Nashville-based artist and songwriter KINGS has released a brand new single, “ur a good bye.” Her first single since her recent signing with Snafu Records, “ur a good bye” is available everywhere now here. Watch the lyric video here.
A bombastic pop anthem striking a masterful blend of slick electro-pop production and soaring vocal hooks, “ur a good bye” is a bold taste of what’s to come from the budding artist. Describing the track, KINGS notes:
- “I wrote ‘ur a good bye’ last August with a few writer/producer friends of mine. I told them about this guy I unofficially dated and let me tell you, it was a mess. His immaturity was astonishing, but it made for some interesting art. I love taking bad situations and turning them into something people can jam to in their car. We were talking about the situation and I was like, ‘I can’t even be mad at this situation because he was a good bye.’”
Born in smalltown North Carolina, KINGS threw herself into the arts at a young age, playing piano, singing, and studying dance. By age 15, her parents were driving her to/from Nashville every month for songwriting sessions, and in senior year of high school, she and her family moved to Nashville permanently to approach her music career head-on. KINGS describes, “Nashville is an incredible city full of ambitious people. It was so natural for me to be in an environment where everyone is always creating no matter what. It definitely took my drive for music to the next level.”
Sarah Barrios has released her latest single, “I H8 EVERY1”. This song was created as part of Sarah’s “You Ask, I Write” series on TikTok with a short snippet initially shared on May 3rd of this year. After its viral response on TikTok with over 3 million plays and over 650k likes, Sarah had to release the full version.
“Fairytales are hard to believe sometimes, especially if your prince or princess charming doesn’t turn out to be who you hoped them to be. It’s easy to give up on love and hope altogether and can make you feel like it’s you against the world. But every once in a while, you meet someone you don’t mind being around, and you start to feel that small sliver of hope. That’s what this song is about.” – Sarah Barrios
“I H8 EVERY1” was written by Sarah with Wyatt Sanders and produced by Evan Gartner. The release of “I H8 EVERY1” comes shortly after her single, “Have We Met Before?” featuring Eric Nam. The latter garnered a lot of attention on streaming platforms and receiving praise from outlets such as Teen Vogue, Ones to Watch, Sweety High, and many more. She is definitely one you want to keep an eye on.
Emerging as one of the most characterful and intriguing new voices in the US right now, Oakland artist Pher unveils the glorious new visual for his acclaimed recent track “Murky”.
Dripping with artistic flair and soulful imagination, the visual encapsulates the essence of Pher as an artist: brimming with classic finesse and levels of craftmanship that feels like a breath of fresh air. Mirroring the track’s organic instrumentation with vast forestry and serene waters, the cinematic visual creates a fittingly polished, creative backdrop for an artist that feels like something very special.
Speaking on the track, Pher said: “Murky personifies my life as an artist in a nutshell; perseverance, dedication, commitment, and a relentless pursuit to bring my music to the houses and streets of the world. The song basically says there’s no quit in me, because Self belief is everything. My music is my testimony, my life, the challenges of love” says Pher. “I’m not a gospel artist, but I do have a story. From being a young father, to living check to check, to fighting for my career in music. Murky is the perfect representation of my journey. The constant fight to keep going in life, in my quest to be an artist, while sustaining a life for my wife and kids. My life is an open book, merely so I can be the middleman between you and true love. Let my music be your guide”
Lucy & La Mer’s new single “Ooh La La” embodies the artist’s message of self-empowerment and self-acceptance.
Lucy LaForge, the artist behind the name “Lucy & La Mer”, is known for the positivity in her songs, as well as her mental health advocacy within the LGBTQ community. Coming out in an interview in 2018, Billboard stated that the singer is “proud of who and what she is.”
Lucy’s repertoire has been featured by The LA Times, Huffington Post, EARMILK, Billboard Pride, Pride and many more publications. Her music is a blend of pop empowerment with lyrical stylings mirroring her storytelling folk music upbringing.
Often seen wielding a ukulele, Lucy was chosen to feature the new Billie Eilish Ukulele by Fender in Summer 2020. The singer has also collaborated with major brands like IKEA, HP, Guitar Center, and Kala Ukuleles. Her music can be heard on international commercials, with companies such as Disney and Dove using her upbeat tunes in advertisements.
In 2020, Lucy’s fans came together after the initial Stay-At-Home covid order to create a fanmade music video for her song, “Together”. Although touring and shows have halted, her close relationship with her audience continues to grow. She stays in touch with her fans on her weekly “Late Night with Lucy” livestream show and has just launched a monthly online concert series on Patreon. “Ooh La La” is her second single of 2021, following her playful love story track, “Rollercoaster”.
After racking up nearly 2 million views independently and receiving glowing early praise from i-D, PAPER Magazine, and more, African superstar singer and songwriter TYLA has inked a global deal with Epic Records. She has quietly become one of the hottest artists on the continent, and she’s primed for a major breakthrough now.
About the signing, Epic Records Chairwoman and C.E.O. Sylvia Rhone commented, “Tyla has all the qualities of a true career superstar. At the same time, there’s never been an artist quite like her. She’s become a star in Africa on her own terms, and now she’s going to redefine the sound of pop music worldwide. We’re so excited to welcome her to the Epic Records family.”
Tyla added, “This really is a dream come true! I had no plan B, so this is something I invested my everything into and I could not be more satisfied to be welcomed into the Epic family like this, it’s such an honor, I’m so grateful for everyone who believes in me. My team at FAX and I worked so hard to get here and I’m super excited to keep growing with them and take it to the top. Sylvia and Epic share our vision, we want to make great art and bring the world’s attention back home to Africa. I cannot wait to share what we have with the world.”
Songwriter turned accidental frontman; Peter Drucker has developed a style that loosely threads the line between an out-of-phase Kanye blended with “Montana” era John Mayer. He creates melodies with infectious enthusiasm, and a lyrical intensity spanning a well crafted collection of glimpses into his mind.
Youthful and ambitious, Peter burst onto the scene in 2018, with an armoury of tracks ranging from electric guitar driven synth-pop, to catchy, heartfelt string-centred ballads; all aided by a uniquely soulful voice and a dominant sense of groove that leaves listeners mumbling choruses into the night.
Based out of Toronto, he is performing and writing every chance possible, honing and developing his craft by working with local and global talents such as Laguil (J-SOUL, DVBBS & lil Baby), Roy Hamilton III (George Nozulka, Mia Martina) & Kevin Howley (of Running Red Lights).
“Each song tries to say something. If people don’t talk about it, don’t respond, then it’s back to square one. But every day I wake up excited, sketching a little bit closer to whatever that truth is.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fyH78xnHRg
“Begging For The Tide“ is special to me because it’s one of the only songs I’m releasing that I produced entirely on my own – with support from “D10” Tennant (Drake), issuing a new chapter in my career since parting ways with a major label.
I had trailed off into writing about a girl that I liked. I described her as a warm wave of ocean water and that took me back to visiting Hilton Head Island with my family as a kid. My dad would take my brothers and me to the beach in the evening when the waves would be really big and we would get decked trying to boogie board into them. The bigger the waves, the better.
Stream “Begging For The Tide“ on YouTube 🌊 SoundCloud 🌊 Spotify 🌊 Apple Music
That experience inspired the entire song – I liked this girl so much that I felt like I was sitting on a beach begging for a wave to come and envelop me. I wanted to see her so bad that I found myself asking the universe to make it happen. Flowing with references to the sea, my fave line is and the siren song in every sigh is drowning out all of my pride, enough to plead with Poseidon. I knew I wanted to mention a siren – one of those mermaid-type ladies that made old-timey sea captains crash their boat because they’re so dreamy..
I hope you enjoy the song. Official music video coming soon.
Lucas DiPasquale
Lay’s debut EP “…but i still love you” is a three song EP based on a lot of emotions with some slow, upbeat songs. the title “…but i still love you” is in reference to the context of the songs, which talk about doing the most you can for somebody and for yourself. Lay is a 16 year old singer songwriter from New York City. She started singing at a young
age and hopes to pursue her music further and show her love for it with everyone else. Kayla’s musical journey is just beginning.
A desperado of modern culture, DEVORA, bridges outlaw country melodies with dark pop hooks drawing you into her surrealist western world. Raised in the desert of Arizona, DEVORA draws her inspiration from her roots, growing up around desert creatures in a western town, experiencing the sinister lawless side of desert life, and the characters she’s met along the way. In her modern goth-western vignettes she conjures images of ghost towns, dark rodeos, the haunted desert, abandoned motel rooms, skylines on fire, the open road and reckless tales of love and loss in a modern wild west.
A rebel at heart, DEVORA has always taken the road less traveled and her reputation precedes her. Singing and writing since she was a small child, music comes second nature to her, as she was continuously writing short stories and poetry while growing up in a small desert town. Eventually she began to draw on the stories, encounters, strange themes and adventures occurring in her life by turning them into songs. With favorite pastimes such as hanging out in graveyards, exploring and traveling to bizarre places (she speaks fluent French and is of 100% Russian descent ), studying medical textbooks and philosophy, DEVORA is an eccentric independent spirit who marches to the beat of her own drum. Coining the genre, “Outlaw pop”, DEVORA weaves visual soundscapes from a moody surrealist wild-west dream world. Tales of eerie backroad encounters, route 66, neon-laden casinos, Silver City sunsets and midnight bandits are all intricately enmeshed with strong visceral imagery and cinematic scenes straight out of the ‘dark side’ of the American southwest. Owning the road as her home, DEVORA’s fierce femme fatale spirit trailblazers the way for a new frontier in contemporary culture.
DEVORA is not just music, but an immersive multimedia artistic experience of the Wild West, re-imagined in 2020. It’s not her story, but all of our stories, to choose and be immersed in your own adventure; to harness your own inner outlaw. Her last release ‘Not Dead Yet,’ celebrates life in the fast lane, while marking the beginnings of a wild expedition ahead, and the spiritedness of riding off into a pitch black sunset.
Kelly McMichael (from Peterborough ON, based in St. John’s NL), is known for her commanding vocals and stage presence as well as her classic-sounding songwriting and arranging skills. She is able to fiercely conduct musical forces by layering vocal harmonies, producing beats, riffing on guitars and serenading at the piano. Kelly has toured Canada, the UK and the US with various projects, most recently keys and vocals with Sarah Harmer. She has fronted Renders, Thelma & Louise, Kelly McMichael and The Gloss and Rouge, and as a collaborator Kelly has performed with Regina Gently (and alter ego Gentleman Reg), Allie X, Richard Laviolette, Terra Lightfoot, The Hidden Cameras, John, Claire Whitehead and Geordie Gordon (Islands, US Girls).
Kelly McMichael’s debut full-length album “Waves” displays a wide range of rock sounds and marks a transition from her electronic based project ‘RENDERS’. It has taken years to find the right circumstances to bring these arrangements to life, and she finally found them by the ocean with the support of engineer, co-producer and drummer Jake Nicoll (The Burning Hell), and multi-instrumentalists Sarah Harris (Property), and Maria Peddle. Kelly is keeping busy with musical explorations and dreaming of rock and roll concerts and she can’t wait to tour again.
Newark native Rolling Stone P releases a fresh dose of feels with his latest single “Magic” independently via Venture Brotherz Music. “Magic” is available on all DSP streaming platforms and services today; an official lyric video is streaming now via YouTube. The track finds the bold, budding star professing sentiments on love and life with his innovative style. Creating the sound of the future in his live fearlessly motto always in mind, Rolling Stone P is one of the artists to watch in 2021 and is poised for stardom.
Rolling Stone P shares, “The love of my life inspired magic. I was in a low place and didn’t really have a sense of care about how I was moving. But once I met her, things changed. It was so unexpected it felt like magic.” We need those feel-good bops today, so I’m on go-time with releasing them.”
Across the six tracks which comprise Eventually, Toronto band, The Effens’ upcoming third EP, a dark, razor-sharp, grunge-glam sound emerges. Due out July 30, 2021 via Hidden Pony and the band’s own LootBag Records, Eventually draws inspiration from ‘90s grunge sneer and early-aughts indie-rock cheek. Combining these elements with honeyed pop melodics and contemporary post-punk ingenuity, an unquantifiable element is added to build a grimly, glowing, and incredibly fun collection.
Eventually is the culmination of years of feverish experimentation and lineup rotations which led vocalist and guitarist Austin Nops—the nucleus of The Effens— to finally collect Paul Theo (guitar and synth/samples), Hannah Weber (bass and vocals), and Fabian Oblivion (drums). The members connected through jam space-meet-cutes and last-minute show fill-ins that have unspooled into the band’s current iteration.
credit Eli Garlick
Nine years ago, three six-graders ignored all the other trappings of ascendant teenagers and dedicated themselves fully and feverishly to making music. Growing up in the serene town of Vernon, BC, daysormay not only mastered their songwriting and playing skills, but they also became production wunderkinds with the release of their EP, Talk Peace To A Wolf. Now 21 years old, in Vancouver, with a full album in their arsenal, the members of daysormay (the English phonetic of the French “désormais” meaning “from now on”) have the wind at their backs with no intentions of slowing down.
With influences like Phoenix, Glass Animals and Portugal. The Man., singer Aidan Andrews and twin brothers/rhythm section Carson and Nolan Bassett are carving out a unique space in modern alternative music. Now, set to release their new album, audiences will hear how the band has continued to challenge their craft by incorporating pulsing drums, enchanting synths & guitars, unforgettable melodies and sharp-witted lyrics. The trio demonstrate how there are no limits to their sound. Their latest single “Ego,” recorded with Steve Bays (Diplo, Hot Hot Heat, Fitz and The Tantrums), is a deep dive into an ocean of charming guitars and synths, sharp piano, bright booming drums and witty, intelligent lyrics. Andrews’ songwriting and storytelling lyrics are completely captivating, based around Sigmund Freud’s concepts of the id, ego, and superego, with each verse representing those individually.
Following the HUGE introduction from The Landlord, Giggs to kick off season 3 of Joey Clipstar’s Hardest Bars on Link Up TV last week (which is already approaching a huge 1 million views), Swift & Deepee from Smoke Boys stepped up to the mic in an epic double freestyle – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWaOai_WV-A
STREAM/DOWNLOAD SWIFT & DEEPEE (SMOKE BOYS) – HARDEST BARS (http://hyperurl.co/SwiftandDeepeeHB)
Lighting up the net, Hardest Bars has birthed some of the UK’s biggest talents since its inception almost a decade ago, including Stormzy and Ms Banks. One of the worlds most important and sought after freestyle platforms, it allows emcees to flex their lyrical skill in an art form that sits at the very heart of hip-hop and rap culture. Featuring a personally approved mix of artists by Joey Clipstar himself, the Hardest Bars freestyles are delivered by a range of some of the biggest names in rap to emerging artists – the deciding factor is their skill on the mic.
Synonymous with, and respected for, discovering brand new talent Joey Clipstar, has already promised that “Season 3 of HB will be your greatest season yet” and with Giggs and Smoke Boys already in the bag just two weeks in, we can’t wait to see who’ll be next to drop their fire on Friday.
Over the past year, I dove deep into self-reflection, questioning who I am and who I want to become. In many ways, the song that I am sharing with you today feels like my first ever release, as it was created during a time when I removed outside influences and focused on myself. “Anxiety,” written with Maddy Abela and produced by Ryan Fitz, chronicles an anxiety attack I had about a year ago when regular attacks felt inescapable. There was so much chaos going on in the world already that simple everyday tasks like getting out of the house and going for a walk became overwhelming.
I tend to keep a journal with me everywhere I go. One morning after an attack I wrote about it, turning the experience into this song. I hope that if you struggle similarly, you know that you are not alone in this. My anxiety always felt like a burden, so I would constantly try and hide it from people. However, once I admitted it, I felt ready and comfortable to put it out into the world. I am not and will never be ashamed or scared to talk about my mental health, nor should anyone ever. I want to remove the stigma around these issues so that we all feel comfortable talking about our experiences.
Thanks for your time,
Julian Daniel
With momentum picking up, Sneakbo produces his 5th single of the year. Trailing on from his last single ‘Dripping’ with Still Greedy. Fellow Brixton rapper Ard Adz, teams up with Sneakbo to gift us ‘Come A Long Way’.
Achieving over 130 million plays across his discography on Spotify alone, the expert rapper has proved he is a prominent figure in the UK rap scene coming from the ‘old school’ and keeping current, which Sneakbo portrays expertly with this latest single.
The South London natives have been creating together since as early as 2012, performing Cyphers and Freestyles across SBTV and TimWestwoodTV. “Since School Days” in 2020 saw the 2 artists collaborate on Sneakbo’s ‘9 Lives’ album and more recently in 2021, the favour was returned as the duo combined on Ard Adz fresh album.
Their history shows they are no strangers working together, as they go bar for bar in perfect coherence, skating across the inspiring beat. The drums are typical of UK Rap but the uplifting melody at the core of the track really juxtapositions the instrumental. A crystal-like woodwind holds the tune of the song, but do not get it twisted, the two lyricists still bring all the relevant energy.
With existence on the UK scene for around a decade, there is no debate that Sneakbo is a key foundation of our Rap culture. Nearly 100 million views on his independent YouTube channel and over a million monthly listeners on Spotify, Sneakbo has not stopped since he arrived in the industry, and this newest track illustrates his veteran experience off effortlessly. It is true, he has “Come A Long Way” but he is here now!
An innovative Jaykae is emerging with a forever growing charm. Using all his past encounters he has reached a stage of maturity in his life and his sound. Arriving with a real blockbuster track and music video. ‘Chop (Henry The 8th)’ uncovers Jaykae as more than a rapper, delivering the full package.
The Birmingham-made artist entertains a traditional Grime history, no stranger to a clash. In more recent years he has seen immense success with tracks like ‘Moscow’, triumphing over 8 million views on YouTube. A busy 2020 saw Jaykae release music across the industry; a gold selling track with Nathan Dawe ‘Flowers’ and a single for Grime originator Ghetts’ recently released album.
Producer Swifta Beater takes to the sonics of the track. Playing an integral role in the UK Rap and Grime scene, he is no stranger to a fire hit. Referencing his previous chartbuster ‘Man Don’t Care’ by JME in the ‘Chop (Henry The 8th)’ instrumental, he has not let down with the beat for this single. It offers a lot of energy and that’s before Jaykae’s bars join the mix. Poetically staying true to his Grime roots but with his signature style. He follows the theme from the music video perfectly, drawing on historic Henry the 8th characteristics and relating them back to the modern world. An authentic exhibition of his flair and aptitude.
The cinematic is full of medieval madness. Not like your standard rap music video, Jaykae has branched out creatively to bring a Henry the 8th themed visual to go along with the song ‘Chop (Henry The 8th)’. Set in a long-standing castle, following the theme to every detail. A top production with a well-coordinated wardrobe throughout. It’s a real movie and a real work of art. Jaykae gives a charismatic performance both lyrically and visually.
Currently boasting over 1.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, Jaykae’s platform is ready for this single to arrive. Working with household favourites such as Ed Sheeran and Stormzy creating a platinum selling track. A long path of hard work behind him, Jaykae is now in an extremely promising position, with an exciting future of music and content ahead.
‘Page 45’ witnesses two rising stars showcase their capability with a London collaboration. TeeZandos from East London and Midas The Jagaban from the South are lining up to show why they are the most refreshing female artists in the music industry right now. A spin on the Drill world as ‘Page 45’ reflects a post-romantic vibe with TeeZandos relaying a factual story of her past amidst a well-written song.
Last year saw TeeZandos enter the limelight as the ‘Princess of Drill’ proving she is one of the most exhilarating and unique acts to emerge from the scene. Tenacious lyricism and a playful attitude earned her a space on COMPLEX’s UK rappers to watch 2021. With ‘Page 45’ her first single of the year, TeeZandos has evidently shown why she is on the rise.
Midas The Jagaban despite being of a different style to TeeZandos, also saw her career take off last year garnering 68 million global streams. The masked artist watched her song ‘Party With The Jagaban’ endorse viral success on Tik Tok with over 66,000 creations using her track. Pulling her into the spotlight, Midas has created a distinctive identity to keep her rooted in the industry.
An elegantly Drill influenced beat has Tee’s meaningful bars intertwining with Midas’ entrancing vocals. Combined, they offer a seamless track with 2 styles that complement each other perfectly. TeeZandos tells an illustrative story using her lyrics of a past man in her life, paying homage to his positive attributes with a double meaning behind them. The chorus brings a feeling of floating as Midas The Jagaban gracefully blesses the track with her smooth vocals. The beat is made up of Midas’ vocals as well as piano melodies throughout. The drums are Drill-like, but this is not like any Drill song you have ever heard before!
The visuals in an industrial setting observe TeeZandos and Midas shine through as bright and vivid characters on the melancholic scene. Embedded in the theme of the song, TeeZandos acquires her fortune by a fortune-teller. Moonlike illumination during the shots creates great scenes for the well-designed music video.
TeeZandos evolution is set to take another jump this year! Her presence on YouTube is currently over 6.5 million views across all channels with 5 million streams and collaborating with Midas can only mean further growth for both the young female artists. This innovative take on the predominantly male drill scene is attracting attention!
Multi-platinum selling rockers Kellin Quinn (lead vocalist of Sleeping With Sirens), Ryan Key (formerly the lead vocalist of Yellowcard), Howi Spangler (lead vocalist of Ballyhoo!) and James DiNanno (formerly of Silhouette Rising) announced their new kid-friendly, pop-punk band The First Rock Band on Mars, along with news of an accompanying album of the same name, set for release June 11th. The album will feature music geared toward parents, who would love nothing more than to have alternative options outside of “Baby Shark” and other classic children’s tunes to bond over with their kids. The idea stemmed from the four musicians, most of them dads, who felt there was a void in modern day children’s music. Quinn stated, “I think it’s important for parents and their kids to have a song that they’re both into, one that doesn’t feel punishing to put on in the car or at home and listen to. That’s what we set out to accomplish.”
The concept album was spawned from DiNanno’s 2020 best-selling children’s book The First Rock Star on Mars, which explores an adventurous journey through space, with the first ever music festival performed on planet Mars. In the book, kids are encouraged to follow their dreams, learn about the planets, and think big. DiNanno noted, “When my son Caden was born, I was compelled to create this animated, musical universe that inspires the current generation of children and their parents. It’s been very rewarding creating the book, album and cartoon. I think it’s going to be an equally fun journey for the families exploring it.”
The First Rock Band on Mars album releases June 11th on all digital and streaming platforms. The children’s book The First Rock Star on Mars is available to purchase now via Amazon and an animated mini-series is in the works.
Call it prairie noir or Canadiana desert rock: Toronto’s Abigail Lapell sings haunting, gorgeous modern folk songs. Her solo albums have won two Canadian Folk Music Awards—Contemporary Album of the Year (2017) and English Songwriter of the Year (2020)—reaching #1 on Canadian folk radio and over 11 million Spotify streams. Lapell tours widely across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, performing on vocals, piano, harmonica, and finger-style guitar. Getaway, her third release, is out now through Coax Records/Outside.
Grief comes knocking on your door wearing many different costumes throughout your life. Sometimes you barely notice that you’ve lost yourself in it until you’re truly a mess. There really is no pretty or elegant way to heal from losing someone you love deeply.
My new single “Mess” can be streamed wherever you get your music.
Watch the video for “Mess” on YouTube. 🕊
I was engulfed by waves of grief after my mother’s passing. My insides screamed silently, as I tried to swim through the isolating waters of losing a loved one. Just as you start to get your head above water, you find yourself drowning again. The presence of her absence is a permanent heartache I hold. I carry my mom with me, always; for she is half of my being. I picture “Mess” to be a swirl of faded lavender and grey. Inside this vision, I’m a wallflower at a party trying to make conversation, as this reel of memories is spinning around my head. I can hear my mom’s laugh, smell the daisies she’s just planted and feel the summer sun on my face as she drives me to the mall.
I hope this song can help you in those times you’re hiding behind a mask.
x Mikayla Menzies
Incognito rapper 32’M (three two M) has built a veil of fascination around his profile with a run of homage-based music aimed at his peers. Catchy titles including ‘J Hus’, Headie One’ and ‘Headie One 2.0’ sparked the initial interest of fans, whilst the content has kept them hooked and resulted in hundreds of thousands of views for the emerging star. Now that he’s got our attention, 32’M embarks on the next phase of his career and delivers new single ‘M24’.
Switching up the vibe for a fresh take on drill, 32’M edges away from the ominous, dark tones that he’s favored on past drops but retains his intricate flows and substance for ‘M24’, alongside a playful twist. With confidence brimming and his clarity becoming more refined, 32’M’s lyricism takes the front seat on the new single. Clever punchlines are delivered with quickfire flows that lap around the edges of a weighty hook that put 32’M into a new level of artistry. Partnered with clever visuals that see 32’M take on an acting role, ‘M24’ is a level up for the South London rap star.
Playful and considered with his artistic rollout, 32’M has created an extraordinary pathway into the industry. Highlighted by Joey Clipstar on his Hardest Bars freestyle series, alongside recent major names such as Giggs and Smoke Boys, 32’M has quickly built a profile amongst the major hitters in the scene and retained a strong following via platforms such as Link Up TV. Having previously been called out for using ‘click bait’ as song titles, his plan of attack is far from shaken as he clarifies “I just want to show love to the mandem doing their ting”. Remaining focused on his game plan, ‘M24’ is the latest artist to be paid his dues by the rapper. “I wanted to create a mellow but euphonic vibe with this song. The inspiration was the artist M24’s track – We Don’t Dance, but with my own twist. It was a fun studio session full of vibes and laughter and I think that comes across in the track.”
Generating 55.4 million-plus streams since it’s release, UK pop singer and songwriter Mimi Webb unveils the stripped down acoustic music video for her buzzing new single “Good Without” today. Showing no signs of slowing down, “Good Without” is currently top 40 on radio and climbing up the charts. In addition, Mimi Webb will be making her television performance debut on The Ellen DeGeneres Show next Wednesday June 2nd.
Watch “Good Without (Official Stripped Video)” HERE via YouTube/Vevo
Watch “Good Without (Official Music Video)” HERE via YouTube/Vevo
Listen to “Good Without” HERE via EPIC Records.
(photo credit: Nicole Lewis)
LA-based neo-soul / alt-R&B artist Gabrielle Current releases her spellbinding Virgo EP and lush new single “Serenity” today. A penchant for dreamy synths and soft jazz-infused melodies, the Filipino-Korean-Swedish and American singer-songwriter’s debut collection is littered with metaphors and poetic structure.
On Virgo, the newcomer delivers captivating retro sounds, soulful production, and raw relatable lyrics across the 5-track EP. From beginning to end, each song pulls at the heartstrings as she navigates the highs and lows of life. Unrestricted by genre and pop traditions, Current brings refreshing vulnerability with each release as she welcomes listeners into her world of discovery and empowerment. The EP makes a statement with opener “Make It Right” while “Plenty” focuses on the struggles of toxic relationships. “Down The Line” highlights the hardship of letting go and “If I Fall” provides permission to process and re-evaluate. The EP closes out with “Serenity,” serving almost as an epiphany for the blossoming artist once she comes to terms with her experiences and newfound independence. Ultimately, the EP—created with Austin Brown (Hablot Brown), Mark Pelli (Sabrina Claudio, Jennifer Lopez), and Charlie Perry (Jorja Smith, BTS)—replays like a sonic diary for all of us trying to figure out the meaning of life and our place in this world.
Siena Bjorn is a singer/songwriter whose music dances between pop, alt R&B and Jazz. Capturing the attention of listeners across the globe, Siena uses her distinct, powerful vocals and captivating melodies to express her feelings and experiences as a woman, while touching on self-discovery and self-love.
Born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Denver, Colorado, Siena began her artistic career as a tot dancing for the Maine State, Pacific Northwest and Colorado ballet companies. She is also known for her work as an actress, having trained in theater at New York University, Tisch Drama and the Atlantic Acting Conservatory. The multi-dimensional artist continues to hone her abilities as an actress in Los Angeles as the protégé of world renowned actor Dabney Coleman.
Her latest single “Indigo” is reminiscent of old school Jazz clubs with boom bap beats and sweeping vocals. Thematically, “Indigo” is about “the fear of letting go and giving in, the fear of letting someone in and how shame can be debilitating and as much as you want to hate the other person for what they did to you. You inevitably have a part to play in your own demise.” confides Siena Bjorn.
Multi-talented and full of enthusiasm for adventure, Siena Bjornerud is certainly one to watch.
Following the release of her well received, sublime dream bop “Forever”, London singer songwriter Naila returns to the soundsphere with her brand new, euphoric pop – anthem “Believe Me”. Emerging with flirtatious guitar licks and sensual hi-hat grooves, this latest instalment further showcases Naila’s penchant for curating blood-pounding R&B Pop fusions, fuelled by addictive melodic hooks and hypnotic pulsating synths. With her self-assured, razor sharp vocal delivery dancing amidst infectious, kaleidoscopic textures, “Believe Me” drips with all the ‘future classic’ potential you’d expect from a fresh-faced, rising R&B star. Speaking on the track, Naila said: “Believe Me” is about being unsure in a relationship. I find I second guess my self a lot of the time in my relationships with others and this song reflects that. I often over think/ re think many situations and wonder whether anyone has ever appreciated me the way I have appreciated them.”
Following on from the well-received single “1985”, British artist Lloyd P-White explores the pitfalls that can come with living life in the spotlight on new single “925”.
Capturing global audiences with the Stranger Things-esque nostalgia for the ‘80s in “1985”, Lloyd’s rockstar blend of glamorous electric guitar licks with a punk-rock beat in “925” are a stark contrast to previous releases – but reveals a fresh layer to Lloyd’s versatile sound, showcasing his ability to traverse genres throughout the years, coming together to build an aural world which is truly unique to Lloyd’s multi-faceted artistry.
Speaking about the track, Lloyd explains: “ ‘925’ is about living the life of a rockstar without actually being a massive rockstar. Going on the road, performing to small crowds and partying has become my 9 to 5; might be 9PM to 5AM, but it’s still a 9 to 5, I guess. It might seem like it’s all fun and games, but as in life there’s no ups without the downs and living this type of lifestyle can quickly lead to a feeling of emptiness and loneliness – something touched on in the ‘925’ music video.”
rising Finnishg alt-pop band Pastel Stereo shares ‘The Joker’, alongside the single the band unveils its music video. Listen to ‘The Joker’ here Watch ‘The Joker’ video here
The new cut follows on the band’s debut single ‘Disappear’ which has seen support from the likes of NBHAP and Bands of Tomorrow, among others. Since the release of ‘Disappear’ in early April, Pastel Stereo has developed a strong following across social media. Joining Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter only recently they have made their phone number available to fans; “People can text us and we have many WhatsApp groups. Fans send messages and keep in touch a lot!,” says the band; “Discord is the biggest chat platform atm, there we have PASTELLERS pastel stereo group, with nearly 2.000 followers and growing every day. We have weekly live video chats with people following us. A lot of new friendships have been born there!”, they enthuse.
Born from a demo the band’s singer Eemeli wrote during a rainy day in Helsinki, ‘The Joker’, explains the band, is a sequel to ‘Disappear’; “we recorded both songs in Los Angeles during the same intense songwriting/recording session with our producer Colin Brittain. Most of the lyrics were written during the session and the rest of the song came together naturally. We wanted the guitar riff to sound cool but simple, something a kid practicing playing guitar would want to learn.”
Diving deeper into the idea behind the song the band says; “it’s about insecurities and not knowing how to convey your feelings for someone into words. Everyone knows how awkward and in retrospect ridiculous adolescent love and relationships can be. This song gives off serious teen movie vibes. The person in the song is trying to make his love interest fall for him and trying to make her laugh by acting like a fool.”
Directed by Eric Rojas (Jessie J, Chase Atlantic, Waterparks) with cinematography by Mike Koziel (ASAP ROCKY, NOAH CYRUS, XXXTENTACION), the video accompanying the single was shot at Bombay Beach in California.
Talking about the video the band says; “We shot the video in 6 hours. There was a place that looked like an abandoned city with dilapidated and deserted buildings and cars and spray paintings wherever you looked. It looked like a place that could easily be featured in a horror movie.When the video footage was ready we drove back to Los Angeles and held a memorable party in Hollywood. “
‘Ain’t Nobody’ (feat. LaShun Pace) is the second single to be released by acclaimed Dutch producer Bakermat in the lead up to his Sophomore album ‘The Spirit’. This release follows on from the success of Bakermat’s 2020 record ‘The Ringmaster,’ which showcased a journey into new sounds and techniques, amassing over 169 million streams on Spotify alone.
‘Ain’t Nobody’ is a choir-powered delight infused with pianos and the incredible vocals from gospel great LaShun Pace, coming together to produce a track that has so much energy it’ll be impossible to stay in your seat! Horns and organs join the praise, resulting in a masterpiece that’s bursting at the seams with positive vibes. There’s something so uniquely Bakermat about the song, as it has all the qualities needed to conjure up an essential upbeat hit whilst also holding sounds and styles that are fresh and original – something Bakermat prides himself on within his music.
The release is perfectly timed, with the track emerging just in time for the world to re-open and summer closely on the horizon. “Since “Teach Me” back in 2015 I really wanted to make a gospel inspired tune again” Bakermat explains. “I absolutely love mixing genres and when I stumbled upon the original acapella by LaShun Pace I immediately began writing chords. I’m glad she approved me to release the end result! The track is a happy, cheerful and fun dance record that I’m very proud of. It is best enjoyed in sunny environments with positive people and could be a real summer soundtrack if you’re into feel good house music!”
Photo credit: Elizabeth Lippman
LA-based hitmaker, pop songwriter and producer, BEVERLEE, shares her debut album, Purple Violin, today. The LP’s three singles “6X,” “White Piano” and “Logic Is Lost” act as a trilogy, with the latter giving fans a first look at BEVERLEE, as she shows up on-screen for the first time for this project. As someone who is typically heard but not seen, as the songwriter and not the performer, this moment is transformative and truly special for BEVERLEE. The video trilogy also nods to Alicia Silverstone / Liv Tyler and the idea of having “video leading lady” because Caroline Blaike is the lead in all three videos. Blaike is an ASL interpreter (Billie Eilish) and dancer (Jumbo’s Clown Room).
BEVERLEE is a queer woman, a person who is doing generational healing, and a soul who seeks resistance in the form of joy and sexual freedom — an opportunity her late cousin, Beverlee Jacobson, no longer has, as her life was stolen in the 1970s at the hand of her Hells Angels boyfriend. The impact murder has on a family is too complicated and painful for words and has caused much shame and trauma in her family, and BEVERLEE seeks to pay tribute with fierce love and unapologetic living. The project is about unheard voices and is a celebration of queer, left-of-center pop. This release is a moment of BEVERLEE stepping into her power as a performer, songwriter and producer in the form of BEVERLEE, as well as a celebration of her rebirth as a gay woman in Los Angeles.
Jesse Royal Album Photoshoot
The revered Jamaican artist Jesse Royal gears up for his anticipated sophomore album Royal with “Natty Dread,” his fifth song reveal from the 11-track release out June 11, 2021 via Easy Star Records. “Although we argue and we fight, everything gonna be alright. Dem tell you this and tell you that but you always have my back. You love the Natty Dread,” he professes on his new song. As he confesses his devotion for his Queen on this ride-or-die anthem, his rugged and smooth lyrics ride over the infectious dub rhythm, produced by Sean Alaric.
STREAM/PURCHASE: JESSE ROYAL – NATTY DREAD
The messages on Jesse Royal’s forthcoming album Royal are rich and conscious, possessing the fervor of reggae and Rastafari at its core while mixing in elements of dancehall, dub, afrobeats, jazz and hip-hop. It is the music of today in Jamaica. Prior to “Natty Dread,” Royal recently unveiled songs from the LP, including “Dirty Money” feat. Stonebwoy, “Rich Forever” feat. Vybz Kartel “where Royal contemplates the true meaning of wealth outside of material goods over bouncing, roots reggae production” (The FADER), plus “LionOrder” feat Protoje and “Natty Pablo” which “dismantles Rastafarian stereotypes” (Billboard). The LP follows his debut album Lily of Da Valley (2017, Easy Star Records), which held the #1 position for six weeks on the Billboard’s U.S. Reggae Album chart. Royal also features guest vocals from Kumar, Samory I and Runkus and production by Jesse Royal himself, Natural High, Dretegs, iotosh, Yared Lee, Romario Bennett, Wayne Thompson and Sean Alaric. Alaric, who recently earned a Grammy for his contribution to Koffee’s “Throne,” lent his beat production on over half of the Royal album.
To celebrate the launch of the new album, Jesse Royal will perform LIVE in Wynwood on Saturday, June 12th in Miami, FL.
Griff almost fully produced the entire ‘One Foot In Front of the Other’ mixtape herself in her bedroom. Not only does she produce, sing, write, and perform, she makes many of her own clothes.
Her current single “Black Hole” was just added to Today’s Top Hits in the U.S. last week and to the cover of Hot Hits UK. She made her U.S. TV debut performing the hit on Late Night With Seth Meyers in March and gave a killer performance! Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxVl2S1NTOs
2021 has seen Griff rise to further heights with the success of “Black Hole,” Brit Award win and the release of ‘One Foot In Front of the Other.’ A world tour is expected to be announced soon.
Griff is well on her way to superstardom!
Madeline The Person, the 19-year-old from Houston, TX will release the first song “Haunted” from her ‘Chapter 2: The Longing’ EP, this Friday, May 28th in time for Pride month. The song tells the story of her coming out which coincidentally happened the same year her father passed away while she was in high school. Her father’s passing and the feeling of loss was a big part of the theme of ‘Chapter 1: The Longing’. Love, self-love and love of others is very much the theme of ‘Chapter 2: The Shedding’ I’m also including the artwork for “Haunted” which is from Madeline’s very own closet (yup… you get it).
About the single, she shared, “‘Haunted’ is a song for all of the hidden love that wants to be set free. I remember so badly needing to exclaim my love for the first time ever. It was hard to realize that coming out has to happen on your time. Be patient with the people close to you. They will tell the world who they are eventually. When they do, it will be so beautifully joyous. ‘Haunted’ is the story of my first love and its painful but beautiful secrecy. I want this song to be a reminder that love carries no shame and is meant to be celebrated instead of hidden.”
Singer-songwriter Nessa Barrett reunites with jxdn for another banger, “I’m Dead,” – out today!
Listen to “I’m Dead” and check out the visualizer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8CWI7c8bWw
The track is a part of the Official Soundtrack for the new scripted podcast Prom In Hell – the series premiered earlier this week. Nessa and jxdn will also be performing the duet during a special live episode of Prom In Hell on June 8th.
Nessa and jxdn’s last collaboration, “la di die,” received over 100 million streams and cracked the Top 15 at Alt Radio and Top 30 at Top 40 Radio and Rising!
They both made their late-night television debut performance with “la di die” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUv9usu4HRA
They also performed the song on The Ellen Show! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ud-dsVzHes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8CWI7c8bWw
Producer, songwriter and DJ Master KG teams up with David Guetta and Akon for their new single, “Shine Your Light” and the fun feel-good track makes me want to grab my friends and dance in the sun! The uplifting lyrics and Afro-house rhythms that made up Master KG’s viral hit “Jerusalema” are ever present in this song, and the cherry on top has to be Akon’s feature 😊
Listen to “Shine Your Light” here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb_v7_TCADI&list=OLAK5uy_mRSLwaOqQ_JLXAJj5PvCCw8obnRDP7mm4
In 2019, Master KG released his viral hit “Jerusalema,” which went on to accumulate 800 million combined streams worldwide, as well as 7 billion views on TikTok for its vibrant dance challenge, becoming a global cultural phenomenon. The viral movement captured the imagination of people everywhere from Angola to Israel to Italy – Iconic stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Janet Jackson even showed support! The South African president Cyril Ramaphosa even encouraged his nation to join the fun. Master KG has taken African culture to new audiences with “Jeruselema,” powering to #1 on the global Shazam chart for 8 weeks and hitting the Top 5 on European airplay charts.
Of “Shine Your Light,” Master KG said, “I am blessed and excited to have collaborated with not one but two legends in David Guetta and Akon. ‘Shine Your Light,’ is special for me because it not only combines our different styles of music, but also spreads a positive message. Join us as we unite the world with love through music once again. Wanitwa Mosss”
David Guetta also added, “I am thrilled to have been able to collaborate with Master KG, and I’m so pleased to get to work with my long-time friend Akon again! My hope is that ‘Shine Your Light’ brings joy to listeners around the world as we join each other on the dance floor once again.”
Montreal afro-jazz musician Erockfor [eh-ROCK-for] turns the heartbreak of betrayal into art with her hypnotic new single ‘I Thought You Loved Me’ out now on all digital streaming platforms.
‘I Thought You Loved Me’ is the 1st single from Erockfor’s debut album Phoenix, which is set for release on October 1st. Erockfor wrote the song about the break-up of her marriage in 2014 which led to her moving to Korea where she gained confidence, started doing burlesque and became a jazz performer.
“What happens when you come home, and there’s a woman on your marital bed?” asks Erockfor. “You write a song about it! While the song explores heartbreak and betrayal, I also wanted it to be hopeful. We can leave toxic situations and be okay.”
Erockfor is a Montreal-born jazz singer of Cameroonian descent. She left the city in 2014 and based herself in Seoul, performing at jazz clubs while cementing herself as a burlesque performer. Erockfor, also known as Rocky, has been featured in Popdust, MTV West Africa and XONecole.
Now, back in Montreal, Erockfor is working on her debut album Phoenix which fuses afrobeats, pop, house and jazz, and explores her journey between the time she left and now. Her highly distinctive voice has been compared to artists like Cyndi Lauper, Macy Gray, Erykah Badu and Amy Winehouse.
Pearls & Bones is an alternative hip-hop band based in Toronto and Montreal. Vocalist Jake, producer Harry, and guitarist Keenan write and perform music inspired by discordant influences, from metalcore and PC music to backpack rap and pop-punk. The band has performed in venues across Toronto, including The MOD Club, El Mocambo, Rivoli, and Adelaide Hall. Pearls & Bones has collaborated with a range of musicians, from Toronto rapper and former member of The Sorority Keysha Freshh, to Doomtree artist P.O.S.
Since forming in 2012, the band has released five EPs and two full-length albums. Their third LP, Cool Uncles, will be released in 2021. Cool Uncles culminates a two-year period of technical and aesthetic development, and incorporates sonic inspiration from artists such as Enter Shikari, Gorillaz, Don Broco, and EarthGang.
Thompson’s silky delivery style shines on “Crossfaded,” produced by Tyler Dopps, his longtime collaborator. Though the song has the makings of a feel-good record, on wax, Thompson struggles with the dynamic of a new love interest that isn’t as eager to party as hard as Thompson regularly is. It’s about more than mixing his preferred party favors when nighttime gets exciting, however. “That’s when I exist,” belts Thompson as he describes his affinity for being crossfaded, a hint that much more is at play than previously thought.
The “Crossfaded’ music video reflects Thompson’s angst, blurring his environment and even the faces of party guests that he encounters, all while he manages to maintain focus on a not-so-thin blunt. His fear of not being able to connect with someone unless they join that zone with him is palpable, and felt throughout the video.
Thompson’s momentum has steadily built over the last few years, culminating in a well-received major label debut, Reckless Endangerment, his first full-length album on Epic Records. His range, which far outreaches his signature cameo—on Macklemore’s “Corner Store”—continues to be on full display, and as we enter the “BLVD Boy” era, which he has announced to social media and ends an extended hiatus for the Burien, WA native, there are surely tricks up his sleeves that fans will not see coming.
Hip hop artist Amon releases his new single “Switch Tre” this week, the latest track in a series of new music coming on a bi-weekly basis.
“Switch Tre” is about honesty and loyalty to those around you. Amon has been through it all – witnessing friend groups fall apart, industry relationships turning dishonest, and just about every other type of human connection botched due to avoidable drama. He’s learned that successful relationships are rooted in honesty and staying consistent.
“A ‘Switch Tre’ is a technical skateboarding trick done on the uncomfortable side of the board. A play on words; people will switch on you and get technical about it. Be honest with your intentions and don’t switch on your folks. Simple.” – Amon
Before mastering his musical craft, Amon was on his way to becoming a professional skateboarder. Skateboarding led Amon to his passion for performing. After Amon missed a competition due to a severe injury, he started performing instead.
Credit Heather Glazzard
23 yo Londoner Delilah Montagu today returns with her brand-new single Coming For Ya out now. Marking a total departure from the brooding and melancholy, the new music – which is co-produced by BRIT Award winning Fred again… and his little brother Benjy Gibson – sees Delilah embrace a new sense of self and freedom, as she becomes the narrator on this project born out of lockdown isolation.
On Coming For Ya, Delilah discovers a new acceptance in her own sexuality, whilst in the official video she explores real life couples of all sexualities and backgrounds; “I’ve had girlfriends and boyfriends, but I don’t identify strongly with being gay, straight or bisexual”, says Delilah. “I now know that this fluidity can be freeing. It doesn’t mean I’m confused and I don’t need a label”.
Vancouver musician Bukola shares her story of growing up Black in Canada and shows gratitude to her favourite Black female artists for paving the way, on her new single ‘I Am Enough’ out today on all digital streaming platforms.
Following the release of ‘A Good Thing’ in March, ‘I Am Enough’ is the 2nd single from her debut EP The Chronicles of a Teenage Mind, which is set for release on June 25th. Bukola wrote the powerful, early 2000s R&B-influenced track with Vancouver musicians Tonye Aganaba, Desirée Dawson, and Anthony Anderson.
“‘I Am Enough’ was the last song written for my new EP and it was initially supposed to be a playful song about a day in my life,” says Bukola. “However, after the continuous rise of anti-Black racism, I knew I wanted to write something more poignant. The song talks about my journey growing up as a young black woman and some of my struggles. It also shows gratitude to my favourite Black female artists, who have helped me gain confidence with my skin and who ultimately taught me that I Am Enough. My hope for this song is that other young Black people can listen to it and know that they are not the only ones going through certain things and that they should be proud of their beautiful dark skin and heritage. All proceeds from this song are going to the Black Youth Helpline who work tirelessly to help Black Canadian youth with their struggles and provide them with culturally relevant advice and support. An organization like this is super important to ensure that my Black peers get to the point where they believe they are enough because they are, and so much more.”
A dance music visionary with worldwide scope, London-born creative Hyper scores some of the most defining moments in sound. Lending his unique musicianship to the likes of film including Blade Runner 2049, and to viral video game moments such as the Official 2018 E3 Trailer for Cyberpunk 2077, Hyper’s compositions chronicle some of media’s most impactful moments. Finding his rightful home at deadmau5’s highly technical mau5trap label, Hyper makes his long-awaited debut with “Impact Weapon,” the first single from his forthcoming Control EP. “Impact Weapon” is out now.
Following in the footsteps of Giggs and Smoke Boys Swift and Deepee, emerging drill star SV from Nottingham has blessed the Hardest Bars mic for the third instalment of season 3 in the groundbreaking freestyle series.
WATCH SV – HB FREESTYLE – https://youtu.be/hnnKP0JjZ2Q
A platform that pitches all artists equally, despite their profiles and numbers, Hardest Bars is about the art of freestyling and allows emcees to flex their lyrical skill in the art form that sits at the very heart of hip-hop and rap culture. From the most seasoned and lyrically proficient to the upcoming, future stars of the game, Hardest Bars has birthed some of the major names in UK rap, including Stormzy and Ms Banks.
With an ear for talent unlike no other, Joey Clipstar is one of the major A&R’s of the rap scene, identifying fresh talent and giving it a platform to be seen and heard before any other. Stepping up from Nottingham , following his breakthrough track ’No Fibz’ late 2020, Joey Clipstar hands the mic to SV in the first drill freestyle of the series.
My new song, “Someone Like You,” is about that special someone, and the super deep adoration you feel for them. Sure, you make mistakes sometimes, and often get jealous or insecure when you see them around other people, but you love them.
They take days that are bad and turn them into good days, and they are someone who just has your back. “Someone Like You” is an opportunity to tell them that you love and appreciate the hell out of them.
Take a listen to “Someone Like You” on your favourite platform.
My new, self-titled EP was inspired by themes of love, heartbreak, lust, appreciation. I fused them all together with vintage, earthy musical tones as warm as a summer day, but as impactful as a glass of whisky.
I think that everyone can relate to each of these songs in one way or another.
I think that people should focus on being good to one another and continuing to spread love wherever they go.
Thank you for listening!
Riley Michaels
From the nucleus of British R&B, Klaudia Keziah emerges with stunning new single ‘Dedicated’.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: KLAUDIA KEZIAH – DEDICATED
Featuring a distinctive tone that sings to the heavens, Klaudia Keziah makes her entrance on the tinkling organ keys with grace and distinction. With a hard-hitting bass dropping into the record as it starts to gather pace, courtesy of hot UK producer Jojo F (Deno, Craig David, Unknown T, Ji, Chunkz), Klaudia’s delivery perfectly twists to suit, placing her in a whole new field of discovery.
WATCH KLAUDIA KEZIAH – DEDICATED
Find her featured alongside Mahalia, Cleo Sol, Pip Millett in the ‘Fans also like’ section, as Klaudia Keziah creates a contemporary style that is rooted in the depths of 90’s R&B nostalgia. An abundance of soul, poetic stories and heartbreak, the nostalgic elements give her music depth and resonance whilst her positioning as a strong, independent woman in 2021, awards her with confidence and a voice to speak her truths. Klaudia explains: “‘Dedicated’ to me is about knowing your worth and position in a relationship and giving your partner the ultimatum that if they can’t decide where they stand or how invested they are in the relationship, then you won’t let them waste your time.”
German four-piece Rikas, have released their latest single “Stereo”, along with an accompanying visual, today.
“Stereo” is a nostalgic indie-pop track that breaks the silence brought on by the pandemic with bright, fuzzy guitar riffs. It’s youthful, it’s energetic, it’s the remedy for the all too prevalent doom and gloom. Rikas does not want you to forget the good times, singing “I keep dreaming in stereo the same old songs on the radio.” The feel-good bass dancing around the timeless drums will surely grab a smile.
“Stereo” also comes with dazzling visuals directed by the band’s friend and collaborator, Aladin Mekanovic. Inspired by the aesthetics of the hit Netflix show, “Queen’s Gambit”, it features the band stuck living a nostalgic mid-century European life. Mekanovic captures the nuances of the current state of Rikas. It opens with the four members putting themselves up for sale in a store window, hoping onlookers will try out their sound. The video also touches on the isolating stillness of the pandemic with lingering shots of expressionless band members trying to get a song out.
In 2019 Rikas released their debut album Showtime, which garnered great feedback from numerous local German outlets and led them to being the showband on a popular German TV show, as well as many sold out shows, which were then postponed due to the pandemic. In late 2020 they overcame their slump and released “Overthinking”, which caught attention from Wonderland, Notion, and Earmilk, and has amassed close to 1 million streams on Spotify.
“Stereo” marks Rikas’ first release of 2021 and their strong return, they are now packed and ready to release lots of new music throughout the summer.
The COVID-19 pandemic created roadblocks that Vancouver R&B/hip-hop musician Babylung turned into creative challenges and inspiration on his 3rd album To Live And Die In Surrey set for release on July 30th. The first single ‘Betrayal’, released on his new label Bayanihan Records, is out today on all digital streaming platforms along with the cinematic music video which premiered yesterday through a video premiere virtual event on YouTube and IG Live.
Maximal. Polarizing. And gut-wrenchingly beautiful. Babylung’s new single ‘Betrayal’ is a tragic story of infidelity, told through the vivid imagery of being stabbed in the back.
“I started to notice a pattern with Gen-Z and our struggle with commitment,” says Babylung. “Infidelity sadly isn’t uncommon and I noticed people in my life were dealing with deep emotional scars as a result. Relationships are almost dispensable to young people and I wanted ‘Betrayal’ to capture the grief it causes in its rawest form.”
Born and raised in bilingual Montreal, Toronto-based pop entertainer, IAMREBELWILL is influenced by the showmanship of Janet Jackson, the eclectic artistry of Andre 3000 and the vibes and feels of Kaytranada.
Now unveiling his new project RebelFuturism, the artist is using his voice to challenge the stereotypical perspective in mainstream pop music and help empower the underrepresented LGTBQ+ and POC community to be fearlessly themselves. RebelFuturism, is seductive, contemporary pop, soaked in the neon bleached nightclub vibes of house bass-lines, infused with irresistible pop hooks and melodies. “It’s a soundtrack for modernity, addressing sexuality, sexual fluidity, identity and equality,” says Rebel. “As a proud queer black man I wanted to create something that gave a voice to my experience and a voice to folks whose stories the majority of time are not told.”
“Addicted” is the first single to be released off of the upcoming project. An anthem of being hopelessly in love Rebel declares, “I spent a huge portion of my life afraid to be myself and this project allows me to finally be authentically Rebel!” The single is a sleek, exploration of love. Narrating the navigation of feelings, “Addicted” talks of looking back from an objective standpoint at a first time relationship, falling in love and trying to understand the experience. Co-written with Tafari Anthony, the single is dripping in groove and energy, encouraging you to live unapologetically yourself.
Produced by Nick Katz, “Addicted” has an undeniable addictive electricity to the track, with a slapping bass line and cool, fresh synths that ooze powerful, sassy vibes. The funk and rhythm on this single carries a constant glow of confidence.
They say that great art comes from great pain. Miami-based artist, Michael Lazar, attests to this statement through his debut album, entitled 51/49. Consisting of 15 songs written, recorded and produced by Lazar, the album is a culmination of the artist’s 18-year journey through tragedy and loss to self-discovery and finding love. 51/49 is set to release this fall.
To introduce his new album, Lazar announces the release of his debut single, “Capsule,” out now on all digital music platforms. LISTEN HERE Written during the pandemic when the world was locked down, the song describes the feeling of being trapped, censored, or somehow silenced, both literally and figuratively. For Lazar, the song “speaks to that feeling we’ve all had when you’re shouting to be heard but no one seems to be listening.”
neillfrazer@hotmail.com
