Tag: alternative music

Song of the Day: Anticipate – Xenia Manasseh

Introducing the Kenyan-born, Los Angeles-based XENA MANASSEH and her new single ‘Anticipate’ featuring fellow Kenyan artist Karun. The ethereal new single is imbued with 90s R&B sensibilities as the two artists unite, their hypnotic voices sizzling over a glittering, cinematic production. The single marks the latest taste from Xenia’s forthcoming much-anticipated 11-track debut LP Love/Hate Pt.1 slated for release on 1st September.

‘Anticipate’ appears alongside recent release ‘Temporary Love’ on Love/Hate Pt.1, the two singles marking an exciting taste of what’s to come from this ineffable debut. The beautifully curated album sees Xenia blend complex, intricate productions with appearances from the likes of Tay Iwar and Shalom Dubas.

Xenia Manasseh is a breathtaking global rising talent. Blending an eclectic offering of R&B shot-through with flavours of afro-soul, the emerging artist has already worked with the likes of Teyana Taylor, Burna Boy, GoldLink and more. With two EPs under her belt, 2019’s Falling Apart and 2022’s Maybe which includes the single ‘Love Me or Leave Me’ (1M+ Spotify streams) and support from Spotify (Xenia has been an ‘EQUAL’ and ‘RADAR’ ambassador), Xenia is making waves as an artist who blends stunning lyrical relatability with lush vocals and intricate songwriting. Have a listen to ‘Anticipate’ below…

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Listen to Oloff’s latest EP, ‘Free’

To enter the mind of Bristolian alt-rapper OLOFF, you definitely have to withstand the most hellraising rollercoaster ride you can imagine.

His latest EP, ‘Free’ is, at large, a full-on mish-mash concoction of chaotic dnb-esque bass, aggressive guitar riffs, which collides with Oloff’s infamous wayward delivery. Further down the line, the eight-piece set goes go into a place of some serenity. To create some familiarity of peace and security, Oloff samples from well-loved hits – Roxy Music’s 80’s single Avalon (Listen to ‘Photons’) and The Righteous Brothers’ classic ‘Unchained Melody’ (listen to ‘Slowly’). Both samples were accompanied by heavily echoic guitar plucks piercing through the glitchy presence of feathery soundscapes.

It could be argued that ‘Free’ is a soundtrack to the ebbs and flows of life; the chaos sets in when we lose control of a situation before it soothes out, returning back to a place of security. Have a listen to ‘Free’ EP below…

Must Listens: What Does It Matter, Photons, Slowly

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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…

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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…

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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…

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