London-based BLISS WILLIAMS’ first memories of music are the tapes of 60s pop and soul his parents kept in the car when he was little. This early introduction to timeless songwriting from the likes of The Beach Boys, not to mention all those Motown classics, left an indelible mark.
Fast-forward to 2024 and Williams’ tunes have been championed by John Kennedy on Radio X and Gary Crowley on the BBC, while recent single ‘A Thousand Times Before’ (featuring Paul Weller drummer Ben Gordelier) was playlisted by Spotify.
Sharing his childhood memories of music, Bliss Williams shares his new acoustic EP ‘Gramercy’, which is out now across various music platforms. Recorded live in just a handful of takes, ‘Gramercy’ sees Williams momentarily depart from his usual brand of electric soul to showcase his songwriting in its rawest form – stripped-back, sensitive and no less soulful.
Gearing up for his sold out UK/EU tour over the coming month, MACKENZY MACKAY has shared his latest, ‘Don’t Quit Trying’, set to feature on his forthcoming EP ‘Life, Love & Upsets’ due for release on 7th June. Following on from a string of acclaimed singles that have gained millions of streams worldwide from ‘Cold Stare’, ‘Bruised One’, and ‘Every Last Detail’, ‘Don’t Quit Trying’ is another stand-out release from the singer-songwriter sensation as he continues to cement his hitmaker status in British music.
A product of never giving up on your dreams, Mackenzy Mackay’s determination and life-long dream to become an artist is the motivation behind his latest single. Whether it’s hitting a personal best in the gym or finding the courage to pursue your dream career, Mackenzy Mackay is encouraging his listeners to never give up and let optimism prevail. Built against an acoustic production, ‘Don’t Quit Trying’ is sentimental down to its sonics as Mackay strips it all back for another offering of unfiltered vulnerability in his lyricism.
When asked about the meaning behind the single, Mackenzy Mackay shared, “‘Don’t Quit Trying’ is basically a song about being persistent and not giving up on what you’re working towards, Whether that’s a career choice, trying to learn something new, beating a PB or just anything you’re trying to achieve, it’s just a little reminder to myself and whoever might need to hear it, not to quit trying at whatever it is they’re going for”
Since his debut in 2022, Mackenzy Mackay has accumulated over 100 million streams across DSP’s as well as a growing following of just under one million supporters online. Hailing from Yorkshire, nestled away in Northern England, the singer-songwriter who now resides in London, has already gained comparisons from household names including Arctic Monkeys, Post Malone, Dominic Fike, and Ed Sheeran. Taking daily inspiration from his own life alongside the hustle and bustle of the UK’s capital, Mackenzy Mackay has formed a distinct sound that resonates with people from all walks of life and ages.
With upcoming performances at Reading & Leeds Festival, Frequency, Oberkampf, and The Great Escape, as well as his sold out UK and EU tour and the release of his forthcoming EP ‘Love, Life & Upsets’, Mackenzy Mackay isn’t showing signs of slowing down! The sensation has also gained recognition from BBC Radio 1 as their ‘Artist of the Week’ and ‘Future Pop’ playlist. Further highlighting his domination in the live space, Ticketmaster named him as their ‘New Music’ artist of the week.
Why not have a listen to ‘Don’t Quit Trying’ below…
Rising R&B superstar TAMERA follows her latest EP ‘L.I.T. (Lost In Translation)’ with an incredible acoustic version of the lead single ’40 Days’ featuring CKay. Recorded in Paris, this stripped back version lays it all on the line, with Tamera and CKay’s vulnerable vocals taking centre stage.
Laying her emotions bare across six tracks including recent singles ‘Poison’ and ‘Diversion’, L.I.T is a sonic trip into Tamera’s mind, heart, and soul as much as it is a testament to her powerful prowess as a lyricist. Diving deep into her own lived experiences and blending sounds including afro beats, r&b, and hip hop, she intimately traverses a range of topics from codependency, lack of self-worth, trauma, overcoming abusive relationships, spirituality and God. Sonically picking up where her 2021 debut EP ‘Afrodite’ left off, the six-track project is a shining example of UK R&B, taking sonic notes from her own heritage and musical upbringing.
2023 has been a pivotal year for Tamera. This EP comes hot off the back of her sensational COLORS Berlin debut, her All Points East performance for Stormzy’s “THIS IS WHAT I MEAN” day, and follows a slew of incredible collaborations cementing her as one one the most crucial and in demand names – from a feature on SPINALL’S ‘Honest’ feat. Tay Iwar, a collaboration on ‘I’m So High’ with P-rallel & Toddla and most recently ‘Options’ with Kamille and Bellah which saw her dip into her garage and pop sensibilities.
Born in Gravesend, a small town in Kent, Tamera was raised on a diet of James Brown, Whitney Houston, Mariah, Alicia Keys, and Missy Elliot whilst bred, supported and uplifted by powerful women – her mother and grandmother who she considers to be two of the most significant “anchors” in her life. She cut her vocal chops practising hymns at the piano Saturday night for Sunday service, alongside her grandmother who was a pastor. With grandparents each originating from different countries (St Lucia, Nigeria, England and Greece), Tamera’s touch points have always been a melting pot.
Following her smokey debut single ‘Romeo’ and her 2020 breakout breezy hit ‘Flipside’ (7.4M streams), in 2021 the sensational rising R&B star unveiled her highly anticipated debut EP ‘Afrodite’. An emotive exploration of love, life and her heritage, this powerful 5-track statement of her sonic self including the sultry West African influenced ‘Wickedest’ (12.5M streams) and ‘Good Love’ ft. Tay Iwar (8.6M streams) was produced entirely by cultural mainstay P2J (Wizkid, Beyonce, Snoh Aalegra). On Afrodite (the title nods to her Greek and African heritage), Tamera honed and expressed her boundless curiosity and empathy for stories of love and humanity.
One of the UK’s most exciting and breath-taking talents, Tamera has been tipped by Amazon Music UK as a ‘Ones To Watch’, recognized by YouTube in their #YouTubeBlack Voices Artist Class of 2022 alongside the likes of Bree Runway, Kamille, Midwxst, NSG, Omah Lay and more. No stranger to the limelight her effortless ability to transcend genres from Afroswing, reggaeton and Hip Hop whilst feeling authentically R&B has swept up support from DJ Target, Giles Peterson, Annie Mac (New Name), Complex, Nylon, Highsnobiety, i-D, Billboard, Loud and Quiet, The Line of Best Fit and Pop Justice to name a few. In Summer 2022, fans have seen Tamera’s killer vocals everywhere from BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, The Great Escape and Strawberries and Creem on the mainstage and her own sold out headline show at COLORS. Most recently, she caught the attention of seminal hip hop producer Timbaland who reached out to work with Tamera after being blown away by her singing via TikTok on his infamous Timbo Idol.
Check out the acoustic version to ’40 Days’ below…
As part of Platoon’s new EP, ‘A UK Gospel Celebration,’ rising star RYAN HYLTON exclusively shares his single ‘True,’ a musical creation that delves deep into the human experience. The song’s powerful message resonates with the challenges individuals face when chasing success, compelling listeners to question their relationship with fame and materialistic desires.
Hailing from London, UK, Ryan Hylton made a dynamic entrance onto the music scene with the release of his EP, ‘Journey, in May 2020.’ These heartfelt songs deeply resonated with audiences, showcasing Ryan’s exceptional talent and conveying profound messages.
Later in 2020, Ryan Hylton unveiled his highly anticipated debut studio album, ‘Legacy.’ This remarkable album achieved notable success, reaching the 13th position on the UK Apple Charts for Gospel music. It was a testament to Ryan’s ability to connect with his listeners and deliver music that strikes a chord. Influenced by renowned artists like Jonathan McReynolds, Justin Bieber, Tauren Wells, H.E.R., and homegrown talents Ernie Toppin and Nathan Palmer, Ryan has crafted his own unique musical style. He draws inspiration from their exceptional talent, infusing his songs with powerful messages of faith and hope.
‘True’ serves as a compelling invitation to navigate life’s journey and discover what genuinely matters. Drawing inspiration from the evolving sounds of Justin Bieber, Ryan infuses his music with a refreshing summer vibe, expertly blending funky grooves and infectious choruses. Through his captivating melodies, Ryan instils a sense of hope and embarks on a quest for personal truth and authenticity. In the words of Ryan himself, “You’re my strength when life’s tough, my identity in you is worth more than fame.”
‘True’ weaves a fresh and crisp pop-woven vibe throughout, with Ryan’s melodies and lyricism providing a harmonious and relatable cause for his audience and beyond. His soft and luscious vocals provide the perfect platform for Ryan to shine, and he does so in spades in ‘True,’ further showcasing his talent and affirming his potential as one of the most influential Christian artists of our time.
5OMERSET takes his first step towards an acoustic singer-songwriter sound with brand new single ‘Desire’.
Written and produced by the man himself, ‘Desire’ takes form of a love note, which documents the ups and down of relationships and how feelings change over time – but as long as the love is true it will last forever. The warm plucks from the acoustic guitar, which exudes an authentically rich vibe, serves as the perfect backdrop for 5omerset’s soothingly comforting vocals.
Immediately compelling, ‘Desire’ was released yesterday (12th April) on various music platforms. Why not have a listen below…
