Multi-instrumentalist Jerk roll out new album with hip-hop cut ‘I Don’t Question You’.

JERK returns to some of their core influences, embracing vulnerability, and an authentic experience of the self on the forthcoming ‘Mood Swings’ album. The second single from the record ‘I Don’t Question You’, sees them team up with close friend and MC Ryan J, for a Dilla-meets Quasimoto style beat. Ryan perfectly channels the overarching themes of the album into poetic ciphers dealing with life’s pressure to answer to and appease others, advocating for choosing to fight for your own truth.

The upcoming album is an eclectic collection of pieces spanning varying compositional and production styles, captured on analogue instrumentation. Warm saxophone tones, glistening Fender Rhodes and cyclical beats encompass the project, with weaving synths adding to Jerk’s tapestry of sounds. Lead single ‘27’ set about introducing some of the themes at the core of the album, including trans-rights and gender identity, marking both Jerk’s age at the time of creating the record, whilst also putting a critical microscope to American lawmakers’ attempts to raise the age of consent for medical transitioning.

The project channels some of Jerk’s earliest influences, taking onboard the beatmaking sensibilities of J Dilla and Madlib, the Brazilian rhythms and textures of Hermeto Pascoal, and the uplifting sonics of Patrice Rushen and Earth Wind & Fire.

Jerk shares: “Mood Swings is a collection of 12 pieces reflecting on gender and mental health. 2022 was a year of political strife for transgender people in America, and a time where I was experiencing some intense emotions–dysphoria, derealization, grief, and romantic love and loss. I wanted to write music embracing this very authentic and vulnerable experience of self.”

Jerk is the brainchild of composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Joshua Kinney. Based in Brooklyn, NY, they explore the connection between jazz and hip-hop, with compositions blurring the lines between hip-hop beats and instrumental jazz compositions. Their music has found support from the likes of Huey Morgan on BBCR6, Reprezent Radio, Soho Radio, Jazz FM and more.

‘I Don’t Question You’ was released on Thursday 11th Apil via DeepMatter Records. Why not have a listen below…

Love, Builder of Worlds is ‘Scared For The Climate’ In debut single

With wildfires ripping through Texas back in February and hail storms flooding the streets of Northern Italy in sheets of ice last July – there’s no two ways about it – climate change is a pressing concern.

This serious issue that threatens the global population has spurred on artist LOVE, BUILDER OF WORLDS – to pen and produce debut single, ‘Scared For The Climate?’ during a surprisingly mild winter in Dublin, Ireland. The single was released on 9th April, just in time for Earth Day – 22nd April.

‘Scared For The Climate?’ was originally geared up to be a reggae song but a friend of the flamboyant artist suggested turning the single into a raucous anthem to release all the pent up frustration about environmental disasters.

‘Scared For The Climate?’ turned out to be a post-punk pop delirium of the Noughties, which invites the prospective listener to, not only to release all the pent up frustrations, but to lose themselves in the moment with an instantly addictive bass line. While Love, Builder of Worlds begs the question, “Can I be scared, for the climate?” this isn’t an attempt to elicit fear, but to garner interest in the climate.

Love, Builder of Worlds is a multidisciplinary anti-binary person who uses all and any pronouns, because – in her/their words – really and truly, why not! She/they are part of Olólùfè Collective, which provides an outlet for a group of disabled artists to air today’s issues through poetry, fiction, visual art and music, with the latter proven to be the greatest outlet for their sentiments on the rollercoaster that is climate change.

To continue to use their greatest outlet to air their concerns, Love, Builder of Worlds will be performing the single at Ignite: Burden Re-Telling, an online event on 26th April.

‘Scared For The Climate? is out now on Apple MusicBandcampTidal and Audiomack just in time for Earth Day, 22nd  April.

Connect with Love, Builder Of Worlds via:
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lovebuilderofworlds
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LoveBuilderofWorlds

Mercy drops new track, ‘Blood on the Canvas ft. T.F

The East and West coasts connect and do so flawlessly with MeRCY and Westside Bunk artist, T.F, tag teaming up over some production from Sebb Bash, coming in the shape of new single, ‘Blood on the Canvas’.

Both hit the instrumental with some hard hitting blows of lyrical flows delivering a smackdown like it’s a Friday night for WWE fans, in turn leaving nothing but blood on the canvas and adding another win to their respective resumes. Hip-hop legend, The Alchemist, would be proud of the beat his favorite producer created for Merc’ and T.F to tangle with as he helped set the tone of the record with both artists easily finding their groove.

When asked about the track, MeRCY says “The beat is very gutter and straightforward hip-hop and lyrically it’s hardcore bragging 101, delivered with killer instinct.”

This new record tallies in another collaboration between MeRCY and Sebb and it also serves as the third single from the up and coming album ‘Michaelangelo’, which will continue the streak of “Michael” themed projects from the Broward County resident.

The release of ‘Blood On the Canvas’ also features an official music video to accompany the audio version, showcasing the animation skills provided by Philippe Lavallee. The visualizer sets each scene perfectly with Lavallee being able to create the griminess and rudeness that the song brings into a visual form, and he had free range to do so. MeRCY didn’t hold his fellow artist back but gave him the freedom to create what he envisioned saying “I gave him the creative space and he managed to capture the visual by complimenting the lyrics as it shows”.

‘Michaelangelo’ is set to release next month and the anticipation grows even more with this latest offering from the set of sounds. MeRCY has huge expectations for the project and he should clearly have them due to time and work that he’s been putting in. Thus far, each single has brought something different to the table, a different vibe and sound and that’s exactly what we can expect from the entire album come next month. MeRCY describes his next album as “a musical art gallery and each song is its own unique piece”. If there’s one thing we know about MeRCY, it’s that he doesn’t take his love of art for granted, he makes sure everything is where and how it should be, even if it leaves some blood on the canvas…Have a listen below…

705 returns with new single ‘Sauce’ ft. R15k

After the successful release of ‘Good Feeling’, 705 recruits R15k to give you ‘Sauce’ in new single.

‘Sauce’ goes on a sonic journey into the heart of the urban landscape, where the rhythm of the streets beats as relentlessly as a drumline. From the gritty alleys to the towering skyscrapers, this track encapsulates the raw energy and unyielding spirit of the concrete jungle.

With hard-hitting beats that echo like the footsteps of hustlers on pavement and razor-sharp lyrics that cut through the noise of the city, ‘Sauce’  immerses listeners in the pulse-pounding intensity of drill music. It’s an anthem for those who navigate the concrete labyrinth with resilience and determination, forging their path through the chaos.

Through its unapologetic authenticity and unwavering delivery, ‘Sauce’ captures the essence of street life, reflecting the struggles, triumphs, and unbreakable bonds forged in the crucible of the urban landscape. This is more than just a song; it’s a declaration of survival, a testament to the strength of those who call the city home…Have a listen below…

French pop luminary Bonnie Banane shares single, ‘Red Flags’ + Nini album

Lifted from her new album ‘Nini’,BONNIE BANANE shares latest single, the enchanting ‘Red Flags’.

Reflecting on the genesis of ‘Red Flags,’ Bonnie Banane shares, “Originally, this song was only in French and was called “les signes avant-coureurs” or warning signs. Do they really exist? Are we blind? This song is for those who finally see after being blind for too long.”

Drawing upon her introspective musings and unbridled creativity, Bonnie Banane weaves a tapestry of poignant lyricism and infectious rhythms in ‘Red Flags.’ Much like its predecessor ‘Franchement,’ this evocative track invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery and introspection, exploring themes of awareness and revelation amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. With ‘Red Flags,’ Bonnie Banane continues to defy conventions and push the boundaries of artistic expression, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in contemporary music. Her ability to seamlessly merge disparate influences and craft melodies that resonate with the soul is a testament to her unparalleled artistry.

With her second album, the 12-track ‘Nini’, Bonnie once again devotes herself, in a rather new way, to the delicate art of doing what she pleases. She has chosen to broaden the spectrum, finding her own signature in the most uninhibited of eclecticisms. Beyond its form, this album is above all a “lucky charm”. Bonnie entrusts it to us like an invisible but present amulet, to take with us, to love somewhere, wherever we are, wherever we go, as far and as long as possible.

On the title of the album, Bonnie comments: “Nini was my nickname when I was little. I like being called that. There are lots of people called Nini. It’s also a restaurant I’ve never been to. A hairdresser, a hotel, a beauty salon. The name of a slot machine stand at the county fair. It has lots of different meanings in different languages. As a lonely child, my greatest dream was to embrace every single person on earth. The world has changed, and so have I. I spent a good chunk of the album production process feeling anesthetized, but getting it out shakes me awake and I want to feel everything again. I want to hug someone, I want everything to explode. We made this record as if it were my last. Take it with you, May it bring you happiness wherever you go!”

Since bursting onto the scene with her debut single ‘Muscles’ in 2012, Bonnie Banane has forged her own path with her distinctive style and fearless approach to storytelling. Collaborating with the likes of Chilly Gonzalez, Varnish La Piscine, and Hubert Lenoir, she has established herself as a formidable presence in the French music landscape.

Fans eager to experience the magic of Bonnie Banane live will have the opportunity to witness her unparalleled talent on stage as she is set to headline a sold-out performance at the prestigious Trianon in Paris on May 15, followed by her biggest headline show to date at the iconic Olympia Hall on 1st December

As anticipation builds for the release of Bonnie Banane’s forthcoming projects in 2024, ‘Red Flags’ stands as a testament to her enduring creativity and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. Have a listen below…