₊˚ New Track ˖° Shivani Day “Blue Car”
₊˚ New Track ˖° Shivani Day “Blue Car” Shivani Day is the Leicester-born, London-based R&B artist refreshing the genre’s dark side, with her own unique spin. Back in and around 2016, the dark R&B sound was being mapped out by the likes of FKA twigs, Tirzah and the emotional vulgarity of BANKS and beyond. 23.05.24 Words by Amalia Castle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PI4Fv7S5A0 While these artists lean more into the left-field, Shivani Day creates a familiar soundscape for alt-rnb fans, while peppering her release with her dark-yet-ethereal essence and South Asian heritage. Following her debut single ‘Rhetoric’ a bold, electronica release telling stories of identity, equality and integrity, Shivani follows up this week with her second single ‘Blue Car’. The track produced by Shivani and 23Sunz (BXKS, Joe James ‘Excuse Me’) takes a deeper dive into Shivani’s UK R&B identity, compared to the more playful and theatrical ‘Rhetoric’. ‘Blue Car’ is robust with a pulsating bassline and Shivani’s spectral backing vocals, as she channels her thoughts on self-worth and closure. In this release “It was important to let the track breathe and allow the production to have its moment too” she says. This rings true as we see Shivani and 23Sunz showcase the emotional qualities of the track through the grandeur of its production and Shivani’s layered vocals taking on the form of an extra instrument. The release is accompanied by a clean-cut, cinematic music video inspired by the Tron Universe and its pulsating ice-blue palette, that’s referenced in the Jay Green-directed video. Shivani Day is showcasing her sound with confidence, and with her journey only just beginning, it seems we’re in the midst of a transformative artist taking a hold of the UK alt-R&B scene as we know it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shivani Day🗡🪷👁 (@shivaniday) You Might Also Like
:·＊ New Release *✩ Robin Mack “When You Fall”
:·＊ New Release *✩ Robin Mack “When You Fall” ‘When You Fall’, the latest single from Kent-based musician Robin Mack, 18, is a heartfelt, uplifting track that beautifully captures the message of supporting loved ones through their darkest moments. With a rich melody, soulful lyrics, and beautiful acoustic production, the song offers listeners both comfort and support. 22.05.24 Words by Charles Buttle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW_DxzXZGEM Released on Thursday, May 22nd, ‘When You Fall’ follows the story of two friends as one reaches out to support the other, offering a shoulder to lean on and a source of strength. As the song encompasses multiple perspectives, it resonates with both supporters and those in need. During our darkest moments, asking for help can mean the world, but it can also be the hardest thing to do. The lyrics, ‘I’m feeling alright, I cannot complain’ and ‘You don’t need to worry about me’, are all too relatable to how we can often make light of our troubles in a pursuit to ‘protect’ others. However, as the barriers begin to lower throughout the song, Robin’s character provides valuable support, delivering comfort and security. Regarding the song’s themes, Robin said: “When I was writing ‘When You Fall,’ I imagined a conversation between two friends, where one knows the other is struggling, and despite initially declining, the person admits they need help, opening up the healing process.” “I believe our culture teaches people that the only acceptable response to ‘How are you?’ is something positive, not opening up enough honest discussions.” “I hope my listeners know that it is okay to reach out for support if they need it, as well as looking out for others,” they added. Robin is known for their compelling, soulful voice and gentle acoustic touch, and ‘When You Fall’ lives up to that reputation. The song starts with a soft strumming of the acoustic guitar, but as it progresses, it evolves with additional instrumentation, creating an immersive experience for the listener. The vocals are heartfelt and passionate throughout, providing a considerable depth of honesty. Additionally, ‘When You Fall’ features vocals from Robins siblings, Mabel and Oliver, who exceptionally convey the song’s core themes while adding further depth to the listening experience. Robin said: “I always intended ‘When You Fall’ to be a duet, and I needed another lead vocalist. Fortunately, my sister Mabel was the perfect fit.” “With their expertise and fantastic voices, featuring my siblings on the track was an absolute joy.” Producer, Oliver Norman added: “Since Robin started making music, I’ve always worked alongside them. However, ‘When You Fall’ was particularly fun.” “Robin has always tried to get me to sing on a track — which I’ve always managed to wriggle out of — but this time, it was a proper ‘family band’.” “I’m very pleased with how the track turned out; the instrumentation accompanying our vocals sounds amazing, so watch this space.” Robin’s music delves into the complexities of relationships and mental well-being. For example, their debut single, ‘More Than Life,’ released last year, explored the topic of unrequited love. While the conclusion of the lyrics is to conceal your true feelings, it’s a welcome element to see Robin exploring the exact opposite. Through their music, Robin creates a broader narrative while tackling challenging topics which is a testament to their talents as both a musician and a storyteller. While no release date has been confirmed, Robin is currently recording their next release, “experimenting with the style of ‘When You Fall’,” and excitedly “working towards releasing something different”. Furthermore, Robin will perform at Low Key Taproom on Saturday, May 25th, at 8pm and The Dog Micropub on Friday, May 31st, at 7pm. You Might Also Like
⊹⊱••• New Single Release •••⊰⊹ Chloe Hawes ‘Bookends’
⊹⊱••• New Single Release •••⊰⊹ Chloe Hawes ‘Bookends’ Chloe Hawes breaks gender norms and celebrates chosen family in their new song. 14.05.24 Words by Mylo Castagnaro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiwWxpNnYfE Chloe Hawes is an Essex-born and Manchester-based singer and songwriter. They released their first album back in 2017. They have since performed all over the UK, selling out shows and performing at Manchester Pride. Chloe possesses a unique sound combining ‘modern British folk with the cinematic sentimentality of classic Americana and a punk rock outlook’. The artist’s focus on love through their queer experience provides a fresh and deeper understanding of relationships in their new single ‘Bookends’. Chloe’s song lyrics discuss themes of identity, acceptance and the complexities of relationships. The opening lines of ‘Bookends’ instantly showcase the artist’s defiance of societal gender norms by refusing to conform to others’ expectations. Their point of view is clear: how they live their life does not impact anyone else’s. This sentiment is exemplified by the lines ‘you can get on with yours [your life] without taking down mine’. While addressing the difficulties of existing as a queer person, the song grows into something more positive. As queer people, we find our community, a chosen family that accepts and celebrates us for who we are. Chloe focuses on this beautiful and hopeful aspect of the queer experience. Their friendships do not fit ‘in the space between your binary bookends’ and that is exactly what makes them worthwhile. As for the music, Chloe’s love for the punk rock genre is evident. This song in particular captures the classic rock sound with strong instrumentals that are accompanied by Chloe’s smoky voice and raw emotions. ‘Bookends’ explores how our society others queerness, positioning it as different from the cisgender heteronormative default, but it also shines a light on queer perseverance and the importance of chosen family. Chloe creates a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt excluded or marginalised for who they are, celebrating the freedom from society’s binary limitations within queer friendships. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chloe Hawes (@chloehawes01) You Might Also Like
ʚ ͜ ̩͙ ︵ ̩͙ ୨ New Single Release ୧ ̩͙ ︵ ̩͙ ͜ ɞ RUBII “Night Drive”
ʚ ͜ ̩͙ ︵ ̩͙ ୨ New Single Release ୧ ̩͙ ︵ ̩͙ ͜ ɞ RUBII “Night Drive” As the weather warms up, RUBII’s latest release, Night Drive, is the perfect song to accompany those summer nights. 07.05.24 Words by Isabel Jackson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hkBOt6nJtc Birmingham-born creative and singer-songwriter RUBII, explores different hip hop genres in her music, combining influences from past and present in order to create her own captivating style in the UK’s alt RnB scene. Serene vocals, accompanied by jazz and RnB-inspired instrumentation is RUBII’s signature sound. Known for hit single ‘Jealousy’, which has amassed over a million streams on Spotify, her latest single Night Drive is set to become another success for the singer. The songs melodic guitar instantly transports you to summer, while the gentle strumming of the guitar alongside her easy-going vocals makes it emblematic of artist’s musical style. RUBII effortlessly blends genres, and her inspiration from jazz, RnB and hip hop is evident in Night Drive. The song and its feeling transports the audience to exactly where the singer is, on a summer nights drive, while the lyrics themselves indicate that the song is perhaps about much more than that. The lyrics seem to explore issues around self-development, relationships and having to be able to let go of control. Lyrics such as “usually at the wheel but this time I will let you drive,” and “I like control so I tell you go left and right”, highlight issues around letting go, and being able to develop in a relationship letting go of control, restraint, inhibitions etc., – no more holding back just embracing the relationship. The artist is exploring her inner turmoil, and her lyrics show an openness and candour in reflecting on her own development. While “put your pedal down and let’s go”, and “I can’t hit no brake”, indicate a feeling of personal development and growth within the artist, beyond just in a relationship, and perhaps also a reflection of the artists musical development, as she continues to define her place in the UK’s RnB music scene. As the days are getting longer and, hopefully warmer, I will definitely have this on repeat all summer long. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝕽𝖚𝖇𝖎𝖎 (@aka.rubii) You Might Also Like
* . °•★•°∵ New Single Release ∵°•☆•° . * Luce Rushton “How It Works”
* . °•★•°∵ New Single Release ∵°•☆•° . * Luce Rushton “How It Works” Eight months since the last release, Luce’s latest single is choc full of desire and expression through this lyrical tale of fate. 07.05.24 Words by Holly Eve https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QerrP9gt9ds Starting as a drummer in the post punk band DeepTan, it’s fair to say Luce Rushtons’s latest EP ‘How it Works’ is a step in a new direction for the London native, evolving from a minimalistic guitarist to a blossoming and dynamic vocalist in her personal work. The debut single sharing the same name bears striking parallels to the soft and twinkling soundscape of Adrianne Lenker with an eclectic British whimsy about it. Fading into the track, it is apparent that the rich and clean tone of the guitar instantly glides into a state of tranquillity in the opening. Rushton’s expressive yet velvet vocals slip over the top revealing the etchings of an unrequited love, still present in her mind and traces of their scent still hanging around, building up into a sense of disappointment around the slower measure of the acoustic, pacing around the starkness of the first sighting. Easing into an interesting instrumental hook on the xylophone, reminiscent of the indie sleaze era, hinting at youth, naivety and dragging through life through bright yet malaise percussion. ‘I was the place, now I’m alone’. Rushton’s writing creates a room of emotions to step into, whether it be sentimentality, wry bitterness or joyous repentance over the experience, we have all visited it at some point in our lives. Showing that there can be a silver lining to living through melancholy. Continuing to the chorus, Luce elevates the mood into anger, upping the use of electronic instruments over acoustic. The Percussive areas of the tune grow and twist around the lyrics ‘I must be the home’ coming to her conclusions around the troubling time. Pushing through the sadness with anger managed by a wall of brash layered guitars and a bitter taste in her mouth. Listening to the track makes me almost proud as if I was taking back the narrative into my own hands and shaping the future for the better. In turn, unifying many listeners through emotional turmoil and providing a sanctuary to reflect. The track soon fades into a beautiful mix of all the instruments combined in a rather expressive yet refined explosion of indie bedroom pop with a hint of alternative rock, giving it one final push before simmering into cluttered notes on the piano. Although only 3 minutes long, this new single proves Rushton’s songwriting talents are manifesting and reaching into every emotion felt along the tumultuous journey of yearning and its consequences. This is an artist that should be watched very closely this coming year, as she continues to raise the bar for the southeast indie scene. As for the up-and-coming material, time will only tell. But to keep yourself occupied in the meantime, Luce Rushton’s live performance of ‘Night Drive Through’ is available on Youtube and The New Age Magazine site now. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luce Rushton (@lucerushtonnn) You Might Also Like
‧͙⁺˚*･༓ New Single Release ༓･*˚⁺‧͙ OURAA ‘The Promise’
‧͙⁺˚*･༓ New Single Release ༓･*˚⁺‧͙ OURAA ‘The Promise’ There is no stopping OURAA from delivering a catchy and uplifting message drowning in rich harmonies. After releasing her song Bed Bugs in October last year, she is back with a promise. 01.05.24 Words by Layla Wheatley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-n5OmZNhJU In case you have missed out on following OURAA’s journey since her entrance to the music scene in 2019 with her first single release, ‘What Do You Want’, she is a musician from South London with an incredible voice and musicality. She is a self-proclaimed “pick-n-mix” artist, meaning she takes great joy in mixing and exploring different genres of music that best support her artistic aims and message. Her sound so far has included features reminiscent of R&B, Afro-swing, gospel, jazz, alternative soul, afro beats, and pop genres. OURAA is a favourite here at New Age Magazine, with her infectious positive personality that shines through in all of her music as well as her lyrical honesty, using her music as a diary to express herself and navigate her way through life. The promise OURAA makes in this song was originally a self-inspiring message to remind herself to keep moving forward and not to give up when you’re close to achieving your dreams, no matter how difficult it may seem, which extends to the listener encouraging others and delivering a message of self-empowerment and hope. The unique rich gospel harmonies with the fast-paced club-like tune add a special quality to this piece, really compounding this underlying message. The catchy bass line, along with mixing techniques including drops and voice manipulation, produces an addictive sound, enticing you to listen to every lyric, perfect for the upcoming festival season. She’s had massive growth in following over the last few years, reaching fans in over 76 countries, so if you don’t know her and love her by now, you are seriously missing out. She currently doesn’t have any performances lined up, but make sure to look out for her because her natural stage presence and catchy songs will leave you wanting more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by OURAA (@ouraaofficial) You Might Also Like
⋆⁺₊⋆ New EP Release ⋆⁺₊⋆: Belmondo “The Blessed and The Evil”
⋆⁺₊⋆ New EP Release ⋆⁺₊⋆ Belmondo “The Blessed and The Evil” Maintaining a raw and energised growl from start to finish, Belmondo’s debut EP explores uncharted terrain. 01.05.24 Words by Kristian Floate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NWQgy0g80A ’24 has been a catalyst for Brighton goth-grungers Belmondo, and after cruising effortlessly through a European tour with industrial icons ‘Filter’, they are only pushing further with the release of their highly anticipated EP ‘The Blessed and the Evil’ – a wax-sealed package of unforgiving rock flavour with Belmondo’s trademark stamp of guitar-fuelled rage. Maintaining a raw and energised growl from start to finish, Belmondo’s debut EP explores uncharted terrain that sets the band aside from earlier singles ‘RTD’, ‘The Gods They Know’ and ‘Pachyderm’ – delving into the sonic capabilities of the guitar and setting the instrument as the foundation to the EP. Endless layers of chorus, noise, distortion and chord-heavy thrumming have highlighted Belmondo’s trajectory into heavy rock, grunge and everything in-between, while playing homage to their experimental roots. Lead vocalist Carmen Mellino has guided listeners through a definitive track-by-track guide, sharing inspirations, writing processes and messages – and it’s clear to see the rigorous care and consideration that has been injected into the 4-track debut. Commenting on opening track ‘Getting Closer’, Carmen shares a heartfelt confession: ‘Getting Closer is about going out and not knowing if you fit in with those around you. I have a bad habit of overthinking and I wonder constantly if people actually like me and start socially isolating myself. The lyrics aren’t a criticism, but a realisation of how I feel in those moments’ The second single released leading-up to the EP was ‘Ventriloquists’, incorporating lead vocals from guitarist Kelan and a playful call-and-response with Carmen across an infectious chorus melody. Garnished with dreamy piano and gentle whispers, the dynamic variety of ‘Ventriloquists’ is a refreshing twist on traditional grunge – and the band have balanced quiet complexity with swarming noise effortlessly across all four tracks. It’s clear to hear influences from the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins and Alice In Chains, but Belmondo are simultaneously crafting their own trademark sound that warrants no comparison. Belmondo’s line-up is finalised by the seamless guitar strumming of Laurent, and cascading drum pelts from Jules – completing a 4-piece powerhouse that are deservedly swooped under the wings of Marshall Live Agency and Silent Cult. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐎 (@wearebelmondo) You Might Also Like
ˑ༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹▫◃ ۪۪۫۫ ༄ؘ ˑ New Single Release ˑ༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹▫◃ ۪۪۫۫ ༄ؘ ˑ: HONEYMOAN ‘Penny Sleeps’
ˑ༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹▫◃ ۪۪۫۫ ༄ؘ ˑ New Single Release ˑ༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹▫◃ ۪۪۫۫ ༄ؘ ˑ: HONEYMOAN ‘Penny Sleeps’ HONEYMOAN explores the struggles of mental health and self improvement with unique vocals and amazing backing instrumentals. 30.04.24 Words by Jamie Shovelin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E55yYkEu-PQ Penny Sleeps is HONEYMOAN’s most recent release of 2024 and while keeping in similar sound to their previous songs, this single feels just that little bit more special. If this is what we are to expect from the band in 2024, then we are very excited. This single is about how fragile mental health is and how we cope with it. Talking about new thinly vailed ways that people try and get their lives together. A whole verse of the song pokes fun on the new wave of selfcare on social media, particularly the line “Try take up more space is what astrologers on TikTok say.”. The whole song discusses how these faint attempts we make to better ourselves rarely last long. The chorus of the song is essentially drilling into your head that all of these small attempts to better yourself, yeah, they can help in the short term but after a little knock it will all come down. This song conveys perfectly what so many people are feeling right now and trying to fix. The lyrics of the song are not the only thing that conveys this either. Throughout the whole song you have distorted vocals and guitar riffs. This isn’t new to HONEYMOAN. Previous songs such as ‘Show you off’ or ‘Pickup, Don’t Pick up’ also have something similar going on, but with this song it just adds that’s extra bit to the meaning. The distortion of the music gives another meaning to the song, you aren’t just hearing what the songs about, but you are also feeling it. Anyone familiar with what emotions this song is about will know what it feels like, and even though it’s different for everyone, a lot will tell you it feels a lot like this instrumental (Even though the instrumental sounds a lot better). View this post on Instagram A post shared by HONEYMOAN (@honeymoanband) You Might Also Like
✩⋆.˚ New Single Release ⋆˚｡⋆✩: Lava La Rue ‘Humanity’
✩⋆.˚ New Single Release ⋆˚｡⋆✩: Lava La Rue ‘Humanity’ Lava La Rue releases hopeful, thought-provoking new single, ‘Humanity’. 30.04.24 Words by Matt Sharp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbl4K_VpMI8 With the highly anticipated debut album, ‘STARFACE’, arriving in summer, momentum is building for an artist that shines on every creative endeavour they put their mind to. Multi-faceted artist Lava La Rue has been going from strength-to-strength since first appearing with their brand of chill hip-hop back in 2018. Their music has developed considerably since then, with a psychedelic indie-rock sound being where they currently call home. Beginning their year with the first single from their debut album, ‘Push N Shuv’, Lava has introduced us to the extra-terrestrial world this album will take place in. They followed this up with ‘Humanity’, which immediately stands out amongst the other gems in Lava’s discography. Looking from the outside, it does feel as though Lava has reached a place of creative fluidity. With ‘Humanity’, all the messages frequently present in her work are illuminated more succinctly than ever before. “So many humans, but where’s the humanity” is the chorus’ key line. A fantastically complicated concept eloquently boiled down to a single line; and a testament to the brilliance of the artist who wrote it. Lava first performed this track at Biig Piig’s Gaza Aid Benefit earlier this year. Clips from this performance are in the music video, interspersed with fan-submitted home videos of what humanity looks like to them. A speech given by Lava at the gig highlights the ability of music, and specifically in this case Lava’s music, to bring people together. Beyond the messaging, the track is commendable for its bright, guitar-led instrumental. As well as Lava’s soft, yet powerful vocals, layered together to give a warm and impressive performance. The forthcoming album is due to be a special moment for all who have found Lava’s music over the years. If there was ever a voice in the music scene that deserves amplification at this moment in time, it is certainly that of Lava La Rue. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LAVALAND (@welcome2lavaland) You Might Also Like
. ݁₊ ⊹ New Single Release ⟡: Gaffa Tape Sandy “Dead to Me”
. ݁₊ ⊹ New Single Release ⟡ Gaffa Tape Sandy “Dead to Me” High Octane New single from Brighton Garage Rock Trio 23.04.24 Words by Thomas Heath https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHMM1_h1cUw “Something loud and exciting” is Gaffa Tape Sandy’s description of their motivation for music, and nothing sums that up better then their latest single ‘Dead to Me’ – released ahead of their debut album ‘Hold my Hand, God Damn It’ dropping 31st May. Being a grimy punk at heart, I’m 100% biased. But the single slaps you with an addictive, punchy uproar that takes modern punk back to that shady corner of your local pub. It’s simple, it’s effective and it makes you want to get out of your seat and move like your life depends on it. Inspired by the likes of Idles and Art Brut, their sound is local and infectious. It’s got the edge you’d expect but also pushes an authentic rock’n’roll feeling. A welcome new take on a familiar formula, an uplifting and energetic mood working to keep the sound bright. It’s also getting them noticed. Following their previous EP ‘Spring Killing’, they received a slot at Glastonbury 2017, followed by an inclusion on NME’s 100 essential acts of 2018 listing, as well as gigging on national circuits since. They obviously graft and it shows in their sound, listening to them is like being ‘live’. This track in particular embeds the pure energy of their art, mixing punky shouts with the simple but memorable guitars and drums – even throwing in a grungy outro that settles you down before the next song. You can listen to Dead to Me on Spotify right now, with their debut album ‘Hold my Hand, God Damn It’ also available for pre-order ahead of release in May. Playing Brighton, London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Leeds from 31st May onwards, you can also see Gaffa Tape Sandy do their thing for yourself – and I reckon they’ll do it amazingly. View this post on Instagram A post shared by GAFFA TAPE SANDY (@gaffatapesandy) You Might Also Like