Song of the Day: Good Love – Joey XL

East London R&B innovator JOEY XL‘s single ‘Good Love’, is a feel good, end of summer serenade to all those who feel like they can’t get by without love.

Produced by Rndm Beats, ‘Good Love’ is the lead up to his forthcoming six-track EP XL’s Room, coming out this Friday (30th September). The much anticipated project encompasses themes of love, finding yourself through music and forging your own path. The project features smooth recent single ‘Special’, the shimmering ‘Perfect Timing’ and the first release from the EP ‘To The Bank’ which arrived earlier this spring.

Speaking on the EP, Joey said:-

“The challenges that life throws your way, each designed to shape and advance your existence and purpose, are encapsulated in ‘XLs Room’. It centres on the concept of a bedroom, as well as the solitude of the mind, both private and safe spaces to feel and process lessons in love, navigating relationships, finding direction and understanding who and what you’re meant to be. This EP is a journey of self-discovery – each track speaks to my musical and mental evolution, crossing genre and themes, ending with passionate optimism that everything happens for a reason and the best is yet to come.”

Make sure you look out for the EP…but for now, have a listen to ‘Good Love’ below…

Song of the Day: Essence – Coops

Produced by Greatness Jones, ‘Essence’ is an inspiring cut of positivity from the talented North London rapper, COOPS, ruminating about life across trademark boom-bap drums and a rolling bass line. Essence is taken from Coops’ new album, ‘Lost Soul 2’ – released last Friday (23rd September) via Lost Soul Records.

‘Lost Soul 2’, the seventh full length release from the prodigious talent, was recorded at Coops’ studio in Hackney and serves as the sequel to his seminal Lost Soul mixtape, which still commands huge admiration nearly a decade since its release and is widely seen as a cult UK hip-hip classic. The new album sees a welcome return to the creative partnership with producer Talos that flourished on ‘Lost Soul’.

In support of the new album, Coops has announced details of his debut UK headline tour. The ‘Lost Soul’ tour will see Coops on the road in October and November with a special hometown show at London’s XOYO on Friday 4th November. Full dates can be found below while tickets are on sale now here: https://diplomatsofsound.org/coops-lost-soul-tour-2022/.

While the original reflected the uncertainty in his teenage years, ‘Lost Soul 2’ explores the navigation of adult life against the backdrop of the precariousness of the world in 2022. It’s a tale of progression and growth: Coops’ emotional capacity has matured, as has the soulful melodies he is crafting. It demonstrates evolution without compromising the important message in his music. 

‘Lost Soul 2’ is Coops at his truest, purest, and most effortless and, having flown under the radar for far too long, is set to cement his status as one of the UK’s foremost lyricists. Check out the video for ‘Essence’ below…

Song of the Day: Hero – Klaudia Keziah

Upcoming songstress KLAUDIA KEZIAH confronts the difficulties of modern-day dating, in her latest unapologetic-yet-sultry single named, ‘Hero’.

With the aim to inspire and empower many women around the world, Klaudia Keziah has delivered a slice of sensual heaven that enables women to feel confident in themselves. Underpinned with a pop and R&B infused production courtesy of Jojo F (ArrDee, Deno, Tion Wayne, Sarkodie, Unknown T), the single is paired with a set of old-school visuals that contrast against the displeasures of modern-day dating; the black-and-white-washed shots don’t distract from the message laying beneath the upbeat production.

Speaking on the meaning behind the track Klaudia commented, “For me, ‘Hero’ was inspired by a conversation I had with my girlfriends about how some guys slide into the DM’s or even cat call us women in the street. They’re “flexy” approach from the jump about how much money they have or what car they drive is not impressive because I can get those things for myself. A lot of the lyrics are things men have said to me or my friends from experience and through the song I almost get to answer these situations from my point of view.”

Gaining previous support from Wonderland, Raydar Magazine, Industry Me, DJ Ace at BBC Radio 1Xtra, Radio 2’s ‘Funky Playlist’, Voice FM, Wordplay Magazine, We Are Beyond Noise, BBC Introducing, The Hype Magazine and more, ‘Hero’ follows up from the 2021 release ‘Dedicated’ that swiftly caught the attention of various tastemakers and publications. Growing up between England and Lithuania, Klaudia from a young age sprouted a love for music when picking up both the cello and piano. Now a self-taught producer, songwriter and singer, the budding talent has built a growing fan base that are eager for her next move. With more music on the way, Klaudia Keziah is ready to showcase the world her music!

Check her out below….

Song of the Day: Kick Back – Theo Tams

THEO TAM‘s single, ‘Kick Back,’ is an effortlessly cool piece of R&B-laced pop which finds the artist reflecting on the beginnings of a relationship. As a self-described overthinker, Tams decided to actively choose a relaxed approach.

The single’s confident bassline and interweaving melodies underlie Tams’ message that we need to stop trying to convince others that we are worthy of their time.

‘Kick Back’ is a reminder to show up and be yourself, trusting in the knowledge that the right person will love the magic you have to offer. Check it out below…

Song of the Day: twenifree – SAMSON

UK rising star SAMSON‘s ‘twenifree’ is the second instalment in his Birthday inspired series.

SAMSON once again marks the occasion by sharing his experiences of travelling another year around the sun with this endearing, self-produced offering.

In signature SAMSON style, ‘twenifree’ is laced with an infectious, jumpy instrumental – perfectly complimenting his innate ability to capture his audience through his gripping story telling and effortless flow.

Inspired by array of genres such as Hip-Hop, Funk, Jazz, Rock and Grime, and influenced by artists Tyler The Creator, Little Simz, Joey Badass and Chance the Rapper, SAMSON has received national radio support from Tiffany Calver on BBC Radio 1Xtra as well as BBC Introducing and many community radio stations.

Check out his latest retrospective track below…