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.

New Music Video: Valium – Sticky Blood (ft. Gaby Henshaw)


STICKY BLOOD
 return after an array of quality music in 2015 that turned the heads of the major music tastemakers. The Blood is Stickier Than Water E.P, written and recorded at the Red Bull Studios, featured One Bar In ft. MC’s Coco & Snowy and Balance, which put the production duo on the map garnering support from Monki, Toddla T, Mistajam, Jamz Supernova, Complex, Clash and excitement through the indie music scene.

Following hot on its heels and showing exactly why they’re in such high demand with artists waiting to work with them, Sticky Blood dropped the infectious Valium featuring singer Gaby Henshaw.

The title Valium is used by the production duo as a metaphor to show the desire to be asleep where you can experience something away from reality and where things are unassuming. Like the description, the production follows its movement; it develops and builds as the tracks deepens with punchy club style drums mixed with anthemic style synths in the build-ups, and contemporary sounds in the drop and switch. It’s confident in its sound, and in the second part we see saturated bass and stuttered patterns. The twists and turns in their production style constantly surprise and highlight their diversity and intricacy.

The cinematic visuals match the portrayal from the lyrics and the beat with Gaby Henshaw depicting a girl up in the hills away from everything, but searching for something. It’s very much open to interpretation as to where, why and how, but shows desperation, and leaves the viewer considering and asking all types of questions.

Andy Nicholson and Jamie Shield have created a striking and unique sound that can move people emotionally working with established singers such as Terri Walker and Tom Prior, but also create Grime tracks at a 155bpm with up and coming MCs. They are fresh and innovative and continue to bring an exciting, rule-breaking sound to 2016.