XAV A dropped the video to an acoustic feel-good track, ‘All In’, just in time for the summer season.
‘All In’ documents the moment of finding that soulmate and life partner and imagining what the future holds. The almost three-minute production reflect those moments, featuring the R&B singer, songwriter, and producer all googled-eyed with the significant other.
The New Yorker’s musical mission began in 2011 after being featured on season 3 of NBC’s hit a cappella competition show, “The Sing Off” winning second place during the same season as the well-known group Pentatonix. After performing a rendition of R. Kelly’s ‘Ignition (Remix)’ on the show, XAV A began to harness his artistry as a soloist and strives to revive the more playful side of R&B that was present previously in artists like Will Smith and MC Hammer.
If you never heard of this guy, it’s time to check him out – cos this track and video is soooo cool.
Encapsulating a hybrid sound intertwining hard-hitting hip-hop with soul and substance PARALLAX releases ‘Round and Round’ featuring Rakaa Iriscience.
Concocting a contemporary twist whilst paying homage to the stylistic essence of old school hip-hop through its overlaying of samples and breakbeats ‘Round and Round’ binds together a feel-good essence that radiates from its core.
Bridging the gap between cultures the music video is shot on both sides of the pond; London and La with rap legend Rakaa Iriscience from the iconic group Dilated Peoples. Evoking a nostalgic vibes-a-plenty sound the visuals open with retro video camcorder effect. The juxtaposition of imagery from the UK and the US merge together seamlessly mirroring the fusion of stateside and homegrown hip-hop.
The East London-based rapper and producer has established a name for himself within the UK underground hip-hop scene and he has ventured outside the realms of the United Kingdom and his debut EP “Depth Perception’ sold physical copies in twelve countries. Gaining respect from hip-hop heads he has had co-signs from legends like Raekwon, Mr Scruff, Atmosphere, Lewis Parker and many more. In addition to this he has toured over UK, Europe and Asia and supported the likes of GZA, Lord finesse, Dead Prez and Tha Dogg Pound.
The UK hip-hop scene is flourishing and PARALLAX is amongst the wave of artists that has instilled a level of notoriety within the scene, showcasing the raw talent. Providing a snapshot of what he has to offer in ‘Round and Round’ and before the year comes to an end he will be dropping his debut LP.
I’ve been following BÜLOW since her debut ‘This Is Not A Song’ and I take my hat off to this newcomer for injecting some spunk into pop music, that’s sometimes jarringly melancholic. After teasing us with follow ups, such as ‘Lines’ and ‘Sad and Bored’, the singer/songwriter unleashed her EP ‘Damaged Vol.2.’
‘Sad and Bored’ set the scene for the three-track set, with its downtrodden-ish thump which somehow sounds like a slow down version of Toni Basil’s 80’s hit, ‘Hey Mickey’.
‘Honor Roll’ offers up a real soulfulness to her usual downtempo signature, something I haven’t noticed in her previous releases (unless I’m tone-deaf!). That oomph of soul continues which slightly pick up speed and gives that extra spice in concluding effort, ‘You and Jennifer’, before abruptly signing off.
BÜLOW has definitely surpass her previous offerings with this EP and from this point, it can only get better. However, I do feel a little cheated as ‘Damaged Vol.2’ is way too short…NOT FAIR!!!
NEW LEASE MUSIC has been chilling out with Canadian singer/songwriter/producer ALEX BENT, who released his latest EP ‘Vanilla Blue’. I found out about the progress of the seven-track production since its release…and the inspiration behind that sweet, sweet crazy (I mean that respectfully!) sound featured in the album. So are you ready to go? Good…happy reading!
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How’s life treating you?
AB: Life is going alright. Thank you.
NLM: You released your EP, Vanilla Blue back in May. What the story behind the release?
AB: I’ve been working on it for a few years now. It means a lot to me and I’m happy it is continuing to age well as I come back to it. I’ve never been this proud of a project before.
NLM: What’s the public’s perception of the EP so far?
AB: People seem to be liking it. It’s my hope that people feel an emotional connection to these songs.
NLM: What’s your favourite single from the EP and why?
AB: “52” is my favorite. I was able to tap into a feeling I’ve been searching for as long as I’ve been writing songs.
NLM: What was your inspiration for writing the album?
AB: I was inspired by life and what I was seeing as well as what I wish I was seeing. It’s a perfect snapshot of where I’m at in my life right now.
NLM: What’s your inspiration for creating such a unique sound?
AB: I’ve been playing in bands since I was 12. I’ve gone through phases of listening to everything. I think I was able to find a sound that really captured all of my influences while still sounding true to myself.
NLM: So how would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard your songs?
AB: Alternative Pop Rock or something like that
NLM: If you had the chance to collaborate with ONE mainstream artist on your EP, who would it be?
AB: Phil Collins
NLM: Besides the release of your EP, what are your plans for the rest of 2018?
AB: I’m going through a lot of life changes right now. It’s my hope to play some more shows at the end of the summer. I’m also very early into the process of starting the next album.
NLM: Finally, how can potential fans make contact with you?
AB: You can find me on social media. Send me a message. I’m looking to make some new friends!!
For his latest track, J.O. MAIRS wasn’t trying to come off as – in his words – ‘super political’, but somehow the striking hooks and the bouncing bassline inspired him to vent some home truths….
‘Lingo’ touches on the lack of community unity across the globe and could be described as the anthem for black sheeps of society who constantly feel the need to conform. Delivered in a uber confident laid back flow, the Canadian spitter dishes out some valuable advice: become a member of YOUR own society, and set out to achieve YOUR goals, irrespective of how it is perceived by others.
In a nutshell, just do YOU…this guy did it with impeccable style…you might learn something here; it’s worth checking out…
New Lease Music 