Toronto’s Bianca James sets new boundaries in ‘Black & Blue’ out June 30th.
“I went on thinking I could change you,” the Toronto performer echoes over haunting organ and thunderous claps. “But now I know, our love is cold.” On the urgent yet contemplative ‘Black & Blue’, Bianca James refuses to settle for a dead-end reality.
Following her summery retro-pop debut single ‘Monaco’ and intricate power ballad ‘Till I Remember’, Bianca continues to build momentum by unveiling yet another side to her artistry with ‘Black & Blue’s bold production courtesy of JUNO Award-nominated & Platinum certified producer Thomas McKay in Toronto and at The Kinks’ iconic Konk Studios in London, UK.
“It’s about drawing a line and setting boundaries, knowing the short-term pain of a relationship ending is better than putting up with prolonged emotional suffering,” – Bianca James.
‘Black & Blue’ blends modern production with throwback elements, a driving rhythm section, and girl-group backing vocals inspired by Motown records – to an empowering effect. The single follows from Bianca’s deeply layered and intimate gospel power ballad ‘Till I Remember’, which found placements in Apple Music’s Best New Songs, New Music Daily, Neu in: Pop and Breaking Pop.
While many artists mine similar veins of vintage musical vibes, few do so as convincingly and effortlessly as Bianca James. On this, her independent debut album, Bianca nails it with her huge voice and a degree of cinematic flair that captures all the drama and glamour of the time, while adding an eminently satisfying splash of modern pop to the mix.
Growing up in Montreal with her Italian father and mother of UK descent, Bianca James glamorised the wild, free lifestyle of the Italian and French Riviera and the swinging rock ’n’ roll scene of 1960s London. She was constantly singing, she adds, developing her voice by singing along to the classic records spinning on the family’s turntable. “I dreamed of living in London, driving to Paris or the south of France, and playing shows with a killer backing band. That’s the dream that built this album.”
Timeless is perhaps the best way to describe Bianca’s contemporary take on a truly classic, international sound – one that draws reference from American and British 1960s styles with a melding of elements of Motown, Soul, and modern pop. “I didn’t care about trends or what other people were doing. I wrote what I wrote and focused on making something earthy and organic sounding.”
One of the most interesting songwriters to emerge from Ireland’s shores in the last couple of years, Seba Safe releases his new EP and title track Rainy.
Ironically, the most summery-sounding song from the 6-track collection, ‘Rainy’ has a driving rhythm alongside a refrain of ‘have a rainy day’. Talking about the release, Seba says “Rainy is a song about simple and selfish wants. In it I talk about confidence, nostalgia, sex, relationships and progression as a person and artist.”
Exploring a multitude of themes from a time when the world was in a global quarantine, Seba’s new EP is a natural follow-up to last year’s EP, Before I Remember You, taking Seba Safe’s folk roots and expanding on them to present a collection of rich and ethereal songs. Previous single ‘I Wonder’ has a haunting dreamlike quality, before morphing into a pop bop courtesy of driving percussive beats, whilst ‘Oblivion’ is a classic tale of wanting someone you shouldn’t, counterbalanced with a lush soundscape. ‘Afterlife’ presents a rumination on loneliness with a slow R’n’B-tinged beat, and ‘On My Way’ is a very personal song that looks at the songwriter’s Irish roots and young people’s emigration from his country, complete with a touching phrase in the chorus, ‘Oró, Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile’ which from Irish translates to ‘welcome home.’
Seba Safe is the brainchild of Galway songwriter Michael D’Alton, who is currently based on Ireland’s west coast, and is set to become a force to be reckoned with in the blossoming Irish music scene. Writing candidly and honestly on personal relationships, love, loss and change, the musician’s pertinent lyrics are wrapped in a sound that combines elements of pop, folk, indie and R’n’B seamlessly, establishing himself as one of the most interesting songwriters to emerge from Ireland’s shores in the last couple of years.
The Rainy EP was recorded in producer Duncan Mills’ (Florence and The Machine, Jake Bugg and Jamie Callum) studio in London Fields last summer. Seba explains, “The Rainy EP for me is a personal reflection of a time where the world was in lockdown. These songs aren’t about the pandemic but a day-to-day reminder of what was happening in my own life and the country around me. Dealing with themes of mental health, personal growth, friendships falling apart, immigration and love, I created five songs to allow me to see the whole picture of this time. Duncan Mills in London recorded and produced something that I will always be proud of. My manager and brother Shea Tohill’s lead guitar moments turn this EP into something truly special. Being honest is all I strive for in song writing and that’s what I’ve done here.”
Seba Safe’s lyrics are wrapped in a sound that effortlessly combines many musical elements. His debut EP Map Runner established him as one of Ireland’s most promising songwriting talents and the Galwegian was quickly signed to indie label Nettwerk Records for a global deal.
With an artistic range that saw him collaborate with Æ MAK on “I Dance In The Kitchen”, the track saw heavy radio and DSP support including being named Track Of The Day on KEXP. Praise for Seba Safe has been forthcoming from The Irish Times, Gemma Bradley from BBC Radio 1, and Hot Press amongst others. He has garnered significant airplay from BBC 6Music, RTÉ 2FM (including Record of the Week from Tracy Clifford), and RTÉ Radio 1. He released his first EP with Nettwerk in 2022, Before I Remember You.
His live shows have been going from strength to strength with slots around the country and shows in Dublin’s Grand Social and Vicar Street, and in 2023 we can look forward to an upcoming headline show in Whelan’s on 22nd July, and UK dates immediately afterwards.
This is set to be another significant year for the Irish musician. It’s safe to say, Seba Safe is on the rise.
Rising Manchester indie-pop four-piece – SOUTH BY ZERO – are making a heartfelt introduction with new single “Open Arms” (out 30 June).
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A playful slice of plucky and poignant alt-pop that glistens with a breezy charm well beyond their years, “Open Arms” explores the misgivings and misdeeds that come along with navigating the minefield of adolescent relationships.
Blending crisp pop production with lush melodies, confessional lyrics and an infectious, folky feel, South By Zero say the track is about “still feeling attached to an ex-lover, despite seeing somebody new.”
South By Zero are Matt Bawtree (lead vocals/guitar), Tomas Farrington (drums), Emma Halpin (vocals/keys) and George Burton (vocals/guitar/bass). Seamlessly blending mainstream pop with elements of folk and rock, the band’s story began in 2020 when school friends Matt and George started performing together in their South Coast hometowns. Co-writing songs about the teenage experience and the trials and tribulations of first loves, the pair used two guitars and endless vocal harmonies to establish the original South By Zero sound.
After moving to Manchester in 2021, the duo joined forces with Tomas and quickly began playing at well-established venues across the city. South By Zero released their debut EP ‘Behind These Walls’ in 2022 and, after seeking a change in dynamic and sound, invited Emma to join the band at the beginning of this year.
Now a four-piece, the band are quickly becoming an unstoppable force on the Manchester music scene with their distinctive alt-pop sound that melds together each of their own personal tastes and talents.Plucking influence from the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Talking Heads and The 1975 amongst others, they have played a string of headline shows to-date and have had their live set praised as ‘“fantastic” by One Love Records.
With “Open Arms” marking the beginning of a new chapter for the quartet, fans can catch them supporting The Build in Manchester this August, and at their own headline show at The Deaf Institute Lodge on 7 October.
Earlestown-bred indie risers – THE K’S – are back in your ears with the explosive new single: “Landmines”.
Whilst currently in the midst of a frantic festival season, the band are delighted to announce a slew of new dates, which includes their biggest headline show to date at Manchester Academy this Winter. Tickets on sale @ 9AM today.
LISTEN ON YOUTUBE HERE || STREAM ON SPOTIFY HERE
With the Warrington based four-piece promising a barrel-load of new music throughout 2023, “Landmines” arrives as the latest powder-keg to be stacked in that arsenal. Exemplifying a band with their finger firmly on the trigger, from its ricocheting guitar riffs to its seismic drum fills and supersonic chorus hooks, The K’s deliver another tour-de-force of high octane indie rock thrills.
Gaze beyond the furore of the music though and you’ll find a potent, personal snapshot into Jamie Boyle’s formative years. A story that will resonate with anyone who has come of age in a working class background and found comfort in companionship (and a few cans), the frontman explains:
“Landmines is a memoir of myself growing up. It’s a story that is familiar to me, the band and thousands of other people across the UK who experienced the transition into adolescence living in a working-class town. The song sends many of us back to our late-teen days where the only recipe for a good night with friends was cheap alcohol and some sort of shelter, whether that be a tunnel or a skate park. Landmines brings back fond memories of the first real time we were free to explore the world by ourselves as, what we then thought were, ‘adults’ and the events that ensued”.
Just in time for summer and those unmissable trips to Ibiza with your friends, Delakwiz and Don Dante who make up The Remix Factory have enlisted no other than Fatman Scoop, Angelo Flow and Anjii Cii for their latest anthem, ‘Hips Don’t Lie’. Re-imagining Shakira’s hit single; this explosive release instantly transports you onto an island with its infectious energy.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: THE REMIX FACTORY – HIPS DON’T LIE
Incorporating elements from both contemporary and retro club sounds, The Remix Factory who are reputable for their bouncy basslines and timeless melodies have delivered exactly that with this drop. Framed with Fatman Scoop’s booming voice that commands the listener, whilst transporting you back to the golden age of R&B and the early noughties, the 90’s style house production is an instant head-bopper. Swiftly followed through with Angelo Flow’s rotation of Spanish and English, British Latina Anjii Cii layers her silky vocals atop, creating an irresistible listen.
WATCH: THE REMIX FACTORY – HIPS DON’T LIE
Paired with jet-setting visuals, we follow The Remix Factory, Fatman Scoop, Angelo Flow, and Anjii Cii as they take on the iconic party destination, Malta. Encapsulating the nightlife of the island, when speaking on release The Remix Factory commented, “It took us nearly two months to create the booming sound at the beginning of the track. Fatman Scoop brought so much energy to the track! We sent him the audio file and he sent back around twenty stems. We invited Anjii and Angelo to lay down some vocals and the rest is history. We wanted to make a song that would have you hooked from the start!”
London based, Manchester born newcomer APW releases his latest R&B cut “Learnt Behaviour”.
Blending smooth R&B production with jazzy guitar melodies, APW’s distinctly soulful vocals take centre stage whilst his honest lyrics tell the relatable story of using passion to fill a void as he sings “Move in closer, time I put it on ya, 30 is all we need.” Building throughout, the queer talent’s impressive vocal range dances in and out of falsetto combining luscious riffs and backing vocals with stacked emotive harmonies creating a nostalgic feel.
Talking on the track APW explains: “I wrote this about using sex as a band aid for heartbreak. Using people for my own satisfaction and then still feeling lonely.”
Brought up on a diet of Stevie Wonder, Kate Bush and Donna Summer, APW’s clear diverse soundwaves have influenced previous releases “Love I Never Had” and “Junior Verde” gaining critical support from the likes of NOCTIS, CLOUT and EARMILK. Showcasing his creativity “Learnt Behaviour” has a zine of photos and handwritten lyrics set to be released at the beginning of July. With a stream of releases set for this year, the rising talent is on a fast-paced trajectory to becoming a significant one to watch crashing into wider consciousness.
Emerging singer and songwriter Emma Ogier is making her introduction with her debut single, “First Base,” out now on Cardinal Records.
Hailing from Houston, Texas, 19-year-old Emma Ogier is an artist quickly making a name for herself. Drawing inspiration from established artists like Lori McKenna, Phoebe Bridgers, and Joni Mitchell, Emma’s unique sound blends elements of country and indie pop, creating an evocative atmosphere that captures the hearts of her listeners. Her talent has not gone unnoticed by her musical heroes, as evidenced by Maggie Rogers recently joining her for multiple duets on TikTok.
Co-written and produced by Doug Schadt (Ashe, Maggie Rogers, Claire Rosinkranz), “First Base” showcases Emma’s standout vocals and introspective songwriting. Packed with heartfelt lyricism that openly explores anxiety, insecurity, and the fear of rejection, “First Base” speaks to the frustration of feeling stuck in a surface level relationship that’s not moving forward.
“I wrote ‘First Base’ to help me better understand and cope with feelings associated with being misunderstood by individuals,” she adds. “This song is about sticking around for someone who wouldn’t stick around for you.”
While “First Base” marks her first official streaming release, Emma is no stranger to the spotlight. She’s already performed shows in Nashville and Los Angeles, and she recently wrapped up a US tour supporting Michaela Slinger. As she continues to gain recognition and accolades, there’s no doubt that Emma Ogier is poised for a successful breakthrough this year.
The day has finally arrived! BC musician Liam Docherty is pleased to announce the release of his new album Gemini Rising out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
Along with the album release, Liam is also premiering the lyric video for 2nd single ‘Life On The West Coast‘. The track is a devastating social critique of the inequity of life in Vancouver in 2023, as seen through the eyes of a 15-year musician. Some people experience Vancouver as “one of the most livable cities in the world” a place of natural beauty, opportunity, and wealth (‘Cool sea breeze and the sun in the sky’), while others experience suffering and a struggle to survive (‘You can trust me, I’ll leave you to die’).
“‘Life On The West Coast’ tells a story about four fictional characters from different socio-economic backgrounds as they navigate life in Vancouver in 2023,” says Liam. “It addresses and reflects back common themes regularly represented in the media of wealth inequality, unaffordable housing, and the toxic drug crisis in the 2020s. The song asks the listener, ‘How does Vancouver look through YOUR eyes?’ And it finishes with ‘we’re all just trying to find our way, searching for a brighter day’—a plea for compassion and recognition of the lives being led by others.” Based on Vancouver Island, Liam Docherty is an official partner of Taylor Guitars and has been performing publicly since the age of 7. His new LP Gemini Rising follows the release of his 2020 debut album Modern. Magic. Melody., which earned critical acclaim and sold records internationally. The album also received TV, radio, and print media coverage from CBC, The Globe & Mail, The Vancouver Sun, The Times Colonist, and CHEK TV. It also yielded a nomination for New Act of The Year at the Maple Blues Awards and at just 13 years of age, he became the youngest person in the history of the awards to be nominated.
Indie pop singer, MARIS, releases her debut EP, Gravity, via Black House. Alongside the EP, Gravity The EP: The Movie – a 17-minute short film that brings you through the journey of Gravity, will be premiering today at 2pm PT on YouTube followed by an exclusive YouTube AfterParty on YouTube Premium.
The Gravity EP includes two new tracks titled “Goodbye Forever” and “outofmydepth.”
MARIS says, “I’m so excited to put out my first larger body of work, accompanied by a series of music videos that combine into a short film that I co-directed with the amazing Caro Knapp. From writing these songs through tears alone in my room, or with incredible producers and writers in studios or on Zoom, to creating the zine pages and the podcast episodes, to making the music videos, and finally playing the music live on tour, this process has taught me so much and been fulfilling in so many ways.”
LA-based duo Arnold & Lane release their new Buck EP, out now via Dirtybird Records.
Serving as their fifth release on Dirtybird, the bombastic house duo have brought a burst of energy with their new Buck EP. The titular track ‘Buck’ is an exuberant blend of funky basslines, crunchy percussion, and Lane’s commanding vocals. Arnold & Lane’s party-starting spirit flows through the companion track, ‘Werkem’, a hypnotic mix of percolating synths and snappy snares. The EP also arrives with a dub mix that sees the duo continue to explore the depths of their wavy melodies with a near 6-minute cut of ‘Buck’.
Regarding the EP, Arnold & Lane said, “When we say we ‘got bass’ we mean it wholeheartedly, represented in the track’s unique driving bassline. High cut the bass and twist some knobs? No problem. Now suddenly we have a swagger topline between drops that has the potential to blast these folks with the funk. All elements of the track are designed to get buck where you are. Not necessarily that crazy kind of buck we know you are assuming, but that low profile attitude kind of buck.”
Award-winning DJ, record producer, label owner, and songwriter SPINALL reunites with frequent collaborator WizKid on “Loju,” an emotionally resonant Afrobeats anthem that showcases their mastery of the genre. Listen HERE via Epic Records. “Loju” is SPINALL’s first single since joining the label and follows on the heels of the Nigerian artist’s acclaimed 2023 album TOP BOY.
In the colorful clip, SPINALL and WizKid pull up at a house party in their flashy sports cars and proceed to turn up with a roomful of friends and sexy dancers. Revelers let their hair down around a pool table, while the hitmakers eventually take the party outside and then — ultimately — on to the roof of the building. It’s a breezy good time that captures the essence of “Loju” perfectly. Watch the video HERE.
“You know me and WizKid always have a great history of making super special records,” SPINALL says of their latest collaboration. “We’ve repeated this not once, not twice and this isn’t any different.” Given their track record, which includes 2018’s “Nowo” and 2019’s “Dis Love,” his confidence is completely understandable. “It’s an amazing record,” he adds. “It’s a beautiful song and I can’t wait for everybody to hear it.”
Toronto-based indie-rock outfit Housewife shares the music video for their new single, “King of Wands,” premiering exclusively today on Under The Radar Magazine.
Housewife’s self-directed “King of Wands” video celebrates the inherent power of women’s intuition, spirituality, and solidarity – the things that keep women safe and thriving in the face of patriarchy.
“Getting to direct ‘King of Wands’ was such a cool experience! I had only experienced my first proper video shoot the day before, so it was kind of crazy to go straight into directing one the next day, but it ended up being a lot of fun,” Brighid Fry (aka Housewife) says of their directorial debut. “Because this song has a political message, I knew I wanted to be very specific in the making of the video to ensure that it went along with the song in that regard. I was definitely nervous seeing as I’ve never done any directing, but the rest of the crew were super patient and supportive.”
20-year-old Brighid Fry (she/they), aka Housewife, creates effervescent indie rock interwoven with timeless and perspective songwriting. Already touting several independent Canadian music awards for their previous releases, their most recent EP, ‘You’ll Be Forgiven,’ received praise from outlets such as FLOOD Magazine, FLAUNT, BrooklynVegan, and more.
Cloud X founder and executive producer Dabieh delivers his hotly anticipated project an awkward solitude. pt.1.
One of the most important creative minds championing innovative talent in London and beyond, Dabieh’s multifaceted, community-focused approach has sparked serious waves across UK sound culture. With sleek touches that effortlessly blossom into earthy, retro-fitted funk and soul, an awkward solitude. pt.1 embodies the multi-dimensional sound waves of South East London while creating complex spaces for Dabieh and his immense collaborators to explore ideologies of love, expression and
the wonders of existence. Finding solace within his own sonic environment, Dabieh’s ability to capture and distil moments from his turbulent reality set him as a leading voice for the new generation of talent representing fluidity and evolution across the creative arts.
Manoeuvring through limitless shades and forms, the 7-track project opens with “lose control.” – a dream-like atmosphere laced with melancholic textures that set pace for Dabieh to reconcile with the social and creative boundaries he has overcome, and the self-realisation gained through his hardships and mental health. Quickly evolving into warm, summer vibrations, the funk-infused offering “somebody to love.” enlists international talent Niels who delivers a passionate love letter to the endless chase for true love.
London based singer/songwriter Fox Jackson has been enamored by music from as young as he can remember. Inspired by the likes of artists such as Earth Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang and George Benson, his music blends funk-fuelled melodies, sexy vocals and dance-worthy beats, creating a vibrant and distinct sound which is undeniably his own.
His career in the entertainment industry began at just 11 years old, when he landed the lead role as Billy Elliot, in the hit West End musical, “Billy Elliot the Musical”. His time there solidified his desire to be on stage, while also pushing him to dive deeper into the world of music. Following multiple roles on both stage and TV, Fox soon made an easy transition to his first love and true calling, music. Discovering his own sound and style, Fox has since been crafting music.
His latest single “Glimpses” is the ultimate summer, feel-good banger. The track narrates the feeling you get as a young adult when you go on those first few dates and you start falling for someone. You want to get to know every side of them, get closer to them and see all dimensions to what this person is like. Jackson shares, “So many times in life, you catch a glimpse of someone and you never really know them, especially living in a world with endless possibilities, and never enough time. This song is saying “hey, get to know me cause I really wanna get to know you”. Life would be a little better if you chose me and I chose you, and we ended up knowing each other better than the back of our own hand.”
Glowing with colourful melodies, a groovy beat and jangly guitars, the song emits a fun attitude. Reminiscent of Pharrell’s “Happy” this sun-kissed tune is the perfect soundtrack for those happily ever after moments. Jackson admits, “If you looked up happy in the dictionary, there would be a thumbnail attached in the description with a link to this song.” Infused with infectious dancey rhythms, dream-like harmonies and the feeling like everything is going to be ok, “Glimpses” is certain to put a smile on your face and a skip in your step.
Known for writing music which touches on love, humanity and the nature of getting to know one another, Fox Jackson creates which encompasses all of those warm and gooey feelings. “Glimpses” dares you to take the dive, make the plunge and gamble on love with the artist revealing, “Maybe you’ll finally get the chance to truly connect with that other person.”
Ethiopian-born, South Minneapolis-raised newcomer Mati offers his debut EP ‘Thoughts In Cursive’ paired with an accompanying AI generated visual for the focus track “Immune”.
Mati channels a lifetime of experience through the gospel music from his mother, his father’s refugee journey and the wisdom of his older siblings. Mati expresses, “I just graduated from college so it’s an exciting time with my whole life ahead of me but I’ve been focused on music for the last three years, sharpening my craft, and finally ready to drop my first project.”
“The first time I released anything publicly was a spoken word piece inspired by the civil unrest in my city of Minneapolis that followed George Floyd’s murder in 2020. It was just something I felt obligated to do. It wasn’t meant to be anything that got myself attention, but people resonated with it. Emotions were high. Any amount of trust we had in the system was broken down and everything was uncertain.
It was during this time that I was still finding my voice. “Immune” was made as a reflection of that period in my life. It’s a record that’s really close to me and to be honest it’s difficult to talk about. My community still hasn’t healed as the world moves on as if it never really happened. We need reminders of the nightmare that it was.
The visual for “Immune” is entirely AI generated. Instead of resurfacing sensitive footage from that era, I wanted to experiment with a new way of presenting my music so I worked with the director to create descriptive prompts. It’s interesting and strange how the AI models interpret the lyrics. Watching it back now is like trying to remember a bad dream full of fragments and distortions, which is exactly how that entire time felt.” – Mati
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
