NEW VIDEO: LADY GAGA- Applause

 You can always count on Gaga to deliver a visual feast and she doesn't disappoint with the video for her new single, 'Applause'. Taken from her upcoming ARTPOP album, the song carries many of Gaga's usual trademarks; it's a self conscious celebration of pop culture, commercialism, and fandom. The video is a fast moving montage of abstract poses, remote pop culture references, plus a good dollop of oh-so-fabulous Gaga choreography. it's a visual spectacle directed by renowned Dutch fashion photography duo Inez and Vinoodh  It's great;she's like a 21st century musical version of Andy Warhol. Say what you will about Lady Gags, but no one right now is doing it quite like her- while most artists are concerned with portraying "bleak, gritty, realness" in an effort to appear genuine Gaga is giving us pop for pop's sake and it's refreshing and exciting! I love this.

NEW VIDEO: ELLI INGRAM- Mad Love

One of UK music's most exciting newcomers, Elli Ingram has dropped the video for her latest single, 'Mad Love'. The song is taken from her debut EP, Sober and tells a tale of obsessive love, and infatuation. The video sees Ingram playing a repressed housewife with a dark side. And in keeping with the EPs artwork, the visual has an overall retro feel from the chintzy china teasets, to the brilliant white Ford Fiesta which apparently belongs to Ingram's love interest in the video. A case of fancy wheels for a fancy man? See for yourselves...

NEW VIDEO: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE- Take Back The Night

JT gets his Fred Astaire on in the video for 'Take Back The Night'. The retro- disco flavoured track is the first single to be taken from part two of his 20/20 Experience album. The video sees JT in a city street setting, throwing a number of slick shapes, with trendy friends, and a cute kid in tow. There are also a selection of "in the club" shots, as well as footage of his performance at New York's Yankee Stadium too. Mr Timberlake sure knows how to do a feel-good song really quite well. Check it out here...

NEW MUSIC: DALEY- BROKEN

 Keen to keep momentum up, Mancunian singer, Daley is back with his next single 'Broken'. The song starts out sounding like an atmospheric pop ballad, then evolves into a more Breakbeat inspired vibe, with Daley's emotive vocals squeezing out a catchy melody. This song is addictive; yet another solid offering from this talented artist. Have a listen here...

NEW VIDEO: WRETCH 32 ft JACOB BANKS- DOING OK

 Following the success of his hit song, 'Blackout', Wretch 32 returns with 'Doing OK'. The uplifting mid-tempo features Wretch's trademark laid back flow, alongside smooth vocals from Jacob Banks. The accompanying video is tells story of 'hope restored' against a stark, but welcoming African backdrop; and the little girl is just adorable. The visual fits perfectly with the song; the positive, uplifting beat, and message  make 'Doing OK' ideal music for the summer time. Check it out.

NEW VIDEO: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE- Tunnel Vision (Explicit)

So here's the video for the third official single to be taken off Justin Timberlake's latest album, The 20/20 Experience. "Tunnel Vision" features signature sounds from production virtuoso, Timberland, and actually sounds a little like his track for 50 Cent, "Ayo Technology"- which features also JT, funnily enough.

No one does an edgy love song quite like Justin Timberlake, and "Tunnel Vision" is a prime example.  The accompanying video is an intense, smoky series of close ups, and slick dance flourishes. Warning, the visual contains copious amounts of, I guess 'arty' nudity- perhaps to to cover the fact that the song is the tiniest bit (can't believe I'm going to say this, and I still love you forever and ever, Mr Timberlake) underwhelming. It's a great driving song, it's just not that interesting, that's all. Anyway see/hear what you think...

NEW MUSIC: EGO ELLA MAY- Sweet Like Chocolate [Cover Version]

 Fresh from the success of her debut EP, The Tree, singer/songwriter Ego Ella May has decided to treat her fans to some brand new music. The London songstress brings us her version of  Shanks and Bigfoot's dance classic,"Sweet Like Chocolate". Ego Ella May has completely reworked the track, and turned it into a choice slice of slippy, trippy, euphoric soul. Listen below.

NEW MUSIC: DALEY- Songs That Remind Me Of You

 It's been a minute or two since we heard any new stuff from Manchester born singer Daley. His debut mixtape Those Who Wait is an absolute stunner, which well and truly caught the attention of  the UK's underground scene and earned him a solid fanbase. His last officially released track was "Remember Me" featuring Jessie J, which came out in late 2012.

Since then he has been away in the US working hard at it rubbing shoulders with the likes of Maxwell, Miguel and Pharrell Williams. And now the talent new voice has returned with new song "Songs That Remind Me Of You (#STRMOY)". The song is produced by Stereotypes. And Daley's vocals just keep getting better and better. Fans await a new album due out at some point in 2013. Check out the track and Will Reid directed visuals below.

Those Who Wait is available on iTunes

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.

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.

NEW VIDEO: Kobi Onyame- The Real (Part 2)

 Glasgow’s MOBO UnSung regional winner, Kobi Onyame continues to go from strength to strength as he drops the video for his latest track- "The Real (part 2)". Taken from his forthcoming EP, Greener Pastures, the track is produced by the multitalented New Yorker- DJ Dummy, and also features a sample from the Incredible Bongo Band’s version of the iconic song, "Apache". The Oliver Whitehouse directed video, sees Onyame performing to camera against a gritty, inner-city backdrop . Good to see Onyame making moves, check it out...

NEW MUSIC: SZA- S EP

Emerging St Louis songstress, SZA (aka Solana Rowe) continues to impress with her newest project, S EP. The first of a series of three EPs slated for release throughout 2013, S EP is a dreamily heady mix of electronic soul, that's trippy and obscure in personality. The eight track collection contains gorgeously abstract lyricism, and is crocheted with various pop culture references. This is a really delicious listen- enjoy. Review coming soon...


S EP by Just SZA

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.

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!

NEW VIDEO: Wretch 32 ft Shakka- Blackout

The UK's favourite rapper, (in my opinion, anyway)Wretch 32 teamed up with newcomer Shakka, to make the hot record 'Blackout'. Now, the equally hot video is available for your viewing pleasure. Check out  this atmospheric, visual stunner.

NEW MUSIC: That's Alright- Laura Mvula

The awesome Birmingham singer, Laura Mvula releases her second official single 'That's Alright'. The thundering drum beat will catch your attention from the outset, but don't be fooled, this song is about a lot more than a catchy beat. 'That's Alright' is saying a lot of what needs to be said in terms of commercial beauty ideals for women. It's sassy, smart and strong- another great song from this class act.




Peep my Laura Mvula Album review here

NEW MUSIC: Estelle ft Roses Gabor- Whatever You Like

Estelle released her third album All Of Me in 2012 and now she is back with some new music. 'Whatever You Like' is a fresh sounding, percussion- laden track produced by Wizzy Wow and featuring fellow UK singer Roses Gabor.  There's no word yet on whether this song will make it onto her next project but it's always nice to hear something from this talented singer.

NEW VIDEO:Duke Dumont ft A*M*E- Need you (100%)

This new house track by the DJ/producer Duke Dumont feels like a classic 90s house banger. It features awesome vocals by the rising UK popstar A*M*E.  Dance videos always tend to have crazy creative concepts/narratives; 'Need You (100%)' is no different. A man has a tape player stuck in his abdomen and it's stuck on the play button, everywhere he goes he take the music with and people just cant help getting down to the beat. Poor guy. This video is really funny and the song is hot- Check it out!