Song of the Day: Blue Leaf – Unno

Unno Blue Leaf

Of late, Nowadays Records have been signing up a string of hot properties. Last Thursday, BRNFKD slammed their epic upcoming  masterpiece, Shining here on NEW LEASE MUSIC. Now it’s French trio UNNO‘s turn to show what they’re made of…

The group’s name, UNNO – which stands for ‘the UNexpected NOte’ – exemplifies the group’s individual approach to creating music and this is definitely reflected their track Blue Leaf.  Produced by fellow Nowadays signees BRNFKD, the four-minute production showcases the group’s distinctive style; constantly prompting the listener to expect the unexpected with dreamlike synths, droning bass and erratic percussion. With hugely varied influences, the trio display an insolent freedom in the way they create their music.

Since forming in 2011, UNNO – consisting of Awir Leon, J.Kid and Tismé, who are all members of the prolific Dunkirk-based Jayfly collective – have been making a name for themselves in the French music scene. Following their first ever live performance on a French TV show, the group have since been delivering unforgettable performances bursting with an energy that is both dreamy and explosive, which led to them being named ‘The Discovery of Printemps de Bourges’.

Blue Leaf is coming from their EP, As We Land (Take Off Edition)…so expect the unexpected and have a listen to the single.

Upcoming Release: Shining – BRNFKD

BRNFKD Shining
Nowadays Records’ newest recruits BRNFKD are all set to release their eponymous debut EP on 22nd April, available on major music outlets. Leading single Shinning displays six and a half minutes of blissful fusion of  deep downtempo plus hip-hop/trap-influenced vibes, featuring the hazy R&B vocals from Eli Sostre.

Behind those six special letters (pronounced – excuse my French – ‘brain fucked’) lurk two rising talents of the French scene: heavy trap range artist Ikaz Boi and prolific producer Monk, whose creative focus lies in more delicate soundscapes. Together, the two producers play with the codes of electronic and hip-hop music; merging aggressive percussion, deep bass, sharp kicks and ethereal synthesizers to craft an atmosphere that is all at once sensual melancholic and powerful.

Having performed in the past alongside hip-hop heavyweight Just Blaze, Ikaz Boi has collaborated with Amine Edge and DANCE on the Radio 1-playlisted Came Around as well as remixing and producing a plethora of rappers such as Vic Mensa and Leather Corduroys’ hit Have U Eva. With Monk also having seen success with a track release on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Electric 4, BRNFKD presents the perfect platform to see their talents amplified.

You read their credentials, now it’s time to sample the masters at work; check out Shining.

Song of the Day: Start the Morning – Givers & Takers

Im the Morning Givers and Takers

Today’s song comes from GIVERS & TAKERS who gained overnight success with their unique blend of soul and experimental rock.

Consisting of members Zack Greenwald, Alan Krespan, Drew Bruchs, and Mark Pollack, the band has performed alongside notable acts including Walk the Moon, !!! (Chk Chk Chk) and Alberta Cross.

The Santa Barbara soulful rockers are set to announce their upcoming EP in the coming months and will be touring extensively this summer.

For now, ease yourself into the weekend, listen to Start the Morning and their latest single, Strangers.

 

Chris Kaz Track 01

Born and raised in London, half Greek Cypriot and half German Sri Lankan, CHRIS KAZ is not an average artist, composer and producer.

He crosses into classical, pop, house, and tech step with his bass driven soulful beats and harmonies. His portfolio is a hard drive stacked with thousands of golden meta-streaks with warmth and soul. His intensely delicate debut single, Track 01 offers something that’s refreshingly different.

Experience a glimpse into his world and hit that play button NOW.

New Track: For You Now – Shan

shan signals

With the success of his debut  EP Waypoint (2013), which generated support from BBC Introducing, London Live and Balcony TV,  London-based singer/songwriter SHAN is set to release his eagerly awaited  EP Signals on 15th April.

It seems the first release from the EP, For You Now, may continue the deserved attention from major tastemakers and fans.The four-minute production introduces the pure yet beautifully raw arrangements of the piano and guitar, leading to the  newcomer’s soothingly tranquil vocals.

Hailing from Shropshire, SHAN began making music from the age of 12 and has since proved his musical talent through working with a number of other ones-to-watch across a variety of genres; writing and recording with Matt Woods for his debut EP Wash Me Clean, and grime artist Ghetts for his MOBO-nominated debut album Rebel With A Cause.

Now with his own direction and sound, he is paving a solo career with his style of alternative music as a one-to-watch.

Here’s the chance to experience something truly magical; have a listen to For You Now.