Month: October 2017

Upcoming Release: Numb – Jake Aldridge (ft. Kelly Jenns)

It’s been a looong time coming but JAKE ALDRIDGE returns to the limelight with ACJ Beats-produced single, entitled ‘Numb.’

The new song features the sweet vocals from Kelly Jenns, a childhood friend and long-term collaborator of the British rapper. Jenns has worked with him Jake on several songs including ‘Pieces of Me’ and ‘Palm of your hand’.

Since his last appearance in March with single, ‘Fireman’, Jake has been very busy, collecting some awards along the way. The 2017 NMG award winner was presented with the Audience Choice Award last month in Cambridge.

Aldridge was recently performed for Billie Laurie, an award-winning producer who has worked with Sir Paul McCartney, The Bee Gees & Tina Turner. The gig was televised on Sky TV and was sponsored by Dingwalls Music, the company who were responsible for discovering big acts such as Ellie Goulding. Aldridge is currently in talks with Dingwalls for future projects…so watch this space!

But for now, have a listen to ‘Numb’, available via all digital channels from 5th November .

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Album Review: Flow Riiot – Torii Wolf

When I first heard of TORII WOLF through debut single, ‘Free’ somehow I was compelled by the too-cool-for-school raspy vocals against the bass-driven number. Releases ‘Big Big Trouble’ and ‘Pain Killer’ followed and I was totally hooked!

The next big release was the 15-track production coming in the form of ‘Flow Riiot’, produced by DJ Premier (so you know you’re really onto a good thing here).

An atmospherically dreamy sample of The Messenger’s 60s funk/soul classic, ‘California Soul’, leads the set through ‘Everlasting Peace’ – and from there, a range of genres were introduced –  from alternative hip-hop to piano/violin-led arrangements. ‘Take It Up On Monday’ is definitely one for the nostalgics as the three-minute production brings on that old school/rare groove laid-back vibe. Possessing heavy influence hip-hop/boom bap of late 80s/early 90s, ‘Shadows Crawl’ will be the one for the serious hip-hop heads’ collection.

‘Flow Riiot’ ends on smooth note with ‘Moscow’. Led by the acoustic guitar, Torii adds an inexplicable magic, creating a real stellar singer-songwriter approach to the production.

It’s sure a mix bag of pleasure and anyone who enjoys listening to makeovers of old genres will have at least one favourite. Through ‘Flow Riiot’, this New Yorker has more than proved that her Throaty yet delicate instrument has that across the board appeal.

You’re here now…might as well check it out….

Must listens: Meant To Do, 1st, Body, Take It Up On Monday, Moscow

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New Track: Macadamian – Jimmy Smash

Oslo-based, dreamy R&B duo JIMMY SMASH burst into the limelight with their debut single ‘Macadamian’.

From start to finish Håvard Lyngstad’s smooth, dulcet tones are nothing less than mesmerising. Dreamy and floating, his voice exudes warmth and comfort, perfectly poised above a soulful ambience created by Mikkel Guttormsen, whose easy-going, swinging rhythm rolls gently along a bed of distant synths. The premise and underlying melody for ‘Macadamia’ was created on a “beat-up” Finnish guitar from the 80s, providing a certain nostalgic element to the instrumental.

Guttormsen and Lyngstad both grew up in Fredrikstad, Norway, and although they socialised in the same circles, didn’t cross paths until 2012 in Oslo. Mikkel is a classically trained pianist whose long-term affinity for hip hop, led to him DJ’ing at parties and clubs around Norway, showcasing his home-crafted rap beats. A multi-instrumentalist (guitar, drums, vocals) and initially working as a singer-songwriter, Håvard transitioned into R&B at a later stage after realising the freedom for intricate wordplay and complex narratives. Discovering a shared passion for soul, R&B and groovy beats, the pair have been continuously collaborating and making music in their home studio.

JIMMY SMASH’s promising debut delivers a musical breath of fresh air shrouded in mystery, and with more music on the way, the Norwegian duo are certainly one to watch.

These guys are on a mission to challenge pop music of today…and I have to say, they’re definitely on the right path…Have a listen to ‘Macadamian’.

 

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New Track: Primavera – Hansaa x Soso (ft. A.CHAL)

Sydney-bred HANSAA and LA-based producers SOSO have teamed up once again to enlist the vocal talents of A.CHAL for a star-studded production entitled ‘Primavera’.

Rough textures centred about a funky, live bassline make for a high-vitality vibe with a driving energy. Specifically produced with A.CHAL’s dulcet tones in mind, the Peruvian’s vocals are woven throughout the very core of the track creating a certain ambience, fusing the very best elements of hip hop, electronica and R&B.

HANSAA – real name Vinay Matta – has been prevalent in LA’s underground scene for several years now. Drawing inspiration from sample-heavy hip hop, 90s instrumentals and cinematic scores, Matta developed a unique timbre. It was this affinity for electro and hip-hop inspired sounds that lead to the producer linking up with Ryan Aicklen and Danny Thrasher, AKA SOSO. The pair first came together during their time at Icon Music School Production School in Burbank and have since worked behind the scenes for artists including 30 Seconds To Mars and Anna Lunoe.

The SOSO boys joined HANSAA on his debut release, ‘Need to Know’, featuring vocals from Oliver Tank, which was released in August and has already clocked up over 110,000 plays on Spotify.

Referred to as the “R&B, quasi-rap wunderkind” with “big sexy, making-it-rain” music by Billboard, it’s no surprise that Alejandro Salazar, under the moniker A.CHAL, has been making waves. Championed by A$AP Rocky the young virtuoso has seen a plethora of commendations from Pigeons And Planes, XXL Mag, Highsnobiety and i-D. A frequent favourite on Beats 1, the vocalist has also teamed up with A$AP Nast, French Montana. Recently having performed at SXSW 17’s Belvedere Vodka x Noisey: Behind The Scene event and fresh from announcing tour dates for his 11-track album ‘On Gaz’, Salazar has quickly become one of America’s most exciting singers.

‘Primavera’ sees the undisputed vocal expertise of A.CHAL coupled with tight, inspired production from one of LA’s most exciting, up and coming producer collaborations who will most certainly be one to watch in 2017…

Hit play on this one..too good to pass up.

 

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Song of the Day: Place – Mar

Championed by Jamz Supernova on BBC Radio 1Xtra for his collaboration with Full Crate on EP ‘A Woman’, MAR is now ready to assume centre stage status with this latest project entitled ‘Place’. Billowing, thick and heavy mood-scapes, ‘Place’ is the first release from his forthcoming EP, ‘Things Will Be’. The five-track EP is described as ‘a soundtrack to experience when one is alone’.

Hailing from Amsterdam, raised on a houseboat, surrounded by music from a young age, rhythm runs in this R&B artist’s blood. Mastering instruments under his late father’s watchful eye ,MAR’s sister and mother would sing whilst his father played the guitar and bass, all to the backing of budding artist’s percussions.

Citing his greatest musical influences as Bjork and Prince, MAR has seized the opportunities provided by this EP to evolve a fresh new approach to his sound. MAR‘s musical range has progressed from layered electronic to pop, distorted trap and rock music, via previous releases ‘Seeing Her Naked’, ‘Form’ and ‘When We Meet’.

‘Things Will Be’ EP will be out 23rd November…but for now, listen to this irresistible single.

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