This is the first single of our future album. Glastonbury is about the end of one big friendship, about things that are happening in our lives and can change us forever.
KIANA is a Toronto based R&B artist, known for her moody, soulful and hypnotic soundscapes. Reflecting feelings of heartbreak and melancholy, the songwriter touches on how growth is often painful but beautiful. With a unique Persian and Dutch upbringing, KIANA grew up in constant change. This experience taught her the beauty in letting go and adapting and as a result her lyricism developed into a form of observation of her ever-changing environment. Her music takes its inspiration from both Toronto and European music culture, creating something which is comforting and familiar, yet distinctly her own.
Her latest single “strangers” oozes a dark R&B tone. Looking into the future and the past all at once, she considers the infinite possibilities of what could alternatively play out between two people who once felt deep love and now nothing. The artist confides, “It’s ultimately a sad title, but it’s probably the most common human thought and experience. I know everyone who reads the title will think about the time they experienced that thought too and will think about that person – who could at the time be a stranger, a lover, or somewhere in between.”
“strangers” takes inspiration from the likes of Jorja Smith and Amy Winehouse, emitting rolling waves of melancholic shadows throughout and echoing adlibs of curiosity and wonder. The soul meets dark R&B sound has a minimalist approach to the production, while the closely-knit piano notes give off a flutter of soulful magic, alongside her fierce, controlled and sultry vocals. Overall alluring in its nature, the track drips in tender backing synths and a calm, soft beat.
Her music has gained recognition from multiple radio stations including Toronto’s Flow 93.5 FM and Vibe 105.5 FM and received immense positive reception from her hometown. Today, KIANA has earned over half a million plays globally and has been featured in publications such as Lyrical Lemonade, Ones to Watch and Red Bull Music, to name a few. She has touched major stages like The Mod Club Theatre and performed at significant Canadian festivals including NXNE and Canadian Music Week.
KIANA’s upcoming releases are bound to disrupt the music scene once again.
emerging Venezuelan, Miami-raised multidisciplinary artist LexMo releases her new single, ‘Think Of Me’. Stream ‘Think Of Me’ here.
‘Think Of Me’ is a poignant heartbreak ballad about lost love and physical heartache, wrapped around emotionally gutting lyrics, serving as vivid snapshots into the changes of a past relationship. In LeXmo’s own words, ‘Think Of Me’ is “an ode to the resentment I felt for the way my first real love ended things and the way it broke me. I wanted him to know.” Throughout the song, LexMo shows her personal growth, carrying her own truth-filled story, buoyed by her ability to influence emotions with vocals equally embracing deep wounds and innocent vulnerability. The latest only intensified by the artwork and press shots captured by Miami-based photographer Merrett Fay, whose lens has snapped A$AP Ferg, Post Malone and Future among others.
Diving deeper into the inspiration behind the track, the fiercely honest singer-songwriter explains: “I’d just gotten out of a toxic relationship that was a constant cycle of fighting and forgiving, when I met someone who showed me it’s possible to have a healthy relationship based on more than just sex and jealousy. I found my first love in him. When life got in the way and I got sick, he gave his all to ensure I was okay. He lost himself over time trying to be there for me, and eventually ended things via text. I’ve never felt such physical heartache before. If my previous relationship tore me apart, this one opened up a new level of emotional pain I never thought I would recover from.”
Giving us a glimpse into her writing and production process, LexMo reveals; “I started messing around with some guitar loops that I tracked with my co-producer,Guaico. The vocal samples you hear at the beginning of the song made me feel melancholy but happy at the same time, which embodies exactly what the relationship I wrote about makes me feel. I was so happy with him and the life we had until things took such a hard turn. And that’s where I see blues and purples, and smoke in the air, showers running cold, dishes piling up, trips to the liquor store and joints smoked to the filter.”
Born in Venezuela and raised in Miami, LexMo is a fearless bilingual singer, songwriter and producer whose varied practice as an artist include creative direction, video production, choreography, marketing and digital media. Her previous self-released singles, each accompanied by a video directed by LexMo herself – the dark alt-pop ‘I’m the worst (but I love myself)’and thebrooding R&B-laced single ‘White Walls’– have proven her raw, unbridled talent.
Los Angeles based James Mantis is an artist who isn’t afraid to blur the lines. In his latest five-track EP Jab Step Pop, Mantis showcases his ability to play with different sounds and textures, executing his desire to create something which is undeniably unique and completely his own. Mantis shares, “I wanted this project to be a mixture of what I could do.”
Jab Step Pop takes inspiration from some of Mantis’ favorite artists including Kid Cudi, Kanye West and Toro y Moi, as well as intertwining his love for experimental music and his other love: sport, particularly basketball (hence the name Jab Step Pop.) Produced by Christian Lum, the EP fuses alt-indie with hints of experimental rock and a rich lashing of hip-hop. Describing this EP as his “first major step out” and a means to find himself sonically, Jab Step Pop is both calming and fully-charged with energy.
His stand out single “FIRE DRILL,” co-produced by Mikey Margott from The Neighborhood, has a lo-fi timeless feel with a sepia-toned aura. Flushed in a 2021 electro tone, along with melodies comparable to the likes of Childish Gambino, the track emits an unfiltered and laid-back atmosphere.
“SEVEN MILES” produced by Tony Davia of Younger Hunger, was written in the most idyllic of settings mirroring the freedom in the record with the artist honestly spilling, “I think I had the best time writing Seven Miles because I was away from everything, secluded in a beach house on the water like it was a literal dream location to write a song. That song feels the most free and Open on the EP and it’s about just not giving a fuck because I’m far away from the bullshit.” Sonically the track is fluid and pounding in electro sparks and gritty style bass riffs as the rush of euphoria, feeling somewhat dream-pop like in their etherealism.
A true exploration into Mantis’ life, Jab Step Pop highlights everything the artist represents in both his everyday life and artistry. With streaming numbers in the millions, James Mantis continues to turn heads.
After graduating from ICON in 2015, Kompany has established himself as one of the genre’s top producers. He’s performed around the world across dance music’s biggest stages including Imagine Music Festival, Bass Canyon, and Lost Lands. His unique sound design and instrumental background have made him a sought-after collaborator, earning support from major artists like Wooli, Illenium, and Slander. On the back of his ‘Untouchable’ EP, Kompany is taking his new audiovisual experience on the road with tour stops at Treehouse Miami, Hard Rock Live Las Vegas, and more.
Starting his musical journey at the age of eight, Israeli producer Whales has overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Dealing with intense Tourrettes Syndrome his whole life, music became his therapy and Whales has since made an astonishing recovery, cementing himself on the global bass circuit. His powerful story and diverse sound have seen him collaborate with heavyweights such as Excision and Kayzo. With his North American headline tour in full swing, Whales is poised to have a career-defining year.
Above and beyond, Jordn is a Los Angeles transplant that has a narrow focus with a universal understanding: live with purpose, follow your dreams. Jordn is a native to a relatively unknown island in the Caribbean called Dominica. His sound is equally motivating and poignant, a humbling perspective against the backdrop of a cinematic soundscape. That’s the formula.
After collaborating with numerous artists, including co-writing songs for Chris Brown’s Indigo album “You Like That”, “Part of the Plan” and “Cheetah,” Jordn is gearing up to release his EP High Hopes. Jordn confides, “This EP was built on my own doubts, a lot of these songs remind me in different ways to keep pushing. On High Hopes I say ‘I’ve been in the mud for a minute, can’t stay down, I can’t let me.’ Reminds me that at the end of the day, we’re the only ones responsible for whether we succeed or not.”
The first single from the EP, “Blessed,” immediately sets the tone for his upcoming project .“Blessed” drips with deep emotions and biting verses intertwined with smooth melodic runs, entrancing vocals, and powerfully dark downtempo hip-hop production by producer Nico. The track screams perseverance and self-mastery through heavy beats that ignite the soul.
“23,” a standalone single but a pivotal part of Jordn’s journey, is a song of strength, courage and power over a smooth flow, hypnotic beat and fiery hip-hop production by producer Cai. Inspired after watching Michael Jordan’s The Last Dance docuseries for the fifth time, it’s a track that showcases the artist’s self-awareness and determination, which outpours into impactful words, messaging, and masterful delivery.
Jordn’s “Come Down” is an emotive track that narrates Jordn’s struggle as he perseveres to make his dreams come true. Jordn confides,” ‘Come Down’ comes from a place where I felt I was way too deep in to give up. I was in a very conflicted space, moving to L.A. and feeling like I don’t belong, but also feeling like this is where I need to be to make things happen. I’m sure a lot of people who move here to chase their dream felt like that at some point, and I still don’t really know if I’ve completely gotten over that feeling.” Featuring introspective lyrics and a melodic beat intertwined with R&B infused soundscapes, the track and video delves into the depths of Jordn’s mind as he picks himself up and remembers why he started in the first place.
AS IDLES gear-up for the release of their highly anticipated new album, JOE TALBOT is pleased to announce a series of ‘In Conversation’ shows this Winter.
Releasing ‘CRAWLER’ on 12th November 2021, the frontman will be taking the opportunity to sit down and discuss the record in greater detail at a short series of intimate Q&A sessions.
Taking a deeper dive into the album as well as chatting about life, music and more, Talbot will be in conversation with Creation Records legend ALAN McGEE. This limited run of shows will also offer the audience a unique opportunity to ask their own burning questions to the IDLES mainman.
The full list of dates is as follows:
Fast forward to 2021 and IDLES are now readying their fourth album in as many years, with ‘CRAWLER’ due to hit the shelves on 12 November via Partisan. On ‘CRAWLER’, the group brings to life vivid stories of trauma, addiction and recovery with its most soul-stirring music to date. The 14-track project was recorded at the famed Real World Studios in Bath during the COVID-19 pandemic and co-produced by Kenny Beats (Vince Staples, Freddie Gibbs) and IDLES guitarist Mark Bowen.
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