Toronto singer, songwriter, producer and all-round creative TYRA JUTAI is making some of the most compelling alternative pop music right now as is evident on her brand new conceptual EP, ‘You Weren’t A Muse’, which is inspired by Golden Age Hollywood actress, singer and sex symbol Mae West and her classic 1933 movie, I’m No Angel. Taken from the six-track EP, Jutai presents the cinematic music video for early favourite ‘Frida’.
Written and produced by Tyra Jutai and award-winning Montreal producer John Nathaniel (Gwen Stefani, OneRepublic, Kygo), with the accompanying visuals conceptualised by Jutai and burgeoning creative director Piper Ellis, ‘Frida’ is an exquisite slow-burning gloomy pop offering driven by ominous marching drums and string arrangements, which sees Jutai unfolding a gripping tale of betrayal, jealousy and ultimate revenge between lovers and best friends that is underpinned by her captivating songwriting and resounding vocals.
After debuting on the blog with single, ‘Talk About Love’ last month, Toronto’s singer-songwriter and multi instrumentalist 5OMERSET shares single, ‘Lakeshore Ave’, which sums up what we’re all feeling for the past year. The euphoric synth pop offering reflects the yearning of those nights out on the town with friends and loved ones before the Covid pandemic came into play.
Why not check it out 5omerset’s ‘Lakeshore Ave’ below…
Emerging from the ranks of Manchester’s finest, multi-talented rapper and producer ABORMAL SLEEPZ‘s single ‘Questions’, featuring Lancashire artist/choreographer Blackhaine, captures a real raw, dark energy; a sound not heard from Sleepz before. The single is taken from his upcoming mixtape ‘The Meditape III’ which features the likes of HMD and SLEAZY F.
Rapidly solidifying his name amongst the echelons of Manchester excellence, Abnormal Sleepz has consistently combined his distinct musical palette with introspective lyrics in each one of his releases.
Spending years crafting his signature sound, the blend of his love for Hip Hop, Soul and Grime resulted in the release of his first solo mixtape, ‘The Meditape’ in 2015, followed by ‘The Meditape II’. Taking his own artistic inspiration from Ab – Soul, Erykah Badu, Curren$y, Wiz Khalifa and Kendrick Lamar, Sleepz went on to release his debut LP ‘Kaleidoscope’ with The North Quarter in 2019.
On top of this, his extensive production skills has led him to produce for Misha B, Ayo Britain and Pip Millet; his recent campaigns with Wray & Nephew, Flannels, JD Sports and Timberland further demonstrating his versatility as an artist.
Bold in his outlook, effortless in his delivery, Abnormal Sleepz is the Mancunion creating a voice for the next generation and with his unique collaboration with Blackhaine, ‘Questions’ is an experimental force to be reckoned with. Check out the video for the epic track below…
Regularly touching on everyday magic found through relationships, self love, reflection and dreams, delivered with her emotive, contralto vocals, Toronto-based singer songwriter, SIA SHELLS shares her latest single, ‘3%,’ released yesterday – 19th May.
As the past year has resulted in no other means of really communicating with our friends and loved ones than from a distance, the moody, self reflective and intimate track highlights the all too common feeling of phone separation anxiety.
‘3%,’ follows her empowering, you-got-this anthem, ‘Magic Girl,’ released earlier this year. Check out Sia’s latest release below…
Canadian R&B phenom EMANUEL‘s latest single ‘Worldwide’ captures a time when dreams were still dreams – before his music was streamed millions of times around the globe and his talent was admired by fans and critics alike.
Created in his producer/collaborator Bedroom’s basement, Emanuel recalls that the lyrics “floated up to the surface” as ‘Worldwide’ spontaneously took shape: “During that time, we were really dreaming out loud in the way that we would talk about our futures and in the way that we were trying to summon this grand reality. This song was really born from the deep want to take the music to the world.” Years later, ‘Worldwide’ has morphed from a manifestation mantra into a song of celebration and a prayer for the future.
“This past year has been a great learning experience for what it means to really manifest something and be appreciative of the things you’ve been able to uncover and draw from within yourself and make reality,” says Emanuel. “But even though we’ve manifested certain aspects of the song – and that’s a beautiful thing – it still wants to be seen out in its fullness. ‘Worldwide’ is a song of affirmation and it’s become a prayer to be able to continue until all of those goals are met in their completion.”
The dream to connect with people in the cities and countries he sings about is still very real for Emanuel since the pandemic has prevented him from bringing his music to stages around the world. “It’s wild to me how prophetic music can be. I’m still imagining going to those places, smelling the air, performing in front of crowds, and being able to truly live out what the song is talking about: to be able to take the message, the energy we bring, the light we’ve been blessed with; to be able to share that while also being open to receiving wisdom and exporting that back so we can enrich the places we’re in. That beautiful exchange, that’s the heart of it.”
Mixed by Gary Noble (Amy Winehouse, Nas, Public Enemy), “Worldwide” is the final glimpse into ALT THERAPY, Emanuel’s inaugural full-length project, before the album makes its eagerly anticipated debut on June 16th.
Earlier this Spring, Emanuel was honoured with his first JUNO Award nomination. His critically acclaimed debut EP Session 1: Disillusion has been nominated for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year which will be awarded at the 50th Annual JUNO Awards this June.
Have a listen to ‘Worldwide below, releases via Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company, and Motown Records.
