The Nation GVNG drops single ‘Ahmed Johnson’, The First Release Off Upcoming Album

Following the releases of mixtapes, ‘Nation of Domination’ and ‘Dangerous Alliance’, Philly emcees Scorsese Lorde Jones, BIGSPITGAME, PR The Great, and Black – aka THE GVNG –  has returned after a hiatus with their first new track, ‘Ahmed Johnson’, coming from their first official album tentatively titled ‘GVNG.’

‘Ahmed Johnson’ features Scorsese, PR the Great, and Black getting busy over a downtempo/wavy Da Ghawd production. GVNG member Scorsese, along with Jason Griff, was previously featured on the blog with collaborative album, ‘Dream Team: A Stokely Hathaway Joint’, once named Album of the Week by the blog….check it out sometime.

But for now, have a dig at ‘Ahmed Johnson’, released on Tuesday (12th November)

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Song of the Day: Past The Evening – Michael Baker

Following singles ‘One God Damn’ and ‘Baby Books’, the Bright-based artist MICHAEL BAKER reveals another piece of empathic songwriting in ‘Past The Evening’ from his forthcoming album, ‘Salt’ out next year.

This time around, not only are we treated to the Anglo-French musician’s serene soundscape, but also his authentic performance style which shows Baker as someone deeply connected to his craft. Sonically rich throughout, ‘Past The Evening’ is connected to one of Baker’s personal life moments.

Speaking of the intimate release, Baker says: “I remember that feeling of listening to vinyl records and how an album can fill a room. In this song I talk about listening to ‘Ring Of Fire’ by Johnny Cash in my university days as it was one of the first vinyls I got at an old charity shop. The music industry can feel like an uphill struggle, but this track is about remembering why I got into music in the first place, a reminder to sow down enough to keep enjoying the process. This song is my realisation that I don’t think I’ll ever stop making music. Maybe not for everyone else, but just for me.”

Check out the lyric video below and sing along to Baker’s nostalgic single…

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Tunnel Traffic Unveils ‘Another Story’ Ahead Of Album

Philly songwriter Adam Hachey – aka TUNNEL TRAFFIC – tries something a little different with his brand new single, ‘Another Story’, released yesterday (12th November).

For a change, Hachey steps back and makes way for singer and long collaborator, Jacky Muñoz’s feathery vocal instrument to wash over the nostalgic, shoe glaze – esque arrangements.

‘Another Story’ serves as the first teaser from his upcoming LP, ‘Age of Convictions’, set for release next month. Hachey will release a single each week, until the arrival of the album

Get the first taste of the album and have a listen to ‘Another Story’ below…

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Song of the Day: Soliloquy (Wouldn’t Feel Alone) – Marshall Cecil

Genre-blending Danish group MARSHALL CECIL‘s poignant latest cut, ‘Soliloquy (Wouldn’t Feel Alone)’ – out now through their own label Heady – takes the listener on a symbolic journey through frontman Daniel Abraham’s mind.

Speaking on the track, the lead singer and songwriter explains; “It’s a self-examining conversation with myself that spins out of control and ends in a cathartic rap. It’s a song open for interpretation but for me, it’s about the relationship between excessive self-examination and loneliness.”

Addressing social isolation, a phenomenon increasingly common in an era where the physical is being replaced by the digital, the visuals feature auto-fictional elements including iPhone clips, personal footage from the trio’s recording sessions and live shows, alongside more intimate images showing a glimpse of the lead singer’s daily life.

Born from a close collaboration between the band and directors to create a visual story that draws from the song’s deeply afflicting and raw lyrics perfectly depicting “loneliness, this complex and unpleasant emotional response to isolation,” explains Daniel, talking about the concept behind the song and video. “We’re exploring loneliness while being surrounded by people. Sometimes the answer to our isolation is right in front of us – companionship – but we’re usually too busy finding the answers within ourselves. The song and video are not an answer to this problem – rather an abstract depiction of it’’.

Having made their mark on the international music scene with a series of enthralling singles and videos, gaining praise from the likes of Vice/Noisey and Clash Magazine, and notching up memorable live performances at some of the biggest international festivals including Reeperbahn and Roskilde – MARSHALL CECILl is not like any other band out there. Using their individual production skills, fusing elements from r&b, pop, hip-hop, with ‘Soliloquy’ they created a unique and potent music formula, one that is both triumphant, forward-thinking and touching at the same time.

Check it out below…

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Liquid Slams Down A Brand New Banger, ‘Hard Labor’

Stephen James Hawley – aka LIQUID – is a co-founder and member of the Internationally acclaimed and Juno award winning Montreal collective Bran Van 3000. Best known for their smash hit, ‘Drinking In LA’, LIQUID is back and smashing through the walls and barricades with his new track, ‘Hard Labor’, released last Friday (8th November)

On a cold fall day, LIQUID sat on top a local terrace, having just demolished it in entirety. He sat amidst the brick and demolition on his lunch break and said aloud: “That’s Labor!” “Hard Labor!” His recently released from custody boss hollered back at him: “It’s Hard Labor!” He repeated with a toothless grin welcoming LIQUID to the rubble.

“That’s what I’m gonna call my next album!” Liquid proclaimed! “Hard Labor!”

Birthed amidst the brick and mortar, ‘Hard Labor’ was born. Swinging a sledgehammer, with pick at foot, the foundation was created.

LIQUID call upon Rench, the Brooklyn based producer and frontman of the Billboard charting band Gangstagrass. The Emmy Nominated producer of the theme song for the hit TV show ‘Justified’, created an alternative fusion of  bluegrass, country, blues, rock and rap, reflecting the blood, sweat and tears of a working man’s journey.

‘Hard Labor’, the title track of his upcoming EP,  sets the pace for an engaging, prolific journey through the eyes of a man; a dreamer, working hard for job creation, to better his future.

Check it out below…

 

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