Tag: Clash magazine

New Music Video: SIR – Akheim Allen

Following on from last year’s explosive reintroduction with ‘Wavs Dnt Die’ and ‘Memo’, which garnered support from BBC 1Xtra, Clash Magazine, Highsnobiety, Trench Magazine, and Spindle Magazine, among others, Edmonton rapper, songwriter and producer AKHEIM ALLEN, formerly known as the artist PW, is back with his brand new single titled ‘SIR’ and its accompanying music video, as premiered via The FADER – this is the first of two offerings to be released between now and the end of the year, leading up to a brand new EP in 2020.

Produced by O12, who has previously worked with the likes of Octavian, Stormzy, Ebenezer, Melii and Koder, and accompanied by a gripping music video, shot and directed by exciting newcomers B2 Creative, ‘SIR’ is a hard-hitting offering led by ominous synth keyboard arrangements and infectious wobbly drum patterns, over which AKHEIM ALLEN waxes lyrical on hustling back to back, and doing whatever is necessary to achieve your goals, while showcasing his captivating flow, writing skills and commanding presence, all traits that make him one to watch right now.

Possessing the lyricism and wordplay of Wretch 32, Avelino or Jay Prince, AKHEIM ALLEN comes championed by the likes of BBC Radio 1, The FADER, Complex, RWD Magazine, Capital Xtra, DAZED, GRM Daily, Link Up TV, and MTV Base, to mention a few. The Edmonton native is fast-emerging as one of the best rappers coming out of North London, while his skills as a producer (Wretch 32, Yxng Bane, WSTRN) makes him a definite cut above his peers.

Check out the slamming video for ‘SIR’ below…

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Song of the Day: Gladiolus – Yvonne Hercules

Singer and self-taught musician YVONNE HERCULES drops her stunning cross-genre single entitled ‘Gladiolus’ into today’s hotspot.

Encompassing of old school blues with a little folk and alternative music, ‘Gladiolus’ explores the movement of Winter into Spring and how this metaphorically corresponds to a journey from a place of death into a place of life or hope. The thought-provoking lyrics are reinforced by Yvonne’s haunting and well-poised vocal.

‘Gladiolus’ is taken from her new EP of the same name and follows her single ‘Roving’, which  received support from Clash magazine, Line of Best Fit, Afropunk, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and others.

This is absolutely breathtaking…have a listen to ‘Gladiolus’

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New Track: Caroline – Shaefri

‘Caroline’ definitely hits a raw nerve with London-based singer/songwriter SHAEFRI. With atmospheric soundcapes coupled with the stunningly soft/heartfelt vocals, the latest single tells the story of witnessing someone close hitting the self-destruct button – and feeling powerless to save them.

On her most personal release to date, SHAEFRI explains: “I wrote Caroline the day after I received a phone call saying someone close to me was in hospital after overdosing. I cried the whole day but I was also so angry with her for letting it happen. I was so afraid for her life. I felt guilty for not being there when it had happened, that I couldn’t stop her from doing it, and no longer being able to help. Every time it happens, there’s less of a person left to put back together.”

Following the success of previous releases, ‘Pixelate’, ‘Monster, ‘Rabbit Hole’, and ‘Give It All’, SHAEFRI has seen an influx of support from Clash, DIY, and Hattie Pearson at Radio X, whilst her unique brand of haunting vocals and minimalistic beats have seen sold-out performances at venues, such as The Old Blue Last and Notting Hill Arts Club.

‘Caroline’ is the last installment of her EP ‘Cracks’…have a listen to this powerful piece…

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New Track: 3 Times – Marged (ft. AOBeats & Jailo)

Following the success of her Billboard-approved single ‘Call From U’, Welsh electronic artist, MARGED, is back with the second release of the year – ‘3 Times’ – ahead of a show at Hackney’s Sebright Arms (London) on 30th September.

Sonically ambient and lyrically poignant, the latest release is “a reaction piece to the sexual expectations that women face.” Having illustrated how vulnerability can be sexy and acceptable for a feminist with her previous single, this particular track exposes the objectifying, negative sense of the word.

She explains: “Our bodies are so often seen as objects filled with stamina with no off button. My interest in the representation of women in porn really made me begin to question how we as females are perceived through the male gaze”. It is the artistic depiction of this subject that has helped MARGED amass support from Billboard, Clash, Indie Shuffle and Idolator, underlining the Cardiff-born artist’s reputation as one of the most exciting young London creatives this year.

Having previously worked with Sakima, MARGED now collaborates on the new release with two forward thinking and like-minded beatsmiths, Jailo and AObeats. Both are acclaimed by the likes of BBC Radio 1, Earmilk and Thump for their ability to seamlessly incorporate the mix of styles that MARGED suits so well – notably hip hop, wavy future R&B and electronic pop – and their collective portfolio includes collaborations with Son Lux, Louis The Child and Annabel Jones.

‘3 Times’ accentuates the feminist narrative of MARGED’s music, and with a vision and purpose for her art clearly demonstrated, the South-London based artist looks to stimulate and inspire at her upcoming live performance this month…have a listen.

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Song of the Day: Call From U – Merged

Forward-thinking Welsh electronic artist MARGED cuts through the clamour with ‘Call From U’, her smooth return to the fold after adopting an updated moniker.

‘Call From U’ is a song exploring the very first sexual encounter with a new partner from a female gaze. Greeted by Rhodes- style chords, the track begins to carve out its sultry journey, offering an emotive layer of jazzy inflections to its already charming demeanour. The gently confident and rapturously seductive voice of MARGED then breaks through the dusty understated R&B atmosphere.

Having received praise from the likes of Idolator, Indie Shuffle and Clash with two previous singles as MRGD, the Cardiff born artist is re-emerging from her creative South London scene in 2017. Her new material takes influence from the honesty and emotional vulnerability present in the work of Sade and Princess Nokia, and as an active feminist, she uses her writing to challenge the notion of what it is to be a modern, empowered woman.

Here’s your chance to indulge into the world of MARGED.

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