Tag: alternative music

Songs of the Day: The Grey/I Couldn’t Love You More – The Foreign Exchange

In 2002, two artists from opposite ends of the world– North Carolina emcee/singer Phonte of Little Brother, and Dutch producer Nicolay – engaged in a fully online, transatlantic musical collaboration that would help redefine modern music. On August 24, 2024, the novelty of their collaboration became their namesake, and they released their seminal debut album Connected as The Foreign Exchange. Over the course of 20 years, Nicolay and Phonte have both individually and collectively set a precedent for what indie artists can achieve, and revolutionized the way artists collaborate today. With a Grammy-nomination and their very own +FE Music label, the duo commemorates their 20-year-long journey as The Foreign Exchange by sharing a new 12″ single ‘The Grey” / “I Couldn’t Love You More (dub)’.

Out now on all digital streaming platforms, the dual release covers the musical gamut of The Foreign Exchange. ‘The Grey’, which serves as the theme song for ESPN’s new ’30 for 30′ film False Positive, finds Phonte spitting razor sharp bars, with a hook delivered by the silky vocals of +FE Music signee BeMyFiasco. In contrast, Phonte and Nicolay go full quiet storm mode on ‘I Couldn’t Love You More’, a beautiful rendition of Sade’s classic record.

“Rhyming and covering my favorite Sade song felt like the best way to encompass all that The Foreign Exchange represents. We’ve covered a lot of ground over the past 20 years. This single represents us coming back to square one.” – Phonte

ESPN’s new ’30 for 30′ film False Positive, which debuted on June 11, 2024, was scored in its entirety by Nicolay. The film tells the story of former Olympic Track and Field athlete and world record holder Butch Reynolds, who was falsely accused and banned for drug use by the International Amateur Athletic Federation. As a fan of Nicolay’s work, the film’s director, Ismail Al-Amin, first tapped the classically trained multi-instrumentalist from the Netherlands for the project in 2021.

“Ismail booked The Foreign Exchange for an event in Akron, Ohio years ago. He was keen on creating a decidedly soulful score, but with a European twist, as the sport of track and field traditionally is very popular there, and a lot of the crucial action in the film takes place overseas. He felt that I could be the right man for the job. This particular project represents twenty years of experience and accumulated style… the scope of this project and the sheer quantity of music required really allowed me to double down on it all… There’s quite literally a little bit of everything in this score. While I was working on some initial sketches for the film, I came upon the idea of mirroring all of the different stages of Butch’s life and career with the evolution of my own music over the years. So in the early stages of the documentary, the music is largely beat-driven and optimistic, mirroring the sound and feel of my own early years. As the situation gets more complicated and inevitably darker and more emotional, so does the music.” – Nicolay

Nicolay has also been hard at work on his forthcoming solo album, which is currently slated for an early summer release. The project’s latest single ‘Roll Up (I Can’t Lose My High). released in April.

Listen to ‘The Grey/ / ‘I Couldn’t Love You More (dub)’ below….

by Categories: Songs of the DayTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Song of the Day: Worth It – Paige Bea

London-based singer, songwriter and producer PAIGE BEA‘s single, ‘Worth It’, is a dark, feminist ode to the frustrations of not knowing where you stand at the start of a new relationship. On ‘Worth It’, Paige is characteristically direct, asking outright rhetorical questions that ask for frankness in where this new romance is heading, paired with bold, honest statements about her own intentions: “I’m not here to convince and coerce / make things nice and give birth / I’m a difficult person”.

Speaking more on the lyrical inspiration behind ‘Worth It’, Paige said: “The lyrics for Worth It came shortly after a date I’d just been on. I was already just so anxious about when I was going to get the text back and how much longer we were going to have to do this silly dance before we just gave in to falling in love and seeing what happens. It felt like we were both coming into the start of it with a lot of trepidation given past relationships we’d been in, and we were trying to be adults by taking it slow, but it also felt like that was sucking the fun, spontaneous joy of starting something new out of it? I was also thinking about expectations of women in relationships, the peacemaker, the homemaker, the PA, the mother (I’m not here to convince and coerce / Make things nice then give birth / I’m a difficult person) and I wanted to make a statement that I probably won’t fit into the idea of who you think I am and I want to make that clear, but I’m also up for just leaning into this new feeling and taking a leap of faith if you are? I think our generation has this tendency to think that because they are grown and therapised, it means we can micro-manage all our relationships and behaviours and I’m far too impulsive for that. I’m much more about throwing myself in the deep-end and seeing where it takes me.”

Across her work to date, Paige Bea has seen excitable airplay and support from BBC R1’s Jack Saunders, Tara Kumar, Sian Eleri, BBC Introducing London’s Jess Izsatt, and BBC 1Xtra’s Jamz Supernova (who invited her into the studio for a Late Night Discovery interview), as well as esteemed publications and outlets such as COLORS, The Line Of Best Fit, Wonderland, The Independent, CLASH Magazine, Wordplay Mag, enfnts terribles, The Rodeo + more.

Upon the release of ‘Worth It’, Paige Bea announced her new EP ‘Flutters’ which was available from Wednesday (17th July) via DMY Artists. Why not listen to the avant-garde track below…

by Categories: Songs of the DayTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Song of the Day: avoid! – Sion

German-born and South Korea-based multi hyphenate SION has returned with the release of his highly anticipated EP, ‘Sociavoidance’. Marking a transformative period for the hit-maker, ‘Sociavoidance’ goes against what we’re accustomed to, navigating a variety of genre-bending sounds; the 5-track project is a step in a different direction for the storyteller. Following on from the February release of ‘O.o’, we dive deeper into Sion’s unpredictable world. With an EU tour on the horizon later this year, ‘Sociavoidance’ is a glimpse of what to expect on stage.

Exploring the disassociation in modern-day interaction, Sion bares elements of vulnerability as he confronts his fears and desires surrounding social interaction and relationships, forming a comforting familiarity for many that’s enriched with depth and emotion. Boasting a refreshed creative flare, ‘Sociavoidance’ finely blends indie electronica, abstract hip-hop, alt R&B, and glitch pop yet still remains cohesively structured. After hours of refining the smaller details, this project reflects a time of great significance and self-reflection.

Opening the EP with “avoid!”, Sion instantly sets the tone as he acknowledges his disillusionment with modern-day relationships. Confronting his difficulty with human connection, he shares that his existing relationships are strained because of it.

”When asked about the difference between this album and previous projects, Sion explained, “This project marks the beginning of a new journey for me musically. I dove into different subgenres such as indie electronica, abstract hip-hop, alt R&B, and glitch pop, while trying to bind together all these different sounds in a cohesive manner through tons of sound design. I’m not sure, and kind of scared about how it will resonate with my audience right now. But at some point, I needed to progress, and this work certainly gives me the courage to experiment with even more genres and styles going forward in my career. I want to be remembered as an artist who has many facets but maintains a distinct colour, and I’d like to believe that this album is a good start in the right direction.”

Listen to ‘avoid!’ below…

by Categories: Songs of the DayTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Jessica Wilde returns with highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Teach Me How To Love’.

Singer, songwriter, rapper and producer JESSICA WILDE has released her highly anticipated, soul touching, empowering and thought- provoking sophomore album ‘Teach Me How To Love’, with the amazing Afronaut Zu featuring on the title track.

Wilde fully utilizes her authentic expression through this powerful and truly unique body of work, where she bares her vulnerability on a personal journey of deep inner healing and an exploration of love for self, others, life and God. Authentically expressed though her soul searing, raw, raspy and heart hitting singing which Jess fuses with her sharp-witted rap & spoken word with undeniable South London grit.

Wilde, now four years sober, has openly shared her experience, from her debut project (2023) where each of the songs were like confessional diary entries, laying out brutally honest lyrics in her unique and original Wilde way, taking us on a ride of life through addiction, toxic relationships, escapism to a place of self-empowerment, self-love and living sober.

Wilde’s new album ‘Teach Me How To Love’ reflects all the inner work she has committed to that has brought her out of the darkest times of her life. Wilde has ventured on a spiritual path which took her on a transformational solo adventure from the concrete jungle to the Amazon Jungle and which gave the seeds of inspiration for this new chapter of her musical expression to take fruit.

In her recent interview with Carrie and David Grant on BBC Radio London she said: “The phase now is really feeling a lot more self-love, love for life and really wanting to uplift people with my music and spread the frequency of love”.

The new album project features some of Wilde’s close friends and incredible artists in their own right Josh Barry (Nile Rodgers, Gorgon City), Zoe Kyrpi (Black Coffee, David Lazarus), James Newman (writer of Rudimental’s Brit award winning song ‘Waiting All Night’ with Ella Eyre) and Afronaut Zu who’s raw and husky vocals are heard on the title track ‘Teach Me How To Love’. Zu is also a part of Steam Down Jazz collective and Rudimental. Wilde not only penned the tunes of the album but also co-produced it with producer and right hand man Tom Maine (Wu-lu, Ego Ella May).

Having released five singles in the lead up to the full album drop, Wilde has gained an immense amount of loyal and continuing support across BBC Radio from taste maker DJ’s, including Radio 1’s ‘Future Artists’ with Jack Saunders, Jess Iszatt on both Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, BBC 6 Music, Multiple BBC Radio London shows, including a recent in studio live performance and interview with Carrie and David Grant. She has also gained support from John Kennedy on Radio X, editorial playlist features across the board with Apple, Spotify, Youtube Music, TIDAL, Amazon and US Radio and streaming platform Pandora, plus also press acclaim from 1883, Clash Magazine, Complex, The Independent, Wonderland, The Daily Star and many more.

This summer was Jam packed, with Wilde hitting the stages of Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Camp Wild Fire and Soul Town festival where she’s opening the main stage for legends Earth, Wind and Fire. Not only is the festival season popping off, but Wilde is also set to headline Lower Third on 17th July for her album launch show, in collaboration with soul pioneering platform ‘Global Soul’ and Wilde’s very own PxSSY PWR platform.

‘PxSSY PWR’ is a platform Wilde created as a response to the disparity between support for male artists compared to female artists. The residency at Hootananny Brixton has become a hub and major platform for some of the most exciting underground female, non-binary and queer artists, including sold out shows with the likes of Etta Bond, IYAMAH, Zoe Kypri and Tamaraebi to name a few.

Listen to ‘Teach Me How To Love’ below…

Must Listens: Love Like This, FADE, Human, Teach Me How To Love

by Categories: New AlbumsTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Niko B unleashes debut album ‘dog eat dog food world’

Hailing from Milton Keynes, NIKO B‘s much-anticipated debut album ‘dog eat dog food world’, is fuelled entirely by raw creative vision and a powerful DIY spirit. The debut is a deep diving journey into the topsy-turvy tangles of modern life and deconstructing the concept of trying to adult in the 21st century – made almost entirely with beats from rising bedroom YouTube beatmakers.

Laid over 12 tracks, the album is Niko’s most far-reaching release to date, hitting hard with acute, introspective, relatable observations on small-town life that resonate with all – balancing end times gloom with absurdist wit. The release galvanises Niko’s role as a Gen-Z Mike Skinner; real, authentic, warm and honest.

Opening the album is ‘trespass coat’ featuring the South-London bedroom-pop artist dexter in the newsagent. First previewing some of the bars in his now notorious Victory Lap cypher going toe to toe with the likes of Central Cee and Dave last year, the single arrived earlier this year to acclaim from The Face, ACCLAIM, Spotify (Our Generation Cover), Hypebeast UK, NME, Hunger, NOTION, Wonderland, DMY and more. The cheeky ‘i’ve smoked weed 9 times and have had one good experience’ meets a shimmering minimal production with confessional lyricism.

New single ‘ur a bundle of joy !’ is a kaleidoscope of moody nostalgia, with funky guitar licks and sun-drenched vocals weaving between Niko’s bold wordplay. Niko breezily offers to turn pilot in the playful, blissed-out ‘boarded the plane’. Splicing percussive kick drums with cheeky synths, the chunky production makes ‘boarded the plane’ the perfect bop for summer. The hazy ‘tom did’ meets stipped-back breakbeats with low key fight talk. The lo-fi ‘miniclip’ was produced by Kwollem and features bars from rising rapper Kirbs, meeting relaxed alternative rap with Niko’s trademark eclectic references – from retired Welsh footballer Craig Bellamy to TV comedian Alan Carr and the throwback PC gaming website Miniclip.

The dreamlike brassy, jazz-infused, ‘it’s not litter if you bin it’ landed earlier this year to support from Zane Lowe on Beats 1, CLASH, DMY, VIPER, Hypebeast UK and more. The ethereal ‘i’m just a pretty face’ gives way to the atmospheric ‘dagenham to barking’ featuring a melange of obscure observations including the contents of lofts, former footballer and Soccer AM host Jimmy Bullard, and the price of a second hand VW Golf.

The jazzy ‘what counts as fine?’ features the bold claim that Niko could “beat Usain Bolt in a pair of Hunters”. ‘forteen days’ blends sugary synths with snappy bars on baby showers, Hobbycraft, crisps and pints. Rounding out the album is ‘who’s in designer’, splicing chopped up vox pop news clips with Niko’s honeyed vocals and groovy, layered instrumentation. It’s the perfect unexpectedly sweet note to round out the debut.

Destined for a playlist, speakers and stage near you imminently, ‘dog eat dog food world’ simultaneously takes things back to Niko’s roots but also zooms out to reveal a much wider picture of who he is and what makes him tick. It’s happy music, reflections of what it’s like to be a British teenager with each cut coming with a barbed tale of high, lows, lols and woes.

Exploding into the UK pop cultural psyche in 2019 with his viral single ‘Mary Berry’, Niko B racked up millions of streams overnight. Since then the songsmith, rapper and creative auteur has continued to delight fans with releases that showcase his acerbic lyricism, releasing unexpected creative visuals, growing his clothing brand Crowd into a cult favourite and more. Niko’s fearless approach to his art has been lauded by the likes of British Vogue, The New York Times, Hypebeast, POPEYE Magazine and DAZED who featured him in this year’s DAZED 100.

Have a listen to ‘dog eat dog food world below…

Must Listens: ur a bundle of joy, tom did, who’s in designer

by Categories: New AlbumsTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment