qu shares debut album ‘where did the sun go’ via Kabul Fire Records

Vietnamese-German producer QU‘s debut album ‘where did the sun go’ is a 15-track sonic journey featuring notable collaborators including Serious Klein, Josh Kye, Malaya, Jay Prince, and Agajon.

Signed to Kabul Fire Records, founded by acclaimed producer Farhot, qu is set to make a significant impact with his highly anticipated debut album. He expertly crafts his own unique sound that takes listeners on a soulful journey rooted in hip hop, RnB, and jazz, while pushing the boundaries of conventional songwriting and arrangements. His debut album serves as a sonic mood board, introducing him as an artist first.

The 25-year-old’s path to producing and songwriting began with his training in classical guitar, which explains his affinity for organic instrumentation in his production, distinguishing him from typical beatmakers. qu’s artistic maturity on this debut project suggests a lifetime dedicated to music, though his journey has been anything but straightforward. Like many creative individuals from immigrant families, qu had to compromise, forgoing academic education for a music career and working at a Vietnamese restaurant to sustain his studio time. His album reflects years of tough decisions, dedication, and navigating the uncertainty of choosing music over traditional career paths, all while grappling with perfectionism and ambition

The album title ‘where did the sun go?’ encapsulates the multi-layered struggles of creating music in times where art is often a privilege. Despite moments of doubt and exhaustion, the music itself offers an answer: the cyclical nature of the sun’s presence and absence can produce meaningful art. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: volcano, oblivious,

Soul/indie rock singer ALBA shares debut EP, ‘Questions Unanswered’

British-Spanish singer-songwriter ALBA‘s debut EP, ‘Questions Unanswered’, is a conceptual collection that goes on a journey of introspection and self-discovery, while delivering ALBA’s signature blend of guitar-driven pop-rock infused with sunlit soul and R&B. From to the inward-looking musings of ‘Am I enough?’ to the empowering feminist anthem in ‘Are you really free?’, the EP explores topics such as love, authenticity, self-liberation, societal expectations, and the search for meaning.

The EP has been produced by ALBA and rising star edbl, and recorded at Europe’s first solar-powered studio “The Premises”, with a special contribution from the London African Gospel Choir.

To celebrate the release of ‘Questions Unanswered’ ALBA will be having an EP Launch Party at The Old Blue Last in London, UK on 13th July. Get your tickets here.

‘Questions Unanswered’, out now for your pleasure across various music platforms. In addition to the digital release, ALBA has shared an exclusive limited vinyl edition of 100 numbered copies – so grab a copy while you have the chance!

Why not check it out below…

Must Listen: What If?

COLAMP tributes Public Enemy in new EP ‘Tape’

COLAMP tributes Public Enemy and combines their world class talents on their LP ‘Tape’. MC Nathan Nice, producer KDT Produced It, and DJs Arbs & Breeze bring a sublime collection of “modern Golden-Era” bangers. The crew is joined by Blu, Anacron, The Lvxes, Ill Se7en, DJ Gilatine, Drew Anthuny & Life Rexall.

The crew’s name is a nod to PE’s classic “Cold Lampin’ With Flavor”, and speaks directly to their creative inspirations. KDT has produced for Sach (The Nonce), Arbs has a history of wins in LA’s DJ battle circuit, and Breeze has produced tracks for Prince Po (Organized Konfusion), Rakaa Iriescience (Dilated Peoples), Scarub (Living Legends), 2Mex and LMNO(Visionaries) and more.

Why not check out ‘Tape’ below…

Must Listens: January Man, Glitch, Buggin, EYEiii, Ill Loom, Get off

Nowaah the Flood’s album, ‘Diluvian’ creates a toe curling experience for true hip-hop heads

NOWAAH THE FLOOD‘s latest solo full-length album, ‘Diluvian’ features one epic lineup of producers, including EL Maryacho, Rob Viktum, Kyo Itachi, Michaelangelo, Futurewave and The Mali Empire.

The army of producers rallied up to put together 12-tracks that seamlessly flow into each other, creating a memersic hip-hop/boombap vibe with the occasional appearance of old soul samples that will no doubt make a toe curling experience.

Nowaah teams up with fellow rapper Headkrack on track, ‘Day Ones’, where the pair rip through the Middle Eastern-esque instrumentation with some blazing hot bars.

Nowaah’s The Flood’s album ‘Diluvian’ is now out for your pleasure. Have a listen below (highly recommended)

Must Listens: Freeze Tag, Make It Clear, Day Ones

Grete shares her beautifully raw EP, ‘Grey’

Lithuania-born, Manchester-based artist GRETE has perfected her own brand of alt-pop – culminating in the fresh, unique and exciting 5 track EP that is ‘Grey’.

While the EP successfully executes a huge variety of musical styles and each song is entirely distinct and standalone, there are several themes that span across the tracklist, tying ‘Grey’ together and turning it into a cohesive, emotionally vulnerable story. Each song focuses on a different low point in Grete’s
past, conveyed through cuttingly honest lyrics and reinforced by moody, mesmerising and sometimes even manic instrumentation.

Grete’s debut single, ‘With u’ is a hybrid of many different popular styles including RnB, jazz and pop, akin to influences such as Yebba and Maro. The live instrumentation invokes a warm, emotional sensation and the dynamic vocals encapsulate the intended emotion perfectly. ‘With u’ is a heartfelt ballad in which Grete is comparing her current life to a previous time.

Second single, ‘How Long’ progresses into a darker, more twisted space. This is brought to life by dissonant chords, biting and distorted guitar leads and Grete’s soaring vocals. The track is punctuated with glitchy details and electronic sparkles, complimenting the instruments and contributing to the cosmic scale of the song.

Grete’s latest single, Cz u don’t’ is a forward thinking, experimental yet vulnerable track influenced by artists like Halsey and Hiatus Kaiyote. The song winds through various sections with a beat in 7 as the backdrop, culminating in a whole-band-polyrhythm to end. The protagonist of ‘Cz u don’t’ is searching for reasons to leave an unhealthy relationship.

Grete started singing when she was only three years old, beginning her performance career in small ensembles and bands. She was quickly spotted and invited to the biggest stages in the country, such as nationally broadcasted competitions, top level musical theatre productions, international concerts and contests, even reaching the finals of ‘The Voice’ Lithuania 2018. Gaining local fame opened many doors for function gigs and session work but that was not the career she truly wanted to pursue.

Grete chose to leave Lithuania and start fresh in the UK. Now she is studying pop music vocals in RNCM. Influenced by artists like Jazmine Sullivan, The Weeknd and Yebba, she began writing vocally colourful and harmonically intricate songs with strong messages and old R&B references.

Why not have a listen to Grete’s stunning EP below…

Must Listens: How Long, With u, colder Summer