Song of the Day: When It Comes Together – Matt Wilde x [ K S R ]

Following the widespread success of his debut album ‘Hello World’ last year, which found support across BBC Radio 6, BBC Radio 2, Jazz FM and more, Manchester based-pianist and producer MATT WILDE returns with a smooth offering taken from his forthcoming ‘It’s A Delight’ EP. A celebration of Manchester’s fertile nu-jazz and soul scene, ‘When It Comes Together’ sees Matt connect with altsoul wordsmith [ K S R ] for a Robert Glasper-esque, piano-led hip-hop beat with heartfelt lyrics exploring human connection.

Out now via DeepMatter Records, Matt comments: “This track explores the magic of unity and collaboration. The soulful vocals and intricate production highlight the beauty of coming together to create something meaningful.”

Matt’s ‘It’s A Delight’ EP is a heartfelt exploration of everyday joys and human connection. The fivetrack EP captures the essence of wilful gladness and beauty found in ordinary moments, with Matt weaving a reflective, uplifting musical narrative through his melody-driven approach to improvisation and composition. Soothing, warm harmonic choices sit front and centre on meditative pieces like ‘Trying To Be Kind’ and ‘Timekeepers’, whilst electric moments of joyous collaboration
occur on RH Factor-leaning cut ‘Good Things Happen’, featuring trumpet player Aaron Wood (Secret Night Gang, Olivia Dean).

On the EP, Matt shares: “It’s a Delight is an exploration of the small joys that make life meaningful. The project was a collaborative effort that brought new perspectives and layers to the music. This EP celebrates the everyday moments that bring us together and the joy that grows when shared.”

A fast-rising artist known for his lyrical, virtuosic and jazz-tinged approach to keys playing and production, Matt Wilde is a key part of the Manchester scene that’s played a huge role in the growing international success of UK jazz. Cutting his teeth producing for local grime artists including Prose and Bugzy Malone before going on to collaborate with Brownswood Records’ Secret Night Gang and HMD, he’s a multi-faceted artist with an in-demand creative approach. His music has received widespread support from tastemakers including Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan and Deb Grant, and he’s been spotlighted in publications including the Big Issue, all whilst growing his own social media channels and building a strong community across YouTube and Instagram.

Listen to ‘When It Comes Together’ below…

OUT TODAY: Ashley Barron flips the script in single, ‘Cryin’ In A Bar’.

She has shared the stage with some of country music’s best, including opening for the legendary T. Graham Brown, Dylan Scott, Maddie & Tae, Tyler Farr, and Craig Campbell. As a rising artist ASHLEY BARRON takes a bold step away from traditional heartbreak and redefines the narratives in her new single, ‘Cryin’ In A Bar.’ Steering clear of the typical love story plot, this song flips the script on challenging the notion that a broken heart comes from surprising strength rather than ‘Crying In A Bar.’ The song, co-written by Ashley and acclaimed songwriter Pete Sallis, is a testament to their combined storytelling prowess. Pete, known for his work with artists like Ronnie Dunn, Maddie & Tae, Bucky Covington, and the multi-platinum hit ‘Shut Up and Fish,” brings his signature touch to ‘Cryin’ In A Bar.’

I should be crying in a bar
In the corner in the dark
Drowning in the bourbon wishing I was hurting
More than I am
But when I hear those
jukebox sad songs play
They don’t sting as bad as yesterday
They were wrong whoever said you can’t mend a broken heart
I should be crying in a bar

Ashley says, “When we wrote this song, I was very much overwriting your typical love story. ‘Cryin’ In A Bar’ is a twist. When you feel like your heart should be broken, but in reality, you’re okay!”

‘Cryin’ In A Bar’ is the second single to follow the first titled ‘Betrayed,’ which was released earlier this year with placements in Cowgirl Magazine, The Women of Country, and featured as a cover story three-page spread on Poze Magazine. It served as the opening move, setting the stage for a journey of overcoming personal challenges where every song is a strategic move and the ultimate victory is found within herself.

Ashley adds, “The production on this song is hands down one of my favorites. I remember being in the studio trying to feel the rhythm, so I started doing the waltz in front of my vocal mic.”

Whether playing in an intimate venue or on a large festival stage, Ashley commands the attention of the audience, leaving a lasting mark. Her concerts are a dynamic blend of country and rock, infused with a sense of authenticity and grit drawn from her personal experiences.

As a touring artist, Ashley recently headlined her show at the National Scleroderma Walk in Napa County, CA, a foundation close to her heart as she was selected to be their celebrity ambassador. She is also set to perform at the Platteville Fire Department Celebration on June 22, 2024, in Platteville, WI; the Winneshiek County Fair in Decorah, IA, with Joe Nichols on July 12, 2024; and the Dallas County, Iowa, with Craig Morgan on July 13, 2024.

‘Cryin’ In A Bar’ was released today across various platforms. Why not listen below…

Connect with Ashley Barron via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ashleybarronofficial/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybarronofficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCchP2A4P0Jh22O4sGekG_MA
Website: https://www.ashleybarronofficial.com/

Song of the Day: Worth It – Paige Bea

London-based singer, songwriter and producer PAIGE BEA‘s single, ‘Worth It’, is a dark, feminist ode to the frustrations of not knowing where you stand at the start of a new relationship. On ‘Worth It’, Paige is characteristically direct, asking outright rhetorical questions that ask for frankness in where this new romance is heading, paired with bold, honest statements about her own intentions: “I’m not here to convince and coerce / make things nice and give birth / I’m a difficult person”.

Speaking more on the lyrical inspiration behind ‘Worth It’, Paige said: “The lyrics for Worth It came shortly after a date I’d just been on. I was already just so anxious about when I was going to get the text back and how much longer we were going to have to do this silly dance before we just gave in to falling in love and seeing what happens. It felt like we were both coming into the start of it with a lot of trepidation given past relationships we’d been in, and we were trying to be adults by taking it slow, but it also felt like that was sucking the fun, spontaneous joy of starting something new out of it? I was also thinking about expectations of women in relationships, the peacemaker, the homemaker, the PA, the mother (I’m not here to convince and coerce / Make things nice then give birth / I’m a difficult person) and I wanted to make a statement that I probably won’t fit into the idea of who you think I am and I want to make that clear, but I’m also up for just leaning into this new feeling and taking a leap of faith if you are? I think our generation has this tendency to think that because they are grown and therapised, it means we can micro-manage all our relationships and behaviours and I’m far too impulsive for that. I’m much more about throwing myself in the deep-end and seeing where it takes me.”

Across her work to date, Paige Bea has seen excitable airplay and support from BBC R1’s Jack Saunders, Tara Kumar, Sian Eleri, BBC Introducing London’s Jess Izsatt, and BBC 1Xtra’s Jamz Supernova (who invited her into the studio for a Late Night Discovery interview), as well as esteemed publications and outlets such as COLORS, The Line Of Best Fit, Wonderland, The Independent, CLASH Magazine, Wordplay Mag, enfnts terribles, The Rodeo + more.

Upon the release of ‘Worth It’, Paige Bea announced her new EP ‘Flutters’ which was available from Wednesday (17th July) via DMY Artists. Why not listen to the avant-garde track below…

Song of the Day: avoid! – Sion

German-born and South Korea-based multi hyphenate SION has returned with the release of his highly anticipated EP, ‘Sociavoidance’. Marking a transformative period for the hit-maker, ‘Sociavoidance’ goes against what we’re accustomed to, navigating a variety of genre-bending sounds; the 5-track project is a step in a different direction for the storyteller. Following on from the February release of ‘O.o’, we dive deeper into Sion’s unpredictable world. With an EU tour on the horizon later this year, ‘Sociavoidance’ is a glimpse of what to expect on stage.

Exploring the disassociation in modern-day interaction, Sion bares elements of vulnerability as he confronts his fears and desires surrounding social interaction and relationships, forming a comforting familiarity for many that’s enriched with depth and emotion. Boasting a refreshed creative flare, ‘Sociavoidance’ finely blends indie electronica, abstract hip-hop, alt R&B, and glitch pop yet still remains cohesively structured. After hours of refining the smaller details, this project reflects a time of great significance and self-reflection.

Opening the EP with “avoid!”, Sion instantly sets the tone as he acknowledges his disillusionment with modern-day relationships. Confronting his difficulty with human connection, he shares that his existing relationships are strained because of it.

”When asked about the difference between this album and previous projects, Sion explained, “This project marks the beginning of a new journey for me musically. I dove into different subgenres such as indie electronica, abstract hip-hop, alt R&B, and glitch pop, while trying to bind together all these different sounds in a cohesive manner through tons of sound design. I’m not sure, and kind of scared about how it will resonate with my audience right now. But at some point, I needed to progress, and this work certainly gives me the courage to experiment with even more genres and styles going forward in my career. I want to be remembered as an artist who has many facets but maintains a distinct colour, and I’d like to believe that this album is a good start in the right direction.”

Listen to ‘avoid!’ below…

Watch Benny Bizzie’s Performance/Lyric video for latest single, ‘Dejavu’

London’s R&B singer, rapper, and producer BENNY BIZZIE has dropped a performance and lyric video for latest single, ‘Dejavu’, where he expresses his frustrations over the terror in Gaza.

Bizzie calls on his younger self, as a rap/grime artist, to deliver gritty rap lyrics packed with emotion whilst keeping it warm with soulful R&B melodies.

Expect more music from Benny throughout this year…but for now, check out the video for ‘Dejavu’ below…