UK upcoming producer CHRISTOF JENNINGS‘ brand new single, ‘Prayer before Birth’ – released last Friday (1st November) – brings a powerful sense of hope, delivered perfectly with Irish Playwright Louis MacNeice’s poem. The stunning classical piece is slow in pace, with sweeping strings and horns performing contra melodies and a bold presence of the Timpani to express poignant moments, all led by the gleeful Cello.
Championed by BBC West Midlands ahead of its release date, ‘Prayer before Birth’ was produced in collaboration with Louis MacNeice Society, a non-profit organisation that brings authors, scholars, writers and fans of MacNeice together.
Christof says of his latest offering: “If you told me a year ago that I’d create such a wonderful piece of music I’d probably tell you: ‘you got the wrong guy, I’m R&B’! This opportunity has broadened my scope in the sense that I no longer believe that I have to stick to a particular genre of music, that I can experiment and feel comfortable in doing so.”
‘Prayer before Birth’ was released last Friday (1st November). Why not Have a listen below…
Afrobeats artist/Producer 705 returns, this time partnering up with the the lyrical genius CBLVCK to bring on some serious heat…
‘FilmTrick’ blends infectious beats, rich cultural elements, and powerful lyrics that reflect 705 & C Blvck’s unique style and vision. The vibrant track showcases the artists dynamic fusion of traditional African rhythms and contemporary hip-hop influences, creating a sound that is both fresh and rooted in heritage. The song captures themes of empowerment and self believe making it relatable to listeners across the globe.
“I wanted to create something that resonates with my roots while also appealing to a diverse audience,” said 705. “This song is a celebration of culture, and I hope it inspires others to embrace their own stories.”
Released last Friday (1st November), ‘FilmTrick’ follows 705’s singles, ‘Too Cool’ featuring MillyLee, ‘Sauce’ featuring R15k, and BBC Introducing/BBC1xtra-approved banger, ‘Good Feeling’ featuring DJ Skid and DorDor.
Well it’s time to get turnt up and press play on ‘FilmTrick’ below…
GENEVIEVE MILES’ psychedelic indie fusion continues to take on new levels of depth with shoegaze and rock influences taking the forefront in new single ‘howl’. Inspired by the likes of Talking Heads, Slowdive and Courtney Barnett, this new single continues her evolution and maturity, as “a true artist of today’s generation” (Local and Live). This single marks the first time Genevieve has recorded with her whole band in the studio, as she finally moved back to her spiritual home of Birmingham at the start of this year. The grit of recording in Digbeth truly shines through on the track, produced by Jo Cartledge, amongst a scene of exciting upcoming bands in Birmingham such as Gingham, Jazzcat and pip.
On the single, Genevieve says: “this has always been our favourite to play live, I am beyond excited that we can all finally cry and scream together at home to this song, one I wrote at ground zero of a broken heart.”
After the triumphant release of last year’s EP, So heavy, so hard to hold, Genevieve has been busy forging new expressions within her music. The EP, which offers “a sonic embrace to all who listen” (Unrecorded) was featured in BBC Introducing’s Top Tracks of 2023, listed inDead Good Music’s top ten EPs of 2023 and gained spots on Amazing Radio’s Indie and Easy Listening playlists. Lead single ‘Good’, was first launched on a Hyundaiadvert in 2022 and has since accumulated over a million views.
Following the success of this EP, Genevieve has spent the past year in the studio, as well as performing around the UK, including notable festival slots at Camp Bestivaland Wychwood Festival, supporting Megan Wyn in London, and headlining a packed out show at Birmingham’s renowned Hare and Hounds. She’s also received endorsement from exciting brands such as Goose and Gander.
BBC Radiohave consistently supported Genevieve since 2019, including a slot at BBC Introducing Live, their joint showcase with Birmingham Music Awards (2020), the digital BBC Airwaves Festival (2021). All this support culminated in playing their stage at Truck Festival (2023).
Overall, 2023 was an exciting year including her first UK tour, a slot at a fringe event of The Great Escape Festival and playing Big Retreat Festival. Her wide range of influences was also celebrated when Fontaines D.C. shared her acoustic cover of their song ‘I Don’t Belong’ for the online Rock the Breadline fundraiser.
On the live experience, Genevieve says: “I love throwing myself around on stage and shouting as loud as I can: it’s for all those years that I stayed quiet, didn’t get mad, people pleased. This is the time of the wild woman: we are loud, emotional, ALIVE.”
Genevieve is also celebrating the release of ‘howl’ with a gig held at The Yard, a cosy space in Moseley, Birmingham. It promises to be a stripped-back set next to a log burner, an intimate night which will mirror the raw intimacy of the new single.
Upcoming gigs: 3rd November – Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath (supporting Danny Mellin) 13th December – The Night Owl, Digbeth
Upcoming Ghanaian artist FARAZO STANZY returns for single, ‘Man No Dey Cry’.
Backed by a slick instrumentation of the Motherland, ‘Man No Dey Cry’ sums up of the infamous quote: ‘It’s not easy to be a man’. Farazo Stanzy tells of his trials and tribulations from his childhood to the present, where he’s constantly up against how society views him and the battle with co-called friends.
‘Man No Dey Cry’ follows Farazo Stanzy’s debut EP, ‘Trust The Process’, which recently claimed the blog’s Album of the Week. Why not check out his latest offering here‘
Swedish EDM artist HANDSHAKE IN SPACE is back with a new, energetic offering that promises to set the emotions in motion. The new single, ‘We Just Wanna Feel Alive’, is an anthem for anyone who lives for the moment and enjoys life.
With a catchy chorus that puts into words the feeling we all long for, HANDSHAKE IN SPACE highlights the positivity and playfulness of living in the moment:
“We just wanna feel alive, sippin’ on the good vibes
Livin’ for the moment, no need to rewind
Chill vibes, good times, under the city lights”
The song combines nice chill-out beats with a lovely whistling melody that sticks right in your head and creates an easy, euphoric atmosphere. The single is a perfect mix of electronic soundscapes and autumnal vibes that make listeners want to let go of all worries and just enjoy the moment.
With previous successes such as ‘You’re My Melody’ and ‘The colors dance upon my skin’ in the bag, expectations are high for HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s latest work. ‘We Just Wanna Feel Alive’ is expected to cement the artist’s position in the Swedish EDM scene and potentially reach an even wider audience internationally.
The new single was released on Friday (25th October on all major streaming platforms and is expected to become a new favourite on dance floors and playlists worldwide. Have a listen below…
New Lease Music 