Genre (Copy): Soul

      Women of Modern UK Jazz

      Women of Modern UK Jazz Playlist highlighting a new wave of female jazz artists. People’s playlists by: Ivana Pintaric You Might Also Like Recent Posts

      Cross The Tracks 2025 Review – A Standout Summer Festival

      Photo Credit: @garryjonesphotography Cross The Tracks 2025 Review – A Standout Summer Festival Love was in the air, along with some great jazz, funk and soul 8 June 2025 By Caitlin Taylor The last time I was at Cross the Tracks, I remember running towards Khruangbin just as the summer rain started. It was a top ten magical experience and this year had a lot to live up to, at least in my eyes. Last year saw Erkyah Badu controversially pull out at the last minute, and the recent drama about whether all Brockwell park festivals would be allowed to continue meant that I entered this year cautiously.  Lynda Dawn was one of the first artists we encountered. She actually played last time I was here back in 2022 and it was nice to see her get a main stage upgrade. Her stage presence was incredibly impressive and she attracted a large and unexpectedly engaged crowd for such an early slot. It’s always nice to watch people who genuinely seem to be having fun while performing, and her dancing along with her backup singers put a smile on my face.  We began wandering around, and were promptly pulled in by Nala Sinephro’s siren song. She and her band were a wonder to watch, her talent was completely captivating and what was meant to be a quick stop-off ended up with us staying for her whole set which involved her seamlessly moving between a harp and synthesiser. Fun fact: she also recently composed the soundtrack for the new Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson film ‘The Smashing Machine’ – definitely someone to keep on your radar.    © Khali Ackford After a short group discussion about who to see next, we decided it was time to dance. Last Nubian were playing at the Funk Junction, featuring vocals from Achanté, who kept the crowd moving the entire time. It was a smaller stage but absolutely swarmed by people and we quickly became enveloped in the crowd, no complaints though! They worked perfectly together the entire time, definitely a standout.  Luke Dyson @lukedyson http://www.lukedyson.com It’s undeniably amazingly curated, wherever you end up you’ll be hearing something great which is something I haven’t truly experienced at any other festival. It should also receive praise for being open to all generations, with such a variety of artists that both parents and kids will all have heard of at least someone – JGrrey to Gilles Peterson, Cymande to Jordan Rakei. It’s a festival that feels right at home on a Sunday, with the only caveat being the unfortunate fact that the grass has been stomped grey by the Dr Martens mosh pits at Wide Awake the previous Friday.   The evening closed out with some mind-blowing sets from Last Nubians and Ezra Collective, two of the best performances I and the people I was with had ever seen. As the sun set and I looked back across the past few festivals I’ve attended, I couldn’t help but feel this one felt the most ‘right’. Stood in the centre of a massive group of people, spanning a large range of ages, everyone was smiling, laughing, singing along. When times are hard, this is what it feels we should hold on to, magical moments like these.  Photo Credit: @garryjonesphotography You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆

      Our CROSS THE TRACKS 2025 Top Picks:

      Our CROSS THE TRACKS 2025 Top Picks: Can’t wait for Cross The Tracks on Sunday? These are our must-sees. 22 May 2025 By Caitlin Taylor I still count Cross the Tracks 2022 as maybe my favourite festival experience ever so here’s hoping this year is more of the same. I’m not sure where else you’ll find a lineup this talented – Ezra Collective, Jordan Rakei, Michael Kiwanuka and Free Nationals all in one place. We’ve picked out a few of our favourites you should give a listen to before the headliners, maybe you’ll find a few new favorites.  ESSENCE MARTINS – 12:05 pm @ The Caboose Stage We were early fans of Essence Martins here at TNAM, and she’s only grown greater as time has progressed. Her new album Sleeping On It showcases her talent as a singer/songwriter with relatable lyrics that’ll leave you reminiscing about your last breakup. Delicate and peaceful, perfect for a Sunday afternoon. FABIANA PALLADINO – 2:20 pm @ Locomotion Stage  We’re all for bringing disco back in 2025, and it’s something Fabiana Palladino has been doing over the past year. Her critically acclaimed self-titled album set her apart from your typical pop act with funky beats and smooth vocals. We caught her last year at RALLY, and again at All Points East where she performed with the legendary Jai Paul, a regular collaborator of hers.  NIA SMITH – 2:15 pm @ D-Railed Stage Nia Smith is perfect for a festival like Cross The Tracks. A singer/songwriter with a reggae influence and strong soul sound, she seems moments away from blowing up to Jorja Smith levels. Last year she performed at SZA’s Hyde Park takeover despite only having released her first song on streaming services a month before. Catch her before she hits the main stage.  JGRREY – 1:30 pm @ Mainline Stage JGrrey is one of my absolute personal favourites. Her first release For Keeps in 2019 is still a regular play and her newest album If Not Now? Is equally as good. She’s still a leading force in the London RnB scene despite putting nothing on streaming for the past 2 years. Hopefully, her appearance at Cross The Tracks will set the stage for some new releases..?   LULU. – 12:30 pm @ Mainline Stage LULU. (the full stop is intentional!) is another artist who only started releasing music very recently but is already selling out headline shows. Her music draws inspiration from her childhood growing up in the church and her love for afrobeats, the perfect music to dance to in the sun with your friends. It’s rare to find music that feels so genuine and uplifting – we’re excited to see her on stage! You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆

      New Remix: Nubiyan Twist ft. Horseman ‘Battle Isn’t Over (D’n’B Version)’

      New Remix: Nubiyan Twist ft. Horseman ‘Battle Isn’t Over (D’n’B Version)’ A DnB Spin on the invigorating tune, Battle Isn’t Over, comes just in time for summer, and serves as a bopping reminder of the UK dance music history and culture. 8 May 2025 By Scarlett Stokes Currently Listening to: “Battle Isn’t Over” croons Nubiya Brandon, main vocalist for Nubiyan Twist, over a smothered drumbeat that hints at the track direction of their new release with reggae stalwart Horseman. That is, assuming you didn’t read the track title – “Battle Isn’t Over – D’n’B version”, released earlier this month. The Sheffield-based 9-piece have never shied away from a collaboration, and “Battle Isn’t Over – D’n’B version” is looking to be the first in a sequence of more dancefloor-oriented tracks, with a bassline version of “Reach My Soul” released only a few days ago (and by dancefloor-oriented, I mean electronically-influenced tracks. Make no mistake, Nubiyan twist can electrify a dancefloor without electronics all by themselves). This pivot into a different sound isn’t a new move for Nubiyan Twist – “Battle Isn’t Over – D’n’B version” is the opener from their 2024 album, Find Your Flame, which included some juicy bonus house spins on the track Lights Out from the deluxe version. “Battle Isn’t Over – D’n’B Version” will sit in the “NT Soundsystem” album, set to be released on 13th June this year. It will boast a collection of remixes from the 2024 album Find Your Flame, Nubiyan Twist’s fourth album to date. As the track titles tease, these will pay tribute to the UK’s global dance music culture, with jungle, dancehall, dub, and UKG versions all represented. If that wasn’t enough, the name itself, ‘NT Soundsystem’, is a homage to the UK’s vibrant Soundsystem culture. Singles from albums are meant to tease the vibe of the album to come. It is a joy to see some old-skool DnB represented in the line-up. Whilst not an unsurprising genre to dabble with for Nubiyan Twist, given their embrace of multicultural British sound, this represents a new sonic direction for the band, with a refreshingly old-school feel. Thank Horseman, with his deep, honeyed MCing, fast-paced breaks, and three decades of musical experience in the reggae scene, for this summery tune, paying tribute to the historical roots of DnB in jubilant fashion. Horseman and Nubiya Brandon’s rich, commanding voices twirl into a fluid duet. There’s the steady softness to Nubiya Brandon, buttered with Horseman’s deliberate, toasted vocals. This overlays the rising and falling energy of the track, accompanied by, you guessed it, classic drum and bass sounds, poaching classic instrumentation like trumpet and keys from the original tune. It is exciting to listen to this new foray by Nubiyan Twist, bolstered by Horseman, and feels entirely appropriate with the band’s ethos. If this track is anything to go by, NT Soundsystem is set to be a riotous ode to UK dance music. Expect a vibrant, vivid summer season ahead. You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆

      New Single: Matilda Rowe “Never Do”

      New Single: Matilda Rowe “Never Do” An exciting debut track from London’s rising independent artist Matilda Rowe, Never Do is a fresh take on bedroom jazz mixed with neo-soul sensibilities. 5 April 2025 By Sophie Prior Currently Listening to: Centering in on Matilda’s rich and soulful voice, the track sees the artist exploring themes of self-resignation and singing of the frustration that comes along with never having enough time to do what we really want to. With relatable and honest lyrics accompanied by jazz-infused instrumentation, the single is creative, authentic, and marks an exciting start for the singer. Never Do opens with a smooth electric guitar progression with synth keys tinkling in the background, before a steady drum groove comes in along with Matilda’s honeyed vocals. With a distinctive sound developed over her many years of musical experiences, Matilda’s voice is captivating and her vocal runs and melismatic moments are effortless. Moving to the chorus, the beat moves to a slower, more syncopated rhythm, with a soulful horn tune added while Matilda sings ‘it’s another day, another sweat, another fight’ // ‘another change I’ll realise and make tonight’ // ‘another thing I’ll let myself aspire to, and never do’ // ‘and hate myself all a new’. The track becomes more experimental as it goes on, the energy growing as the singer scats and riffs and shows her vocal range and flexibility to the lyrics ‘I need more time’ while the band seem to jam and improvise. And as she is already known for being a great live performer, the track’s infectious energy is sure to be a hit on stage. Speaking on the influences for the track, Matilda notes Laura Marling’s New Romantic and Lianne La Havas’ Age for their repetitive guitar patterns and curious and honest lyrics. When it came to the instrumentation and production, Amy Whinehouse’s Help Yourself was the main reference track; another female artist that influences Matilda greatly. Never Do was produced by Gareth Finnegan and recorded at cult DIY studio, Total Refreshment Centre, in London. Written in the summer of 2022, the track’s release comes after years of hard work in the independent music scene: gigging in venues across London and the UK and building up a loyal following on social media. Matilda is part of a new wave of London and Dublin based artists who promote authentic creativity and finding your own sound – which she has definitely achieved with Never Do. Never Do is the first single from the artist’s debut album which is set for release in October this year. Talking about what we can expect from the rest of the album, the singer notes that the record ‘is raw and vulnerable and breaks boundaries of expectation consistently, in a way to capture life and humanity in its messiness’. Recorded in long form, the album hopes to take listeners on a journey full of catharsis, with lots of infectious melodies and great storytelling along the way. You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆

      New Single: Demae “Ain’t Easy”

      Born and bred North Londoner Demae is back with another tasteful track titled Ain’t Easy, released on the 24th of January this year.

      With a soulful sound and clear R&B and Hip-Hop influences, Ain’t Easy is a light and dreamy soundscape where Demae is free to offload with introspective lyrics. The song has a strong backbeat and bass groove which you can’t help but jam to, but the smooth and silky vocals keep the mood chilled and relaxing. An effortless delivery and an easy listen.

      It is exceedingly rare to discover an artist who is so responsive to evolution, and Taloula is one such extraordinary talent.

      An independent singer, songwriter and producer, her vibrant, free-form musicality instantly marks her as one of the brightest musicians emerging across the R&B landscape right now. Her new album ‘T.E.O.T. II’ (The Evolution Of Taloula II) embodies authentic R&B and soul while balancing psychedelic textures co-produced by Taloula that feel as nostalgic as they are contemporary. Empowering vulnerability and the exploration of our existence, Taloula’s sonic journey towards inner peace will continue the heat surrounding one of London’s key new names crashing into wider consciousness.

      Girlhood – ‘Kissing You’

      To advertise press kit, bio, signed status, sold venue capacity, upcoming shows / releases, create your own TNAM Database profile and direct to contact box – sign up interest to TNAM Club here. Girlhood – ‘Kissing You’ Release Date: Release Type: Exposure: Genre: Location(s): Signed?: Current Venue Capacity : Streaming /Socials What do you think? You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆

      ✧⋄⋆ Interview ⋆⋄✧ Raelle

      Raelle @ the Royal Albert Hall by Temi ✧⋄⋆ Interview ⋆⋄✧ Raelle Over the last 3 years, orchestral soul artist Raelle has been developing her beautifully warm and intimate live shows. Words by Callum Lidington 9 July 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcwbDKc8HS4 In that time, she has performed at a host of notable venues, including the Jazz Cafe, Village Underground, and now, for a second time, The Elgar Room at The Royal Albert Hall for her first sellout performance. The New Age Magazine caught up with Raelle after her show for a Fantasy Festival Q and A. She takes us from Norwich, to London, to France and even to Latin America, as she talks us through her journey so far, as well as her hopes, dreams and ultimate music festival fantasies. Raelle today you will be headlining your own fantasy festival, we’ll be discussing your dream venue, food, drink, and guest artists as well as your songwriting philosophy and your journey so far – Shall we take it back to the start – St Laurence Church in Norwich for Wild Paths Festival 2021, your first festival performance and I was blessed to catch it… What do you remember about that day?   Yeah, it was very surreal for me, I could barely even digest the fact I was performing at a festival. It was very soon after I had started releasing music, so it was pretty like ‘whoa, this is a big thing for me’. It was a great day though, and it’s a beautiful venue. How have things changed in the 3 years or so between that performance at Wild Paths and yesterday’s performance at The Elgar Room? What hasn’t changed? Everything’s changed I think. Before I was very much still finding my voice, my feet, what I wanted to stand for, and what I wanted to sound like. I think I’ve grown within those three years, the way I look at music is super different and how I make music is really different. I really want my shows to be an immersive experience. I want to bring the audience into my world, and inside the songs with me. I think doing this is one of the biggest changes to how I perform. They are both stunning locations, and you’ve played at plenty of others in between, what’s been your favourite venue to play? Oh my God. My favorite? I really liked Village Underground supporting Marie Dhalstrom, that was sick, a really beautiful venue. I’ve seen so many acts there and then I was on the stage, I was like ohh OK, this is different now, that one felt like a really big deal for me. View this post on Instagram A post shared by rebekah lindo (@_raelleeee)   But this is your Fantasy Festival – What would be your dream venue or destination? It has to be somewhere hot by the sea. It would be a mix of party and chill. Holistic, but also carnival style partying! There would definitely be an eclectic bunch of people in the crowd, and on stage, and I’d be there moshing in the middle! The day would end with us all chilling at the beach. The first people are arriving at your festival! They’re super excited for the day ahead but they are going to need some sustenance. At your Fantasy Festival what food and drink is everyone having?  I really enjoy Latin American food and culture, so I’d probably have Colombian or Mexican food! I’ll go for crispy prawn tacos with guac, rice, beans and cheese. And to drink spicy margaritas with a chilli rim! Now whilst you prepare for your fantasy festival headline performance tonight, we have some of your recent collaborators keeping the crowd entertained – you worked with S.Fidelity, Collard and Gabiga on the single ‘Stolen’ released in November last year…What was it like working with all of them?  They are my brothers for real! I love them all. It was such a beautiful experience as well the way that song came together, it was at this writing camp in France. S. fidelity, and I had been working together throughout the week, and it had come to the last day of the camp. We were sitting in this beautiful studio in the South of France and I just started playing this bass line, and then Gabiga got on the drums and started playing, then Collard started singing his verse. It all happened so organically. I think that’s how a lot of my new stuff is in the way that it’s happening. There’s a really organic process in the way it’s being made, and sounds, even the choice of words I’m using as well. I’m seeing S.Fidelity in Berlin soon to work on a new project! The time has come for you to take the stage. The crowd has been waiting for this moment. One of the reasons people are so excited to see you perform is for your lyricism. You’ve said in previous interviews music isn’t just about what sounds good, it’s about communication – your newest EP Bloodlines is a homage to the Windrush Generation and it’s crafted around a really beautiful and thought-provoking spoken word interlude… How important is it still to write music that brings attention and gives voices to people and events from history and the modern day? I try to have a message or story at the core of my songs, that way it lasts because it has that resonance. I don’t think that the human experience is something that is particularly changeable. I feel like people have experienced the same kind of range of emotions throughout history, but they just look different throughout different time periods through different lenses, but the feeling is always the same. If you’re able to capture that feeling in words, and then bring it out even more with the music, then I think you create a timeless piece. Who or what influenced your songwriting philosophy and attitude? I really