NEW VIDEO: JOSH OSHO- Freewheel

Since the release of The John Doe EP, in 2012, Josh Osho has been busy re-grouping and working on new material. After parting ways with his record company, Island Records late last year, he gave an insightful, and candid interview to AmaruDonTV about the whole experience, and the business of music, as a whole.  Now the south London singer/songwriter has returned with"Freewheel" taken from his debut album, L.I.F.E. It's a guitar driven, feel good track with a video that cleverly combines animation, and live action. Check it out.

EVENT PREVIEW: A Night With JP COOPER

 Singer/songwriter JP Cooper has been doing the rounds on the UK’s live event scene. Armed with a guitar and a killer set of vocal chords, His particular blend of gospel inspired, soulful-folk music is proving popular with urban audiences. Having already played two sold out headline shows this year, the Manchester-born musician returns with another amazing show. Cooper will play London’s iconic Tabernacle  on Thursday 23^rd May 2013 with support from fellow rising stars, Jake Isaac, Lumi HD, and Marie Dahlstrom.

JP Cooper, is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more in the future, I'm forever blogging about him, and for fans of acoustic, soulful music this is an opportunity not to be missed. Check out this performance of Rihanna's hit "Stay", which he did exclusively for Reload Sessions.

Vist here for tickets

LIVE GEMS: DANIEL MERRIWEATHER- Red

Back in 2010 Daniel Merriweather performed a small set for Billboard.com. He did songs from his critcally acclaimed 2009 debut album Love&War. The tone of Merriweather's voice is just instantly engaging- you want to listen, and once you have, you want to hear more. I love singers who sing with passion to the point where notes aren't always perfect, and voices sometimes crack: passion over polish works, not in every case, but here it works for Daniel Merriweather, Check him out singing "Red".

NEW MUSIC: J.APPIAH- I Aint Rich Yet

The UK just keeps raising the game in the talent  stakes. Since Ed Sheeran's metoric rise to fame- the UK has witnessed a marriage between folky, acoustic sounds, with urban, experience. Over the past two years there have been a spate of young musicians picking up their guitars, not to sing about sunshine and strawberry fields, but rather to spin tales about their hardknock lives- and it's really kinda cool.

 J appiah is the latest artist to catch my attention. The young east Londoner is steadily bringing his music to the fore; his particular blend of soul, folk, R&B, and blues- with added musical flavours inspired his Ghanaian heritage is proving to be very popular on the underground circuit. His latest track "I Aint Rich Yet" describes his quest to become, well, rich, and presumably successful, and respected in his chosen field. I'm guessing he means rich in mind, as well as money. Anyway, it's a really charming, and catchy track. Peep the video below.

EVENT PREVIEW: Acoustic Afternoon

Fancy spending a beautiful sunny afternoon listening to music by some of the UK’s hottest new talents?  If so, then Acoustic Afternoon will be right up your street. The brainchild of online PR, and blogger, Que, Acoustic Afternoon is an event, which showcases live music from some of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists in an intimate, unplugged setting. The action takes place on the roof at Boxpark in Shoreditch. Past performers include, Jamilah Hassan, Whitney Williams, and J. Appiah.

The Bank Holiday edition of this show will feature performances from Sylvia Stone and the Pandas, ALXA, Future Kicks, Tom Bem, and Aleisha Lee (A.L). Proceedings will be hosted by Rinse FM’s Yinka with music by DejaVu FM’s DJ Dlux.

Admission is free (yes, FREE), so with your extra change, you can grab a bite to eat from the all new Cottons Rum Shack who specialise in providing the very best Caribbean cuisine. There’s nothing not to love about this event, so if you can, get down there, and start your summer right!

Acoustic Afternoon:  27^th May 2013 (Bank Holiday Monday)

Starts: 1pm Until: 4pm

Admission: Free (all ages)

Location: Boxpark- Shoreditch, London

 

MIXTAPE REVIEW: MARK ASARI- Mark My Words

Mark Asari makes his solo debut with the mixtape, Mark My Words. The London singer, formerly of R&B group Encore offers a selection of solid soulful cuts featuring appearances from some of the UK’s freshest emerging artists and producers.  The 8-track collection takes a look at the idea of personal aspirations, ranging from superficial desires, to a more deeply rooted pursuit of one's dreams. Musically, the mixtape has classic R&B flavour; there are obvious nods to the popular R&B sounds of the 80s and 90s.

The Wizzy Wow produced, “Clockwork” is a smooth track with a dense, murky bassline perfect for the club, or the car, (or indeed, the car-ride to the club).The song is a depiction of the relentless pursuit of money, fame, and all the material trappings of success. It features sound vocals from Asari, and an appearance from up-and-coming south London rapper Yungen. With its pretty- girls-and- fast -cars lyrics, “Clockwork” revisits the R&B sounds of the late 90s and early 2000s made famous by artists like 112 and Joe. The song introduces the mixtape’s overall US flavour.

While tracks like “Clockwork” focus on the material rewards of success, other songs on Mark My Words touch upon the complicated web of emotions brought about by the reality of striving to succeed. There is the triumphant, disposition of “Winner”, but also the acute despair of “Circles”. And on the song, “She Said”, Asari looks at the difficulty of chasing dreams without the full support of loved ones. The track stands out as one that’s musically different from the others on the mixtape. The stripped down, guitar driven melody and simple lyrics are instantly engaging, and Asari’s poignant delivery makes “She Said” a particularly refreshing addition.

Of course, no R&B album worth its salt would be complete without an outstanding slow jam. Thankfully, Asari does not disappoint with the immaculate, “Fire”. He once again demonstrates his first-rate vocal talents on this sultry track, which features production from budding, London-based producer, Jay Weathers; plus the soaring, ad-libs from Wiley’s protégé, Ms D. All these elements come together to make “Fire” a brilliantly executed track; it’s a superbly slick, slow jam, with a brooding street edge.

The track, “Never Had Your Love” is another highlight of Mark My Words. Co-written and produced by multitalented south Londoner, Slic Vic, the 80s flavour of this song is just irresistible. Everything, from the lyrical style to the use of the synths, and the keys give this song its gorgeous 80s polish. It almost instantly makes you think of Jheri curls, hi-top fade haircuts, and Alexander O’Neal.  Asari’s voice lends itself so amazingly well to the summery, soulful vibe of the song.  “Never Had Your Love” is a joy to listen to; It’s a song with such understated charm, that it might take one or two listens to fully realise the retro genius of the track.

Mark My Words is a compilation of very listenable songs. The title is a clever play on words, which can be interpreted in two ways: one describes the fact that the self-penned mixtape is Mark Asari’s experiences in his own words; the other, is gentle instruction to listen attentively- to pay attention- to mark the words i.e. music. In terms of style, this mixtape is pays homage to R&B of old; It successfully blends elements from the 80s, 90s, and beyond. With this mixtape Asari offers today’s lovers of classic R&B a rare treat: accessible songs, quality production, and velvety smooth vocals. Mark My Words is a solid debut collection from this rising talent.

Download: Mark Asari- Mark My Words

As written for wepluggoodmusic.com