New Single Release: Billen Ted & TeeDee ‘I Love You (Feat. Sissy Ford)’
New Single Release: Billen Ted & TeeDee ‘I Love You (Feat. Sissy Ford)’ A new age of disco. 23.01.24 Words by Liesl Hammer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmqF_CCUYhI 2024 is already shaping up to be a great year if we keep getting releases like this. On the 12th of January, the North London-based singer, Sissy Ford, collaborated with Billen Ted and TeeDee on their latest single “I Love You.” With Billen Ted’s incredible talent for delivering massive club tunes and TeeDee, renowned bassline producer, this is sure to be a favourite amongst partygoers. At just 20 years old, Sissy Ford has raked up an impressive resume of credentials, already having worked with people like Jax Jones, Kenny Beats, Talay Riley, RELYT, Disrupta and Jamal Woon. She started by posting freestyle raps to her YouTube channel, shedding light on topics such as self-love, rejection and rising up through hard work and is now releasing “I Love You” with Billen Ted and TeeDee. Sissy’s voice provides a deeply unique tone that can easily change from pitched-up vocal flourishes and sublime synth melodies to a deep, thought-provoking rap. This versatility is likely due to her being inspired by a wide range of genres including pop, hip-hop and rap. I highly recommend seeing this for yourself by going to the ‘Spit Game’ YouTube channel and going to ‘Spit Game Sessions – Sissy.’ This YouTube channel strives to promote upcoming artists from North London and Sissy is just one of many incredible people. Within “I Love You,” Sissy showcases her angelic voice by singing about the guilt that comes with not loving your partner as much as they love you. With Billen Ted and TeeDee’s gift to layer and build beats, the music has the incredible ability to provide the listener with the same thumping anticipation you get in your heart just before a first kiss. However, as the song progresses, the beat never drops to a satisfactory conclusion, mimicking the sentiment of the song. According to Sissy Ford’s Spotify, this is the first song she has released but I hope she does not stop. I would go so far as to say that this single has started a new age of disco. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sissy ☆ (@sissyford_) You Might Also Like
New Single Release: South Arcade “Nepo Baby”
New Single Release: South Arcade “Nepo Baby” Formed in Oxford in 2021, this alternative band is starting 2024 with a brand-new song. 22.01.24 Words by Azu Mugnier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa0caYfOhKY With vibes reminding of Avril Lavigne’s in the early 2000s, this single is a response to negative comments the band received saying how easy it is to enter the “fame” circle when you have parents with relationships in the milieu. South Arcade has made a social media breakthrough during the past two years. In doing so, all members received very unfavourable criticism accusing them of being ‘Nepo Babies’ themselves. The singer, Harmony Cavelle, said: “This song is a reply to all the negative comments that we have been receiving. / We wanted to do something fun and jokey.” “Ain’t even made it but you’re centre stage. Daddy’s paid” this song refers to the term ‘Nepo Baby’ which is commonly used to describe the children of those with connections allowing them to succeed in their careers. The song was written and created in collaboration with all four members: Harry Winks (guitarist), Cody Leigh Johns (drummer), Ollie Green (bass) and Harmony Cavelle (vocalist) after South Arcade guitarist thought of a potential mix idea. Since meeting at university all members have been working hard to release new songs as often as possible. This year, the band are aiming to release a song every five weeks, with a new single to be expected in February. With currently a bit more than 10,000 listens on Spotify, ‘Nepo Baby’ is the first in one of the many new releases that will be happening this year. It is also expected to be featured in the band’s Arc.Angel Tour taking place in March. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ✮ SOUTH ARCADE ✮ (@southarcade) You Might Also Like
Debut Single Release: Lilly Ahlberg “Hit The Ground”
Debut Single Release: Lilly Ahlberg “Hit The Ground” London-based singer songwriter, Lily Ahlberg has released a new dreamy dance single – ‘Hit The Ground’ to start the new year off with a bang. 17.01.24 Words by Natasha Judge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aon7Nh5WX9w Ahlberg – the multi-instrumentalist powerhouse is also a budding producer, and has worked with many genres throughout her career, whilst keeping a unique sound throughout. This new song is no different, working alongside producer Nathan C – she further explores the dance pop landscape. The track ‘Hit The Ground’ depicts the emotional turmoil of examining whether you should keep someone in your life due to all the time and memories spent together and hope for betterment, or accept the loss of losing someone. It acknowledges the inevitability of change whether it be of people or situations but simultaneously recognises the sadness that comes alongside it. Despite the song being of a more serious topic of the questioning and uncertainty of people staying, changing or leaving your life, it juxtaposes the themes of the song with a catchy optimistic beat. The musical transition from the tune starting as a piano ballad and transforming into a dance beat almost highlights that life continues even after the pain of losing someone. Lily is a Anglo-Swedish musician, who has travelled around the world during her youth, staying in areas such as Australia, Norway, Italy, and Sweden – and this track has definite links towards her global musical exploration. Lilly’s success stemmed from uploading covers to YouTube and her voice and new sounds have attracted new listeners. Her first EP ‘Call Me’ was a dance classic and she has already worked with producer Sonny Fodera, and acts including Vize and Just Kiddin, as well as recently working on producing endeavours. ‘Hit The Ground’ is the first of hopefully many more releases from Ahlberg in 2024 as they continue to divulge their dance discography. View this post on Instagram A post shared by rayn (@whoisrayn) You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – PROJECTOR ‘Dubious Goals Committee’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – PROJECTOR ‘Dubious Goals Committee’ “This is the truth, I’m not feeling to proud” starts vocalist Edward Ensbury on Projector’s latest track, “Dubious Goals Committee.” 08.01.24 Words by Ricardo Labrada https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAnjtj5gE6k It is a classic raw rock track in the simplest terms with lyrics reminiscent of grunge angst and a lot of noise to exaggerate the feeling. The song is the latest single for their debut album “Now When We Talk It’s Violence” and serves its purpose exceptionally well garnering much interest in me. A simple guitar riff and bass line make up the beginning and body of the track which, while simple and work in the context of the track. This simplest is mixed with the quiet verse, loud chorus popularised in the 90s. It is a very effective tool as the chorus is so attention grabbing and explosive you have to focus on it. The Brighton trio has been described as a mix between My Bloody Valentine and the Pixies. While these comparisons are valid, personally I’m reminded of 90’s alternative act Sonic Youth. The whole aesthetic of the group reminds of that raw and gritty sound Kim Gordon and Co. had in their heyday. The ability to switch from bassist Lucy Sheehan to guitarist Ensbury on vocals or harmonise allow for different sounds on each track I have heard so far. The harmonising in particular is a favourite part of mine especially on this track, as Sheehan has a fantastic voice. The group is making some waves at the moment as they already have twenty thousand monthly listeners on Spotify. This latest song will continue that trend as its rock elements make it a quick fun listen at less than 2 minutes and 15 seconds. “Dubious Goals Committee” is currently on Spotify’s New Music Friday UK playlist further boosting a growing audience for the group. After listening to the tracks I can say I will join in the fun. They’re an enjoyable band with an intriguing sound I haven’t heard in a while. I genuinely am looking forward to hearing more as I go through their older material to find other possible gems. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PROJECTOR (@projectorprojector) You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – TIANNA, Frankie Allan ‘Lime Grove’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – TIANNA, Frankie Allan ‘Lime Grove’ TIANNA’s reggae-infused release ‘Lime Grove’ featuring Frankie Allan brings us summer warmth when we need it most 05.01.24 Words by Amalia Castle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-MWIoGkVkg When the start of the year draws in, often what you need most is a track that’ll kick start the excitement for longer days, warmer nights and more exhilarating times. So here it is. ‘Lime Grove’ , the most recent release from Bristol-based neo soul artist TIANNA and rising artist-producer Frankie Allan, is exactly that track. Hailing from Bristol, arguably one of the most vibrant and energetic cities in the UK, TIANNA infuses her music with the sounds of the Bristol metropolis. Infused with salsa, reggae and afrobeat influences,TIANNA’s catalogue is one to watch as she balances these colourful sounds with a smooth and jazzy neo soul essence that shines through in her vocals. Having been enveloped in the rich Bristol jam community, TIANNA tells of the influence the scene has had on her musical journey as a proud grassroots artist, having spent many evenings performing at the renowned Bristol venue The Gallimaufry. TIANNA’s history with music runs even deeper. Having grown up with her father Dennison Joseph, the lead Singer and Bass player of the iconic 70s reggae band ‘Talisman’, and her mother a talented singer, and jazz and soul enthusiast. These roots come as no surprise when you listen to her seamlessly eclectic sound, in particular her most recent single ‘Lime Grove’. The 4-minute track pays homage to the sounds and electricity of old school dub reggae, but is interlaced with an effortlessly sultry neo soul vibe at the same time. A combination of both TIANNA’s whimsical melodies and Frankie Allan’s smooth tone, weaving in and out the track, creates a woozy summer soundscape. On first listen ‘Lime Grove’ felt instantly familiar, loosely echoing the feeling of The Specials 1981 classic ‘Ghost Town’, yet with a bright, modern energy; the type you instinctively reach for in the sunshine. Following an exciting string of releases and gigs in 2023, TIANNA is one to keep your eyes on as the new year gets well underway. You Might Also Like
IN CONVERSATION – Meduulla
IN CONVERSATION – Meduulla discussing her debut EP ‘Oblongata’ Meduulla discusses her debut EP Oblongata, making connections through music and her love of language 05.01.24 Words by Paul Bacon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G49ttieW6vE Oblongata is Meduulla’s 8 track EP released late in 2023. First and foremost, and to put it simply, it’s an amazing listen. Meduulla combines her smooth Mancunian voice with a versatile, unpredictable flow that toys with words whilst simultaneously controlling the beat. Although it seems like a contradiction, Meduulla’s sound is both chilled and intense, somehow relaxed but with moments of defiant observation. The tracks blend nostalgia with modernity, taking you back to the Hip Hop golden era, evoking the vibes of Arrested Development and the Pharcyde, before catapulting you back to contemporary Manchester. Oblongata is Meduulla’s debut EP, “I wanted to allow people to get to know me deeper and give them different flavours of myself through my music and my style,” she says. The release is the culmination of a long running process, “Some of the tracks have been around since 2021, so I feel like I’ve been sitting with it for quite a while. It’s very easy to become detached from your project once you’ve made it, but I’m glad I gave it my attention because it’s still very new to everyone else.” “How do I know where my limbs reside? Living two lives tryna synchronise, Don’t get me wrong I’m a simple guy. Tryna find peace in a simple life.” Meduulla – Limbo Part of what makes Meduulla such a special artist is her ability to interweave insightful observations into her music. Often, such as in her track Limbo, these are reflections on identity, “I was born in Zimbabwe and moved to Manchester when I was three years old. So I feel like I grew up with two very different cultures, however they do have a strong historic connection due to colonialism,” she explains. “So growing up that was quite conflicting because basically, my family has seen this like the land of opportunity, the land of dreams, but now I’m here. I’ve grown up with not much context of where I’ve come from, and I feel kind of alienated sometimes.” Despite emotions of isolation, Meduulla has actually found belonging via these feelings, “I make music that’s for people that are a bit off the curve, people that might see themselves as outside. But then I embrace that and connect with other people.” For Meduulla, viewing difference as a form of connection makes perfect sense, “Embracing the fact that I’m not the same as other people has been my superpower and informed a lot of the music that I make.” “Yeah, times like this, Got me thinking how a concept like time exists, Its our planet so we got the power, Every minute of the day we spend, its all (h)ours” Meduulla – Night Trip View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meduulla bby (@meduulla) Meduulla prides herself on following in Hip Hop’s rich tradition of manipulating language for maximum impact, “I love wordplay. I think it’s sick. I think it’s dope how words are the way we understand what people are thinking in their heads.” It’s such an inherent aspect of her craft that its shaped not only her work, but even her name, “I called myself ‘Meduulla’ because I want to be able to give people different perspectives in their minds, that’s how I write. I might think, okay the way I’m saying this means this, but what else could it mean? You can find multiple meanings in absolutely everything.” This is fundamental when it comes to her word play and the choice and power of words she uses. But Meduulla being Meduulla, she goes a step further, “I’m blessed that I speak three languages, French, Shona and English, so if I can’t find an alternative meaning in English, I’m able to find it in a different language.” And that combination of linguistic capability, musicality and a background in poetry, means that Meduulla’s writing can hit you in many different ways on many different levels, “That’s the beauty of language, because everything is connected or you can make it connected which gives me different ways of thinking, literally just a spiral of talking to myself on paper. I’m trying to find a way to say the things that I feel about the world.” Although Meduulla’s art is distinctive, it evokes reminiscence for some of Hip Hop’s greats and her work is influenced by an eclectic selection of music, “Growing up, my older cousins used to listen to a lot of DMX, I loved his unique voice, and that peaked my interest into Hip Hop. As I got older, I found my own vibes, I was drawn to Kendrick Lamar, then J Cole and Chance the Rapper.” When you listen to Oblongata, this affection for clever lyricists who can also make popular bangers makes a lot of sense. And much like many Hip Hop fans of her age, she discovered a lot her musical tastes in reverse chronology, “Later I went back and started listening to stuff that was before my time, like A Tribe Called Quest, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu. I just love innovative minds.” “What’s that thing about the horse? You can take it to the river but to drink you can’t force. I’m tryna do me, that’s the message I endorse, And the fit is looking clean, you know I got the sauce.” Meduulla – Mish Muulla https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRu_KnpXNzI Its well documented that the music business can be a challenging space for female artists, and perhaps that is even more prevalent within the sphere of Hip Hop. A few years ago, Meduulla experienced barriers when she participated in the BBC’s Rap Game UK, “It was quite clear that to be praised, or do well, you had to have either a hyper-feminine persona or be hyper-masculine. I feel like there wasn’t room for an artist
NEW EP RELEASE – Nia Chennai ‘Diary Is A Waste Of Paper’
NEW EP RELEASE – Nia Chennai ‘Diary Is A Waste Of Paper’ Nia Chennai is inviting you to her slumber party! 27.12.23 Words by Céline Galletti https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PheGfJG8ozs With her new EP “Diary Is A Waste Of Paper”, the singer goes over everything she learned in her 22 years in what she considers an open letter to herself. This album feels like doing a sleepover with your girlfriends and getting to hear their advice on the problems you have going on. From body image issues to bad situationships, being overwhelmed by love and feeling confident, Nia goes over a wide range of themes and offers little pieces of wisdom on each of them. The artist claims that she knows who she is and most importantly, who she is working to become. This EP feels like one more stepping stone in her path to personal growth, that she is sharing with the rest of the world. The album is defined by a suave tone and soft beats, creating an experimental musical universe that plays with R&B, rap and pop. Nia’s voice, defined by its melody and fluidity, is the centrepiece of all her songs and steals the show every single time. The result is a musical experience full of raw emotion and honesty, that offers a little peak in the singer’s intimate world. The title “Diary Is A Waste Of Paper” thus takes on more sense as you progress through the EP: why waste time on a diary when you can express the same emotions in an album? The first title “Homage To My Hip Dips” starts off strong: “What do you want?” we hear a woman ask “Love. Love. But love for me first…”. The tone is set, Nia is here to spread confidence, self-love, and positive energy. This single is written as a letter to her younger sister and is here to offer some much-needed body positivity. Other titles like “S.I.S”, “wasting Time” and fan favourite “Since We Ain’t Together” explore the theme of relationships, and more specifically bad ones that should be dropped in order to grow. The final title “Coldharbour Lane” is a personal favourite, and concludes the EP beautifully with a transcending piece about strolling the streets with confidence, proud of the person you have become. Nia’s promise “You will find your peace” resonates like a prophecy filled with hope and positivity about the future. Nia is a very promising emerging talent of R&B in London, and she is working hard on tours and other projects for her fans. Her ability to talk about relatable and moving subjects with honesty, mixed with her raw musical talent, can only guarantee that you will keep hearing about her in the years to come. She is active on her social media @niachennai, where you can keep an eye on her upcoming performances throughout London. And remember, don’t write about your problems in your diary, but sing them out loud! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nia Chennai (@niachennai) You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Wyldest ‘Office Christmas Party’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Wyldest ‘Office Christmas Party’ Office Christmas parties can be incredibly awkward interactions with colleagues you haven’t been in contact with; or they can be the start of an budding relationship. 20.12.23 Words by Max Persad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krMfC-DtmqU For Zoe Mead aka Wyldest, both seem to be the case. This new release melodically is insanely dreamy. The chords carry us through a love story while Wyldests’ carefully constructed and soft lyrics narrate a beautiful scene. In her magical music video, Wyldest takes us to a bar in Tallinn, Estonia: a group of young office workers come together for festivities. Wyldest describes this experience as “The phenomenon where a group of people who work together gather in a dark room, showing a version of themselves that’s more honest and present”. The song emanates a feeling of freedom, you are no longer constrained in your corporate surroundings and can feel human again. And when alcohol is involved anything can happen. The song certainly achieves a fuzzy, romantic feeling in its conveying of two protagonists; co-workers “Julie” and “Mindy” as they navigate the difference setting of a Christmas party. Wyldest comments on these characters ‘not being able to express themselves in the cruel light of day due to the fear of rejection and need to maintain professionalism’. A hazy Christmas time setting amidst the portrayal of a new relationship really makes you feel warm and satisfied inside. Wyldest summaries this perfectly stating, “Christmas is a time for us all to drop the shackles of everyday life, have fun and tell people how we feel.” It’s a time for adventure and looking towards new beginnings and the hope for a brighter future. This song makes you feel exactly that. Could this new Christmas song become a cult classic? I sure hope so! Zoe’s portfolio of music is already immensely strong and we wait eagerly for her next releases in the New Year! You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Eaves Wilder ‘She’s So High’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Eaves Wilder ‘She’s So High’ Like most people with working eyes and ears Eaves Wilder is a fan of Damon Albarn so much so that she released a cover of Blur’s 1991 song ’She’s So High’. 20.12.23 Words by Caitlin Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kP1OO6BswU It’s something that she’s been performing for a while and describes it as “one of my fav songs on one of my fav albums by one of my fav bands”. It’s a fitting cover of an iconic song and Wilder certainly leaves her own mark. Wilder approaches the song differently to Albarn who talk-sings his way through most of the original in his accent heavy, rough but captivating tone. Her vocals are much more whimsical, as she explains to The Line of Best Fit “I always find myself singing along with Damon an octave up, so I’ve left space in this mix for his part when he stops ignoring my letters and duets with me”. Her voice is undeniably youthful but with a grungy edge that stops her from sounding inexperienced or childlike, something she’s mentioned she was critiqued for in the past by judgemental peers. She wants her music to speak to young girls without making them feel sexualised and you wouldn’t expect any less from Caitlin Moran’s daughter. Her delicate vocals take inspiration from other iconic female musicians such as Bikini Kill and Le Tigre’s Kathleen Hanna who Wilder claims “changed everything”, again to The Line of Best Fit: “It was so subversive how she was saying these really dark and aggressive things but like a cutesy little girl”. She recently headlined Five Day Forecast at The Lexington and in May of next year will be playing The Great Escape festival in Brighton, fittingly named after Blur’s fourth album. We’re sure she’ll have some more gigs coming up soon so keep an eye on her Instagram (@eaveswilder) and in the meantime listen to some of her original songs to hear some honest and truly vulnerable songwriting. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE REMIX – TYSON ‘Promises’ Karen Nyame KG Remix
NEW SINGLE REMIX – TYSON ‘Promises’ Karen Nyame KG Remix Last month, Karen Nyame KG, a luminary in the UK funky house and amapiano scene, dropped her transformative remix of trailblazing TYSON’s “Promises.” 13.12.23 Words by Aude Flanda https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbyRRExHixE The original track underwent a metamorphosis under KG’s deft touch, elevating it into a more catchy club-esque banger that blends elements of modern sounds from lively amapiano drum patterns with the slow, soulful essence of the original. Rising artist, KG, aka the “Goddess of Rhythm” has illuminated the dance music scene for almost a decade now and her career – from early tracks like ‘Feeling Funky’, the iconic Boiler room session at Primavera Sound Festival, to becoming a pioneer in the UK funky movement – is marked by perseverance and overcoming barriers like misogynoir and colorism. Noteworthy is her role as production lead for the ‘Normal Not Novelty workshop series’ (NNN), which holds a judgment-free space for women and non-binary folks to learn technical skills in music. KG’s distinct sound, characterized by electronic, R&B and resonant sub-bass, is a vibrant tapestry deeply rooted in the African diaspora and has embraced collabs with the likes of Mista Silva and Scratch DVA across various genres, from South African amapiano to US Jersey Club. ‘Promises rmx’ lives up to this, infusing TYSON’s track with big energy and eclectic vibes. It offers a bittersweet sonic exploration, drawing from TYSON’s reflection into broken promises while embracing a freedom of expression through bouncy percussive elements which mirror life’s ups and downs. Combined with a dreamy ambiance, featuring echoey vocals, it immerses the listener into a world where self-expression converges on a dancefloor filled with dynamic rhythms and melodies. KG mentions the importance of organic connections and synergy in collaborations, claiming that she feels ‘the magic of such relationships can seep through the art they create’. Exemplary of this is the remix, self released by TYSON through her ‘Ladies music pub’ (LMP) label, which not only showcases KG’s production skills but also shines light on her commitment to creating safe spaces for marginalised artists. Inspired by TYSON’s own challenges with discrimination in music, LMP is a community with a mission parallel to KG’s NNN, as it aims to nurture up and coming talent within the realm of women and non-binary individuals. We’re definitely feeling the connection in this track and can’t wait to see more from the duo! View this post on Instagram A post shared by TYSON (@__tyson) You Might Also Like