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
INTERVIEW – B-ahwe ‘26% MIXTAPE’
B-ahwe by Isla Mcrobbie INTERVIEW – B-ahwe ‘26% MIXTAPE’ Crammed into a small south-east London record store B-ahwe speaks – thanking names to an eager crowd ready to get dancing. 11.12.23 Words by Isla Mcrobbie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqZjXf-lAEQ Emotion is pouring in her voice, this is an album of young adulthood, a project devoted to self enlightenment in her era of take your time, breathe relax – a comment on quarter-life adolescence and the ivory tower every person should take a bathe in. In a world of bombardments of others’ achievements, the now 28-year-old spoke of confronting the societal stigma around achieving things by a certain age. Age is a percentage, not a number. 26% MIXTAPE waters the spirit and nourishes the soul. Free oneself in the language of Jazz, a rich poetic narrative of sitting out and finding solace. Opening the album to a soft drum palate she speaks her first words ‘Take time – time a little to reload’ [Track 1: Reload]. This album is a love letter to young adulthood, ambitions dream-captured in the ever-changing world of fast cityscapes and motorway pavements. B-ahwe is no stranger to poring soul into jazz-inflected new directions, but this album takes the cake. Acting as a blank canvas for her to incorporate influences spanning drum n’ bass, broken beat and alternative hip-hop – the 8-track project spans a story of modern renaissance. You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Gaby K ‘I’m Good’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Gaby K ‘I’m Good’ Gaby K falls out of love as her relationship exceeds its expiry date on her relationship in her new single ‘I’m Good’. 07.12.23 Words by Teguan Harris https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-oQrZaH_K4 Gaby K has released her innovative new single, ‘I’m Good,’ with exceptional production from musician and producer Jeremy Rompola. ‘I’m Good’ follows the success of her personal and vulnerable single ‘What Have I Done?’, with accolades from Mezmerized Magazine, HOEZINE and more. Gaby K opens up to her listeners in ‘I’m Good’ as she falls out of love and her relationship exceeds its expiry date, running its course. Following the single’s release, Gaby K shares on Wordplay Magazine, “It’s okay to be okay with your decision of leaving someone, it’s okay to be sad about ending a relationship with the individual who you thought was ‘your person’, and it’s okay to feel relief that the relationship has ended and you can thrive as an individual itself.” As heard in her singles such as ‘What Have I Done?,’ Gaby K has a creative way of narrating her experiences through song; not only is this a talent of Gaby K, it is a gift that is difficult to replicate. Gaby K combines her natural and honest storytelling and songwriting gift with her raw and sensual vocals, drawing on her inspirations from Amy Winehouse, Jessie Reyez and Amber Mark. ‘I’m Good’ is a familiar story that not only people heard but experienced more than once, the closure that many people need. The line ‘“Watch me grow, watch me seize it” is the empowering message people need to hear that growing away from your partner is normal and okay. Gaby K announced her EP on her social media titled ‘Get to Love You’, with ‘I’m Good,’ ‘What Have I Done?’ and ‘My Girls’ being the latest singles to feature in the upcoming EP. Set for release on 9th February 2024, listeners of R&B and Soul should run to be the first streamers of her new EP. You Might Also Like
Priya Ragu
Priya Ragu All Posts Back Nc Grey Heartworms Nuha Ruby Ra Yazmin Lacey Phoebe Troup Pem The Orielles Chisara Agor Eaves Wilder Nabihah Iqbal The Last Dinner Party Lizzie Berchie Emily Magpie TRUNC Cori Nora headboy Grove EJ AKIN Cloth Azamiah HONEYMOAN Laurent Tomike Tiiva Bleach Lab Slaney Bay Art School Girlfriend Tramlines MAVICA Claudia Fenoglio Kit Sebastian Fraudster The Deep Blue Rose Grey Viji Bishopskin Delilah Holliday Laurel Smith kinder this way Cherym Joy Mumford Low Hummer Sky Feliz The New Eves RUBII Oslo Twins Sunny Reyne Sorry Lime Garden PEARL Loraine James Hinako Omori FIZZ TIANNA CIEL Maria Uzor Beach Riot VV Brown Phoebe Hall Yumi and the Weather Trout Morgan Harper-Jones Eva Gadd Jockstrap Rat-Tails Jasmine Jethuwa The Redroom Coach Party Romy Izzy S.O Abbie Ozard Skarlett Riot Aziya Luz SOFY Sprints She's In Parties Joely June Sans Soucis Izzie Yardley Martha Goddard yeule Lola Wild Wings Of Desire Ego Ella May Dalia COURTNEY Bas Jan PYTKO shaene Nia Chennai Lunar June Dog Sport Pixey Alex Amor Hilary Woods Chubby Cat Cheery Ellie Bleach PinkPantheress Katy J Pearson Austel Samantha Lindo Kings Elliot Jæd All Day Breakfast Cafe Dutch Mustard Mary in the Junkyard Freak Slug Cleo Sol Fran Lusty Neya Gaby K Ellie Floyd CMAT THALA Etta Marcus Lucia and the best boys NXKXTA Eden Rain Becky Sikasa Rory Katie Gregson-Mcleod Portobello Nightbus Lip Filler Marika Hackman Bar Italia English Teacher Galya Bisengalieva Daisy and The Deadheads Elkka Sophia Alexa Girl Ray BLAB Meadow Meadow Gently Tender Sell By Belot Pencil wych elm Fi McCluskey O. Jasmine Knight Dionne Tapir! Man/Woman/Chainsaw SOFT LAD Florence Arman Carpark Picture Parlour Divorce Wolf Alice Clay Rings HotWax Rosie H Sullivan Sophie Faith mlbacard¡ NewDad Beabadoobee Masie Peters Ellie Evans Bekah Bossard Venus Grrrls Working Mens Club Liv East Talk Show Tragic Sasha Frankie Jobling MIMI Ladylike Bel Cobain Lambrini Girls Echo Juliet Headshrinkers Dea Doyle Linn Sandarin Vaermina E.M Kane Moon Idle Ashlie Skye Ouraa The Freakshow ELI Umarells Melanie Baker Vanity Fairy Fräulein Erin Bloomer yunè pinku Baby Said Sunflower Thieves Lo Lauren Willow Beggs Home Counties Lauran Hibberd Mariella Priya Ragu OCTOBER ALBUM RELEASE – Priya Ragu ‘Santhosam’ 5 December 2023/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM_TrJiafyg You Might Also Like
Mariella
Mariella All Posts Back Nc Grey Heartworms Nuha Ruby Ra Yazmin Lacey Phoebe Troup Pem The Orielles Chisara Agor Eaves Wilder Nabihah Iqbal The Last Dinner Party Lizzie Berchie Emily Magpie TRUNC Cori Nora headboy Grove EJ AKIN Cloth Azamiah HONEYMOAN Laurent Tomike Tiiva Bleach Lab Slaney Bay Art School Girlfriend Tramlines MAVICA Claudia Fenoglio Kit Sebastian Fraudster The Deep Blue Rose Grey Viji Bishopskin Delilah Holliday Laurel Smith kinder this way Cherym Joy Mumford Low Hummer Sky Feliz The New Eves RUBII Oslo Twins Sunny Reyne Sorry Lime Garden PEARL Loraine James Hinako Omori FIZZ TIANNA CIEL Maria Uzor Beach Riot VV Brown Phoebe Hall Yumi and the Weather Trout Morgan Harper-Jones Eva Gadd Jockstrap Rat-Tails Jasmine Jethuwa The Redroom Coach Party Romy Izzy S.O Abbie Ozard Skarlett Riot Aziya Luz SOFY Sprints She's In Parties Joely June Sans Soucis Izzie Yardley Martha Goddard yeule Lola Wild Wings Of Desire Ego Ella May Dalia COURTNEY Bas Jan PYTKO shaene Nia Chennai Lunar June Dog Sport Pixey Alex Amor Hilary Woods Chubby Cat Cheery Ellie Bleach PinkPantheress Katy J Pearson Austel Samantha Lindo Kings Elliot Jæd All Day Breakfast Cafe Dutch Mustard Mary in the Junkyard Freak Slug Cleo Sol Fran Lusty Neya Gaby K Ellie Floyd CMAT THALA Etta Marcus Lucia and the best boys NXKXTA Eden Rain Becky Sikasa Rory Katie Gregson-Mcleod Portobello Nightbus Lip Filler Marika Hackman Bar Italia English Teacher Galya Bisengalieva Daisy and The Deadheads Elkka Sophia Alexa Girl Ray BLAB Meadow Meadow Gently Tender Sell By Belot Pencil wych elm Fi McCluskey O. Jasmine Knight Dionne Tapir! Man/Woman/Chainsaw SOFT LAD Florence Arman Carpark Picture Parlour Divorce Wolf Alice Clay Rings HotWax Rosie H Sullivan Sophie Faith mlbacard¡ NewDad Beabadoobee Masie Peters Ellie Evans Bekah Bossard Venus Grrrls Working Mens Club Liv East Talk Show Tragic Sasha Frankie Jobling MIMI Ladylike Bel Cobain Lambrini Girls Echo Juliet Headshrinkers Dea Doyle Linn Sandarin Vaermina E.M Kane Moon Idle Ashlie Skye Ouraa The Freakshow ELI Umarells Melanie Baker Vanity Fairy Fräulein Erin Bloomer yunè pinku Baby Said Sunflower Thieves Lo Lauren Willow Beggs Home Counties Lauran Hibberd Mariella Priya Ragu NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Mariella ‘Clueless’ 4 December 2023/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU2Izpv6zCg You Might Also Like
OCTOBER ALBUM RELEASE – Priya Ragu ‘Santhosam’
OCTOBER ALBUM RELEASE – Priya Ragu ‘Santhosam’ The Tamil-Swiss artist Priya Ragu takes us through her liberating journey to happiness on her debut album. Bursting with colour and inspiration. 05.12.23 Words by Nat Kossyvaki ‘Santhosam’ – meaning ‘happiness’ in Tamil – is a fresh explosion of energy, vibrant colours and addictive tabla rhythms. It celebrates happiness and life. Once again Ragu collaborates with her brother, producer Japhna Gold and takes her ‘ragu-wavy’ one step further. The blending of sounds from Tamil tabla beats with Western old-school RnB and sonic pop influences creates the unique style of this powerful brother and sister duo. In her 2021 debut mixtape ‘damnshestamil’ Ragu introduced this unique new style and gave us a first taste of what she’s capable of. Now in ‘Santhosam’ we see her in another level of bloom, in her element, confident, celebrating her true self. The album was released on October 20th by Warner UK, along with a mini album commentary series ‘The Road to Santhosam’ which gives an insight into Ragu’s family story and the elements she took from her cultural upbringing to make this record. The album artwork, designed by Indian artist Manuja Waldia, expresses Ragu’s duality of her identity as an artist. We see her standing in front of the ruins of golden Tamil temples, which represents Sri Lanka’s civil war that led to her family’s migration, while the Swiss mountains loom in the background symbolising her home. In ‘Santhosam’ Ragu takes us through her journey to finding her purpose in life and music – to finding happiness. It’s an empowering story about personal liberation from sociocultural expectations, finding the confidence in her vision and being able to breathe after a long time of being ‘suffocated’. The record possesses a power to heal and uplift, creating a cathartic – almost euphoric – emotion that you want to bring on the dancefloor! Ragu starts off strong with fast tabla beats and powerful vocals on ‘School Me Like That’ which represents breaking free from limitations – escaping family pressures and the societal expectations to get married and settle down. ‘One Way Ticket’ follows and brings in a pop-disco energy, reminiscent of Dua Lipa’s ‘Future Nostalgia’, and releases an unbeatable desire to dance and connect with your inner rhythm. The striking ‘Black Goose’ and its reprise ‘Let Me Breathe’ were written in 2020 as a response to the BLM protests that emerged after George Floyd’s murder by the police in the US. Ragu here takes a political stance and sings about the realities of police brutality, calling for solidarity and mercy. ‘Black Goose/Let Me Breathe’ was also featured in A Colours Show shortly before the release of the album, with Ragu giving a powerful performance. ‘Easy’ draws on UK garage beats, giving a strong taste of urban London with classic cars and iconic outfits in the music video. While the closing track ‘Mani Osai’ is a beautiful and intimate family collaboration between Ragu, her brother and father. As 2023 has already been a shape-shifting year for Priya Ragu, 2024 is set to be even more exciting with the kick-start of her US tour, followed by a short EU and UK tour and finishing at the legendary venue KOKO in London on April 26th. “It’s all in my hands right now, it’s all in my hands right now” (#9 Adalam Va!) And this is just the start for Priya. Highlight Songs: One Way Ticket, Hit The Bucket, Mani Osai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnz2qED-vqg
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Mariella ‘Clueless’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Mariella ‘Clueless’ A laid back, R&B groove is the vibe for upcoming artist Mariella’s fourth-ever single release named ‘Clueless’. Listeners won’t be able to help bobbing their head to this progressive soul. 04.12.23 Words by Sophie Coombs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU2Izpv6zCg It’s difficult to believe the artist has less than 1,000 followers on Instagram and under 10,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. With silky smooth vocals and vulnerable yet poetic lyrics about unrequited love, it’s no surprise Mariella has previously been featured as one of BBC’s ‘Future Artists’. Comparable to Jorja Smith and Mahalia yet with her own unique sound and vocals, Mariella’s ‘Clueless’ is a versatile single for listeners. Add it to study, work, drive, or pre-drink playlists and it won’t be out of place. Mariella takes listeners on an exploration of heartbreak and healing through her lyrics. So many of us can relate to the realisation of what is actually happening rather than what we perceive, and this is captured perfectly with lines such as: “Oh my gosh, I’ve been so foolish romanticising you.” And: “There’s nothing to say that could take away the shame knowing you didn’t feel the same.” Vulnerable, heart-wrenching lyrics contrast with the upbeat tone of the song which perhaps suggests the protagonist has reached the stage of acceptance with their heartbreak. It is this mixture of lyrics and a slick R&B sound that creates such a wonderful listening experience. The single remains in-line with Mariella’s previous releases such as ‘Disconnect’ and ‘Natural’ but has a more mature, refined edge. She is evidently a songwriting powerhouse who can combine her words with her soulful sound. ‘Clueless’ feels like an evolution of Mariella’s music rather than a change in direction and with such raw talent as displayed in her latest release, there’s no doubt this is only the beginning of a very exciting musical journey for her. You Might Also Like
OCTOBER SINGLE RELEASE – Ouraa ‘Bedbugz’
OCTOBER SINGLE RELEASE – Ouraa ‘Bedbugz’ 22.11.23 Words by Céline Galletti The bedbugs that are currently invading London are not the only thing that will be taking over the city this fall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=m8SGYm5yZMg The new single “Bedbugz” by singer and songwriter Ouraa is an uplifting and empowering song that draws inspiration from the recent bug infestation to talk about self-worth and dealing with toxic people. “Don’t let the bedbugz get in the way, You know that they’re after you…”. The ominous lyrics, together with the eery aesthetic of the cover and the music video, create a creepy atmosphere that mirrors the anxiety of the singer, who is surrounded by “bedbugz”. These bugs represent the haters and negative people in her life, who are restless in trying to take her down. However, the message that prevails is one of strength and positivity. The uplifting beat, the background choir and Ouraa’s powerful voice come together to create an interesting musical universe, that works as a hybrid between pop and gospel. And of course, the amazing bass drops will hit you right in the gut and manage to transmit a visceral feeling of strength. By the end of the song, you’ll want to get into a fight with all the “bedbugz” in your life and come out victorious. Ouraa is a true preacher of positive energy, and offers a reassuring but intense lesson of self-acceptance to her audience. Wellbeing is at the centre of most of her discography, and pieces such as “Just Breathe” and “Do It Right” are literal musical pep-talks that acknowledge that life is a struggle but that in the end, everything will be fine. It is thanks to her hardships that the singer can say that: “I’ve learnt to love and I’ve learnt to see”. If you enjoy Afro-Swing, R&B and pop, I can only recommend experiencing the communicative power of Ouraa’s musical universe. She is present on every music platform and gives frequent updates of her projects on her Instagram @ouraaofficial. You Might Also Like
NEW ALBUM RELEASE – Samantha Lindo ‘Ancestry’
NEW ALBUM RELEASE – Samantha Lindo ‘Ancestry’ 20.11.23 Words by Tom Heath 10 tracks of jazz and soul influenced pieces from the Bristol-based artist, funded by Arts Council and MOBO.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q-U9YFlja0 Ancestry explores dual-heritage identity and the reality of this experience as she delves into her own family history through deeply well-crafted lyricism. We begin with ‘Child in me’, a gentle yet hard-hitting piano piece that sets the scene for the album – the atmosphere continued by the more textured ‘Worthy’. A driven, jazzier piece that builds vocals on vocals until it all comes together in a powerful chorus –underpinned with delicate strings. Patterns intensify with ‘Little Songbird’, where even catchier vocal and bass hooks place the song firmly into your brain for the new week (speaking from personal experience.) All of it coming to head with the best example of a modern sax solo you’ve heard in a long time. The fifth track, ‘Shades of Yellow’ cuts in with a spoken word section that pierces the atmosphere with meticulous poetry – ‘’there’s a vastness in between our pages, and a rage that’s contagious when we speak’’. The depth of their meaning in relation to the themes of identity are clear and ever present. Like the later track ‘Bloodline’, only this is swept up by a funk influenced bassline, washed over with the familiar string section into the final tracks. These are still forged from blisteringly hard-hitting spoken word pieces, namely the final track ‘Legacy’ which becomes a hypnotic fusion of piano and choral poetry. An incredibly infectious jazz/soul album, whose nuanced exploration of social identity elevates it to a whole new level that would be a huge achievement for any artist. ‘’We can do better than what history could find. You told me a story, well now I’m speaking mine.’’ – (Track #5 – Shades of Yellow) You Might Also Like
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Sky Feliz ‘The Middle’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Sky Feliz ‘The Middle’ Embracing female sensuality: Sky Feliz unveils new sultry R&B infused house single, ‘The Middle’ Words by Amalia Castle 07.07.23 Earlier this month, British-Surinamese-Dutch artist, Sky Feliz, blessed our ears with her latest single ‘The Middle’. This most recent track marks her third release and fits perfectly between tender, Summer Walker-esque track ‘123’, and Feliz’s first release; moody, sensual ‘Patience’. As a multi-faceted artist with a background in music production, acting and dance, her releases showcase a clear mastery in illustrating the intricacies of love and lust. It’s clear Feliz’s experiences on stage and in dance studios have shaped her prowess in painting intimate, shared experiences in vivid light. Her latest track ‘The Middle’ is no exception. Sky Feliz told Numéro about her sonic inspirations for the track, saying producers such as Flume and Arca’s experimental styles have influenced its electronic elements, while the ‘base of it all is soul and R&B’. She calls this fusion ‘sexy house’, matching the track with her sultry vocals and riffs throughout. Feliz expressed that ‘The Middle’ began merely as a joke, where she “wanted to make a POV song of eating out without being disrespectful”. Feliz discusses the need for open dialogue around sex and consent, and the importance of women getting in the driver’s seat of their own pleasure. Feliz discusses the track’s particular relevance in the music scene, where “if a man can sing, rap about getting head” so should she. ‘The Middle’ finds the perfect balance between playfulness and sexuality. The result? A track that encapsulates the deliciousness of female pleasure in vibrant colour, and that will make listeners want to turn the lights down. Sky Feliz hasn’t given too much away, but has told listeners to keep eyes and ears peeled as she is set to release a larger body of work this year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTbSBMNmVpQ