Asha Imuno pays homage to West Coast hip-hop in new single, ‘Phonics’

LA-based genre-bender ASHA IMUNO deciphers mixed signals and hits the mute button on relationship drama with the release of his new whip-appeal single ‘PHONICS’, featuring Long Beach, CA natives WESTSIDE BOOGIE and Tempest. This sharp, bouncy co-production by Asha and Zach Ezzy (Jordan Ward, Smino, Alex Isley) captures a reimagined, West Coast hip-hop feel, as the interplay between the rich overtones of world-renowned harpist Sara Kawai’s harp and the punchy 808s strike a harmonious balance. Asha’s sonic world straddles the edge between nostalgia and innovation, drawing inspiration from California legends like Vince Staples, ScHoolboy Q, Suga Free, Bino Rideaux, Blxst and Anderson Paak.

“‘PHONICS’ is a song about relationships that end up getting more complicated than what was originally intended, but it’s not a heady, sappy type of song,” explains Asha. “I used to obsess over BOOGIE’s storytelling in highschool and Tempest is all around one of my favorite artists coming up out of California. We made this song for the whip and the house parties. It’s got this feeling and bounce in it that you could only get from the West Coast.”

In addition to the new single, Asha shares the delivery date of his debut album PINS & NEEDLES, out March 1st, 2024. This news follows acclaim from media tastemakers at Pigeons and Planes, The Line of Best Fit and more, all who have shared their respective excitement for the full-length project.

“I’m hoping the listener can feel more of me peeking through the music with every song I share. ‘PUSHING BUTTONS’ is about shame and redemption, ‘DID I CALL AT A BAT TIME?’ is cheeky and confident, ‘FLORIDA WATER’ is about love-nostalgia and ‘PHONICS’ is more of my imperfect, irritated, reactive side. It’s all about showing that I’m a real person with strengths, weaknesses, habits and contradictions,” says Asha on the steady progression of the introspective world he’s shared thus far.

Asha’s cult following was ignited with his breakout single ‘ZIG ZAGGING,’ which has accumulated over 11 million streams on Spotify. His innovative spirit has led to recent career milestone moments, including performing at A Toast To Black Hollywood during this year’s BET Awards. He is a member of the POC-led artist community KOGO (home to CONNIE, Alé Araya, Curtis Waters, KOAD & more), and has earned co-signs from the likes of Jordan Ward and Hit-Boy, alongside collaborating with buzzing upcomers like Aaron May and AG Club. 2024 is sure to be the year Asha makes the jump from fan favorite to commanding superstar with his bold debut. Have a listen to ‘Phonics’ below…

Toldyaa Unveils His Latest Single ‘N.A.S’ – A New Chapter in R&B

Known for his captivating R&B melodies and profound storytelling, TOLDYAA‘s latest track ‘N.A.S (Nobody Ain’t Shit)’ promises to be a standout addition to his growing discography.

Blending the emotive depths of artists like Bryson Tiller and Brent Faiyaz with the unique edge of Nippa, Toldyaa’s music has been captivating listeners since his debut in 2016. His journey from collaborative projects to a successful solo career has been marked by self-taught expertise and a deep-rooted passion for music.

‘N.A.S (Nobody Ain’t Shit)’ brings a fresh trap soul vibe to Toldyaa’s distinctive R&B sound. Produced by Adot The God, The track is a testament to his artistic evolution and his ability to resonate with audiences through his music. This release is not just a song but an experience, complete with Toldyaa’s signature immersive storytelling that brings his music to life.

His voice has been amplified by platforms like BBC 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, BBC Introducing, Reprezent, No Signal as well as an array of popular R&B blogs, highlighting his growing influence in the music scene. With ‘N.A.S (Nobody Ain’t Shit)’, Toldyaa is set to start 2024 on a high note, continuing his journey of musical exploration and connection with fans. This release is a precursor to a promising year, with a new EP on the horizon that will further demonstrate his unique sound and enduring passion for music.

Listen to Toldyaa’s new offering of 2024, released 18th January across various platforms…

Indie rockers Earthquake Lights tackles the issue of loss in new single, ‘Heartbeat’

EARTHQUAKE LIGHTS is a four-piece rock outfit from NYC. Having all met during their time at college, the band quickly saw success with their very first EP, earning placements in a national NBA/Tissot ad campaign and an Alex Gibney documentary. Their music has received critical acclaim alongside multiple Spotify editorial playlists and a placement in Isabel Sandoval’s award-winning film Lingua Franca, as well as a feature on Vulfpeck’s album The Joy of Music, The Job of Real Estate.

Earthquake Lights kick off 2024 with the release of their new single, ‘Heartbeat.’ Inspired by the loss of a vulnerable family member, the poignant track is a reminder to cherish our loved ones in the face of looming troubles. The band dig into the unpredictability and fear of loss, particularly with losing people sooner than you think. Lead singer Myles Rodenhouse shares, “It’s about that moment before the end – when you know it will end but do not know when exactly.”

The introspective song features a programmatic element to the arrangement, where the kick-drum and bass mimic the sound of a heart murmur. Taking inspiration from Japanese classical composers, Rodenhouse confides, “Melody takes a lot of reflection for me. Being on my own allows me to find something more personal.” ‘Heartbeat’ is dedicated to the Mikel Sisters. Listen to the stunning single below…

R&B artist Nyreisha shares smooth joint, ‘Wanna Umm’ ft. Devvon Terrell

Hailing from the streets of San Diego, California, singer-songwriter NYREISHA has been belting out the classics since she was able to walk. At just age five, she had already been performing Shanice Wilson’s ‘Yesterday,’ and Mary J. Blige’s ‘I’m Goin’ Down,’ like they were her own.

It wasn’t until the year 2007, when she’d sang along to Fergie’s ‘Big Girl’s Don’t Cry,’ that Nyreisha realized she had a real gift, and that music was the only thing her heart wanted to beat for, for the rest of her life.

In 2018, after many years of learning and perfecting her vocal abilities, she wrote and recorded her first single entitled, ‘Vibe.’ It was only up from there. Nyreisha discovered her passion not just for singing, but for writing lyrics as well. This led to countless hours of writing and recording in the studio and eventually paved the way for her to write her greatest single yet, ‘Wanna Umm’ featuring Devvon Terrell.

Nyreisha wholeheartedly believes in two things: that music is a universal language and that no one makes it anywhere without love. Through her passion for writing and singing, she looks forward to sharing all her newest songs and creative visuals, and ultimately taking the world by storm, one heart at a time. “Life goes one way, and that’s forward, so let’s move with love.” -Nyreisha

Listen to ‘Wanna Umm’ below…

Kaitlyn Eve transports us to the early days of romance with stunning ballad, ‘Before Goodbyes’

New York City-based singer-songwriter KAITLYN EVE‘s new single, ‘Before Goodbyes’ brings to life wanting to live in the moment between early romance and falling in love.

The acoustic guitar driven, the indie-pop ballad weaves a bittersweet tale with ethereal piano, romantic cello, and intimate harmonies. The track’s stunning arrangements and emotive lyrics take on a dreamlike state, transporting listeners to the intoxicating early days of romance and inviting us to cherish those fleeting moments of pure, unguarded connection.

Kaitlyn Eve is inspired by artists from all eras, from Carole King and Billy Joel to Sarah Bareilles, Alessia Cara, and Billie Eilish. This mix of pop, rock and soul has influenced her own music. She is especially inspired by the storytelling songwriters craft into their songs and how music has the magic that transports to a specific place and moment in time. When the pandemic shut the world and live music down, she took advantage of the time to develop her sound and purpose as an artist, telling stories of love and heartbreak. Kaitlyn believes there is nothing that can connect and bring people together the way music can.

‘Before Goodbyes’ was released yesterday (19th January) across multiple music platforms. Have a listen to the stunning ballad below…