NEW VIDEO: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft Ray Dalton- Can't Hold Us

Emerging rapper Macklemore and his long time collaborator Ryan Lewis have released the epic video for the song 'Can't Hold Us'. It's a cinematic offereing that was conceptualised by the duo and their team of creative partners. Part of what I love about Macklemore is that his whole project, feels like an artistic movement. He is the front-man for this bigger collective of artisans, all working towards a common goal, and this doesn't come across as contrived or gimmicky. Together, Macklemore and his team produce work that is rooted, organic, bold, and ignighted with quirky personality. It's really intriguing- I'm excited for what the feature holds for these guys.

NEW VIDEO: Frank Ocean- Lost

Frank Ocean put out this video for 'Lost', one of the most popular songs off his critically acclaimed, BRIT and Grammy- Award winning album, Channel Orange. The "life-through-a-lens" type video, directed by Francisco Soriano depicts footage from his life and travels in the summer of 2012. His official next single is thought to be 'Forrest Gump' and he has filmed a video for that, but while we wait for that release, 'Lost' gives another glimpse into the world of enigmatic artist in action- enjoy.

LIVE GEMS: Dionne Reid- She Can't

Having released her debut EP, S.M.I.L.E in the summer of 2012, Dionne Reid has become a favourite on London's underground music circuit and with good reason. The South London born songstress wows audiences with crisp, soulful vocals, reggae flavour, and bags of charisma. Check out this version of her song 'She Can't'; performed  as part of the Park Bench Sessions for sprkle.com

Click to read more about Dionne Reid and listen to S.M.I.L.E

Visit: dionnereid.com

NEW MUSIC: Tawiah- FACes

The next single from the exceptionally talented, Tawiah is 'FACes'. Taken from her forthcoming mixtape FREEdom Drop, this poignant, mid tempo track is to be released in support of International Day For Street Children and Street Child  Africa. It showcases Tawiah's emotive vocals and feeatures richly textured production from Jodi Milliner. 

NEW MUSIC: Phoenix ft MKS- Entertainment (Blood Orange Remix)

French rock band, Phoenix feature Mutya Keisha and Siobhán  on their Devonté Hynes (a.k.a Blood Orange) remixed single 'Entertainment'. It's a great mix; I love the moody, intense, melancholy of the track. There was always something deliciously sweet and eerie about Sugababes' harmonies- it's great that they are in full effect here. British born Blood Orange is responsible for some incredibly original music, having worked with a variety of artists from Arctic Monkeys to Solangé Knowles. The multi-talented producer is working with MKS on their upcoming album, so I'm hoping we can expect the group to embrace, and build upon the quirky, cool, edge that they started out with, way back in 2000. Exciting stuff!

EVENT REVIEW: Juliyaa- Stars & Dragons LIVE!

Juliyaa ensured that spring started with a bang (and an Azonto) at her headline concert, Stars and Dragons Live. The north London singer released her debut EP, Stars & Dragons in the autumn of 2012. The 6-track collection is a colourful mixture of musical elements from various genres, which represent her diverse cultural heritage and experience. The concert was billed as a translation of this EP into an exciting live showcase, along with support from some of London’s best up and coming talents.

East London’s Rich Mix centre was an ideal venue for the highly anticipated show. And as the main room of the cultural arts centre quickly began to fill up, BBC Radio 1Xtra’s DJ, Ace span a selection of choice cuts. Host, Eke Mba warmed the crowd up with animated delivery of humorous anecdotes as he introduced the night’s impressive roster of artists. First to hit the stage was south London singer Dionne Reid. She sang “Here I come”, from her 2012 EP, S.M.I.L.E; plus a nicely reworked version of the Chip and Chris Brown collaboration, “Champion”. Her charismatic stage presence and sweetly soulful vocals loosened up the audience, and readied us for the cheeky charm and heartfelt lyricism of Essex rapper, Nick Brewer. Last of the guest acts was emerging singer, Wilson. He brought a touch of smooth, chilled R&B to the room, performing songs from his Painted on Silence EP, with all the poise and confidence of a seasoned artist.

Following a mini interval, a clearly keyed up Juliyaa took the Rich Mix stage, dazzling in a gorgeous vintage floral dress. Accompanied by a full band, complete with a small string section, she kicked off her set with an explosive version of her party anthem, “The Rhythm”. This was followed up with “Like Magic” from the EP. The crowd, who were fully amped by this point, whooped and hollered their appreciation as Juliyaa’s set got underway.

 Her rendition of “Tidal Wave” was a particular highpoint. The drum and bass inspired single from the Stars & Dragons EP got a rock restyling, and was mashed up with Labrinth’s track “Earthquake”, and Eiffel 65’s 1999 hit, “Blue (Da Ba Dee)”. These elements combined, transformed “Tidal Wave” from a brooding, dubstep- flavoured track into an electrifying, full-on rock spectacle.

 After the high octane start to the show Juliyaa slowed things down and showcased her special ability to write, and deliver sincere relationship ballads. She performed the songs “Talk to Me” and “I do Less”. She later picked up her guitar to play “Bittersweet”, a beautiful song about love and faith; and then gave an impassioned, exclusive performance of “Roundabout Love” from her forthcoming EP 4Loves.

After this, it was back to business: Stars & Dragons Live was, foremost a celebration of Juliyaa’s Welsh and Ghanaian cultural identity; and the West African flavour of “Down To the River” saw Juliyaa encouraging her audience to dance, as she enthusiastically threw a few shapes of her own.

 As the concert drew to a close, it was obvious that the final song would be “Stars & Dragons”: the infectious, celebratory title track of the EP, and of course, the night. The Hi-life inspired song had the crowd two-stepping, and “azonto-ing” like it was the law! This was a party and nobody was permitted to stand still: “Hey, you there, man...” Juliyaa called in typical Ghanaian fashion to one unsuspecting spectator - “Dance!” For that moment, she made honorary Ghanaians of her whole audience. This was a real highlight of the show. It’s a special thing to observe and connect with an artist who performs with such genuinely intense, joy. Stars & Dragons Live was a success.

It was a night filled with rhythm, soul and passion. The warm, carnival vibe created a real sense of fun and unity. People stripped off their coats and winter apparel - they forgot about the freezing temperatures outside, because Stars & Dragons Live made it feel like it was the first day of summer.

 Yes, fans may have been expecting the set to include a few more favourites off the EP, but nevertheless, Juliyaa proved herself to be an engaging, vibrant performer full of fun energy, and graceful humility in equal measure.


Peep my review of Stars & Dragons EP here
As written for wepluggoodmusic.com

LIVE GEMS: Tawiah- Starts Again

I recently featured the uniquely talented Tawiah as part of my Artists on the Rise article for MOBO.com. There's something so raw, genuine and intense about her whole sound- it's intoxicating.

This live version of her song 'Starts Again' showcases so much of what I adore about this artist. It's a beautifully haunting song about the addictive nature of destructive relationships. I love the sparse honesty of the lyrics and music; it makes the song so hypnotic, and intensely grounding. If gravity had a theme tune, it might sound something like this.

FEATURE: Artists On The Rise

Artists on The Rise When all the official tastemaker lists have gone out and it seems everyone has decided who the next crop of stars will be, it’s easy to forget that there are always new artists diligently working at their craft and creating some of the most inspiring music you could ever hope to hear. The UK is renowned for producing talented musicians with unique artistic vision. We wanted to put the spotlight on some of the emerging artists who embody this idea. Check out these four amazing artists on the rise... 

KWABS 

 @kwabsmusic

 North London singer, Kwabena Adjepong- professionally known as Kwabs, has been creating an exciting underground buzz for some time now. He came to attention in 2011 after appearing on the BBC 2 series, Goldie’s Band: By Royal Appointment. Since then he has recorded a series of video sessions, featuring performances of original material, as well as stunning cover versions of Corrine Bailey Rae’s tentative ballad, ‘Like a Star’, and James Blake’s ‘Wilhelm Scream’. Kwabs has received high praise from some of the industry’s most respected artists including Joss Stone, and India Arie- who described him as “magnificent” on her Twitter page. His track, ‘Spirit Fade’ was released in early 2013. The sultry track is produced by Dave Okuma, who is lead singer of the three piece band, The Invisible and is also the producer of Jessie Ware’s impressive album, Devotion. ‘Spirit Fade’ is a mixture of gospel and R&B infused with soulful, electronic personality. The track is a blissful melange of isolated rhythms and echoic- baritone vocals, held together by an intermittent oozing bass line. With his relatively small catalogue of available music, Kwabs has well and truly whet the appetites of his growing fan base.

EGO ELLA MAY 

@EgoEllaMay 

 Singer/songwriter, and guitarist, Ego Ella May is steadily raising her profile on London’s underground scene. In a short time she has built a reputation for sweetly soulful vocals; inspired, experimental production; and charismatic yet humble stage presence. Ego Ella May released her debut EP, The Tree to much online acclaim. It’s a 6-track compilation of songs about love, growth and identity. The intensely mellow EP has jazz, soul, and R&B influences but The Tree is also laden with spacey, atmospheric instrumentation; summery- fresh melodies; and petal-soft vocals. These elements are skilfully assembled to create a delicately ethereal, yet progressive, neo soul sound. Ego Ella May is a solid performer with engaging, understated charm. She possesses vocal versatility, which enables her to scat and freestyle over her music with seemingly effortless finesse. The Tree is a truly accomplished debut from this 20 year old Londoner.

 SHAKKA 

@iAmShakka

 Multitalented musician, Shakka became involved in music at a young age. Hailing from west London, the singer/songwriter, counts hip hop, motown, reggae, and garage among his musical influences. Having studied music theory and production, Shakka incorporates many diverse musical styles into his music with charismatic dexterity. He has toured most of the UK’s major towns and cities and created a buzz with his Shakkapella video series in which he uses a combination of beat -boxing and vocal harmony to create vibrant interpretations of popular songs. He has since compiled a downloadable collection called The Shakkapellas, featuring the re-imagined versions of Beyoncé’s ‘End of Time’ and Azealia Banks’ hit song, ‘212’. In 2012 Shakka released his concept mixtape, The Shakka Crown Affair; an experimental album, which blends elements of R&B, electronic, jazz, and alternative rock. His latest single, ‘Sooner or Later’ is another sonically delightful amalgamation sounds. And he is responsible for the catchy hook on Wretch 32’s single, ‘Blackout’. Shakka is truly an artist in his own lane, and it’s obvious, there are good things to come from this talented musician.

TAWIAH 

@TawiahMusic 

Tawiah is a singer/songwriter from south London who is fast becoming known for her stirring vocals, emotive lyricism and wonderfully eclectic sense of style. The BRIT School alumna spent some years cutting her teeth in the music industry as a backing singer for the likes of Corrine Bailey Rae and British indie band, The Guillemots. Tawiah was also selected to tour with Grammy award winning producer, Mark Ronson, as the lead singer of his band, The Version Players. She has also featured on a remix of the Cee Lo Green song ‘I Want You’ from his 2010 hit album The LadyKiller. Tawiah’s debut EP In Jodi’s Bedroom was released in 2008. The 6-track collection fuses elements of jazz, rock, neo- soul, and R&B; and features the stand out tracks, ‘Watch Out’ and ‘Every Step’. Tawiah’s latest track, ‘Teardrop’ is taken from her upcoming new project entitled, FREEdom Drop. Produced by long time collaborator, Jodi Milliner, ‘Teardrop’ is a poignant song with an infectious beat. The quirky squeak of synthesizers and emotive vocals give the track an abstract yet accessible sound. There is beautiful rawness and honesty in Tawiah’s music. She is one of the most exciting and unique artists coming out of the UK, right now.

See, good aren’t they? These budding artists are definitely ones to watch, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for more from these beautifully talented musicians.

As written for Mobo.com