Valntna Releases Powerful And Compelling Single, ‘Black Kingz’

Empowering, eloquent and unifying, VALNTNA conveys the world around her with considered hard-hitting lines and soulful softness in new single ‘Black Kingz’.

Premiered on BBC Radio 1Xtra with DJ Ace, the record made its poignant debut during Black History month ahead of the striking visuals, which are set to release in the last week of October. Lyrically dissecting the obstacles, the pain and suppression of black men, VALNTNA creates an uplifting message of unity, strength and power that can be accessed universally via her soulful and complex singing ability.

“I deliver a powerful message to shine a light on these issues, empowering all Black Kingz to come together, uplift themselves and each other & embrace the change that is distinctly upon us. Projecting Love, Healing & Unity” says the singer and songwriter from South London.

Produced by music duo, PINK87, who also helped curate VALNTNA’s previous single ‘CCW (Confidently Constantly Wrong)’, ’Black Kingz‘ flows with melodic variances guided by her R&B and soul influences, yet her customs and South London upbringing infiltrate her style making the product nostalgic but current.

Citing Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill as some of her influences, VALNTNA is an artist of technique, growth, and emotion, and ‘Black Kingz‘ displays each quality exceptionally. Her ability to openly challenge important topics and call for unity within the black communities is bold, impactful and necessary. Check out this gem below…

Polish Rapper Schafter Taps UK’s Newcomer Houston X For New Track ‘Need Help.’

With all the chaos that 2020 has presented, this didn’t stop rappers SCHAFTER and HOUSTON X from dropping one hot collaboration titled, ‘Need Help’.

A refreshing and electric trap-wave combo, ‘Need Help’ kicks off with rhythmic percussion which is layered by synthy impressions where the pair deliver fresh and flex worthy verses that detail their flashy lifestyles and fly-boy ways.

The accompanied video-shot in Warsaw and London – embodies the theme of the track which is inspired by the idea of trying to get away from something but being unable to.

Quickly becoming a phenomena in his country’s ever-evolving hip-hop scene, Schafter is known for his take on melodic trap. Last year, he burst onto the scene with ‘Hot Coffee’ which accumulated over 27,000,000 streams on Spotify alone. UK’s upcomer Houston has built a steady cult following for his distinct, genre-defying sounds, ranging from hip-hop, R&B to rock and pop. Houston X was previously featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC with track, ‘Scarlett Red’

Check out the video for ‘Need Help’ which was shot during lockdown…

Elthia Shares Brand New Single, ‘I Love You But You Make Me Cry’

Following the release of her debut EP, ‘Island of Mine’, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter, ELTHIA shares her latest offering, ‘I Love You, But You Make Me Cry.’ The song is the beginning of her new venture towards indie-pop music with dance elements, showcasing delicate instrumentation coupled with soft, dreamy vocals and glittery guitar harmonics.

‘I Love You, But You Make Me Cry’ was inspired by the pieces of a broken relationship. It’s about trying to reach someone, but they keep putting up their walls, trying to protect themselves – and every time you try to dig a little deeper, it hurts a little more. Elthia explains, “The message of the song is to tell the story of what it’s like to love something that hurts you every time you try to understand it. I wanted to show the duality of the two ideas that are constantly at war while existing inside of you, and showcase what the breaking point would actually be, if there is one at all.”

Have a listen to ‘I Love You, But You Make Me Cry’ below…

Vogues Releases Touching Single, ‘Tony & Moses’

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Released today (14th October), VOGUES’ second single, ‘Tony & Moses’ possess a soulful, laser-focused example of modern alternative pop, which chronicles the idea of losing someone. Written from the perspective of the one left behind, it succinctly captures the emotions of the character reckoning with loss.

Challenging the listener with unusual melody lines, yet delivering his lines with undeniable passion and sincerity, Londoner Vogues’ unique voice weaves elegantly around soothing strings, electronic drums and moving piano motifs.

Musically inspired by the likes of Julia Holter, Brian Eno, Group Listening and Penguin Cafe Orchestra – the name ‘Tony & Moses’ originally came from a video of Tony Allan teaching Moses Boyd how to drum afrobeat – which is where the drum machine pattern comes from – a very slowed-down afrobeat pattern tentatively played by Moses under Tony’s fixed stare.

‘Tony & Moses’ was originally written by Ted Mair, who along with Vogues make up part of The Golden Dregs’s live band.

Vogues says: “Ted sent me ‘Tony & Moses’ over lockdown and I instantly thought ‘I have to do a version of this’” explains Vogues. “The beauty of the song just really struck me. I asked him if he would allow me and if he wanted to collaborate on it. He had kinda distanced himself from it and thought it was going to lay dormant forever. However once I had a go at singing he was inspired to rearrange the instrumental, recording new material on double bass, clarinet, piano and bass guitar.”

Vogues counts artists including Dev Hynes and Solange as key sources of inspiration – and those influences can be heard within the soulful, diverse tracks he has released to date. Sounding in places like his voice has been lifted from a bygone era, Vogues, along with collaborators Benjamin Woods (AKA The Golden Dregs who produced Vogues’s debut single YH4M) and Ted Mair, neatly incorporate elements of soul, electronic and alternative pop to create something truly encapsulating.

‘Tony & Moses’ is out now via Nothing Fancy. Check out the lyric video for single below…

 

Tonia Victoria Comes Through With New Single, ‘U Cute’ + Video

Featuring Yorkshire-based rapper KDZA, solo artist TONIA VICTORIA‘s brand new R&B gem, ‘U Cute’, could be described as a worthy anthem for female empowerment.

On the surface, the single boasts carefree and flirtatious tones along with Tonia first expressing her interest for her potential lover. Beyond the eye-catching exterior, the Huddersfield-born/South London-raised songstress then questions if her potential love interest has the integrity to be a life-long partner.

Out now on all download and streaming sites, ‘U Cute’ is Tonia’s first single in three years, after headlining in Sheffield’s Hallam Shower as well as performing at Tramlines and Soundwave festival in Croatia. During the three-year break, Tonia became a mum for the first time!

Check out the video for Tonia’s smooth R&B slammer below…