Hailing from London, experimental producer TOM B‘s single ‘Cold Water’, featuring long-time collaborator, Lucy Wroe, is an unapologetic statement on the music industry as an independent artist. It embodies all the frustration towards gatekeeping and the devaluation of independent artists. Cold Water can also be felt as an ode to women in the industry, trying to navigate the border between ‘playing the game’ and maintaining self-respect.
Lucy says: “The title itself is a metaphor for the industry. Feeling submerged in Cold Water; regularly feeling the numbness left in the wake of bad experiences, which are all too common on the independent music scene”
Tom says: “You spend enough time in a scene or a circuit, you slowly figure out what the game is and how to play it. Eventually, we got to the point where we thought ‘do we make music because its what we want? Or do we make music to entertain promoters and get more gigs where we have to sell all the tickets?’”
‘Cold Water’ was exclusively available on Bandcamp from 22nd May and was released on all streaming platforms from a week later. All Bandcamp profits was donated to The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund.
Produced and engineered by the illustrious Super Beats (Skeete, IAMDDB), YXL AYO‘s highly anticipated single, ‘Easy,’ takes listeners on an alluring journey navigating the complexities of modern love and desire. The track tells a vivid story of a woman eager to leave her troubled past behind, seeking salvation from our protagonist who, in turn, questions her true intentions with the poignant refrain, “Tell me why you want me to save you.”
YXL Ayo skilfully blends the rich textures of Alté with the smooth, emotive vibes of R&B. Super Beats’ production provides an intentionally minimalistic soundscape, creating space for Ayo’s introspective lyrics and evocative vocals. The track delves into the nuances of romantic pursuit and the yearning for genuine connection, challenging listeners to discern the difference between true affection and the desire for rescue.
Available on all major streaming platforms from last Thursday (27th June), ‘Easy’ is set to solidify YXL Ayo’s rising status in the Alté and Afro-R&B scene, as he delivers this irresistible record. Have a listen to the beauty below…
SANN RAO‘s latest offering, ‘Leaves’, is an introspective track that blends moody piano synths and punchy drums with soulful, expressive vocals, creating a vibe that’s both defiant and reflective. The song uses rich metaphors to express the superficiality and emptiness of certain figures in the music industry, while celebrating one’s authenticity and strong foundation. The song will be promoted with skits, a music video and short-form content.
“Leaves to me is about shallow relationships and the lack of authenticity in the music industry but also everyday life. (…) I talk about how I’m trying to live life differently to the people I’ve met and the meaningless interactions I’ve experienced.
(…) I want the listeners to have a better understanding of who I am as a person and I’d like them to see that I make music to contribute something truthful to the world” – Sann Rao
Sann Rao, a 27-year-old R&B sensation hailing from Surrey, UK, brings a unique and distinctive voice to the industry. Of Indian heritage, Sann’s vocal prowess is characterised by an impressive range that captivates audiences. His sound has earned him praise at open mic performances, where his hard work and dedication shine through.
Investing in his craft and driven by an unwavering belief in his talent, Sann is a relentless artist committed to pushing his musical boundaries. The singer-songwriter has garnered praise from both fellow musicians and new fans, who recognize his exceptional talent and eagerly anticipate his future releases.
In collaboration with BBC Radio Producer and frequent creative partner, Illatek, Sann Rao is building a lane for himself in the music landscape. Their latest release, ‘In 2 U,’ dropped mid December 2023 and has garnered over 9,000 listens on Spotify, contributing to their collective success of over 50,000 streams across their collaborations. The track made waves across the UK, with radio station shows such as BBC Radio and Kishmeister at Itch FM featuring the song in their rotations. Sann’s first official release, ‘Honest,’ which debuted in February 2024, has reached +15k streams on Spotify.
Currently under the representation of Oh Eight, a label and talent management services agency, Sann is poised to ascend to the next level of his musical journey. As he continues to evolve and enchant with his melodies, Sann Rao stands as a rising star in the R&B scene, leaving a mark on the industry with his one-of-a-kind voice and unwavering passion for the art.
The UK and Africa come together for a beautiful blending of sounds for LYCO and CAMIDOH‘s new single ‘Crème de la Crème’.
Nigerian born, UK raised singer/songwriter Lyco has been steadily releasing singles such as ‘Ice N Rum’ and ‘Gucci’ with artists such as Lotto Boyzz, Sneakbo, Ivorian Doll and 2Face, building a reputation for his melodic, smooth tracks.
His new single is a flavoursome, sexy, Summer sizzler with Lyco and Camidoh bringing Afrobeats vibes. Weaving in-between lyrics smoothly for a beautiful, mesmerising single, the two artists vocals fit perfectly together.
Lyco says on the track: “Creme de la Creme is a double edge sword. On one hand to the listener that isn’t paying full attention and is just enjoying beautiful melodies it’s a light-hearted summer song. On the other hand those who really take in what I’m saying will immediately feel the sensual nature of the adult themes I’m trying to describe with nuance. Truly the best of both worlds.”
LYCO is a multi-genre singer-songwriter hailing from Birmingham, United Kingdom. Being Nigerian born LYCO has been able to concoct beautiful new dramatic flavours into Afrobeat universe. He has written for the likes of Steff London, Ivorian Doll and Birmingham’s own Lotto Boyzz.
LYCO has also found massive success on the Tik Tok platform amassing over 100,000 followers through his comedy and documentary skits which has expanded his fanbase globally preparing the way for international success on all fronts.
Former known from Birmingham’s “LYCO X WXYNE” duo, LYCO has branched out in pursuit of a solo career to further express and deliver ground-breaking melodies that will transcend the Afrobeats movement both locally and abroad.
‘I’m Climbin”, is the powerful lead song from NAACP winning ERICKA NICOLE MALONE‘s documentary The Bucketwish. The song is a cathartic release, ushering in an era of abundance for Ericka Nicole Malone as ‘I’m Climbin” is a reminder to take the reins and set the course in pursuit of our wildest dreams.
The single lends its unique R&B meets neo-soul sound to songwriter Ericka Nicole Malone and producer Printz Board, a Grammy Award winner and co-writer of the anthemic ‘Where Is The Love?’ from the iconic music group, Black Eyed Peas. Malone’s soul-striking vocals collide over earthy bass lines and emboldening cascades of piano, offering listeners a profound and transcendent musical experience.
Ericka shares, “I penned “I’m Climbin’” as a lead song on the soundtrack to The Bucketwish because I want people to remember who they are and to keep climbing up the stairs of life to different levels no matter how hard it gets.”
Ericka is an NAACP award-winning filmmaker and songwriter who works to elevate female voices and creatives of color. Her new documentary, The Bucketwish is about pursuing unexplored passions, reminding viewers that it’s never too late to start a new journey. It is an intimate profile on Malone’s story, fears, and impending future ahead.
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