in a bold yet tasteful fashion.
With the ear pricking opener “PTSD”, the singer sets the tone with stark claps and eery vocal
samples, leaving no room for breath before the explosive, tongue-in-cheek “Rich Bitch”.
Swiftly blending into “Vice”, a dark dream-bop detailing the voice of her addiction, the
foundation is laid for soulful gem “Medicate”, her admission to papering over the cracks.
Effortlessly rolling into the Noir&B fusion “Ask For This”, YAYA introduces the idea of
drowning in a digital world, solidified by her unique story telling abilities in the wonderfully
woozy “Little Thing”. Picking up the pace with the unapologetic, rage-fuelled Pop track
“Bleedin”, we crash into “My City”, a detailed account of her tumultuous love affair with
London. As the ambient piano chords float into the distance, she collapses with the forlorn,
yet poetic “Give Me Away”, a heart wrenching admission of her rock bottom to her father, “I’ll
be kicked down the aisle that you paid for, pushed so hard I’ll scrape my knees, wish I could
tell you I’m safe but they’re in the dark waiting for me”. Finally, the album completes with “Pill
To Swallow”, her first track in sobriety, a hopeful and cathartic ending to an immense journey
of self discovery.
Popular co-host of the country’s top-rated The Breakfast Club radio show, Angela Yee, launched a new digital series, MASTERY OF COMEDY, on Facebook Monday, April 5, 2021, available via Yee’s Facebook (@teamyee) and IG (@angelayee) pages.
MASTERY OF COMEDY is based on Yee’s “speed dating meets comedic mentorship” concept she created for Facebook’s competitive WE THE CULTURE content program. Yee partnered with Emmy and Grammy award-winning producer and showrunner Rikki Hughes (Dave Chappelle comedy album and his most recent stand-up show, All Def Comedy, HBO and more) to produce the 6-part weekly series through Hughes production company, Magic Lemonade Productions.
A lover of comedy, Yee’s concept for the series came from her own query, “outside of hard work, what does it take to become a great stand-up comedian?“ She explains, “I was interested in combining the process of what it takes to become a successful comedian with mentorship, and I wanted to offer comedians around the world a lens into what it takes to develop a set that keeps the audience launching and engaged.”
MASTERY OF COMEDY pairs veteran comedians with four rookie comedians looking to enhance their skills and furthering their careers. The veterans offer critiques and insights to help the rookies polish their material and delivery to ultimately master comedy.
credit: David Hurteau
Kristian North (Montreal, CA) is a songwriter whose poetic wordplay and deep crooner voice lay the foundation for candid songs that have approached the hi-fi soft rock of Warren Zevon, the arty disco of Roxy Music, and the smart new wave of Sparks or Elvis Costello. As the music struts down analogue lane, quaint confessions, cloaked desires and mythical references, make up complex, yet heartfelt lyrics, just cryptic enough to engage insert and booklet enthusiasts.
Claire Chase, described by The New York Times as “the most important flutist of our time,” has released her most ambitious recording project to date: four full-length albums of the complete Density 2036 cycles from 2013-2018. Density 2036 is a 24-year project begun by Claire Chase in 2013 to commission an entirely new body of repertory for solo flute each year until the 100th Anniversary of Edgard Varèse’s groundbreaking 1936 flute solo, Density 21.5. Each year until 2036, Claire will commission and premiere a new program of flute music. These albums are the first fruit of these commissions, realized in the first three years of the project, featuring 17 works by 15 composers written for all members of Claire’s flute family, from piccolo to “Big Bertha” (her contrabass flute), as well as electronics, voice, and a handful of other instruments.
Tyshawn Sorey performed percussion on his contribution and Suzanne Farrin played Ondes Martenot on hers; Roomful of Teeth collaborate with Chase on one piece, and sound designer Levy Lorenzo handles the electronics throughout. Participants come from a wide range of creative contemporary music circles; they include Richard Beaudoin, Nathan Davis, Jason Eckardt, Dai Fujikura, Vijay Iyer, Felipe Lara, Mario Diaz de Leon, George Lewis, Pauline Oliveros, Pauchi Sasaki, Francesca Verunelli, and Du Yun. Full album credits can be found at density2036.org.
The exquisitely detailed recordings were made at the Meyer Sound Laboratories in Berkeley and produced by Matias Tarnopolsky over the course of four years, with no overdubbing or corrections, presenting Chase’s incredible musicality in all its glory. The physical recordings on CD are out now via Corbett vs Dempsey, an art gallery and record company based in Chicago and founded by music writer and producer John Corbett and Jim Dempsey. The recordings are also available digitally on Bandcamp.
Of the project, Claire Chase shares: “Density 2036 is a collective undertaking at its core, and this compilation of world premiere recordings from the first five years of the project is about so much more than a little tube of metal. It’s about an intergenerational, intersectional, multi-genre group of artists coming together to imagine a musical future in community. It’s also about creating a new ecosystem for the way that new music is created, nourished and shared, focusing well beyond a premiere. With DensitySeeds and DensityRoots, I hope that this living, breathing archive of work in all its forms will foster new forms of collaboration and conviviality within the next generations of musicians and listeners.”
Claire Chase is a flutist, collaborative artist, educator and advocate for new and experimental music. She was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 2012, and in 2017 was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize from Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Chase is Professor of the Practice of Music at Harvard University. She has given the world hundreds of new works by a new generation of composers, and she has championed new music internationally by forming organizations, cultivating intersectional alliances, founding commissioning initiatives and supporting community and education programs that reach new audiences. She lives in Brooklyn.
Mystic Marley, the daughter of Stephen Marley and granddaughter of the legendary Bob Marley, is a 22-year-old singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, California and Miami, Florida. Mystic is a born artist and performer. She sings with a curious maturity on themes of love, loss and personal victory.
Mystic’s performances radiate with a youthful wisdom and a sultry, grounded presence. With influences from artists like Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse and Alicia Keys – nested in her Jamaican roots – Mystic delivers her own unique flavor of R&B, Reggae Pop.
Mystic’s upcoming debut EP came together with the help of heavy hitter music makers including Grammy-award winning producer Brian “Soko7” Soko (Beyonce “Drunk in Love”, Drake, Lil Wayne), Grammy award-winning songwriter Kimberly “Kaydence” Krysiuk (Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Brandy), producer Darhyl *DJ* Camper (Brandy, Jessie J, Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blige, H.E.R.) and film composer Richard Gibbs (Queen of the Damned). Capturing classic sounds with a modern approach, Mystic has enjoyed working with an all-star crew of legendary studio musicians whose names appear on the most successful projects of the past decade.
Speaking on what inspires her writing, Mystic says “Living through love and remaining hopeful and faithful while on a journey of self-discovery…and detaching from ways of thinking and behaviors that no longer serve us..”
Finnish alt-pop budding newcomers Pastel Stereø share ‘Disappear’, alongside the single, the band unveil its glowing visual. Listen to ‘Disappear’ here. Watch the video for ‘Disappear’ here
Inspired by Eemeli’s relocation from Northern Finland Helsinki at age 16, ‘Disappear’ is about “change and having to leave things behind,” says the band; “it’s about the sacrifices made when chasing a dream, moving far away from home and the scary realisation of your old friends becoming a distant part of your memory.”
Formed at a music summer camp by singer Eemeli and guitarist Mikael, the band’s lineup was completed when Eemeli recruited high school friends Leo to play bass and Jimi to play drums. The band’s demos found their way to producer and songwriter Colin Brittain – known for his dynamic, genre-bending productions, including platinum LPs and singles for artists such as 5 Seconds of Summer, All Time Low, Avicii and Papa Roach – who invited them to make music with him. The band flew to Los Angeles and started working with Colin to define their sound, alongside a team of writers including Poppy and Yunglud’s collaborator Chris Greatti and American Teeth’s Elijah Noll.
With ‘Disappear’, Pastel Stereø are set to make an impact on the international music scene and take their rightful place as one of the most exciting emerging bands of the year.
singer and songwriter Robyn Sherwell shares ‘A Kiss’, the second single taken from her upcoming new album ‘Unfold’, due for release on June 18th – Stream ‘A Kiss’ here Watch A Kiss’ Video here. Pre-order ‘Unfold’ here.
Talking about the meaning behind the song, Robyn says; “A kiss is a simple act, but can also mean crossing the line between friendship and something more than friendship. The song speaks to the risk of doing something that can’t be undone, something that could change everything, and the floating exhilaration, fear, excitement and anticipation of that moment.”
Robyn’s alluring vocals are set over gently rocking Wurlitzer keys, with lush electric guitar delays building up into beguiling cascading layers, giving the sense of free-falling as the line is crossed. Robyn’s vocal delivery is like the whispered sharing of a secret, as we hear every tiny breath and are carried on the journey into this moment, one that so many people can relate to. The song is accompanied by a dance performance video, featuring LA based dancer Carly Blaney. The idea behind the video was born when Carly and Robyn connected via Instagram after Carly posted a video of herself dancing to Robyn’s cover of ‘Landslide’.
“We wanted the video to be simple and allow the choreography and Carly’s talent to shine,” explains Robyn. “Carly’s interpretation of the song as a solo dancer perfectly connects to the lyrics. I just adore how expressive and intimate it feels. I’ve always loved how beautifully dance can convey a song’s energy and meaning., I’m so happy to have been able to collaborate with Carly to create these visuals.”
Robyn Sherwell is a name that has been on the lips of tastemakers since her debut single ‘Love Somebody’ became a firm favourite of Lauren Laverne’s on BBC Radio 6 and signalled the arrival of a new heart-on-sleeve female singer-songwriter. Follow up single ‘Islander’, a dedication to her childhood home of Guernsey, quickly secured support from Huw Stephens and BBC Introducing, catapulting Sherwell onto the latter’s stage at Glastonbury in June 2015. That same summer, her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Landslide’ was chosen as the soundtrack to the trailer for the film ‘Suffragette’. This led to Lauren Laverne making the track her 6Music Recommends Track Of The Week, and Jo Whiley playing it twice in one show on her BBC Radio 2 show. In 2021, the emotive power of her rendition is still turning heads: having caught the attention of Airbnb, the song was placed within the film for their latest major global advertising campaign. While her original songs ‘Low’ and ‘Love Somebody’ have been featured on the soundtrack of popular TV shows including Good Trouble and Oprah Winfrey’s Queen Sugar.
2016 saw the release of her full-length debut album, produced by Bat For Lashes collaborator David Kosten, drawing rapturous reviews; The Guardian hailed Robyn “a significant new voice”. She became a PRS Momentum funded artist and her first UK headline tour culminated in a sold-out London show. Robyn’s music has amassed over 20 million cumulative streams, establishing her as a fresh standout voice in the realm of heartfelt confessional electro-pop.
After a challenging few years, during which Robyn stepped away from the limelight to focus on co-writing, and among other things becoming a mother, Robyn came back last December with her EP ‘Where Do We Go From Here’, which signals the confident return of an artist who’s experienced a lot, and is never afraid to express her emotions in beautifully bruised but enveloping melodic electro soul.
Dex Man is a name that has been circulating within the UK music scene over recent years. His name sits on YouTube on a string of self-released visuals and collaborations with names such as S. Wavey and Snap Capone but it’s over the last 12 months that have seen him split from the crowd to take a less conventional route, and its paying dividends.
Releasing his new single ‘So Deep’, Brixton native Dex Man is an articulate rapper that winds stories around life experience in a non-diluted yet accessible, engaging manner. Whilst his catalogue hears him flexing his lyrical muscle over numerous rap sub-genres, ‘So Deep’ sees him hit a bass-heavy drill beat from Sam Cliffe & Kev as he sets the scene for an increasingly familiar story. Dex Man explains, ”It’s a story from South London depicting how rapidly things can escalate in an environment where one day you can have a job & the next be lured by the fast-paced money of crime, but the consequences are all too familiar.”
STREAM/PURCHASE: DEX MAN – SO DEEP
Explicitly poignant, Dex Man’s single is a tale of sorrow, desperation and an ode to the society that we live in. His carefully balanced lyricism builds a perspective that is less frequently touched on in the current climate of UK rap, making it refreshing and sobering in its impact. Whilst Dex Man has previously proven his abilities to sway in to varying genres and moods, as heard with the Complex premiered 8-track project ‘Dexterity’, ‘So Deep’ is a true reflection of his versatility as an artist. Having initially started his career with top performing uploads to platforms including GRM Daily and Link Up TV, Dex Man migrated to his own platform last year, building a plethora of supporters for tracks such as ‘This Aint Drill’ and ‘Lift You Up’. In less than a year his 3 uploads have gained him nearly half a million views, with his records building major support across both Capital Xtra and the BBC network.
Now opening the door on a run of new music with the release of ‘So Deep’, Dex Man is an artist in his own lane that should be watched closely as his career blooms.
Casey Conroy knows if music doesn’t tell the truth, it’s not worth making – noting of her process, “I’m not interested in glamorizing myself just for the sake of being glamorous. It’s really important for me to reflect and make music about real people and real things.”
Casey’s first release of 2021 embodied this same truth. “As Deep As You Loved Me“, which released on February 12th, captured the innate duality of romantic relationships. Her second single of 2021, “Background Noise“, tackles topics of comparison and what it feels like to be an artist in the digital age.
Succeeding on from Snow’s Introductory ‘Freestyle’, he is now here to fortify his position in the scene with his debut release, ‘Risky Business’. Snow has been on a tough journey up until now and this is the start of a new chapter.
“What’s up shorty my names Snow, grew up in a council home” gives you an insight into his present day, growing up in Hainault, East London and with an Irish background raised by his mother. In and out of prison in his youth, the 22-year-old is transformed by his drive and desire to tell his story.
The main frame of the instrumental is made up of a vocal sample which plays the core melody in the track. Collaborating with firm kicks and solid snares, the beat is ready for Snow to finesse it. There is no filter to Snow’s bars, with lots of anecdotes from all walks of his life throughout the track. Due to his fresh, uninfluenced approach, we are blessed with original flows, especially in the thumping chorus.
With his music stemming from an area not seen before with no influences from other artists as he is not an avid music listener, he gives us a completely fresh, unique and direct approach. Just a citizen with a story to tell, and he has found music as his way to do so.
Humbled by his talent, Snow is not aware of his potential he possesses. ‘Risky Business’ is the tip of Snow’s ICE berg with 2021 the year he unleashes his blizzard on the scene!
Have you ever felt like a nomad, a wandering soul in search of something you can’t quite identify?
The song I am sharing with you explores the feeling that something is missing despite being in a good situation. The lack of security can leave you constantly searching in life.
“If I Leave” came to me when thinking back on my first serious relationship. After it ended, I was not ready to deal with any unresolved feelings until I sat down to write this song.
Writing “If I Leave” brought me the closure I needed. Although I loved the person I was with, I knew that, for whatever reason, what we were doing was not right for me.
Listen to “If I Leave” on your preferred platform.
Watch the official music video on YouTube.
This song encompasses the raw emotion I was feeling at the time, but I am surprised to see its meaning evolve over the years. It grew from how I felt in one particular relationship to the realization of a common theme in all my relationships. Because of this, I have grown to fall in love with it again and again.
“If I Leave” goes out to anyone who is looking for comfort but also for those who are looking to get lost. Thank you for listening.
Stefanie Parnell
Credit: Nick Paulsen
Vocalist, musician, producer, illustrator and actor, Dallas Tamaira shares soulful new single ‘Spider’– Stream ‘Spider’ here. Watch ‘Spider’ video here
‘Spider’ follows on last year’s lockdown single ‘No Flowers’ which marked Dallas Tamaira’s return to his roots as a solo artist after Fat Freddy’s Drop, of which Dallas is the founder member and vocalist, had a two month UK/European tour ground to a halt during the first COVID lockdown in March 2020. The acclaimed Kiwi band was forced to cancel the 14 sold out arena shows and return home facing a largely uncertain future. Dallas turned the potentially negative experience of self-isolation into a positive and productive time.
The brand new single ‘Spider’ represents the peaceful, slower pace of life Tamaira fell in love with during his confinement at home. Produced with friend, musician and producer Devin Abrams (Pacific Heights/Drax Project), the single late-night summer vibes, dark guitar and heavy bass contrasted with large sweeping layers of vocals are brought together with soulful piano flourishes. The result is smooth, lush, low-fi “slow soul”, delivered by arguably one of the world’s most gifted soul vocalists.
Talking about the track Dallas says; “the underlying message in the lyrics is that life can be hard sometimes and that’s ok. For some people it’s more important to see the world for how it is rather than maintaining a constant positive outlook. We are all built differently and that’s a beautiful thing. Whether you chose to be present in the now or escape reality completely, do it on your own terms and don’t let anyone else tell you how to live your life.”
Under the moniker of Joe Dukie Dallas rose to international acclaim as the velvet smooth vocalist for Fat Freddy’s Drop, a band considered one of the finest live draws worldwide. Dallas is of Ngati Tuwharetoa and Pakeha descent, born in Ōtautahi / Christchurch and raised in the small coastal town of Kaikoura. Music is in the blood, his Freddy’s stage name is inspired by his father singer-songwriter Joe and paternal grandfather, a musician nicknamed Dukie after Duke Ellington.
Dallas has fronted Fat Freddy’s Drop powerhouse from the early underground days in Wellington to headlining sell out shows across Europe, UK, Australia and back home in Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2005 Dallas was awarded Best Vocalist at the bNet NZ Music Awards, and he also illustrated Freddy’s iconic cartoon characters for ‘HOPE’ and ‘B.O.A.T.S’ albums.
As a guest vocalist Dallas worked and recorded tracks for international acts such as The Nextmen, Gentlemen’s Dub Club, Eva Be, Recloose and Boozoo Bajou and New Zealand artists including Pacific Heights, Tubbs and Shapeshifter.
XCORPIIIO (a.k.a. Kumasi Scorpio) just released his new single, “Lost Me”. You can listen to his new release here.
Rising R&B artist Otis Kane releases new single “Run,” which debuted on OWN’s latest episode of Queen Sugar. The revolutionary record carries a moody and dangerous aura, with Otis’ soulful vocal just right to lead the charge. The single is also accompanied by a sharp performance visual by Otis Kane and his three bandmates.
Otis Kane, a Los Angeles born writer, vocalist and producer, has breathed new life into today’s music scene with a string of passionate and honest releases that have come to encapsulate modern romance with smooth vocals and sultry lyricism.
After the successful release of his first two critically-acclaimed EPs Therapy and Growing Pains, Otis Kane has now surpassed three million global streams in just six months. He has also become a fan favorite across DSPs, securing adds to major playlists like Spotify’s “The Newness,” “Soul Lounge,” and “Alternative R&B,” among others. He continues to build momentum as he readies for the release of his debut album set to release Summer 2021.
Otis Kane’s natural talent as a songwriter and producer has led him to work behind the scenes with some of music’s very best, including Pink Sweat$, Zara Larrson, Julia Michaels, Wiz Khalifa, The Jonas Brothers and more while racking up dozens of sync placements in his young career including Queen Sugar, All Rise, All American, Good Trouble, and Hair Love.
KiNG MALA is an alternative soul artist based in Los Angeles. AKA Areli Castro, the El Paso born musician pens songs which touch on themes from lust, sexuality and badass femininity. Not afraid to spill her guts, the songwriter set out with the hopes to spark confidence in both herself and her listeners, creating music that will make you walk taller and speak louder. Both her music and visuals experiment with mascualine tropes, sharing “There’s something about taking something traditionally masculine and wearing it as a woman that makes me feel really powerful.” These masculine threads weave throughout everything she does, hence King rather than Queen and “MALA” which roughly translates to “bad bitch” in Spanish. Sharing her feelings from the bottom of her heart KiNG MALA encourages you to dig deep and connect with your inner-self. Life is messy and we shouldn’t feel ashamed to show our emotions and speak our mind.
Her latest single “She Calls Me Daddy” oozes with sass and power, with the songwriter claiming her sexuality and putting expectant men in their place. The song narrates her experience of men trying to steal her girl right in front of her eyes. KiNG MALA describes this as “a sucky reality of being in a queer relationship.” Eliciting both a gentleness and fierceness, KiNG MALA uses darker themes, turning them into lighter toned songs and taking some of the weight off of the troubles of life.
“She Calls Me Daddy” has a gentle, playful tone. With a laxed, trippy beat that sits under a muffled, easy-going bassline, the song progresses to subtle piano and stabbing synths, adding a tasteful glaze of character. The production unravels like a witty story – in its simplicity it leaves the crown for the musician’s phenomenally clever and mesmerizing lyrical ability. Playing on metaphors and sharing moments of her experiences through a KiNG MALA lens, the track allows her to take back her power and own who she is. She confesses, “The whole “I’m gonna steal your girlfriend” vibe was so cool to play around with but in all seriousness I really just want to normalize queer relationships and empower womxn and non-binary folks and make them feel badass.”
I wrote “Misty Morning“ about the first time that I knew real love. This song brings the hard realities and stories we often tell ourselves right to the fore.
With this track, I sought to explore the different motions of learning to love openly and be loved in return, despite my flaws and failures.
Listen to “Misty Morning“ via your preferred streaming platform now.
My new album, Set The Fire, will be released this spring.Follow along on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
I never used to understand the significance of roses. 🌹
Why we surround ourselves with them at both weddings & funerals.
Why we offer them to people who are in pain… as well as to those who are in love.
Maybe it’s because being in love & being in pain are closer than we’d like to believe.
After all, most of us at one point or another have been so blinded by a rose… 🥀
that we’ve failed to notice the sharp, intrusive thorns about to slice into our fingers.
That’s a poem I wrote, which you’ll hear in my music video on April 13th for my new single, “Nothing Ever Hurt Like You,” available on all platforms now.
Watch the accompanying lyric video on YouTube.
I’ve had a lot of loss in my life. A lot of moments spent at rock bottom. Through that, though, have come lessons & a deeper understanding of myself. This song is a vulnerable and brutally honest look at these dark times where I was heartbroken & grieving.
“Nothing Ever Hurt Like You” is intense & unsettling, yet I hope you can feel empowerment through that sadness.
Thank you for your support! Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok.
Leela
Tyler Shaw continues to surprise listeners at every turn. In “North Star,” Shaw steers his music into an up-tempo pop-rock sound, offering a new angle from his previous single and most romantic love song to date, “When You’re Home,” via Sony Music Canada. The tracks released so far all lead to the excitement of his upcoming full-length album due out this summer.
Released on his birthday—“North Star” is a new sound “for those who feel like they need a jolt of positivity” (HollywoodLife). On its meaning, Tyler Shaw explains, “‘North Star’ is about navigating towards something or someone positive in your life who just makes you feel good. That’s what keeps me motivated and inspired.”
“North Star” shines a light on Shaw’s uninhibited, hot-blooded delivery, which thrusts through the chorus, and is a real soulful, volume-to-eleven song that showcases his knack for good time pop. The track was co-written by Shaw, Nate Ferrero (Johnny Orlando, Bülow, Virginia to Vegas, Shawn Hook), Mike Sonier (The Weeknd, Julia Michaels, Noah Cyrus), and Alex ‘Pilz’ Vujic (a long-time collaborator of Shaw’s).
Complementing the single comes the performance video showcasing Tyler’s talents as a multi-instrumentalist. In the video, Shaw jams on his guitar, drums, bass, and impresses with his signature power-house vocals. “People are familiar with seeing me with an acoustic or electric guitar, and the piano on tour but not a lot of people know that I play and love the drums. I’ve also picked up bass over the years so it was cool to play the role of my own band and be featured with each of these instruments,“ says Tyler Shaw. “Each scene had a different character and vibe and outfit based on the instrument I was playing.”
The new single and video comes after the success of Shaw’s “When You’re Home” produced by Grammy-award nominated Jon Levine (Dua Lipa, Alessia Cara, Bebe Rexha, Drake), and co-written with Alex Beitzke (James Arthur), and Henry Brill (Jack Garrat). The world is surely taking note of Shaw’s talents—dubbed one of the ‘Best New Love Songs of 2021 (So Far) by Marie Claire in the US, “When You’re Home” also garnered praise in the states from American Songwriter, Parade, EUPHORIA., plus a wealth of international playlists including Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’, Apple Music’s ‘New Music Daily’ and the cover of Amazon Music’s ‘Fresh Pop’, among others.
New York-based vocalist ISA MARINA has released her latest single, “DOWN” today.
“DOWN” is a moving piece of dancehall that celebrates female unity and self-love. The track opens with steel drums and quickly explodes with infectious electronic production from DropOuts. The song was co-written by Isa and Chandra Rhyme. As the strong bass and shakers get your head moving, Isa comes in with an undeniably catchy hook. On this track, Isa demonstrates her vocal prowess as a force to be reckoned with.
Isa on “Down”: “I wanted to create a positive song that celebrated women. That celebrates us on our worst days and our best days, because all of us are so beautiful: dressed up, dressed down, of all backgrounds, origins, shades, and sizes. Leading our lives by society’s beauty standards will only leave us empty in the long run; we need to follow the beat of our own drums and celebrate ourselves in whichever way we see fit. This song was written to uplift and spread love.”
Isa Marina defines talent, passion, and creativity. NYC-born and Bronx raised, surrounded and infused with the rich cultural heritage of her Dominican and Afro-Cuban roots, as well as her native New York. Isa Marina has followed in her grandmother’s footsteps, the famed Cuban vocalist and actress Isaura Mendoza. She is often compared to Selena Quintanilla, Aaliyah, and Mariah Carey, with the current stylings and influences of her Latin/Caribbean contemporaries: Rihanna, Karol G, and Natti Natasha. Isa’s music is reflective of her multi-faceted personality, soulful roots, edgy exterior, and overpowering vocal ability.
In 2018 Isa Marina officially created and founded her record label, Norwood Entertainment, LLC and successfully managed and embarked on two tours: the Live in NYC Tour (2018), and her True Colors Tour (2019). She executive produced and managed the roll-out of the True Colors EP (2019), which is now her third EP release, following Montage (2013), and Mirrors, Vol. 1 (2016). Her most recent live offering was for this year’s Bronx Pride 2020 Concert for NYC Pride. Isa Marina was invited to compete on MTV’s TRL, for the show’s ‘Rock the Mic’ competition hosted by Keyshia Cole and won. She also collaborated with Tidal when she was invited as a guest on popular Latin online personality, La Bella Chanel’s show: ‘Ayudame Chanel’. In August of that same year, Isa Marina released her beloved summer hit-single, “Tidalwave” All of her music is available for streaming on all digital platforms. She is currently working on new music and content to share with her adoring supporters.
artist and songwriter Tessa Violet has released a brand new single, “Games,” featuring L.A. indie rock outfit lovelytheband. Listen to the song everywhere now here. An official video for the song will be coming soon!
A standout from her
About the collaboration, Tessa adds: “Soooooo excited about having lovelytheband on Games!!! Honestly I feel like Mitchy’s voice on this song really pushes it over the edge!”
platinum-certified Boston-born and Los Angeles-based rapper BIA uncovers the music video for her latest single “Whole Lotta Money.” It notably boasts a cameo from Justin Combs. Watch it HERE. The song remains a standout from her acclaimed 2020 For Certain EP. Listen HERE via Epic Records.
Directed by Ben Marc [Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz], the clip features BIA in a series of eye-popping vignettes. PAPER Magazine calls BIA “an absolute financial fatale” in the video as she raps by a fire on a plush vintage green couch, takes over kiddie rides with an equally fly girl gang, and saunters through a bodega with Justin Combs behind the counter counting racks. Flexing in designer head-to-toe, she literally brings the lyrics, “I put on my jewelry just to go to the bodega, and I keep it with me just so that I’m feeling safer,” to life. Fittingly, it culminates with bills upon bills raining down in the strip club.
To create the video’s series of coveted looks, BIA worked with stylists Grace Butler and Tyrina Lee and styled BIA in designers like Chanel, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and more.
Tracks from For Certain have cumulatively amassed over 30 million streams and counting. HotNewHipHop ranked it “VERY HOTTTTT,” while Complex claimed, “BIA is wrapping up 2020 with a bang.” Beyond looks from Nylon, Refinery29, and more, FLAUNT put it best, “Bia’s time is now! Hailing from Boston, the rising star has been grinding and putting in the work, creating nothing short of bangers for her growing fanbase.”
Tia Gostelow turned heads in 2018 with the release of her Queensland Music Award Album Of The Year, Triple J Feature album debut record Thick Skin. Tia Gostelow’s second album Chrysalis is out now and is produced by Oscar Dawson (Holy Holy, Alex Lahey). The eleven track album features lush pop landscapes with danceable 80’s influences. Chrysalis album orders for vinyl, CD and new merch are all available HERE.
“Chrysalis touches on really personal moments of my life over the last 2 years. I wrote these songs when I was living by myself in Brisbane and when I was in probably the loneliest and most anxious state I’ve been in. I’ve found it really difficult to navigate life being away from my family and my partner, I’m such a family orientated person so when I was living by myself in a big city it really took a toll on me mentally. I feel like dealing with these emotions and putting them into these songs helped me overcome those feelings.” – Tia Gostelow
“Before the songs were even finished I knew I wanted Oscar Dawson to produce the record. He’s a gun and I was obsessed with all of the music coming out that he was producing. I met up with him in Brisbane and we instantly got along so well. Going into record this album I obviously knew a bit more than I did recording ‘Thick Skin’ and I was a bit more inclined to have more involvement musically. I played bass, piano and synth on some songs which was really important to me and I’m so grateful that Oscar was so patient with me. He really pushed me to go to places vocally and musically that I probably wouldn’t have done without him which I am also super grateful for!” – Tia Gostelow
Tia Gostelow’s “Strangers” has cracked over 12 Million streams on Spotify just a few months after the single was certified Gold. The song featured on Tia’s debut album Thick Skin which picked up a Queensland Music Award for Album Of The Year, Triple J Feature album which added to her ever growing list of accolades including her last several singles being added to high rotation on Triple J and stations around Australia and internationally.
Fans can hear an album rich with nods to her indie, guitar folk past, while celebrating a world of dance floors and blurry festival weekends with songs.
LA-based indie pop artist Hannah Hausman sets her past ablaze as she walks a new path and welcomes closure in the new video for “whole foods parking lot” out now via Quadio Records.
“It’s the honesty–and the bravery to be so vulnerable in her songs–that makes Hannah one to watch,” says HollywoodLife. “I was able to let go because I realized the story would always end the same, no matter what,” Hannah Hausman explains in the premiere feature, “I am naturally very forgiving, and this was the first time I’ve ever had to completely cut someone out of my life to this extent. It was so difficult for me to do that, but I’ve come a long way, and I’m really proud of myself for maintaining it. Sometimes a person is only meant to play a main role in your life for a season, and that’s okay.”
The singer-songwriter’s newest single is another candid documentation of the emotional rollercoaster that is young love and follows Hannah Hausman’s 2021 label debut “will i ever feel like this again?” which heralded praise from 1883 Magazine, MTV, Ones To Watch, PARADE, PopularTV, The Deli LA, among others. Originally crafted to process her emotions after an unexpected encounter with a toxic ex, “whole foods parking lot” was never intended to be released and left untouched as a question mark. Upon uploading a clip of the free-write on TikTok, the slew of comments from listeners who could relate to the unnerving experience inspired her to make it official and figure out the ending.
“I felt like I was just getting over everything and then seeing my ex sent me spiraling backwards,” Hannah Hausman admits, “It was such a weird feeling and I didn’t know what to do, so I came home, started playing the piano, and wrote this song.” She tells EUPHORIA, “Writing this song helped me find a sense of closure – not only for the event but for the relationship as a whole. In a sense, the song is everything I wanted to say to him in that moment and helped me find freedom to let go of the bitter, unsettling feelings I was holding… If he hears it, he will definitely know it’s about him.”
Scott Nicholls is a country singer/songwriter from the UK. After growing up amongst his father’s vinyl collection, submerged in the likes of Tom Petty, Fats Domino and T. Rex, Nicholls picked up the guitar at age 13 and the rest is history. Having always been a fan of rock music, he developed a liking for country music when living in the US and now incorporates a raw, expressive country/rock tone across his music. Falling in love with country music’s storytelling abilities, he describes music as a universal communicator, sharing “we need more communication for good. That’s what music is to me – that’s what I want people to do with my music.”
Through catchy hooks and honest, heartfelt lyrics, Nicholls’ emotive songs touch on love lost and new beginnings, all coming from difficult life lessons. Writing about his own experiences became a way of talking about what he was going through and an outlet for his pent-up feelings. His latest single “Heartbeat” arose after experiencing a series of trauma, which resulted in Nicholls putting his heart and soul into his music. He shares, “everything since 2016 has been a learning experience and forced me to grow in ways I didn’t think I’d ever have to.”
During an emotional purge he found himself writing “Heartbeat.” The pop-country track with a fiery rock edge features classic twangy acoustic strums, gritty electric guitar hits, snappy, tight drums, bursting with energy and passion. His rich, bright, heroic voice glides effortlessly across the golden, female vocals of Savannah Gardner. Oozing dynamics, Nicholls’ lyrics emit a quintessential country image, singing “You came at me like a freight train, but you got swept up in my hurricane.”
Nicholls opens up about “Heartbeat” explaining, “We may not be in the springtime of our lives right now, but after a really tough year for everybody I wanted to release something that people could remember that nostalgia is ok. Looking back is ok.” Thematically, Nicholls’ music follows the mantra of new beginnings and the acceptance of your past. Life can be shockingly brutal, and realisations about people, situations and habits can bring a harsh reality. The songwriter confides, “ultimately new beginnings are always good things.”
To date, Nicholls has worked and played with some of the best artists the UK has to offer, in some of the most famous independent venues including The Bedford, The Water Rats, The Troubadour and the Hard Rock Cafe. His music is widely recognised across the globe and has received plenty of spins on national radio stations. In 2020 Nicholls played the online Unlock Festival (NBC Universal), alongside artists like Jimmie Allen and KT Tunstall. “Heartbeat” is currently available worldwide.
Photo credit: Anthony Harrison
Manchester outfit Sea Fever share ‘Folding Lines’, the title track from their upcoming debut album set for release on August 13th. Listen to ‘Folding Lines’ here. Pre-order the album ‘Folding Lines’ here
The new cut follows on from the recently released first single ‘Crossed Wires’, and its dystopian video – watch here and gives a glimpse on what’s to come with the band’s upcoming debut album.
Talking about the song, the band says; “lyrically it’s a song about longing and promise, about returning to a place that connects you to your past. It links to the band name, both our singers come from seaside towns, so it’s quite a strong narrative for us. Musically it’s the most unique track on the album, we wanted it to be distinctive sounding, like a cross between a spaghetti western soundtrack and early 80’s New York dance music.”
Sea Fever is a five piece collective fronted by Iwan Gronow (Haven, Johnny Marr) on vocals and guitars, alongside singer Beth Cassidy (Section 25), the collective also features New Order’s Tom Chapman and Phil Cunningham – with Tom on bass, guitars, synths and programming and Phil on guitars, while powering the band’s pulsing beats is Elliot Barlow.
Sea Fever explains that their coming together as a unit felt inevitable: “We’d wanted to work with each other for ages, so when we finally sat down in the studio, the band just seemed to come together naturally. It felt like we were really free to explore the kinds of music that have always inspired us, we dug right through the record crates of our minds to shape the sound of Sea Fever.”
The result is a debut ten-track album that represents the sound of a band instinctively working together; effortlessly exciting and equally timeless. Including recent singles ‘Crossed Wires’ and ‘Folding Lines’, the full-length will also feature upcoming singles ‘De Facto’, ‘Under Duress’ and ‘Built To Last’.
Fusing intelligent electronics and clanging guitars, underpinned by soaring and hypnotic strings, the band has already picked up early support from the likes of Chris Hawkins on BBC 6 Music.
After the release of the earnest Piano Tapes, Vol.2 EP last autumn, London based singer-songwriter Benedict Cork unveils heartfelt new single “All My Famous Friends”.
With wistful piano chords and a soulful nostalgic soundscape, Benedict outlines the notion of drowning in a digital world and the expectations of social media. The singer-songwriter’s hypnotic vocals float over a bed of ethereal textures as the track snowballs into a lullaby-esque oblivion.
Speaking on the track, Benedict says: “‘All My Famous Friends’ is a song about the dark side of social media. It all feels a little dystopian these days; we curate our own daily TV shows to project polished versions of ourselves out to the world. But in the end, I fear it’s making us all feel a little lonelier, and a little less connected each day. I was certainly feeling that way the day this song was written.”
Several years in the making, Indonesian superstar Afgan at long last unveils his highly anticipated international debut album Wallflower, alongside the stylish video for “if i don’t have your love” – out via EMPIRE. A succinct and sultry collection of ten tightly produced R&B-pop gems, the Wallflower album encapsulates the dynamically dreamy nature of Afgan’s artistry which has seen him become one of Asia’s brightest stars. Whilst exploring multi-faceted
feelings around love, relationships and self-discovery, much of Wallflower is born out of Afgan’s struggle with his mental health, with poignantly sharp lyricism said to be inspired by delving into self-help books as a form of therapy. From the noughties R&B influences in “hurt me like you” to the mellifluously funkadelic “if i don’t have your love”, Afgan’s natural ability to push and blend genre barriers and curate utopian soundscapes remains the common thread as he continues to carve out his international presence. With his sensual opener “M.I.A” featuring close friend and K-Pop megastar Jackson Wang, Afgan sets the tone for his ‘Noir&B’ sound with tracks like the laid back “easy” and the juicily jazzy “alone with you”. Effortlessly contrasted with grittier sounds like “bad”, Wallflower comes full circle with the whimsically blood rushing “don’t forget about you” and “touch me”.
Revered artist and performer, AJA (they/them) releases their new album, CROWN, on May 21. AJA incorporates themes of Black spirituality and elevation throughout CROWN – as well as fame, race, class, gender, and sexuality. CROWN is ultimately about AJA standing tall and proud while overcoming various hardships and coming to terms with their vulnerability. Instrumentation, singing and chanting throughout the album is directly tied to the Lukumi Faith; which stems from Nigeria – with every interlude having the name of the Orisha (or deity) being sung for in the title. Today, AJA releases “Tough Love” (featuring GESS), the second single from the release. Last month, they shared CROWN’s lead single, “21 Roads”.
Of “Tough Love,” AJA shares: “This song is about toxic relationships. When I wrote this I was having a toxic relationship with social media, with people who are my so-called fans, and I was also dealing with a difficult romantic relationship. I felt so weak and vulnerable, I just really wanted to be supported for doing the things that were going to make me happy. I felt as if I was growing weaker and the world was just growing more stubborn. I often contemplated my own death. I was too scared to actually do anything though. I really felt like I needed to push through and finish writing the album. So I did and I figured one day people were going to hear my story and think ‘Is this how you really felt?’ but the irony was that I felt like everyone was watching me dismantle myself on social media.
Since then I have acquired a beautiful support system in my personal lives and also have moved on to less toxic relationships including with my fan base. I started paying less attention to people who demanded what they wanted to see from me and started paying more attention to people who were just interested in what I had to say and show. I hope this song teaches people that they should really measure the message before they deliver it because I think one problem a lot of society has today is we are very unaware of how we hurt people that we claim to care about. I wrote this song in hopes that I would learn how to love correctly and allow myself to be loved.”
Further building out an immersive sonic world, gold-certified pop phenom AJ Mitchell shares a new single entitled “STOP” today. Get it HERE via Vol 1./Epic Records. The creative official lyric video is available at 12 pm EST today HERE. The song is the next chapter to be unveiled from his anxiously awaited full-length debut album, Skyview, due out this year and executive produced by Mike Dean.
The track pairs a thumping bass line and flurry of funk guitar with a showstopping vocal performance. He delivers charismatic verses before igniting the instantly unshakable hook, “I don’t wanna stop, baby it’s our time.”
“STOP” continues the journey that was set in “CAMERAS ON,” released late last Month. The conceptual lyric video shared today picks up where “CAMERAS ON” left off. While “CAMERAS ON” depicts the story of AJ dealing with the darker sides of fame and his previous experiences with the content collective Team 10, the new lyric video finds him walking away from the cameras to the stage, depicting his passion and dedication to the music and what truly matters. Stay tuned for the official music video, set to premiere soon.
With all of the songs releases from Skyview thus far, we’ve seen AJ Mitchell truly coming into his own, showcasing his knack for great storytelling.
“When you listen to the album, I want you to feel nostalgic,” AJ says. “It really takes me home. At the same time, I want you to know more about who I am. Talking to the camera is unnatural for me. The best way for everybody to understand me is through my songs. I’m still just a kid who lives his life through music. There’s not a single day I don’t think about it or don’t want to run to my guitar, my piano, or my notepad and start writing.”
Alt-pop act Kyd the Band (aka Devin Guisande) returns in the first single “Glory” off his EP Season Four: Finale slated for release later this year via Four Music / Sony. Devin cuts deep in every song he releases and “Glory” is no different. The track is an uplifting ballad, inspiring the listener to follow their dreams whether they win or lose in spite of any obstacles.
“Glory” begins with tranquil guitar plucking but seamlessly erupts with triumphant piano and drum line, fully completing itself through a gospel sounding choir all sung and harmonized by Devin himself. On the single he explains, “My voice is the one that has to matter the most to me. I write music because there’s truth and meaning in it for me. It feels like there’s honor in it. I do this because I want there to be a point to my story, and whether I “fail” or “succeed”, is defined by me at the end of the day.”
The gospel feel of “Glory” brings Kyd The Band’s artistry full circle for the critically acclaimed songwriter. Once Guisande joined the Pentecostal church he had to give up his initial dream of becoming a professional athlete, but through the church he found gospel and his love of music. However, he was not allowed to write any non-secular music, prompting Devin to exit the church and follow his passion of music. Now after three EPs and finding himself musically, Devin returns to his roots with the gospel elements in “Glory.”
“Fly Wizard Fly” is meant to take you on a journey. U.S. election night and the classic film, Pulp Fiction, were the main inspirations for our new track, which envisions a wizard trying to magically change peoples minds.
Enter the world of “Fly Wizard Fly” via your preferred platform
Check out the official video for “Fly Wizard Fly” via YouTube
We used wall-of-sound brass and organs to channel funk pioneers, combined with our vocalist Mike Hendrick‘s slightly tongue-in-cheek rapping style. Keith Horne‘s sinister bass playing and the Cozy Condition’s horn section provide the centrepiece of “Fly Wizard Fly,” which features Daniel Clarke’s world class keyboard solos. The expanded instrumentals and solo runs of this song indicate a way forward for our music, which we loved pairing with lyrics that went off the rails into Pulp Fiction territory.
Thank you for coming along for the ride that is “Fly Wizard Fly.”
Mashup & Cozy Condition
Gliding off the back of her mesmerising sophomore single “In My Head”, London based singer songwriter Naila unveils sublime dream-bop “Forever”. Surfacing with floor shaking bass and flirtatious guitar licks, “Forever” snowballs into
a spectacular R&B-Pop fuelled explosion, flooded with blood rushing 808s and nebulous textures. With Naila’s stunning vocal ability dominating the soundscape, she outlines the notion of breaking free from the confines of a relationship that no longer serves her. Accompanied by a sleekly nostalgic visual that encapsulates the inner push and pull of romantic relationships, Naila provides a taste of new-age reminiscence, as well as showcasing her superstar potential. Speaking on the track, Naila said: “I feel Forever is about finally getting out of that toxic loop with a significant other, someone who has stepped out of the relationship more than once. Though easier said than done, it’s about the sense that the relationship is doing you no good. It’s kind of a “fuck you” anthem to say I’m moving on and finally done.” Hailing from South-West London, 19 year old Naila’s love for music isn’t just a phase. With influences spanning between Ariana Grande and Rihanna, the fresh faced artist’s unique blend of New Wave Pop has seen her garner over 60k streams on Spotify, as well as gaining key support from Rellik Tha Don, who sat down for an interview with her for Reprezent Radio. Her debut single “Nights Like These” received praise from tastemaker GAL-DEM, as well as a slot on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Playlist. With plenty of music in the pipeline paired with a determination to return to the live scene, this RnB newcomer is looking towards a milestone year in 2021, stay tuned for the plentiful delights she has up her sleeve.
Motorbike James is the musical brainchild and artist alias of Michael Werbicki, a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer from Edmonton, Canada. Motorbike James’ natural prerogative is to live a life in the moment, for the moment. That emotion comes out in all sides of his life – chasing adrenaline highs, riding motorbikes, exploring the world, and most of all through music. Motorbike James is a stream of consciousness writer, he writes through pure emotion and what he feels in the moment. What comes out the other side is a unique offering of music that is hard to pin under any one genre. Elements of electronic, indie rock, psychedelic, and R&B poke through each song. Motorbike James’ debut single “me Roll,” hit the world hard with deep synths, hip hop inspired beats, and his classic laid back vocal. “me Roll” landed on Spotify’s ‘Fresh Finds’ and ‘Study Break,’ along with VIISIONS,
an album that weaves a lush soundscape into groove driven indie rock.
A dynamic 10-song offering that, like its accompanying narrative, transcends time and reality to take the listener on an odyssey through feeling & emotion. VIISIONS is an entity, encapsulating a creative origin and purpose that will be apparent in every stage of the album roll out. There is a remarkable visual presence accompanying the album, cohesive with the VIISIONS narrative. From the first promotional teasers, to the photos and music videos that will follow, the visual element of this project is as impactful and impressive as the music itself.
McKinney, Tx native John Andrew Stallings, aka Juno Uno, began his songwriting exploring sounds like most teens do, on an acoustic guitar but then quickly expanded his sounds to other instruments and found a natural voice and means of expression through the electric guitar and different synths. A brief move to Austin let him explore these sound palettes even more and it was there that he began writing profusely and increased his musical vision through experimentation and focusing his energies inwards to discover his own countless realms of the mind.
Juno created a few musical projects under various aliases and then decided to leave Austin to travel the country. Inspired by spiritual growth and mysticism, he returned home to McKinney where he built a studio and began committing all of his time to writing and recording a style of his own design inspired by the poetic words of 1960’s lyricism, the modern psychedelic feel of Tame Impala, earthy moods of Toro Y Moi, and the original truths of 1980’s synth-pop. Juno creates a musically inventive dreamy atmosphere and it’s mixed with raw and organic positive sonic exploration.
Juno Uno’s debut single “Sides” will be released on March 26th on Red Zeppelin Records via all streaming platforms.
Putting numbers on the board and receiving acclaim from FLAUNT Magazine, UPROXX, and more, Charm La’Donna releases her debut EP, La’Donna today.
Get it HERE via Epic Records.
To celebrate the project’s arrival, the rising rapper, artist, dancer, creative director, songwriter, VMA Award-winning choreographer, and proud Compton native also just dropped the music video for the single “Palm Trees.” Watch it HERE. The visual offers an intimate look at her neighborhood. In the middle of the street, she launches a traffic-stopping dance routine next to a cherry red classic car before breaking it down on the roof of a graffiti-covered truck.
Sam Valdez’s blend of shoe-gaze, Americana, indie-rock, and pop provides an evocative backdrop for her reflective songs about a childhood growing up in the glare and space of Las Vegas, Nevada. Echoes of formative musical experiences as a child violinist, and the mystery, beauty, and haunting quality of desert life can be heard in the music of the now Los Angeles native, who displays a knack for dreamy textures, and a flair for abstract but emotive lyrics. Classical music’s force has informed her potent and sweeping arrangements, and cinematic sense of dynamics.
Her upcoming album, Take Care, is a personal memoir of people and experiences central to her life’s experience. As Valdez confides, “It’s about recklessness and the first real life changing experiences of intimacy, learning to be more self reliant, coping and moving on.” Take Care highlights reverb-dipped, textured, melancholic songs, resulting in a breathtaking debut album.
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