Song of the Day: Used To – Martin Novales

Hailing from Wisconsin, R&B singer MARTIN NOVALES has captivated listeners all over the world with his passionate vocals and candid lyrics. Growing up in a musically inclined family, Martin was introduced to music by his mother, who taught piano out of their home. Sadly, Martin’s mother passed away when he was just a child, but her love for music had a profound impact on him, inspiring him to pursue his own passion for music.

Martin’s cover of Alicia Keys’ ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ accumulated over two million Spotify streams and went viral on Instagram, with over 200,000 reels using his rendition. He’s set to release his debut album this year, which promises to showcase his heartfelt sound that often explores themes of love, loss and self-discovery, as heard on his latest released single, ‘Used To’.

‘Used To’ highlights Martin’s silky-smooth vocals, which glide over the laid-back, midtempo R&B groove effortlessly. Packed with sticky melodies and a memorable hook that will be ingrained in everyone’s head after one listen, the track is a throwback to the early 2000s and will surely see Martin continue his impressive run and break new ground.

Speaking further on the new single, Martin says, “‘Used To’ was inspired by and written immediately after unfollowing an ex on social media. After the process of the breakup, that felt like the final nail in the coffin of our relationship being over and that a chapter was ending and a new one was beginning. This song is about those emotions of acceptance, melancholy and reflection.”

Have a listen to ‘Used To’ below..

Nicki Wells Announces Debut Album, Ellipsis With Spell-Binding Single, ‘Holy Smoke’.

NICKI WELLS has spent the last year carefully unwrapping the invaluable creation that is her upcoming debut album, titled Ellipsis, slated for release 18th August. The UK-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer has already offered listeners with three divine singles ‘Carry On’, ‘You’re Alright Kid’ and ‘I Have Longed To Be Here’.

The latest single to be unveiled from that forthcoming album is ‘Holy Smoke’, another gorgeously sensitive and emotionally insightful song that features the well-worn keys of Wells’ childhood piano, her folk-inflected vocals scales, deeply poetic lyrics, and soaring orchestral strings. It’s a song that whispers directly to the heart, opening it up further to the intense feeling that this songwriter pours into each and every moment

Regarding the new single, Nicki Wells says: “Holy Smoke is about the process of grieving after loss. It explores the idea that with death can come a kind of grace. That there can be beauty in the relinquishment of gently letting go.”

Nicki has already gained support from the likes of Songwriting Magazine, Notion, LOCK Magazine, Bandcamp Diaries, The Music Enthusiast, BBC 6Music’s Chris Hawkins, BBC Introducing and many more. It all comes down to Nicki Wells’ sound which is simply beautiful, traversing styles of chill, emotional, dreamy, orchestral, folk, singer-songwriter and meditative. Have a listen to ‘Holy Smoke’ below…

Song of the Day: Too Bad – Tar Ráe

Following on from the release of ‘Insane’, London’s up-and-coming songstress TAR RÁE has unveiled her latest slice of heaven. Wrapped in soft melodies and an acoustic backdrop, ‘Too Bad’ is an apologetic single that continues to boast Tar Ráe’s promising artistry.

Housing a warm production, ‘Too Bad’ is an emotional test of love. Reputable for her silky vocals and enchanting lyricism, Tar Ráe wears her heart on her sleeve and takes accountability for her actions in this hypnotic single, Speaking on the release Tar Ráe commented, “Too Bad is about admitting that you took someone important to you for granted and dealing with the regret you feel as a result”

Born in Romford, Essex and raised in Peckham, South-East London, Tar Ráe grew up in a musical household listening to Gospel, R&B, and Afrobeats. It was inevitable that one day she would follow down a similar path and explore a career in music of her own. Taking inspiration from artists including Beyonce, Chris Brown, Brandy, Whitney Houston, and Rihanna, the London native wrote her first song at just fourteen years old before deciding to pursue singing seriously two years later following a conversation with her father. Attending studio sessions in 2019, Tar Ráe began recording her own music before sharing her debut single ‘See You’ in 2021. Catching the eyes of many reputable songwriters and producers, the newcomer is ready to take it up a notch in 2023 with a catalogue of new music. Check out ‘Too Bad’ below…

Rapper OG Compass Drops Summer-Charged Track, ‘Sunny’.

After bursting onto the Canadian rap scene with his seminal debut EP Reign, breakouts tracks including ‘Tell Me What’s Up’ and ‘Don’t Wake Me Up’, and support from the likes of Billboard, Complex and Spotify, Toronto rap artist and producer OG COMPASS took a year-long hiatus in 2022 to plot his next move, hone his craft even further, and record his sophomore project. The Ontario native is back with a glorious new single titled ‘SUNNY’, as he officially announces his long-awaited and highly anticipated sophomore EP titled ‘Soleil’, which will be released at the end of the summer.

‘SUNNY’ is the lead single from OG Compass’ upcoming Soleil EP, and it sees OG invoking sunny days as he looks forward to the summer, while waxing lyrical about being able to enjoy new summer experiences, having escaped the traumas of his past life as a street soldier. The track was written and composed by OG Compass, with production from burgeoning 16-year-old beatsmith YoungSlashProd (May Wave$, LXNER), and it is driven by funky basslines, lush guitar licks, and OG Compass’ smooth cadence and infectious melodies, which all together make for a glorious rap offering.

Born and raised in Toronto to first generation Ghanaian immigrants, OG Compass has always been surrounded by amazing music, culture, and heritage, which continue to influence his artistic passion, creativity, and drive. As a child, he tapped into his musical curiosities by learning to play the piano and saxophone, and through his teenage years, he picked up a pen and pad to add lyricism and songwriting to his artistic repertoire – fast forward to 2023, and both endeavours have come together perfectly for OG Compass to reveal the exciting artist and producer that he is today. Check out ‘Sunny’ below…

Check Out Charli Fletcher’s New Music For Track, ‘Every Ting Nice’.

London’s very own artist/model, CHARLI FLETCHER drops brand new video for track ‘Every Ting Nice’, an uplifting anthem for those dreaming about better days, where one can enjoy the finer things in life, and salutes those already living in this way.

Apart from touching on living the high life, this song explores some of Charli’s culture and roots. No matter how far she elevates in life, she always stays true to her humble beginnings, and pays homage to those who helped her along the way.

‘Every Ting Nice’ is the second track from Charli’s first official EP ‘Dreaming Reality’ which explores love, sensuality, body empowerment, cryptocurrency, and her life as a model. The body of work conveys her versatility in music, and shows that Charli is consistent in her lyrical content, topics of interest and delivery.

Check out the video below, premiered on YouTube yesterday (1st May).