With radio and editorial support from the likes of Jamz Supernova of BBC 1Xtra acclaim, US publication Ones To Watch, NTS, Dummy, KissFM, Wordplay Magazine and Wonderland, it is clear that the eyes and ears of the music industry are firmly on the nascent R&B superstar JOHN ALONE . After over a year of teasing and speculation, the trailblazing alternative artist has finally released his latest full length effort, ‘No one is coming to save you’.
The 18-track collection goes on the journey of love and isolation, loss and salvation, while proudly answers the cry for uniqueness and individuality in a sea of ever evolving musical norms that will be appeal to fans of Frank Ocean and The Weeknd.
‘No one is coming to save you’ is as multi-layered and unfiltered as the artist himself. John has left no stone unturned, no feeling unexplored and no theme undiscussed, choosing to bare it all for his growing fanbase. Why not check it out below…
Must Listens: go2hell, indira, PLACE, faawud, Lord’s Prayer,what a life
After his recent appearance on the blog with video for track, ‘Day Ones’ Canadian rap veteran ARLO MAVERICK unleashes his second solo album, ‘Blue Collar’. The collection draws on personal experiences to give a compelling account of the grind and hurdles of a blue-collar worker.
Much of the themes on ‘Blue Collar’ revolve around a universal pursuit of purpose, prosperity, and happiness, from the disillusionment of the job market after graduating from college to the gratification of indulging in material things to being undervalued at a 9 to 5. It’s an album that tries to capture the seemingly endless balancing act to meet our personal needs, satisfy our wants, and get ahead in an economic environment that makes it harder and harder to do so.
“This album comes from a personal place, but the overall message of hard-work, self-determination, and perseverance is a universal one,” said Arlo Maverick. “I hope this record resonates with blue-collar workers in Alberta, and across the country – people who are working hard, trying to keep their head above water and make their dreams a reality no matter how out of reach they may seem.”
On ‘Night Shift,’ the album’s centrepiece, Maverick ponders the tension between balancing making ends meet and material success, and the overwhelming sacrifices made to reap the rewards. In sharing his story of real-life hurdles, he offers an empowering anthem to the bleary-eyed workers of the world navigating similar experiences.
Elsewhere, the experienced rhymer takes his sound into bold new directions, experimenting with UK drill (‘Retail Therapy’), and flexing his vocals on the soulful trap number (‘Day Ones’), all while keeping true to his appetite for old-school hip-hop flavours and gospel (‘Losing My Religion’).
Maverick holds nothing back on tracks like ‘On Me,’ about taking accountability to build a legacy, and the album closer, ‘Nothing of Value,’ which details the effects of an abusive shop floor supervisor and a worker’s eventual breaking point: “Walk away from everything/You’ll be lucky if I leave a note.” It’s an explosive finale that speaks to self-determination in the workforce, and the ability to take back control of one’s own fate.
Having spent the entirety of his solo career delivering scathing social critiques, with ‘Blue Collar’ he continues to spark conversations about the frustrations of work life and professional ambitions. An instantly relatable collection of songs, ‘Blue Collar’ positions the rapper as a powerful voice for the working-class.
Check out the powerful album below…
Must Listens: On Me, Night Shift, Late Nights, Father, Nothing Of Value
Beginning her artist career in San Francisco, VANESSA SCHEFF began playing ukulele after acquiring one from a thrift store for $14. Inspired by personal stories of growth and interpersonal relationships, she began writing intimate music and playing live throughout the San Francisco Bay Area at venues such as the Bazaar Cafe, The Fillmore, The Hotel Utah, and The Lost Church. In 2014, she began experimenting with visual art, utilizing projections in her musical performances and collaborating with dancers and poets in interdisciplinary performance.
In 2015, Scheff moved to the East Coast where she met and began collaborating with Lee Clarke, a Philadelphia based music producer. While in Philadelphia, she performed at venues, galleries and museums such as Johnny Brenda’s, World Cafe Live, Boot & Saddle, Urban Art Gallery, The Barnes Museum, The Affordable Art Fair, and The Philadelphia Museum of Art. In spring of 2022, she graduated with an MFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design, and is currently writing and recording her debut album titled ‘Nevermind the Moon,’ inspired by Adult Skate Nights pairing 80’s beats with 90’s R&B vocal melodies in a celebratory call for intimate connection.
Her single off this forthcoming album, ‘BUTTER’, possesses mesmerizing vocal harmonies, shimmering 90’s to early 2000’s synths, and an 80’s club backbeat, which drops you right into the feeling of swooning when you see your crush under the disco ball at the roller rink.
“This song is inspired by a desire to feel playful, fun, sexy, and confident while navigating being a caregiver during the pandemic. I wrote ‘BUTTER’ inspired by Adult Skate Night (unofficially known as Black skate night at rinks throughout the U.S.) as a dreamscape of the freedom found on the rink” Vessna says.
Together with her collaborator Lee Clarke, Scheff builds an electrifying current glistening with the anticipation and rush of pushing off the rink wall, and gliding into your confidence. Have a listen to ‘BUTTER’ below…
HANDSHAKE IN SPACE, the enigmatic and boundary-pushing force within the Swedish EDM landscape, is poised to astound music enthusiasts worldwide with their latest release, ‘Rise Up.’ Collaborating once again with the captivating and soulful vocalist Linnsy, the track promises to be a sonic masterpiece that transcends genre boundaries and ignites a new wave of energy in the electronic music realm.
‘Rise Up’ is an auditory adventure that delivers an exhilarating blend of pulsating rhythms, ethereal melodies, and Linnsy’s mesmerizing vocals. HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s ability to seamlessly fuse complex production with emotive storytelling shines brilliantly in this single. Linnsy’s evocative voice weaves through the track like a thread of emotion, adding a layer of depth that resonates with listeners long after the music fades.
This release is a testament to HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s dedication to crafting sonic experiences that leave an indelible impact. “Rise Up” is poised to join the ranks of their previous critically acclaimed releases, further solidifying their position as a trailblazer within the electronic music landscape.
Turn up those speaker and have a listen to ‘Rise Up below…
ROBBI NILES‘ latest single, ‘Fiji’ marks another milestone in Nile’s impressive career, showcasing his versatility as a musician and his unique blend of musical influences.
Born on the tropical paradise island of Barbados, Robbi Niles embarked on his musical journey at a young age, playing the Tenor Steel Pan when he was just three years old. Over the years, he has explored various musical instruments, including the saxophone, piano, drums, and guitar.
A talented guitarist, composer, lyricist, and producer, Niles made his debut in the music scene at the age of sixteen with his first single, ‘Wonder.’ This song quickly gained recognition in the Adult Contemporary world and charted on the ACQB Top 200. Since then, Niles has continued to hone his craft, building an impressive catalog that effortlessly fuses R&B, pop, hip-hop, alternative rock, reggae, and Soca – a testament to his Caribbean roots and diverse musical influences.
Robbi Niles has not gone unnoticed by the music industry, with notable features in publications like Notion, FLEX, Clout, Purple Melon, Volatile Weekly, and many others. To date, his music has garnered over 1,350,000 streams and views, thanks in part to his distinctive visuals and infectious hooks.
His journey to find his unique sound has taken Niles across the globe, from the vibrant music scenes of LA to the bustling metropolises of London and Toronto. Along the way, he has shared stories of life’s triumphs and disappointments, always delivering a message of hope through his music.
In his own words, Niles speaks of the deeply personal and emotional journey that led to his latest release, ‘Fiji.’ The track is a testament to his resilience and ability to channel his emotions into music, allowing listeners to connect with his experiences on a profound level. As Niles continues to evolve as an artist, ‘Fiji’ promises to be another stepping stone in his remarkable journey. With its fusion of genres and heartfelt storytelling, this single invites listeners to immerse themselves in the world of Robbi Niles, where music serves as both therapy and connection.
Robbi Niles invites fans, old and new, to embark on this musical journey with him as he continues to explore the depths of his artistry. Have a listen to ‘Fiji’ below…
New Lease Music 