Continuing her pursuit of warm and invigorating aesthetics that see her harness the textured allure of icons like Depeche Mode and Kate Bush, LOUISE BURNS‘ single, ‘I Don’t Feel Like I Used To’ marks another fresh and vibrant step forward for the artist at the helm. As the opening cut for her forthcoming full-length, her latest endeavour sees her channel a warm and tranquil vibe, perfectly elevated by her own captivating vocal performance throughout.
Speaking of the single, she said, “This is the first song I wrote for what became the album. I felt torn between writing something more gothic country like my older catalogue, or trip hop and sample based like the music I was listening to. Naturally it turned into both, which is a testament to the song’s story: an homage to my new found not really worrying about what people think my music, or me, might be, and focusing on what I like and what inspires me. Not feeling “it” like I used to is referring to the full body forward momentum I was feeling of getting over something that wasn’t good for me. Leaving behind your past, both physically and mentally, can be a glorious thing.”
Burns’ fifth full-length album ‘Element’ was primarily co-produced between Burns and Jason Corbett (ACTORS) at his Jacknife Studios in Vancouver, and also features collaborations with Colin Janz (Teset) and vocologist Carol-Lynne Quinn. The nine-strong track album was pieced together over a two-and-a-half-year span between Burns’ home and Mexico.
Of the album as a whole, Burns notes, “Element is a pop album for introverts. A soundtrack to accompany a trip into one’s inner world when the outside one isn’t cutting it.”
Louise Burns’ new single ‘I Don’t Feel Like I Used To’ is out now, followed by the release of her album ‘Element’ scheduled for Spring 2023… For now, why not check out the official video for the single below…
VANESSA MOOD (Vanessa Moodley) is a South African born singer, international award-winning songwriter, producer and entrepreneur. A newcomer to Canada, her music is soulful, passionate and often tells stories of intimacy that leaves one feeling less alone in this world.
Her sincere and heartfelt new song, ‘Work Things Out,’ is about forgiveness—for ourselves and those we love. Faced with a challenging situation, this one felt unique, as previously in other relationships that had reached this point, Vanessa was willing to walk away. But with this one, that was not an option.
Her life kicking off at the tail end of apartheid, Vanessa had no idea that a career in music was something that was available to someone of her skin colour or gender. It was only after completing a degree in music, which started as an escape from the pain of her father’s death, that she realized that she needed music. She hoped for more than her early learnings of jazz and began by exploring her love for pop music.
Have a listen to the stunning ‘Work Things Out’ below…
Ahead of the release of her deluxe album ‘CH III: The Come Up’, released yesterday (24th January), multifaceted Canadian powerhouse and visionary STORRY generated quite a buzz after linking up with Stormzy on the titular track of his album ‘This Is What I Mean’, lending her indelible vocal talents to the capstone of the British hip-hop scene.
The prowess that has defined STORRY’s irresistible artistry to date is given a pedestal on the track, with her operatic vocals perfectly complementing the grandiose that has catapulted Stormzy to the top of the charts in the past half decade. Her angelic vibrato pierces through an instrumental that sounds like a march up a mountain, complimenting the sense of urgency that Stormzy exudes as he refuses to descend from the summit.
The album’s release is accompanied by a premiere video spotlighting STORRY alongside a star-studded cast of collaborators such as P2J, Sampha and Jacob Collier, attaching her face to the posterboard of prodigies and mainstays who base themselves in and around London. The Toronto native will also be named on the LP’s list of creative contributors.
Speaking on her role on the project, STORRY details: “I had met and worked with P2J on several tracks before – previously writing and recording together – including singing operatic vocals on Burna Boy’s Grammy Award Winning ‘Alarm Clock’. When I first moved to London, P2J called me back in for some more of that operatic sauce. Though hot sauce isn’t the main part of the meal – it definitely adds that extra kick. So, I’m excited to play a part in this collaborative record. There are so many amazing artists on this new album. What I love about Stormzy – besides his obvious musical talent – is his kindness and care for inclusivity and equity. You can see that with his collaborators and team. I too am working to build an inclusive safe space in the industry that I never felt I had – especially for womxn, POC and queer folx. I’ve met a lot of my idols and they would often disappoint me as humans. I’m happy to say that Stormzy holds to his name and that is something I stand by.”
With this feature, STORRY is receiving a huge kickstart in light of the arrival of her forthcoming deluxe album , a brutally honest and unapologetic effort that equates the misogynistic devaluement of the sex industry to that of the music world. The tracklist amounts to an adamant call for the respect of women in all facets, emphasising the strength of their resolve against oppression through presenting stories withheld by herself and other women in order to display the people that they are rather than the flesh that surrounds their bones. The concept album was written, produced and funded in its entirety per her own accord and earned a 2021 JUNO Award nomination alongside Alanis Morrissette and Celine Dion.
STORRY elaborates on the album: “CH III: The Come Up is a record about a woman trying to leave the sex-industry – which she was coerced into – and get into the music industry, only to realise that both are equally misogynistic and problematic. She grapples with her relationship with her mother, family, romantic relationships, money and her career. That woman is me.”
Whether working out of Toronto or London, STORRY lets the candidness of her craft speak for itself. Refusing to confine herself to a box, she hops in and out of niches from hip hop and reggae to opera and musical theatre, all coming together to hold female empowerment to a bright light with a gritty and enigmatic presence that cannot be shunned.
STORRY’s deluxe version of ‘CH III: The Come Up’ was released yesterday (24th January). Have a listen to this stunning collection below…
Must Listens: Bow Down, I Don’t Wanna Get High, Suburban Bitches, A Lost Find, Wanna Get High (Junia-T Remix)
CHIN INJETI ponders on the past with melancholy through his new single, ‘All For Nothing,’ and wonders if the heartbreak was ever worth it.
The reflective single is accompanied by a vintage synth and drum machine to evoke an 80s sound, while also trying to make sure that it sounded futuristic and timeless.
“As an artist, I wanted to take more chances and make music for myself without worrying about the judgment of others,” says Chin Injeti of his latest release.
With over 500,000+ streams across platforms like Spotify and YouTube, Chin Injeti’s presence on the scene pre-dates such platforms; he fronted the iconic ‘90s JUNO and Much Music Video Award-winning band Bass is Base. Now a x3 Grammy and x2 JUNO award winning producer, Chin Injeti has worked with the likes of Dr Dre, Eminem, Drake, Pink, Aloe Blacc, The Clipse, Lecrae and K’Naan.
‘All For Nothing’ was released last Friday (20th January) on various streaming platforms. Have a listen below…
Genre-defying multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and half of the production duo Zookids, CASEY MOON is readying the release of ashes, the final installment in a trilogy of EP’s that tells a story about growing up, identity, love and loss. Previously released fountains EP and single ‘glass’ received praise from notable tastemakers such as Wonderland Magazine, Masked Mortal, Fashionably Early, Exclaim! and many more.
Brand new track, “halflight,” is about disassociating from a once familiar place. Casey used to have these moments a lot when going out – having fun with his friends one moment and the next he would be totally out of his body. The song’s production blends the styles of gothic new-wave bands with more modern sounds. Have a listen below…
New Lease Music 