Song of the Day: Moving – John Dole

Hailing from Newcastle, alternative hip hop and electronic artist JOHN DOLE‘s single, ‘Moving’, is a reflection of his own personal
battles.

The latest release opens to paranoia-drenched synth strings, lending a tense and uneasy feel that sets the
scene for the bars to come. Dole’s vocals enter alongside hard-hitting percussion which
immediately ups the intensity levels further with an itching, fervent energy.

With regional and national support from the likes of Nick Roberts (BBC Introducing North East),
Huw Stephens (Radio 1), John Kennedy (Radio X) and Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), ‘Moving’
follows in the footsteps of earlier releases, ‘Rolling’ and ‘Collective Thoughts’.

This one’s a true banger…have a go at ‘Moving’, out now via Snide Records

Song of the Day: Olla – Jobaa

Rising Nigerian artist JOBAA makes a remarkable impact with his single debut ‘Olla’, providing strikingly impressive visuals.

Reflecting the feel-good nature of the track, the music video dazzles in hues of blue and pink as he serenades his leading lady.  ‘Olla’ marks the first release since his signing with JustJoJo Entertainment.

Climbing up the ranks in the flourishing Afrobeat scene, Jobaa has made some exceptional progress. Landing a premiere with BBC 1Xtra ‘Olla’ has since gained over 300,000 streams across digital platforms and he has secured a number 20 spot on the Nigerian iTunes chart. Selected as the number one track on Rod Rantz ‘weekly top 5’ on The AfroNation Show on Westside Radio, he has also gained global recognition with a range of playlist additions. This includes YouTube Music’s ‘Afrobeats Now’, Deezer ‘New Nigeria’, Spotify’s ‘Afro Hits’ and four playlists on Apple Music ( ‘New Music Daily’, ‘Future Hits’, ‘Pop Chill’ and ‘Afrobeats Workout’).

Having previously featured on Burna Boy Spaceship Collective signee Buju’s single ‘Sweet Love’ last December, which highlighted Jobaa to the music world, the 20-year old makes his single debut. Featuring a super catchy, percussion driven Afro-pop instrumentation, which is produced by Jaypizzle and engineered by Selebobo (a.k.a Mix Monsta), ’Olla’ is a stellar debut that highlights Jobaa’s fresh and zealous interpretation of contemporary Afrobeats.

Check out the vibrant video for ‘Olla’, directed by Ovie Etseyatse.

Song of the Day: Break Up With Her – Raria

Melbourne-based musician RARIA showcases her vibrant pop sound and knack for storytelling through latest single, Break Up With Her.

Co-written and produced by Rory Noble (Kanye West, Twice As Nice, Jupiter Project), ‘Break Up With Her’ is an infectious slice of guitar-driven pop music. Dealing with the emotional whirlwind of seeing an ex-partner move on with someone new, RARIA’s glistening vocal melodies soar over the track’s bouncing melody, injecting a playfully bold attitude into her unique brand of pop music.

Following the release of her debut single, ‘Will You Tell Your Girlfriend’, RARIA (formally known as Rachel Costanzo) is already leading a new wave of nostalgia-driven, eclectic pop. Redefining the genre and making music “to be remembered”, the up-and-coming star is ready to make a dynamic and lasting impact.

Have a listen to ‘Break Up With Her’ below…

Song of the Day: Rabbit Hole – Substance Abuse (ft. Eric Steuer)

Los Angeles hip-hop duo SUBSTANCE ABUSE‘s single, ‘Rabbit Hole’, sees Subz and Eso Tre drop verses that break down the surreality of the modern world. Built on a foundation of cinematic ’70s soul, the track was produced by longtime collaborator Waes One and features guest emcee Eric Steuer.

“Rabbit Hole is a song for the times we’re in,” Eso says. “It’s about having fortitude and perseverance when there are devilish functions trying to pull you down. Whether it’s a counterproductive ideology or a corrupt government or just your own self doubt, it’s about not being swayed by the favorable and unfavorable circumstances that we all find ourselves in, and not being influenced by immediate, short-term considerations of gain or loss. We’re honored to have our good friend Eric to rap on this track because he’s one of the dopest and most cerebral emcees out there, and he’s been with us since ground zero when we dropped our first underground tape many moons ago.

Former URB Next 100 picks, Substance Abuse’s 2006 album, ‘Overproof’ features MF DOOM, Saafir, P.E.A.C.E., Kool Keith, Motion Man, Kutmasta Kurt and Rasco. ‘Overproof’ is followed up by their 2012 project ‘Background Music’ which features Myka Nyne, Tash of Tha Alkaholiks, KRS-One, MC Eiht and Percee P.

Check out ‘Rabbit Hole’ below…

Song of the Day: Never Truly – Ria Carval

Recognising that displaying raw emotions is very underrated in today’s music industry, 19-year-old RIA CARVEL presents her heartfelt ballad, ‘Never Truly’, which spans from her personal experience in wanting to know what real and passionate love feels like, through her well-poise and emotive vocals, making a soothing addition to the piano-led production.

Currently a Junior at college, the young singer/songwriter from New York has released two singles, two collaborations and a five-track EP – all self-written and self-produced. Her previous single, ‘Reflections’ garnered over seven million streams across music platforms.

This songstress is well on her way to a very promising career, as she was twice nominated in the BSU Awards at her college for best artist/performer on campus. Have a listen to ‘Never Truly’ below…