Song of the Day: Used To – Martin Novales

Hailing from Wisconsin, R&B singer MARTIN NOVALES has captivated listeners all over the world with his passionate vocals and candid lyrics. Growing up in a musically inclined family, Martin was introduced to music by his mother, who taught piano out of their home. Sadly, Martin’s mother passed away when he was just a child, but her love for music had a profound impact on him, inspiring him to pursue his own passion for music.

Martin’s cover of Alicia Keys’ ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ accumulated over two million Spotify streams and went viral on Instagram, with over 200,000 reels using his rendition. He’s set to release his debut album this year, which promises to showcase his heartfelt sound that often explores themes of love, loss and self-discovery, as heard on his latest released single, ‘Used To’.

‘Used To’ highlights Martin’s silky-smooth vocals, which glide over the laid-back, midtempo R&B groove effortlessly. Packed with sticky melodies and a memorable hook that will be ingrained in everyone’s head after one listen, the track is a throwback to the early 2000s and will surely see Martin continue his impressive run and break new ground.

Speaking further on the new single, Martin says, “‘Used To’ was inspired by and written immediately after unfollowing an ex on social media. After the process of the breakup, that felt like the final nail in the coffin of our relationship being over and that a chapter was ending and a new one was beginning. This song is about those emotions of acceptance, melancholy and reflection.”

Have a listen to ‘Used To’ below..

Song of the Day: Lonely Again – JVSTN

New York-based pop artist JVSTN.’s latest single ‘Lonely Again’, possesses an upbeat electro pop sound, documenting the joys of being single again after a rough breakup. Since the successful release of his first two original songs last year – ‘Lost & Found’ and ‘Dancing with the Enemy’ (which claimed the blog’s Song of the Month title in February 2022) – JVSTN. has been working on new projects and can’t wait to add to his collection with this pop bop.

JVSTN says of his latest offering, “This song started years ago when my barber pointed out how he liked the Weeknd’s use of disco samples. Playing around with some disco sounds and sending ideas back and forth with my writing partner Charlie Aldrich, we landed somewhere really special. The song is about the excitement and relief of being single after a recent breakup and reclaiming your autonomy. Dancing between bitter grudges and blissful indifference, we can all now sing along about how happy we are to be ‘lonely again’.”

Have a listen to ‘Lonely Again’ below…

Listen To CHVRLI BLVCK’s Beautifully Raw Single, ‘Why Did You Go?’

London-born singer-songwriter CHVRLI BLVCK‘s new single ‘Why Did You Go?’ is a poignant and deeply personal account of the aftermath of a breakup. The single blends simple acoustic guitar with layered vocals and retro-inspired synths to create a hauntingly beautiful soundscape, which rises and falls in harmony with the emotional journey it imparts.

Known for his vocal prowess and emotionally raw style, CHVRLI BLVCK reflects his personal struggles with mental health, with an eclectic but immediately recognisable sound, influenced by artists such as Jeff Buckley, The Maccabees, and Fiona Apple.

He began releasing music in mid-2022 and has quickly developed a dedicated online following, with over a quarter of a million streams, positive reviews, podcast interviews, and regular airplay on independent radio stations. He has also entered the live arena with some success performing small shows, and is fast becoming a fixture of the local scene.

‘Why Did You Go?’ was released last Friday (3rd March). Have a listening his stunning single below…

Nia Chennai Has New Found Confidence After Break-up In Single, ‘Since We Ain’t Together.’

NIA CHENNAI‘s new single, ‘Since We Ain’t Together’ follows the well-received debut single ‘Players Part’ released in October 2022. Nia Chennai has set the tone for the start of her career by letting her followers know, that she is ready and capable of consistently dropping good music.

The rhythmic R&B/Neo-Soul number had been teased on TikTok, weeks before its release and a few of the videos created had gone viral. Nia amassed over 200k views with hundreds of comments, likes and reposts using the sound.

Produced by Ewan Vickery, Since We Ain’t Together’ documents Nia’s newfound confidence after a breakup. The smooth vibe sheds light on a message that most, if not all ex-lovers can relate to. The track delivers on every aspect with a catchy hook, soothing backing vocals, and a beat reminiscent of the sounds of Kali Uchis/Anderson Paak or Lilly Allen.

‘Since We Ain’t Together’, was released yesterday (24th January) across various music platforms. Check it out below…

Paige Bea Melds Spiralling Pop Hooks, Boundary Pushing Instrumentals And Timeless Songwriting On EP ‘Goodbye, Then!’

London-based singer, songwriter and producer PAIGE BEA‘s EP ‘Goodbye, Then!’ – self-released via The Orchard – re-establishes her within the alternative pop landscape after a 2 year hiatus from releasing music. To date, the EP has received wide acclaim and support from BBC R1 (Jack Saunders), Spotify (Fresh Finds UK & IE), COLORS, The Line Of Best Fit, CLASH Magazine, Wonderland, The Rodeo, New Wave Magazine, enfnts terribles, The Pit LDN, Wordplay Mag and more.

Influenced by acts such as FKA Twigs, Tirzah, Caroline Polachek, Jockstrap, James Blake and Sampha – those sonic touch points are evident within Paige’s avant-garde, unpredictable productions as she melds spiralling pop hooks and boundary pushing instrumentals, with timeless songwriting and self-aware lyricism. ‘Goodbye, Then!’ sees the artist uniting with producers Leo Wyatt (aka KINDER) and Jonjo Keefe (Park Hotel).

The six-track EP explores the obsessions and projections that come with all relationships. From lustful beginnings (“4×4”) to shaky middles (‘Autopilot’ and ‘Melt’), bitter ends (‘Stay Still’) to rose-tinted re-imaginings of the past (‘The Quiet Of The Hours’ and ‘Goodbye, Then!’) – the music aims to chart how warped perceptions of romantic relationships directly lead to their downfall. Part catharsis and part warning signal – the songs are an attempt to take back the narrative and add some much needed glamour and thrill to the tricky process of letting go.

“The production, lyrical themes and aesthetics surrounding ‘Goodbye, Then!’ are a slow sharpening of my sense of self,” Paige explains. “It starts dark, murky and jagged and eventually reaches a place of clarity and peace. The maximalist approach to the EP is a significant contrast to how small I was made to feel – and that was important. These songs are about making myself the main character again and I want this EP to make those who listen feel empowered, sexy and resolute in stories of their own heartbreak too.”

‘Goodbye, Then!’ is out now for your inspection…have a peep below…

Must Listens: 4×4, Autopilot, Melt