Tag: alternative music

Song of the Day: Lady – Deb Fan

Hong Kong-raised and Los Angeles-based artist and producer DEB FAN‘s single, ‘Lady’, is an intricate alt-r&b track which emerges from Deb’s recent pilgrimage to Hong Kong—her first visit in over three years—which reconnected her with the vibrant yet overwhelming pulse of her hometown, prompting a deep reflection of the complexities of modern femininity from her perspective as a Taiwanese immigrant living in the US. Co-produced alongside Max He, ‘Lady’ blends the live instrumentation of 90s R&B and the visual soundscapes of impressionist-era classical music, reclaiming themes of rebirth and challenging stereotypes at the intersection of technology, tradition and femininity.

In the accompanying music video (directed by Breanna Lynn), viewers will see that ‘Lady’ is set against the backdrop of a traditional tea party following Qing Ming Jie (清明節, or Tomb-Sweeping Day), a Chinese festival which blends mourning and remembrance. The visual artfully navigates the concept of techno-orientalism, challenging reductive stereotypes with its narrative and sound. Deb’s exploration of this theme questions the outdated portrayals of Asian cultures as both futuristic and culturally stagnant. The full-female cast subverts the clichéd image of the Asian female cyborg, blending high-tech elements with traditional symbols to stake their claim on their own identity.

In ‘Lady,’ Deb Fan shares that beyond defiance, her freedom of choice in defining her identity is what matters most: “There’s some beauty in made-up rules. King of my world with none to lose.” The song is a bold statement of self-empowerment, reclaiming narratives and defying stereotypes in a world that often seeks to define them for us.

Deb Fan has earned praise from tastemakers at Billboard, Lyrical Lemonade, MTV, Luna Collective, Ones to Watch, That Good Sh*t, and Gen Direct to name a few, as well as Spotify Editorial Playlists – All New Indie, Ethereal, Outliers, .ORG, Poses, high-rise, Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds: R&B, Fresh Finds: Indie, Mood., Radar: Hong Kong, Simmering, +852 Rising as well as over 30 New Music Friday playlists including a top 15 on USA NMF for her last release “9AM IN LONDON”. Deb also covered R&B Rising on Tidal and is set to be a featured Tidal Rising Artist for 2024. In 2023, she went on her debut tour supporting Hojean, and will play the KOHAI showcase in June 2024.

‘Lady’ is the first single released from Deb’s forthcoming sophomore EP ‘Kowloon Demos’. Why not check out the video for single below…

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

Song of the Day: Limon – Hibachi x Image x Sandy

Visionary producer HIBACHI‘s explosive soulful single ‘LIMON,’ features Spanish/UK R&B artist SANDY and the multifaceted American rapper and actor, IMAGE, known for his role in the Netflix series Sex Education.

Sandy, a 20-year-old singer, songwriter, and pianist hailing from London, delivers heartfelt lyrics and a soothing voice aimed at providing solace during uncertain times. Drawing from a diverse range of influences, including classical piano training and contemporary R&B and soul artists like Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., and SiR, Sandy’s music navigates themes of transition and adaptation in the face of change. Her compositions resonate with those experiencing the challenges of adjusting to new environments, offering a sense of connection during moments of isolation.

Image’s journey originates from the streets of Baltimore City, where music served as his refuge from a challenging environment. Through his music, he shares his experiences growing up amidst adversity and his aspirations for the future. With a desire to connect with audiences on a personal level, Image channels his past struggles and hopes for the future into his compositions, inviting listeners to join him on his musical journey.

Emerging producer Hibachi, originally from Tanzania, is making a significant impact in the UK music scene with his unique fusion of Hip Hop, Dance, R&B, and Afrobeat. Distinguishing himself from the mainstream by blending elements of House, R&B, Hip Hop, and Afrobeat, Hibachi’s sound has attracted attention from distributors such as AWAL CORE. Teaming up the three London-based artists Hibachi, Sandy and Image are collectively aiming to energize listeners with their collaborative single… have a listen below…

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

Song of the Day: No Escape – KeeZY

Los Angeles based Hip-Hop meets pop artist KeeZY, also known as “Black Bieber,” is known for his incredible versatility and non-traditional approach to music. Defined by years of fighting for his acceptance, the artist uses innovation and unpredictability to confidently showcase his talents. A natural at singing, rapping, and crafting hooks, KeeZY is very strategic when it comes to songwriting. There are many artists who have tried multiple styles of music to show their versatility, but KeeZY has made it a point to master and embody two completely different genres of music as KeeZY himself and his alter ego, “Black Bieber.”

Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, KeeZY took to music at an early age – writing, producing, mixing and mastering his first song by the age of 12. By learning all aspects of the recording process, the artist learned invaluable skills which eventually led KeeZY to open his own recording studio chain, Pulse Studios.

His sound encompasses themes including lust, empowerment, and navigating the industry while reaching for success. In a world full of generic artists, KeeZY constantly pushes the envelope with his experimental yet palpable songwriting that connects with listeners around the globe.

Have a listen to one of his masterpiece below titled, ‘No Escape’….

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

Song of the Day: Regret It – Ashwin

Rising alternative artist ASHWIN, formerly known as The ATG, shocks the industry with the release of his latest single ‘Regret It,’ a poignant and introspective track that showcases his unparalleled talent and innovative approach to music. Hailing from the industrious streets of Detroit, Ashwin has carved out a unique space in the music world as a beacon of creativity and artistry.

At the core of Ashwin‘s artistic vision is his pioneering of the “Cinematic Hip-Hop” genre, a fusion of symphonic orchestration and urban hip-hop beats that sets him apart as a true trailblazer in the industry. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences, from the cinematic scores of Hans Zimmer to the genre-defining beats of Dr. Dre, Ashwin‘s sound is a reflection of his rich musical tapestry and deep connection to his Detroit roots.

With a discography that showcases his versatility and innovation, Ashwin‘s tracks like ‘Outside,’ ‘Twilight,’ and ‘Regret It’, demonstrate his ability to navigate a spectrum of emotions and storytelling styles. Each song in Ashwin‘s catalog is not just a musical offering but a chapter in an ongoing saga of artistic evolution, inviting listeners into a world where music transcends the auditory and becomes a vivid narrative journey.

‘Regret It’ is a powerful addition to Ashwin‘s repertoire, promising to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and thought-provoking lyrics. This single further solidifies Ashwin‘s position as a rising star in the alternative music scene, blending introspection with dynamic vigor in a way that is uniquely his own. Why not have a listen below…

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

Milan Ring Releases New Single ‘Leo’

Celebrated Eora/Sydney R&B musician, producer and engineer MILAN RING shares her new single ‘Leo’, the latest to be lifted from her love-struck forthcoming second studio album, Mangos, due out May 10 via Astral People Recordings.

Cut from the lust-colored first half of the record, the glittery disco-funk of ‘Leo’ saunters in with co-production from polyrhythmic trio OYOBI, lithely fusing hip hop and R&B influences with accents of Milan’s ever-expressive guitar playing in a way that only she can. Chanting ‘You bring out the Leo in me’, ‘Leo’ represents the highpoint of Mangos’ infatuation, signaling the astrological alignment of compatibility and honoring an appreciation for someone who really, truly sees you.

Playful and inquisitive, Milan Ring’s Mangos is the epitome of radiant summer, oozing endless possibilities and a profound sense of lightness as she flirts across genres from alt-pop to electronica whilst also staying true to her R&B roots. A hopeless romantic, Milan Ring asks us to surrender to love on Mangos, inviting us inward as she embarks on a journey of love that is universal yet individually complex. Through her lyrics, experimental mixing, multiple string arrangements and voice memos recorded by close friends, she outlines the stages of a relationship across one year, likening the journey to the inevitable change in seasons, reminding us that nothing stays still forever.

Threading together previous singles ‘Mangos’, ‘Quicksand’ and ‘Photograph’, ‘Leo’ arrives as the fullest and most distilled expression of her beguiling talents to date. Between them, the singles have already garnered praise and support from the likes of COLORS, NME, The Guardian, CRACK Magazine, Wonderland Magazine, ACCLAIM, Northern Transmissions, AUD$ and many more, alongside rotation adds from Double J, FBi Radio, 2SER and extensive airplay across BBC Radio 1’s Future Artists with Jack Saunders, Future Sounds with Clara Amfo, Chillest Show with Sian Eleri, BBC 6Music, triple j and community radio stations around Australia.

Listen to ‘Leo’ below…

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment