New Track: Loving That – Matti Roots

MATTI ROOTS’ extensive musical background and stylish imprint of soul and pop has been sought out by numerous unsigned and signed artists, such as Dua Lipa, Paigey Cakey, July Jones, Age of Luna, Shae and Jaguar Skills.

Causing a stir in the music world in 2015, he teamed up with Jaguar Skills and Chords to release an energetic reworking of his funk fuelled gem, ‘Lust’. The track came out on RAM Records and was premiered by Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1 and hit #1 in the Drum & Bass charts. This later followed with the release of his last album, ‘Beatroot’ in 2016. The lead track ‘Let’s get back Together’ found it’s way onto Spotify’s Viral Chart, reaching 500,000 plays.

Now with the release of his new single ‘Loving That’, MATTI ROOTS bonds his love for soul, funk, trap and R&B in a sensual mix. A loose arrangement of slick house bass hooks and light hip-hop beats, the track has an instant feel good catchiness that Matti is becoming quickly known for. Matti has been constantly making new music and after recently teaming up with Kwame Kwaten’s Ferocious label, he’s now set to release an exciting collection of works, he’s been working on the last few years.

 

 

New Track: 3 Times – Marged (ft. AOBeats & Jailo)

Following the success of her Billboard-approved single ‘Call From U’, Welsh electronic artist, MARGED, is back with the second release of the year – ‘3 Times’ – ahead of a show at Hackney’s Sebright Arms (London) on 30th September.

Sonically ambient and lyrically poignant, the latest release is “a reaction piece to the sexual expectations that women face.” Having illustrated how vulnerability can be sexy and acceptable for a feminist with her previous single, this particular track exposes the objectifying, negative sense of the word.

She explains: “Our bodies are so often seen as objects filled with stamina with no off button. My interest in the representation of women in porn really made me begin to question how we as females are perceived through the male gaze”. It is the artistic depiction of this subject that has helped MARGED amass support from Billboard, Clash, Indie Shuffle and Idolator, underlining the Cardiff-born artist’s reputation as one of the most exciting young London creatives this year.

Having previously worked with Sakima, MARGED now collaborates on the new release with two forward thinking and like-minded beatsmiths, Jailo and AObeats. Both are acclaimed by the likes of BBC Radio 1, Earmilk and Thump for their ability to seamlessly incorporate the mix of styles that MARGED suits so well – notably hip hop, wavy future R&B and electronic pop – and their collective portfolio includes collaborations with Son Lux, Louis The Child and Annabel Jones.

‘3 Times’ accentuates the feminist narrative of MARGED’s music, and with a vision and purpose for her art clearly demonstrated, the South-London based artist looks to stimulate and inspire at her upcoming live performance this month…have a listen.

Album Review: The Introduction – Zoe and Zara

Since appearing on NEW LEASE MUSIC with their single ‘Get Up Now’ last January, my mind would sometimes wonder on the whereabouts of twin sisters ZOE & ZARA. A few week ago, my curiosity was quashed when received an email from the duo.

After five years on London’s music scene, the pair decided to start a new chapter on their journey. So after much deliberation, long hours in the studio (which came with tears and near-breakdowns – their words, not mine!) ZOE & ZARA now present their debut album, ‘The Introduction.’

Recorded at The Blue Studio in Dalston (my hometown!), ‘The Introduction’  displays a delightful journey of Jazz (modern and from the golden era), old school soul and neo soul alternating between the down right funky and the ambient/easy listening.

The flood of tears and near breakdowns definitely paid off –  their neo-soul signature is more rich and refined (compared to their previous releases). The sisters’ venture into other genres by far didn’t disappoint. Their soothing vocals in fourth effort ‘Hey Sir’ were well suited to the golden jazz/big band/rat pack combo.

After reading the review, I think you guys know how I feel about this album. All there’s left say is – ZOE & ZARA, I salute you!

Check out the album and song recommendations below:

Must Listens: Weather Is Golden, Autumn Afternoon, Butterfly, Talk About It

New Track: Big Big Trouble – Torii Wolf

After premiering ‘Flow Riiot’s’ anthemic lead-single, ‘Free,’ featuring Macklemore and DJ Premier with Complex a few weeks ago, TORII WOLF now deliver ‘Big Big Trouble’.

The latest release sees the promising upcomer sprinkle some of her hypnotically raspy vocals over a fusion of old school hip-hop beats with a dramatic drive.

TORII WOLF’s debut solo-debut, ‘Flow Riiot’, will be released on 29th September via DJ Premier’s TTT (To The Top) imprint.

Have a listen to ‘Big Big Trouble.’

New Track: Real Friends – A1

A1 bounces back into today’s spotlight with brand new track, ‘Real Friends’, the second installment from his freestyle series #A1Mondays, which started April this year.

While you’re here, why not check out this bad boy tune…and if you like what you hear, head over to his Twitter profile and catch up on his series – you won’t be disappointed!