Song of the Day: Diversion – Tamera

Following a slew of incredible collaborations, including a feature on SPINALL’S ‘Honest’ feat. Tay Iwar; ‘I’m So High’ with P-rallel & Toddla T and most recently ‘Options’ with Kamille and Bellah which saw her dip into her garage and pop sensibilities, TAMERA returns with solo single ‘Diversion’ – a lush Aston Rudi and Rise & Shine produced instrumental blending R&B percussion and dreamy synths with her insane vocal talent taking centre stage.

Explaining the meaning behind the single taken from a forthcoming project which she is yet to shed light, Tamera shares: “I had to dig deep to create this song & channel sensitive emotions that usually I would avoid. However the inspiration behind this song came from a time of my life I’d like to think I’ve healed from so writing it wasn’t too hard but ended up being a kind of farewell to that particular version of myself. I dive into codependency, lack of self worth & self sabotage by way of an unhealthy relationship. Confronting myself for doing something I know isn’t good for me but not having the power at the time to leave it behind.

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 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.

Have a listen to ‘Diversion’ below…

Natanya shares sunsoaked single, ‘Raining Tomorrow’+ video.

Following her recent single, ‘Angel’ (supported by The Line of Best Fit, DMY, Wonderland, Clash, GUAP) and her 2022 hit, ‘Foolish’ (reaching over 1.3 mil streams), Rising star NATANYA shines on her sentimental new single, ‘Raining Tomorrow’, on AURA. Co-produced with co-collaborators Jkarri and Kwaku Konadu, ‘Raining Tomorrow’ is a lush slice of alt-R&B with elements of soul, afrobeat and jazz fusing together as Natanya’s distinctive, glorious vocals soar over rich percussives and sunkissed guitar licks. This is the second single from her forthcoming debut EP, Sorrow at Sunrise dropping 29th Sept via AURA.

An artist unafraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, Natanya describes ‘Raining Tomorrow’ as “a love letter to the innocent fear of really growing up”, musing on being 20, she continues, “the girl, the character is timid, then she finds that confidence, but it’s still a kid in adults‘ clothes”.

Reminiscing on her formative moments, Natanya wanted to really showcase her youth in the video, from the sweet and important relationship with her best friend to her obsession with music from a young age, She says of the video: “I was really intent on trying to capture youth through my own nostalgia; I was in the record shop every day after school. CC’s my best friend, we met during one of the most pivotal points of my life. I wanted to create that contrast between innocence & newfound adolescent confidence, with all the quirks included.”

Natanya recently supported R&B superstar girl group FLO in Manchester and London after hitting 1+million streams with self-released single “Foolish” (2022). Standing out from the crowd with her refreshing take on alternative R&B and her striking visual aesthetic, she has gained tastemaker support and has grown a dedicated fan base and online community via Instagram and Twitter, her recent ascent on TikTok and her newsletter. Co-signed by Stormzy and nominated for Music Artist To Watch in this year’s GUAP Gala – testament to her beautifully crafted sound and raw talent – Natanya is proving she has laid the foundations for a bright future, set to truly ascend. Catch the rising star at forthcoming gigs at We Out Here, 11th August and at Stormzy x All Points East – ‘This Is What We Mean’ Day on the No Signal Stage, 18th August.

Check out the video for ‘Raining Tomorrow’ below…

Song of the Day: 11:11 – LUCI

Following the critical success of her debut EP Juvenilia released at the end of 2022, ’11:11′ marks a triumphant return for North Carolina raised/New York based artist LUCI.

A year since LUCI’s debut release Ash & Dust, ’11:11′ elevates the artist to the next level with an uplifting summer hit contender that sparks joy in every listen (think Kaytranada meets Santigold). Heralding a new sound and chapter in her life she finds herself in a place of great comfort and ease as she confidently aims for the mainstream with a track comprising alarmingly catchy lyrics and beats.

On the track, she says: “I was laying on the vocal booth floor of Lou’s studio (lineage studios in LA), listening to him and Elias chop it up, bonding over drums and chords. I was hunting for melodies and searching for words. We knew we wanted to make something different from the rest of our work together, that’s for sure.”

The accompanying video, directed by Emily Garlund, is a feel good offering shot across New York City and showcases queer love with the artist as the main character, LUCI adds: “I’ve laid eyes on a beautiful woman in a local bar and somehow coerced her into enduring the joys of the evening with me. I’ve got this dance I am trying to teach her and get her to loosen up and play with me. While shy at first, she gives in and it turns into a glorious night.”

Check out the video for ’11:11′ below…

Song of the Day: L.E.D – Sofia Gillani

West London talented singer-songwriter SOFIA GILLANI‘s latest track titled ‘L.E.D,’ is an introspective journey that explores the concept of perceiving the world through one’s own lens, free from the filters of others.

The song invites listeners to let go of external opinions and the pressures imposed by society’s expectations, symbolized by the “LED light” metaphor. It encourages individuals to embrace the beauty of allowing time to pass without the fear of capturing every moment, fostering a sense of appreciation and gratitude for life’s blessings. Have a listen below…

AMAARA Shares Self-Reflective Single, ‘Still’

Following the release of her single, ‘Bright Lights’ last month, Los Angeles-based artist, AMAARA returns with another offering in the shape of single, ‘Still’ – a lush, ethereal pop piece that attempts to distill her experience of love into metaphor.

‘Still’ is one of AMAARA’s favourite songs from her debut LP, ‘Child of Venus’, which documents the journey of rediscovery, transition, and rebirth. The project also encourages the prospective listener to take time out for reflection and introspection.

AMAARA briefly explains the inspirations her debut LP: “I’ve been on a journey of looking into my own childhood conditioning, the notion of unbounded creative genius and where that gets lost in adolescence. It’s a reflective period marked by the question of who I was at the core of myself before I started to be shaped by my environment.”

Watch the self-directed video for ‘Still’ below…