Canadian singer and songwriter ANNABEL GUTHERZ reveals her new single, ‘Eclipse,’ out today, 15th December, for your pleasure! Blending classic rock influences with modern pop sounds, ‘Eclipse’ is a vivid and textured song that showcases an artist who has found her voice. The new single was co-written with and produced by Mikal Blue (OneRepublic, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat) and Bret “Epic” Mazur (Crazy Town, Prince, The Black Eyed Peas).
“‘Eclipse’ is about my tendency to compare myself to others and the impact this has on my self-esteem,” Annabel says. “I would rather be concentrated on purpose than consumed by comparison despite how challenging it may be at times, especially given the ubiquitous nature of social media. This single showcases my desire to focus on my own path and nurture my inner confidence.”
Since the release of her 2021 album, Loose Ends, Annabel has continued to develop her sound by working with an array of esteemed collaborators, including Bleu McAuley (Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers) and Bonnie Hayes (Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, David Crosby). Fiercely committed to her craft, Annabel also holds a baccalaureate and a master’s degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music. With her undeniable talent and more music in the works for 2024, Annabel Gutherz is certainly an artist to keep on your radar. Listen to ‘Eclipse’ below…
Born and raised in Minneapolis, CHRISTINE SAKO has previously toured with fellow Minnesotans, emo-indie rockers Now, Now and as an opening act for Paramore’s ‘Brand New Eyes’ Europe tour. Now, after venturing out on the strengths of her own creative prowess, Christine Sako has crystallized into an iconoclastic brand of progressively passionate pop. Her first album, ‘The Math Project’ – a hybrid acoustic and synth-based pop offering – was inspired by the chilled-out Californian atmosphere.
These days, Sako is manifesting her artistic angle with her new single, ‘Warmth’. From guitar-driven indie-pop balladry to upbeat, bass-laden beats, her distinctive vocal range and melodies are on a mission to take listeners through an emotionally charged journey. Injecting finely-tuned hooks with an electrifying undercurrent and an edgy drumbeat, this track speaks to both her analog and digital sensibilities.
Speaking about her new single, Christine Sako had this to say, “‘Warmth’ is about being in that “too good to be true” mindset and how disbelief tends to be the overwhelming emotion when things seem to be going well. I started writing this song just after a breath of optimism had flown through me, realizing that indeed I was exactly worthy of the promising journey that was budding in my life.”
East London singer and songwriter ÄYANNA rings in the holiday season with her incredible Christmas single ‘Christmas All Year’. Inspired by R&B legends like Mariah Carey and Destiny’s Child’s Christmas offerings, this festive bop showcases Äyanna’s inimitable vocal range and pop girlie sensibilities with a sprinkling of Christmas cheer. The single arrives last Friday (8th December) with a sparkling, festive video directed by Jodeci Zimmerman of Äyanna in a glistening winter wonderland.
Speaking on the single, she shares: “Christmas All Year is a fun and feel-good song that is perfect for anyone who wants to feel loved up, and like the main present at Christmas time. It felt like second nature to talk about being the center of attention at Christmas because this is how I’ve always felt every year, being the only daughter in my family. I especially love the idea of extending that dynamic into a romantic relationship.
What I love about the song is that it feels old school and new school at the same time. I enjoyed paying homage to Rnb legends like Destiny’s Child and Mariah Carey, who made christmas classics, whilst adding my own personal touch.”
This track follows her ground-breaking debut In ‘A Perfect World’ EP released earlier this year via LVRN. The striking body of work arrived amidst of a slew of early co-signs for the young artist from celebrated artists such Stormzy, Summer Walker, SPINALL to name a few. The towering body of work centered around her signature mosaic of pop, infused with R&B, soul and beyond quickly earned her large acclaim and established her own uncharted lane in music with support from Complex, The Independent, Crack, The Line of Best Fit, Teen Vogue, +44 Amazon, Spotify RADAR UK and more.
Äyanna first captured the attention of the internet and industry tastemakers, through her now viral home videos that showcased her vocal prowess. She now joins the ranks of celebrated LVRN artists such as 6LACK, Summer Walker, DVSN, Davido, SPINALL, Baby Tate and more. With the support of the groundbreaking label and collective, it’s undeniable that Äyanna will establish herself even further as a force in music and beyond.
Rising R&B superstar TAMERA follows her latest EP ‘L.I.T. (Lost In Translation)’ with an incredible acoustic version of the lead single ’40 Days’ featuring CKay. Recorded in Paris, this stripped back version lays it all on the line, with Tamera and CKay’s vulnerable vocals taking centre stage.
Laying her emotions bare across six tracks including recent singles ‘Poison’ and ‘Diversion’, L.I.T is a sonic trip into Tamera’s mind, heart, and soul as much as it is a testament to her powerful prowess as a lyricist. Diving deep into her own lived experiences and blending sounds including afro beats, r&b, and hip hop, she intimately traverses a range of topics from codependency, lack of self-worth, trauma, overcoming abusive relationships, spirituality and God. Sonically picking up where her 2021 debut EP ‘Afrodite’ left off, the six-track project is a shining example of UK R&B, taking sonic notes from her own heritage and musical upbringing.
2023 has been a pivotal year for Tamera. This EP comes hot off the back of her sensational COLORS Berlin debut, her All Points East performance for Stormzy’s “THIS IS WHAT I MEAN” day, and follows a slew of incredible collaborations cementing her as one one the most crucial and in demand names – from a feature on SPINALL’S ‘Honest’ feat. Tay Iwar, a collaboration on ‘I’m So High’ with P-rallel & Toddla and most recently ‘Options’ with Kamille and Bellah which saw her dip into her garage and pop sensibilities.
Born in Gravesend, a small town in Kent, Tamera was raised on a diet of James Brown, Whitney Houston, Mariah, Alicia Keys, and Missy Elliot whilst bred, supported and uplifted by powerful women – her mother and grandmother who she considers to be two of the most significant “anchors” in her life. She cut her vocal chops practising hymns at the piano Saturday night for Sunday service, alongside her grandmother who was a pastor. With grandparents each originating from different countries (St Lucia, Nigeria, England and Greece), Tamera’s touch points have always been a melting pot.
Following her smokey debut single ‘Romeo’ and her 2020 breakout breezy hit ‘Flipside’ (7.4M streams), in 2021 the sensational rising R&B star unveiled her highly anticipated debut EP ‘Afrodite’. An emotive exploration of love, life and her heritage, this powerful 5-track statement of her sonic self including the sultry West African influenced ‘Wickedest’ (12.5M streams) and ‘Good Love’ ft. Tay Iwar (8.6M streams) was produced entirely by cultural mainstay P2J (Wizkid, Beyonce, Snoh Aalegra). On Afrodite (the title nods to her Greek and African heritage), Tamera honed and expressed her boundless curiosity and empathy for stories of love and humanity.
One of the UK’s most exciting and breath-taking talents, Tamera has been tipped by Amazon Music UK as a ‘Ones To Watch’, recognized by YouTube in their #YouTubeBlack Voices Artist Class of 2022 alongside the likes of Bree Runway, Kamille, Midwxst, NSG, Omah Lay and more. No stranger to the limelight her effortless ability to transcend genres from Afroswing, reggaeton and Hip Hop whilst feeling authentically R&B has swept up support from DJ Target, Giles Peterson, Annie Mac (New Name), Complex, Nylon, Highsnobiety, i-D, Billboard, Loud and Quiet, The Line of Best Fit and Pop Justice to name a few. In Summer 2022, fans have seen Tamera’s killer vocals everywhere from BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, The Great Escape and Strawberries and Creem on the mainstage and her own sold out headline show at COLORS. Most recently, she caught the attention of seminal hip hop producer Timbaland who reached out to work with Tamera after being blown away by her singing via TikTok on his infamous Timbo Idol.
Check out the acoustic version to ’40 Days’ below…
After claiming the blog’s Album of the Month title back in July for his project, ‘7:05’, upcoming Afrobeats connaisseur 705 returns to share single ‘High’ released last Friday, 1st December for your pleasure!
Continuing the smooth reverbs of the Motherland, hip-hop & R&B from his project ‘7:05’, ‘High’ makes the perfect company to kick back with some friends and escape the real world just for an evening…and I suspect it’ll make the great escapism piece for the upcoming chaotic festive period!
Born in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria and raised in London, 705 is heavily influenced by great artists such as King sunny Ade, Fela kuti, Michael Jackson, Tupac and 50 Cent. Through these great legends, 705 has created a unique fusion of Afrobeats, R&B and Hip-Hop Music.
New Lease Music 