London-based BLISS WILLIAMS’ first memories of music are the tapes of 60s pop and soul his parents kept in the car when he was little. This early introduction to timeless songwriting from the likes of The Beach Boys, not to mention all those Motown classics, left an indelible mark.
Fast-forward to 2024 and Williams’ tunes have been championed by John Kennedy on Radio X and Gary Crowley on the BBC, while recent single ‘A Thousand Times Before’ (featuring Paul Weller drummer Ben Gordelier) was playlisted by Spotify.
Sharing his childhood memories of music, Bliss Williams shares his new acoustic EP ‘Gramercy’, which is out now across various music platforms. Recorded live in just a handful of takes, ‘Gramercy’ sees Williams momentarily depart from his usual brand of electric soul to showcase his songwriting in its rawest form – stripped-back, sensitive and no less soulful.
Multidisciplinary music & visual artist LAURA PIERI reveals her new EP, ‘Frankie’. The EP will be accompanied by a short film which will premiere on June 17th.
The 4-track EP came to be when Pieri was at the point of almost giving up on her career. Inspired by what her farewell to the industry should sound like, the story of Frankie, a woman reclaiming her power, was born. In an EP that cycles through the great, bad, good, and ugly of self-discovery, Pieri emerges as an artist who has rediscovered her voice. The EP was co-written with an all-female team of songwriters and executive produced by Skyler Cocco.
The EP follows the protagonist, Frankie, who represents a woman navigating male-dominated environments. She is a foil story for women in predatory industries. Inspired by stories like Frankenstein, Suspiria, and Persephone, the characters in the Frankie story represent not only the ability of women to adapt and camouflage according to the circumstances of the moment, but also the sensation of imprisonment of having the need to have a myriad of versions in order to do so.
Across the EP’s 4 tracks, Pieri guides us through Frankie’s journey from disillusionment, anger, and finally, acceptance. “The EP was born out of a transitional phase for me,” Pieri writes. “I was mourning what I believed was me needing to give up on my career. I had felt that walking away was a necessity, and instead set my goals into pivoting into academia with corporate America as the end goal. However, leaving one male dominated field for another and feeling similar feelings come up made me see I was trying to run away from ghosts. Instead of running, I sat with them, and from that the story of Frankie, a woman reclaiming her voice and power, was born.”
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, where she lived until the age of 16, Laura Pieri always dreamed of being a pop star. In 2014, she moved to America and split her time between New York and Los Angeles to further her education and simultaneously pursue a music career. Inspired by a wide array of artists like Prince, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Michael Jackson, Pieri hopes to blend her pop influences with her Brazilian roots and use her songwriting to connect with others.
‘Frankie’ was released last Friday (31st May) across various music platforms. Why not check it out below…
Must Listens: Sea of Tragedy, Come Clean, GODDESS ENERGY
FR4NKIE (Formerly known as: XP Burstgang) a prominent member of the UK Grime scene, has dropped his highly anticipated sophomore project, ‘Overview Effect,’ earlier this month (3rd May). This project stands as a testament to FR4NKIE’s life work, representing a stylistic evolution and maturity from his previous releases.
‘Overview Effect’ boasts an impressive lineup of underground collaborations, featuring artists such as LPNoID, Illy From Da NW Side, Cosmo Laurie, Trapson, Dizmack, Masovelli, and Manchester Hypes. Produced by bass music royalty Trolley Snatcha, this project is a sonic amalgamation that showcases FR4NKIE’s versatility, blending Road Rap and Grime influences with elements of folk and guitar music.
Tracks like ‘To Be Frank’ delve into the realities of street life in the UK, while ‘Brick In The Wall’ offers a fresh take on folk and guitar sounds. ‘Benzema’ introduces a unique twist to the traditional ballad, reflecting FR4NKIE’s diverse life experiences. The project in its entirety serves as a window into FR4NKIE’s mind, offering a polished listening experience that resonates differently with each music fan based on their own life experiences.
FR4NKIE has earned international recognition for his contributions to the Grime scene. His triumphs include memorable wins in genre-defining events like Lord of the Mics and Red Bull’s Grime-A-Side tournaments, solidifying his status as a heavyweight in the genre. Collaborations with esteemed figures such as Mike Skinner and President T underscore his influence and impact.
Beyond Grime, FR4NKIE has ventured into various musical territories, crafting a diverse discography that encompasses trap, drill, and boundary-pushing ballads. His latest project, ‘Overview Effect,’ serves as a testament to his evolution as an artist, melding streetwise narratives with introspective themes. Through his decade-long music career, FR4NKIE has amassed a wealth of experiences and influences, shaping him into a multifaceted force in the UK music scene.
Check out ‘Overview Effect’ below…
Must Listens: To Be Frank, Simon Says, Janis Joplin, Is That You Yeah,Mess
Consisting of Thyra Hilden (lead vocals and lyricist), Lucas Caddeo (Bass and production), Martin Drago (Guitar), and Bernado Batalla (Drums), THYRA continues their creation of dreamy pop from EP, ‘Lucid Dreampop’ (which claimed the #2 spot on New Lease Music’s Top Ten Albums of 2023) with latest body of work SENTIMENTAL. The similarity between the two albums ends with what the band calls ‘Existential pop’, as SENTIMENTAL possesses lighter and carefree feel to the downtempo genre, designed to take us on a rollercoaster of emotions.
The band is fronted by Visual artist Thyra Hilden, educated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Denmark, has previously been interviewed by the BBC, CNN, AP, Reuters, Euronews and others for her spectacular visual art. Despite a strong career in visual arts, she turned to music in 2021. Now, just a few years later, she debuted as a musician she has already landed two singles on NEW MUSIC FRIDAY as well as performing with her own dream pop band THYRA.
Speaking of the latest album 51 year old Thyra says, “Lyrics and energy on this album SENTIMENTAL are full of melancholic teen spirit. Danish focus track ALT OG MER is about difficulties to choose direction in life, no matter your age. My album is a tribute to all who wish to stay young by mind”
SENTIMENTAL is now available for you pleasure across various music platforms. Have a listen below…
After months of anticipation backed by three singles, MeRCY has finally gifted the 12 piece offering of art, in the shape of album ‘Michelangelo’. Even with some technical difficulties on the upload, nothing could stop ‘Michelangelo’ as it hits all streaming services in full force. With the transfer complete and minds at peace we can now indulge on the latest album from the craftsman himself.
‘Michaelangelo’ begins on a high note with the record ‘Work Of Art’ as it sets the tone for the rest of the album. Backed by heavy drum & snare hits, MeRCY begins to paint his picture from his heart and painful scriptures. The track begins to boost your endorphins and that cycle continues to prove true throughout Michaelangelo, MeRCY says, “This project is meant to be emotionally charged. Each record was supposed to be compelling storytelling”.
With a vision in place and a mic in hand the south Florida native went to work. The sculptor compiled other artists and producers to help complete his work of art, giving them a brush so they can cement their own strokes of creativity. When asked about those moments behind the scenes MeRCY says, “The creation process behind this album was almost like free falling to an empty abyss of imagination. I can feel what I want or say what I want based on the production provided. I wanted the listener to capture the essence of that.” T.F, NapsNDreds, Yoamanduh, Four Square Miles, The Musalini & P. Hall help by providing their vocals to the record. Lebanon Don, Tone Spliff, Sebb Bash, Syer, Jake One, Odd Squad, Zino, DJ Wayne Ski, Kubo , SlimRock & the previously mentioned Black Metaphor lace their imprint behind the boards.
MeRCY has always been known as a lyricist and has never fallen short of expressing his interests regarding the world of art. He combines both within Michaelangelo, bringing to life an album that brings a visual lyricism of a musical art gallery. The artist says “I wanted the people that’s listening to picture the music and see the sounds of every record.” If MeRCY turned this final project in before the end of the semester with hopes of passing he’d get an A+ for simply creating a body of work that has no faults. Instead he’s a college dropout who’s playing college dropout, he’s always been in a class of his own even before getting out. He’s an artist who doesn’t need a class or book to make his mark in life, he’s doing just that with his book of rhymes and the art that comes from it.
Check out ‘Michaelangelo’ album below…
Must Listens: The Artist,Sketches (Color of Noise), Reality Show,Gallery Dept, Scribble In The Sky,
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