Nigerian singer-songwriter H.O.M.A’s single, ‘Complicated’ displays the constant emotional roller-coaster experienced in romantic relationships.
The single came to fruition by chance in a recording session, when producer Killer confined in H.O.M.A, producer, Abel Lead Us and other members of the team, about an argument he had with his significant other. Killer’s predicament created a downbeat and moody ambience in the recording studio which influenced the overall tone of the record.
Produced by Killer producer and Abel Lead Us on the strings, ‘Complicated’ is a slow-burning contemporary R&B record, with highly emotive lyrics songwriting and performance. H.O.M.A. portrays a melancholic and susceptible picture, taking a more sedating route than his previous two music offerings in ‘Bamboozle’ and ‘Move your body’.
‘Complicated’ is taken from H.O.M.A’s upcoming mixtape, ‘Compilation 2.’ Have a listen below…
After her interview with the blog back in October 2020, it’s a pleasure to welcome back London’s Alternative-soul singer-songwriter STACEY PIERRE who now takes us on a roller coaster of emotions with brand new single titled ‘Motion’. Oozing soothingly atmospheric soundscapes which intertwines with the young songstress’ alluringly soulful vocals, ‘Motions’ forms part of Stacey’s second solo EP, ‘Origin Unknown’ slated for release in July.
Written, arranged, recorded and mixed by Stacey, the four-track EP is set to take us through some of the ups and downs within her journey of faith. ‘Motion’ represents the value we place on other’s perceptions of us and how that value interacts with our self-worth.
Since the release of her debut self-written/produced EP ‘Eden’ back in 2018, which was met with raving reviews, Stacey is carving a name for herself in London’s music scene as a full-time musician, regularly performing at opulent venues, The Londoner Hotel, The Dorchester Hotel and The Ned. Stacey also graced her intensely compelling stage presence at various events across the capital including St. Felix Place, Gigi’s Bar, Café 1001 and East London’s 93 Feet East.
As she continues to flourish as a musician, Stacey has ventured out to experiment with various genres through collaborations with British-Congolese musician Jordan Mackampa on his EP ‘Come Around’, recorded his Live Abbey Road session. Stacey was also one of two backing vocalists to appear in Jordan’s music video, for single ‘Under’.
Stacey also has a burgeoning partnership with multi genre producer Obsidian Cane, producing UKG club fillers ‘Body Talk’ and ‘Secret Place’ which was also met with critical acclaim and were supported by UKG connoisseur DJ EZ on BBC1xtra. The pair is set to release more dancefloor staples later in the year.
Until then, Stacey presents her single, ‘Motion’ which showcases her undeniable skill to instantly draw in the prospective listener into her world.
‘Motion’ was released 4th June across various music platforms. Have a listen below…
London based singer/songwriter CARMODY today releases new single ‘Trespasser’, the latest taster of upcoming debut album, ‘Imperfect Constellations’ out 6th July via Young Poet, which will feature collaborations with artists including Alfa Mist, Tom Misch, Conor Albert, and Laura Misch.
Carmody has long been using music as a way to uncover her subconscious, examining the complex web of relationships that surround her. Rich in detail and emotional substance, her music evokes the timelessness of Joni Mitchell and Joan Armatrading while nodding to the modern alt-folk of Laura Marling and Big Thief. In the face of memory and generational grief, ‘Imperfect Constellations’ is split into four main parts (or ‘Constellations’) and draws on her own experiences of alternative therapy, entering a world of discovery and recognition.
Co-written with and produced by Young Poet label-mate Conor Albert, ‘Trespasser’ merges captivating folk songwriting with modern production flourishes to stunning effect; written about relationships that leave a lasting imprint on you: “I can’t forgive my mind / summons you at night”
Speaking more on the lyrical meaning behind the track, Carmody said: “It’s about the frustration you feel when your body still remembers, despite the passing of time. Even if you would like to forget them, there is always a constant pull towards their memory. I took this track to Conor Albert who produced it and added some beautiful piano lines that really brought the track to life.”
Carmody’s debut album ‘Imperfect Constellations’ follows her previously released EPs: 2020’s ‘My Jupiter’, 2019’s ‘Catching Blue’, 2018’s ‘Five Kinds Of Loveless’, debut solo EP ‘Skin’ in 2016. Her 2014 collaborative EP ‘Out to Sea’ with Tom Misch – accumulating over 70 million streams along the way, securing strong press (Notion Magazine, Clash Magazine, The Line Of Best Fit, Dummy, LISTEN Magazine + more), radio airplay from BBC R1 (Jack Saunders, Sian Eleri), 6Music and BBC R2, alongside huge support from Spotify and Apple Music.
New single ‘Trespasser’ is out now. Carmody’s debut album Imperfect Constellations will be released on 6th July 2022 via Young Poet. Have a listen below…
Out now via Canadian indie label and collective Day7 Records, JAZ’S BLUES (SIDE A) is the brand new sophomore album from Toronto hybrid artist, songwriter, and musician JAZ VALENTINO. The 8-track album is the second full-length project in two years from the Grenadian-Serbian native, following last year’s introductory album Day 7, which led to Jaz Valentino reaching the milestone of garnering his first million streams on Spotify alone.
The melodic rap and R&B fusion album Jaz’s Blues (Side A) was preceded by two well-received lead singles that were released to open Jaz Valentino’s 2022 – the Buckroll Beats-produced ‘Snowflakes’, which has garnered over 100,000 plays online, and the recently released introspective offering produced by Arcane Beats titled ‘Wild Weeds’, which is currently being supported by Live Nation’s Ones To Watch, 1883 Magazine, Earmilk and Word Is Bond Magazine, among others.
Jaz’s Blues (Side A) opens with ‘Farmers Land’, a tribute to Jaz Valentino’s father, who passed away from liver cancer when Jaz was only 13, before digging deeper into his trust issues on ‘Eunoia’, addressing his friendships on songs like ‘King City’ and ‘Like Minds’, refocusing on his faith on ‘Blue F’, and closing out the album with ‘Life Waters’, which is about starting over with a clean slate, and features Jaz’s grandmother, who practically raised him.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the album, Jaz Valentino says, “‘Jaz’s Blues (Side A)’ is me baring my soul in the music about the last three years of my life and what I’ve been going through. Flowers come out of the growth process, but no one talks about the pain the bud or seedling go through in the process, and this is what the album represents. I wrote these songs through the pandemic, through finding my feet in the music industry, through countless rejections and breakups.“
Born and raised in Canada, Jaz Valentino’s music blurs the line between the classic warm tones of R&B and the dynamism of modern hip-hop, while still leaning on his special connection with R&B and rap music. Notable for his evocative sounds, lush melodies, layered texture, captivating hook and introspective lyrics, Jaz Valentino has long been able to connect with listeners on a deeper level, using his ‘less is more’ philosophy to make sure his mixes are not overly crowded, and his songs feel spacious and lush, with plenty of room for his songwriting to stick out.
Now it’s time for you to check out the official video for Jaz’s ‘Life Waters’ below…
Having recently been selected as the next ‘Africa Rising’ artist by Apple Music, on the back of the success of her latest single ‘Break’, which has garnered over 100K plays online, and been spotlighted on Apple Music’s ‘New Music Daily’ and ‘R&B Now’, and Spotify’s ‘Fresh Finds’ and ‘Mood Ring’, alternative R&B singer and songwriter NEZSA is back again with an exquisite new single titled ‘Trouble’.
Taken from her anticipated sophomore EP To All The Heartbreakers, which arrives in the summer, ‘Trouble’ is a brilliant genre-bending R&B offering, driven by Nezsa’s enchanting voice, layered harmonies and vivid storytelling lyrics. The ethereal track sees the Canada-based Nigerian rising star standing up to a toxic ex-lover, and pushing back against their cheating, gaslighting and lying ways, over lush synth keys, infectious 808 drum patterns, and a glorious saxophone arrangement that perfectly punctuates the track.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Trouble’, Nezsa says, “‘Trouble’ came to me so naturally. Gbeduboss sent me the beat and I was immediately enthralled by the heavy baseline and overall dark vibe. The story is inspired by some of my own experiences, but it’s also dedicated ‘To All the Heartbreakers’, just as the EP is named. It’s a very empowering song because it’s about standing up to those who’ve hurt you and reclaiming your agency, finally showing them that you’re not weak. In a way, it’s dark because it seems to celebrate revenge, but I think that functions as a therapeutic form of expression in showing myself and also my listeners the extent of our capabilities”.
Noteworthy for her effortless fusion of alternative R&B and neo-soul, her distinctly unforgettable vocals, and her intricate lyricism, Nezsa first burst onto the scene in the summer of 2019 with her debut tracks ‘Lost’ and ‘Like This?’, which quickly attracted global listeners, and caught the attention of emPawa. Partnering with the Mr Eazi-founded label service, Nezsa released her debut EP Bitter-Sweet last summer to rave reviews from fans and critics alike, before taking a hiatus last year to work on her sophomore EP, which arrives in the summer, led by ‘Break’ and the brand new ‘Trouble’. Check it out below…
New Lease Music 