Category: new singles

Album Review: Flow Riiot – Torii Wolf

When I first heard of TORII WOLF through debut single, ‘Free’ somehow I was compelled by the too-cool-for-school raspy vocals against the bass-driven number. Releases ‘Big Big Trouble’ and ‘Pain Killer’ followed and I was totally hooked!

The next big release was the 15-track production coming in the form of ‘Flow Riiot’, produced by DJ Premier (so you know you’re really onto a good thing here).

An atmospherically dreamy sample of The Messenger’s 60s funk/soul classic, ‘California Soul’, leads the set through ‘Everlasting Peace’ – and from there, a range of genres were introduced –  from alternative hip-hop to piano/violin-led arrangements. ‘Take It Up On Monday’ is definitely one for the nostalgics as the three-minute production brings on that old school/rare groove laid-back vibe. Possessing heavy influence hip-hop/boom bap of late 80s/early 90s, ‘Shadows Crawl’ will be the one for the serious hip-hop heads’ collection.

‘Flow Riiot’ ends on smooth note with ‘Moscow’. Led by the acoustic guitar, Torii adds an inexplicable magic, creating a real stellar singer-songwriter approach to the production.

It’s sure a mix bag of pleasure and anyone who enjoys listening to makeovers of old genres will have at least one favourite. Through ‘Flow Riiot’, this New Yorker has more than proved that her Throaty yet delicate instrument has that across the board appeal.

You’re here now…might as well check it out….

Must listens: Meant To Do, 1st, Body, Take It Up On Monday, Moscow

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New Track: Macadamian – Jimmy Smash

Oslo-based, dreamy R&B duo JIMMY SMASH burst into the limelight with their debut single ‘Macadamian’.

From start to finish Håvard Lyngstad’s smooth, dulcet tones are nothing less than mesmerising. Dreamy and floating, his voice exudes warmth and comfort, perfectly poised above a soulful ambience created by Mikkel Guttormsen, whose easy-going, swinging rhythm rolls gently along a bed of distant synths. The premise and underlying melody for ‘Macadamia’ was created on a “beat-up” Finnish guitar from the 80s, providing a certain nostalgic element to the instrumental.

Guttormsen and Lyngstad both grew up in Fredrikstad, Norway, and although they socialised in the same circles, didn’t cross paths until 2012 in Oslo. Mikkel is a classically trained pianist whose long-term affinity for hip hop, led to him DJ’ing at parties and clubs around Norway, showcasing his home-crafted rap beats. A multi-instrumentalist (guitar, drums, vocals) and initially working as a singer-songwriter, Håvard transitioned into R&B at a later stage after realising the freedom for intricate wordplay and complex narratives. Discovering a shared passion for soul, R&B and groovy beats, the pair have been continuously collaborating and making music in their home studio.

JIMMY SMASH’s promising debut delivers a musical breath of fresh air shrouded in mystery, and with more music on the way, the Norwegian duo are certainly one to watch.

These guys are on a mission to challenge pop music of today…and I have to say, they’re definitely on the right path…Have a listen to ‘Macadamian’.

 

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New Track: Primavera – Hansaa x Soso (ft. A.CHAL)

Sydney-bred HANSAA and LA-based producers SOSO have teamed up once again to enlist the vocal talents of A.CHAL for a star-studded production entitled ‘Primavera’.

Rough textures centred about a funky, live bassline make for a high-vitality vibe with a driving energy. Specifically produced with A.CHAL’s dulcet tones in mind, the Peruvian’s vocals are woven throughout the very core of the track creating a certain ambience, fusing the very best elements of hip hop, electronica and R&B.

HANSAA – real name Vinay Matta – has been prevalent in LA’s underground scene for several years now. Drawing inspiration from sample-heavy hip hop, 90s instrumentals and cinematic scores, Matta developed a unique timbre. It was this affinity for electro and hip-hop inspired sounds that lead to the producer linking up with Ryan Aicklen and Danny Thrasher, AKA SOSO. The pair first came together during their time at Icon Music School Production School in Burbank and have since worked behind the scenes for artists including 30 Seconds To Mars and Anna Lunoe.

The SOSO boys joined HANSAA on his debut release, ‘Need to Know’, featuring vocals from Oliver Tank, which was released in August and has already clocked up over 110,000 plays on Spotify.

Referred to as the “R&B, quasi-rap wunderkind” with “big sexy, making-it-rain” music by Billboard, it’s no surprise that Alejandro Salazar, under the moniker A.CHAL, has been making waves. Championed by A$AP Rocky the young virtuoso has seen a plethora of commendations from Pigeons And Planes, XXL Mag, Highsnobiety and i-D. A frequent favourite on Beats 1, the vocalist has also teamed up with A$AP Nast, French Montana. Recently having performed at SXSW 17’s Belvedere Vodka x Noisey: Behind The Scene event and fresh from announcing tour dates for his 11-track album ‘On Gaz’, Salazar has quickly become one of America’s most exciting singers.

‘Primavera’ sees the undisputed vocal expertise of A.CHAL coupled with tight, inspired production from one of LA’s most exciting, up and coming producer collaborations who will most certainly be one to watch in 2017…

Hit play on this one..too good to pass up.

 

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New Track: Things You Do – Cherri V

As she gears up to release her long-awaited and highly anticipated debut album, ‘Brown Eyed Soul’ in early 2018, London singer-songwriter CHERRI V has released her brand new single titled ‘Things You Do’, the third single from her forthcoming album, following ‘Without You’ and ‘Leave Me Be’, which have been supported by BBC 1Xtra and MTV Base.

With three critically acclaimed EPs, a UK top 20 single with Lethal Bizzle, successful collaborations with Wiley, Jessie J and Dawn Richard, and millions of views and streams already under her belt, CHERRI V is a revered musician in her own right, and one of the best pure vocalists to come out of the UK, with the likes of The Telegraph, Yahoo Music, MOBO Awards and BET, all singing her praises.

Her new single ‘Things You Do’ is a “fun-loving track about love, attraction and the highs that come with that”. Produced by Joey Sticks, who she worked with on previous single ‘Leave Me Be’, the infectious piano and drums-led offering, with its resounding R&B/Pop sensibilities, showcases CHERRI V’s amazing vocal performance, and her carefree and relatable songwriting…have a listen to her latest masterpiece…not to be pass up!

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New Track: Bioluminescence – ZT

Zachary Taylor – or ZT– always had a fascination with underground hip-hop – but it was J. Cole’s’ mixtape, ‘Friday Night Lights’ that ignited this upriser from Fairfax (Virginia) to start rapping and penning lyrics on school notebooks.

Now he’s making himself known and drops his brand new conscious track entitled ‘Bioluminescence’. Oozing the smoothest soundscapes you’ll probably ever heard, the latest offering act as a wake call to those who are completely blinded to what’s going on around them.

Also know as the Kale Gawd – because of his love for vegetables – ZT went on to become a frontman/lyricist for a rap-rock band called Where’s Zach? before going solo. Taking his rap journey to a new chapter, ZT is working on his EP called ‘Everything but the Kitchen Sinks’.

If you don’t know this guy, get to know him…check out ‘Bioluminescence.’

 

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