One of America’s most exciting new RnB’s talents, Kyle Dion now commands close to 700,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone. ‘Purr’ features the equally sensational Kari Faux and is undoubtedly a summer hit in the making – I won’t be surprised if this song takes off globally very quickly.
Following on from the fantastic debut ‘Coward’, Drew Jodi returns today with stunning new single ‘Lost’. If you haven’t heard the latter song, then you really should – there’s a juxtaposition in tone between both tracks that is stark; yet lyrically both tracks centre on mental health and the theme of breathing.
Where the breathing in ‘Coward’ is a metaphor for loneliness, in ‘Lost’ the delivery of ‘breathe in’ comes less as a command and more of a reminder to exercise presence of mind, even with the weight of the past bearing down.
“I was finishing ‘Lost’ around the same time I wrote ‘Coward’ during the first lockdown last year. Both tracks were written in a stream of consciousness, with most of the lyrics coming out in one improv take. I only realised later that I was almost talking about the same thing from an alternate perspective.”
Mixed and mastered at the legendary Denmark Studio in London, ‘Tennizer’ is by far one of the most refreshing takes on pop that I have heard so far this year.
Press play and experience TENNIN’s futuristic musical world, with a unique signature between hyperpop and old-school RnB hints.
Prudence is no stranger to the limelight, having previously been one half of critically-acclaimed French-Finnish band The Dø.
Now on a journey as a solo artist, her upcoming debut album ‘Beginnings’ (out 28th May) features production from the likes of Justice, Stelios Phili and Maxime Le Guil, and with oversight from the legendary Pedro Winter.
“‘Here and Now’ is a song about time, about moments of bliss. The lyrics were inspired by hours spent contemplating the ocean in all its moods, healing the wounds of the past (‘feels just like a cure’). This track is also about transition, when it’s time to start a new chapter, with no regret. Basically a track that calls for transcendental meditation…”
Montréal-based producer and singer-songwriter kerri creates music that blends alternative RnB with hip-hop in a very finessed, almost understated way.
This stunning collaboration with PA-based artist Naji is a beautifully colourful yet melancholy sound that is sure to win your hearts.
“We found a way to relate to each other’s experiences with finding confidence in ourselves after being alone and how hard it can be healing from someone hurting you. Emotional weight is hard to carry and takes a lot of strength to overcome. We produced the track and wrote the first versions of our vocals together the first time we met, sending files back and forth over email until it was finished.” – kerri
Track of the week. British artist Artemas has delivered one of the finest cuts of indie-pop that I have heard so far this year. This is a catchy bop that feels refreshingly raw and original, yet still easy to vibe along and connect with.
Rochelle Jordan’s unique approach to RnB and dance continues to impress, with the release of ‘ALREADY’ once again showcasing this LA-based artist’s skill for taking classic sounds and turning them into epic anthems.
“’ALREADY’ represents that crucial and courageous moment you decide to end a toxic relationship or situation. This song is the moment it becomes so clear to you and you feel this sense of freedom because you know it’s actually over in your mind and heart. It takes a lot to get to this point because it’s scary to separate from what can seem strangely comfortable even if it’s literally killing your spirit.”
Taken from the new album ‘Play With The Changes’ which is out now via Young Art Records.
A beautifully moving release from rising Toronto artist – producer KyleYouMadeThat, ‘Make You Happy’ features a guitar sample that curls around a booming bass line as a trap production takes hold.
Featuring the talents of YBN Nahmir, Joseph Black and YB Redencion, the song delivers one emotionally charged performance after another before an addicting hook kicks in.
British TV fans will instantly recognise Fredrik Ferrier, although I’m featuring him today purely on the brilliance of his new single, ‘You’.
This is a gorgeously finessed mix of neo-soul, funk and electro-pop; all the while Ferrier sings with every register of his voice to a story of obsession, love and the refusal to move on.
Reflecting on writing the song in Sweden with Andreas Larsson (aka Castell) and Matty Ray, Fredrik explains:
“The quick spoken verses started out as a bridge idea and it was the final idea of the song. However we loved the new energy so much we changed up the whole song, putting them at the beginning which gives the song it’s infectious and hard hitting energy from the moment you press play!”
Fun fact: Elise Eriksen is the daughter of one half of legendary producers Stargate. Born in Norway, raised in Manhattan and now LA-based, this new talent is certain to hit pop dominance soon; she already receives over 160,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone!
A unique take on hip hop, with lyricism that is captivating, raw and honest.
With a uniquely distinctive vocal tone and an ability to create infectiously catchy pop melodies, INA IVY is a new force to be reckoned with.
”This song is about when people are trying to make you feel beneath them in everyday life but where they can’t get to you because you know your own worth. For example, a clerk in an upscale boutique maybe treats you like a bum, assuming you’re only browsing since everything according to them is way too pricey for your looks not knowing that you are the pricey piece in the store.”
Delivering a fresh approach to pop music, John Samuel crafts simple yet memorable melodies that are filled with piercing one liners; lyricism that immediately captivates you and gets you thinking.
‘Popstar’ is a song that embodies a character consumed by celebrity culture – an enigma all too present in the modern psyche.
“Broken people entertain; nothing questioned, nothing changed.”
Ayzha Nyree is undoubtedly one of the most exciting artists to emerge out of the US recently, having mastered the art of blending hip hop and RnB in a way that gives it a totally unique and fresh perspective.
British talent Wohdee brings a finessed approach to UK rap, blending sharp beats with a deliciously addictive bass and captivating lyricism. Not bad going, considering she only started recording original music during the first lockdown last July!
“The idea for ‘Vain’ came about when I was in the studio listening to the beat. I was puzzled on what to write about, so I asked my sister and she said to write about being vain (because I am). The ideas flew straight to my head after that, and making the song was quite easy. At first, I viewed it as fun and shallow, but now it’s more of an affirmation. Sometimes I have to remind myself of who I am, and the song reiterates it. I hope ‘Vain’ makes people feel good about themselves while listening to it. I want it to boost a lot of egos and gas a lot of heads.”
One of Ireland’s biggest musical exports in recent years, Picture This are back today with the fantastically catchy ‘LA House Party’.
This is a fabulous slice of pop-rock that’s packed with engaging lyricism, delivered with distinctively unique vocals that exude charm.
A wonderfully captivating indie-pop sound from Austrian newcomer OSKA. This is the kind of sound that is near impossible not to fall in love with; fragile, thoughtful and so purely charming.
This is soul-pop at it’s purest, finest and most emotive. Melodically sublime, Goldford’s husky and weathered vocals increase the beauty of ‘Ride the Storm’ even further by sending a warm embrace to those struggling with these unsettled times.
“‘Ride The Storm’ reflects the collective anxiety that the world now lives in. There are no guarantees of anything, but we’re going to get through this together.”
A shimmering blend of playful nostalgic pop and hints of RnB, with a killer chorus and a wildly catchy melody. This is a certified weekend bop!
“‘Better Than I Was’ is about exactly what it sounds like.. at first. I’m singing it to ‘the one that got away’ I guess, tryna’ tell her I’m a better person now, but we wanted to add that hint of desperation, pleading for her to take me back. I think the outro represents that side of it.” – Maia Quin, GOLDSPACE
