Song of the Day: Pulling Me Closer – Aeris Roves

‘Pulling Me Closer’ marks the first single of 2022 from London based, singer, songwriter, poet and producer – AERIS ROVES . It follows on from 2021 records ‘Cairo’ and ‘Long Way Down’ which were well received after a 2 year hiatus.

Whilst ‘Cairo’ was about finding the gold in someone and ‘Long Way Down’ looked at the breakdown in communication during a relationship and the process of realigning with a partner – ‘Pulling Me Closer’ explores initial attraction and it’s unexpected intensity.

Speaking in more detail, Aeris reiterates “Pulling me closer – A song that started off as an unfinished acoustic idea on Instagram. It was shared by Billie Eilish. A trip to Los Angeles with Two Inch Punch offered the inspiration needed to finish the production. Thematically, it explores a situation of initial attraction, in that it’s unexpected and intense, pondering the fact that once it takes hold, it is very difficult to let go of.”

With influences deeply rooted in soul and modern R&B Aeris draws influence from The Drifters, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, Majid Jordan and more. Growing up, Aeris would sing in local choirs gradually teaching himself guitar in his bedroom as an accompaniment.

His first commercial offering came in the form of a self-produced 2018 Soundcloud release, ‘Banks.’ The track garnered an initial buzz in the UK, quickly extending across the Atlantic where it was championed by US pop sensation Billie Eilish – She in turn invited him to support her on her European tour.

A successful run followed, cutting his live teeth and landing him a record deal with RCA where he released his debut LP ‘Moon By Island Gardens’ to much critical acclaim.

In 2020, with new label and management in tow, Aeris used lockdown to return to the studio to delve into a new body of work.

Stay tuned for the release of more singles from this guy…until then, have a listen to ‘Pulling Me Closer.’

Song of the Day: That’s On You! – Rei Ami

Released on Visionary Records/Sony Music Entertainment, Alt-pop singer and songwriter, REI AMI‘s standout new track ‘THAT’S ON YOU!’ shows off her range and versatility, opening up with a fierce yet playful rap verse before seamlessly transitioning into a soft captivating pop earworm.

The accompanying music video, directed by Kristen Jan Wong (Charli XCX, Nasty Cherry, Grace McKagan), portrays the fast rising musician as part of a bounty hunting duo who eventually seeks revenge on her partner in crime.

On the inspiration behind her new single, REI AMI shares, “THAT’S ON YOU!” is about recognizing your power again. It’s about being yourself to the fullest extent and if others don’t like it, then that’s their problem. I exist for myself and myself only. I refuse to dull myself down to make others comfortable. So if you don’t like me, baby that’s on you.”

Born in South Korea and raised in Maryland, REI AMI commanded herself into the spotlight in 2019 with the release of her three multi-faceted debut singles ‘Make It Mine’, ‘Dictator’ and ‘Snowcone’ the latter of which has since amassed over 15 million cumulative streams. Backed by co-signs from Billie Eilish, FINNEAS, and Zane Lowe, REI AMI continued to make waves with the eye-popping 2020 rap single ‘Mac & Cheese’, released via her new label Visionary Records, which led to a highly coveted spot walking in Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty runway show that same year.

Her name is a combination of two characters from the lauded anime series Sailor Moon; REI represents her softer, more delicate side and AMI showcases her braggadocious and aggressive “bad bitch” style. REI AMI best reflects the two polar sides of her personality, while also representing duality. For her, it’s not having to choose between this or that, but rather embracing both and then modeling that in her music.

“THAT’S ON YOU!” follows REI AMI’s first release of 2021, ‘Do It Right’ featuring rapper Aminé, and is the latest off her forthcoming mixtape due out this summer. Check out the official music video for the fierce single here…