Category: New Albums

Raphael Tate shares singles ‘Same Energy’ and ‘Zion’ from latest EP ‘Love’.

RAPHAEL TATE – dubbed as the ‘Prince of Soul’ by his loyal fans – has returned in 2024 with EP ‘Love’, out now via Jermaine Forde’s label Ajang Music.  A multi-Grammy nominated producer and the son of the Brinsley Forde from legendary reggae group Aswad, Jermaine has worked with the likes of Julian Marley and Black Uhuru and also produced Raphael Tate’s 2020 BBC London/BBC1xtra-approved single, ‘A Fool In Love’.

From the four-track set, Raphael Tate shares first offering ‘Same Energy’, a steamy soulful love note which possesses soft and sensuous reggae undertones. ‘Same Energy’ was produced by Jermaine Forde and Terrence Chamberlin (Bluesteel Studio).

The UK-based singer, songwriter and producer also has a treat for the die-hard reggae fans of the yesteryear with second track from the EP, ‘Zion’. Produced by Jermaine Forde and Grammy multi-award winning artist Jazzward, who has worked with Bounty Killer, Damian Marley and Bobby Brown, ‘Zion’ is a song that’s most personal to Raphael as he shows his love for the downtrodden heroes and praise their resilience against acts of inhumanity.

Raphael shares his inspiration behind penning ‘Zion’: “This song captivates my love for my people, who has been attacked by many hands without restoration and without impunity. I wrote this song as a sign of triumph that, as the Bible says: ‘The meek shall inherit the earth’. Zion was inspired by a particular scripture in the Bible (Matthew 5:3-12) that ‘The poor, the meek, the humble, the downtrodden, the persecuted are going to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven’. I wrote ‘Zion’ as an encouragement to our people; we may be downtrodden, but not forgotten. I want it to be a triumph song to the children of diaspora – the lost children of Israel. The lions of judah will rise again! “

Showing love in all forms, Raphael Tate’s EP, ‘Love’, follows his critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Love Grieve Live’, which mirrors the cycle of losing a dear one: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Raphael knows all too well what it’s like to be on the turbulent journey: in 2020, his mother unexpectedly passed away and understandably Raphael went through a rollercoaster of emotions.

Singles from the heartfelt album, ‘Gotta Hold On’ and ‘Keep On Moving’, gained widespread attention from gospel and secular stations, across the globe, including BBC West Midlands, BBC Stoke, Mi-Soul, Phoenix FM (where he did an interview with Michelle Ward about the meaning behind ‘Love Grieve Live’ on her multi-award winning show, Eat My Brunch), Susy FM, Soul Food Gospel, Amazing Radio, SoulCity The Beat in Italy, South Africa’s Ubuntu FM, plus many more.

2023 saw Raphael Tate reach new heights with his appearance on ITV’s Starstruck, where he impersonated the Godfather of Soul James Brown, impressing judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Rowland Keating and Jason Mansford. A new member of The Recording Academy/Grammy Awards Class of 2023, Raphael Tate has been put up for a Grammy consideration for Best New Artist of the Year (general category). ‘Love’ EP will be put forward for this year’s Grammy nomination.

Raphael Tate is becoming a firm figure in the UK gig scene; a resident artist at London’s The 606 Club since the beginning of 2023, Raphael Tate has been an opening act for the legendary Odyssey at The Robin in Wolverhampton and Camden’s iconic venue, Jazz Café in last year.

Raphael Tate continues in 2024 to circulate various venues across the UK with his compelling yet exhilarating live performances. He opened for Odyssey once more at The Robin in May and recently opened for the legendary reggae group, Black Uhuru at Jazz Café and Band on the Wall in Manchester during their UK & European tour. Raphael Tate will take the stage at his residency, The 606 club on 11th August. 

With a busy schedule ahead of him, Raphael Tate still finds the time to show some ‘Love’ via his latest EP, out now across various music platforms. Continue to witness the remarkable rise of Raphael Tate by connecting with him via social media (see below).

Connect with Raphael Tate via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RaphaelTateofficial
X: https://x.com/TateRaphael
IG: https://www.instagram.com/raphaeltateofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raphaeltate3

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Rapper Tez Pariah drops EP, ‘Diss Tracks From The Northside 2’

Well, it’s been quite a while since US rapper TEZ PARIAH has graced his presence on the blog. Tez’s last appearance was with his 2016 music video for track, ‘The Kush Coupe’, featuring Rich Logan and KC.

Glad he didn’t fall by the wayside and continued his journey as an epic rapper. Tez Pariah presents his latest EP, ‘Diss Tracks From The Northside 2’, which comprises of six tracks where the Georgia smooth spitter eases his laid-back bars into largely slow jams instrumentals.

‘Diss Tracks From The Northside 2’ EP features appearances from Cam Major and Ryan Milla and produced mostly by Zoink$, G6k Beatz, Saint XO and Bludy On The Track.

‘Diss Tracks From The Northside 2’ is out now for your pleasure. Why not have a listen below…

Must Listens: Soprano, Montana; Trippin; After School Program

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Handshake In Space returns with new EP, ‘Hope’

Swedish EDM artist HANDSHAKE IN SPACE is proud to announce the release of their new EP ‘HOPE’. The EP consists of four of the latest singles that promise to captivate listeners with their emotional depths and irresistible rhythms.

The HOPE EP contains the following songs:

  1. You’re My Cheerleader** – A dynamic and uplifting song that sets the tone for the EP with its energetic melody and captivating bass.
    1. You’re My Melody** – An emotional track that showcases HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s talent for mixing deep emotion with captivating electronic elements.
    2. We Go All Night** feat. Bouingy – An explosive collaboration with the talented artist Bouingy, guaranteed to keep the dance floors filled all night long.
    3. The Colors Dance Upon My Skin** feat. Bouingy – An enchanting song where HANDSHAKE IN SPACE and Bouingy together create a sonic journey filled with color and emotion.

    ‘HOPE’ is a multi-faceted EP that explores different shades of electronic music, demonstrating HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s ability to create both energetic and emotional musical experiences. With this release, HANDSHAKE IN SPACE cements its place as a leading act within the Swedish and international EDM scene.

    ‘Hope’ EP was released last Friday (19th July) across various platforms…why not have a listen below…

    Must Listen: We go all night

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    Jessica Wilde returns with highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Teach Me How To Love’.

    Singer, songwriter, rapper and producer JESSICA WILDE has released her highly anticipated, soul touching, empowering and thought- provoking sophomore album ‘Teach Me How To Love’, with the amazing Afronaut Zu featuring on the title track.

    Wilde fully utilizes her authentic expression through this powerful and truly unique body of work, where she bares her vulnerability on a personal journey of deep inner healing and an exploration of love for self, others, life and God. Authentically expressed though her soul searing, raw, raspy and heart hitting singing which Jess fuses with her sharp-witted rap & spoken word with undeniable South London grit.

    Wilde, now four years sober, has openly shared her experience, from her debut project (2023) where each of the songs were like confessional diary entries, laying out brutally honest lyrics in her unique and original Wilde way, taking us on a ride of life through addiction, toxic relationships, escapism to a place of self-empowerment, self-love and living sober.

    Wilde’s new album ‘Teach Me How To Love’ reflects all the inner work she has committed to that has brought her out of the darkest times of her life. Wilde has ventured on a spiritual path which took her on a transformational solo adventure from the concrete jungle to the Amazon Jungle and which gave the seeds of inspiration for this new chapter of her musical expression to take fruit.

    In her recent interview with Carrie and David Grant on BBC Radio London she said: “The phase now is really feeling a lot more self-love, love for life and really wanting to uplift people with my music and spread the frequency of love”.

    The new album project features some of Wilde’s close friends and incredible artists in their own right Josh Barry (Nile Rodgers, Gorgon City), Zoe Kyrpi (Black Coffee, David Lazarus), James Newman (writer of Rudimental’s Brit award winning song ‘Waiting All Night’ with Ella Eyre) and Afronaut Zu who’s raw and husky vocals are heard on the title track ‘Teach Me How To Love’. Zu is also a part of Steam Down Jazz collective and Rudimental. Wilde not only penned the tunes of the album but also co-produced it with producer and right hand man Tom Maine (Wu-lu, Ego Ella May).

    Having released five singles in the lead up to the full album drop, Wilde has gained an immense amount of loyal and continuing support across BBC Radio from taste maker DJ’s, including Radio 1’s ‘Future Artists’ with Jack Saunders, Jess Iszatt on both Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, BBC 6 Music, Multiple BBC Radio London shows, including a recent in studio live performance and interview with Carrie and David Grant. She has also gained support from John Kennedy on Radio X, editorial playlist features across the board with Apple, Spotify, Youtube Music, TIDAL, Amazon and US Radio and streaming platform Pandora, plus also press acclaim from 1883, Clash Magazine, Complex, The Independent, Wonderland, The Daily Star and many more.

    This summer was Jam packed, with Wilde hitting the stages of Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Camp Wild Fire and Soul Town festival where she’s opening the main stage for legends Earth, Wind and Fire. Not only is the festival season popping off, but Wilde is also set to headline Lower Third on 17th July for her album launch show, in collaboration with soul pioneering platform ‘Global Soul’ and Wilde’s very own PxSSY PWR platform.

    ‘PxSSY PWR’ is a platform Wilde created as a response to the disparity between support for male artists compared to female artists. The residency at Hootananny Brixton has become a hub and major platform for some of the most exciting underground female, non-binary and queer artists, including sold out shows with the likes of Etta Bond, IYAMAH, Zoe Kypri and Tamaraebi to name a few.

    Listen to ‘Teach Me How To Love’ below…

    Must Listens: Love Like This, FADE, Human, Teach Me How To Love

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    Hammer Shares EP ‘Swerve’ via Skylax Records

    Northern Irish producer HAMMER shares his much-anticipated 4-track EP,’ Swerve’, on all major streaming platforms via Skylax Records.

    Hammer, championed by the influential BICEP crew, has been making significant waves in the electronic music scene. With numerous EPs released on prominent labels such as Optimo Music, Sulta Selects, Shall Not Fade, and Feel My Bicep, his distinctive style has captivated a dedicated following within the leftfield and Italo-disco communities. His upcoming 12-inch release is set to ignite dance floors worldwide.

    The EP kicks off with ‘Swerve,’ a track that channels the pure essence of BICEP’s iconic style. Rich, immersive soundscapes and dynamic compositions capture the spirit of the duo’s renowned productions, paying homage to the genre’s roots while pushing it forward.

    Next is ‘Swivel,’ a genuine Italo-disco gem featuring lush, retro-infused synths and irresistible basslines. This track transports listeners to the heyday of the Italo-disco era, a genre that continues to influence and inspire contemporary electronic music.

    The B-side opens with ‘Tbilisi’, a tribute to the vibrant electronic music scene in Tbilisi, Georgia. Hammer masterfully captures the essence of the scene, blending elements of techno, house, and avant-garde. This track showcases Hammer’s versatility and his ability to navigate different musical landscapes seamlessly.

    The EP concludes with ‘Push Repeat,’ an electrifying track destined to be a hit on discerning dance floors. With driving beats, infectious melodies, and undeniable energy, Hammer’s mastery of groove and rhythm is on full display, setting the tone for what’s to come.

    Reflecting on the EP, Hammer shares, “I was thrilled when Skylax loved the demos I sent over, especially since it’s a label I’ve admired since childhood. The EP offers a range of housey rollers that evoke rave memories, with darker disco vibes on the B-side.”

    Hammer’s upcoming release on Skylax Records is nothing short of a masterstroke. It not only solidifies his position as a standout talent in the electronic music realm but also underscores Skylax’s commitment to delivering innovative and genre-defying sounds to discerning listeners. This EP is poised to become an essential addition to any music aficionado’s collection and a testament to the ever-evolving, boundary-pushing nature of contemporary electronic music.

    Prepare to embark on a sonic journey through the mind of Hammer and experience the future of dance music. Have a listen to the EP below…

    Must Listens: Swerve, Tbilisi

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