Following their previous R8B/Soul effort ‘Erased’ in 2021, London producer RAY ALEX once again teams up with LA vocalist and songwriter Sydney Jane for his self-produced single ‘Grey Rock Shuffle.’
Projecting past traumas and psychological abuse, Ray Alex and Sydney Jane offer an alternative antidote to toxic and narcissistic behaviour with ‘Grey Rock Shuffle’. Co-produced with ako, the song nods to Larry Heard, Vikter Duplaix and funky house from that era and has an oxymoronic twist in how the dark unsettling lyrics in the song coexist with its vibrant, off-centre instrumentation that feels upbeat and inviting.
‘Grey Rock Shuffle’ is the first of seven songs to be released from Ray Alex’s second EP ‘Unseen Powers’ in Spring 2023 on his independent label Incorporelle.
Ray Alex has also co-wrote and performed on Julia Romana’s debut album ‘Blood Be Fluid’ and is set to release songs with London rapper SAMSON and Atlanta rapper JoeJas in early 2023.
GHALIA can immediately draw in a crowd with her single, ‘444’ thanks to its intimate soulful punch packed with incredible vocals and harmonies.
Set in the often dark, lonely, and quiet time of day at 4:44AM, the track follows a melodious conversation between Ghalia and vocalist Rehana who plays the role of the ‘angel.’ Calling out to this figure through dreamy vocal layers and lyrical pleas, Ghalia asks for the angel’s presence and guidance to help her through sleepless nights, give her signs to keep persevering, and above all, provide reassurance that she should keep her faith in the ‘angel.’
With an undeniably ethereal sonic quality, Ghalia flawlessly delivers emotional lyrics that tell the story of the give and take in relationships, the importance of mutual faith and trust, and the risk we all take when we open ourselves up to someone. Following Ghalia and Rehana’s captivating conversation with one another, the track builds to a sharp and emotionally electrifying guitar solo, which perfectly contrasts against the mellow and soothing quality of the rest of the song. Describing ‘444’ as her “most vulnerable song yet,” Ghalia combines her seasoned storytelling skills and relatable lyrics with catchy and dynamic R&B production to perfectly encapsulate the complicated relationship between herself and the angel.
Following her signature formula for creating new music by starting with a beat and simple melody, ‘444’ initially started out as a solo project, but quickly became a duet and collaboration with Toronto-based vocalist Rehana when the two connected via social media during the pandemic lockdowns. The two talented artists then came up with the idea to turn the one-sided track into a dichotomous conversation between the pair in which they both express their desire to be needed and desired by one another. Although the two have never met in person, after sending various melodies, verses, and mixes back and forth, ‘444’ has truly become a collaborative sonic forum where Ghalia and Rehana have bared their deepest insecurities and emotions with one another.
Inspired by a diverse group of talent that ranges from The Weeknd to Kehlani to Justin Bieber, Ghalia has used their work as a launching pad for her own – weaving melancholy lyrics with invigorating R&B style beats to craft her own unique sound.
Ghalia’s ability to capture the attention of listeners with specially-selected beats, complex drops and arrangements have set her apart from the rest. Her new single ‘444’ will be sure to delight her current and future fans, alike. Check it out below…
Danish, London based singer and producer MARIE DAHLSTROM has enlisted MiC LOWRY’s Delleile Ankrah for a new single ‘Clouds’ – the first new music to be heard since her 2021 EP ‘Safe Place’.
Widely known for her irresistible R&B-flecked neo soul, new single ‘Clouds’ bursts with positive affirmations: “I keep telling myself / every day I wake up in the morning – I got it”, as Marie and Delleile share verses across the track before uniting on its soaring chorus. Showcasing their respective transfixing vocal prowess, the pair muse on losing yourself – but taking the necessary steps to change things and move forward.
Consistently proving she is one of the most essential voices in contemporary R&B, Marie Dahlstrom is supported and praised widely at press by the likes of Billboard, NPR, The Line Of Best Fit, NYLON, Complex, Wonderland Magazine and more, as well as being listed as a ‘Sleeper Pick’ by Joe Budden (twice) on The Joe Budden Podcast (the most influential podcast in R&B and hip-hop globally). Marie Dahlstrom has also received substantial radio airplay from BBC 1Xtra DJ’s Jamz Supernova, DJ Target, Toddla T and Rinse FM’s Jyoty.
Marie Dahlstrom headlines London’s Lafayette on 6th April 2023. New single “Clouds” ft. Delleile Ankrah is out now via Marie’s own imprint JFH Records. Check it out below…
Taken from her much anticipated EP, ‘Tedious & Brief’, released early this month. New York-based singer and songwriter XONDRA‘s single, Tedious’, is a fervent ballad about finding the strength to reclaim time, energy and love.
“It is a song for the people that love so much and so hard that they sometimes forget to save some for themselves; it is for those learning to step out of survival mode and really live in the present,” says Xondra. “’Tedious’ is me putting myself first. It is me allowing myself to to walk through the hard feelings I was having and still be hopeful that good times were coming down the road for me.”
Often blending elements of pop, rock, R&B and indie-pop, her music explores feminist themes with heartbreakingly honest delivery. Through the six-track EP, Xondra shares her experience of being a woman trying to survive in a man’s world. “I wrote this story for all of the people who have been hurt by the people who were supposed to love and keep you safe,” she says. “I wrote Tedious & Brief for all the people learning to speak up even if their voice trembles.”
A Tokyo-based singer/songwriter with imaginative lyrics and genre-blending sound, SUMI combines contemporary western sounds with elements of her roots. While living in Los Angeles, she played in several bands and collaborated with artists and producers writing and recording songs that featured in network shows like Teen Titans Go, Naked and Afraid, and Ellen Degeneres Show. She has also recorded for “G’Day USA production “Honoring Liam Hemsworth and Helen Reddy, and performed at “An Evening of Wicked Fun: Honoring Stephen Schwartz” as a pianist.
Her debut single ‘Closing In,’ deals with the pressure of her personal expectations, as well as the expectations of others and society while surviving in the music industry. It exposes the struggles of the fear and anxiety constantly colliding in her head that made her doubt herself and become overwhelmed by insecurity. Sumi integrates her Japanese identity and instrumentation with western modern pop and future bass.
You’re about the go on one hell of a Journey…Check out ‘Closing In’ below…
